cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient parallel multigrid based solvers for large scale groundwater flow simulations

Abstract In this paper, we present parallel solvers for large linear systems arising from the finite-element discretization of three-dimensional groundwater flow problems. We have tested our parallel implementations on the Intel Paragon XP/S 150 supercomputer using up to 1024 parallel processors. Our solvers are based on multigrid and Krylov subspace methods. Our goal is to combine powerful algorithms and current generation high performance computers to enhance the capabilities of computer models for groundwater modeling. We show that multigrid can be a scalable algorithm on distributed memory machines. We demonstrate the effectiveness of parallel multigrid based solvers by solving problems requiring more than 64 million nodes in less than a minute. Our results show that multigrid as a stand alone solver works best for problems with smooth coefficients, but for rough coefficients it is best used as a preconditioner for a Krylov subspace method.
Monopolizing the metropolis: gilded age growth machines and power in American urbanization

Scholars have largely recounted the modern history of urban planning and development in the USA as a fragmented story in which power and agency have rarely been centralized. Yet the power to plan and develop cities and regions has been highly concentrated in certain periods. Between the 1870s and 1910s, a group of capitalists led by Peter Widener in Philadelphia, William Whitney in New York, and Charles Yerkes in Chicago consolidated the transit systems of these metropolises and the gas and electric utilities of some 100 American cities. Holding key positions in certain regions' public institutions and private corporations, they coordinated development of real estate, parks, and neighbourhoods in tandem with this infrastructure. This article surveys how Widener and his colleagues restructured the Philadelphia region in the Gilded Age. Through fire insurance atlases, deeds, biographical and company sources, it explores the ways they concentrated power and coordinated urbanization.
In vitro study of the effectiveness of three commercial adsorbents for binding oleander toxins.

Introduction: Oleander (Nerium oleander) poisoning is a common problem found in many parts of the world. The oleander toxicity is due to oleandrin and its aglycone metabolite oleandrigenin. Activat...
Harvey Cushing and medulloblastoma.

History is in essence the telling of a story. The story of our current understanding of medulloblastoma, or cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor, as it is now known, begins with the formidable and exhaustive work of Harvey Cushing, MD (18691939). The first recorded foray into the treatment of brain tumors in the United States began in 1888 with the resection of a meningioma by William W. Keen. Surgery at the time was greatly hampered by several conditions that limited the physician encountering a patient suspected of harboring a brain tumor. Little if any progress beyond that of pre-Columbian trepanation was made with regards to neurosurgery until the entry of Cushing into the surgical theaters of The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md, and later Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Mass. As Matson and German 1 wrote in his biography: “Cushing lived at a time when medicine and surgery had progressed from the primitive era of bleedings and purgings and had reached the early period of its modern strid e... asepsis was in its infancy and anesthesia consisted of pouring ether onto a sea sponge.”
Schwann cell myelination requires Dynein function

Interaction of Schwann cells with axons triggers signal transduction that drives expression of Pou3f1 and Egr2 transcription factors, which in turn promote myelination. Signal transduction appears to be mediated, at least in part, by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) because elevation of cAMP levels can stimulate myelination in the absence of axon contact. The mechanisms by which the myelinating signal is conveyed remain unclear. By analyzing mutations that disrupt myelination in zebrafish, we learned that Dynein cytoplasmic 1 heavy chain 1 (Dync1h1), which functions as a motor for intracellular molecular trafficking, is required for peripheral myelination. In dync1h1 mutants, Schwann cell progenitors migrated to peripheral nerves but then failed to express Pou3f1 and Egr2 or make myelin membrane. Genetic mosaic experiments revealed that robust Myelin Basic Protein expression required Dync1h1 function within both Schwann cells and axons. Finally, treatment of dync1h1 mutants with a drug to elevate cAMP levels stimulated myelin gene expression. Dync1h1 is required for retrograde transport in axons and mutations of Dync1h1 have been implicated in axon disease. Our data now provide evidence that Dync1h1 is also required for efficient myelination of peripheral axons by Schwann cells, perhaps by facilitating signal transduction necessary for myelination.
Antibacterial zinc oxide nanoparticles in polymer biomaterial composites

