cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring and Analyzing Parallel Computing Scalability

In this paper we compare a group of existing scalability metrics and evaluation models through experiments and analyses. This work is mainly motivated by an experimental metric using network latency to measure and evaluate the scalability of parallel programs and architectures. Experiments of running a large physics simulation program and its scaling variations on the KSR-1 multiprocessor have been intensively conducted in this study. The scalability data are collected and visualized by an integrated software environment, called S-Graph. Our objectives are to address fundamental issues of parallel computing scalability, such as evaluation models, analytical and experimental metrics, and measurement methodology; to examine latency patterns inherent in the architecture and the program and their effects on scalability; and to evaluate relative merits and limits of several existing metrics. Our comparisons indicate that both time-bound and memory-bound models have their limitations for evaluating scalability performance, while efficiency-based model could obtain reasonably precise measurements.
Revisiting Error-Autocorrelation Correction: Common Factor Restrictions and Granger Non-Causality*

The paper questions the appropriateness of the practice known as ‘error‐autocorrelation correcting’ in linear regression, by showing that adopting an AR(1) error formulation is equivalent to assuming that the regressand does not Granger cause any of the regressors. This result is used to construct a new test for the common factor restrictions, as well as investigate – using Monte Carlo simulations – other potential sources of unreliability of inference resulting from this practice. The main conclusion is that when the Granger cause restriction is false, the ordinary least square and generalized least square estimators are biased and inconsistent, and using autocorrelation‐consistent standard errors does not improve the reliability of inference.
When innovating, go slow [Spectral Lines]

THE TANGLED HISTORY of innovation reveals a peculiar lesson: Slow is often better than fast. The current assumption is that innovation at its best hits like a hurricane. Austrian-American economist and political scientist Joseph Schumpeter, who first recognized the importance of innovation for economic growth, famously described innovation as coming in "gales," sweeping aside all that came before. But whether it's biomedical, digital, or electromechanical, systems-level innovation requires human ingenuity, even wisdom. And the wise adaptation of advances in technoscience—in the design, engineering, and management of large knowledge-based systems that deliver energy, information, transportation, security, food, and health—takes time.
Adaptation to Marital Separation in Later and Earlier Life

In recent years, the divorce rate has increased markedly for people of all ages. Whereas the consequences of the divorce experience for those in young adulthood have received considerable attention, relatively little is known about their impact on older adults. This paper evaluates the psychosocial functioning of recently separated men and women (N = 310) ranging in age from 20 to the 70s. Included in the analyses were measures of morale, psychiatric symptoms, time perspective, self-reported physical health, social disruption, personal disruption, and divorce-induced upset. The older respondents exhibited more psychosocial distress than did the younger, whereas sex differences suggested that men and women have different vulnerabilities.
Epidermal growth factor receptor: An independent predictor of survival in astrocytic tumors given definitive irradiation

Purpose : To determine whether the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein was predictive of patient survival independently of other prognostic factors in astrocytic tumors. Methods and Materials : Epidermal growth factor receptor protein expression was investigated immunohistochemically in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens of 55 glioblastoma multiforme, 14 anaplastic astrocytoma, and 2 astrocytomas given definitive irradiation. We evaluated the relationship of EGFR protein expression and tumor grade, histologic features, age at diagnosis, sex, patient survival, and recurrence-free survival. Results : The percentage of tumor cells which were EGFR positive related to reduced survival by Cox regression analysis in both univariate (p = 0.0424) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.0016). Epidermal growth factor receptor positivity was the only 1 of 11 clinical and histological variables associated with decreased recurrence-free survival by either univariate (p = 0.0353) or multivariate (p = 0.0182) analysis. Epidermal growth factor receptor protein expression was not related to patient age, sex, or histologic features. Conclusion : Epidermal growth factor receptor positivity was a significant and independent prognostic indicator for overall survival and recurrence-free survival for irradiated patients with astrocytic gliomas.
Mixing and characterization of nanosized powders: An assessment of different techniques

The objective of this paper was to gain an understanding of the mixing and characterization of nanosized powders. Three different nanosized material systems were selected based on their physical and chemical properties. Mixing experiments of the selected nanopowders were performed using a variety of environmentally friendly dry powder processing devices and the rapid expansion of supercritical CO2 suspensions (RESS process) and compared with solvent-based methods coupled with ultrasonic agitation. A number of imaging techniques, including FESEM, AFM, TEM, EELS and EDS were used to characterize the degree of mixing or homogeneity of the mixtures obtained. The results indicate that only some of the imaging techniques are capable of determining the quality of nanoparticle mixing, depending on the physical and chemical properties of the nanopowders. For example, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) is suitable for characterizing powder mixtures having a distinct difference in particle shape, or with a large difference in atomic number of the metallic element of the two constituents. Only electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) was able to fully characterize nanopowder mixtures of SiO2 and TiO2 at the nanoscale. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) provided information on mixing quality, but only on a scale of about 1 µm. The results also show that solvent-based mixing methods coupled with ultrasonic agitation, and RESS generally perform better than dry powder processing systems, with the exception of the hybridizer, in generating a homogeneous mixture.
Agonism in academic discourse

