cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Latency and Energy Efficiency of Distributed Storage Systems

The increase in data storage and power consumption at data-centers has made it imperative to design energy efficient distributed storage systems (DSS). The energy efficiency of DSS is strongly influenced not only by the volume of data, frequency of data access and redundancy in data storage, but also by the heterogeneity exhibited by the DSS in these dimensions. To this end, we propose and analyze the energy efficiency of a heterogeneous distributed storage system in which $n$ storage servers (disks) store the data of $R$ distinct classes. Data of class $i$ is encoded using a $(n,k_{i})$ erasure code and the (random) data retrieval requests can also vary across classes. We show that the energy efficiency of such systems is closely related to the average latency and hence motivates us to study the energy efficiency via the lens of average latency. Through this connection, we show that erasure coding serves the dual purpose of reducing latency and increasing energy efficiency. We present a queuing theoretic analysis of the proposed model and establish upper and lower bounds on the average latency for each data class under various scheduling policies. Through extensive simulations, we present qualitative insights which reveal the impact of coding rate, number of servers, service distribution and number of redundant requests on the average latency and energy efficiency of the DSS.
Reducing Political Bias in Political Science Estimates

Political science researchers have flexibility in how to analyze data, how to report data, and whether to report on data. A review of examples of reporting flexibility from the race and sex discrimination literature illustrates how research design choices can influence estimates and inferences. This reporting flexibility—coupled with the political imbalance among political scientists—creates the potential for political bias in reported political science estimates. These biases can be reduced or eliminated through preregistration and preacceptance, with researchers committing to a research design before completing data collection. Removing the potential for reporting flexibility can raise the credibility of political science research.
Phase-field simulations of the impact of bimodal pore size distributions on solid-state densification

Abstract The densification behavior of a porous body subjected to elevated temperature is relevant to many nuclear fuel performance metrics. The diffusional processes that govern such densification occur on microscopic length scales, and depend on the type of material and the nature of the porosity. In this study, we explore how bimodal pore size distributions impact diffusion-based densification relative to monomodal pore sizes for a given overall value of porosity. We utilize a Cahn-Hilliard phase-field model implemented with the MOOSE framework to simulate densification evolution with a range of overall porosities and a variety of porosity distributions between small and large pores. The results demonstrate that bimodal porosity can resist densification to a much greater extent than monomodal porosity. These findings have implications for the microstructural design of metallic nuclear fuels, in which an initial, bimodal porosity may resist early-stage densification and therefore provide collection sites for fission gases, thus reducing in-pile fission gas swelling.
Towards fine resolution global maps of crop yields: Testing multiple methods and satellites in three countries

Abstract One of the greatest challenges in monitoring food security is to provide reliable crop yield information that is temporally consistent and spatially scalable. An ideal yield dataset would not only extend globally and across multiple years, but would also have enough spatial granularity to characterize productivity at the field and subfield level. Rapid increases in satellite data acquisition and platforms such as Google Earth Engine that can efficiently access and process vast archives of new and historical data offer an opportunity to map yields globally, but require efficient and robust algorithms to combine various data streams into yield estimates. We recently introduced a Scalable satellite-based Crop Yield Mapper (SCYM) that combines crop models simulations with imagery and weather data to generate 30 m resolution yield estimates without the need for ground calibration. In this study, we tested new large-scale implementations of SCYM, focusing on three regions with varying crops, field sizes and landscape heterogeneity: maize in the U.S. corn belt (390,000 km 2 ), maize in Southern Zambia (86,000 km 2 ), and wheat in northern India (450,000 km 2 ). As a benchmark, we also tested a simpler empirical approach (PEAKVI) that relates yield to the peak value of a time series of spatially aggregated vegetation indices, similar to methods used in current operational monitoring. Both SCYM and PEAKVI were applied to data from all Landsat's sensors and MODIS for more than a decade in each region, and evaluated against ground-based estimates at the finest available administrative level (e.g., counties in the U.S.). We found consistently high correlations (R 2 ≥ 0.5) between the spatial pattern of ground- and satellite-based estimates in both U.S. maize and India wheat, with small differences between methods and source of satellite data. In the U.S., SCYM outperformed PEAKVI in tracking temporal yield variations, likely owing to its explicit consideration of weather. In India, both methods failed to track temporal yield changes, with various possible explanations discussed. In Zambia, the PEAKVI approach applied to MODIS tracked yield variations much better (R 2 > 0.5) than any other yield estimate, likely because the frequent cloud cover in this region confounds the other approaches. Overall, this study demonstrates successful approaches to yield estimation in each region, and illustrates the importance of distinguishing between accuracy for spatial and temporal variation. The 30 m resolution of Landsat-based SCYM does not appear to offer large benefits for tracking aggregate yields, but enables finer scale analyses than possible with the other approaches.
New Frontiers in Surgical Innovation