Particulate zinc oxide (ZnO) is a known antibacterial agent. Studies have shown that reducing the size of ZnO particles to nanoscale dimensions further enhances their antibacterial properties. Polymers, like all biomaterials, run the risk of harboring bacteria which may produce an antibiotic-resistant biofilm. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles, to form a composite material, may reduce undesirable bacteria activity. The purpose of the present in vitro study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of ZnO nanoparticles when incorporated into a polymer biomaterial. Staphylococcus aureus were seeded at a known cell density onto coverslips coated in a film of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with varying concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles. Samples were cultured for 24 or 72 h. Methods of analysis, including optical density readings and crystal violet staining, indicated a reduced presence of biofilm on ZnO nanoparticle and polymer composites compared to polymer control. Live/dead assays provided images to confirm reduced presence of active bacteria on samples with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Development of this technology may improve biomaterial effectiveness for applications, such as endotracheal tubes and implanted biomaterials, which are prone to bacterial infection.
Adhesion of diamond coatings on tungsten substrates

Adhesion data between diamond coatings and tungsten substrates as a function of the tungsten substrate surface treatment prior to diamond deposition are presented. Mirror-polished tungsten substrate surfaces were scratched with different size natural diamond grits and then characterized for average roughness (Ra), chemical composition, and bonding of the residual carbon on the surface. Diamond coatings were deposited on these surfaces by a hot-filament chemical vapor deposition method under identical conditions. The deposited coatings were characterized for growth rate, morphology, crystallinity, amount of non-diamond carbon, texture, and strain. Coating-substrate adhesion was measured by the tensile pull method. The surfaces of the coatings and the substrates produced as a result of the tensile pull testing were characterized for morphology, roughness, chemical composition, and type of carbon bonding. The results indicate that the diamond coatings deposited on differently prepared substrates have roughly...
Fundamental frequency response bounds of direct-form recursive switched-capacitor filters with capacitance mismatch

A theoretical statistical analysis is developed to investigate the effects of random capacitance matching errors in the frequency response of recursive switched-capacitor filters implemented in direct form. As a result, with appropriate approximations, closed-form solutions for the mean and the standard deviation of the frequency response error are derived. The obtained expressions provide insight into the quantitative influence of capacitance ratio tolerance, numerator and denominator orders, passband and stopband ripples, and edge frequencies, and reveal existing tradeoffs among these parameters, so that the most efficient filter design can be found. The main theoretical results are extensively verified by simulation through Monte Carlo analysis to show the effectiveness of the proposed formulas.
The impact of relaying on the capacity of broadcast channels

The capacity of two broadcast systems with relay links is studied in this paper. Both of these systems are extensions of two users degraded broadcast channels, which achieves a rate region of channels and includes the capacity region of original broadcast channel. We then consider another system, the dumb relay broadcast channel, where an additional relay node is introduced into the two users degraded broadcast channel that assists both user. This relay node does not have its own information from the source, and hence is referred to as dumb relay node. From the results an achievable rate region for this channel is derived and is shown to include that for the cooperative broadcast channel.
Use of Inotropic Agents in Treatment of Systolic Heart Failure

The most common use of inotropes is among hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure, with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and with signs of end-organ dysfunction in the setting of a low cardiac output. Inotropes can be used in patients with severe systolic heart failure awaiting heart transplant to maintain hemodynamic stability or as a bridge to decision. In cases where patients are unable to be weaned off inotropes, these agents can be used until a definite or escalated supportive therapy is planned, which can include coronary revascularization or mechanical circulatory support (intra-aortic balloon pump, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, impella, left ventricular assist device, etc.). Use of inotropic drugs is associated with risks and adverse events. This review will discuss the use of the inotropes digoxin, dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine, milrinone, levosimendan, and omecamtiv mecarbil. Long-term inotropic therapy should be offered in selected patients. A detailed conversation with the patient and family shall be held, including a discussion on the risks and benefits of use of inotropes. Chronic heart failure patients awaiting heart transplants are candidates for intravenous inotropic support until the donor heart becomes available. This helps to maintain hemodynamic stability and keep the fluid status and pulmonary pressures optimized prior to the surgery. On the other hand, in patients with severe heart failure who are not candidates for advanced heart failure therapies, such as transplant and mechanical circulatory support, inotropic agents can be used for palliative therapy. Inotropes can help reduce frequency of hospitalizations and improve symptoms in these patients.
Abstract W P112: Natural History and Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke Patients with Mild Presenting Symptoms and Large Vessel Occlusion

