cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered Oral Viral Ecology in Association with Periodontal Disease

The human oral cavity is home to a large and diverse community of viruses that have yet to be characterized in pa- tients with periodontal disease. We recruited and sampled saliva and oral biofilm from a cohort of humans either periodontally healthy or with mild or significant periodontal disease to discern whether there are differences in viral communities that reflect their oral health status. We found communities of viruses inhabiting saliva and the subgingival and supragingival biofilms of each subject that were composed largely of bacteriophage. While there were homologous viruses common to different subjects and biogeographic sites, for most of the subjects, virome compositions were significantly associated with the oral sites from which they were derived. The largest distinctions between virome compositions were found when comparing the subgingival and supragingival biofilms to those of planktonic saliva. Differences in virome composition were significantly associated with oral health status for both subgingival and supragingival biofilm viruses but not for salivary viruses. Among the differences identified in virome compositions was a significant expansion of myoviruses in subgingival biofilm, suggesting that periodontal disease favors lytic phage. We also characterized the bacterial communities in each subject at each biogeographic site by using the V3 hypervariable segment of the 16S rRNA and did not identify distinctions between oral health and disease similar to those found in viral communities. The significantly altered ecology of viruses of oral biofilm in subjects with periodontal disease com- pared to that of relatively periodontally healthy ones suggests that viruses may serve as useful indicators of oral health status. IMPORTANCE Little is known about the role or the constituents of viruses as members of the human microbiome. We investigated the composition of human oral viral communities in a group of relatively periodontally healthy subjects or significant periodon- titis to determine whether health status may be associated with differences in viruses. We found that most of the viruses present were predators of bacteria. The viruses inhabiting dental plaque were significantly different on the basis of oral health status, while those present in saliva were not. Dental plaque viruses in periodontitis were predicted to be significantly more likely to kill their bacterial hosts than those found in healthy mouths. Because oral diseases such as periodontitis have been shown to have altered bacterial communities, we believe that viruses and their role as drivers of ecosystem diversity are important contributors to the human oral microbiome in health and disease states.
Leadership diversity : A study of urban public libraries

Diversity has been identified as a priority in library and information services for some time. The limited published research on diversity programs in libraries, though, has focused on academic libraries. This article represents the results of a study of leadership diversity in large, urban public libraries. In the study of members of the Urban Libraries Council, data were gathered with regard to programs related to diversity awareness, staffing, collections, and information services. The research results indicate that diversity‐related activities and programs have been implemented in a high percentage of the libraries. However, the level of focus on areas such as retention has not been as consistent, as is the case with the provision of library services and collection development, for example. The research results also indicate the relationship between organizational leadership and administrative structure and activities related to operationalizing diversity in public libraries.
Analysis of similarity within 142 pairs of orthologous intergenic regions of Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae

Patterns of similarity between genomes of related species reflect the distribution of selective constraint within DNA. We analyzed alignments of 142 orthologous intergenic regions of Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae and found a mosaic pattern with regions of high similarity (phylogenetic footprints) interspersed with non-alignable sequences. Footprints cover ∼20% of intergenic regions, often occur in clumps and are rare within 5′ UTRs but common within 3′ UTRs. The footprints have a higher ratio of transitions to transversions than expected at random and a higher GC content than the rest of the intergenic region. The number of footprints and the GC content of footprints within an intergenic region are higher when genes are oriented so that their 5′ ends form the boundaries of the intergenic region. Overall, the patterns and characteristics identified here, along with other comparative and experimental studies, suggest that many footprints have a regulatory function, although other types of function are also possible. These conclusions may be quite general across eukaryotes, and the characteristics of conserved regulatory elements determined from genomic comparisons can be useful in prediction of regulation sites within individual DNA sequences.
An Efficient Numerical Procedure for Solving Microscale Heat Transport Equation During Femtosecond Laser Heating of Nanoscale Metal Films

An alternative discretization and solution procedure is developed for implicitly solving a microscale heat transport equation during femtosecond laser heating of nanoscale metal films. The proposed numerical technique directly solves a single partial differential equation, unlike other techniques available in the literature which split the equation into a system of two equations and then apply discretization. It is shown by von Neumann stability analysis that the proposed numerical method is unconditionally stable. The numerical technique is then extended to three space dimensions, and an overall procedure for computing the transient temperature distribution during short-pulse laser heating of thin metal films is presented. Douglas-Gunn time-splitting and delta-form Douglas-Gunn time-splitting methods are employed to solve the discretized 3-D equations; a simple argument for stability is given for the split equation. The performance of the proposed numerical scheme will be compared with the numerical techniques available in the literature and it is shown that the new formulation is comparably accurate and significantly more efficient. Finally, it is shown that numerical predictions agree with available experimental data during sub-picosecond laser heating.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A Comparison of Prompting Versus Feedback in the Development of Conditional Discriminations in Adult Humans

