cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is There A Middle East

The Middle East, as a geographical term, is generally used today to cover the area stretching from Morocco through Afghanistan, and is roughly equivalent to the area of the first wave of Muslim conquests plus Anatolia. It is a predominantly Muslim area with widespread semi-arid and desert conditions where agriculture is heavily dependent on irrigation and pastoral nomadism has been prevalent. With the twentieth-century rise of exclusive linguistic nationalisms, which have taken over many of the emotional overtones formerly concentrated on religious loyalties, it becomes increasingly doubtful that the Middle East is now much more than a geographical expression – covering an area whose inhabitants respond to very different loyalties and values. In Turkey since the days of Ataturk, the ruling and educated elites have gone out of their way to express their identification with Europe and the West and to turn their backs on their traditional Islamic heritage. A glorification of the ‘modern’ and populist elements in the ancient Turkish and Ottoman past has gone along with a downgrading of Arab and Persian cultural influences–indeed the latter are often seen as having corrupted the pure Turkish essence, which only re-emerged with Ataturk’s swepping cultural reforms. Similarly the Iranians are increasingly emulating the technocratic and rationalizing values of the capitalist West, and in the cultural sphere identify with the glorious civilization of pre-Islamic Iran. This identification goes along with a downgrading of Islam and particularly of the Arabs, which has characterized both radical nationalists like the late nineteenth-century Mirzâ Âqâ Khân Kirmâni and the twentieth-century Ahmad Kasravâ1 and more conservative official nationalists such as the Pahlavi Shahs and their followers. The recent celebrations of the 2500th anniversary of the Persian monarchy, for example, were notable for their virtual exclusion of the Muslim ulama, though religious leaders of other religious were invited, and their lack of specifically Islamic references. In both Iran and Turkey, traditional Islam has become largely a class phenomenon, with the traditional religion followed by a majority of the peasantry and the petty bourgeoisie, but rejected or radically modified by the more educated classes. With the continued spread of Western-style secular education it may be expected that the numbers of people identifying with nationalism and with the West (or with the Communist rather than the Islamic East) will grow.
The Market's Response to the Quality of Earnings

Not only to the quantity of earnings that listed companies report, does the stock market also respond to the quality of earnings? This article creates 8 fundamental signals that are based on financial report to measure the quality of earnings, and supports the market's response to the quality of earnings using the data of Shanghai and Shenzhen stock market in China from 1995 to 1999. The statistical results suggest that the market's response is directly relative to the measure of the quality of earnings which is based on the fundamental signals of financial report, that is to say, earnings response coefficient of the samples group with high quality is more than that with low quality. The quality of earnings has significant explanatory power for earnings change one year ahead.
Studies on humoral immunity and curative effects of children with nephritic syndrome

Objective To explore the association of serum level of IgG,IgA,IgM,IgE and C 3 with sensitivity of glucocorticoid (prednisone) in primary nephropathic patient,and to understand pathogenesis of primary nephropathy.Methods To detect serum IgG,IgA,IgM and C 3 by scattering turbidimetry and IgE by ELISA.Results Compared to healthy children, patient with primary nephropathy has lower IgG and higher IgM and IgE, and same IgA and C 3 level.Whether simple and nephritic nephropathy has the same results,but they have very significant difference in sensitivity to glucocorticoid (χ 2=18.48,P0.005). Moreover in primary nephropathy, the lower IgG group and normal IgG group have not difference in glucocorticoid sensitivity,but higher IgE group and normal IgE group are very significantly different (χ 2=12.46,P0.005).Conclusion The patient with primary nephropathy has abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis that may be caused by humoral immunity inbalance. Sensitivity of glucocorticoid is not associated with IgG level but associated with clinical type of nephropathy(simple and nephritic nephropathy) and IgE level.The simple nephropathy is steroid-responsive,nephritic nephropathy is steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent and nephropathy with higher IgE level is steroid-responsive,the nephropathy with normal IgE level is steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent.
Suffering and Soul-Making in Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out

John Hick (1922-2012) was an extremely influential philosopher of religion who wrote ground-breaking essays in the areas of religious epistemology, religious pluralism, and the problem of evil. With specific reference to the latter, in his book Evil and the God of Love(1966), Hick devised what has come to be known as the “soul-making theodicy” – in essence, Hick argues that one of the reasons God allows so much apparently pointless suffering in the world is because it is an essential aspect of advancing our moral and spiritual education. Although perhaps an unlikely venue, I will argue that Disney/Pixar’s 2015 animated film Inside Out can help us see how suffering serves the role Hick attributes to it. One of the film’s many messages is that suffering not only forms the foundation for the cultivation of compassion and human intimacy, but is an indispensable aspect of attaining a healthy moral, spiritual, intellectual, and mental maturity. While there is little to suggest that Inside Out 's director Peter Docter had theodicies specifically in mind while making the film (though he has admitted that his Christian views have infused his films in the past), the fact that we can appeal to philosophy and theology to further our understanding of the film's themes illustrates the connection these fields of study can have to (secular) popular culture, and that theists and non-theists can find common language to talk about the perennial philosophical issues that permeate human existence.
Using community archetypes to better understand differential community adaptation to wildfire risk.

