We present a novel distributed-memory parallel implementation of the concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method. Written mostly in Fortran 2008 and wrapped with a Python scripting interface, the CAC simulator in PyCAC runs in parallel using Message Passing Interface with a spatial decomposition algorithm. Built upon the underlying Fortran code, the Python interface provides a robust and versatile way for users to build system configurations, run CAC simulations, and analyze results. In this paper, following a brief introduction to the theoretical background of the CAC method, we discuss the serial algorithms of dynamic, quasistatic, and hybrid CAC, along with some programming techniques used in the code. We then illustrate the parallel algorithm, quantify the parallel scalability, and discuss some software specifications of PyCAC; more information can be found in the PyCAC user’s manual that is hosted on www.pycac.org.

Objectives: Careful characterization of how functional decline co-evolves with cognitive decline in older adults has yet to be well described. Most models of neurodegenerative disease postulate that cognitive decline predates and potentially leads to declines in everyday functional abilities; however, there is mounting evidence that subtle decline in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) may be detectable in older individuals who are still cognitively normal. Methods: The present study examines how the relationship between change in cognition and change in IADLs are best characterized among older adults who participated in the ACTIVE trial. Neuropsychological and IADL data were analyzed for 2802 older adults who were cognitively normal at study baseline and followed for up to 10 years. Results: Findings demonstrate that subtle, self-perceived difficulties in performing IADLs preceded and predicted subsequent declines on cognitive tests of memory, reasoning, and speed of processing. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with a growing body of literature suggesting that subjective changes in everyday abilities can be associated with more precipitous decline on objective cognitive measures and the development of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. (JINS, 2018, 24, 104–112)

Development of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) synthetics started at CIMMYT-Mexico in 2004, when winter durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) germplasm from Ukraine and Romania was crossed with Aegilops tauschii accessions from the Caspian Sea region. Chromosomes were doubled after pollination and embryo rescue, but chromosome number and cytological validation was not performed. F2 populations were grown in Mexico and were shipped to Turkey in 2008. During 2009–2015, these populations were subjected to rigorous pedigree selection under dry, cold, disease-affected environments of the Central Anatolian Plateau. The wide segregation and partial sterility observed in 2009 gradually decreased and, by 2016, most of the F8 single spike progenies demonstrated good fertility and agronomic performance. Since 2013, lines have been selected from synthetic populations and evaluated at multiple sites. Superior lines were characterized for resistance to leaf, stripe and stem rust, plant height, and reaction to common bunt and soil-borne pathogens. Thousand kernel weight of many lines exceeded 50 g, compared with the check varieties that barely reached 40 g. Threshability of synthetic lines varied from 0 to 95%, demonstrating genetic variation for this important domestication trait. Screening against Hessian fly, sunny pest and Russian wheat aphid identified several resistant genotypes. Both durum and Aegilops parents affected synthetic wheat traits. Several studies are underway to reveal the genetic diversity of synthetic lines and the basis of resistance to diseases and insects. This synthetic germplasm represents a new winter bread wheat parental pool. It is available upon request to interested breeding/research programmes.

Large quantities of irradiated graphite will arise from the decommissioning of the UK's Magnox power stations. Irradiated graphite contains 14C as well as other longer lived radionuclides (e.g. 36Cl). The potential use of magnetic sector secondary ion mass spectrometry (MS-SIMS) to examine the distribution of the 14C within trepanned graphite samples from a Magnox nuclear power station has been investigated. This work indicates that the methodology proposed has the potential to be used to analyse irradiated graphite samples with preliminary results highlighting a possible 14C enrichment in the carbonaceous deposit found on a channel wall sample. 14C concentrations in samples without this deposit were below the limits of detection of the instrument. The methodology used for these determinations ensured that possible mass interferences between 14C species and oxygen-bearing or nitrogen-bearing species were eliminated from the analysis. Future work will utilize the methodology proposed in this work on a larger number of samples.

Each year, tobacco use causes over 6 million deaths and is responsible for hundreds of billions of dollars in health care and economic costs in the world (WHO, 2011). If current trends continue, tobacco is expected to kill over 1 billion people in the 21st century, making it one of the single greatest causes of preventable death and disease in history (WHO, 2011). Long-term abstinence from tobacco use dramatically improves individuals’ health, reduces the incidence of tobacco-related disease, and is clearly responsible for saving lives (Anthonisen et al., 2005). Most tobacco users express a desire to achieve long-term abstinence from tobacco use and make numerous unsuccessful quit attempts over the course of many years (Borland, Partos, Yong, Cummings, & Hyland, 2012; CDC, 2011). Evidence-based treatments for tobacco use and dependence greatly improve the chances that quit attempts result in long-term abstinence (Chambless & Hollon, 1998; Chambless et al., 1998; Compas, Haaga, Keefe, Leitenberg, & Williams, 1998; Fiore et al., 2008; Zwar et al., 2004). Increasing the availability of high-quality evidence-based treatment for tobacco use and dependence will make it more likely that tobacco users use evidence-based treatments and that quit attempts translate into long-term abstinence. The professionalisation of treatment for tobacco dependence by the development of a rigorous, unified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) certification process will increase the availability of high-quality evidence-based treatment for tobacco use and dependence for all tobacco users.