It is an exciting time for head and neck surgical innovation with numerous advances in the perioperative planning and intraoperative management of patients with cancer, trauma patients, and individuals with congenital defects. The broad and rapidly changing realm of head and neck surgical innovation precludes a comprehensive summary. This article highlights some of the most important innovations from surgical planning with sentinel node biopsy and three-dimensional, stereolithic modeling to intraoperative innovations, such as transoral robotic surgery and intraoperative navigation. Future surgical innovations, such as intraoperative optical imaging of surgical margins, are also highlighted.
Prospects for Experimental Approaches to Research on bureaucratic red tape (WITHDRAWN)

Sustained theoretical and empirical developments since the 1990s have prompted scholars to pronounce bureaucratic red tape as a native concept in public administration research. More recently experimental research has begun to emerge on bureaucratic red tape. Our goal in this paper is to take stock of progress in theory and measurement of red tape by the non-experimental research, provide an overview of the nascent experimental research on red tape, and make recommendations for improving the relevance and impact of future experimental research on red tape.
Describing a Strongly Correlated Model System With Density Functional Theory

The linear chain of hydrogen atoms, a basic prototype for the transition from a metal to Mott insulator, is studied with a recent density functional theory model functional for nondynamic and strong correlation. The computed cohesive energy curve for the transition agrees well with accurate literature results. The variation of the electronic structure in this transition is characterized with a density functional descriptor that yields the atomic population of effectively localized electrons. These new methods are also applied to the study of the Peierls dimerization of the stretched even-spaced Mott insulator to a chain of H2 molecules, a different insulator. The transitions among the two insulating states and the metallic state of the hydrogen chain system are depicted in a semiquantitative phase diagram. Overall, we demonstrate the capability of studying strongly correlated materials with a mean-field model at the fundamental level, in contrast to the general pessimistic view on such a feasibility.
Amphotericin B — A Model Murine Immunostimulant

Amphotericin B (AmB) was first isolated from the fermentation products of Streptomyces nodosus in 1956 (35). Its broad spectrum of antifungal activity and therapeutic efficacy made it possible to treat successfully a number of fungal infections that previously had been almost invariably fatal (6,17,33). Nearly 30 years after its discovery, AmB remains the most I important agent in the treatment of systemic fungal infections. In addition to its direct antifungal properties, studies have indicated that AmB can stimulate murine host resistance to certain nonfungal infections (22,32) and to several kinds of tumors (18,34). The exact mechanism of these host protective effects has not been established but it seems probable that the stimulation of lymphoid cells by AmB plays a significant role.
Pregnancy-related listeriosis

About one in seven cases of listeriosis occurs in pregnant women, and, although listeriosis is rare, it is the third leading cause of death from food-borne infections. Pregnancy-related listeriosis increases the risk for fetal and neonatal mortality by approximately 21%. During pregnancy, infections are more likely to occur in the third trimester (66%) than the first trimester (3%). However, fetal and neonatal adverse effects are less common as gestational age increases or with older gestational age at birth. Pregnant women seem highly susceptible in some listeriosis outbreaks making up a large percentage of cases, whereas others contain very few. Whether this results from differences in strains of L. monocytogenes, exposures, or other factors remains to be determined. Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) estimates the human lethal dose for 50% (LD50 ) for fetal/neonatal loss is 1.9 × 106 colony forming units (CFUs) L. monocytogenes. Animal models have been developed for pregnancy-related listeriosis showing similar susceptibility and clinical outcomes as in humans. Nonhuman primate and guinea pig animal models have similar (LD50 ) values to the estimated human LD50 . Additional animal studies are needed to understand the pathways leading to fetal and neonatal listeriosis in humans. More information is needed to understand dose response, to model risk for listeriosis at lower concentrations, and to determine why some pregnant women may be more susceptible than others. To better treat listeriosis during pregnancy, biomarkers for early diagnosis of listeriosis are also needed. Last, pregnant women need to be educated about avoiding high-risk foods, like Mexican-style cheese and ready-to-eat meats. Birth Defects Research 109:324-335, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stimulants and Pediatric Cardiovascular Risk.