One of the immediate challenges of wildfire management concerns threats to human safety and property in residential areas adjacent to non-cultivated vegetation. One approach for relieving this problem is to increase human community 'adaptiveness' to deal with the risk and reality of fire in a variety of landscapes. The challenge in creating 'fire-adapted communities' (FACs) is the great diversity in character and make-up of populations at risk from wildfire. This paper outlines a recently developed categorization scheme for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) communities based on a larger conceptual approach for understanding how social diversity is likely to influence the creation of FACs. The WUI categorization scheme situates four community archetypes on a continuum that recognizes dynamic change in human community functioning. We use results from the WUI classification scheme to outline key characteristics associated with each archetype and results from recent case studies to demonstrate the diversity across WUI communities. Differences among key characteristics of local social context will likely result in the need for different adaptation strategies to wildfire. While the WUI archetypes described here may not be broadly applicable to other parts of the world, we argue that the conceptual approach and strategies for systematically documenting local influences on wildfire adaptation have potential for broad application.This article is part of the themed issue 'The interaction of fire and mankind'.© 2016 The Author(s). Language: en
Views and Voices of Indenture

This chapter presents the views of contemporary participants living on St. Croix on Indian indenture on the island. A cross-section of individuals was interviewed for their views on indenture. The purpose of this approach was not to rely solely on printed material to analyze indenture. Although information was limited since traces of the descendants were difficult to find, some original sources and unexpected and previously unheard voices, and in particular, a few photographs of actual indentured servants never seen before are provided to enhance and enrich the historiography of indentured Indians on Danish St. Croix.
Bratman on identity over time and identification at a time

According to reductionists about agency, an agent’s bringing something about is reducible to states and events (such as desires and beliefs) involving the agent bringing something about. Many have worried that reductionism cannot accommodate robust forms of agency, such as self-determination. One common reductionist answer to this worry (which I call “identification reductionism”) contends that self-determining agents are identified with certain states and events, and so these states and events causing a decision counts as the agent’s self-determining the decision. In this paper, I discuss Michael Bratman’s well-known identification reductionist theory and his general strategy of grounding an agent’s identification at a time in the agent’s identity over time. I develop two constraints that an adequate identification reductionist theory must satisfy, argue that Bratman’s theory cannot satisfy both, and show that his general strategy for grounding an agent’s identification at a time in the agent’s identity ...
Information Transmission Through Rumors in Stock Markets: A New Evidence

ABSTRACTThe authors provide new evidence of the influence of false rumors based on Taiwan's stock market. The results indicate significant patterns of abnormal returns and trading volumes surrounding the event day and that the rumors seem to be disseminated in the stock market before appearing in newspapers. The results also indicate asymmetry: Investors hearing a positive rumor about a stock may tend to buy the stock, prompting a price run-up until the rumor dies away, while negative rumors usually have greater and longer negative impacts on stock returns than positive rumors do. The presence of a daily price limit is negatively correlated to the size of abnormal returns and abnormal trading volumes on the event day, and the abnormal trading volumes are more sensitive to the price limit surrounding the event day. Finally, firm managers might receive rumor information earlier and then conduct stock trading before the rumor's announcement.
FIRST DESCRIPTION OF THE NEST AND EGG OF THE STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (EPINECROPHYLLA HAEMATONOTA)

ABSTRACT ∙ The life histories of most Epinecrophylla antwrens are poorly known. I describe the first nest and egg of the Stipple‐throated Antwren ( E. haematonota ), which was found in the southern lowland rainforest of Amazonian Peru. The closed and globular nest was located 0.33 m from the ground, and was laterally supported by palm fronds. The single egg was off‐white and partially covered by dark magenta spotting. The nest and egg descriptions match other Epinecrophylla , but differ from Myrmotherula . The results support the split of Epinecrophylla from Myrmotherula . RESUMEN ∙ Primera descripcion del nido y huevo del Hormiguerito Dorsirrojo ( Epinecrophylla haematonota ) en Peru ∙ La biologia de casi todas las especies de hormigueritos del genero Epinecrophylla es muy poco conocida. Aqui describo el primer nido y huevo del Hormiguerito Dorsirrojo ( E. haematonota ), encontrado en el sur de la selva amazonica del Peru. El nido cerrado y de forma globular estaba ubicado a 0,33 m del piso, con soporte lateral de canas de palma. El unico huevo era blanco con manchas magentas. La descripcion del nido y huevo es similar a las de otras especies de Epinecrophylla , pero diferente de Myrmotherula . Estos resultados apoyan la identidad de Epinecrophylla como genero separado de Myrmotherula .
Risk of luteal phase pregnancy with any-cycle-day initiation of subdermal contraceptive implants

