cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Isolated Large Subunit of E. coli Carbamoylphosphate Synthetase Deviates from Kinetic Mechanism and Allosteric Behavior of the Holoenzyme

Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase (CPS) from E. coli is a heterodimeric enzyme translated from the CarA and CarB genes. The polypeptides formed from these transcripts are 42kDa and 118kDa, respectively. CPS catalyzes the synthesis of carbamoylphosphate through activation of bicarbonate by one equivalent of MgATP priming bicarbonate for the addition of ammonia; the carbamate is then phosphorylated by a second equivalent of MgATP. The product of the CarB gene contains two active sites, both are functional as partial reactions, one is responsible for bicarbonate activation by MgATP and the amination of the activated bicarbonate using an ammonia source (glutamine in vivo), the second site is responsible for phosphorylation of carbamate and is distal to the heterodimer interface. The binding site for allosteric regulators is located on the large subunit proximal to the phosphorylation active site. The smaller subunit contains the active site for deamination of glutamine and is not mandatory for the activity of the sites on the large subunit. Previous work demonstrated the reverse of the phosphorylation partial reaction of CPS, formation of ATP from MgADP and carbamoylphosphate, is equilibrium ordered and responsive to allosteric ligands. In this work we provide evidence that removing the small subunit, thus relieving interfacial constraints 45A from the active site, results in reduced allosteric effects. Data shows that the kcat for the ATP synthesis reaction has decreased by 7-fold with no discernable difference in Kia. kcat = 6.9 sec-1 in holoenzyme and 1 sec-1 for the phosphorylation in isolated large subunit. The Kia determined for MgADP in holoenzyme is 510 µM and 700 µM in the isolated large subunit. Supported by the grant GM 33216 from the NIH.
The effects of bedrest on circadian changes in hemostasis.

Venous stasis occurs when people are at bedrest, because of altered venous flow characteristics. This is commonly believed to be one etiology behind the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The hemostatic effects of bedrest and their possible role in DVT development have not been fully examined. We hypothesized that bedrest would lead to increases in hemostatic function and that these increases could be important in the development of DVT. Twelve non-smoking volunteers were studied during supine positioning for 36 hours. Platelet reactivity and plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, plasminogen, thromboxane beta 2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue plasminogen activator and neuroendocrine hormones (cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine) were measured at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Cortisol demonstrated an early morning increase while catecholamines were unchanged throughout. Fibrinogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, plasminogen and platelet reactivity were no different at any time point. Fibrinolytic proteins changed over time, manifested by decreased PAI-1 antigen and activity levels at 24 h. Based upon the parameters measured, bedrest causes no increase in hemostatic function. In fact, bedrest causes the potential for enhanced fibrinolysis, that differs from that previously reported for normal activity over 24 h. This may represent a protective mechanism to counter the effects of stasis from bedrest.
Effects of intravenous dextroamphetamine on brain metabolism in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Preliminary findings

The effects on brain metabolism of the intravenous (i.v.) administration of dextroamphetamine was assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (18-FDG) in 8 adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). During the 3-hour 18-FDG PET session, each adult underwent the initial scan following i.v. infusion of placebo and a second scan following i.v. infusion of 0.15 mg/kg dextroamphetamine in a single-blind design. All subjects showed increased systolic/diastolic blood pressure and improved continuous performance task scores after dextroamphetamine. Global and regional metabolic rates were not significantly altered by the stimulant. When regional and global rates were normalized, the metabolic rates of only three cortical regions differed significantly between conditions. Individually, global metabolism increased in 4 subjects, was unchanged in 2, and decreased in 2 after stimulant infusion. No clinical characteristics differentiated these patients. I.V. infusion of dextroamphetamine did not significantly alter brain metabolism in ADHD adults in this preliminary study.
Non-local real-space analysis of chiral optical signals

A spatially non-local response tensor description of linear chiral signals such as circular dichroism is developed. By working directly with the vector potential rather that the electric and magnetic fields, we recast the signals in terms of correlation functions of charge and current densities and avoid the tedious expansion in multipoles.
Proper Risk Allocation: NDFD Clause

AbstractDelay is an ever-present risk on any construction project that causes run up costs. Owners (sellers) and contractors (buyers) who enter into a contract are keen to mitigate the economic ris...
Computational Design of a Pincer Phosphinito Vanadium ((OPO)V) Propane Monoxygenation Homogeneous Catalyst Based on the Reduction-Coupled Oxo Activation (ROA) Mechanism

We propose the vanadium bis(2-phenoxyl)phosphinite pincer complex, denoted (OPO)V, as a low-temperature water-soluble catalyst for monoxygenation of propane to isopropanol with functionalization and catalyst regeneration using molecular oxygen. We use density functional theory (DFT) study to predict that the barrier for (OPO)V to activate the secondary hydrogen of propane is ΔG⧧ = 25.2 kcal/mol at 298 K, leading to isopropanol via the new reduction-coupled oxo activation (ROA) mechanism. We then show that reoxidation by dioxygen to complete the cycle is also favorable with ΔG⧧ = 6.2 kcal/mol at 298 K. We conclude that (OPO)V represents a promising homogeneous catalyst for the monoxygenation of propane and other alkanes (including ethane), warranting experimental validation.
3D-micro-patterned fibrous dosage forms for immediate drug release.