Abstract The pervasiveness of agonism, that is, ritualized adversativeness, in contemporary western academic discourse is the source of both obfuscation of knowledge and personal suffering in academia. Framing academic discourse as a metaphorical battle leads to a variety of negative consequences, many of which have ethical as well as personal dimensions. Among these consequences is a widespread assumption that critical dialogue is synonymous with negative critique, at the expense of other types of ‘critical thinking’. Another is the requirement that scholars search for weaknesses in others' work at the expense of seeking strengths, understanding the roots of theoretical differences, or integrating disparate but related ideas. Agonism also encourages the conceptualization of complex and subtle work as falling into two simplified warring camps. Finally, it leads to the exclusion or marginalization of those who lack a taste for agonistic interchange. Alternative approaches to intellectual interchange need not entirely replace agonistic ones but should be accommodated alongside them.
Metallic Wire Array as Low-Effective Index of Refraction Medium for Directive Antenna Application

Two-dimensional (2-D) metallic wire arrays are studied as effective media with an index of refraction less than unity (n eff < 1). The effective medium parameters (permittivity ?eff, permeability ?eff and neff) of a wire array are extracted from the finite-element simulated scattering parameters and verified through a 2-D electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure case study. A simple design methodology for directive monopole antennas is introduced by embedding a monopole within a metallic wire array with (n eff < 1) at the antenna operating frequencies. The narrow beam effect of the monopole antenna is demonstrated in both simulation and experiment at X-band (8-12 GHz). Measured antenna properties including reflection coefficient and radiation patterns are in good agreement with simulation results. Parametric studies of the antenna system are performed. The physical principles and interpretations of the directive monopole antenna embedded in the wire array medium are also discussed.
Heart-Healthy Exercise

Approximately 600000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, and it is the leading cause of death for both men and women.1 Coronary artery disease occurs when cholesterol-filled plaque builds up in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Over time, this plaque buildup can cause significant narrowing of the arteries (called atherosclerosis), which may lead to chest pain (angina) or heart attack. Regular exercise is one of the best treatments to prevent coronary artery disease and to decrease your risk of future events if you already have heart disease. There are many modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight or obese, poor dietary habits, diabetes mellitus, and inactivity. A major step to reducing the risk of coronary artery disease is to increase daily activity and exercise. Not only can exercise reduce the potential for atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression, but it can also help reduce other risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Physical activity is anything that makes the body …
Terrestrial heat flow and crustal radioactivity in northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado

New heat-flow data obtained in northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado show three regional trends: (1) A broad heat-flow anomaly associated with the southern Rocky Mountains contrasts with a narrow heat-flow anomaly between lat 35.5/sup 0/ and 34/sup 0/N, apparently associated only with the Rio Grande rift. (2) The high heat-flow anomaly apparently associated with the southern Rocky Mountains extends 200 to 300 km onto the Great Plains of northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado. (3) Areas of extensive volcanic activity do not necessarily have high heat flow. In addition, measurements of crustal radioactivity in the vicinity of the Rio Grande rift suggest that the radioactive heat generation contributes uniformly to the surface heat flow. This implies that the heat-flow anomaly observed along the Rio Grande rift is caused by tectonic and volcanic sources and not by anomalously high crustal radioactivity.
Have brain dynamics evolved?: Should we look for unique dynamics in the sapient species?

Ongoing "spontaneous" electrical field potentials of assemblies of neurons in the brains of diverse animal groups differ widely in character and amplitude without obvious explanation. There may be correlates with other measures of brain complexity, such as histological differentiation, but so far there are no known differences between the EEGs of humans and other mammals or between mammals and reptiles, amphibians or fish, apart from amplitude. The proposition is defended that further search for descriptors or statistical, probably nonlinear features of the time series will reveal consistent differences, meaning that we have so far missed major features of the natural history of EEGs, just as we have thus far relatively neglected the identification of features of the physiology of the brain relevant to its evolution of complexity through major grades of phyla, classes, and orders.
Global biogeochemical cycling estimates with CZCS satellite data and general circulation models