The purposes of the current study were to compare the relative effectiveness of procedures emphasizing prompting versus feedback in the development of conditional discriminations, and to investigat...
Chemical metrology methods for CMP quality

Accurate and precise measurement of the properties of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) chemistries is paramount to achieving the quality and consistency required in the CMP process of the semiconductor industry. Variability in the metrics of the chemicals used in CMP can map directly to undesirable increased process variation of polish metrics such as selectivity, defects, corrosion, and polish rate. This chapter details common chemical metrics used for monitoring and controlling CMP polishing slurries and post-polish rinse chemicals, and examples of how the variation of these metrics can affect polish performance are given. A discussion of the statistical considerations as well as the general effects of temperature on metrology is included. Finally, the advantages and limitations of analytical equipment used on-board to chemical delivery systems (i.e., flowthrough or online) versus bench-top (offline) are illustrated.
Inhibition of aminonucleoside nephrosis in rats. II. Effect of nucleic acid precursors and L-triiodothyronine.

SummaryThe aminonucleoside of puromycin (P-A), which produces the nephrotic syndrome in rats, was administered simultaneously with various nucleic acid intermediates. L-glutamine, D-glucosamine, and uridine intensified the nephrotoxicity, whereas guanine, adenylic acid, 4-amino-5-imidazole carboxamide, D-ribose, orotic acid, 2,6-diaminopurine, inosine, and thymine appeared to ameliorate the condition. Rats primed with L-triiodothyronine (T-3) developed proteinuria earlier than rats treated with P-A alone.
Transduction of capacity to produce staphylococcal penicillinase.

SummaryTransduction of capacity to produce the enzyme penicillinase among strains of S. aureus was accomplished. Four of 19 sensitive strains were capable of accepting the penicillinase marker. The 4 acceptor strains were sensitive to lysis by phages in Group I. Four different phages were capable of participating in the transduction process.
Scale-model experiments on floating wind turbine platforms

The dynamic response of floating wind turbines is studied through scale-model experiments. Froude-scaled models (100:1) placed in a water flume are exposed to periodic waves at moderate amplitude. The response of both tension leg platforms (TLP) and spar buoy models is studied through accelerometer, inclinometer, and video measurements with a wireless data acquisition system. The effect of wave frequency, wave height and tether pretension on response amplitude operators for pitch, surge, and heave motions for both tension leg and spar buoy platforms are determined. It is shown that surge motion of the platform dominates other motions for both the tension leg platform and spar buoy, and varying tether pretension has little effect on response amplitude operator values. The present experimental results can be used to validate the hydrodynamic kernels of linear frequency-domain models, time-domain dynamics models, and computational simulations on floating wind turbines.
Applications of hyperspectral imaging in the coastal ocean

Data from moderate resolution ocean color sensors, such as SeaWiFS and MODIS have greatly enhanced our understanding of the open ocean and shelf waters. However, the spatial and spectral complexity of the near coastal ocean, require higher resolution systems for the littoral zone. Recent experiments with aircraft imaging spectrometers have demonstrated their potential to be powerful tools for the characterization of the coastal ocan. Using the continuous spectral signature it is possible to measure shallow water bathymetry and bottom characteristics, and to gain insight into the distribution of phytoplankton and ot her optically active constituents. To demonstrate this I present recent results using AVIRIS and PHILLS data from the coastal environment. To obtain large area, repeated coverage of the coastal ocean two spaceborne hyperspectral imagers are planned. The Navy has joined in a partnership with industry to build and fly the Naval EarthMap Observer (NEMO). The NEMO spacecraft has the Coastal Ocean Imaging Spectrometer (COIS) a hyperspectral imager with adequate spectral and spatial resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio to provide long-term monitoring and real-time characterization of the coastal environment. Additionally, the Integrated Program Office is considering a Coastal Ocean Imager (COI) as part of an Ocean Observer Spacecraft. COI is a hyperspectral imager in the visible with a two band thermal-IR imager for sea surface temperature. COI would provide 100 m resolution imagery over a 150 km wide swath of the coastal ocean.
Applications of Bayesian corrections for systematic errors in Rietveld refinements

Recently, a Bayesian statistics approach for correction of systematic errors in Rietveld refinements has been developed and implemented as a patch to GSAS-II. This paper demonstrates the benefits of the proposed method in a series of structural refinements from diffraction data collected for one sample using four different powder diffractometers, i.e. synchrotron and laboratory X-ray and two time-of-flight neutron instruments. Differences between the parameters estimated while fitting these four data sets provided magnitudes of the systematic errors while also highlighting the efficacy of the Bayesian procedure for their correction. Structural parameters estimated from the standard Rietveld refinements using the four data sets differed significantly. In all cases, the agreement improved markedly after applying the Bayesian error-correction procedure. The Bayesian refinements were paired with a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, which was implemented as part of the same patch to GSAS-II, to confirm that uncertainties in the refined parameters obtained using the much faster least-squares minimization were realistic.
Novel 3D loops and coils utilizing fourier series for low frequency AMC ground planes

