cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1.064- and 1.32-&#181;m Nd:YAG single crystal fiber lasers

We report the development of CW 1.06- and 1.32-μm fiber lasers made of short sections of Nd:YAG single crystal fibers optically end-pumped either with an Argon-ion laser ( \lambda = 0.5145\mu m) or a single laser diode ( \lambda = 0.817\mu m). High conversion efficiencies, a few milliwatt thresholds and 10-20 mW output powers are reported, as well as a good coupling efficiency to a standard single-mode fiber. Loss mechanisms and means of reduction are also investigated for a variety of fiber lasers in either guided or unguided configurations.
The impact of laptop-free zones on student performance and attitudes in large lectures

The goal of this study was to determine if laptop use in lecture negatively impacts learning outcomes of surrounding students taking notes on paper. Two sections of a large introductory biology course (>400 students/section) were zoned into a laptop-permitted and a laptop-free area. Two sections in which laptop users could sit anywhere served as the Control. There was no difference in the attendance (~85%) or percentage of students using laptops (~29%) between Zoned and Control sections. Academic performance, based on exam points earned, was not significantly different for paper users in Zoned and Control sections indicating laptop use did not impair the overall achievement of surrounding students. However, there was a correlation between exam performance and note taking preference: paper note takers scored significantly higher and laptop users scored significantly lower than predicted by pre-class academic indicators (p < 0.01, paired t-test). The majority of both laptop (64%) and paper users (82%) in the Zoned sections supported a policy restricting laptop use to specific areas. Thus, while we further investigate whether the relationship between laptop use and performance is correlative or causative, zoning is an effective method for accommodating both laptop users and paper note takers in the same lecture hall.
Imaging UXO Using Electrical Impedance Tomography

This paper reports the results of tests where electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was evaluated as a tool for detecting and locating buried unexploded ordnance (UXO). The method relies on the electrolytic polarization induced at the boundary between soil and buried metal. This induced polarization (IP) produces a measurable phase delay between the electric current imposed on the subsurface and the resulting voltage distribution. If natural sources of induced polarization are small compared to those due to buried metal objects, then tomographs of impedance phase may be used to indicate where metal-soil polarization may be present. Three controlled tests were performed at a field site containing inert UXO buried in known locations. These tests produced a phase anomaly of about 20 milliradians that closely matched the known location of buried UXO objects. A fourth uncontrolled or blind test was performed under a building without prior knowledge of UXO presence. That test yielded phase anomalies as high as 75 milliradians. Limited excavation was performed at some of these anomalies but only a small amount (a few tens of grams) of metal was recovered. More extensive excavations are too costly until the building is razed. BACKGROUND Locating UXO is a partially solved problem, meaning that many solutions exist but none work universally. UXO is typically detected using magnetometers, metal detectors, ground penetrating radar or controlled source electromagnetic induction. Except for the radar, these techniques provide little information regarding the depth of burial of potential targets and are sensitive to cultural artifacts such as metal fences, power lines or buildings. Factors that affect performance of traditional methods include soil moisture content, depth of burial or non-metallic targets. In some cases, the soil itself generates signals that can confuse the diagnostic method and data interpretation.
Categories of nonlinear group realizations: A possible explanation for the multiple states of charge

Electromagnetic charge must be addressed as one of the key fundamental concepts in physics. Since first observed by early man, this intriguing structure of nature has over the years evaded attempted explanations [I-4] to arrive with us today, still a major challenge. Here I put forth and discuss the conjecture that the three observed states of charge (i.e. +q, -q, O) correspond to different categories of nonlinear (including the linear) realizations of a group. The support for this conjecture is the recently [5] demonstrated mathematical existence of multiple categories of nonlinear realizations of a continuous group. Here I will outline the essence of this development and, for the Lorentz group (or the SL(2,C) covering group), present a family of nonlinear realizations. I will then consider nonlinear realizations of the Lorentz group acting on the four-velocities of particles and use "superconducting" [6] solutions to explain a) why the nonlinearity can produce non-zero forces, and b) why the forces differ in each category. To describe these nonlinear realizations, I consider two spaces H l and H 2 on which there is a simultaneous realization of a continuous group G such that the transformation on H 2 has a nonlinear dependence on HI~ that is, for g(~)~G, g(~): ~ ~(~,~),~ ÷ ~'(~,~,~),~HI,~H2, where ~ is a group parameter. I will follow the notation of [5] to which the reader may refer for more detail. The implied sums on repeated indices range over the number of generators. The discussion here is limited to infinitesimal realizations ~ = ~ + ~i [Ti,~] where the action [Ti,~] is restricted to the form [Ti,~] = qij(~)tj~ with [ti,tj] = Cijkt k. The Cij k are the structure constants of the Lie Algebra of G so that the operators t. themselves generate a l representation. Requiring the action [Ti,~] to satisfy the Jacobi identities, [Ti,[T~,~]]j [Tj,[Ti,~]] = Cijk[Tk,T], gives the following equation for the functions
Predicting Divorce and Permanent Separation