Computed geophysical fields from a 3-D general circulation model are coupled with the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) satellite data on chlorophyll content of surface ocean waters. The CZCS satellite data on chlorophyll content of surface ocean waters are used to estimate the photochemical lability of dissolved organic matter in the surface ocean. Monthly estimates are made of the global ocean to atmosphere flux of a biogeochemically important gas, carbonyl sulfide (OCS), with 2.8[degree] [times] 2.8[degree] latitude-longitude spatial resolution. This novel technique provides a conceptual and computational method for integrating data collected as part of future satellite measurement campaigns, such as the Earth Observing System (EOS) and Sea-viewing Wide-field-of view Sensor (SeaWiFS), with 3-D chemistry-climate prediction models. 15 refs., 2 figs.
On Wiener's Criterion for an Elliptic Equation with Nonuniform Degeneration

For some class of nonuniformly degenerated elliptic equations of second order, a necessary and sucient condition for boundary points to be regular is found. This condition is an analogue of Wiener's criterion for the Laplace equation.
Excimer laser-facilitated angioplasty for undilatable coronary narrowings.

Abstract In summary, excimer laser angioplasty is a safe and effective treatment for lesions not dilatable by balloon angioplasty alone. The lower success rates in calcified lesions suggest that these lesions should be approached with alternative therapy.
The pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of tubulointerstitial inflammation in human lupus nephritis

Nephritis is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus for which current therapies often prove inadequate. Current lupus nephritis classification systems emphasize glomerular acuity and scarring. However, tubulointerstitial inflammation (TII) and scarring are much better predictors of progression to renal failure. It now is becoming clear that the immunologic features, and probable underlying mechanisms, are very different in lupus glomerulonephritis and TII at the time of biopsy. Although glomerulonephritis is a manifestation of systemic autoimmunity, TII is associated with local in situ adaptive immune cell networks predicted to amplify local inflammation and tissue damage. In addition, poorly defined networks of innate immune cells and effectors likely contribute to the severity of local inflammation. Defining these in situ immune mechanisms should lead to a better understanding of prognostically meaningful lupus nephritis subsets and show novel therapeutic opportunities.
Novel genetic tools facilitate the study of cortical neuron migration

Key facets of mammalian forebrain cortical development include the radial migration of projection neurons and subsequent cellular differentiation into layer-specific subtypes. Inappropriate regulation of these processes can lead to a number of congenital brain defects in both mouse and human, including lissencephaly and intellectual disability. The genes regulating these processes are still not all identified, suggesting genetic analyses will continue to be a powerful tool in mechanistically studying the development of the cerebral cortex. Reelin is a molecule which we have understood to be critical for proper cortical development for many years. The precise mechanism of Reelin, however, is not fully understood. To address both of these unresolved issues, we report here the creation of a novel conditional allele of the Reelin gene and showcase the use of an Etv1-GFP transgenic line highlighting a subpopulation of the cortex: layer V pyramidal neurons. Together, these represent genetic tools which may facilitate the study of cortical development in a number of different ways.
Ending in the Middle

Over the course of this book project we met for long weekends on the Oregon coast, at Maureen ’ s cabin at the base of Mt. Hood, in Victoria, British Columbia, as well as during snatches of time captured rendezvousing while in route to and from various vacations and travels. We ’ ve used these times to review the narratives, flesh-out ideas to move the work forward, and as we have always done, update each other and share the details and times of our lives.
Activity and Water-Induced Movement of Termiticides in Soil

Topical toxicity of cypermethrin (LD50 = 1.6 μg/g) was approximately three times greater to Reticulitermes hesperus Banks than chlorpyrifos (LD50 = 4.5 μg/g) and ≈35 times greater than chlordane (LD50 = 56.8 μg/g) after 7 d. Water rinsed from soil treated with chlorpyrifos produced significantly greater kill than did soil treated with an aqueous rinse hom soil h’eated with cypermethrin. The rinse water from soil treated with chlordane did not produce significant kill when redeposited on untreated soil. Termiticidal amounts of chlorpyrifos, chlordane, or cypermethrin moved to soil depths of at least 30,7, and 7 cm, respectively. With cypenrmethrin, sublethal effects were detected to a depth of 42 cm.
Ionic-Diffusion-Driven, Low-Temperature, Solid-State Reactions Observed on Copper Sulfide Nanowires

Using vertically aligned Cu2S nanowires as both physical templates and chemical sources, unique heteronanostructures were synthesized by solid-state conversion reactions at low temperatures. At tem...
Uncertainty, Price Stabilization, and Welfare

This paper investigates whether a small country facing foreign price instability benefits from active stabilization of the domestic price of the importable. For example, the European Community can be treated as a small open economy facing price instability of agricultural products originating in the United States. A tariff is out of the question because it is not optimal for a small open economy. However, the European Community may stabilize the domestic price of the importable. It is shown that, if the random tariff revenue ex post, domestic price stabilization increases income instability and nonintervention is optimal. If an ex ante rebating scheme is employed, a small country can benefit from domestic price stabilization and there exists a partial stabilization policy that dominates free trade. Partial stabilization of the domestic price with the ex ante rebate requires a variable import levy inversely related to the foreign price of the importable. However, complete stabilization of domestic price, which requires setting a target price and a variable import levy as currently used in the European Community, is not optimal.
Japan's Energy Security Institutional Guarantee and its Enlightenment to Chinese Energy Management Reformation

