cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioenergetics of captive yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)

We utilized a unique opportunity to study the growth and bioenergetics of a highly migratory and commercially valuable marine fish under controlled environmental conditions. We maintained yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in holding tanks throughout a twenty-year period, routinely collecting data on mass and length of individual fish over time. The water temperature of the holding tanks was maintained at 19.9 ± 0.9 °C (mean ± s.d.) and the yellowfin tuna were fed a diet amounting to 176 ± 36 kJ·kg− 1 of tuna biomass·day− 1 across the study period. We integrated length records (n = 249) with a prior model of yellowfin tuna age to generate a von Bertalanffy growth function for this captive scenario with the parameters 224.26 cm straight fork length (SFL), 0.099, and − 1.721 years for L∞, k, and to, respectively. We combined our growth model and analyses of tuna tissue energy with metabolic data from various sources to estimate a bioenergetic budget for this difficult-to-study species. We found that the captive tunas in this experiment grew significantly slower than yellowfin tuna studied in the wild and in other captive scenarios. Our energetic budget indicates that only 7.8% of an ingested meal's energetic content was utilized for growth. Furthermore, we calculated an average food conversion ratio of 37.2:1 for an 8.4 kg yellowfin tuna when fed a mixed-diet of squid, sardine, and vitamin gelatin. We conclude with a discussion of the various factors influencing tuna bioenergetics including the role of water temperature, diet, and inter-species competition on growth and energy assimilation. These findings are uniquely suited to the relatively cool temperatures and low energy diet maintained in this captive scenario, an important consideration for others hoping to draw on these results for comparative research.
The 15-Minute Audition: Translating a Proof of Concept Into a Domain-Specific Screening Device for Mathematical Talent:

In 2011, Subotnik, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Worrell proposed a conceptual model for talent development applicable to all domains. Although grounded in available psychological research, significant questions remain regarding practical applications of each tenet of the model. In this article, we highlight a method of implementing the model’s focus on domain-specific abilities. Mathematics was selected as a domain with sufficient literature and importance to serve as the first in a series of proposed explorations into identifying domain-specific abilities. The methodology adapts an identification procedure—that is, audition—commonly used in performance domains (e.g., dance) to determine “drop-dead” abilities needed for successful talent development—in this case, mathematics. Identifying abilities central to potential creative talent in a domain may allow us to move away from relying solely on standardized measures of general ability and academic achievement, especially for the early identification of talent.
The charge state of electrostatically transported dust on regolith surfaces

The charge state of dust particles on regolith surfaces exposed to ultraviolet radiation or plasma is investigated for understanding the role of electrostatic dust transport in the surface evolution of airless planetary bodies. Our charge measurement shows that the regolith dust that can be electrostatically transported or lofted carries large negative charges. This result is consistent with our “patched charge model,” which predicts that dust particles forming microcavities in the regolith surfaces can attain large negative charges by collecting photoelectrons and/or secondary electrons emitted from neighboring particles and the resulting repulsive forces between these negatively charged particles lead to their mobilization. The observed negative charge polarity is contrary to the generally expected positive charges on the regolith dust emitting photoelectrons. The measured negative charges are orders of magnitude larger than the prediction by classical charging models. Our laboratory measurements provide critical initial charging conditions for regolith dust dynamics studies.
Efficient electronic cooling via flow-induced vibrations

A novel method that exploits flow-induced vibration for enhancing heat transfer in electronic cooling applications is explored using coupled flow-structural-thermal modeling. The idea is inspired from wind-instruments where the flow-induced vibration of a “reed” generates sound. In the current approach, a reed installed in a channel with heated walls is shown to generate vortex structures that enhance thermal convection with low pressure loss. Simulations employ a multiphysics approach to model the dynamics of this coupled flow, structure and thermal problem. Through flow visualizations and analyses, the dominant heat transfer enhancement mechanism is identified. Vortical structures shed from the self-actuated fluttering reed cause jetting of cold fluid from the core of the flow towards the heated top and bottom walls of the channel, causing sharper temperature gradients and thus higher heat flux. This mechanism led to 30% higher heat transfer for a fixed flow rate, and an 11% improvement in the thermal enhancement factor.
Polar Stratospheric Cloud Forcing in a Greenhouse World