Introduction: Large vessel occlusion (LVO) is thought to be an independent predictor of clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Despite various available treatment modalities, optimal therapy for LVO patients presenting with mild symptoms is not known. These patients remain a significant challenge in clinical practice. Methods: Retrospective chart review of AIS patients admitted between January 2010 and August 2012 at a large tertiary care center. Inclusion criteria: symptom onset within 8 hours, LVO as cause of symptoms, initial NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) < 8. Patients with bilateral lesions, distal small vessel involvement or single vertebral artery disease were excluded. Tandem lesions were included. Patient demographics, administered therapies and short term clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 51 patients (56.9% male; mean age 66.4±14.5) fulfilled our strict criteria for inclusion. MCA involvement was seen in 31 (60.8%), ICA 13 (25.5%), basilar 3 (5.9%) and tandem ICA-MCA in 4 (7.8%). A total of 15 (29.4%) received acute therapy with IV t-PA and/or endovascular intervention (TX); both were used only in 6 (11.8%). Follow-up at 30 days was available in 64.7% of patients: 58.3% with TX and 80% without. Mean NIHSS remained relatively stable showing 4.3±2.1 on admission, and 2.6±3.4 on discharge (NS), with 75.8% of patients having same or better NIHSS on follow-up. There was a significant difference in functional outcome: mRS≤2 was present in 98% of patients on admission, but only in 63.6% at follow-up. If extended the mRS range, 90.9% of patients had mRS≤3 on follow-up. Only 33.3% at follow-up had same or better mRS than on admission. Results were consistent, irrespective of receiving acute therapy. Conclusion: Acute LVO with mild presenting symptoms remains a difficult therapeutic challenge. Our data shows that despite stable gross clinical examination (by NIHSS) on follow-up, a large proportion of patients experience mild to moderately worse functional outcome, irrespective of receiving acute therapy. Our study limitations include retrospective analysis and suboptimal patient follow-up, especially in untreated patient population. We believe that a prospective, larger cohort is warranted to find optimal treatment approach.
APPLICATION OF CLIMATIC DIVISIONAL DATA TO FLOOD INTERPRETATIONS: AN EXAMPLE FROM LOUISIANA

The East Central climate division of Louisiana is used as a case study to evaluate relationships between divisional climate data and the 15 largest flood events on each of seven rivers during a 25-year period. Monthly precipitation and moisture surplus (a water-budget component) are correlated with number of rivers in flood within the division; the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is not. Although divisional data sets index climatic variability for nearly 100 years, this study indicates that some cautions should be considered when applying divisional data to flood analyses. [Key words: water budget, PDSI, climate division data, flooding, storm precipitation.]
Coherent Coupling between a Molecular Vibration and Fabry–Perot Optical Cavity to Give Hybridized States in the Strong Coupling Limit

The coherent coupling between an optical transition and a confined optical mode, when sufficiently strong, gives rise to a new pair of mixed modes separated in frequency by the vacuum Rabi splitting. Such systems have been widely investigated for electronic-state transitions such as molecular excitons coupled to surface-plasmons and optical microcavities. However, only very recently have vibrational transitions been considered. Here we experimentally investigate the coupling between a Fabry–Perot cavity and the carbonyl stretch at an infrared frequency near 1730 cm–1 in polymethyl methacrylate. As is requisite for the “strong coupling” regime, the measured vacuum-Rabi-splitting of 132 cm–1 is much larger than the full width of either the cavity resonance (34 cm–1) or the inhomogeneously broadened carbonyl-stretch absorption (24 cm–1). With the assistance of quantitative analysis using transfer-matrix methods, we provide evidence that the mixed-state resonances are relatively immune to inhomogeneous vibrat...
An exploratory study of nonprofit organisations' use of the internet for communications and fundraising

This research examines how nonprofits use the internet to build public relations and increase charitable giving by analysing the content of the websites of various nonprofit organisations listed in the top 100 NPOs published by The Nonprofit Times. While there is no difference for most variables in the fundraising and communication practices between top tier ; and bottom tier NPOs divided by total revenue, the differences are found in such variables as campaign summary, messages from the CEO, volunteer opportunities, information sharing, social media use, and annual reports. These findings suggest that certain communication practices (information dissemination, interactive communication, and accountability) are positively associated with the level of fundraising. Compared to the findings of previous research, however, our findings show that the presence of characteristics related to communications and fundraising has increased on NPOs' websites. This indicates that by recognising the importance of the internet, NPOs are increasingly using it as a medium for communications and charitable giving.
Frequent Episodes of Detectable Viremia in HIV Treatment-Experienced Children is Associated with a Decline in CD4+ T-cells Over Time.