Using longitudinal interview data, we examine the predictive ability of a scale designed to predict divorce and permanent separation. We find that high scorers are nine times more likely to divorce than low scorers. Divorce rates for components of the scale indicate that dissolution is a process, becoming more likely as overt actions succeed attitudinal factors. Finally, discriminant analysis is used to test a model predicting the likelihood of individuals moving from instability to divorce. The results indicate that individuals are more apt to move on to divorce or permanent separation if alternative attractions are present, there are few barriers to divorce, or when the marriage retains fewer attractions. The results indicate that the marital instability index in conjunction with information on barriers and attractions provides the basis for a comprehensive model predicting divorce.
Planar Double-Heterostructure GaAlAs LED's Packaged for Fiber Optics

A light-emitting diode (LED) design is described which incorporates the quantum efficiency advantages of a double heterostructure (DH) without the critical processing techniques required for Burrus diodes and DH lasers. A planar process is employed which yields internal quantum efficiencies as high as 100 percent and very rugged LED chips, comparable with most high-volume LED's manufactured in the industry. The packaging concept used for the LED allows a pluggable fiber-optic interface with generous mechanical alignment tolerances and provides a hermetic environment for the LED.
Networked Markov Decision Processes With Delays

We consider a networked control system, where each subsystem evolves as a Markov decision process with some extra inputs from other systems. Each subsystem is coupled to its neighbors via communication links over which the signals are delayed, but are otherwise transmitted noise-free. A centralized controller receives delayed state information from each subsystem. The control action applied to each subsystem takes effect after a certain delay rather than immediately. We give an explicit bound on the finite history of measurement and control that is required for the optimal control of such networked Markov decision processes. We also show that these bounds depend only on the underlying graph structure as well as the associated delays. Thus, the partially observed Markov decision process associated with a networked Markov decision process can be converted into an information state Markov decision process, whose state does not grow with time.
A note on the use of residuals for detecting an outlier in linear regression

Consider the usual linear regression model y = XfB + e, where the vector E has E(e) = 0, COV (E) = U2 V, where V is known. Let e = y-y be the least squares residual vector. It is shown that a test based on the transformed residual vector d* = V' e has, in the class of linear transformations of e, certain optimal power properties for detecting the presence of a single outlier when the label of the outlier observation is unknown. The outlier model considered here is that of shift in location.
Phone as a pixel: enabling ad-hoc, large-scale displays using mobile devices

We present Phone as a Pixel: a scalable, synchronization-free, platform-independent system for creating large, ad-hoc displays from a collection of smaller devices. In contrast to most tiled-display systems, the only requirement for participation is for devices to have an internet connection and a web browser. Thus, most smartphones, tablets, laptops and similar devices can be used. Phone as a Pixel uses a color-transition encoding scheme to identify and locate displays. This approach has several advantages: devices can be arbitrarily arranged (i.e., not in a grid) and infrastructure consists of a single conventional camera. Further, additional devices can join at any time without re-calibration. These are desirable properties to enable collective displays in contexts like sporting events, concerts and political rallies. In this paper we describe our system, show results from proof-of-concept setups, and quantify the performance of our approach on hundreds of displays.
Causal Agency Theory: Reconceptualizing a Functional Model of Self-Determination.

This paper introduces Causal Agency Theory, an extension of the functional model of self-determination. Causal Agency Theory addresses the need for interventions and assessments pertaining to self-determination for all students and incorporates the significant advances in understanding of disability and in the field of positive psychology since the introduction of the functional model of self-determination. Causal Agency Theory provides a theoretical framework for developing and enhancing supports to enable youth to engage in agentic action through instruction in goal setting and attainment strategies, to influence self-determination, causal agency, and overall well-being across diverse social-contextual contexts.
Inhibition of Lactic Acid Formation in Muscle by Extract of Desiccated Pancreas.

Hopkins and Winfield1 showed that extracts of pancreas could inhibit the formation of lactic acid in chopped muscle. This work did not exclude the possibility that the inhibitory factor was trypsin. Foster and Woodrow2 working in Hopkins' laboratory made further investigation of this substance. They found that it was neither trypsin, insulin nor anti-gloxylase, and that heating it for 10 minutes at 85° C. greatly reduced its activity but did not completely destroy it. They reported an inhibition between 40 and 60% of the total lactic acid which was formed in control samples of muscles, a fact which they interpreted as evidence of two mechanisms for lactic acid production in muscle, one of which was inhibited by the pancreatic factor.In an attempt to determine the mechanism of the action of this substance, we confirm the observations of Foster and Woodrow,2 obtaining an inhibition of between 40 and 60% of the total lactic acid production in muscle hash in concentrations similar to theirs (extract of 5 mg. ...
Gender, ethnicity and race in incarcerated and detained youth: services and policy implications for girls.