Water vapor clouds in the stratosphere can produce surface warming via radiative effects. These (type II) polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) form only in regions of very low temperature and as a result the clouds only exist in winter stratospheric polar regions. The formation of Type II PSCs may be linked to tropospheric methane concentrations because oxidation of tropospheric methane is a significant source of stratospheric water vapor. It has been proposed that substantial tropospheric methane existed during the early Eocene, derived from extensive wetland regions and enhanced by global warmth. Increased tropospheric methane concentrations may have led to greater amounts of stratospheric water vapor, creating greater areal extents of PSCs, and/or higher emissitivity values of the clouds. To explore this idea, we have included an extreme case of noninteractive PSCs in a climate modeling sensitivity study of the early Eocene. Results show that the clouds can cause up to 20°C of surface warming in winter high latitudes. The warming is caused by direct radiative responses to the clouds and by indirect seaice/albedo feedback mechanisms. The temperature response is concentrated at high latitudes, and tropical temperatures are not significantly affected. The temperature pattern produced by the PSCs corresponds more closely to proxy records of high latitude Eocene temperatures than results from other modeling studies to date. Wind patterns, wind-driven oceanic upwelling, and inferred surface salinity also show a response to the PSC forcing. PSCs may have been a significant climate forcing factor for past time intervals associated with high concentrations of atmospheric methane.
Individual differences in the motivational direction of anger

Abstract This study investigated individual differences in the motivational direction of anger. One-hundred thirty undergraduates completed the behavioral inhibition/activation system (BIS/BAS) scales, followed by a diary study wherein they rated their positive and negative affect (PA/NA) daily for seven days. We examined the within-person relations between anger and two classes of emotion—those associated with approach motivation (PA) and those associated with avoidance motivation (fear). We also examined individual differences in these relations and whether BIS/BAS sensitivities were differentially associated with these individual differences. Multi-level analyses revealed considerable and significant between-person variability in within-person relations. Approximately 95% of participants had a β for the relation between anger and PA ranging from − 0.52 to 0.36 and approximately 95% of participants had a β for the relation between anger and fear ranging from − 0.32 to 0.80. Whereas moderating effects of BIS on the relations between anger and fear were relatively robust, moderating effects of BAS on the relations between anger and PA were inconsistent. Our findings reveal that some individuals experience anger as approach-related, whereas others, particularly those with high BIS sensitivity, experience anger as avoidance-related. Thus, the motivational direction of anger depends upon individual differences, particularly BIS sensitivity.
Relative Abundance of Insects on Bermudagrasses and Bahiagrasses

Populations of leafhoppers, planthoppers, Trigonotylus doddi (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae), and predators were monitored on bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) cultivars ‘Coastal’, ‘Tifton 44’, ‘Tifton 78’, and ‘Tifton 85’, and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) ‘Tifton 9’; bahiagrass varieties ‘Pensacola,’ ‘Argentine’, and ‘Sand Mountain’; and bahiagrass breeding lines ‘Tifton 4’, ‘Tifton 5’, ‘Tifton 7’, and ‘Tifton 14’ during 1991 and 1992. Insects were more abundant on bermudagrasses than on bahiagrasses. Significant differences in insect abundance also were noted among bermudagrasses, but not among bahiagrasses. Populations of certain leafhoppers and planthoppers were higher on ‘Tifton 44’ than on ‘Coastal’, while populations of leafhoppers, planthoppers, and T. doddi were lower on ‘Tifton 78’, and ‘Tifton 85’ than on ‘Coastal.’ In both years, the number of predators collected on the grasses was correlated with the number of planthoppers and with the total number of phytophagous insects.
Toxicity associated with ipilimumab and nivolumab (Ipi+Nivo) combination therapy in melanoma patients (pts) treated at a single-institution under an expanded-access program (EAP).

9519Background: Ipi+Nivo is now FDA approved in the US to treat pts with melanoma. We report our clinical experience of toxicity in pts enrolled in the Ipi+Nivo EAP. Methods: 64 pts were treated on...
Dreams Can Delude, Visions Can Deceive: Elijah's Sojourn in the Wilderness of Horeb (I Kings 19:1–21):

Elijah rises high in the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Across the Old Testament accounts, the Word of the Lord continually summons the prophet to make journeys as advocate for the divine. However, Elijah's trek to the wilderness of Horeb (I Kgs 19:1–21), though marked by fear and despondency, may surface as one of his most significant sojourns. Here, the prophet's response to his own shortcomings marks him as a spiritual model rivaling perhaps all his previous achievements.
ESTIMATES AND BOUNDS FOR THE DOUBLY PERTURBED EIGENVALUE PROBLEM

Considered is the problem of bounding and estimating the lowest eigenvalue of a doubly perturbed self-adjoint linear operator in a Hilbert space, with the aid of Taylor series data for the eigenvalue.
The Value of Location for Urban Hotels

This study finds that hotel location significantly contributes to the property market value. With a sample of more than 600 hotel sales transactions within the Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area...
Multivariate Approaches and Variables