Background: The clinical consequences of the magnitude and the duration of detectable viremia in HIV-infected children have not been well characterized. We examined the predictors and immunologic consequences over time of frequent episodes of detectable viremia in HIV-infected children followed at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Methods: We analyzed the CD4+ T-cell and HIV viral load over a 19-year period (1996 to 2013) of 104 HIVinfected children enrolled in the Yale Prospective Longitudinal Pediatric HIV Cohort. Both CD4+ T-lymphocytes and HIV viral load were measured at clinic visits every 3 to 4 months. Longitudinal data analyses using polynomial random coefficients models were conducted to examine overtime changes in CD4+ T-cell counts by frequency of episodes of detectable viremia. Moreover, regression analyses using logistic regression models were used to assess the predictors of frequent episodes of detectable viremia. Results: One hundred and four (104) HIV-infected children with more than one HIV viral load measurement between 1996 and November 2013 were included in the analysis Over 80% (N=86) of the children had detectable viral load (HIV RNA viral load ≥50 copies/ml) during more than 50% of their clinic visits. Children with infrequent episodes of detectable viremia had significantly higher CD4+ T-cell counts overtime compared to those with frequent episodes of detectable viremia (P<0.0001). Conclusions: Both frequency and magnitude of episodes of detectable viremia had effect on CD4+ T-cells. Strict adherence to a treatment goal of undetectable HIV viremia in children is likely to be beneficial.
Addition Reactions of Carbon—Carbon Multiple Bonds

In this chapter, the general topic of additions to carbon-carbon double bonds is discussed. Several classes of additions are excluded, since they seem to be more appropriate for other sections. These include nucleophilic additions to electrophilic olefins (Chapter 1), cycloadditions (Chapter 6), additions that are primarily oxidative processes (Chapter 9), and additions that occur by free-radical mechanisms (Part A, Chapter 12).
Structure-Based Discovery of Novel Glycinergic Modulators

Marijuana's analgesic effects can be attributed to the allosteric modulation of glycine receptors (GlyRs) by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). GlyRs are pentameric ligand-gated chloride channels that control inhibitory neurotransmission in the brainstem and spinal cord. The glycinergic mechanism of cannabis-induced analgesia is independent of the other psychoactive effects of THC. Compounds specifically targeting the well-defined THC-binding site in GlyRs are likely to provide pain relief with fewer unwanted side effects. Here, we screened over 2 million drug-like molecules from the ZINC database on an ensemble of α3GlyR structures obtained from molecular dynamics simulations of the closed-state α3GlyR crystal structure (PDB ID: 5CFB) and a homology model derived from the open-state α1GlyR NMR structure (PDB ID: 2M6I). Computational dockings were specifically targeted to the known THC-binding site in the α3GlyR transmembrane domain. Each screened compound was ranked based on its total predicted binding affinity across the ensemble of α3GlyR structures. Top ranked compounds were selected for functional measurements in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human α3GlyR. Several lead candidates have been identified as strong modulators of α3GlyR, exhibiting positive and/or negative allosteric effects at micromolar concentrations. Further molecular dynamics simulations of α3GlyR in the presence of modulators revealed that in the closed-state α3GlyR, potentiating compounds showed an increased probability of contacting with residue S296 compared to inhibitors occupying the same THC-binding site. S296 on the third transmembrane helix has been previously shown to be critical for THC potentiation of GlyRs. In contrast, inhibitors showed a higher probability of close contact with residue S241 in the first transmembrane helix. Interestingly, the adjacent residue I240 has been previously reported as an inhibitory site. This study suggests that different interaction residue partners, even within the same binding site, may lead to distinctly different allosteric modulations in α3GlyR. Research supported by NIH grants.
Ion bombardment induced buried lateral growth: the key mechanism for the synthesis of single crystal diamond wafers.

A detailed mechanism for heteroepitaxial diamond nucleation under ion bombardment in a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition setup on the single crystal surface of iridium is presented. The novel mechanism of Ion Bombardment Induced Buried Lateral Growth (IBI-BLG) is based on the ion bombardment induced formation and lateral spread of epitaxial diamond within a ~1 nm thick carbon layer. Starting from one single primary nucleation event the buried epitaxial island can expand laterally over distances of several microns. During this epitaxial lateral growth typically thousands of isolated secondary nuclei are generated continuously. The unique process is so far only observed on iridium surfaces. It is shown that a diamond single crystal with a diameter of ~90 mm and a weight of 155 carat can be grown from such a carbon film which initially consisted of 2 · 1013 individual grains.
Solid Form Landscape and Design of Physical Properties

Non-covalent interactions are relatively weak and reversible which means that it is particularly difficult to identify trends and patterns and to establish a hierarchy of molecular-recognition efficiency in a competitive situation, but it is important to note that the seemingly simple act of molecular recognition is achieved by balancing a range of non-covalent forces, and the synthesis of more complex architectures requires a systematic and targeted application of hierarchical self-assembly. In this contribution we illustrate how robust and reliable supramolecular synthetic strategies can be translated into the deliberate design of molecular solids, notably co-crystals, with tunable or desired function. We will focus our attention on energetic materials, pharmaceutically active compounds, and cavitands for host-guest applications.
Discrepancies between Perceived and Measured Cognition in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Implications for Clinical Management.