Abstract At present, the most prevalent pharmaceutical dosage forms, the orally-delivered immediate-release tablets and capsules, are porous, granular solids. They disintegrate into their constituent particulates upon ingestion to release drug rapidly. The design, development, and manufacture of such granular solids, however, is inefficient due to difficulties associated with the unpredictable inter-particle interactions. Therefore, to achieve more predictable dosage form properties and processing, we have recently introduced melt-processed polymeric cellular dosage forms. The cellular forms disintegrated and released drug rapidly if the cells were predominantly interconnected. Preparation of interconnected cells, however, relies on the coalescence of gas bubbles in the melt, which is unpredictable. In the present work, therefore, new melt-processed fibrous dosage forms with contiguous void space are presented. The dosage forms are prepared by melt extrusion of the drug-excipient mixture followed by patterning the fibrous extrudate on a moving surface. It is demonstrated that the resulting fibrous structures are fully predictable by the extruder nozzle diameter and the motion of the surface. Furthermore, drug release experiments show that the disintegration time of the fibrous forms prepared in this work is of the order of that of the corresponding single fibers. The thin fibers of polyethylene glycol (excipient) and acetaminophen (drug) in turn disintegrate in a time proportional to the fiber radius and well within immediate-release specification. Finally, models of dosage form disintegration and drug release by single fibers and fibrous dosage forms are developed. It is found that drug release from fibrous forms is predictable by the physico-chemical properties of the excipient and such microstructural parameters as the fiber radius, the inter-fiber spacing, and the volume fraction of water-soluble excipient in the fibers.
Reflective practice: Guarded

• A neonatologist describes working to forge trust with young parents to make decisions for their very sick baby, in the midst of civil unrest in Baltimore, Maryland.
Personal Memoirs of the Events at Steadville, 2000–2008: A Socio-Political Exploration

In the year 2000, Steadville (a township near Ladysmith in the province of KwaZulu-Natal) descended into chaos as two factions of the African National Congress (ANC) in the area clashed. The violence claimed more than 50 lives. More than 80 per cent of those killed were community members who were not involved in the violence. Following an investigation by the Provincial Department of Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal in 2008 a number of gang members were arrested for their involvement in the violence. The alleged gang leaders were killed in 2003 and 2005, but the violence continued after their deaths, with gang members seeking revenge. The literature and newspaper reports do not do justice to the situation that prevailed in the area for over eight years. The aim of this paper is to share personal narratives of people who were involved in the violence as well as community members whose lives were affected. There were no-go areas, scholars were unable to attend school out of fear for their own safety, and people vacated the area because the violence affected their quality of life. This study does not aim to tell all the stories of the people of Steadville. However, it hopes to encourage further research into this under-explored topic and elicit aid, so that affected people may find some form of healing and reconciliation. The qualitative research method, the oral history methodology as well as the traditional methods of historical research were employed to examine why there was such violence in Steadville, and how it started. Smaller focused samples were used, and owing to the nature of the study, the researcher relied on group discussions, texts, telephonic interviews, oral testimonies, and individual conversations.
Glucose elicits serine/threonine kinase VRK1 to phosphorylate nuclear pregnane X receptor as a novel hepatic gluconeogenic signal

Low glucose stimulated phosphorylation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) at Ser350 in correlation with an increased gluconeogenesis in human hepatoma-derived HepG2 cells. Only glucose, but neither insulin nor glucagon, stimulated this phosphorylation. Here, serine/threonine kinase, vaccinia related kinase 1 (VRK1)-mediated phosphorylation of PXR is now defined as this glucose-elicited novel signal. In low glucose conditions, VRK1 directly phosphorylates PXR at Ser350, enabling PO3-PXR to scaffold protein phosphatase PP2Cα. This PP2Cα dephosphorylates serine/threonine kinase 2 (SGK2) at Thr193. This dephosphorylation dissociates SGK2 from and actives the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) gene as phosphorylated SGK2 binds and represses the gene. Conversely, VRK1 self-represses its activity to phosphorylate PXR through cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) in high glucose conditions, resulting in the repression of the PCK1 gene. This PXR phosphorylation was also observed in fasting mouse livers. Thus, the VRK1-CDK2-PXR-PP2Cα-SGK2 pathway can be a novel physiological cell signaling that regulates gluconeogenesis in response to glucose.
Tracheocutaneous Sinus following Tracheocutaneous Fistula Repair: Management Strategies in a Pediatric Patient.