OBJECTIVE While work has been conducted on gender differences to inform gender-specific programming, relatively little work has been done regarding racial and ethnic differences among incarcerated and detained girls in particular. This is an important gap, considering gender, race, and ethnicity may be important factors in responding to the needs of incarcerated and detained girls within the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model. We hypothesize girls will show relatively more pathology than boys, and that White girls will show relatively more pathology as compared to girls of other groups. Implications of findings for services delivery and policy are presented. METHOD Data were collected on N = 657 youth using structured interview and record review. Analyses included χ2 and t tests. RESULTS As compared to boys, girls were older at first arrest yet younger during most lock-up, received poorer grades, experienced more family difficulty, and more were lesbian/bisexual. As compared to minority girls, White girls began hard drugs at a younger age, had more conduct disorder symptoms, and more frequently experienced parental difficulty and abuse. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Age-appropriate programming that addresses family difficulty and sexuality is needed for girls. As compared to White girls, reentry planning may more readily rely on family support for minority girls. Systems should consider use of actuarial methods in order to reduce bias in making placement decisions. (PsycINFO Database Record
Annular Laser Trap: A Tool for High-Throughput Sperm Sorting and Analysis

A continuous, size-tunable 3-D annular laser trap based on axicons provides a way to sort sperm base on motility and chemotaxis, and study the effects of laser radiation, optical force and obstacles on sperm motility.
Comparative carcinogenic activity of dimethyl and trimethyl derivatives of benz(a)anthracene in Fischer line 344 rats.

SummaryComparative tests with 4,5-dimethyl- and 4,5,10-trimethylbenz(a)anthracine show that both compounds were highly carcinogenic for Fischer line 344 rats. Both compounds were more effective tha...
An empirical investigation of factors that influence individual behavior toward changing social networking security settings

While the use of social networking sites continues to rise, security continues to be an important issue. This issue often results when many users do not change their social networking security settings. Such behavior leaves vast amounts of data vulnerable to criminal activities. This study utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine factors that impact users' behaviors regarding changing their social networking security settings. This research found support for six of the eight hypotheses. Results showed that Attitude (H1), Subjective Norm (H2), and Perceived Behavioral Control (H3) predicted Behavioral Intention. Behavioral Intention (H4) positively influenced Behavior. Apathy (H6) negatively predicted Attitude while Perceived Behavioral Control (H7) positively influenced Social Trust. Finally, Perceived Behavioral Control did not predict Behavior (H5) and Social Trust did not impact Behavioral Intention (H8). These findings have future implications for research and practice.
Comparison of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes and low-pressure mercury-arc lamps for disinfection of water

ABSTRACTUltraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting at 260 nm were evaluated to determine the inactivation kinetics of bacteria, viruses, and spores compared to low-pressure (LP) UV irradiation. Test microbes were Escherichia coli B, a non-enveloped virus (MS-2), and a bacterial spore (Bacillus atrophaeus). For LP UV, 4-log10 reduction doses were: E. coli B, 6.5 mJ/cm2; MS-2, 59.3 mJ/cm2; and B. atrophaeus, 30.0 mJ/cm2. For UV LEDs, the 4-log10 reduction doses were E. coli B, 6.2 mJ/cm2; MS-2, 58 mJ/cm2; and B. atrophaeus, 18.7 mJ/cm2. Microbial inactivation kinetics of the two UV technologies were not significantly different for E. coli B and MS-2, but were different for B. atrophaeus spores. UV LEDs at 260 nm are at least as effective for inactivating microbes in water as conventional LP UV sources and should undergo further development in treatment systems to disinfect drinking water.
Perceiving a continuous visual world across voluntary eye blinks.

People blink their eyes every few seconds, but the changes in retinal illumination that accompany eyeblinks are hardly noticed. Furthermore, despite the loss of visual input, visual experience remains continuous across eyeblinks. Two hypotheses were investigated to account for these phenomena. The first proposes that perceptual information is maintained across a blink whereas the second proposes that perceptual information is not maintained but rather postblink perceptual experience is antedated to the beginning of the blink. Two experiments found no evidence for temporal antedating of a stimulus presented during a voluntary eyeblink. In a third experiment subjects judged the temporal duration of a stimulus that was interrupted by a voluntary eyeblink with that of a stimulus presented while the eyes were open. The duration of stimuli that were interrupted by eyeblinks was judged to be 117 ms shorter than that of stimuli presented while the eyes remained open, indicating that blink duration was not accounted for in the perception of stimulus duration. This suggests that perceptual experience is neither maintained nor antedated across eyeblinks, but rather is ignored, perhaps in response to the extraretinal signal that accompanies the eyeblink. (PsycINFO Database Record(c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Setting the Stage: Today’s Healthcare Challenges