Background: Cognitive impairment is common in kidney transplant (KT) recipients and affects quality of life, graft survival, morbidity, and mortality. Failure to identify patients with cognitive impairment can withhold appropriate and timely intervention. This study determines whether measured cognition with standard screening tools offers any advantage over perceived cognition in screening transplant patients for cognitive impairment. Methods: Cognition was assessed in 157 KT recipients using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; measured cognition). In addition, transplant physicians and nurse coordinators were asked to rate transplant recipients' level of cognition after routine clinical interactions (perceived cognition). Physicians and nurses were blind to MoCA scores. Perceived cognition scores were compared to MoCA scores. Results: Perceived cognition scores fairly correlated with MOCA scores (γ = 0.24, p = 0.001 for physicians and γ = 0.33, p < 0.0001 for nurses). Physician scores moderately correlated with nurses scores (κ = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Clinical perception had a low accuracy for identifying patients with cognitive impairment (sensitivity 66% for physicians, 65% for nurses), and those without cognitive impairment (specificity 67% for physicians, 76% for nurses). Conclusion: Clinical perception is inaccurate at detecting cognitive impairment in KT recipients. Objective tests should be considered to screen KT recipients for cognitive impairment.
The NIMH Research Domain Criteria Project: Toward an Integrated Neuroscience of Mental Disorders

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the United States issued a comprehensive revision of its strategic plan in September 2008 to guide its research efforts for the following 5-year period. The plan elaborated four major strategic goals, including discoveries in basic brain and behavioral research, charting trajectories of disorders, developing new interventions, and strengthening the public health impact of NIMH-supported research. One goal in the plan was stated as follows: “Develop, for research purposes, new ways of classifying mental disorders based on dimensions of observable behavior and neurobiological measures.” The implementation of this plan became known as the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project. This chapter provides an introduction to the major framework of the RDoC project, along with an update on its current status and the implications for conducting research on mental disorders, with particular reference to genetic studies.
Precipitation, landsliding, and erosion across the Olympic Mountains, Washington State, USA

Abstract In the Olympic Mountains of Washington State, landsliding is the primary surface process by which bedrock and hillslope regolith are delivered to river networks. However, the relative importance of large earthquakes versus high magnitude precipitation events to the total volume of landslide material transported to valley bottoms remains unknown in part due to the absence of large historical earthquakes. To test the hypothesis that erosion is linked to precipitation, approximately 1000 landslides were mapped from Google Earth imagery between 1990 and 2015 along a ~ 15 km-wide × ~ 85 km-long (1250 km2) swath across the range. The volume of hillslope material moved by each slide was calculated using previously published area–volume scaling relationships, and the spatial distribution of landslide volume was compared to mean annual precipitation data acquired from the PRISM climate group for the period 1981–2010. Statistical analysis reveals a significant correlation (r = 0.55; p
Teaching Naked Techniques: Leveraging Research on Learning to Improve the Effectiveness of Teaching

• Pedagogical research and the learning sciences suggest strategies for designing classes and courses in ways that can improve student learning.• Teaching Naked Techniques provides a step-by step g...
Effect of Graft Type on Balance and Hop Tests in Adolescent Males Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Context: Recent epidemiology studies indicated a steady increase of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in young athletes. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is currently a standard of care, but the eff...
Immersions and Submersions

In this chapter, we investigate systematically the relationships of some of the differential geometric notions for submanifolds and for submersions. These involve the covariant derivative, Hessian, and curvature. The determination of the Hessian can be applied to compare the Laplacian in both contexts, because we can define the Laplacian as the trace of the Hessian in the finite dimensional case. The connection with the definition in terms of the divergence of the gradient will be given in Chapter XV.
Mechanisms of Resistance in Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis

Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are found as both respiratory tract commensals and respiratory and invasive pathogens. While it is ideal to tailor chemotherapy to a known pathogen with a known drug susceptibility profile, it is often difficult or impractical to isolate the causative agent, and many infections are treated empirically. It is therefore important to know the activity of antimicrobial agents against the pathogens associated with diseases being treated empirically and the effect of resistance mechanisms on in vivo activity. Antimicrobial agents should be used rationally, avoiding overuse, tailoring treatment to identified pathogens as much as possible, and basing empiric treatment on the disease being treated and the susceptibility of the predominant pathogens at breakpoints based on pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters. The current status of resistance mechanisms found in Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis against the antimicrobial agents recommended for empiric and directed treatment of the diseases caused by these pathogens forms the basis of this review.
Biohydrogenation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids V. STEREOSPECIFICITY OF PROTON ADDITION AND MECHANISM OF ACTION OF LINOLEIC ACID Δ12-cis, Δ11-trans-ISOMERASE FROM BUTYRIVIBRIO FIBRISOLVENS