What we did in Part III (Relationships between Two Variables) is often labeled bivariate analysis. The chapters that form this last part of the book extend the investigation of relationships between two variables into the multivariate arena. There are many different approaches to multivariate analysis. Those discussed here represent only a very small selection, one that emphasizes techniques particularly suitable for exploration that seeks patterns in multivariate datasets (as contrasted to evaluating the strength and significance of particular patterns that are hypothesized in advance). The perspective of this final section of the book, then, strongly recalls the exploration of batches in Part I. The exploration here, though, is not of single batches of numbers, or variables. It goes on beyond relationships between two variables to approach directly the more complicated situation in which we have a larger number of variables for each case. We could, of course, approach a large number of variables piecemeal by looking at their relationships by pairs, taking them two at a time, and evaluating the strength and significance of the relationships between them with the tools discussed in Part III. This would soon get out of hand without some way to truly combine the results of all those pairwise evaluations of relationships. In Chapter 15 we actually discussed one way to accomplish just this, using the residuals from one regression analysis as the dependent variable in another regression analysis. This is, in fact, the avenue toward one form of multivariate analysis. Multiple regression does just this in an integrated way as a single analysis, and most statpacks will perform multiple regression. Since its basic principles are precisely those described in Chapter 15 for integrating several bivariate regression analyses into a single set of results, multiple regression will not be further discussed here. Multiple regression has, however, been used in archaeology, especially in situations where the aim is to use a number of variables together to predict the value of a single important dependent variable. Models for predicting site locations, for example, have often made heavy use of multiple regression. Multiple regression differs from the multivariate techniques we will discuss in another way as well. Like bivariate regression, multiple regression evaluates the strength and significance of a particular kind of relationship between variables – a relationship expressed in an equation for predicting the value of a dependent variable, based on the values of a series of independent variables. It is thus less an exploration for patterning than an evaluation of how well a particular hypothetical way of expressing relationships works on a given dataset.
Endocrinology: Functions of Hypophysis and Hypothalamus

Endocrinology is the study of secretions (hormones) from endocrine (ductless) glands; each secretory cell has a surface close to a venous sinusoid or capillary, and this arrangement facilitates rapid absorption into the circulation. Hormones are usually secreted in small amounts and transported in the bloodstream to specific sites to promote and regulate reactions of the organ or organism. Secretion of a hormone is first discovered by its lack of effect or absence, which occurs after removal (ablation) of the gland or in a diseased gland. The suffix -ectomy means “ablation of.” Thus thyroidectomy means removal of the thyroid.
Effect of copper level and source (copper lysine vs copper sulfate) on copper status, performance, and immune response in growing steers fed diets with or without supplemental molybdenum and sulfur.

One hundred twenty-six crossbred steers (218 kg initial BW) were used to determine the availability of Cu from copper lysine (CuLys) relative to CuSO4. Steers were assigned to pens (four replicates per treatment) based on BW and initial plasma Cu concentration and fed a corn silage-based diet supplemented with 0 or 5 ppm of Cu from either CuSO4 or CuLys. Half of the steers in each treatment were supplemented with 5 ppm of Mo and .2% S. Molybdenum and S supplementation increased (P < .10) growth rate during the first 21 d. Steers receiving CuSO4 gained more during the first 21 d than did control steers (P < .10) and steers receiving CuLys (P < .01). Growth, feed efficiency, and feed intake were not affected over the entire 98-d trial. Molybdenum and S supplementation decreased (P < .05) plasma Cu concentrations. Plasma Cu concentration was not affected by Cu source. Humoral immune response to ovalbumin was measured on d 7 and 77. Dietary treatment did not affect antibody production at either time. Cell-mediated immunity was measured in vivo on d 7 and 77 using phytohemagglutinin. In vivo cell reactivity was not affected by treatment on d 7 but was reduced (P < .10) by Mo and S supplementation on d 77. In vitro cell reactivity was measured on d 98 using a lymphocyte blastogenesis assay. Unstimulated lymphocytes from steers supplemented with Mo and S had lower (P < .10) uptakes of [3H]thymidine. There were no differences among treatments when lymphocytes were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen or phytohemagglutinin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Vinblastine: Colchicine-like Effects on Human Blood Leukocytes During Phagocytosis

Vinblastine and colchicine interfere with the normal organization of microtubules both in the mitotic spindle of dividing cells—causing metaphase arrest—and in the cytoplasm of nondividing cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, with effects less well understood. In addition to this ultrastructural alteration, colchicine has other morphologic, enzymic, and metabolic effects on phagocytizing leukocytes, that may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. In the present work, effects of vinblastine were compared to those of colchicine. The effects of vinblastine 2.5 x 10-5 M were in all respects similar to those of colchicine and, on a molar basis, at least as strong. There was inhibition of the increased oxygen consumption and glucose-1-14C oxidation that normally accompany phagocytosis. There was also inhibition of lysosomal degranulation and the formation of digestive vacuoles, indicated both in morphologic studies and in measurements of granule-associated acid phosphatase activity after phagocytosis. In this system there was no demonstrable effect either on the ingestion process itself or on the intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus. If, however, leukocytes in buffer were incubated with preopsonized staphylococci, they ingested bacteria more rapidly than in the serum system. Under those circumstances, if the concentration of drug was doubled (to 5 x 10-5 M), there was still no difference in ingestion of bacteria between drug-treated and control leukocytes, but both vinblastine and colchicine inhibited intracellular killing of staphylococci. However, this inhibition, though statistically significant, was trivial compared to the percentages of the inocula ingested and killed by both treated and control leukocytes. These findings support the hypothesis that common structural and functional effects of vinblastine and colchicine may ultimately be traced to common ultrastructural effects on microtubules. Moreover, microtubules may facilitate the fusion of lysosomes with vacuoles containing ingested material.
Abstract 3604: Centrosome amplification in epcam-captured circulating tumor cells from metastatic cancer patients