Japan has established sound energy management system and operating mechanism to guarantee energy security during the energy crisis in the 20th century.Energy security has the same strategic significance to our sustainable development and national security.Some feasible suggestions will be made to our energy management reformation by evaluating Japan's energy security guarantee system and the evolution of Chinese energy administration systematic reform.
Enhanced glycosylation induced by adriamycin.

Within 30 min of exposure of P388 murine leukemia cells to the anthracycline anti-tumor drug adriamycin, cell-surface electronegativity and incorporation of radioactive fucose into membrane glycoproteins were markedly increased, while cell surface hydrophobicity and incorporation of thymidine into DNA decreased. Incorporation of labeled leucine into cell protein was unaffected. These data indicate a drug-induced increase in production of electronegative and hydrophilic membrane glycoproteins which was not found when adriamycin-resistant cells were similarly treated.
Why We Can't Turn Our Backs.

The editor for Virtual Mentor for April 2008 introduces the issue on the theme of medical care for US immigrants. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Breast surgery techniques: preoperative bracketing wire localization by surgeons.

With the development of expertise in image guidance for breast surgery, many surgeons now perform preoperative wire localization themselves. Use of a single wire versus multiple wires to bracket a radiographic breast abnormality has previously been described, although benefits of this technique based on clinical outcomes such as margin status, tissue volume removed, and re-excision rates have not been established. This study is a retrospective analysis of wire-localized breast biopsies performed by 14 surgeons over 29 months; stereotactic and ultrasound guidance were used. During this time, 489 wire localizations were done, of which 159 used multiple wires. Two hundred eleven of these biopsies were done for malignant disease, 86 using multiple wires. After controlling for tumor node metastases stage, single and multiple wire placements were compared using endpoints of margin status, need for re-excision, and total volume of tissue removed. Neither margin status nor re-excision was related to the number of wires placed. However, the number of wires placed was significantly related to the total volume of tissue removed. Use of more than one localizing wire was associated with greater volume of tissue removal (measured in centimeters cubed) in benign disease (46 vs 25, P 80) surgeons did not differ in the type or stage of breast pathology treated. Surgeons with high case volumes were more likely to place multiple localizing wires (P < 0.001) and were more likely to do a breast-conserving procedure if re-excision was performed (P < 0.018). Surgeons with low case volumes were more likely to perform a re-excision (P < 0.025). Surgeon experience has a positive impact on quality outcome measures such as performance of a definitive procedure at the time of initial surgery and use of breast-conserving procedures at the time of re-excision. Multiple wire localization can be used to significantly reduce the volume of breast tissue removed in malignant disease without sacrificing margin status or increasing the need for future re-excision.
Public Interests and the Duty of Food Citizenship

The food system impacts many issues of public interests and hence requires that we participate in the governance of it; not only should we act responsibly for our own food purchases, but for the system that produces, manufactures, transports, and disposes of food. This means that society needs to stop treating food choices as merely private ones and not open to democratic governance. We need to stop acting as passive consumers assuming that the system puts out safe, culturally appropriate, and quality products with proper protections for actors in the system and the environment. Instead, we should take responsibility to understand and control the food system through the democratic process and our consumer habits to ensure that the food system is just, supports environmental integrity, is humane to animals, and provides nutritious and delicious food for society.
Origins and Consolidation of the Imperium

The origins and evolution ofAmerica’s global imperium resulting from its successes in World War II and its successful Cold War containment of Soviet imperialism.
Helping to realize “computer science for all”: Student outcomes of self-pacing in introductory programming courses

Sparked by a series of national campaigns to increase interest in computer science, computer science departments are inundated with students who are interested in learning how to program. Despite the interest, introductory computer science course have relatively low completion rates (approximately 55% at Mason) and high rates of academic integrity violations. In response to this environment, the Computer Science department at Mason received an external grant to redesign their introductory programming courses to a self-paced, flipped format. Implementation began in Fall 2015 with a quasi-experimental methodology that tracks students from an experimental course and a control group (those who took more traditional introductory CS courses) over the course of the semester. Data collected includes grades on assignments, self-report surveys, and classroom observations. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a self-paced, flipped curricular design in an introductory experiential computer science course on the immediate (in course) completion. In this short lightning talk, we will present data from student surveys and classroom observations identifying any difference across the control and experimental groups. Preliminary results identify a significant increase in student completion upwards of a 20% difference across the groups. In addition to increasing knowledge of the impact of self-paced courses on student retention and success in computer science, we offer an alternative method to collect data on classroom observations via the Real-time Observation Classroom Application (ROCA). ROCA allows for efficient data collection and comparison of specific pedagogies to student engagement measures.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception : Metabolic parameters and mood changes