Abstract Objectives To determine rates of luteal phase pregnancy (LPP) in young women initiating subdermal implants on any day of the menstrual cycle. Study design We assessed a retrospective cohort of young women receiving contraceptive implants at an adolescent Title-X clinic. Patients with negative pregnancy tests were eligible for same-day insertion, regardless of cycle day, contraceptive use, or last intercourse. We computed LPP rates for those within manufacturer guidelines for insertion (≤5 days of menstrual onset or ≤7 days post-discontinuing hormonal contraception) and outside these guidelines. We reviewed medical records for last menstrual period (LMP), current hormonal contraception, emergency contraception (EC) provision, and pregnancy tests ≤12 weeks post-implant placement, or later evidence of pregnancy. For patients with positive pregnancy tests or reports, we used standard obstetrical dating (LMP and ultrasound) to determine if conception occurred ±2 weeks of implant placement. Results Of 3180 insertions, 1868 (58.8%) were outside recommended guidelines. Women with insertions within-guidelines were older (20.2 vs. 19.3 years; p Conclusion The risk of LPP following any-cycle-day insertion of contraceptive implants with negative pregnancy testing is low, regardless of menstrual cycle timing, recent contraceptive use or use of EC. Implications Adopting a protocol of contraceptive implant placement that includes insertion on any cycle day with a negative pregnancy test, and EC as indicated, does not increase the risk of luteal phase pregnancies, even in a young population with complex reproductive behaviors and challenging historical narratives.
Introduction to KP Theory and KP Solitons

We begin with a study of the Burgers equation, which is the simplest equation combining both nonlinear propagation effects and diffusive effects, and can be used to describe a weak shock phenomena in gas dynamics (see e.g. [131]). The Burgers equation can be linearized by a nonlinear transformation, known as the Cole-Hopf transformation. The linearization then shows that the Burger equation has an infinite number of symmetries, and the set of those symmetries defines the Burgers hierarchy. The linearization enables us to construct several exact solutions such as multi-shock solutions. It turns out that the set of those exact solutions forms a subclass of the solutions of the KP equation, and multi-shock solutions give examples of the resonant interactions in the KP solutions. We then extend the Cole-Hopf transformation to construct a multi-component Burgers hierarchy, and introduce the \(\tau \)-function, which generates a large class of exact solutions of the KP equation, referred to as KP solitons. Based on the study of this multi-component Burgers hierarchy, we explain its connection to the Sato theory, which provides a mathematical foundation of the KP hierarchy in terms of an infinite dimensional Grassmann variety called the Sato Grassmannian [112, 113]. In this book, we consider a finite dimensional version of the Sato Grassmannian and construct each KP soliton from a point of this Grassmannian.
Laparoscopic repair of giant paraesophageal hernia: are there factors associated with anatomic recurrence?

Repair of giant paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is associated with a favorably high rate of symptom improvement; however, rates of recurrence by objective measures remain high. Herein we analyze our experience with laparoscopic giant PEH repair to determine what factors if any can predict anatomic recurrence. We prospectively collected data on PEH characteristics, variations in operative techniques, and surgeon factors for 595 patients undergoing laparoscopic PEH repair from 2008 to 2015. Upper GI study was performed at 6 months postoperatively and selectively thereafter—any supra-diaphragmatic stomach was considered hiatal hernia recurrence. Exclusion criteria included revisional operation (22.4%), size <5 cm (17.6%), inadequate follow-up (17.8%), and confounding concurrent operations (6.9%). Inclusion criteria were met by 202 patients (31% male, median age 71 years, and median BMI 28.7). At a median follow-up of 6 months (IQR 6–12), overall anatomic recurrence rate was 34.2%. Symptom recurrence rate was 9.9% and revisional operation was required in ten patients (4.9%). Neither patient demographics nor PEH characteristics (size, presence of Cameron erosions, esophagitis, or Barrett’s) correlated with anatomic recurrence. Technical factors at operation (mobilized intra-abdominal length of esophagus, Collis gastroplasty, number of anterior/posterior stitches, use of crural buttress, use of pledgeted or mattress sutures, or gastrostomy) were also not correlated with recurrence. Regarding surgeon factors, annual volume of fewer than ten cases per year was associated with increased risk of anatomic failure (54 vs 33%, P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis identified surgeon experience (<10 cases per year) as an independent factor associated with early hiatal hernia recurrence (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.34–10.9). Laparoscopic repair of giant PEH is associated with high anatomic recurrence rate but excellent symptom control. PEH characteristics and technical operative variables do not appear to significantly affect rates of recurrence. In contrast, surgeon volume does appear to contribute significantly to durability of repair.
Keynote 1 — Education is not learning facts, but training the mind to think