Abstract The specificity of linoleic acid isomerase from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens for cis-9,cis-12-dienoic fatty acids with an ω chain length varying from 4 to 8 carbons has been examined. The enzyme was found to be highly specific for a straight chain fatty acid bearing an ω chain length of 6 carbon atoms. Stereospecific addition of hydrogen to carbon atom 13 of linoleic acid in the d configuration was demonstrated. It was deduced that the substrate was bound to the enzyme in the form of a loop and that the mechanism of isomerization involves either the protonation of an enzyme-bound carbanion or a concerted reaction. A tentative model with the carboxyl oxygens of the substrate participating in the isomerization reaction is proposed.
Improving social gaze behavior in fragile X syndrome using a behavioral skills training approach: a proof of concept study.

Individuals diagnosed with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known inherited form of intellectual disability, commonly exhibit significant impairments in social gaze behavior during interactions with others. Although this behavior can restrict social development and limit educational opportunities, behavioral interventions designed to improve social gaze behavior have not been developed for this population. In this proof of concept (PoC) study, we examined whether administering a behavioral skills training package—discrete trial instruction (DTI) plus relaxation training—could increase social gaze duration in males with FXS. As part of a larger clinical trial, 20 boys with FXS, aged 8 to 18 years, were randomized to receive DTI plus relaxation training administered at one of two prescribed doses over a 2-day period at our research center. Potential improvements in social gaze behavior were evaluated by direct observations conducted across trials during the training, and generalization effects were examined by administering a social challenge before and after the treatment. During the social challenge, social gaze behavior was recorded using an eye tracker and physiological arousal levels were simultaneously recorded by monitoring the child’s heart rate. Levels of social gaze behavior increased significantly across blocks of training trials for six (60%) boys who received the high-dose behavioral treatment and for three (30%) boys who received the low-dose behavioral treatment. Boys who received the high-dose treatment also showed greater improvements in social gaze behavior during the social challenge compared to boys who received the low-dose treatment. There was no effect of the treatment on physiological arousal levels recorded on the heart rate monitor at either dose. These results suggest that appropriate social gaze behavior can be successfully taught to boys with FXS using a standardized behavioral skills training approach. Future studies will need to evaluate whether younger children with FXS might benefit from this treatment, and/or whether more naturalistic forms of behavioral skills training might be beneficial, before social gaze avoidance becomes established in the child’s repertoire. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02616796 . Registered 30 November 2015.
Development of an Implementation Intervention Using Intervention Mapping to Increase Mammography Among Low Income Women

Background: Although much work has begun to elucidate contextual factors influencing implementation, the specific processes that facilitate and hinder adoption, implementation, and maintenance of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in clinical settings remains poorly understood. Intervention Mapping (IM) is a systematic process that facilitates planning and design for dissemination, implementation and maintenance of EBIs in practice. IM has been used to guide the design of many health interventions, focusing on program implementation. Less studied is its use to adapt and scale screening interventions within the healthcare clinic setting. This paper describes the development of an implementation intervention using IM to facilitate the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of an EBI designed to increase mammography adherence in healthcare clinics, the adapted Peace of Mind Program (PMP). Methods: IM framework, Step 5, was used to guide the implementation intervention planning. IM guided identification of specific adoption, implementation, and maintenance performance objectives. We formed an implementation intervention planning group consisting of members of the academic team, our community partner and community health workers (CHWs) with substantial experience working on mammography screening programs in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and charity clinics. Results: Results are presented by Intervention Mapping task for Step 5 (Program Implementation Plan). We describe how the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) informed the selection of performance objectives, determinants, methods, and practical applications in the final implementation intervention. Conclusions: This paper provides an example of the use of Intervention Mapping Step 5 and CFIR to create an implementation intervention to support EBI scale up of an evidence-based mammography intervention within a specific setting. Clinical trials registration number: NCT02296177.
Phthalates exposure and uterine fibroid burden among women undergoing surgical treatment for fibroids: a preliminary study