Previously developed hybrid genetic programming with low-level optimizer software is used along with two novel building block designs (3D loop and coil utilizing Fourier series) to design low frequency artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) ground planes using only design specifications. The methodology used to create these building block designs in the existing GP software is described, and an AMC design example covering 225–450 MHz is given. The design has 72.9% bandwidth and a thickness of A0/15.
A study on the status and equity of resource allocation for community vaccination services in Zhejiang Province

Objective To evaluate the status and equity of resource allocation for community vaccination services in Zhejiang Province. Methods A descriptive analysis was conducted,and Gini coefficient and Theil index were used to analyze the reasonableness and the demographic equity of resource allocation for community vaccination services in Zhejiang Province in 2013. Results The Gini coefficient of vaccination clinic and clinic staff based on population distribution in Zhejiang Province were 0. 403 6 and 0. 355 4,respectively. The total Theil index of vaccination clinic and clinic staff were0. 204 4 and 0. 207 1,respectively. Both vaccination clinic and clinic staff,Theil index within the region were far higher than inter-regional Theil index. Conclusion The demographic equity of resource allocation for community vaccination services in Zhejiang Province should be improved. The disparity within the region is the main reason of unequal in resource allocation for community vaccination service.
Protection of Dynamic Graph Watermark Based on Multiple Constants Encoding

A novel approach of dynamic graph software watermark protection with multiple constant encoding is proposed, and an algorithm toprotect the watermark based on improved PPCT structure is designed and implemented. Through creating multiple dependencies of fake watermarkswith the protected program, the algorithm presents many significant features, such as, tamper proofing, anti-attack, and effectiveness in watermarkprotection.
Our Town: Eternal Beauty of Daily Life

Our Town is the highest achievement in Thornton Wilder's playwritings. It ritualizes the important moments of human life, examines daily trivialities from the perspective of the universe, without time or space limit. The character's exclamation, dialogue, and certain details also help to imply the eternal beauty of daily life.
Luminal acidification in K-replete OMCDi: inhibition of bicarbonate absorption by K removal and luminal Ba.

We have previously demonstrated that significant luminal acidification in the K-replete rabbit inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDi) occurs via a renal H-K-adenosinetriphospha...
Ruminal and total tract digestibilities in steers fed diets containing liquefied or prilled saturated fatty acids.

We studied the effects of the addition of liquefied vs prilled mostly saturated fatty acids (FA) to the concentrate portion of total mixed diets on ruminal and total tract digestibilities. Four Holstein steers (270 ± 23 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Diets contained (DM basis) 30.0% corn silage, 22.2% chopped alfalfa hay, 25.0% ground shelled corn, 12.5% soybean meal, and 5% of one of the following fat sources: 1 ) prilled FA (PFA), 2 ) choice white grease (triglycerides) added in liquid form (LTG), 3 ) 2.5% PFA + 2.5% LTG, or 4 ) 2.5% liquefied PFA ( LFA) + 2.5% LTG. Ad libitum OM intake was not different ( P > .10) among diets (mean 7.8 kg/d). Ruminal digestibilities of OM (35.7, 39.9, 42.2, and 37.3% for Diets 1 to 4, respectively) were greatest ( P .10) among diets. Total tract digestibilities of OM, NDF, and ADF were greater ( P < .10) for the diet containing LTG alone than for the diet containing LFA + LTG because of trends for greater postruminal digestibilities. The LFA + LTG diet resulted in a greater proportion of acetate and lower proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid than PFA alone ( P < .10). The acetate:propionate ratio (3.53, 2.96, 3.10, and 2.89 for Diets 1 to 4, respectively) was lower ( P < .05) for LFA + LTG or LTG alone than for PFA alone. Postruminal and total tract digestibilities of total FA (66.0, 76.0, 71.2, and 68.9% for Diets 1 to 4, respectively) were lower ( P < .05) for PFA than for other diets. Addition of saturated FA in liquid form resulted in digestibilities and ruminal effects similar to the same saturated FA added in prilled form.
Computational aspects of morphological instabilities using isogeometric analysis

Abstract Morphological instabilities play a crucial role in the behavior of living systems as well as advanced engineering applications. Such instabilities initiate when a thin stiff film on a compliant substrate is subject to compressive stresses. For bilayer systems, the first mode of instability is sinusoidal wrinkling. While the critical conditions to induce wrinkling are extensively studied, the more complex patterns formed beyond wrinkling remain elusive and poorly understood. The objective of this contribution is to establish a generic computational framework capable of capturing various instabilities, using isogeometric analysis (IGA) enhanced with a concurrent eigenvalue analysis. It is shown that the eigenvalue analysis provides quantitatively accurate predictions for the onset of instabilities. In addition, the results are compared with the standard finite element analysis (FEA) and it is clearly observed that IGA furnishes significantly more accurate results compared to FEA, for the same number of degrees of freedom. We believe that this generic framework is widely applicable to advance our understanding of emergence and evolution of morphological instabilities for a rich variety of applications in soft materials and living systems.
Influence of Modeling Decisions on Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Two Existing Highway Bridges Subjected to Lateral Spreading