In engineering, things are fairly black and white; systems either work or they don't; life is relatively simple. In business people get in the way; nothing is easy, nothing is simple and many decisions result in large technical compromises. This talk covers a short professional history highlighting insights gained from being close to the start of the IC business (while it was the wild, wild west) and from tying together a life-long interest in programmable logic and cars with the coming AI/ML evolution. Surprisingly, reconfigurable computing may still hold the keys to the future.
OUTCOME PREDICTION BY NOVEL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC MEASURE OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Data on the predictive role of right ventricular (RV) myocardial stiffness in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are scarce. Intrinsic velocity propagation (iVP) of myocardial stretch is a new noninvasive measure of myocardial elasticity. We evaluated if iVP could predict outcomes in patients
Cultivation of Laminaria saccharina in the New York Marine Biomass Program

Laminaria is a genus of brown seaweed that is of great importance to a variety of industries and is also a staple in the diet of many Oriental countries. The history of harvesting this kelp species goes back many hundreds of years. During the last 50 years or so, efforts to cultivate this plant on artificial substrata have made significant gains in China and Japan.
Laser Raman Spectroscopy: Principles and Applications to Corrosion Studies

Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS) has become an important tool for the in-situ characterization of corrosion films on metal surfaces. We introduce here the experimental techniques involved in applying LRS to electrochemical systems, and survey the literature for examples of studies on corrosion and passivation phenomena. Laser Raman spectroelectrochemical studies of corrosion and film formation on such metals as Pb, Ag, Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Ti, Au, Zn, stainless steel, etc. in various solution conditions are reviewed. Results on studies of the structure of corrosion inhibitors are also presented. Further extension of the technique to corrosion studies in high-temperature and high-pressure aqueous environments is demonstrated.
Disruptive Scientific Change

Much of the philosophical treatment of incommensurability is an artifactual response to internally generated philosophical problems rather than to the difficulties faced by scientists themselves. As a result, incommensurability and rupture have been mislocated at the level of scientists’ differing beliefs and their disagreements about symbolic representations of nature, and that of corresponding failures to meet the foundational demands of one or another philosophy of language. Kuhn famously attacked the view that scientific progress is cumulative, but his revolutions — representational ruptures – are rare events, the sometime products of extraordinary science that threaten to bring inquiry to a halt. Whereas, when we examine scientific practice at the frontier, even in “normal science,” we find that scientists not only cope but also thrive on the unstable ground found there. Theory rupture is causally neither necessary nor sufficient for the disruption of scientific practice. Indeed, alternative practices are sometimes the stimulus for radical theory change. We can read Kuhn himself as emphasizing practice over representations and (certainly) rules, but Kuhn’s discussion is limited to a few cases, pre-World War II. In the final sections I invite consideration of alternative patterns of disruption by comparing some scientific examples with non-Kuhnian sorts of disruption that occur in business life – which, like science, is highly competitive and places a premium on innovation.
Benchmark lessons and the world wide web: tools for teaching statistics

With the advances in computing technology over the past 15 years, much of applied statistics has changed. Researchers and students can now easily fit a wide variety of complex models and generate elaborate graphical displays of data with the press of a few buttons on a keyboard. Statistical software with graphical user interfaces does not require a conceptual understanding of the driving ideas behind the applications: design of experiments, data collection, descriptive statistics, and statistical inference. While traditional undergraduate applied statistics courses may provide some background and useful algorithms, they frequently leave a student with a cook-book of algorithmic recipes rather than any true understanding [Hawkins, et al. 1992], [Garfield & Ahlgren 1988]. In addition, while students may be able to memorize some algorithmic details to solve a familiar well-defined problem, they often fail to grasp the underpinnings of the methods and are therefore unable to apply their knowledge to new situations.
Dementia Awareness Campaign in the Latino Community: A Novel Community Engagement Pilot Training Program with Promotoras

Objectives: To create a curriculum about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and to train Promotoras affiliated with a local community education and health advocacy organization, in order to raise aw...
Seroprevalence of Human Papillomavirus 6/11/16/18 Among Self-identified Gay/Bisexual Men Who Have Sex With Men, Men Who Have Sex With Women, and Females, United States, 2003-2010.

Background Differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) seroprevalence by sex have been observed, likely due to differences in the anatomic site of HPV exposure. Seroconversion may be more likely after exposure at nonkeratinized (mucosal) compared to keratinized epithelium. We compared seroprevalence among self-identified gay/bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM) and females, 2 groups more likely exposed at mucosal epithelium, and men who only have sex with women (MSW), a group likely exposed primarily at keratinized epithelium, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2010. Methods HPV 6/11/16/18 serum antibody was detected using a multiplexed, competitive luminex immunoassay. Weighted seroprevalence was estimated among unvaccinated, sexually experienced 18-59 year-old MSM, MSW, and females, overall and by demographic and sexual behavior characteristics. Seroprevalences were compared using prevalence ratios adjusted for sexual behavior (aPRs). Results Overall, seroprevalence in MSM, MSW, and females was 42.6%, 13.2%, and 37.1%, respectively. Seroprevalence in MSM was comparable to females (aPR: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-1.08) and higher than MSW (aPR: 2.72, 95% CI: 2.19-3.38). MSW had a significantly lower seroprevalence than females (aPR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.28-0.34). Similar associations were seen in all sociodemographic subgroups. Seroprevalence increased with number of lifetime sex partners in all groups. Conclusions In this population-based survey, HPV seroprevalence among groups likely exposed at mucosal epithelium (MSM, females) was comparable; seroprevalence in both groups was higher than in MSW. Future research could explore whether differences in seropositivity following infection result in differential protection from future infection.
Disintegration of I 124 and I 126