Objective. To present a rare case of a pediatric tracheocutaneous sinus years after repair of a tracheocutaneous fistula and to review management strategies. Background. A tracheocutaneous fistula is a common sequela of pediatric tracheostomy and can occur in as many as one in three pediatric patients. There is debate in the literature regarding optimal surgical management. Case Presentation. An 8-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with swelling and erythema over the anterior neck. Clinical exam and diagnostic imaging revealed an underlying tracheocutaneous sinus. Discussion. Complications following pediatric tracheostomy are common and range in complexity from stomal granulation to tracheocutaneous fistula. There is some debate regarding the optimal surgical management of children with tracheocutaneous fistula following tracheostomy. This report discusses the management of a pediatric child with an unusual tracheocutaneous sinus and reviews the various surgical techniques which have been described for definitive repair.
The change we believe in: The role of socioeconomic conditions in evaluations of black political candidates

Abstract This research explores how poor socioeconomic conditions affect trait evaluations and support for Black political candidates compared to White candidates. Previous research finds that female leaders are perceived as more likely to bring change, which is desired under declining conditions, and typical preferences for male leaders are diminished during these periods (Brown et al., 2011). Extending this research, we examined how Black candidates, another politically underrepresented group, may also be linked with change and preferred under declining socioeconomic conditions. Specifically, stereotypes aligned Black candidates with change and White candidates with stability (Experiment 1). In a declining economy condition, a Black, as opposed to a White candidate, was preferred, with support mediated by change associations. In a stable socioeconomic condition, there were no differences in candidate support (Experiment 2). These results speak to the possibility that non-traditional candidates more generally trigger trait associations that advantage them under declining socioeconomic conditions.
Multi-agent Inverse Reinforcement Learning for General-sum Stochastic Games

This paper addresses the problem of multi-agent inverse reinforcement learning (MIRL) in a two-player general-sum stochastic game framework. Five variants of MIRL are considered: uCS-MIRL, advE-MIRL, cooE-MIRL, uCE-MIRL, and uNE-MIRL, each distinguished by its solution concept. Problem uCS-MIRL is a cooperative game in which the agents employ cooperative strategies that aim to maximize the total game value. In problem uCE-MIRL, agents are assumed to follow strategies that constitute a correlated equilibrium while maximizing total game value. Problem uNE-MIRL is similar to uCE-MIRL in total game value maximization, but it is assumed that the agents are playing a Nash equilibrium. Problems advE-MIRL and cooE-MIRL assume agents are playing an adversarial equilibrium and a coordination equilibrium, respectively. We propose novel approaches to address these five problems under the assumption that the game observer either knows or is able to accurate estimate the policies and solution concepts for players. For uCS-MIRL, we first develop a characteristic set of solutions ensuring that the observed bi-policy is a uCS and then apply a Bayesian inverse learning method. For uCE-MIRL, we develop a linear programming problem subject to constraints that define necessary and sufficient conditions for the observed policies to be correlated equilibria. The objective is to choose a solution that not only minimizes the total game value difference between the observed bi-policy and a local uCS, but also maximizes the scale of the solution. We apply a similar treatment to the problem of uNE-MIRL. The remaining two problems can be solved efficiently by taking advantage of solution uniqueness and setting up a convex optimization problem. Results are validated on various benchmark grid-world games.
Statistical Theory of Fragmentation

A general discussion of the kinetics of fragmentation processes is given. For a linear process, where fragmentation is driven by an external force, a scaling theory to describe the evolution of the cluster-size distribution is developed. General homogeneous systems, in which the break-up kernel is characterized by a homogeneity index λ, are treated. When λ > 0, corresponding to larger clusters more likely to break than small clusters, the scaled cluster size distribution, o(x), decays with the scaled mass, x, as x−2 exp(−αxλ), as x → ∞. For small x, o(x) approaches the log normal form, exp(−α 1n2 x), if the breakup kernel has a small-size cutoff, while o(x) has a power law form in the absence of a cutoff. The conditions necessary for the existence of scaling are discussed. This reasoning also indicates that there is a “shattering” transition where mass is lost to a “dust” phase of zero-mass particles for λ < 0. For a collision induced, non-linear fragmentation process, the asymptotic behavior of “splitting” models, in which a two-particle collision results in one or both incident particles splitting in two, is analyzed. Scaling is found to hold for different ranges of the homogeneity index for these models. Comparisons and contrasts are made between the kinetics of linear and collision-induced fragmentation.
Focus on the Positive: How Do We Keep Our Classes From Becoming Too Depressing?