Three-dimensional finite element models are developed for the approaches of two Chilean bridges. A kinematic loading regime representative of postevent deformations associated with liquefaction-induced lateral spreading is used to analyze the models. Three important aspects of the modeling of this load case are assessed for such structures. First, the bridge deck and associated expansion gap and their effect on the overall response of the bridge–foundation–soil system are considered. The lateral resistance supplied by the bridge deck can play an important role in the general response of the model, and consideration of the expansion gap could lead to distinct pre- and postclosure deformation mechanisms. Second, elastic and elastoplastic constitutive responses in the deep foundations are explored, and the nonlinear nature of the drilled shafts is shown to be of essential importance. Finally, the effects of the inherent three-dimensional characteristics of each bridge are addressed. These effects are shown t...
Prevention of joint infections

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is morbid, costly, and increasingly common due to the large number of patients with indwelling joint prostheses. Although some patients present with unmodifiable factors which increase their individual risk of infection, there are a variety of pre-, peri-, intra-, and postoperative factors which can be optimized to decrease the risk of this unfortunate complication. These include: (1) the underlying health and nutritional status of the patient, (2) the provision of adequate topical and perioperative antisepsis, (3) intraoperative best practices, (4) consideration of postoperative risks, (5) complications of wound healing, and (6) dental infection and dental care. Considerable controversy exists regarding many of these factors. This chapter reviews the important risk factors to provide concise and practical recommendations regarding the prevention of PJI.
Algorithms for the Magnetic Assessment of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells

ABSTRACTAn electromagnetic flaw model and imaging techniques are developed simulating the magnetic nondestructive evaluation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. A small flaw model is introduced to simulate the perturbation in magnetic field due to pinholes in the membrane. An inversion scheme is demonstrated to reconstruct the ionic current distribution in the membrane. Methods of stray field removal are then discussed. The research objectives of the above techniques are to locate flaws and enable the determination of current density in the fuel cell membrane in the presence of stray fields produced by electrodes, current leads, and background noise sources.
Problems in Estimating Texas Citrus Fruit

Grapefruit is the principal citrus crop in Texas, and problems in forecasting production are practically the same for grapefruit and oranges. This paper, therefore, will relate to grapefruit specifically rathern than to citrus as a whole. Also, as the more perplexing problems are encountered in forecasting production, rather than in estimating final production, "forecasting" might be substituted appropriately in the title for "estimating." The final estimates are based largely upon tangible and accessible data, such as complete records of shipments and quantities processed. Methods used in preparing production forecasts of field crops involve the solution of the two major problems of determining the acreage of the crop and deriving significant pre-harvest indications of probable yield per acre. Of the two phases, the problem of estimating acreage each year is the more difficult one. The problem of estimating production of tree fruits, however, is somewhat different Changes in bearing acreage usually occur more gradually, and, because the trees are long-lived, the changes are more predictable on the basis of enumerations and sample surveys made at two to five year intervals. The obtaining of dependable indications from yield per acre or yield per tree inquiries for use in forecasting is much more difficult for tree fruits than it is for annual field crops, for a number of reasons. Differences in ages of trees, number per acre, and potential capacity among different orchards in a locality make it difficult for crop reporters to estimate on the basis of yield per tree without spending more time than they, as voluntary reporters, are willing to give. Even if such reports could be obtained, the extreme variation between locality reports would involve serious difficulties in sampling and in interpretation. Because of these differences in the basic problems, the Department has found it necessary to develop different approaches in forecasting and estimating most fruit crops. Before discussing grapefruit forecasting problems in particular, the methods used in forecasting other fruits will be mentioned briefly. The most useful inquiry, from the standpoint of ease in estimating by the farmer, and in reflecting variations in seasonal factors, has been the simple request to report on "condition in per cent of a full crop." In addition to the advantage of being relatively easy for the farmer to estimate, this inquiry removes the extreme variation
Language assessment and the inseparability of lexis and grammar: Focus on the construct of speaking:

This paper aims to connect recent corpus research on phraseology with current language testing practice. It discusses how corpora and corpus-analytic techniques can illuminate central aspects of sp...
Activation of extrasynaptic δ-GABA A receptors globally or within the posterior-VTA has estrous-dependent effects on consumption of alcohol and estrous-independent effects on locomotion.