This review summarizes the existing literature regarding metabolic parameters and mood changes in women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). MEDLINE and additional bibliographic sources were searched to identify English-language articles describing clinical trials and cross-sectional studies of DMPA published during the last 20 years. DMPA has little or no effect on glucose tolerance, but insulin levels may increase. An increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol have been observed in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies; however, there are no data to indicate whether the observed lipid alterations lead to adverse clinical events. There is some evidence suggesting decreased bone density in long-term DMPA users. Longitudinal data regarding bone density changes are needed to assess changes both during and after use. Most cross-sectional and longitudinal studies show increased mean weight or weight gain in DMPA users. Controlled studies of weight change that evaluate subgroups and effects of confounding variables are also needed to provide constructive advice to patients. Data regarding depression or mood changes in DMPA users are scanty and do not support a causal relationship between use of this contraceptive and affective disorders. For all of these parameters, case reports indicating adverse clinical outcomes are nearly absent from the literature despite widespread long-term international use of DMPA.
Thirty years that shook physics

The first third of the 20th century brought a profound change in physics. Only the publication of Newton's Principia in 1687 had an impact comparable to that of the twin developments of quantum theory and relativity. These two theories provide the foundation for all the physics that determines our daily lives, from computer chips and plastic bags through to antibiotics and the genetic code.
SURVEY OF WORLD ENERGY RESOURCES

ABSTRACT The present large-scale use of energy and power by the human species represents a unique event in the billions of years of geologic history. Furthermore, in magnitude, most of the development has occurred during the present century. In the United States, the peak in the rate of petroleum production occurred in 1970 and that for natural gas is imminent. The peak in the world production of crude oil is expected to occur at about the year 2000 and that for coal production at about 2150 or 2200. For other sources of energy and power, water power, geothermal power and tidal power are inadequate to replace power from fossil fuels. Nuclear power, based on the breeder reactor and utilizing low-grade deposits of uranium and thorium, has a larger potential than the fossil fuels, but it also constitutes a large perpetual hazard. The largest source of energy available to the earth is solar radiation. This source has a life-expectancy of a geologic time scale, is nonpolluting and is larger in magnitude than any likely requirements by the human species. In consequence of the large supplies of available energy, the period since 1800 has been one of an unprecedented exponential industrial growth. This also has been accompanied by a world-wide ecological disturbance, including that of the human population. It can easily be seen that such a period of growth must be ephemeral in character and, in fact, is now almost over. One aspect of this transition from a state of exponential growth to a state of nongrowth is the present alarm over an “energy crisis.” Actually, the world's present problems are by no means unmanageable in terms of present biological and technological knowledge. The real crisis confronting us is, therefore, not an energy crisis but a cultural crisis. During the last two centuries, we have evolved what amounts to an exponential-growth, with institutions based on the premise of an indefinite continuation of exponential growth. One of the principal consequences of the cessation of exponential growth will be an inevitable revision of some of the tenets of that culture.
What would the experts do? Genetic testing, surveillance, and risk-reduction preferences for BRCA and Lynch syndrome.

e12542 Background: Extensive data and national guidelines are now available regarding surveillance and risk reduction options for BRCA and Lynch syndrome mutation carriers. However, most of these o...
The Kiowa Odyssey: Evidence of historical relationships among Pueblo, Fremont, and Northwest Plains peoples