AbstractThis article considers the very real issues many of us face in the classroom when we, and our students, confront difficult or depressing issues, situations, or materials. Working with topic...
The Influence of Instructional Design on Learner Control, Sense of Achievement, and Perceived Effectiveness in a Supersize MOOC Course

Abstract Responding to the lack of empirical studies on the effects of instructional design components on MOOCs, this study explores which instructional design components (e.g., course content, transactional interaction between student and content, structure/organization, assessment) influence learner control, sense of progress in the achievement of learning goals (sense of progress), and perceived effectiveness in a large-scale MOOC course called “Learning How to Learn” hosted in Coursera, a MOOC learning platform. Using an online survey distributed to learners who registered for the current Coursera English-language version of the course, we collected 1364 responses. Three separate hierarchical regression analyses revealed that all course design factors, transactional interaction between student and content ( β = . 111 , p 0.01; β = . 117 , p .01), structure ( β = . 432 , p 0.001; β = . 281 , p .001), and assessment ( β = . 108 , p 0.01; β = . 102 , p .05) were significant predictors of learner control and sense of progress. For perceived effectiveness, only transactional interaction ( β = . 073 , p 0.05) and structure ( β = . 416 , p 0.001) were significant while assessment was not statistically significant ( β = . 030 , p = . 373 ). These findings provided empirical evidence that instructional components are critical predictors of student learning in MOOCs, which have been conceptualized as important factors in prior studies. Future research should focus on identifying effective and efficient ways to facilitate assessments as part of the learning process while accommodating personalized learning needs. Interpretations of the findings, discussions, and limitations are also addressed in this paper.
Seasonal assembly of arthropod communities on milkweeds experiencing simulated herbivory

The seasonal assembly of arthropod communities is shaped by biotic and abiotic aspects of the habitat that limit the appearance or activity phenology of potential community members. In addition, previous interactions within the community, such as herbivore-induced plant defensive responses, aggregation, and predator avoidance likely affect the assembly of arthropod communities on individual plants. We observed the phenology of arthropod communities and defensive plant traits on 100 milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) individuals at monthly intervals over a growing season. We experimentally wounded a subset of plants each month (April–August) to observe the effect of simulated added herbivore damage on the seasonal assembly of these arthropod communities. All plant traits and measures of arthropod communities changed over the season. The observed response to experimental leaf damage suggested a trend of induced susceptibility in early months, but not late months. Plants receiving early-season simulated herbivory experienced more subsequent leaf damage than unmanipulated plants. We observed several lagged correlations in our study indicating that blue milkweed beetle (Chrysochus cobaltinus) abundance was lower in months following high natural leaf damage, and that the abundance of a secondary omnivore (Lygaeus kalmii) and total predator abundance tended to follow months with high C. cobaltinus abundance. Ahistorical habitat factors determined much of the observed seasonality of arthropod communities, but induced responses to simulated herbivory also contributed historical effects that influenced arthropod community assembly.
Normed linear spaces

We here commence our study of the fundamentals of the branch of mathematics known as functional analysis. In the course of this study and, indeed, throughout the balance of this book, we shall constantly be dealing with various linear spaces that are at the same time equipped with a topology. Frequently the topology will be induced by a metric. In this connection the following concept is useful.
Process monitoring during post-annealing of YBa2Cu3O7 thin films containing fluorine

The post-annealing method of producing thin films of YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) has taken on a new impetus due to the recent work showing that films of the highest quality can be made by using low partial pressures of oxygen during the annealing cycle. Here it is shown that for films produced by using BaF2 as a source material, the post-annealing procedure can be closely controlled by monitoring the F that evolves due to the water vapor reaction with BaF2. The use of an ion-sensitive electrode allowed small F evolution rates (about 1 ng s−1) to be detected above background, sufficient to measure the F evolution rate from even the smallest samples used. The time interval during which F evolves was found to increase with increasing YBCO film area being annealed.
K-aggregated transformation of discrete distributions improves modeling count data with excess ones