Recent reports support higher than expected rates of binge alcohol consumption among women and girls. Unfortunately, few studies have assessed the mechanisms underlying this pattern of intake in females. Studies in males suggest that alcohol concentrations relevant to the beginning stages of binge intoxication may selectively target tonic GABAergic inhibition mediated by GABAA receptor subtypes expressing the δ-subunit protein (δ-GABAARs). Indeed, administration of agonists that interact with these δ-GABAARs prior to alcohol access can abolish binge drinking behavior in male mice. These δ-GABAARs have also been shown to exhibit estrous-dependent plasticity in regions relevant to drug taking behavior, like the hippocampus and periaqueductal gray. The present experiments were designed to determine whether the estrous cycle would alter binge drinking, or our ability to modulate this pattern of alcohol use with THIP, an agonist with high selectivity and efficacy at δ-GABAARs. Using the Drinking-in-the-Dark (DID) binge-drinking model, regularly cycling female mice were given 2h of daily access to alcohol (20%v/v). Vaginal cytology or vaginal impedance was assessed after drinking sessions to track estrous status. There was no fluctuation in binge drinking associated with the estrous cycle. Both Intra-posterior-VTA administration of THIP and systemic administration of the drug was also associated with an estrous cycle dependent reduction in drinking behavior. Pre-treatment with finasteride to inhibit synthesis of 5α-reduced neurosteroids did not disrupt THIP's effects. Analysis of δ-subunit mRNA from posterior-VTA enriched tissue samples revealed that expression of this GABAA receptor subunit is elevated during diestrus in this region. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that δGABAARs in the VTA are an important target for binge drinking in females and confirm that the estrous cycle is an important moderator of the pharmacology of this GABAA receptor subtype.
Unusual Viral Genomes: Mimivirus and the Polydnaviruses

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on comparative analysis of the genomes of two of these viruses. The first is the amoebal virus Mimivirus, which has the largest viral genome sequenced to date and shows complexity comparable to some small parasitic prokaryotes. The second virus is the polydnavirus, which shares a unique symbiotic relationship with parasitoid wasps, in which the virus is entirely dependent on the wasp for replication and in return viral gene expression promotes parasitoid survival. While the genomes of these two viruses share few homologous features, in parallel ways they have challenged our definition of viruses and illuminated new avenues in which viruses interact with their hosts and the environment over an evolutionary timescale. One of these viruses was the polydnavirus, which shares a symbiotic relationship with parasitoid wasps. Virions are manufactured solely in the female wasp's reproductive tract from proviral DNA, and virions themselves do not encode the capacity for replication or packaging.
Mapping of CARD4 gene to pig chromosome 18 (Brief report) (Kartierung des CARD4 Gens auf dem Schweinechromosom Nr. 18)

The caspase recruitment domain family, member 4 gene ( CARD4 ) is a member of the CATERPILLER (caspase recruitment domain, transcription enhancer, r (purine)-binding, pyrin, lots of leucine repeats) family. In humans, CARD4 has been shown to be involved in the innate immune system responsible for cytosolic recognition of bacteria. This gene also contributes to the inflammation processes seen in asthma (HYSI et al., 2005) and intestinal bacterial infections (KIM et al., 2004). The human CARD4 gene is located on chromosome 7. It contains 14 exons and spans approximately 4.4 kb. The objective of this study was to determine the chromosomal location of CARD4 in the pig by linkage and RH mapping.
Developing a consistent, sustainable, syllabi database to prepare for an accreditation visit

This paper introduces a database system that manages the CS/IT/IS department syllabi data in order to not only create accreditation syllabi, but also syllabi for semester class use and beyond. The database described, maintains a data repository that can be used for reporting that goes beyond the syllabi and positively affects the outcome mapping and evaluation process. Creating a faculty friendly interface encourages faculty to sustain the system keeping course information current and correct. Because a database is used, course information is kept in one location to ensure consistent data throughout the department.
Nifty assignments and tools

This panel will present assignments and tools that are interesting and useful which have been solicited from the CS education community These items will be things that can be used with minimal or no extra work to adapt for home institutions. Assignments might come from all levels of computer science. The tools will range from grading rubrics, codes of conduct, programming standards, techniques for classroom management, and even software tools -> things that help CS faculty do their jobs.
Effects of High Versus Low Protein Intake on Body Composition and Maximal Strength in Aspiring Female Physique Athletes Engaging in an 8-Week Resistance Training Program

Aspiring female physique athletes are often encouraged to ingest relatively high levels of dietary protein in conjunction with their resistance training programs. However, there is little to no res...
Production and Chemoselective Modification of Adeno-Associated Virus Site-Specifically Incorporating an Unnatural Amino Acid Residue into Its Capsid