This chapter summarizes the key issues facing all healthcare leaders—how to improve quality, expand access, and manage (ideally lower) costs. Every major healthcare system struggles to balance these, especially restraining costs as technology increases, populations age, and governments seek to expand healthcare access. The theme of this book is that these challenges present healthcare leaders with the need to manage simultaneously for the short-term, while also investigating longer-term, transformational change. In this way, leaders can learn to embrace future uncertainty, not flee from it.
The Anticipatory Brain: Two Approaches

It is becoming increasingly accepted that some form of anticipation is central to the functioning of the brain. But modeling such anticipation has been in several forms concerning what is anticipated, whether and how such ‘anticipation’ can be normative in the sense of possibly being wrong, the nature of the anticipatory processes and how they are realized in the brain, etc. Here I outline two such approaches – the Predictive Brain approach and the Interactivist approach – and undertake a critical comparison and contrast.
Disease-modifying therapies modulate retinal atrophy in multiple sclerosis: A retrospective study

Objective: To retrospectively investigate whether disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) exert differential effects on rates of retinal atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), as assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: A total of 402 patients with RRMS followed at the Johns Hopkins MS Center who underwent Cirrus-HD OCT were assessed for eligibility. Inclusion criteria included at least 1 year of OCT follow-up and adherence to a single DMT during the period of follow-up. Combined thickness of the ganglion cell + inner plexiform (GCIP) and other retinal layers was computed utilizing automated macular segmentation. Retinal thickness changes were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression. Results: The effects of glatiramer acetate (GA; n = 48), natalizumab (NAT; n = 46), and interferon-β-1a subcutaneously (IFNSC; n = 35) and intramuscularly (IFNIM; n = 28) were assessed. Baseline analyses revealed no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, optic neuritis history, or follow-up duration. During follow-up, relative to NAT-treated patients, IFNSC- and GA-treated patients exhibited 0.37 μm/y (p Conclusions: Rates of GCIP atrophy in patients with RRMS vary according to DMT utilization. Our findings support OCT for monitoring neurodegenerative treatment effects in the retina, an easily accessible tissue, and as a practical outcome measure in RRMS clinical trials.
Unexpected Burst-Suppression during Sedation with Anesthetic Agents in the ICU (P01.027)

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of unexpected electroencephalographic burst-suppression in patients receiving anesthetic agents for sedation in intensive care unit. BACKGROUND: Over-sedation leads to prolonged ventilator times, increased ICU stays, delirium, and side effects such as hypotension. Consequently ICU sedation protocols generally target light sedation, (reduced consciousness but retained arousability), a brain state accompanied by an EEG pattern of continuous diffuse slowing. By contrast, burst suppression is a state of profound brain inactivation and unarousability accompanied by globally attenuated EEG activity alternating with bursts of higher voltage activity. We hypothesized that unexpected burst suppression is a common complication of sedative use in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective, single centre study based at a university teaching hospital. All patients aged >18 admitted to ICUs who underwent EEG monitoring and received anesthetic agents for sedation in the last 6 months were included. Patients prescribed sedatives to achieve burst suppression (e.g. for refractory status epilepticus) were excluded. All patients had follow-up EEG, allowing determination of whether burst-suppression resolved after reducing anesthetic dose. RESULTS: 68% (38/56) of patients receiving sedatives during EEG monitoring had inadvertent burst-suppression. Common reasons for EEG monitoring were deterioration in neurological exam and suspected subclinical seizures. Mean age was 60.7 years and 53% were female. Co-morbidities associated with inadvertent burst-suppression were: liver dysfunction (29%), renal dysfunction (24%), brain structural abnormalities (43%) and polypharmacy (8%). All patients demonstrated transition to a continuous EEG background when anesthetic dose was later reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of ICU patients receiving anesthetic agents for sedation who underwent EEG monitoring were found to be in burst-suppression, indicative of profound brain inactivation and over-sedation. This finding highlights the difficulty of consistently achieving target sedation levels in routine clinical practice. Improved monitoring and management strategies are needed to avoid the adverse effects of sedative overdosing. Disclosure: Dr. Pati has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rosenthal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cash has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hochberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brown has nothing to disclose. Dr. Westover has received research support from the American Brain Foundation and the NIH/NINDS.
The University Course in Snow Dynamics —A Stepping-Stone to Career Interests in Avalanche Hazards

The principles of snow dynamics, including practical field work, constitute a feasible university-level course where seasonal snowfall and terrane of varying steepness are accessible. Two to three lectures or discussions per week are combined with one full afternoon in the field to provide a workable course format. We have successfully used the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 489 (Avalanche handbook) as a text but also assign readings in diverse world literature. Field work has centered on standard techniques for snow study in a realistic alpine setting but could easily be adapted to more simple “roadside” conditions if necessary. Student interest during and following the course usually leads to spontaneous and practical research that tends to develop life-long skill and application in the subject. Our experience indicates that one instructor can manage a maximum of 25 students in the field, considering proper logistics, safety, and necessary adaptibility of field procedures to changing weather conditions.
Management of Choroidal Neovascular Membranes Associated with Choroidal Nevi.