Abstract Objective: Concerns about serious cardiovascular (CV) events among stimulant-treated youth have led to clinical and policy debates. Accordingly, several population-based empirical studies have assessed the risk of CV events in children and adolescents treated with stimulants. The main objective of this review was to summarize findings and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these population-based studies. In addition, we discuss the CV monitoring and policy implications for a clinically focused audience. Methods: A computerized literature search of Medline and PsycINFO was conducted for the calendar years 1990–2015 to identify population-based studies assessing stimulant treatment-emergent CV events in youth. Additional reports, peer-reviewed or gray literature, for example, government reports, were also included. Results: Nine population-based studies (one case–control and eight retrospective cohort designs) were included in this review. The case–control study compared sudden unexplained...
The Use of Dramatic Metaphor in Kahneman’s Psychology

Psychological discourse is filled with metaphors—mental life being resistant to easy objectification. Metaphors can lose their as if qualification with the passage of time, so that an unexamined metaphor assumes mythic status and this can be stultifying. In his recent book, Thinking Fast and Slow, Kahneman proposes fresh metaphors for the processes of making choices, assessing satisfaction, and constructing plans of action. Kahneman proposes two systems within us—one fast and one slow—and two selves, one that experiences and another that remembers—inexactly, of course. This work is an example of the value of new and powerful metaphors in opening the way to new understandings of the science of mental life.
Feasibility of Using Crystal Geometry for a DOI Scintillation Detector

We have used simulations and measurements to investigate the feasibility of using slanted scintillator crystal geometries as means to provide depth-of-interaction (DOI) information for a pixelated gamma ray imaging detector. The simulations were performed to estimate the fraction of scintillation light detected by the photodetector as a function of interaction location along the height of crystals with different geometries. In addition, physical measurements of the light output for these crystal geometries were obtained from individual crystals coupled to a solid state photodetector (Philips digital-SiPM DPC-3200). In agreement with the previous work, we found a change in light output in the slanted region of the crystals compared to the rectangular region. The results from this paper indicate the potential of using slanted crystals to gather DOI information based on light output changes as a function of the location of interaction. An examination of the measured energy spectra for the geometries evaluated here, suggests that for bismuth germanate crystals somewhere between 2 and 3 DOI bins could be implemented. Based on these results, we conceived a design for a DOI detector module that consists of two slanted crystals, each read-out by separate SiPM pixels.
Mnemonics, Psychology of

Mnemonics are memory aids that may appear to be unusual or artificial, but are based on the basic principles of learning and memory. Mnemonic techniques and systems have been used for at least 2,500 years, but have been studied experimentally for less than 40 years. Mnemonic techniques can be verbal (using words) or visual (using visual imagery). Verbal mnemonics include first-letter mnemonics (acronyms and acrostics), rhymes and songs, and stories. The keyword mnemonic involves two steps, one verbal (constructing a concrete word to substitute for an abstract term) and one visual (a visual image associating the substitute word with the meaning of the abstract term). Visual mnemonics include the use of visual imagery accompanying some verbal mnemonics, and the mnemonic systems described below. Interaction, vividness, and bizarreness can help make visual associations effective. Mnemonic systems are mental filing systems that are more general-purpose than mnemonic techniques. The loci system involves pre-memorizing visual images of familiar locations in a natural order, then associating images of the to-be-remembered items with the locations. The peg system uses pegwords that represent numbers, which are then used in the same manner as the locations in the loci system, except that direct retrieval as well as sequential retrieval is possible. The phonetic system represents the digits 0–9 by consonant sounds, which are used to construct keywords to represent numbers; these keywords are used in the same manner as the pegwords in the peg system, except that more keywords can be constructed and numerical information can also be remembered.
An Embedded Sensory System for Worker Safety: Prototype Development and Evaluation

At a construction site, workers mainly rely on two senses, which are sight and sound, in order to perceive their physical surroundings. However, they are often hindered by the nature of most construction sites, which are usually dynamic, loud, and complicated. To overcome these challenges, this research explored a method using an embedded sensory system that might offer construction workers an artificial sensing ability to better perceive their surroundings. This study identified three parameters (i.e., intensity, signal length, and delay between consecutive pulses) needed for tactile-based signals for the construction workers to communicate quickly. We developed a prototype system based on these parameters, conducted experimental studies to quantify and validate the sensitivity of the parameters for quick communication, and analyzed test data to reveal what was added by this method in order to perceive information from the tactile signals. The findings disclosed that the parameters of tactile-based signals and their distinguishable ranges could be perceived in a short amount of time (i.e., a fraction of a second). Further experimentation demonstrated the capability of the identified unit signals combined with a signal mapping technique to effectively deliver simple information to individuals and offer an additional sense of awareness to the surroundings. The findings of this study could serve as a basis for future research in exploring advanced tactile-based messages to overcome challenges in environments for which communication is a struggle.
Letter by Sniecinski et al Regarding Article, "Conscious Sedation Versus General Anesthesia for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry".