The ability to modify the capsid proteins of human viruses is desirable both for installing probes to study their structure and function, and to attach retargeting agents to engineer viral infectivity. However, the installation of such capsid modifications currently faces two major challenges: (1) The complex and delicate capsid proteins often do not tolerate large modifications, and (2) capsid proteins are composed of the 20 canonical amino acids, precluding site-specific chemical modification of the virus. Here, we describe a technology for generating adeno-associated virus (AAV) while incorporating an unnatural amino acid (UAA) into specific sites of the virus capsid. Incorporation of this UAA is generally tolerated well, presumably due to its small structural footprint. The resulting virus can be precisely functionalized at the site of UAA incorporation using chemoselective conjugation strategies targeted toward the azido side chain of this UAA. This technology provides a powerful way to modify AAV with unprecedented precision to both probe and engineer its entry process.
Chemoselective Benzylation of Aldehydes Using Lewis Base Activated Boronate Nucleophiles

A benzylation of aldehydes using primary and secondary benzylboronic acid pinacol esters is reported. Activation of the boronic ester with s-butyllithium rendered it nucleophilic toward aldehydes. The activated nucleophile chemoselectively transfers the benzyl group over the sec-butyl group, providing excellent yields of the benzylated products. 11B NMR experiments were performed to study the mechanism of this transformation.
Narrative, Memes, and the Prospect of Large Systems Change

Efforts to reorient narratives about today’s socio-economic systems along humanistic or eco-friendly lines are built on core units of culture called memes. This paper explores the memes used by progressive socio-economic initiatives to assess whether they are consistently and powerfully deployed, using the aspirational statements of 126 different initiatives, sorted into nine categories. The memes (in this case, words) used by these initiatives demonstrate lack of consistency and lack of potentially resonant memes overall. Aspirational statements from both progressive and conservative think tanks are then compared to see whether their messaging is consistently developed in their aspirational statements. Results indicate that memes associated with the neoliberal narrative are considerably more consistently used by conservative think tanks than is any coherent or consistent messaging by progressive think tanks, a finding that becomes more powerful when two- and three-word meme sets are considered.
Quantitation of chemical exchange rates using pulsed-field-gradient diffusion measurements.

A new approach to the quantitation of chemical exchange rates is presented, and its utility isillustrated with application to the exchange of protein amide protons with bulk water. Theapproach consists of a selective-inversion exchange HMQC experiment in which a short spinecho diffusion filter has been inserted into the exchange period. In this way, the kinetics ofexchange are encoded directly in an apparent diffusion coefficient which is a function of theposition of the diffusion filter in the pulse sequence. A detailed theoretical analysis of thisexperiment indicates that, in addition to the measurement of simple exchange rates, theexperiment is capable of measuring the effect of mediated exchange, e.g. the transfer ofmagnetization from bulk water to an amide site mediated by an internal bound water moleculeor a labile protein side-chain proton in fast exchange with bulk water. Experimental resultsfor rapid water/amide exchange in acyl carrier protein are shown to be quantitativelyconsistent with the exchange rates measured using a selective-inversion exchange experiment.
The Local Jahn-Teller Effect in (La/Sr)n+1MnnO3n+1

Lattice polarons play an important role in the mechanism of colossal magnetoresistance in the (La/Sr)n+1MnnO3n+1 manganites. Local lattice distortions were characterized by the pulsed neutron pair density function (PDF) analysis. The result shows that the doped holes form polarons related to the Jahn–Teller (JT) effect, both in the two-dimensional layered crystals (n=2) and in the perovskites (n=∞). The temperature effects are also similar in both systems suggesting that lattice polarons are largely independent of the crystal symmetry.
Wireless Data Communication: Example of an Application for the Operating Room

The current acceleration of communication technology has been termed a “revolution” that started in 1844, when Samuel B. Morse demonstrated how diqitized information could be communicated via wore. Marconi followed with a wireless transatlantic demonstration at the beginning of this century. The next step came gradually, when synchronous digital codes (ASCII, EBDIC, BAUDOT) were introduced. We are now at the stage where analog information can be converted into digital units with little effort and no loss of content.
Measurement and mitigation of free convection in microfluidic gradient generators

Microfluidic gradient generators are used to study the movement of living cells, lipid vesicles, and colloidal particles in response to spatial variations in their local chemical environment. Such gradient driven motions are often slow (less than 1 μm s−1) and therefore influenced or disrupted by fluid flows accompanying the formation and maintenance of the applied gradient. Even when external flows are carefully eliminated, the solute gradient itself can drive fluid motions due to combinations of gravitational body forces and diffusioosmotic surface forces. Here, we develop a microfluid gradient generator based on the in situ formation of biopolymer membranes and quantify the fluid flows induced by steady solute gradients. The measured velocity profiles agree quantitatively with those predicted by analytical approximations of relevant hydrodynamic models. We discuss how the speed of gradient-driven flows depends on system parameters such as the gradient magnitude, the fluid viscosity, the channel dimensions, and the solute type. These results are useful in identifying and mitigating undesired flows within microfluidic gradient systems.
Genetic Variants Associated With Plasma Lipids Are Associated With the Lipid Response to Niacin.