Objectives To examine the association between phthalate exposure and two measures of uterine fibroid burden: diameter of largest fibroid and uterine volume. Design Pilot, cross-sectional study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Fifty-seven premenopausal women undergoing either hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The diameter of the largest fibroid and uterine dimensions were abstracted from medical records. Spot urine samples were analyzed for 14 phthalate biomarkers using mass spectrometry. We estimated associations between fibroid outcomes and individual phthalate metabolites, sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP), and a weighted sum of anti-androgenic phthalate metabolites (∑AA Phthalates) using linear regression, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. Fibroid outcomes were also examined dichotomously (divided at the median) using logistic regression. Results Most women were of black ethnicity, overweight or obese, and college educated. In multivariable models, higher levels of mono-hydroxyisobutyl phthalate, monocarboxyoctyl phthalate, monocarboxynonyl phthalate, mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate) (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), ∑DEHP, and ∑AA Phthalates were positively associated with uterine volume. Associations were most pronounced for individual DEHP metabolites (MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP), ∑DEHP, and ∑AA Phthalates. For example, a doubling in ∑DEHP and ∑AA Phthalates was associated with 33.2% (95% confidence interval 6.6–66.5) and 26.8% (95% confidence interval 2.2–57.4) increase in uterine volume, respectively. There were few associations between phthalate biomarkers and fibroid size. Conclusions Exposure to some phthalate biomarkers was positively associated with uterine volume, which further supports the hypothesis that phthalate exposures may be associated with fibroid outcomes. Additional studies are needed to confirm these relationships.
The influence of independent contractors on organizational effectiveness: A review

Abstract The use of independent contractors has steadily increased over the past two decades. However, relatively little research has examined contractors' effectiveness and the studies that do often report contradictory findings of contractors' value. The inconsistent findings result from the broad definition of effectiveness employed in these studies, stretched across various types of nonstandard workers (including contract, part-time, seasonal, and temporary work) and both individual- and firm-levels of analysis. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative review is to untangle the empirical findings on contractor effectiveness for both workers and firms. We adapt Meyer, Becker, and Van Dick's (2006) integrative model of situated and deep structure identities to organize current findings on contractor effectiveness in three categories, namely contractor attitudes and behaviors, operational outcomes, and firm financial outcomes. Our effectiveness model further highlights how select identity-relevant social influences and situational contingencies impact contractor effectiveness. We conclude with research and practical implications of the model of contractor effectiveness.
New Catalytic Asymmetric Formation of Oxygen Heterocycles Bearing Nucleoside Bases at the Anomeric Carbon

Pyrimidine nucleosides are an important class of compounds with versatile applications across many fields, including biology and medicinal chemistry. Synthesis of nucleoside analogs in optically pure form via traditional glycosylation has always been a challenge, especially for unnatural carbohydrate motifs which do not have C2 substitution to dictate the stereochemical outcome of the newly formed glyosidic bond. Herein, we report an asymmetric Pd-catalyzed synthesis of nucleoside analogs enabled by the development of a series of chiral ligands. A variety of 5-substituted pyrimidine nucleobases, ranging from 5- to 12-membered ring nucleoside analogs, are generated in excellent yield (up to 96%) as well as diastereo- (>20:1) and enantioselectivity (up to 99.5% ee). These nucleoside analogs bearing an iodide functional group handle allow for rapid transformation to a variety of other interesting pyrimidine nucleoside structures.
Preliminary Design of the NISAR L-Band Feed Antenna Tiles

Being developed in a partnership between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is planned to launch in late 2020. NISAR will measure many aspects of how Earth is changing with unprecedented accuracy on a global scale from a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) platform. With a 12-meter deployable mesh reflector, NISAR will feature one of the largest deployable mesh reflectors ever launched for a scientific mission. Two large planar phased arrays will feed the reflector, one that will operate at L-Band and be developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and an S-band array that will be developed at the ISRO Space Application Centre (SAC). This paper describes the preliminary design of the L-Band feed array.
P35 Examining the Feasibility of Selling Whole Grain Snack Packs in New York City Corner Stores Participating in a Healthy Retail Program