We read with interest the recent article by Hyman et al1 investigating the association between anesthesia type and mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Using data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiologists Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry, they concluded that conscious sedation provided “superior clinical outcomes compared to TAVR [transcatheter aortic valve replacement] with general anesthesia.”1 We applaud the authors for attempting to investigate this issue, but we have concerns about potential limitations of anesthetic information contained within this registry. The Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry was created in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration as a repository and reporting mechanism …
Effects of various factors on the efficiency of minnow traps to sample mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) populations

The effects of various factors on the efficiency of the Gee minnow trap to sample populations of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, in both rice field enclosures and a laboratory tank were assessed. Immature green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus, were assessed in the laboratory tank only. Trap efficiency (percent catch) was greater for larger mosquitofish [greater than or equal to 35 mm total length (TL)] than for smaller mosquitofish. Immature green sunfish (25-40 mm TL) were caught at higher rates than either size class of mosquitofish. In the laboratory, trap efficiency increased with increasing mosquitofish density, but density had no effect in field enclosures. Vegetation did not affect trap efficiency. Minnow traps, lying on the substrate, caught a similar percent of available mosquitofish when water depths were 8 and 16 cm but a significantly smaller percent when 24 cm. In contrast, green sunfish, assessed at 8 and 24 cm, were trapped at a higher rate at 24 cm. These results demonstrate the importance of determining the effects of environmental factors on trap efficiency before using direct trap counts to assess effects of these factors on fish abundance.
Interdisciplinary Stem Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is defined as a “model for classroom activity that shifts away from the classroom practices of short, isolated teacher-centered lessons and instead emphasizes learning activities that are long-term, interdisciplinary, student-centered, and integrated with real-world issues and practices” (Holbrook, 2007, Internet). Additionally, PBL has been described as an “identification of suitable projects and integration into a curricular unit …” (Powers & DeWaters, 2004, p. 2). As can be seen from the above statements and the previous chapters, an essential component of PBL is the bridging of discrete subject areas into projects that address challenging questions or issues. These questions or issues drive students to encounter and struggle with the central concepts and principles of a discipline (Thomas, 2000).
Alternation of Gene Expression

Prokaryotes can adapt to varying environmental conditions by multiple mechanisms, including transient changes in transcription, translation, and posttranslation activities or heritable changes in regulatory or coding DNA sequences. This article addresses mechanisms for high-frequency, stochastic genotypic switching that occurs at DNA regions of increased recombination or mutation, called contingency loci. The heritable DNA rearrangements or mutations that occur at contingency loci pre-adapt a subpopulation of cells for variation in their environment. The systems that are highlighted are the defining examples for control of alternation of gene expression by site-specific DNA inversion, reversible insertion of an IS element, and slipped-strand mispairing at simple sequence DNA repeats.
Abstract 2956: Mechanisms of resistance for osimertinib for patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer: MD Anderson Cancer Center single institution experience with osimertinib resistance

PURPOSE: Osimertinib was initially approved for treating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and recently is moving forward as the first-line treatment for EGFR sensitizing mutation positive NSCLC. However, the types and frequencies of resistance mechanisms to osimertinib have been incompletely described, and currently there are no guidelines for managing these patients. We evaluated clinical and genetic characteristics of patients who received osimertinib for EGFR-mutant NSCLC. We also provide treatment experience after progression on osimertinib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the MD Anderson Lung Cancer Moon Shot GEMINI database, we identified patients treated with osimertinib and performed clinical outcome analysis. Molecular profiling analysis was performed at the time of progression when available. RESULTS: Eighty two patients were identified. Median PFS on osimertinib was 8.8 months (95% CI, 6.7 to 10.9). Fifty three of the 82 patients had disease progression on osimertinib. Among them, 30 had molecular profiling upon progression. Other than two cases with germline T790M, 11 cases preserved and 17 cases lost T790M mutation. In T790M preserved cases, tertiary mutations of C797S (5 cases) and L792H (2 cases) in EGFR gene, as well as MET amplification (4 cases), were the most common mechanisms of resistance. In T790M lost cases, 12 cases were without known resistance mechanisms. Upon progression, osimertinib was continued in 34 of 51 patients and 17 (50%) of them received local consolidation radiation. The osimertinib continued patients had longer PFS2 compared to the patients who discontinued on osimertinib upon first progression. CONCLUSION: T790M loss is common (61%) in osimertinib resistance cases. In T790M-preserved cases, tertiary mutation within EGFR was the most common mechanism of resistance. MET amplification was observed in both T790M preserved and loss cases. In T790M loss cases, the mechanisms of resistance were mostly EGFR independent, highlighting the importance of understanding T790M-negative resistance mechanisms in the osimertinib era. Citation Format: Xiuning Le, Marcelo Vailati Negrao, Monique Nilsson, Jacqulyne Robichaux, Emily Roarty, Waree Rinsurongkawong, Bonnie Glisson, Jianjun Zhang, John V. Heymach. Mechanisms of resistance for osimertinib for patients with EGFR -mutant lung cancer: MD Anderson Cancer Center single institution experience with osimertinib resistance [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 2956.
Trajectory Desensitization in Optimal Control Problems