The nuclear radiations from ${\mathrm{I}}^{124}$ (4 days) and ${\mathrm{I}}^{126}$ (13 days) have been measured. ${\mathrm{I}}^{124}$ decays to ${\mathrm{Te}}^{124}$ with the emission of three positron groups with end points at 2.20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01, 1.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01, and 0.67\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 Mev, possibly accompanied by some $K$-electron capture. Gamma-rays of energy 0.603\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002, 0.73\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01, 1.72\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, and 1.95\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 are given off in the distintegration. ${\mathrm{I}}^{126}$ decays to ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{126}$ with the emission of two beta-ray groups of energies 1.268\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010 and 0.85\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev, together with a gamma-ray of energy 0.395\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev. An active state of I, of 13.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 hr. half-life, which decays by $K$-capture and the emission of an internally converted gamma-ray of energy 0.159 Mev, has been found. This activity is assigned to ${\mathrm{I}}^{123}$.
BioMEMS for Cellular Manipulation and Analysis

Since the introduction of Micro-electro-mechanical systems in the early 70’s, the significance of the biomedical applications of these miniature systems has been realized [54, 77]. BioMEMS, the abbreviation for Biomedical or Biological Micro-Electro-Mechanical- Systems, is nowa heavily researched area with a wide variety of important biomedical applications. In general, BioMEMS, and its synonym BioChip, can be defined as “Devices or systems, constructed using techniques inspired from micro/ nanoscale fabrication, that are used for processing, delivery, manipulation, analysis, or construction of biological and chemical entities”. A large number of BioMEMS devices and applications have been presented in [4, 34, 41, 57]. Technologies such as “lab-on-a-chip“ and Micro-Total-Analysis-Systems (micro-TAS or μTAS), when used for biological applications, fall into the BioMEMS category. The use of these lab-on-a-chips for cellular analysis is justified by, (i) reducing the sensor element to the scale of size of cells and smaller and hence providing a higher sensitivity, (ii) reduced reagent volumes and associated costs, (iii) reduced time to result due to small volumes resulting in higher effective concentrations, (iv) amenability of portability and miniaturization of the entire system, and (v) ability to perform large numbers of assays or measurements in parallel.
Four Decades of Organic Chemistry of closo -Boranes: A Synthetic Toolbox for Constructing Liquid Crystal Materials. A Review

Introduction and transformations of organic functional groups to ten- and twelve-vertex closo -boranes and heteroboranes is reviewed in the context of preparation of liquid crystalline compounds. The review, containing 198 references, is designed as a synthetic manual for materials chemists and focuses on methods for engineering molecules with elongated shapes and variable dipole moments. Several underdeveloped aspects of closo -borane chemistry are identified.
The History and Geology of Petroleum in West Africa

The search for hydrocarbons is not entirely new in West Africa: the potential for oil reserves has been recognized by various explorers and oil prospectors for over a century. Exploration for oil in most countries in the region dates back to the nineteenth century and has gone through many boom and bust exploratory phases before reaching the current, economically viable conditions. Some of these varied cycles have been due to complex, intertwining factors both within and outside the region, including major global events such as the Second World War, colonization and decolonization, the Cold War, and subsequently independence from colonial rule. This chapter traces the historical foundations of the region’s natural resources in general and its petroleum industry in particular. It outlines the different phases of the oil industry’s growth and evolution and evaluates the various ways in which countries in the region tried (and in many cases failed) to become oil producers. The chapter also discusses the geology on which West Africa’s modern oil rests. It discusses the region’s oil zones with focus on its oil giants, oil minnows, and the host of other nonproducer countries with exploration potential. Though the region’s full oil potential has not yet reached maturation, the chapter points out that the historical context holds some key lessons in terms of how the ongoing discoveries will affect different countries in the region.
Abstract TP222: Prevalence of Carotid Web in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke

Introduction: Carotid web is a putative mechanism of cryptogenic ischemic stroke. We aimed to determine the prevalence of carotid web based on assigned stroke mechanism, and hypothesized that carot...
Delivering Preexposure Prophylaxis to People Who Use Drugs and Experience Homelessness, Boston, MA, 2018-2020.