A detail of North American prehistory that has long puzzled anthropologists is how the Kiowa speech community ended up on the Southern Plains, given that Kiowa is closely related to the Tanoan Pueblo languages of the US Southwest. In this paper, we present a variety of linguistic, ethnographic, and archaeological evidence which suggest: (1) Proto-Kiowa-Tanoan was spoken in Late Archaic and Eastern Basketmaker II sites on the Colorado Plateau; (2) Kiowan diverged from Proto-Tanoan prior to the Basketmaker III period; (3) Kiowa was among the languages spoken in Eastern Fremont sites; (4) Kiowa-speaking peoples migrated from the Fremont area to the Northwest Plains around 1300 CE; and (5) Kiowa people moved from the Yellowstone area to the Southern Plains by the early nineteenth century. This hypothesis suggests that Pueblo and Fremont peoples share threads of common heritage and that contemporary Kiowa people may have affiliations with certain Fremont and Northwest Plains sites.
Unusual zinc-binding mode of HDAC6-selective hydroxamate inhibitors.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate myriad cellular processes by catalyzing the hydrolysis of acetyl–l-lysine residues in histone and nonhistone proteins. The Zn2+-dependent class IIb enzyme HDAC6 regulates microtubule function by deacetylating α-tubulin, which suppresses microtubule dynamics and leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Accordingly, HDAC6 is a target for the development of selective inhibitors that might be useful in new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other disorders. Here, we present high-resolution structures of catalytic domain 2 from Danio rerio HDAC6 (henceforth simply “HDAC6”) complexed with compounds that selectively inhibit HDAC6 while maintaining nanomolar inhibitory potency: N-hydroxy-4-[(N(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-phenylacetamido)methyl)-benzamide)] (HPB), ACY-1215 (Ricolinostat), and ACY-1083. These structures reveal that an unusual monodentate Zn2+ coordination mode is exploited by sterically bulky HDAC6-selective phenylhydroxamate inhibitors. We additionally report the ultrahigh-resolution structure of the HDAC6–trichostatin A complex, which reveals two Zn2+-binding conformers for the inhibitor: a major conformer (70%) with canonical bidentate hydroxamate-Zn2+ coordination geometry and a minor conformer (30%) with monodentate hydroxamate-Zn2+ coordination geometry, reflecting a free energy difference of only 0.5 kcal/mol. The minor conformer is not visible in lower resolution structure determinations. Structural comparisons of HDAC6-inhibitor complexes with class I HDACs suggest active site features that contribute to the isozyme selectivity observed in biochemical assays.
A fossiliferous spherule-rich bed at the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary in Mississippi, USA: Implications for the K–Pg mass extinction event in the Mississippi Embayment and Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain

Abstract We describe an outcrop of the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary exposed due to construction near New Albany, Union County, Mississippi. It consists of the Owl Creek Formation and overlying Clayton Formation. The Owl Creek Formation is rich in the ammonites Discoscaphites iris and Eubaculites carinatus, which, along with biostratigraphically important dinoflagellate cysts and calcareous nannofossils, indicate deposition occurred within the last 1 million years, most likely last 500 kyrs, of the Cretaceous. The base of the overlying Clayton Formation marks the K–Pg boundary, and consists of a 15–30 cm thick muddy, poorly sorted quartz sand containing abundant spherules representing ejecta derived from the Chicxulub impact event. Impact spherules range in size from 0.5 mm to 1 mm in diameter and are hollow and well preserved, with details such as smaller vesicular spherules enclosed within. The spherules are altered to clay minerals such as smectite and are typical of those found at K–Pg boundary sites in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Spherules are scattered throughout the bed, and surface counts suggest an average of 4 spherules per cm2. Macrofossils within the spherule bed represent a rich fauna of ammonites, benthic molluscs (bivalves and gastropods), echinoids, as well as crabs and sharks. Macrofossil preservation ranges from whole to fragmentary, with most fossils preserved as internal moulds. The infill of the fossils is lithologically identical to the matrix of the spherule bed, including impact ejecta preserved within phragmocones and body chambers of ammonites, and differs from the underlying Owl Creek Formation. This suggests that the animals were either alive or loosely scattered on the sea floor at the time of deposition. Grain size changes indicate multiple events were responsible for deposition, and together with taphonomic evidence are consistent with dynamic high energy post-impact processes. Later sea level change during the Paleocene is responsible for a sharp contact at the top of the spherule bed. Geochemical evidence from the Owl Creek and Clayton Formations at this locality indicate numerous local paleoenvironmental changes affected the Mississippi Embayment at the time of the K–Pg boundary and mass extinction event.
Tolerogenic bone marrow-derived dendritic cells induce neuroprotective regulatory T cells in a model of Parkinson’s disease

Administration of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) increases regulatory T cell (Treg) number and function with control of neuroinflammation and neuronal protection in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, we demonstrated in an early phase 1 clinical trial that GM-CSF also improves motor skills in PD patients. However, the mechanisms of Treg induction and its effects on neuroprotective responses remain unknown. As GM-CSF induces tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) that in turn convert conventional T cells to Tregs, the pathways for DC induction of Tregs were assessed. Following differentiation, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were cultured in media or GM-CSF with or without post-culture stimulation with nitrated α-synuclein (N-α-Syn). Expression of cell surface co-stimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines, and induction of Tregs were evaluated. The neuroprotective capacity of tolerogenic BMDCs was assessed by adoptive transfer to MPTP-intoxicated mice. The extent of neuroinflammation and numbers of surviving dopaminergic neurons were assessed in relation to Treg numbers. Co-culture of differentiated BMDCs with conventional T cells led to Treg induction. Stimulation of BMDCs with N-α-Syn increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines, with modest increases in Treg numbers. In contrast, continued culture of BMDCs with GM-CSF modestly altered expression of co-stimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but decreased Treg induction. Continued culture in GM-CSF and combined stimulation with N-α-Syn reduced Treg induction to the lowest levels. Adoptive transfer of tolerogenic BMDCs to MPTP-intoxicated mice increased splenic Tregs, attenuated neuroinflammatory responses, and protected nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. GM-CSF acts broadly to differentiate DCs and affect immune transformation from effector to regulatory immune responses. DCs skew such immune responses by increasing Treg numbers and activities that serve to attenuate proinflammatory responses and augment neuroprotection.
Nanoparticles Made in Mesoporous Solids