The efficacy of the so-called sensitivity function in developing desensitized optimal control schemes is studied. A sensitivity function provides information about the first order variation of the state under parameter variations at a given time instant along a trajectory. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity function can be employed to effectively desensitize either an optimal trajectory or the state at a particular time instant (for example, the final state) along the optimal trajectory. Zermelo's path optimization problem is chosen to test the theory. Monte-Carlo simulations are carried out, validating the key idea. The limitations of the proposed approach are identified and the possibilities for future work are discussed.
Fungal Translocation Is Associated with Immune Activation and Systemic Inflammation in Treated HIV

Abstract The mechanisms causing HIV-associated immune activation remain incompletely understood. Alteration of intestinal integrity with subsequent translocation of bacterial products appears to pl...
How Do Distance Learners Connect

Distance learners often experience social isolation and impoverished social interaction with their remote peers. To better understand the connections that distance learners are able to build with peers, we interviewed them about whether and how they perceive or cultivate connections with one another. Our analysis reveals how connections in an online learning environment are formed and experienced across different social contexts and technology affordances, and what strategies and practices enable and inhibit these connections. We discuss the implications of our findings for concepts of shared identity and evolving peer relationships among online learners and for design directions that might address their social needs.
The CubeSat Mission to Study Solar Particles

The CubeSat Mission for studying Solar Particles is a NASA Science Mission Directorate and Heliophysics Division funded 6U Interplanetary CubeSat Science Mission. CuSP is scheduled to launch in mid-2020 as a secondary payload on the SLS EM -1 (Exploratory Mission One) flight. CuSP is a pathfinder mission for Space Weather Research as it will be the first heliophysics science mission to be placed in heliocentric orbit outside the influence of the Earth's magnetosphere. CuSP features three complementary, miniaturized sensors to address two science objectives: study the sources and acceleration mechanisms of solar and IP particles in near-Earth orbit, and support space weather research by determining proton radiation levels during SEP events and identifying properties of ST ions that could help predict the arrival of strong CME-driven IP shock waves that produce geomagnetic storms.
Brain–Gut Axis and Regional Gastrointestinal Tract Motility

This chapter expands on the description of the brain–gut axis, introduced in Chaps. 1 and 2, relative to its role in the coordination of GI motility. Digestion involving the oral cavity and esophagus is covered by discussion of the mechanism of mastication and the process of swallowing in terms of the interactions of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), primary and secondary peristalsis, and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The principles behind stimulation and inhibition of gastric motility are outlined and the role of extrinsic control is illustrated. Small bowel motility is considered with respect to the roles of segmentation and peristaltic contractions. With respect to the ileosphincteric valve the roles of ileal distention and colonic distention are discussed. Finally, the mechanisms and functions of colonic peristalsis, haustrations, and mass movements are considered.
Real-World Experience Measurement of Liver Iron Concentration by R2 vs. R2 Star MRI in Hemoglobinopathies.

Background: Non-invasive determination of liver iron concentration (LIC) is a valuable tool that guides iron chelation therapy in transfusion-dependent patients. Multiple methods have been utilized to measure LIC by MRI. The purpose of this study was to compare free breathing R2* (1/T2*) to whole-liver Ferriscan R2 method for estimation of LIC in a pediatric and young adult population who predominantly have hemoglobinopathies. Methods: Clinical liver and cardiac MRI scans from April 2016 to May 2018 on a Phillips 1.5 T scanner were reviewed. Free breathing T2 and T2* weighted images were acquired on each patient. For T2, multi-slice spin echo sequences were obtained. For T2*, a single mid-liver slice fast gradient echo was performed starting at 0.6 ms with 1.2 ms increments with signal averaging. R2 measurements were performed by Ferriscan analysis. R2* measurements were performed by quantitative T2* map analysis. Results: 107 patients underwent liver scans with the following diagnoses: 76 sickle cell anemia, 20 Thalassemia, 9 malignancies and 2 Blackfan Diamond anemia. Mean age was 12.5 ± 4.5 years. Average scan time for R2 sequences was 10 min, while R2* sequence time was 20 s. R2* estimation of LIC correlated closely with R2 with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. Agreement was strongest for LIC < 15 mg Fe/g dry weight. Overall bias from Bland–Altman plot was 0.66 with a standard deviation of 2.8 and 95% limits of agreement −4.8 to 6.1. Conclusion: LIC estimation by R2* correlates well with R2-Ferriscan in the pediatric age group. Due to the very short scan time of R2*, it allows imaging without sedation or anesthesia. Cardiac involvement was uncommon in this cohort.
Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence as a Foreground for Cosmic Microwave Background Studies