Background Research suggests that low-income individuals consume fewer whole grains (WG) than their respective counterparts. Given the prevalence of corner stores in impoverished communities, innovative strategies are needed in order to encourage WG purchasing behaviors in these settings. Objective To examine the feasibility of pairing a WG snack (e.g., pretzels) with either a fruit or vegetable (FV) and a condiment and marketing this as a WG snack pack in New York City (NYC) corner stores that participate in a healthy retail program. Study Design, Settings, Participants Corner stores participating in the NYC City Harvest Healthy Retail Program were recruited. One time store-visits were conducted in order to examine: (a) the availability of WG snacks, FV, and condiments that could be paired together and sold as a WG snack pack (store audit) and (b) perceived motivators and concerns about selling WG snack packs (corner store representative survey). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Descriptive statistics were used to analyze cross-sectional store audit and survey data. Results On average, stores stocked four varieties of WG snacks, nine varieties of FV and two varieties of condiments. When asked “Do you currently sell any type of snack pack?” 11 representatives said yes. Among those who said no, nine representatives said that they would be interested and 10 said maybe. Store representatives reported several motivators (e.g., improving customers’ health, appealing to a new customer base) and concerns (e.g., lack of customer demand, fresh FV spoiling quickly) about selling WG snack packs. Additionally, representatives cited needing additional equipment and storage to sell WG snack packs. Conclusion Corners stores participating in the City Harvest Healthy Retail Program stock a variety of WG snacks, FV, and condiments that could be paired together and sold as a WG snack pack. While store representatives were receptive to selling WG snack packs, they may need additional support and resources. Funding USDA, Duke-UNC USDA Center for Behavioral Economics and Healthy Food Choice Research.
Optimization of Fermentation Conditions of Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler (Shiitake Mushroom) Mycelia as a Potential Biopesticide

The shiitake mushroom [Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler], is a new source of biopesticide against bacterial spot of tomato having similar efficacy as that of traditional antibiotics in vitro. The culture-filtrates of fifteen commercially available L. edodes strains were screened for antibacterial activity against Erwinia amylovora (Ea) and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv), based on fermentation time and carbon source for minimum oxalic acid production. Two different carbon sources, glucose and sucrose for fifteen and 30 days were used for fermentation. The detection and quantification of oxalic acid in culture filtrates were performed by using HPLC. Most of the L. edodes strains inhibited the growth of Ea (13 out of 15) and Xcv (14 out of 15) with similar efficacy as that of the control treatment of 100 µg mL–1 streptomycin sulfate. Two of the L. edodes strains, ATCC 38164 and ATCC 28760 released the least amount of oxalic acid in both carbon sources, but did not differ from each other significantly. The concentration of oxalic acid in glucose medium was generally lower than that in sucrose medium, while strains ATCC 20635 and ATCC 38167 released the highest and similar concentrations in both carbon sources. This study provides preliminary evidence that L. edodes strains may be potential alternatives to streptomycin and copper compounds as a source of metabolites against bacterial spot of tomato and fire blight of apple [Malus × domestica (Borkh.)] and merits further investigation.
How Good Does a Parent Have to Be

This chapter is concerned with assessment in cases of child abuse and neglect. The topic is almost as old as the problem of child maltreatment itself. Indeed, assessment strategies, in one form or another, have been the basis for estimating the incidence and prevalence of child maltreatment, testing hypotheses about the psychological nature of perpetrators and victims, creating models that describe potential causes of child maltreatment, and for deriving strategies to prevent it. In short, assessment of child maltreatment actually encompasses a broad spectrum of well-established strategies and practices, each uniquely responsive to particular questions about the problem.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and the Endocrine System

As SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) overtakes the world, causing moderate to severe disease in about 15% of infected patients, COVID-19 is also found to have widespread effects throughout the body with a myriad of clinical manifestations including the endocrine system. This manuscript reviews what is known about the impact of COVID-19 on the pathophysiology and management of diabetes (both outpatient and inpatient) as well as pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, bone, and gonadal function. Findings in this area are evolving, and long-term effects of infection remain an active area of further research.
Application of dual-stage exhaust system using an expansion chamber and resonator for formula SAE

Typical vehicle mufflers utilize a series of expansion chambers and resonators to reduce engine noise. Both components behave like acoustic filters by changing the impedance of the exhaust system. Expansion chambers act as low-pass filters, which mitigate noise above a cut-off frequency determined by the geometry of the chamber. Meanwhile, resonators target specific frequencies to attenuate like a notch-filter. The present work explored tuning a muffler system containing an expansion chamber and a resonator to reduce engine noise of a Formula SAE racecar. The exhaust system design was completed using custom MATLAB scripts, Ricardo WAVE, and iterative prototyping. After determining the frequencies where the engine produced maximum sound output, the components were fabricated to damp the amplitude of the offending frequencies. The transmission loss of the prototype exhaust system was tested in an anechoic chamber by measuring the frequency responses of each separate component and the entire system. Based on this experimentation, the exhaust system had an expected overall transmission loss of 45 dB. Installed on the vehicle, the operational transmission loss was 18 dB. This discrepancy is likely due to operational conditions that could not be replicated in the laboratory experiment, such as increased temperature and gas flow.