Purpose To evaluate the management options for choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) associated with choroidal nevus. Design Cohort study. Participants Twenty-four eyes with CNVM associated with choroidal nevus. Methods Retrospective review of demographic and clinical features and management and outcome of eyes with CNVM associated with choroidal nevus. Main Outcome Measures Choroidal neovascular membrane status, subfoveal retinal thickness, and visual outcome. Results Choroidal neovascular membrane was classic in 20 eyes (83%) and occult in 4 eyes (27%). Of 15 eyes (63%) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections, complete regression of CNVM was observed in 6 eyes (40%) and partial regression was achieved in 5 eyes (33%). Visual acuity improved or remained stable in these eyes, and the mean subfoveal retinal thickness decreased significantly from 477 μm to 326 μm. Four eyes (27%) with unresponsive, active CNVM were treated with combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and bevacizumab therapy; complete or partial regression was observed in 3 eyes with improved or stable visual acuity, and the mean subfoveal retinal thickness decreased from 441 μm to 350 μm. Of 5 eyes (33%) treated with PDT, 4 (80%) showed partial regression. Visual acuity remained stable in these eyes and the mean subfoveal retinal thickness decreased from 370 μm to 334 μm. In 4 eyes with non–vision-threatening CNVM (17%), complete or partial regression was seen in 2 eyes, and CNVM remained active in 2 eyes after observation. Visual acuity remained stable. No significant difference was found between the mean subfoveal retinal thickness at presentation and at the last visit. All choroidal nevi remained stable in thickness and size after a mean follow-up of 30 months. Conclusions Intravitreal bevacizumab injection was effective in achieving complete or partial regression of CNVM in 73% of eyes with improved visual acuity and decreased subfoveal retinal thickness. Combined PDT and bevacizumab therapy led to further regression in eyes that had failed treatment with bevacizumab previously. Some cases of choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal nevi did not seem to threaten the vision.
Food Allergy Point of Care Pearls.

Food allergy should be suspected in individuals with a history of immediate reactivity following ingestion (ie, typically within 20 minutes and almost always within 2 hours) with typical symptoms of immunoglobulin E-mediated reactivity (eg, urticaria, angioedema, coughing, wheezing, vomiting). Testing for food allergy should focus on the most likely allergen to provoke the reaction based on the patient's history. Safe introduction of peanut-containing foods into the diet of an infant at high risk of developing peanut allergy at 4 to 6 months is likely to reduce the risk of peanut allergy.
Can Ego-Depletion Be Helpful? Testing the Process Model Implication That Ego-Depletion Reduces Irrational Persistence

The present research investigated the effect of state self-control on irrational persistence, which refers to pursuing a course of action beyond when the effort can no longer be justified given the...
An updated meta-analysis of TAVR in patients at intermediate risk for SAVR

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been approved for use in patients with severe aortic stenosis at intermediate, high and extreme surgical risk. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of TAVR compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in intermediate risk patients. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for studies comparing TAVR versus SAVR in patients at intermediate surgical risk, with a mean Society of Thoracic Surgeon score of 3–8% or a mean logistic European risk score of 10–20%. The primary endpoint was to assess the efficacy of TAVR compared to SAVR, defined as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 30-days, 1-year, and ≥2 years of follow-up. Secondary endpoints were the safety profile, comprising of cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarctions, permanent pacemaker placement, new onset atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, vascular complications, major bleeding and acute kidney injury. Results This is the largest and most contemporary meta-analysis of 5647 intermediate risk patients in eleven studies published to date. There were no statistically significant differences in all-cause and cardiac mortality at 30 days, 1- year and >2-years of follow up. Acute kidney injury and atrial fibrillation occurred more frequently in patients treated with SAVR and permanent pacemaker implantation and aortic insufficiency were more frequent in patients treated with TAVR. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that for intermediate risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, TAVR has similar efficacy as SAVR but with a different adverse event profile.
Exploring the Microwilderness of Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area: Terrestrial Invertebrate All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory

Between 2005 and 2011, we conducted a terrestrial invertebrate All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, in order to document as many arthropod and gastropod species as possible in the park, and to understand how species were distributed across habitats and islands. Professional scientists, students, and citizen scientists collected ∼160,000 invertebrates on 19 islands and peninsulas in the park, using a variety of trapping and collecting methods. More than 76,000 of these specimens were curated, identified, and databased, resulting in a total of 1732 distinct species and morphospecies. Of these, 232 species (13.4%) were species not native to North America. The introduced species included several new US and North American records, including 2 potential pests: Hishimonus sellatus (Mulberry Leafhopper) and the click beetle Athous haemorrhoidalis. Among native species, we documented several new state records, which expanded known ranges considerably in a few cases. Statistical estimates of absolute species richness for several representative taxa indicated that less-diverse groups (e.g., millipedes) were sampled almost completely by our methods, but additional sampling is needed to thoroughly inventory more-diverse taxa (e.g., ground beetles). The invertebrate ATBI lays the groundwork for future monitoring of focal groups such as pollinators.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Trace Metal Speciation in the Black Sea