Abstract The excess one pattern in count data has been documented in ecology but it has not been explicitly modeled or examined. In this study, we introduce a k-aggregated transformation of discrete distributions to better model count data with excess ones in a Bayesian generalized linear model framework and demonstrate its use with two groups of case studies (group 1: seabird bycatch in longline fisheries and Legionnaires disease incidence; group 2: survey abundance of Leadbeater’s possum and Frigatebird nesting sites). Group 1 examples have a clear excess one data pattern, and these examples are used to demonstrate the concept of the k-aggregation technique. On the other hand, group 2 examples lack a clear excess one pattern, and a modeler may not be motivated enough to use the k-aggregation technique in these cases. Nonetheless, k-aggregated transformation demonstrated better performance for both groups of examples. In all our case studies, the excess zero pattern co-occurred with an excess one pattern, and the excess zeros were modeled thorough either a zero-inflated or hurdle configuration. The better performance of k-aggregated distributions is due to their flexibility of adapting to the relatively high frequency of singletons in the data sets. This new technique has broad applicability and utility in improving modeling count data with potential excess ones.
Decanethiol as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steels Exposed to Aqueous CO2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion mitigation is a challenge in the oil and gas industry. In order to decrease the severity of CO2 corrosion of carbon steel pipelines and equipment, different mitigatio...
Association of NCCN-Recommended Posttreatment Surveillance With Outcomes in Patients With HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend routine clinical follow-up as posttreatment surveillance for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-associated OPSCC) is a unique subset of HNC, associated with fewer recurrences and improved survival. The utility of this guideline in this patient population is unknown. Objective To determine adherence to the NCCN clinical follow-up guideline, frequency of recurrence detection method, classified as symptom-directed, physician-detected, or imaging-detected, and survival benefit associated with adherence to the NCCN guideline. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC diagnosed between January 1, 2011, and April 30, 2014, at a large integrated health care system. Multivariable analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, with patient adherence to NCCN visit guidelines constructed as a time-dependent variable. All data analyses were complete on September 1, 2018. Exposures Posttreatment clinical and imaging surveillance. Main Outcomes and Measures Recurrence and overall survival. Secondary outcome was salvage therapy. Results Of the 233 study patients with HPV-associated OPSCC, the mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 60.5 (8.7) years; 201 (86.3%) were male, 189 (81.1%) were white, and 109 (46.8%) had a positive smoking history. Median follow-up time through recurrence or all-cause mortality was 4.5 years (interquartile range, 3.8-5.6). Patients demonstrated 83.0% (180 of 217) adherence to NCCN surveillance guidelines in year 1, 52.7% (106 of 201) in year 2, 73.4% (141 of 192) in year 3, 62.3% (96 of 154) in year 4, and 52.9% (45 of 85) in year 5. A total of 3358 clinical surveillance examinations were performed with 22 patients having recurrences. There were 10 symptom-directed, 1 physician-detected, and 11 imaging-detected recurrences. Of the symptom-directed recurrences, salvage therapy was attempted in 5; at the study end date, 1 was alive. Salvage neck dissection was attempted in the physician-detected recurrence; this patient subsequently died. All locoregional recurrences occurred within the first 2 years, and all salvageable recurrences within the first year. Adherence to NCCN guidelines was not protective against all-cause mortality in the multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.28-2.05). Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with HPV-associated OPSCC, clinical surveillance is of limited utility. Nearly all clinically detected recurrences were elicited by patient symptoms that prompted earlier presentation to the clinician. Adherence to the current schedule does not appear to confer survival advantage, and locoregional recurrences are almost never detected beyond 2 years. These findings support reduction of posttreatment clinical surveillance in this population.
Rethinking the metabolic allometry of ants

I re-examined the scaling of metabolic rate versus body mass in eight species of ant (static allometry) to illustrate one of the ways by which contemporary concepts of metabolic allometry have been negatively impacted by the widespread use of a standardized procedure for analyzing bivariate data. The procedure in question is the one promoted by Julian Huxley in his monograph on Problems of Relative Growth, and entails back-transforming the equation for a straight line fitted to logarithmic transformations of the original observations to form a two-parameter power function on the arithmetic scale. The scaling exponents for power equations fitted to data by Huxley’s protocol were used by the original authors to evaluate predictions from a theoretical model for the evolutionary optimization of body size in animals. However, my analyses—which were based on a different philosophy and protocol for modeling bivariate data—show that observations for each of the species can be described equally well by two or more different equations with different functional form. Metabolic rate is generally higher in large individuals than in small ones, but little more can be said about metabolic allometry in ants because a clear distinction cannot be made between alternative statistical models that require very different interpretations for biological importance. Conclusions from any investigation that relies exclusively on Huxley’s analytical protocol will be based on incomplete and potentially misleading evidence.
Technical and Legal Challenges for Heal Thcare Blockchains and Smart Contracts

The paper considers the technical and legal challenges impacting recent proposals for healthcare applications of blockchain and smart contracts. Healthcare blockchain data and actors are rather different to cryptocurrency data and actors, resulting in a different emphasis on blockchain features. Technical issues with healthcare blockchain implementation and trust are considered, as well as a variety of potential legal issues. Conclusions and recommendations are proposed for open source and standardization efforts to reduce technical and legal risks for healthcare blockchains and smart contracts.
Intersectionality as a Practice of Dementia Care for Sexual and Gender Minoritized Latinxs