Measurements of the intensity and polarization of diffuse Galactic synchrotron emission as well as starlight polarization reveal power-law spectra of fluctuations. We show that these fluctuations can arise from MHD turbulence in the Galactic disk and halo. To do so, we take into account the converging geometry of lines of sight for the observations when the observer is within the turbulent volume. Assuming that the intensity of turbulence changes along the line of sight, we get a reasonable fit to the observed synchrotron data. As for the spectra of polarized starlight, we get a good fit to the observations taking into account the fact that the observational sample is biased toward nearby stars.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Imaging Education

Abstract Objective To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast imaging education Methods A 22-item survey addressing four themes during the early pandemic (time on service, structured education, clinical training, future plans) was emailed to Society of Breast Imaging members and members-in-training in July 2020 Responses were compared using McNemar’s and Mann-Whitney U tests;a general linear model was used for multivariate analysis Results Of 136 responses (136/2824, 4 8%), 96 U S responses from radiologists with trainees, residents, and fellows were included Clinical exposure declined during the early pandemic, with almost no medical students on service (66/67, 99%) and fewer clinical days for residents (78/89, 88%) and fellows (48/68, 71%) Conferences shifted to remote live format (57/78, 73%), with some canceled (15/78, 19%) Compared to pre-pandemic, resident diagnostic (75/78, 96% versus 26/78, 33%) (P<0 001) and procedural (73/78, 94% versus 21/78, 27%) (P<0 001) participation fell, as did fellow diagnostic (60/61, 98% versus 47/61, 77%) (P=0 001) and procedural (60/61, 98% versus 43/61, 70%) (P<0 001) participation Most thought that the pandemic negatively influenced resident and fellow screening (64/77, 83% and 43/60, 72%, respectively), diagnostic (66/77, 86% and 37/60, 62%), and procedural (71/77, 92% and 37/61, 61%) education However, a majority thought that decreased time on service (36/67, 54%) and patient contact (46/79, 58%) would not change residents’ pursuit of a breast imaging fellowship Conclusion The pandemic has had a largely negative impact on breast imaging education, with reduction in exposure to all aspects of breast imaging However, this may not affect career decisions
Prognostic value of oocyte quality in assisted reproductive technology outcomes: a systematic review

Objective To survey and assess modern methodologies used to test oocyte quality that have prognostic value in predicting assisted reproductive technology outcomes Evidence Review Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we surveyed the English-language literature between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Two reviewers screened for articles focusing on oocyte quality markers that predict assisted reproductive technology outcomes, including embryo quality as well as fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, continued pregnancy, and live birth rates. Articles that did not mention oocytes or those that focused on nonhuman subjects, oocyte aging, oocyte maturation, embryo quality, interventions, or specific clinical diagnoses (endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome) were deemed outside the scope of this analysis and excluded. Results Twenty-six relevant articles were identified, including 19 prospective and 7 retrospective studies (n = 2,210 patients). We identified 3 general approaches for oocyte quality assessment: morphological evaluation (11 articles), genomics and proteomics (13 articles), and artificial intelligence (2 articles). Morphological assessment did not show a consistent pattern of predictive value of predicting in vitro fertilization outcomes (7 articles in favor of its predictive value, 4 against). A considerable proportion of genomic and proteomic articles identified promising biomarkers that may predict pregnancy and live birth (12 in favor, 1 against). Machine learning is a rapidly growing frontier that minimizes subjectivity while potentially improving predictive ability (2 in favor). Conclusion Although there remains a lack of consensus on optimal methods to predict reproductive success, machine learning and genomics demonstrate promise in improving the understanding of oocyte quality assessment and prognostication.
The Study of the Social Bases of Intellectual Functioning Across the Life Course: Issues, Findings, and Directions for Further Research on Abstraction

The study of the social bases of intellectual functioning across the life course faces three broad challenges: (a) the conceptualization and measurement of intellectual functioning, (b) the identification of genuinely causal relationships, and (c) the valid generalization of findings to a population of interest. This final chapter evaluates this study’s response to each of these challenges, exposing the strengths and limitations of the theoretical orientations and methodological approaches that have guided this work. A summary of conclusions follows that and then the book concludes with a discussion of future directions in research on abstraction.
Renal dopamine production and release in the rat: a microdialysis study.