The solution speciation and saturation state for dissolved Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the Black Sea were modeled using a modified version of the MINEQL equilibrium modeling program. The calculations included the effects of major cations and anions, pH, sulfide, phosphate, carbonate, and ammonia. The effects of potential organic complexation were assessed using two model ligands; nitrilotriacetic acid and cysteine. The results of these calculations were compared to the trace metal speciation measured using a unique ion-exchange chromatography column sequence designed to separate colloidal species, “inert” anionic metal complexes, and “free” metal cations. The possible role of Fe-sulfide precipitation in the scavenging of other trace metals is also addressed.
The Chemistry of the Reactive Site of Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemistry of the reactive site of soybean trypsin inhibitor. Incubation of soybean trypsin inhibitor with catalytic quantities of trypsin leads to hydrolysis of Arg (64)-Ile peptide bond in the inhibitor molecule. As this bond is located in a disulfide loop, the molecular weight of the inhibitor does not change but a single-chain protein is converted to a two-chain one. In the enzymatic mutation one has utilized the favorable free energy of interaction between trypsin and soybean trypsin inhibitor in order to achieve thermodynamically unfavorable peptide bond synthesis and, thus, obtain a mutant protein of desirable properties. It appears that this general method could be used to obtain a variety of mutant protein molecules of interest for further study. Such mutations could utilize as driving force the ability of protein subunits to associate, to bind small ligands, or to regain native structure after a removed amino acid or peptide was replaced by another.
Systematic Comparison of Aggregation Methods for Input Data Time Series Aggregation of Energy Systems Optimization Problems

Abstract We present a systematic comparison of how aggregation methods represent input data in the operational part of complex energy systems optimization problems. We compare both traditionally used methods such as k-means, k-medoids, and hierarchical clustering, and shape-based clustering methods such as dynamic time warping and k-shape in the domain of the objective function of sample operational optimization problems. Centroid-based approaches show improved performance as the number of clusters increases, whereas medoid-based approaches do not show a clear pattern as to when they best represent the objective function of the optimization problem of the full representation. Furthermore, clustering based on shape-based algorithms can improve performance compared to the traditionally used algorithms.
Free Vibration of Bi-directional Functionally Graded Material Circular Beams using Shear Deformation Theory employing Logarithmic Function of Radius

Abstract Curved beams such as arches find ubiquitous applications in civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering , e.g., stiffened floors, fuselage , railway compartments, and wind turbine blades. The analysis of free vibrations of curved structures plays a critical role in their design to avoid transient loads with dominant frequencies close to their natural frequencies. One way to increase their applications and possibly make them lighter without sacrificing strength is to comprise them of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) that are composites with continuously varying material properties in one or more directions. Here, we study free vibrations of FGM circular beams by using a shear deformation theory that incorporates through-the-thickness logarithmic variation of the circumferential displacement , does not require a shear correction factor , and has a parabolic through-the-thickness distribution of the shear strain. The radial displacement of a point is assumed to depend only upon its angular position. Thus the beam theory generalizes the Timoshenko beam theory. Equations governing transient deformations of the beam are derived by using Hamilton’s principle. Assuming a time harmonic variation of displacements, and by utilizing a generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM), the free vibration problem is reduced to solving an algebraic eigenvalue problem whose solution provides frequencies and corresponding mode shapes. Results are presented for different spatial variations of the material properties, boundary conditions, and the beam aspect ratio. It is found that frequencies of the FGM beam are bounded by those of two geometrically identical homogeneous beams composed of the two constituents of the beam. Keeping other variables fixed, the change in the beam opening angle results in very close frequencies of the first two modes of vibration at a critical value of the opening angle, a phenomenon usually called mode transition. The critical opening angle is essentially the same for radially graded, bidirectionally graded and monolithic beams. It equals about 80° (60°) for clamped-clamped (hinged-hinged) beams.
PU.1 chromosomal dynamics are linked to LDB1.

In this issue of Blood, Schuetzmann et al show that PU.1 autoregulation and the looping factor Lim domain–binding 1 (LDB1) are required for dynamic chromosome architecture remodeling involving PU.1 during myeloid differentiation, which is impaired in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
A tagSNP analysis of CYP19 and SULT1E1 and ovarian cancer risk.

