cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular evolution of the reactive oxygen-generating NADPH oxidase (Nox/Duox) family of enzymes

NADPH-oxidases (Nox) and the related Dual oxidases (Duox) play varied biological and pathological roles via regulated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Members of the Nox/Duox family have been identified in a wide variety of organisms, including mammals, nematodes, fruit fly, green plants, fungi, and slime molds; however, little is known about the molecular evolutionary history of these enzymes. We assembled and analyzed the deduced amino acid sequences of 101 Nox/Duox orthologs from 25 species, including vertebrates, urochordates, echinoderms, insects, nematodes, fungi, slime mold amoeba, alga and plants. In contrast to ROS defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase that are present in prokaryotes, ROS-generating Nox/Duox orthologs only appeared later in evolution. Molecular taxonomy revealed seven distinct subfamilies of Noxes and Duoxes. The calcium-regulated orthologs representing 4 subfamilies diverged early and are the most widely distributed in biology. Subunit-regulated Noxes represent a second major subdivision, and appeared first in fungi and amoeba. Nox5 was lost in rodents, and Nox3, which functions in the inner ear in gravity perception, emerged the most recently, corresponding to full-time adaptation of vertebrates to land. The sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus possesses the earliest Nox2 co-ortholog of vertebrate Nox1, 2, and 3, while Nox4 first appeared somewhat later in urochordates. Comparison of evolutionary substitution rates demonstrates that Nox2, the regulatory subunits p47phox and p67phox, and Duox are more stringently conserved in vertebrates than other Noxes and Nox regulatory subunits. Amino acid sequence comparisons identified key catalytic or regulatory regions, as 68 residues were highly conserved among all Nox/Duox orthologs, and 14 of these were identical with those mutated in Nox2 in variants of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease. In addition to canonical motifs, the B-loop, TM6-FAD, VXGPFG-motif, and extreme C-terminal regions were identified as important for Nox activity, as verified by mutational analysis. The presence of these non-canonical, but highly conserved regions suggests that all Nox/Duox may possess a common biological function remained in a long history of Nox/Duox evolution. This report provides the first comprehensive analysis of the evolution and conserved functions of Nox and Duox family members, including identification of conserved amino acid residues. These results provide a guide for future structure-function studies and for understanding the evolution of biological functions of these enzymes.
The Literature of Sociology, 1934, II

(1935). The Literature of Sociology, 1934, I. The Social Studies: Vol. 26, No. 7, pp. 459-475.
To Defer or Not to Defer: The Standard of Review Regarding Administrative Rulings in the Appellate Courts of Louisiana

In Louisiana appellate courts, determining the appropriate standard of review for ordinary proceedings can be difficult. There should be no surprise that the task is even more difficult when the appellate courts attempt to determine the appropriate standard of review for administrative rulings. The author intends to provide clarity on the issue of the appropriate standard of review for the appellate courts of Louisiana to apply when reviewing administrative rulings.The article begins with a general overview of the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act, which discusses the implementation of administrative law in Louisiana and the civil procedure that the Act put in place at the judicial level. The author then presents the case Carpenter v. Louisiana, Department of Health & Hospitals, which clearly illustrates the two opposing views of Louisiana appellate courts regarding the standard of appellate review of administrative rulings. Opinions from the other Louisiana circuits are also provided to illustrate the ongoing confusion on the subject. The author concludes by explaining that Judge Downing’s concurring opinion in Carpenter is the correct interpretation of Louisiana Revised Statute 49:964, i.e., that the Louisiana appellate courts must defer to the factual findings of the trial court in administrative law proceedings.
Pursuit of justice and the victims of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina: An exploratory study

This paper presents the results of a 2007 survey of victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our results show that the ICTY is the primary decision-maker for war crimes and crimes against humanity of their choice, particularly for the trials of military and political leaders. The respondents who reported being raped, beaten, and starved were more supportive of the ICTY than the other respondents were. The respondents who evaluated the ICTY as fair and who testified at the Court of BiH were more likely to select the ICTY as the preferred decision-maker. The respondents evaluated only one domestic court—the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Court of BiH)—as fair.
War, Peace, Natural Law, and International Law: A Short Essay

The customary practice of states includes practices that reinforce the international legal system as well as practices that are harmful to the system. According to natural law, disputes between these two types can be sorted out by conflict resolution with the help of third party adjudication.
Antileukemic effect of recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha in vitro and its modulation by alpha and gamma interferons

The effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (rTNF- alpha) on human myelogenous leukemia clonogenic cells growing either in semisolid media or in suspension cultures was studied and compared with the effect on normal granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GM-CFC). Exposure of cells to a range of rTNF-alpha doses including pharmacologically achievable plasma concentrations revealed a large heterogeneity in the response of leukemic clonogenic growth to rTNF- alpha. Only one of 13 specimens was highly resistant to rTNF-alpha. Eight of ten leukemic samples were significantly more sensitive than were normal GM-CFC, particularly within the in vivo achievable dose range (1 x 10(0) to 1 x 10(2) ng/mL). No significantly increased inhibition of either normal or leukemic clonogenic growth could be achieved by increasing the rTNF-alpha concentration above 250 ng/mL. Proliferation of leukemic clonogenic cells (L-CFC) was studied in suspension cultures. In five cases the clonogenic cells were significantly inhibited by rTNF-alpha while in one case no inhibition was observed. The inhibition of L-CFC growth by rTNF-alpha was dose dependent between 1 x 10(0) and 1 x 10(2) ng/mL. In suspension cultures, the TNF effect on L-CFC was a function of time of exposure, particularly with low concentrations of TNF. A remarkably higher inhibition of L-CFC as compared with the total leukemic population was observed in suspension cultures. Stimulation of L-CFC growth by rTNF- alpha was not observed. Normal GM-CFC were inhibited by alpha and gamma interferons (INF-alpha, -gamma) in a dose-related manner, with higher sensitivity of colonies than clusters. The response of GM-CFC to combination of recombinant IFNs and TNF was influenced by the size of clones scored and the source of colony-stimulating activity. The response of L-CFC to recombinant IFN-alpha and/or -gamma was highly variable, and sensitivity to one of the lymphokines did not predict for sensitivity to another. The response of L-CFC to combinations of rTNF- alpha and either IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma was complex, varying from synergistic to additive and indifferent. In three of six specimens, IFN- gamma acted antagonistically with rTNF-alpha, a phenomenon not observed with IFN-alpha. These observations suggest that the action of rTNF- alpha in acute myelogenous leukemia could be exploited therapeutically and the dose-time-response relationship should be considered in designing treatment schedules.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Inside and Outside the House: A Narrative of Mobility and Becoming in Delhi

This article presents a narrative of urban mobility and desire, and critically examines recent ethnographic approaches to subjectivity and “becoming” among rural–urban migrants and in urban life. Lately, ethnographic approaches to urban lives have emphasized mobility over fixity and sought to describe possibility and potential, even in cases of extreme abjection, in part inspired by the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. I examine the strengths of this “vitalist” approach to urban ethnography through an extended analysis of a fragmentary narrative of urban mobility, setting it in a wider context of political change in Delhi to show that both the reality and the interpretation of these events depend upon the prior occupation and affective shaping of distinctive urban places, or milieux, and the ongoing conceptual structuring and discursive elaboration of political meanings. I argue that such affective structures and urban mediations deserve more attention in ethnographic accounts of migratory desire and becoming.
Abstract A65: A novel regulatory mechanism involving Ras-mediated activation of the zinc-finger transcription factor, SAF-1/MAZ induces EGFR/HER1 expression in breast cancer cells

Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. In TME, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members, including HER1, HER2, HER3 and HER4, are involved in determining aggressive growth of breast cancer due to their ability to transduce the growth promoting functions of growth factors. This activity is potentiated by the over-expression of these receptor molecules in cancer cells. To reduce the activity of EGFR molecules, various inhibitors have been developed. EGFR/HER1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), gefitinib and erlotinib, show antitumor activity but these drugs have not meet their primary goal of improved survival in the overall patient population. A similar TKI, lapatinib, has shown some limited success in breast cancer. While these therapeutic options focus on reducing the functional activity of EGFR protein, the fundamental and major problem of over-expression of EGFR in cancer cells has not been addressed. In two-thirds of aggressive breast cancer patients, transcriptional induction of EGFR causes high EGFR/HER1 level. Therefore, the goal of this study is to identify a molecular mechanism by which EGFR is over-expressed in breast cancer cells. To understand how transcriptional induction might occur, we have explored a novel biosynthetic pathway for EGFR over-expression. Our findings reveal that EGFR promoter is significantly more active in MDA-MB-231 cells in comparison to MDA-MB-468 cells. When transcription factor SAF-1 was ectopically expressed in these cells, EGFR promoter activity was further increased in MDA-MB-231 cells. Since MDA-MB-231 cells contain a highly active form of Ras, the data suggested a possible Ras-mediated activation of SAF-1 which in turn induces EGFR expression. Consistent with these findings, inhibition of K- and H-Ras, by using both siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-out systems, reduced the expression of EGFR in MDA-MB-231 cells. The effect was more profound when K-Ras was targeted for inhibition. Since SAF-1/MAZ is seen to be activated by Ras, our data implicates K-Ras - SAF-1/MAZ - EGFR axis in breast cancer cell growth. Our findings may provide new targets for breast cancer therapy. Supported by grants from College of Veterinary Medicine Faculty Research Award Grant and MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies Pilot Project Grant. Citation Format: Alpana Ray, Brett Havis, Bimal Ray. A novel regulatory mechanism involving Ras-mediated activation of the zinc-finger transcription factor, SAF-1/MAZ induces EGFR/HER1 expression in breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr A65.
Metabolic Acidosis After Bladder Replacement: Comparison of Severity and Reversibility in Ileal and Colonic Reservoirs