Background: Genomic instability and evolution of cancers is linked to chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance in patients with metastatic cancer. Taxane-based chemotherapies operate by promoting chromosomal instability (CIN) by increasing multipolar mitoses. Breast tumors with CIN are more sensitive to paclitaxel compared to tumors without CIN. There is a critical need for new biomarkers based on biological evaluation of mechanisms of response and resistance in metastatic cancer. Although CIN is difficult to detect directly, centrosome amplification (CA) is a common mechanism of CIN. In this study, we develop an assay to detect CA in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a minimally invasive assay to evaluate sensitivity to taxane-based chemotherapies. Methods: Blood samples from patients with metastatic breast and prostate cancer were collected and processed for nucleated cells using a Ficoll gradient and magnetic depletion of CD45-positive cells. EpCAM-positive CTCs were captured using an exclusion-based sample preparation technology known as the VERSA (Versatile Exclusion-based Rare Sample Analysis) platform. CTCs were defined as cells positive for Hoechst, cytokeratin and negative for multiple immune and endothelial cell markers (CD45/CD11b/CD14 and CD34). EpCAM-captured CTCs were also stained with pericentrin and centrin to identify CA and evaluated for pericentrin (whole centrosome marker) and centrin (centriole marker) protein-staining intensity, number and size. Results: CA was detected in a subset of CTCs from patients with metastatic breast and prostate cancer patients. As a control, centrosomes were also analyzed in matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the same patients. CA was heterogeneous with 100% of patients demonstrating some degree of CA (>4 centrioles), ranging from 15-48% of CTCs. Conclusion: In conclusion, we report the presence of CA in EpCAM-captured CTCs from metastatic cancer patients. Evaluation of CA in CTCs using pericentrin and centrin staining may serve as a predictive biomarker of taxane based chemotherapy response and resistance. We are recruiting taxane-naive metastatic cancer patients to test the hypothesis that CA and/or CIN predict taxane sensitivity. Citation Format: Ashok Singh, Ryan A. Denu, Jamie M. Sperger, Beth A. Weaver, Mark E. Burkard, Joshua M. Lang. Centrosome amplification in epcam-captured circulating tumor cells from metastatic cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3604.
Developing Health Management Strategies Using Power Constrained Hardware

Condition based maintenance with prognostics (CBM+) is an area of research that interests many in the industrial, energy, and defense sectors. Interest in this concept is focused on lowering overall cost of operations, while also increasing equipment availability and mission readiness. Many applications, however, include power constraints and extensive lifecycle requirements that pose a challenge for existing embedded sensing systems. In some cases these systems can be expected to operate for years to decades without access to wired electricity or reliable energy harvesting sources. In this study a battery powered sensor node is presented that collects operational (pressure, acceleration, position) and environmental (temperature) information to identify and track faults seeded into an instrumented hydraulic test stand. The experimental setup is described in this paper, along with the range of baseline, damage cases, and severities imposed upon the system. Machine learning algorithms are developed specifically to leverage features that can be processed at the sensor node, then applied using low-power, computationally-limited microcontrollers. Several classifiers are considered in this analysis, including random forest and classification trees. The results discussed include prediction accuracies, training and testing requirements, as well as physical power consumption measured using actual hardware. Findings indicate that small sized random forest algorithms (up to 5 trees) can be implemented at the node and provide lower error rates; however they operate with the higher computing times and power requirements when compared to other machine learning techniques. Conversely, classification trees provide a good trade-off in accuracy and computing time, prolonging the operational life of the sensor node given a finite capacity battery as the power source.
Single lung ventilation in patients undergoing lobectomy.