Latinxs continue to be disproportionately impacted by dementia. Despite higher prevalence rates of dementia within the Latinx community, there is a dearth of literature that explicitly addresses the ways in which multiple forms of oppression (e.g., racism, ethnocentrism, sexism, cis-sexism, heterosexism, nativism) uniquely impact older sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) Latinxs with dementia. Using an intersectional framework, this chapter discusses the challenges and needs of older SGM Latinxs living with dementia. Namely, a discussion on the necessity of conceptualizing weak, strong, and transformative intersectionality in the lives of SGM Latinxs with dementia, as well as determining the institutions that, both alone and combined, serve to hinder this population’s well-being and access to equitable, humane treatment in healthcare is addressed. This chapter concludes with recommendations for healthcare providers and policy makers working with members of the SGM Latinx aging population with a focus on multisystemic levels of support, advocacy, and individual care. This chapter summarizes how the three forms of intersectionality (i.e., weak, strong, and transformative) can advance effective healthcare solutions for this population that requires greater visibility in all sectors of health policy, research, and practice.
Young professionals EMC

Hello Young Professionals (YPs)! I hope you were able to attend the 2020 IEEE EMC+SIPI Virtual Symposium and take advantage of the excellent technical program. There were also several events the final week of the Virtual Symposium, such as the Chapter Chair Training, Women in Engineering Summit, the Awards Ceremony, and of course, our Virtual YP Event, a Live "Ask The Experts Panel" on Career Development and EMC Society Involvement. We were very happy and fortunate to still be able to host a Virtual YP Event this year and I was thrilled to moderate the panel of experts, including Christian Thornton, Janet O'Neil, Lee Hill, Susanne Kaule and Vignesh Rajamani. If you couldn't attend live, we did record the event and will be posting it so you can watch on demand.
Stress Can Induce Transcription of Toxin-Antitoxin Systems without Activating Toxin

Summary Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitous genetic elements in bacterial genomes, but their functions are controversial. Although they are frequently postulated to regulate cell growth following stress, few null phenotypes for TA systems have been reported. Here, we show that TA transcript levels can increase substantially in response to stress, but toxin is not liberated. We find that the growth of an Escherichia coli strain lacking ten TA systems encoding endoribonuclease toxins is not affected following exposure to six stresses that each trigger TA transcription. Additionally, using RNA sequencing, we find no evidence of mRNA cleavage following stress. Stress-induced transcription arises from antitoxin degradation and relief of transcriptional autoregulation. Importantly, although free antitoxin is readily degraded in vivo, antitoxin bound to toxin is protected from proteolysis, preventing release of active toxin. Thus, transcription is not a reliable marker of TA activity, and TA systems do not strongly promote survival following individual stresses.
Engineering soluble artificial epidermal growth factor receptor mimics capable of spontaneous in vitro dimerization.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a clinically validated target for a multitude of human cancers. The receptor is activated upon ligand binding through a critical dimerization step. Dimerization can be replicated in vitro by locally concentrating the receptor kinase domains on the surface of lipid-based vesicles. In this study we investigated the use of coiled coils to induce spontaneous receptor kinase domain dimerization in vitro to form non-membrane-bound artificial receptor mimics in solution. Two engineered forms of EGFR kinase domain fused to coiled coil complementary peptides were designed to self-associate upon mixing. Two fusion protein species (P3-EGFR and P4-EGFR) independently showed the same activity and polymerization profile known to exist with EGFR kinase domains. Upon mixing the two species, coiled coil heterodimers were formed that induced EGFR association to form dimers of the kinase domains. This was accompanied by 11.5-fold increase in the phosphorylation rate indicative of kinase domain activation equivalent to the levels achieved using vesicle localization and mimicking in vivo ligand-induced activation. This study presents a soluble tyrosine kinase receptor mimic capable of spontaneous in vitro activation that can facilitate functional and drug discovery studies for this clinically important receptor class.
Trust, reciprocity, and a preference for economic freedom: experimental evidence

Do those who prefer economic freedom behave differently than those who prefer government intervention? Experiments of the Dictator and Trust games are studied. A survey elicits preference for private solutions to potential market failures. Trust and reciprocation are highest for those who score both high and low on the assessment. In the Dictator Game, there is a strong inverse relationship between one's preference for economic freedom and giving. Thus, the results can be interpreted as those with a strong preference for government intervention altruistically give, while those with a preference for economic freedom give primarily in response to wealth-generating investments.
Fortification of Surimi Gels with Camel Milk

In this study, camel milk was added to surimi at different concentrations. The addition of camel milk generally improved water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and some of the textural properties. P...
Computer-Supported Independent Study in the Basic Medical Sciences

Independent study at The Ohio State University College of Medicine had its beginnings approximately fifteen years ago in the Department of Anatomy largely due to the energy and interest of Professor Grant O. Graves. Successful programs in that department were followed by experimental approaches in this direction by some members of the Department of Physiological Chemistry, who employed biochemistry discussion groups instead of a traditional lecture program to cover first-year medical biochemistry. Both of these experiments retained a significant lock-step feature with respect to the total elapsed time allowable to each student. This time constant was forced on the students in these programs due to the necessity of remaining in step with other disciplines which continued to be presented by the traditional lecture mode. Still, these programs led to several valuable conclusions.
Versatility of using major histocompatibility complex class II dextramers for derivation and characterization of antigen-specific, autoreactive T cell hybridomas