2604 Background Estrogen metabolites can be metabolically activated in vivo to form quinones which can, in turn, form stable or depurinating DNA adducts. The resulting DNA damage, if unrepaired, may lead to the initiation of carcinogenesis. We investigated the association of tagSNPs in CYP19A1 and SULT1E1, two genes encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis and metabolism of estrogen. We examined whether genetic variation in these genes may be associated with risk of ovarian cancer. Methods: Subjects included cases and controls from two ongoing case-control studies. The Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer Study is a clinic-based study that recruits ovarian cancer cases within 6 months of diagnosis. Controls are selected from patients visiting the Mayo Clinic Department of Internal Medicine for a medical exam. Controls are frequency matched to cases on age, race and region of residence. The North Carolina Ovarian Cancer (NCOC) study is a population-based study in a 48 county region of North Carolina. Cases are identified through a statewide registry using rapid case ascertainment. Population-based controls are identified from the same 48 county region as the cases and are frequency-matched to the ovarian cancer cases on the basis of race and age. Both Caucasian (N=832 cases, 941 controls) and African American (N=102 cases, 96 controls) data were included in these analyses. The ldSelect program (r2 ≥ 0.80 and MAF ≥ 0.05) was used to select tagSNPs (N=50) from resequencing data (CYP19A1) and from HapMap Project (CYP19A1 and SULT1E1). In addition, one SULT1E1 SNP was selected based on the scientific literature (Choi et al, 2005). Genotyping was conducted using the Illumina Goldengate™ assay. Over 99% of the samples were assigned a genotype. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. All models were adjusted for age, race and geographic area. Global tests of significance for each gene were also performed using multiple logistic regression with all SNPs in a gene and by haplotype analysis. Results 51 SNPs, including 39 in CYP19A1 and 12 from SULT1E1 were genotyped. Minor allele frequencies (MAF) ranged from 0.04 to 0.49 in controls. Global gene tests (all SNPs or haplotypes) did not show any association with ovarian cancer. SNP-specific analyses identified one SNP (rs1902584, IVS2+4359T>A) associated with increased risk in CYP19A1 (OR=1.39, 1.07-1.8, dominant model). Results were not altered when African American samples were excluded. No other suggestive results were seen. This study had power to detect single SNP associations of 1.21 (0.45 MAF) to 1.54 (0.04 MAF). Global gene tests had power to detect associations of 1.42 (0.25 MAF) to 1.81 (0.05 MAF) for CYP19A1 and 1.33 (0.25 MAF) to 1.60 (0.05 MAF) for SULT1E1. Conclusions After adjustment for the number of SNPs examined, there was no evidence that genetic variation in either CYP19A1 or SULT1E1 is associated with risk of ovarian cancer.
Dual-Zone Solar Control Indoor Shade: Demonstration at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, California and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Advanced Windows Testbed, Berkeley, California

Author(s): Lee, Eleanor; Gehbauer, Christoph; Thanachareonkit, Anothai; Fernandes, Luis; Wang, Taoning
Response of Cortical Oxygen and Striatal Dopamine in Newborn Piglets to Alcohol Infusion Under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

Alcohol has a wide range of biochemical and physiological effects on the central nervous system. It has been reported to cause disturbances in cellular metabolism, induce cellular stress as indicated by increased expression of heat shock protein mRNA, inhibit the activities of several enzymes, increase production of free radicals, induce apoptosis, alter the function of a variety of neurotransmitter systems, etc. Several studies have also provided evidence that dopaminergic neurotransmission is affected by alcohol. The effect is dependent on the concentration of alcohol given and the experimental model used. Alcohol, in in vitro studies, has been shown to significantly inhibit dopamine release from striatal slices4,15,17,25 and striatal synaptosomes.15 Acute doses of alcohol (1–3 g/kg), however, have been reported to increase dopamine release and/or turnover as evaluated by increased level of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA).3,7,12,16,20 Imperato and Di Chiara,11 using in vivo microdialysis, demonstrated that alcohol, at 0.5–2.5 g/kg, elevated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and to a lesser extent in the caudate. In contrast, in studies on anesthetized rats, addition of alcohol to the dialysate caused a dose dependent increase in dopamine release in both the nucleus accumbens and the caudate but with a greater effect in nucleus accumbens.26 Several studies also have reported that low doses of alcohol increased functional activity of the dopaminergic system.22 It has been suggested that this behavioral stimulation is mediated by activation of dopaminergic transmission.1,5,6,10 The mechanisms by which alcohol alters dopaminergic turnover have not been fully elucidated.
A Comparison of Variances in Age Cohorts to Understand Longevity in African Americans