The outcome of patients undergoing lobectomy will depend, in part, on preexistent lung disease and lung function. These patients often have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reduced lung function.
LA$$^3$$: A Lightweight Accountable and Anonymous Authentication Scheme for Resource-Constrained Devices

In order to provide a lightweight accountable and anonymous authentication solution for resource-constrained devices, we propose LA\(^3\), a variant of group signature scheme. The design is based on the assumptions of the DDH, q-SDH, q-DDHI and LRSW problems, as well as the knowledge of exponent assumption. A security model has been formally defined, and proofs have been provided to show that, LA\(^3\) achieves the security properties of non-frameability, traceability and selfless anonymity in the random oracle model. LA\(^3\) has also been implemented and compared to a few classic group signature schemes. The results show that LA\(^3\) achieves much higher computational efficiency.
Moving beyond noninformative priors: why and how to choose weakly informative priors in Bayesian analyses

Throughout the last two decades, Bayesian statistical methods have proliferated throughout ecology and evolution. Numerous previous references established both philosophical and computational guidelines for implementing Bayesian methods. However, protocols for incorporating prior information, the defining characteristic of Bayesian philosophy, are nearly nonexistent in the ecological literature. Here, I hope to encourage the use of weakly informative priors in ecology and evolution by providing a ‘consumer's guide’ to weakly informative priors. The first section outlines three reasons why ecologists should abandon noninformative priors: 1) common flat priors are not always noninformative, 2) noninformative priors provide the same result as simpler frequentist methods, and 3) noninformative priors suffer from the same high type I and type M error rates as frequentist methods. The second section provides a guide for implementing informative priors, wherein I detail convenient ‘reference’ prior distributions for common statistical models (i.e. regression, ANOVA, hierarchical models). I then use simulations to visually demonstrate how informative priors influence posterior parameter estimates. With the guidelines provided here, I hope to encourage the use of weakly informative priors for Bayesian analyses in ecology. Ecologists can and should debate the appropriate form of prior information, but should consider weakly informative priors as the new ‘default’ prior for any Bayesian model.
Techniques to Improve the Efficacy of Percutaneous Biopsy Procedures for Cavernous Sinus Lesions.

Background The cavernous sinus can be affected by pathologies with profound clinical implications. Therefore, obtaining an accurate diagnosis with minimal disruption of native tissue is needed. Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy through the foramen ovale using the Hartel corridor is one option. The diagnostic yield is around 86%, typically failing in cases where the tissue is firm. Objective This work describes a new method of percutaneous biopsy to increase the diagnostic yield in cases where the tissue is firm and not deliverable into the biopsy needle via a suction device. Methods Under general anesthetic, a percutaneous approach through the foramen ovale was performed. A k-wire was then placed and the needle was removed. A 14-ga angiocatheter was then placed using the over-the-wire technique. Once the K-wire was removed, endoscopic graspers were used to biopsy the lesion through the angiocatheter, providing reasonably sized biopsy specimens. Results This technique was applied when fine needle aspiration failed and resulted in successful pathologic diagnosis. Conclusion This technique for minimally invasive biopsy of the cavernous sinus is potentially safe and can be performed when fine needle aspiration is unsuccessful or larger samples are required for definitive diagnosis.
OT’s Role for Persons Who Are Homeless: A Systematic Review of Assessments and Interventions in the Published Literature From 2009 to 2017

Date Presented 04/05/19 A systematic review was conducted. A search located 14 studies that met inclusion criteria. Six studies examined occupational needs, and eight studies measured success of interventions. Each was appraised using the McMasters Guidelines. Levels of evidence were also determined. Preliminary analysis indicated three studies at high levels of evidence and six of eight intervention studies having statistically significant findings that support the role of OT working with this population. Primary Author and Speaker: Joseph Cipriani Additional Authors and Speakers: Orley Templeton
Adar: Adversarial Activity Recognition in Wearables

Recent advances in machine learning and deep neural networks have led to the realization of many important applications in the area of personalized medicine. Whether it is detecting activities of daily living or analyzing images for cancerous cells, machine learning algorithms have become the dominant choice for such emerging applications. In particular, the state-of-the-art algorithms used for human activity recognition (HAR) using wearable inertial sensors utilize machine learning algorithms to detect health events and to make predictions from sensor data. Currently, however, there remains a gap in research on whether or not and how activity recognition algorithms may become the subject of adversarial attacks. In this paper, we take the first strides on (1) investigating methods of generating adversarial example in the context of HAR systems; (2) studying the vulnerability of activity recognition models to adversarial examples in feature and signal domain; and (3) investigating the effects of adversarial training on HAR systems. We introduce Adar11Software code and experimental data for Adar are available online at https://github.com/rameshKrSah/Adar., a novel computational framework for optimization-driven creation of adversarial examples in sensor-based activity recognition systems. Through extensive analysis based on real sensor data collected with human subjects, we found that simple evasion attacks are able to decrease the accuracy of a deep neural network from 95.1% to 3.4% and from 93.1% to 16.8% in the case of a convolutional neural network. With adversarial training, the robustness of the deep neural network increased on the adversarial examples by 49.1% in the worst case while the accuracy on clean samples decreased by 13.2%.
Mentoring Multi-College Bystander Efficacy Evaluation - an Approach to Growing the Next Generation of Gender-Based Interpersonal Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Researchers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided funding (U01 CE002668) to evaluate bystander program efficacy to reduce gender-based violence on college campuses (Aim 1) and to create a mentoring network (Aim 2) for young campus-based researchers interested in violence intervention or prevention (VIP). While an evaluation of this mentoring program is ongoing, our purpose here was to document the strategies used to create, implement, and begin evaluation of this national multi-college mentoring network. As each public college was recruited into this evaluation named multi-college Bystander Efficacy Evaluation (mcBEE), each college was invited to nominate a researcher interested in receiving mentorship as a mcBEE fellow. Senior faculty with active VIP research careers were recruited as mentors. Mentorship occurred through annual meetings over time (2015–2019), weekly to bimonthly calls or video conferencing with 2–3 other fellows, and a mentor forming a group with 3–4 mentees, termed a hive. The initial focus of hive meetings was 1) creating and maintaining an active daily writing practice and 2) developing productivity plans, to include research, personal, and professional goals. Manuscript and grant writing feedback was provided throughout the network electronically or ‘live’ workshops. Annual surveys were implemented to investigate program efficacy. Our mcBEE team was able to successfully assemble a national network of VIP fellows and provide small group and individualized mentoring. Our ultimate goal was that of supporting our fellows’ own trajectories in gender-based VIP research, teaching, administration, or service. Evaluation of our fellow and mentor cohort is ongoing (2015–2019).
Self-healing nanocomposites comprised of poly(urea formaldehyde) nanocapsules in a thermosetting polyurea