Despite high need, HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains low. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program implemented an innovative “low-threshold...
18F-Radiofluorination of Aryl C-H Bonds using a Tandem Ir C-H Borylation/Cu Radiofluorination Strategy

585 Objectives: Our group and others have previously described Cu mediated radiofluorination of aryl organoboron compounds with [18F]fluoride.(1,2) Using this in conjunction with iridium catalysed C-H borylation,(3,4) we have developed a tandem borylation/radiofluorination for the conversion of aromatic C-H bonds to C-18F bonds. We anticipate that this methodology will be amenable to the chemoselective and regioselective late-stage radiofluorination of densely functionalised radiotracer precursor scaffolds. Methods: Organoboronates were synthesised using Ir catalysed C-H borylation. A solution of Iridium catalyst, pinacolborane and substrate were heated and monitored with NMR spectroscopy. Fluorine-18 was produced in a cyclotron via the 18O(p, n)18F nuclear reaction and azeotropically dried using standard methods. To the dried [18F]fluoride was added solvent, which was added to a solution of crude aryl organoboronate, Cu complex, and additives (where applicable). The reaction mixture was heated for 20 min, quenched, and analysed by radio-TLC and -HPLC. Results: The efficiency and selectivities of the aromatic C-H borylation have been well documented, with electron-rich and electron-deficient arenes displaying high reactivities. A model substrate 1,3-dimethoxybenzene can be C-H functionalised in high (>90%) NMR yield. The corresponding crude organoboronate undergoes radiofluorination in excellent (>70%) RCY. For reference, the RCY using pure, independently synthesised organoboronate is >90%, demonstrating that the radiofluorination is highly tolerant of the C-H borylation reagents. Other electron rich and electron-deficient arenes are also amenable in moderate to excellent RCYs. Conclusions: We successfully developed a method for the tandem borylation/radiofluorination of aromatic C-H bonds. This approach offers greater operational simplicity than previously reported methods, and can be employed for the synthesis of fluorine-18 radiolabelled aromatics in excellent RCCs. The application of this method to the synthesis of clinically relevant radiotracers is currently underway. Acknowledgements: This work was supported by NIH (R01EB021155). References: [1] Tredwell M, Preshlock SM, Taylor NJ, Gruber S, Huiban M, Passchier J, et al. A General Copper-Mediated Nucleophilic 18F Fluorination ofArenes. Angew Chem Int Ed. 2014;53(30):7751-5. [2] Mossine A V, Brooks AF, Makaravage KJ, Miller JM, Ichiishi N, Sanford MS, et al. Synthesis of [18F]Arenes via the Copper-Mediated [18F]Fluorination of Boronic Acids. Org Lett, 2015;17(23):5780-3. [3] Ishiyama T, Takagi J, Ishida K, Miyaura N, Anastasi NR, Hartwig JF. Mild iridium-catalyzed borylation of arenes. High turnover numbers, room temperature reactions, and isolation of a potential intermediate. J Am Chem Soc. 2002;124(3):390-1. [4] Cho J-Y, Tse MK, Holmes D, Maleczka RE, Smith MR. Remarkably Selective Iridium Catalysts for the Elaboration of Aromatic C-H Bonds. Science,2002;295:305-8.
Sepsis-Induced Myopathy and Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis: Mechanistic Links and Therapeutic Targets.

Sepsis is currently defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The skeletal muscle system is among the host organ systems compromised by sepsis. The resulting neuromuscular dysfunction and impaired regenerative capacity defines sepsis-induced myopathy and manifests as atrophy, loss of strength, and hindered regeneration after injury. These outcomes delay recovery from critical illness and confer increased vulnerability to morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced myopathy, including the potential contribution of peripheral organs, remain largely unexplored. The gut microbiome is an immunological and homeostatic entity that interacts with and controls end-organ function, including the skeletal muscle system. Sepsis induces alterations in the gut microbiota composition, which is globally termed a state of "dysbiosis" for the host compared to baseline microbiota composition. In this review, we critically evaluate existing evidence and potential mechanisms linking sepsis-induced myopathy with gut microbiota dysbiosis.
AuthN-AuthZ: Integrated, User-Friendly and Privacy-Preserving Authentication and Authorization

In this paper, we propose a novel, privacy-preserving, and integrated authentication and authorization scheme (dubbed as AuthN-AuthZ). The proposed scheme can address both the usability and privacy issues often posed by authentication through use of privacy-preserving Biometric-Capsule-based authentication. Each Biometric-Capsule encapsulates a user’s biometric template as well as their role within a hierarchical Role-based Access Control model. As a result, AuthN-AuthZ provides novel efficiency by performing both authentication and authorization simultaneously in a single operation. To the best of our knowledge, our scheme’s integrated AuthN-AuthZ operation is the first of its kind. The proposed scheme is flexible in design and allows for the secure use of robust deep learning techniques, such as the recently proposed and current state-of-the-art facial feature representation method, ArcFace. We conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate the robust performance of the proposed scheme and its AuthN-AuthZ operation.
Unsupervised personal thermal comfort prediction via adversarial domain adaptation