This review with 98 references describes the synthesis of mesoporous materials containing nanoparticles, characterization of these materials and their material properties: catalytic, optical, and magnetic. All synthetic methods are grouped into seven categories depending on the way of metal compound incorporation and metal particle formation. Advantages and disadvantages of each method for each particular application are discussed. A short description of methods used for characterization of mesoporous materials with nanoparticles is presented including examples of their applications. Catalytic, optical, and magnetic properties of mesoporous solids containing nanoparticles are discussed.
Teacher–child relational conflict in Head Start – exploring the roles of child behaviour, teacher stress, and bias, and classroom environment

Numerous studies have examined influential factors on teacher–child relational conflict; however, only a limited number of studies have presented in-depth portrayals of teachers’ conflict with chil...
Long Term Care for Geriatric Health Care Professionals.

Fellow clinical gerontologists, prior to our regular papers, we are featuring an essay by one of our Associate Editors Nancy Pachana (2019), followed by a response from Cameron Camp Camp, 2019). Yo...
Modeling Lower Critical Solution Temperature Behavior of Associating Dendrimers Using Density Functional Theory.

We study the phase behavior of associating dendrimers in explicit solvents using classical density functional theory. The existence of association enables uptake of solvent inside the dendrimer eve...
Method to Biomonitor the Cooked Meat Carcinogen 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in Dyed Hair by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Orbitrap High Resolution Multistage Mass Spectrometry

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amine formed in cooked meat. The use of naturally colored hair containing PhIP can serve as a long-term biomarker of exposure to this carcinogen. However, the measurement of PhIP in dyed hair, a cosmetic treatment commonly used by the adult population, is challenging because the dye process introduces into the hair matrix a complex mixture of chemicals that interferes with the measurement of PhIP. The high-resolution scanning features of the Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometer were employed to biomonitor PhIP in dyed hair. Because of the complexity of chemicals in the hair dye, the consecutive reaction monitoring of PhIP at the MS(3) scan stage was employed to selectively remove the isobaric interferences. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of PhIP was 84 parts-per-trillion (ppt) employing 50 mg of hair. Calibration curves were generated in dyed hair matrixes and showed good linearity (40-1000 pg PhIP/g hair) with a goodness-of-fit regression value of r(2) > 0.9978. The within-day (between-day) coefficients of variation were 7.7% (17%) and 5.4% (6.1%), respectively, with dyed hair samples spiked with PhIP at 200 and 600 ppt. The levels of PhIP accrued in dyed hair from volunteers on a semicontrolled feeding study who ingested known levels of PhIP were comparable to the levels of PhIP accrued in hair of subjects with natural hair color. The method was successfully employed to measure PhIP in nondyed and dyed hair biospecimens of participants in a case-control study of colorectal adenoma on their regular diet.
Pediatric Resident Perception and Participation in End-of-Life Care.

Background:Despite advances in medical care, pediatric deaths are still an unfortunate reality. Most of these deaths occur within a hospital setting. End-of-life care is an important part of medica...
A Product Mix Optimization Application at the Saudi ARAMCO Company, Sadara Chemicals

A crude oil producing country can either export the crude oil they produce directly, or set up oil refineries for refining the crude oil they produce and sell the products that this produces. In this chapter, from simple product mix examples, we show that the second alternative not only leads to much higher profits, but also provides excellent jobs for their countrymen.
Short- and long-term changes in substance-related coping as mediators of in-person and computerized CBT for alcohol and drug use disorders.