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes several studies that investigate renal interstitial (RIF) dopamine (DA) and urinary DA excretion (U DA V) in anesthetized rats on either normal or high sodium balance and in response to acute administration of a DA prodrug, γ-L-glutamyl-L-dopa (gludopa). Responses of renal sodium excretion and intrarenal blood flow distribution to gludopa have also been examined. The studies confirmed that U DA V increases in response to chronic salt loading. The mechanism underlying the observed reduction in RIF DA with chronic salt loading is not apparent. Histofluorescent and neurochemical findings also suggest the presence of dopaminergic neurons in the kidney, and adrenergic nerves may become dopaminergic under certain circumstances. Vagal afferents have been shown to stimulate renal release of DA and produce a neurogenically mediated natriuresis. The data confirm that the main source of DA in the urine is nonneuronal, and further demonstrate that renal nerve activity does not contribute significantly to either urinary or interstitial fluid DA. The studies presented in the chapter strongly support that intrarenal DA plays a role in the control of natriuresis through a tubule mechanism. The renal sympathetic nerve endings are closely related to the juxtaglomerular apparatus and proximal tubule cells. It has been also demonstrated that intrarenal production of DA and its renal effects are not significantly influenced by renal sympathetic nerve activity.
Testability analysis using a discrete event systems framework

For a complex natural or a man-made system, automated fault detection and diagnosis often presents a challenging task. We previously (1994) presented results on the testability of a system whose fault behavior is modeled by a nondeterministic automaton. We also discussed issues pertaining to testability including minimal testable observation and the finest testable partition of the fault space. In this paper, we show that the definition of testability has a natural equivalent interpretation in terms of "one-step" faults. Specifically, we show the equivalence of the given automaton model and a directed bipartite graph under the testability definition. The equivalent bipartite graph representation allows us to derive an efficient fault diagnosis algorithm, when the system is assumed to be testable.
Topologically nontrivial Floquet band structure in a system undergoing photonic transitions in the ultrastrong-coupling regime

We consider a system of dynamically-modulated photonic resonator lattice undergoing photonic transition and show that in the ultrastrong-coupling regime such a lattice can exhibit nontrivial topological properties, including topologically nontrivial band gaps, and the associated topologically robust one-way edge states. Compared with the same system operating in the regime where the rotating wave approximation is valid, operating the system in the ultrastrong-coupling regime results in a one-way edge mode that has a larger bandwidth and is less susceptible to loss. Also, in the ultrastrong-coupling regime, the system undergoes a topological insulator-to-metal phase transition as one varies the modulation strength. This phase transition has no counterpart in systems satisfying the rotating wave approximation, and its nature is directly related to the nontrivial topology of the quasienergy space.
Chapter 12 Accelerating Conformational Transitions in Biomolecular Simulations

Publisher Summary Computational methods such as molecular dynamics simulation are presently the only avenue available to observe the time evolution of biological molecules at atomistic detail. This chapter focuses on the accelerated molecular dynamics approach, which belongs to this class of methods. The chapter explores the basis of this method as it relates to umbrella sampling and subsequent methodologies that have similar roots. However, the timescale of conventional molecular dynamics simulations is currently limited to tens of nanoseconds and the simulations of biomolecules appear to be nonergodic because of high-energy barriers separating potential energy basins. A class of accelerated molecular dynamics methods that modify the potential energy landscape akin to the umbrella sampling method has shown much promise. This method has been applied to biological systems and is also being used to explore larger proteins in explicit water simulations. By defining a robust bias potential that is not expensive to construct, accelerated molecular dynamics accelerate the molecular dynamics simulation by many orders of magnitude.
The Amino Acid Sequence of Bovine Heart Cytochrome c

The amino acid composition of beef heart cytochrome c was determined. The protein was digested with chymotrypsin and trypsin and the digests were resolved by ion exchange chromatography on Dowex 50 with volatile buffers. From the chymotryptic and tryptic digests, 16 and 17 fractions, respectively, were isolated and characterized. From the overlapping composition and sequences plus the use of the chemical reagents, cyanogen bromide and N-bromosuccinimide, the complete sequence of 104 residues was deduced. Bovine heart cytochrome c has an amino acid sequence identical with that of pig and sheep cytochromes c.
The Acquittal of Geert Wilders and Dutch Political Culture

The June 23, 2011 acquittal of Geert Wilders has been viewed as a victory for freedom of speech over multiculturalism. While containing an element of truth, this framing has limitations. First, even as Wilders’ “triumphed” over multiculturalism he still cast himself as a champion of Dutch tolerance. Second, Wilders’ victory was a narrow one. The court, while acquitting, noted that Wilders went right to the line of permissible speech. Wilders acquittal does not necessarily portend an end of Dutch exceptionalism or its hate speech laws. Instead, the trial was noteworthy for (i) its obsession with the Nazi past, (ii) its debate over the rights and duties of a politician, and (iii) the conflict that arose between one of Wilders’ witnesses and an appeals court judge who in 2009 ordered the prosecutor to bring charges against Wilders.
Where Has All the Carbon Gone

The combustion of fossil fuels continues to rise, but the amount of COaccumulating in the atmosphere has not increased accordingly. As [Wofsy][1] explains in his Perspective, this discrepancy is explained by the ability of trees and organic matter in forests to sequester carbon ([ Pacala et al .][2], [ Fang et al .][3]). Those making land use decisions should factor into their calculations the enormous benefits of forests as carbon sinks for removing anthropogenic COfrom the atmosphere. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/292/5525/2261 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/292/5525/2316 [3]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/292/5525/2320
Tube-burst response of irradiated Zircaloy spent-fuel cladding