Background African American life expectancy at age 65 is about 2 years less than that of Caucasians, but by age 85, African Americans may have a longevity advantage. One possible explanation for this cross-over effect is that African Americans who make it to the oldest ages have done so by handling stressful contextual and health disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to examine possible within group cohort differences that lead to exceptional longevity among older African Americans. Methods Data came from three cohorts of older African Americans: the Carolina African American Twin Study of Aging (CAATSA), the Baltimore Study of Black Aging-Patterns of Cognitive Aging (BSBA-PCA), and the Study of Longevity and Stress in African American Families (SOLSAA). Of the 533 participants, we compared two age cohorts (60-79 and 80+) with an average age of 73.2 (SD = 8.33) and 26.3% are men. Variables included measures of stress, depression, coping, cognition, and health indicators. Results The variance for depression and average peak expiratory flow (APEF) was significantly larger for the older cohort but after controlling for demographic factors, the measure of depressive symptoms was not. The Alpha Span test showed a significant difference with the older cohort having larger variances after controlling for demographic factors. Conclusions The findings suggest that there are changes in the characteristics of who makes it to later life, but counter to our hypothesis, there was greater variability in the oldest group relative to the younger.
PGRMC2 is an intracellular haem chaperone critical for adipocyte function

Haem is an essential prosthetic group of numerous proteins and a central signalling molecule in many physiologic processes1,2. The chemical reactivity of haem means that a network of intracellular chaperone proteins is required to avert the cytotoxic effects of free haem, but the constituents of such trafficking pathways are unknown3,4. Haem synthesis is completed in mitochondria, with ferrochelatase adding iron to protoporphyrin IX. How this vital but highly reactive metabolite is delivered from mitochondria to haemoproteins throughout the cell remains poorly defined3,4. Here we show that progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2) is required for delivery of labile, or signalling haem, to the nucleus. Deletion of PGMRC2 in brown fat, which has a high demand for haem, reduced labile haem in the nucleus and increased stability of the haem-responsive transcriptional repressors Rev-Erbα and BACH1. Ensuing alterations in gene expression caused severe mitochondrial defects that rendered adipose-specific PGRMC2-null mice unable to activate adaptive thermogenesis and prone to greater metabolic deterioration when fed a high-fat diet. By contrast, obese-diabetic mice treated with a small-molecule PGRMC2 activator showed substantial improvement of diabetic features. These studies uncover a role for PGRMC2 in intracellular haem transport, reveal the influence of adipose tissue haem dynamics on physiology and suggest that modulation of PGRMC2 may revert obesity-linked defects in adipocytes.
Evolution of multiphoton microscopy over three decades: Current perspectives and future directions (Conference Presentation)

This talk will present a historical perspective of how multiphoton microscopy has revolutionized bioimaging and is continuing to opening up new modalities of imaging as well as the prospect of image-guided and light activated therapy .Major impetus has been provided by the development in three areas: 1) New biocompatible organic chromophores and their nanoformulations as well as inorganic nanocrystals with large optical nonlinearity; 2) Compact, user friendly and significantly lower cost ultra-short pulse lasers; 3) New designs of multiphoton microscope . They are described with examples from our work . Some Promising future directions will be discussed
Phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) of medical intensive nutrition therapy (MINT) to improve chemotherapy (CT) tolerability in malnourished patients with solid tumor malignancies.

12090Background: Malnutrition is an underrecognized predictor of inferior cancer related outcomes. Subjective global assessment (SGA), a brief validated survey for malnutrition, may predict increas...
DNMT3A haploinsufficiency results in behavioral deficits and global epigenomic dysregulation shared across neurodevelopment disorders

Mutations in DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) have been detected in autism and related disorders, but how these mutations disrupt nervous system function is unknown. Here we define the effects of neurodevelopmental disease-associated DNMT3A mutations. We show that diverse mutations affect different aspects of protein activity yet lead to shared deficiencies in neuronal DNA methylation. Heterozygous DNMT3A knockout mice mimicking DNMT3A disruption in disease display growth and behavioral alterations consistent with human phenotypes. Strikingly, in these mice we detect global disruption of neuron-enriched non-CG DNA methylation, a binding site for the Rett syndrome protein MeCP2. Loss of this methylation leads to enhancer and gene dysregulation that overlaps with models of Rett syndrome and autism. These findings define effects of DNMT3A haploinsufficiency in the brain and uncover disruption of the non-CG methylation pathway as a convergence point across neurodevelopmental disorders.
Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic by the Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab (BASIL) CURE Consortium: Reflections and a Case Study on the Switch to Remote Learning

Campus shutdowns during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed unique challenges to faculty and students engaged in laboratory courses. Formerly hands-on experiments had to be quickly pivoted to emergency remote learning. While some resources existed prior to this period, many currently available online modules and/or simulations focus on a single technique. The Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab (BASIL) curriculum has, for several years, provided a robust, linked, holistic inquiry experience that allows students to make connections between multiple techniques, both computational in nature as well as wet-lab-based. As a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), this flexible, module-based curriculum allows students to generate original hypotheses based on analysis of proteins of unknown function. We have taught this curriculum as the upper-level laboratory course on our campuses and were obliged to transition to remote instruction at various points in the course sequence. We report on the experiences of faculty and students over the transition period in this course. Additionally, we report as a case study results of one of our campus’ ongoing discipline-based education research (DBER) on the BASIL curriculum prior to and during remote delivery.