Personal thermal comfort models aim to predict an individual's thermal comfort response, instead of the average response of a large group. However, conducting large-scale experiments to develop such models for general occupants of a building is time and resource-intensive. At the same time, the developed models for experimental subjects do not always generalize to other building occupants. In this work, we propose a transfer learning framework, using Adversarial Domain Adaptation (ADA) to develop personal thermal comfort predictors for target occupants in an unsupervised manner. We also discuss inherent assumptions governing domain adaptation in this application and relevant future works.
Light and regeneration patterns following silvicultural gap establishment in Quercus dominated stands of the northern Cumberland Plateau, USA

Abstract We assessed short-term light and regeneration dynamics following silvicultural gap creation in intermediately productive oak (Quercus)-dominated stands of the Northern Cumberland Plateau, USA. We established 12 experimental units comprising a harvest gap (30-m radius) and a matrix zone extending 30 m beyond the circumference of the gap. Midstory removal was performed using manual felling and chemical deadening within the matrix zone of six experimental units, while those of the other six units remained undisturbed as controls. Belt transects extending 60 m from the gap center to the end of the matrix zone were delineated within each unit to quantify spatial light patterns and regeneration dynamics of oaks and woody competitors. Mean light transmittance ranged from 86% full sun at the gap center to 50% of non-oak stems were taller than the average oak seedling (50 cm). At the gap edge and within the adjacent forest matrix,
Photo-[4+4]-cycloaddition ( para ) of meta -substituted benzenes with 2-pyridones

Abstract Benzene is unreactive as a photochemistry partner with 2-pyridone, however benzene substitution can allow for an efficient [4+4] (a k a, ‘para’) photocycloaddition. Productive substituents include alkoxy, cyano, ester, and trifluoromethyl, suggesting that inductively electron-withdrawing groups are sufficient, however a single fluorine substituent does not result in cycloaddition. When the product of this cycloaddition contains a conjugated system (e.g., an unsaturated ester) a secondary photocycloaddition can follow, forming triply bridged all-syn-[3]ladderane products.
Heterocyst Development and Pattern Formation

Most of the information about heterocyst development to date is based on the study of three species of heterocyst-forming filamentous cyanobacteria: Anabaena (also Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120, A. variabilis ATCC 29413, and Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133. This chapter focuses on those genes involved in signaling and regulation. HetR plays a central role in heterocyst development and pattern formation. In bacteria, calcium ions play important roles in various cellular processes such as pathogenesis, sporulation in Bacillus, chemotaxis in Escherichia coli, and heterocyst development in cyanobacteria. PatA may influence heterocyst development by attenuating the negative effects of the main inhibitory signals of heterocyst pattern formation, PatS and HetN. Late stages of heterocyst development are characterized by structural changes that include the deposition of three cell layers: an outermost fibrous layer, an envelope polysaccharide layer, and an innermost glycolipid layer. During nitrogen fixation, nitrogenase reduces atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, which is then assimilated into amino acids. A recent epistasis analysis of four genes involved in pattern formation in Anabaena Strain PCC 7120 suggests that PatA has two distinct activities, to promote differentiation as well as to attenuate the negative effects of PatS and HetN on differentiation. Some genes that are required for heterocyst development are also involved in akinete formation, such as hetR and hepA. In the absence of heterocysts, the akinetes seem to form at random positions along the filament, whereas the presence of heterocysts influences akinete positioning, implying the existence of cell-to-cell communication.
Life-threatening reaction to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is frequently administered to children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection for treatment or prevention of bacterial and opportunistic infections. 1 The incidence of adverse reactions to this drug combination in HIV-infected individuals seems to be higher than in those without HIV infection. 2-6 Severe life-threatening reactions to TMP/SMX are rare and have been reported in adult patients with and without HIV infection. Two HIV-infected children with life-threatening reactions after rechallenge with TMP/SMX are described. In each case, the patient survived, but only after intensive care management. With the expected increase in the number of HIV-infected children and the need to administer prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, pediatric care providers should be aware of this dangerous, adverse reaction to TMP/ SMX.
Integrating Identity and Consumption: An Identity Investment Theory

The question of how identity influences consumption behavior has moved to the forefront of marketing research. In addressing this question, research has borrowed disparate theoretical frameworks from other disciplines, impairing the ability to understand phenomena unique to marketing—particularly the active role consumers play in choosing and shaping identities and the reciprocal effects of these choices on consumption. This article proposes Identity Investment Theory (IIT), which treats individuals as deliberate actors making identity-focused consumption choices to receive the greatest return. This theory integrates key elements of several existing theories into a parsimonious framework, providing new insights into important marketing phenomena.
Kupffer cells and their mediators: the culprits in producing distant organ damage after trauma-hemorrhage.