Transient-heating tube-burst tests were conducted on a 50.8-cm length of Zircaloy cladding obtained from spent-fuel rods irradiated in the H. B. Robinson power reactor to a peak burn-up of 30 MWD/kg. Internal electrical resistance heaters were used to achieve nominal heating rates of 28°C/s for the tests. The tests were conducted in steam and the independent experimental variable was the initial level of helium pressurization. Tube burst pressures varied from 0.965 to 12.514 MPa. Corresponding burst stresses and temperatures varied from 7.5 MPa and 1135°C to 99.1 MPa and 734°C, respectively. Failure strains ranged up to 46 percent when burst occurred at upper (a + β) and β-phase temperatures and up to 30 percent for failures occurring at lower temperatures. No significant difference in burst behavior between unirradiated and spent nuclear fuel Zircaloy cladding was observed experimentally. No influence of axial restraint on burst strains was noted.
Effect of Cooking Methods on Palatability, Hypoxanthine and Uric Acid Content of Dark Turkey Meat

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE most abundant 5′nucleotide in flesh food is inosine monophosphate (IMP), which after death quickly appears from degradation of the muscle adenosine monophosphate (AMP). IMP accumulates in the muscle and it is only after prolonged storage that IMP is broken down to hypoxanthine via inosine (Shimazono, 1964). Therefore, Rhodes (1965) suggested that measuring degradation products of ATP gives an estimate of age of meat and fish and hence predicts remaining storage life. Although it is quite well agreed that IMP has flavor intensifying properties (Doty et al., 1961; Kazeniac, 1961), there is a less agreement on the flavor sensations produced by degradation products of nucleotides, i.e., that is, their corresponding nucleosides and purine bases. Jones (1961) believed that much of the loss of the desirable, sweet, meaty flavor and progressive increase in bitterness in fish was attributed to hypoxanthine. Kazeniac (1961) described hypoxanthine as being the bitter component of . . .
Tilting at windmills: 20 years of Hippeastrum breeding

Hippeastrum Herbert, amaryllis, has yielded popular large-flowered hybrids over a 200-year breeding history, with the Netherlands and South Africa currently dominating the market. The USDA breeding program is now almost ten years old, built upon a ten-year previous history at the University of Florida that yielded three patented triploid varieties. This program has focused heavily on two species, H. papilio and H. brasilianum, and over 1000 selections of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid progeny have been stockpiled. Attempts to develop a domestic commercial producer have been stymied by economic conditions, and a steady program of patented release is planned. Future directions of the breeding involve induction of tetraploidy in diploid selections, and genomic explorations of genes involved in floral fragrance and pigment expression.
Blood loses it when nerves go bad

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are diseases that arise in the stem cells of the blood. In a recent paper published in Nature, Arranz et al. demonstrated that abrogation of sympathetic nerve fibers reduced bone marrow Nestin+ mesenchymal cells, which in turn led to an expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and progression of myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Ion Conductivity, Structural Dynamics and the Effective Force in DNA Origami Nanopores

Nanopores have emerged as convenient tools for single molecule manipulation and analysis. In a typical measurement, a charged biomolecule-DNA or a protein-is transported through a narrow pore in a biological or synthetic membrane by external electric field. The presence and, in some cases, the chemical structure of the biomolecules is detected by measuring changes in the ionic current that flows through the nanopore. Recently, it has become possible to combine solid-state nanopores with self-assembled DNA nanostructures, the so-called DNA origami, into hybrid pores of advanced functionality. In such systems, a DNA origami plate partially covers the solid-state nanopore, providing both a nanopore of well-defined chemical structure and a platform for incorporation of auxiliary systems such as processive molecular motors and/or metallic nanoparticles. Here, we report molecular dynamics simulations of DNA origami nanopores that characterized the microscopic properties of such systems with unprecedented resolution. First, we built accurate all-atom models of DNA origami nanopores based on the honeycomb and square lattices and simulated the models using the molecular dynamics method. Next, we determined the ionic conductivity of different DNA origami designs by performing the simulations under applied electric field. For some square lattice designs, we observed reversible changes in the DNA origami structures responsive to the magnitude of the applied electric field. In the final set of simulations, we studied the electrophoretic transport of double-stranded DNA through DNA origami nanopores and characterized the effective force exerted by the applied field on both the permeating DNA molecule and the DNA origami structure. Our simulations demonstrate the utility of the molecular dynamics method for rational engineering of DNA origami nanopores into nanoscale sensors of advanced detection functionality.