Abstract In this study, poly(urea formaldehyde) (PUF) nanocapsules with epoxy cores were blended into a polyurea matrix, formulated as poly[(phenyl isocyanate)–co-formaldehyde] (PMDI) (f = 3.4), and a diamine curing agent (VERSALINK 650) to form nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were then subjected to impact delamination tests at temperatures below −74 °C. Scanning electron microscopy was used to qualitatively inspect the nanocomposites before the impact (virgin), after the impact, and after self-healing. Dynamic mechanical analyzer measurements were carried out to characterize the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Specifically, their stiffness was characterized by the storage modulus, and damping by the loss modulus. The influence of the curing agent and the loading concentration of the PUF nanocapsules on the morphology and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated in order to optimize the cure rate, distribution, and loading concentration of the PUF nanocapsules in the polyurea matrix. It was found that when 1 wt% PUF-epoxy nanocapsules were loaded into the polyurea, the recovery of the storage modulus after impact, which was used to characterize self-healing, was found to be 32 ± 1% and 56 ± 1% after 3 and 30 days, respectively.
Digital holography for non-invasive quantitative imaging of two-dimensional materials

Digital holography has found applications in many walks of life, from medicine to metrology, due to its ability to measure complex fields. Here, we use the power of digital holography to quantitatively image two-dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and WS2 placed on a SiO2/Si substrate and determine their complex refractive indices or layer thicknesses. By considering the different refractive indices of the TMDs as they are thinned down from bulk to monolayers and by holographically capturing both the amplitude and the phase of reflected light, single atomic layers of TMDs, about 0.7 nm thick, can be resolved. Using holography, we also predict the number of layers contained within a thick TMD flake, which shows agreement with results obtained using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). A Bland–Altman analysis was performed to compare our experimental results with the standard AFM measurements, yielding a limit of agreement <5 nm for samples with thicknesses ranging from 15 to 60 nm. Our technique is non-contact, non-invasive, does not require scanning, and produces a field of view of a few hundred micrometers by a few hundred micrometers in a single capture. To further our study, we also perform simulations to demonstrate how the thickness of the SiO2 layer and the laser wavelength are critical in optimizing the amplitude and phase response of a two-dimensional material. These simulations can be used as a roadmap to determine the ideal wavelength and SiO2 layer thickness that should be used to accurately determine the refractive index or thickness of any given sample.Digital holography has found applications in many walks of life, from medicine to metrology, due to its ability to measure complex fields. Here, we use the power of digital holography to quantitatively image two-dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and WS2 placed on a SiO2/Si substrate and determine their complex refractive indices or layer thicknesses. By considering the different refractive indices of the TMDs as they are thinned down from bulk to monolayers and by holographically capturing both the amplitude and the phase of reflected light, single atomic layers of TMDs, about 0.7 nm thick, can be resolved. Using holography, we also predict the number of layers contained within a thick TMD flake, which shows agreement with results obtained using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). A Bland–Altman analysis was performed to compare our experimental results with the standard AFM measurements, yielding a limit of agreement <5 nm for samples with thicknesses ranging from 15 to 60 nm. O...
Which Value $$\widetilde{x}$$ Best Represents a Sample $$x_1,\ldots ,x_n$$: Utility-Based Approach Under Interval Uncertainty