Abstract Background No studies have examined long-term changes in substance-related coping skills as a statistical mediator of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders (SUD). Methods We tested both short- and long-term changes in coping as mediators of treatment effects in two trials of in-person and/or computerized CBT for SUD. The first trial included 137 individuals (75 % male; 65.7 % non-White; mean age = 35.9) with drug and/or alcohol use disorders randomized to one of the following: in-person CBT, computer-delivered CBT (CBT4CBT) plus brief monitoring, or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The second trial included 68 individuals (65 % male; 66.2 % non-white; mean age = 42.7) with an alcohol use disorder randomized to one of the following: CBT4CBT plus brief monitoring, CBT4CBT plus TAU, or TAU only. Coping was assessed with the Coping Strategies Scale. Latent growth curve mediational models were conducted, with both short-term (baseline through end-of-treatment) and long-term (baseline through 3-month post-treatment follow-up) changes in coping. Results There were no mediation effects for short-term changes in coping. However, in both trials, there were significant mediation effects for long-term changes in coping: In trial 1, the effect of CBT4CBT vs. TAU on substance use at the 6-month follow-up was mediated by long-term increases in coping. This same mediation effect was not found for in-person CBT vs. TAU. In trial 2, the effect of CBT4CBT vs. not receiving CBT4CBT on heavy drinking at the 6-month follow-up was mediated by long-term increases in coping. Conclusions Long-term increases in coping may be a mechanism of change in computerized CBT for SUD.
Anal Conditions: Pilonidal Disease/Complex and Recurrent Pilonidal Disease

Pilonidal disease represents a spectrum of disorders with abscesses and/or fistulous tracts arising from pits in the gluteal cleft. Clinical presentation varies between asymptomatic to severely lifestyle limiting disease. Hair removal and hygiene are important steps in the management of these patients. Abscess may be treated with incision and drainage, without antibiotics. Patients with more complex disease may need wide excision followed by either primary closure or healing by secondary intention. For patients with deep gluteal clefts or those with recurrent disease, one of multiple flap-based closures may be indicated.
Determining the efficacy of hand sanitizers against virulent nosocomial infections

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 0.13% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) (Steirolotion™), 100% ethanol, and 70% ethyl alcohol (Purell™) hand sanitizer in subduing the growth of nosocomial bacteria – methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa ) - when plated on culture media over an extended period of time. In addition, our objective was to quantify the length of time these hand sanitizer agents remained effective, and to extrapolate their efficacy in decreasing the transmission of hospital-acquired infections. 50 microliters of either BAC, 100% ethanol, or 70% ethyl alcohol hand gel sanitizer were pipetted onto Trypticase soy agar with 5% sheep blood plates that were cultured with either MRSA, VRE, or P. aeruginosa . The plates were then incubated at 37.0?. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured daily for 5 days and additionally zones were noted whether or not regrowth recurred in areas where previous growth had initially been inhibited. BAC was found to be superior to both 100% ethanol and 70% ethyl alcohol in the inhibition of MRSA over all time points (p values
Examining the Actor Coalitions and Discourse Coalitions of the Opt-Out Movement in New York: A Discourse Network Analysis

Background/ContextSince 2013, opting out of state standardized tests has become a movement—the grassroots, organized efforts to refuse to take high-stakes state standardized tests. In particular, o...
Residential House Occupancy Detection: Trust-based Scheme Using Economic and Privacy-aware Sensors

Internet of Things (IoT) technologies (e.g., power-efficient occupancy-based energy management systems) are increasingly deployed in commercial buildings to reduce building energy consumption. However, the sensors involved in such systems are rarely adopted in residential houses due to their relatively high costs and users’ privacy concerns. Low-cost and non-intrusive IoT sensors have been proposed for residential houses for use with machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, such sensors may be triggered very infrequently due to their non-intrusive nature, and it can take several days/weeks to collect sufficient training data. There is a research gap in accurately detecting occupancy information in residential houses with limited training data. This paper proposes a trust-based occupancy detection scheme, which achieves high detection accuracy based on limited training data collected by non-intrusive, low-cost sensors. First, rather than directly taking raw sensor data as inputs, the semantic meanings (i.e., human activity sequences) are extracted from the data based on the order of triggered sensors. Second, the extracted human activity sequences are fed into the proposed trust-based sequence matching scheme for further occupancy detection. Comprehensive experimental results show that, when compared to existing occupancy detection algorithms, the proposed scheme can reliably achieve higher accuracy, especially when only limited training data is available.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Use and Pregnancy I: ENDS Use Behavior During Pregnancy.

This review examines Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) use behavior during pregnancy, including the prevalence of and transitions in use during pregnancy. Twenty-two papers addressed the prevalence of and/or transitions in ENDS use during pregnancy. Findings show a complex landscape of ENDS use. A minority (0.4–7.0%) of pregnant persons use ENDS; most commonly this occurs in the form of dual use (ENDS and combustible cigarettes (CC); 75%). Many pregnant persons report using ENDS because they perceive them to be a lower-risk alternative and/or potential cessation aide for CC smoking. However, while a subset of those who use ENDS do quit all tobacco product use during pregnancy, only a small proportion switch from exclusive CC smoking to exclusive ENDS use. ENDS are a somewhat new addition to the tobacco product landscape. The perception of ENDS as a lower-risk alternative may contribute to ENDS use in pregnancy. There is insufficient evidence to support the notion that ENDS facilitates the cessation of tobacco product use during pregnancy.