Antigen-specific, T cell hybridomas are useful to study the cellular, molecular and functional events, but their generation is a lengthy process. Thus, there is a need to develop robust methods to generate the hybridoma clones rapidly in a short period of time. To this end, we have demonstrated a novel approach using major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II dextramers to generate T cell hybridomas for an autoantigen, proteolipid protein (PLP) 139-151. Using MHC class II dextramers assembled with PLP 139-151 as screening and sorting tools, we successfully obtained mono antigen-specific clones within seven to eight weeks. In conjunction with other T cell markers, dextramers permitted phenotypic characterization of hybridoma clones for their antigen specificity in a single step by flow cytometry. Importantly, we achieved successful fusions using dextramer(+) cells sorted by flow cytometry as a starting population, resulting in direct identification of multiple antigen-specific clones. Characterization of selected clones led us to identify chemokine receptor, CCR4(+) to be expressed consistently, but their cytokine-producing ability was variable. Our work provides a proof-of principle that the antigen-specific, CD4 T cell hybridoma clones can be generated directly using MHC class II dextramers. The availability of hybridoma clones that bind dextramers may serve as useful tools for various in vitro and in vivo applications.
Top-down fabrication and characterization of axial and radial III-nitride nanowire LEDs

Complex axial and radial type III-nitride InGaN/GaN nanowire LEDs are realized using a recently developed top–down fabrication approach which enables high quality GaN-based nanowires with independently controlled height, pitch, and diameter. In this paper, we report on the fabrication, structural characterization, and luminescence of these two different structures and discuss their relative merits, weaknesses, and prospects in the context of the field. Axial (left) and radial (right) nanowire LEDs fabricated by a two-step top–down method.
Non-reversed trades

Abstract In markets populated by speculators, arbitrageurs and hedgers, it is shown that the conditions for non-reversed trading, which potentially combine investing (borrowing) with hedging must exist. Hence, forward exchange rates always contain an implicit risk premium. Non-reversed trading activity is necessary but not sufficient for all the other classes of trades to exist. If non-reversed traders are active and set arbitrage boundaries, no other type of riskless and profitable one-way arbitrage activity can exist. However, the activities of non-reversed traders cannot preclude rational pure forward speculative activity in the foreign exchange markets.
Ionospheric Effects in Solar Eclipses

It is 14 years since the last international symposium on solar eclipses was held in London in 1955 (Beynon and Brown 1956). This interval of 14 years has represented the advent of the space age, and the results of this considerable period of enhanced activity on research on the earth’s environment provide most of the material for this paper. My task is made easier by the fact that a summary has recently been prepared (Rishbeth 1968) of ionospheric theory pertinent to solar eclipses, based on a paper presented at the Summer School on Ionosphere held at Athens in 1966.
Examination of Automobile Rubber Bumper Guards by Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy Using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

A piece from an automobile rubber bumper guard was found at the scene of a hit-and-run accident and was compared to a sample obtained from the front bumper guard of a suspect's vehicle. The samples were examined by attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer with data system.
Glutamate/NMDA excitotoxicity and HMGB1/TLR4 neuroimmune toxicity converge as components of neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration in brain is linked to both excitotoxicity and neuroimmune gene induction,although the mechanisms are poorly understood. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a cytokine like molecule released in brain by glutamate that has been found to enhance neuronal excitability through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). To explore the role of HMGB1 in glutamate/NMDA excitotoxicity or neuroimmune-induced neurodegeneration we used an ex vivo model of organotypic hippocampal-entorhinal cortex (HEC) slice culture. Concentration response and time course studies find release of HMGB1 precedes neuronal death induced by glutamate,NMDA,TNFα and LPS. Blockade of glutamate receptors with antagonist MK-801 prevents glutamate/NMDA stimulation release of HMGB1 and neuronal death as well as blocking neuroimmune (LPS and TNFα) induced neuronal death. Similarly,HMGB1 neutralizing antibodies or inhibitor glycyrrhizin block glutamate/NMDA as well as neuroimmune (LPS and TNFα) induced neuronal death. Further,delayed neuronal cell death mediated by LPS and TNFα was rescued by NR2B inhibitor ifenprodil. Together,these findings suggest HMGB1 contributes a critical element of both glutamate/NMDA as well as neuroimmune induced neurodegeneration indicating HMGB1 may be a novel target crossing multiple neurodegeneration pathologies.
2009 Texas Legislative Update: Intestacy, Wills, Trusts, and Related Matters

This article reviews the legislation enacted by the 2009 Texas Legislature relating to the Texas law of intestacy, wills, estate administration, trusts, and other estate planning matters. The reader is warned that not all recent legislation is presented and not all aspects of each cited statute are analyzed. You must read and study the full text of the legislation before relying on it or using it as authority.
Structural Origins for Tunable Open‐Circuit Voltage in Ternary‐Blend Organic Solar Cells