In many practical situations, we have several estimates \(x_1,\ldots ,x_n\) of the same quantity x. In such situations, it is desirable to combine this information into a single estimate \(\widetilde{x}\). Often, the estimates \(x_i\) come with interval uncertainty, i.e., instead of the exact values \(x_i\), we only know the intervals \([\underline{x}_i,\overline{x}_i]\) containing these values. In this paper, we formalize the problem of finding the combined estimate \(\widetilde{x}\) as the problem of maximizing the corresponding utility, and we provide an efficient (quadratic-time) algorithm for computing the resulting estimate.
The Immune Response to the fVIII Gene Therapy in Preclinical Models

Neutralizing antibodies to factor VIII (fVIII), referred to as "inhibitors," remain the most challenging complication post-fVIII replacement therapy. Preclinical development of novel fVIII products involves studies incorporating hemophilia A (HA) and wild-type animal models. Though immunogenicity is a critical aspect of preclinical pharmacology studies, gene therapy studies tend to focus on fVIII expression levels without major consideration for immunogenicity. Therefore, little clarity exists on whether preclinical testing can be predictive of clinical immunogenicity risk. Despite this, but perhaps due to the potential for transformative benefits, clinical gene therapy trials have progressed rapidly. In more than two decades, no inhibitors have been observed. However, all trials are conducted in previously treated patients without a history of inhibitors. The current review thus focuses on our understanding of preclinical immunogenicity for HA gene therapy candidates and the potential indication for inhibitor treatment, with a focus on product- and platform-specific determinants, including fVIII transgene sequence composition and tissue/vector biodistribution. Currently, the two leading clinical gene therapy vectors are adeno-associated viral (AAV) and lentiviral (LV) vectors. For HA applications, AAV vectors are liver-tropic and employ synthetic, high-expressing, liver-specific promoters. Factors including vector serotype and biodistribution, transcriptional regulatory elements, transgene sequence, dosing, liver immunoprivilege, and host immune status may contribute to tipping the scale between immunogenicity and tolerance. Many of these factors can also be important in delivery of LV-fVIII gene therapy, especially when delivered intravenously for liver-directed fVIII expression. However, ex vivo LV-fVIII targeting and transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) has been demonstrated to achieve durable and curative fVIII production without inhibitor development in preclinical models. A critical variable appears to be pre-transplantation conditioning regimens that suppress and/or ablate T cells. Additionally, we and others have demonstrated the potential of LV-fVIII HSPC and liver-directed AAV-fVIII gene therapy to eradicate pre-existing inhibitors in murine and canine models of HA, respectively. Future preclinical studies will be essential to elucidate immune mechanism(s) at play in the context of gene therapy for HA, as well as strategies for preventing adverse immune responses and promoting immune tolerance even in the setting of pre-existing inhibitors.
Characterizing science graduate teaching assistants’ instructional practices in reformed laboratories and tutorials

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) often lead laboratory and tutorial sections in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially at large, research-intensive universities. GTAs’ performance as instructors can impact student learning experience as well as learning outcomes. In this study, we observed 11 chemistry GTAs and 11 physics GTAs in a research-intensive institution in the southeastern USA. We observed the GTAs over two consecutive semesters in one academic year, resulting in a total of 58 chemistry lab observations and 72 physics combined tutorial and lab observations. We used a classroom observation protocol adapted from the Laboratory Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (LOPUS) to document both GTA and student behaviors. We applied cluster analysis separately to the chemistry lab observations and to the physics combined tutorial and lab observations. The goals of this study are to classify and characterize GTAs’ instructional styles in reformed introductory laboratories and tutorials, to explore the relationship between GTA instructional style and student behavior, and to explore the relationship between GTA instructional style and the nature of laboratory activity. We identified three instructional styles among chemistry GTAs and three different instructional styles among physics GTAs. The characteristics of GTA instructional styles we identified in our samples are different from those previously identified in a study of a traditional general chemistry laboratory. In contrast to the findings in the same prior study, we found a relationship between GTAs’ instructional styles and student behaviors: when GTAs use more interactive instructional styles, students appear to be more engaged. In addition, our results suggest that the nature of laboratory activities may influence GTAs’ use of instructional styles and student behaviors. Furthermore, we found that new GTAs appear to behave more interactively than experienced GTAs. GTAs use a variety of instructional styles when teaching in the reformed laboratories and tutorials. Also, compared to traditional laboratory and tutorial sections, reformed sections appear to allow for more interaction between the nature of lab activities, GTA instructional styles, and student behaviors. This implies that high-quality teaching in reformed laboratories and tutorials may improve student learning experiences substantially, which could then lead to increased learning outcomes. Therefore, effective GTA professional development is particularly critical in reformed instructional environments.
Mapping thins to identify active forest management in southern pine plantations using Landsat time series stacks