Background Niacin is a broad‐spectrum lipid‐modulating drug, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Genome‐wide association studies have identified multiple loci associated with blood lipid levels...
The influence of residual gases and oxygen on the activation energy for surface self-diffusion of tungsten in the presence of high electric fields

Abstract Two build-up stages could be distinguished during the heating of tungsten field emitters at various residual gas pressures, p, while an electric field, F, was applied: (a) build-up around the 〈111〉 poles and (b) build-up around {100} planes. A plot of logpversusQF, the activation energy for surface self-diffusion with field, indicated a linear relation with a positive slope for {100} build-up and a linear relation with a negative slope for 〈111〉 build-up. The value of QF also, is a linear function of F, indicating a permanent dipole migration mechanism. In the presence of oxygen, 〈111〉 build-up occurred predominantly. The QF values match the pressure dependence for residual gas 〈111〉 build-up. It could be determined: QF (W-atom) = 1.9 eV/particle for F = 25 MV/cm , QF = 0 (dipole) = 4.8 eV/particle at Presidual = 4 × 10−9 Torr, and an effective dipole moment of μ ⋍ 6 D . The increase of QF {100} with increasing residual gas pressure is proposed to be due to pinning by carbon. The final build-up form ({110}, {100}, and {112}) is discussed in comparison with other single-crystal growth forms of tungsten.
5th order rational harmonic mode-locked fiber ring laser corresponding to 50 GHz pulse train

A scheme to generate 50 GHz pulse train using rational harmonic mode locking technique is proposed and studied experimentally. The modulation frequency is adjusted to achieve a 50 GHz pulse train which has a pulse width of 5.25 ps. Numerical simulation results show good agreement with the experimental results.
Simplified Sum-Over-States Model Applied to Ultrafast Nonlinear Optical Measurements of Two-Photon Absorbing Chromophores

We investigate the nonlinear optical properties of a series of two-photon absorbing chromophores in the femtosecond regime using both two-photon induced fluorescence spectroscopy and the Z-scan technique. We apply a simplified sum-over-states model to the experimental data to predict nonlinear refraction.
A- and B-site Codoped SrFeO3 Oxygen Sorbents for Enhanced Chemical Looping Air Separation

Chemical-looping air separation has numerous potential benefits in terms of energy saving and emission reductions. The current study details a combination of density functional theory calculation and experimental efforts to design A- and B-site codoped SrFeO3 perovskites as "low-temperature" oxygen sorbents for chemical-looping air separation. Substitution of the SrFeO3 host structure with Ca and Co lowers oxygen vacancy formation energy by 0.24-0.46 eV and decreases the oxygen release temperature. As a result, Sr1-x Cax Fe1-y Coy O3 (SCFC; x=0.2, 0.0<y<1.0) spontaneously releases oxygen at 400-500 °C even under a relatively high oxygen partial pressure (e.g. P O2 =0.05 atm). Sr0.8 Ca0.2 Fe0.4 Co0.6 O3 exhibits a significantly higher oxygen capacity of 1.2 wt % at 400 °C and under a P O2 swing between 0.05 and 0.2 atm, when compared to the <0.2 wt % capacity for undoped a SrFeO3 (SF) and Ca-doped Sr0.8 Ca0.2 FeO3 (SCF). Electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR) study demonstrates that codoping of Ca and Co lowers the activation energy of oxygen diffusion and surface oxygen exchange by 26.6 or 137.9 kJ mol-1 , respectively, resulting in faster redox kinetics for SCFC than for SCF perovskite. The SCFC oxygen sorbent also exhibits excellent stability for 2000 redox cycles for air separation.
Urinary Metals Concentrations and Biomarkers of Autoimmunity among Navajo and Nicaraguan Men

Metals are suspected contributors of autoimmune disease among indigenous Americans. However, the association between metals exposure and biomarkers of autoimmunity is under-studied. In Nicaragua, environmental exposure to metals is also largely unexamined with regard to autoimmunity. We analyzed pooled and stratified exposure and outcome data from Navajo (n = 68) and Nicaraguan (n = 47) men of similar age and health status in order to characterize urinary concentrations of metals, compare concentrations with the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) male population, and examine the associations with biomarkers of autoimmunity. Urine samples were analyzed for metals via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serum samples were examined for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) at 1:160 and 1:40 dilutions, using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and for specific autoantibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations of urinary metals with autoimmune biomarkers, adjusted for group (Navajo or Nicaraguan), age, and seafood consumption. The Nicaraguan men had higher urinary metal concentrations compared with both NHANES and the Navajo for most metals; however, tin was highest among the Navajo, and uranium was much higher in both populations compared with NHANES. Upper tertile associations with ANA positivity at the 1:160 dilution were observed for barium, cesium, lead, strontium and tungsten.
Race, Refugees, and International Law