Ternary-blend bulk-heterojunction solar cells have provided a unique opportunity for tuning the open-circuit voltage (Voc) as the “effective” highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) or lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels shift with active-layer composition. Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) measurements performed on such ternary-blend thin films reveal evidence that the two polymer donors interact intimately; their ionization potentials are thus reflections of the blend compositions. In ternary-blend thin films in which the two polymer donors do not interact physically, the polymer donors each retain their molecular electronic character; solar cells constructed with these ternary blends thus exhibit Vocs that are pinned to the energy level difference between the highest of the two lying HOMO and the LUMO of the electron acceptor. These observations are consistent with the organic alloy model proposed earlier. Quantification of the square of the square-root differences of the surface energies of the components provides a proxy for the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter for polymer donor pairs in these ternary-blend systems. Of the three ternary-blend systems examined herein, this quantity has to be below 0.094 in order for ternary-blend solar cells to exhibit tunable Voc.
Effect of ventriculotomy on right-ventricular remodeling in hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a histopathological and echocardiography correlation study.

The objective of this study was to compare histopathological changes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome right ventricles (RV) of patients undergoing Sano and modified Blalock–Taussig (MBT) shunt and correlate them with echocardiographic findings. Myocardial tissue samples were obtained from hearts with Sano or MBT shunts after transplantation or at autopsy. Histologic sections were reviewed manually and by automated digital image analysis. Velocity vector imaging was performed on echocardiogram images obtained before transplant or death. All of these parameters were compared between the Sano and MBT shunt cohorts. A total of 14 specimens (7 Sano and 7 MBT shunt) were studied. Median age at transplant/death of Sano and MBT shunt cohorts was 11 (range 2–41) and 8 months (range 2–200), respectively. All Sano specimens had a scar at ventriculotomy site, and the mean scar area was 6.2 ± 3.3 cm2. Compared with remote RV free wall, myocardium bordering the scar showed increased fibrosis (34 ± 16 % vs. 28 ± 14 %, p = 0.04) and thinning (0.8 ± 0.9 vs. 5.3 ± 0.8 mm; p < 0.001), which did not regress with time. The Sano ventriculotomy site showed significantly decreased velocity, strain, and strain rate compared with the corresponding contralateral segment. No focal scarring or regional hypokinesia was seen in the MBT shunt cohort. This is the first study to demonstrate histopathological features of ventriculotomy-associated RV myocardial scarring and myocardial thinning. The scarred ventriculotomy site showed decreased segmental myocardial deformation after Norwood with Sano shunt.
Problems of Chinese moral philosophy

Etude des problemes de l'ethique confuceenne en vue de la formulation d'une philosophie confuceenne de la morale. Examinant les approches externe-comparative et interne-reconstructive de la pensee chinoise, l'A. dresse le bilan de ses travaux sur la theorie confuceenne de la vision morale, sur la conception de la tradition et de l'ethique de la vertu.
Use of the NCTR operant test battery in nonhuman primates

A battery of behavioral tasks, designed to monitor complex "cognitive" functions in nonhuman primates, has been in use for several years at the National Center for Toxicological Research. Subjects performing in this Operant Test Battery (OTB) work for food reinforcers and correct performance in each task contained in the OTB is thought to depend upon a relatively specific brain function. The specific tasks and the functions that they are thought to model are: delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS), short-term memory and attention; incremental repeated acquisition (IRA), learning; temporal response differentiation (TRD), time perception; progressive ratio (PR), motivation; and conditioned position responding (CPR), color and position discrimination. Data from various studies indicate that, in general: 1) OTB responding between subjects follows a normal or near-normal distribution; 2) performance in one task does not correlate very highly with performance in any of the other tasks; 3) females acquire correct OTB responding more rapidly than do males; and 4) the profile of disruption of task performance by acute drug administration varies depending upon drug class.
Small RNAs in development – insights from plants

microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which constitute two major classes of endogenous small RNAs in plants, impact a multitude of developmental and physiological processes by imparting sequence specificity to gene and genome regulation. Although lacking the third major class of small RNAs found in animals, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), plants have expanded their repertoire of endogenous siRNAs, some of which fulfill similar molecular and developmental functions as piRNAs in animals. Research on plant miRNAs and siRNAs has contributed invaluable insights into small RNA biology, thanks to the highly conserved molecular logic behind the biogenesis and actions of small RNAs. Here, I review progress in the plant small RNA field in the past two years, with an emphasis on recent findings related to plant development. I do not recount the numerous developmental processes regulated by small RNAs; instead, I focus on major principles that have been derived from recent studies and draw parallels, when applicable, between plants and animals.