Abstract The southeastern United States is unique in terms of both the intensity and scale of forest management, which includes substantial thinning and other forms of harvesting. Because thinning is not a land use transition, and the disturbance signal is relatively subtle compared to a clear cut, there is a dearth of studies that attempt to detect thinning over large areas. Our goal was to detect pine thins as an indicator of active forest management using Landsat data. Areas which undergo thinning are indicative of active forest management in the region. Our approach uses a machine learning method which combines first-order harmonics and metrics from 3-year Fourier regression of Landsat time series stacks, layers from the Global Forest Change product, and other vetted national products into a random forests model to classify forest thins in the southeastern US. Forest Harvest Inspection Records for Virginia were used for training and validation. Models were successful separating thins from clear cuts and non-harvested pines (overall accuracy 86%, clear cut accuracy 90%, thin accuracy 83% for a simplified 10-predictor variable model). Examination of variable importance illustrates the physical meaning behind the models. The curve fit statistics (R2 or RMSE) of the NDVI, Pan, and SWIR1 harmonic curve fits, which are an indication of a departure from typical vegetation phenology caused by thinning or other disturbances, were consistently among the top predictors. The harmonic regression constant, sine and cosine from the Landsat 8 panchromatic band were also important. These describe the visible reflectance (500–680 nm) phenology over the time period at a high spatial resolution (15 m). The Loss Year from the Global Forest Change product, which is an indication of stand replacing disturbance, was also consistently among the most important variables in the classifiers. High performance computing, such as Google Earth Engine, and analysis-ready data are important for this approach. This work has importance for quantification of actively managed forests in a region of the world where production forestry is the dominant land disturbance signal and a significant economic engine.
Multiple Selves and Multitasking: A Dynamic Longitudinal Study:

This study integrates the theory of multiple selves within the theoretical framework of dynamic motivational activation (DMA) to identify the dynamic patterns of multiple self-concepts (i.e., the p...
Calling Out Injustice: Youth from Differently Privileged Backgrounds Narrate About Injustice

Our perceptions of the world are lastingly shaped by our sociocultural and political place in the world. Social positionalities provide epistemic means through which social processes are perceived, experienced, and articulated. This paper explores how the contrasting social worlds in which adolescents from differently advantaged positions within a society live, inform, and shape their sense-making about social justice. Sixty-four adolescents from multiple neighborhoods around New York City partook in the study. Participants were invited to read a hypothetical vignette describing an ambiguous social situation that plausibly involves instances of unfairness. Upon reading the vignette, they were invited to retell the story multiple times from the positions of the self, of the likely victim, and the perpetrator of unfair deeds. Adolescents’ narratives were analyzed by looking at the way they understood the situation described (e.g., as an instance of exclusion, or misunderstanding, or else) and at how explicitly they narrated about injustice. Findings indicate that youth from less privileged backgrounds were more likely to see unfairness happening in the story they read, when compared to their more privileged counterparts. Additionally, less privileged youth narrated more openly about unfairness, using the language that is more saturated with expressions addressing exclusion, lying, and deception. The findings support the notion that people coming from backgrounds that carry less power in society (e.g., being of color, poor, immigrant) are more likely to have access to more sophisticated and articulated narratives of social conflict, endowing them with a more critical perspective over situations involving power dynamics.
Anion photoelectron spectroscopic and relativistic coupled-cluster studies of uranyl dichloride anion, UO2Cl2−

Abstract A joint relativistic coupled-cluster and experimental photoelectron (PE) spectroscopic study of the uranyl dichloride anion, UO 2 Cl 2 − , is reported. Sophisticated electronic-structure calculations predict the photodetachment of UO 2 Cl 2 − to involve a U 5f electron and to be followed by significant geometry relaxation. Therefore, the adiabatic electron affinity (EA a ) of the uranyl dichloride neutral molecule, UO 2 Cl 2 , and the vertical detachment energy (VDE) of its anion, UO 2 Cl 2 − , provide valuable information about its uranium 5f orbital energies. The EA a value was computed to be 3.15 eV. The VDE value was calculated to be 3.55 eV by augmenting the computed EA a with a shift derived from a Franck–Condon simulation using coupled-cluster potential energy surfaces. The VDE, which corresponds to the highest intensity peak in the PE spectrum, was measured to be 3.69 ± 0.20 eV, in good agreement with the computed value. The origin transition in the PE spectrum, whose electron binding energy corresponds to the EA a , was assigned to the feature at 3.2 ± 0.20 eV, consistent with the computed EA a .
Safe to sleep: A systematic review of the safe infant sleep training literature across relevant personnel

Abstract To reduce sleep-related infant deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has identified safe infant sleep recommendations; however, it is unclear which training strategies to teach safe infant sleep practices are most effective. Since the AAP released updated safe sleep recommendations in 2016, no analysis of the safe infant sleep training literature has been conducted. The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the safe infant sleep training literature of relevant populations such as caregivers and medical personnel, and provide recommendations for future research. The overall efficacy of training strategies was found to be positive or mixed where experiments most commonly implemented an educational session, followed by use of instructional materials, distribution of safe materials, and hospital-wide policy change. Methodological limitations were also identified.