Posttraumatic activation of macrophages enhances development of systemic inflammation/immunosuppression and organ dysfunction. We hypothesized that Kupffer cells are the main source of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production after trauma-hemorrhage, that administration of 17β-estradiol (E2) after trauma-hemorrhage modulates MCP-1 release and reduces remote organ damage, and that salutary effects of E2 are mediated via estrogen receptor (ER)-α. To test these hypotheses, female B57BL/J6 mice received E2 (50 μg/25 g) or vehicle after trauma-hemorrhage and female 129 Sve ER-β −/− transgenic mice and ovariectomized wild-type mice received E2 or ER-α agonist propyl pyrazole triol (50 μg/25 g) after trauma-hemorrhage. Systemic MCP-1 and interleukin-6 and their release by liver, spleen, and lung macrophages were determined by flow cytometry 4 hours after trauma-hemorrhage. Prior Kupffer cell depletion with gadolinium chloride significantly decreased systemic MCP-1 and interleukin-6 after trauma-hemorrhage and was associated with decreased edema/neutrophil infiltration in lung and liver. Kupffer cells were the only macrophages showing significant MCP-1 release, which was markedly reduced by E2 or propyl pyrazole triol in wild-type and in ER-β −/− mice. Pretreatment of mice with anti-MCP-1 antiserum prevented an increase in myeloperoxidase and edema in lung and liver. These findings suggest that Kupffer cell-derived MCP-1 plays a major role in remote organ dysfunction after trauma-hemorrhage.
Stability and Structure of Model DNA Triplexes and Quadruplexes and Their Interactions with Small Ligands

This review focuses on the structural and thermodynamic characterization of model DNA triplex and quadruplex structures, taking into account effects of stoichiometry and sequence. Methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV melting, and scanning calorimetry, and the results thereof, are described for determination of the thermodynamic stability of such systems. Three classes of triplexes are considered based on the composition of the third strand, while quadruplex systems are limited to those based on the guanine quartet. X-ray crystallography and high resolution NMR studies are also described for these two classes of unusual structures. Ligand binding to triplexes and quadruplexes is also reviewed, with emphasis on specific molecular recognition. The availability of three-dimensional structures for triplex and quadruplex species sets the stage for structure-based development of ligands capable of binding to them specifically. To this end, we consider the application of DOCK, a program for the discovery of small molecules that can recognize macromolecular structures, to the problem of recognizing folded quadruplex structures. Such studies may ultimately lead to pharmaceutically active compounds.
Negotiating Globalization: Men and Women of India's Call Centers

Most accounts of globalization are accounts of economic integration and cultural flows. There are few studies, however, of the ways global processes enter into an individual's personality. Based on a yearlong ethnographic study of India's international call centers in 2004–2005, this article examines how global integrations are felt, experienced, negotiated, and embodied by call center agents. Reformulating the thesis of system and lifeworld, this study aims to examine the globalization of the lifeworld, uncovering the effects of global system integration on the lifeworld. As sites of real-time communicative integration across continents, India's call centers are revealing of the ways in which concrete social and personal lives are subordinated to global system imperatives, integrating in real time two different linguistic worlds in radically different time zones.
Opposing effects of apolipoproteins E and C on lipoprotein binding to low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) from rat liver membranes binds apoprotein E (apoE)-enriched rabbit beta-migrating very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) in a ligand blotting assay on nitrocellulose membranes. Binding was markedly activated when the beta-VLDL was preincubated with recombinant human apoE-3, native human apoE-3 or E-4, or native rabbit apoE. Human apoE-2, which binds poorly (1-2% of apo E-3 binding) to low density lipoprotein receptors, was approximately 40% as effective as apoE-3 or apoE-4 in binding to LRP. Stimulation of apoE-dependent binding to LRP was blocked by the inclusion of a mixture of human apoC proteins, but not apoA-I or A-II, in the preincubation reaction. High concentrations of apoE did not overcome the apoC inhibition. The effects of apoE and apoC on the ligand blotting assay were paralleled by similar effects in the ability of beta-VLDL to stimulate cholesteryl ester synthesis in mutant human fibroblasts that lack low density lipoprotein receptors. These properties of LRP are consistent with the known effects of apoE and apoC on uptake of chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein remnants in the liver and raise the possibility that LRP functions as a receptor for apoE-enriched forms of these lipoproteins in intact animals.
What are virtual environments

Virtual environment displays arose from vehicle simulation and teleoperations technology of the 1960s. They are interactive, head-referenced computer displays that give users the illusion of displacement to another location. Different terms have been applied to the illusion. Some, like the oxymoronic "artificial reality" and "virtual reality", suggest much higher performance than current technology can generally provide. Others, like "cyberspace" are puzzling neologisms. Expressions like "virtual worlds" and "virtual environment" seem preferable because they are linguistically conservative, relating to well-established terms like virtual image. In fact, we can define virtual environments as interactive, virtual image displays enhanced by special processing and by nonvisual display modalities, such as auditory and haptic, to convince users that they are immersed in a synthetic space. Why are these displays useful? Who uses them? How are they developed? The article addresses these and other questions related to this emerging technology. >