The experiences of refugees are heavily mediated by race and ethnicity, and international law plays a significant role in this mediation—in some cases offering important protections, and in others entrenching discrimination and exclusion. This Chapter makes four contributions. First, it articulates a structural and intersectional account of race, racial discrimination and xenophobic discrimination as essential starting points for international legal analysis of race and refugees. This analysis includes the overlap and distinctions between racial and xenophobic discrimination, as well as the role of religion, class and gender in shaping racial discrimination against refugees. Secondly, it reviews the doctrine on race and refugees in international refugee law and international human rights law, and maps the attendant academic literature analyzing this law. Thirdly, the Chapter canvasses legal scholarship that has examined the structure, history and development of the international refugee regime in relation to race. Finally, it concludes with reflections on a research agenda on race and refugees.
In Vivo Functional Effects of CYP2C9 M1L, a Novel and Common Variant in the Yup'ik Alaska Native Population.

Alaska Native people are under-represented in genetic research but have unique gene variation that may critically impact their response to pharmacotherapy. Full resequencing of CYP2C9 in a cross-section of this population identified CYP2C9 Met1Leu (M1L), a novel, relatively common single nucleotide polymorphism hypothesized to confer CYP2C9 poor metabolizer phenotype by disrupting the start codon. M1L is present at a minor allele frequency of 6.3% in Yup’ik Alaska Native people and thus can contribute to the risk of an adverse drug response from narrow-therapeutic-index CYP2C9 substrates such as (S)-warfarin. This study’s objective was to characterize the catalytic efficiency of the Leu1 variant enzyme in vivo by evaluating the pharmacokinetic behavior of naproxen, a probe substrate for CYP2C9 activity, in genotyped Yup’ik participants. We first confirmed the selectivity of (S)-naproxen O-demethylation by CYP2C9 using activity-phenotyped human liver microsomes and selective cytochrome P450 inhibitors and then developed and validated a novel liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of (S)-naproxen, (S)-O-desmethylnaproxen, and naproxen acyl glucuronide in human urine. The average ratio of (S)-O-desmethylnaproxen to unchanged (S)-naproxen in urine was 18.0 ± 8.0 (n = 11) for the homozygous CYP2C9Met1 reference group and 10.3 ± 6.6 (n = 11) for the Leu1 variant carrier group (P = 0.011). The effect of M1L variation on CYP2C9 function and its potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs metabolized by the enzyme has clinical implications and should be included in a variant screening panel when pharmacogenetic testing in the Alaska Native population is warranted. Significance Statement The novel CYP2C9 Met1Leu variant in Alaska Native people was recently identified. This study validated (S)-naproxen as a CYP2C9 probe substrate to characterize the in vivo functional activity of the CYP2C9 Leu1 variant. The results of this pharmacogenetic-pharmacokinetic study suggest that the CYP2C9 Leu1 variant exhibits loss of enzyme activity. This finding may be important to consider when administering narrow-therapeutic-index medications metabolized by CYP2C9 and also compels further investigation to characterize novel genetic variation in understudied populations.
End of life communication among caregivers of children with cancer: A qualitative approach to understanding support desired by families.

Objectives Clinicians and parents are encouraged to have open and honest communication about end of life with children with cancer, yet there remains limited research in this area. We examined family communication and preferred forms of support among bereaved caregivers of children with cancer. Methods Bereaved caregivers were recruited through a closed social media group to complete an online survey providing retrospective reports of end of life communication with their child and preferences for communication support from health-care providers. The sample of 131 participants was mostly female (77.9%; n = 102) with an average age of 49.15 (SD = 8.03) years. Deceased children were of an average age of 12.42 years (SD = 6.01) and nearly 90% of children died within 5 years of diagnosis. Results Most caregivers spoke with their child about their prognosis (61.8%; n = 131) and death (66.7%; n = 99). Half of children (48%; n = 125) asked about death, particularly older children (51.9% ≥12 years; p = 0.03). Asking about dying was related to having conversations about prognosis (p ≤ 0.001) and death (p ≤ 0.001). Most caregivers (71.8%; n = 94) wanted support to talk to their children. Fewer wanted providers to speak to children directly (12.2%; n = 16) or to be present while caregivers spoke to the child (19.8%; n = 26). Several themes emerged from a content analysis of open-ended responses regarding preferences for provider support. Significance of results Most caregivers discussed issues pertaining to end of life irrespective of demographic or medical factors. Qualitative themes provide insight into support desired by families to help with these difficult conversations.
A tribute to Edward Perry Glenn (1947–2017), who created a legacy of environmental assessment and applications within hydrological processes

This issue of Hydrological Processes is dedicated to Dr. Edward P. Glenn, a frequent contributor to the journal, who suddenly passed away in late 2017. The articles within this volume are by a number of his former co‐authors and others who have been greatly influenced by his professional work on hydrological processes.