Abstract Metabolic acidosis developed frequently after ureterosigmoidostomy and rectosigmoid bladder construction but has been reported rarely after the newer methods of continent urinary diversion which also employ intestinal reservoirs. We created an animal model in which to compare the metabolic effects of bladder replacement with segments of ileum or colon and the potential for reversing these derangements with nicotinic acid and chlorpromazine. One year after six dogs’ bladders were replaced by colon (three) or ileum (three), all dogs appeared in excellent health and were free of urinary tract obstruction and clinical infection. Both groups of dogs were severely acidotic with diminished arterial pH and arterial and venous total CO 2 concentrations although normal serum electrolytes and creatinine concentrations were maintained. Both groups of dogs absorbed approximately one half the urinary sodium, chloride and urea presented to their intestinal reservoirs. After treatment with nicotinic acid and chlorpromazine, the metabolic status of both groups of animals improved. Although nicotinic acid reduced urinary excretion of electrolytes more effectively than chlorpromazine, nicotinic acid was not more effective for reversing metabolic acidosis. When nicotinic acid was provided as an adjunct to sodium bicarbonate therapy in two animals acidosis was corrected at reduced doses of sodium bicarbonate. Based upon this work in an animal model, there does not appear to be a metabolic advantage to intestinal reservoirs which incorporate ileum versus colon. However, asymptomatic patients with normal serum electrolytes and creatinine concentrations may be acidotic. The effects of long term mild acidosis are unknown. However, if therapy is required to prevent diminution of whole body buffers or changes in bone density specific therapy with nicotinic acid or chlorpromazine may reduce the requirement for alkali for correction of metabolic acidosis.
Effect of temperature during potassium arrest on myocardial metabolism and function.

Past studies have not established the optimal myocardial temperature range for hyperkalemic arrest but have generated controversy regarding the safety of exposing the myocardium to more profound levels of hypothermia. We therefore used the isolated working rat heart model of ischemic arrest to study the metabolic and functional effects of cardioplegia at the full range of temperatures pertinent clinically. Experimental conditions were designed to reliably control and maintain myocardial temperature during the 60 minute arrest period. We found that nearly full recovery of function occurred when hearts were arrested at or below 16° C. High-energy phosphate levels measured immediately after arrest were better maintained at 4° and 8° C, despite evidence of decreased anaerobic glycolysis. When measured after the recovery period, high-energy phosphate levels returned to somewhat less than control levels in all groups arrested at or below 24° C. Myocardial glucose utilization was best preserved in hearts arrested at or below 12° C. We found no evidence that greater myocardial edema resulted from arrest at colder temperatures. Severe and permanent damage was observed when hearts were arrested at or above 28° C. In this model, therefore, the best overall metabolic and functional protection occurred when hearts were maintained at 12° C or below during potassium-induced cardioplegia. Our results support the idea that cold injury to the heart does not occur and that colder temperatures provide better protection from ischemic myocardial injury.
Malpractice Litigation in Pediatric Ophthalmology.

Importance Understanding outcomes of pediatric malpractice litigation allows ophthalmologists to gain insight into how to best care for patients and prevent such litigation. Objectives To report and analyze the causes and outcomes of ophthalmology medical malpractice litigation involving patients younger than 18 years. Design, Setting, and Participants The WestLaw database was reviewed from April 1 to 30, 2015, for ophthalmology-related lawsuits, including settlements and trial verdicts, in the United States from January 1, 1930, to December 31, 2014. Search terms included ophthalmology or ophthalmologist and malpractice anywhere in the retrieved documents. Cases in which the plaintiffs were younger than 18 years at the time of the inciting event were included. Pediatric cases were compared with adult cases. Main Outcomes and Measures Pediatric malpractice case outcomes and settlement amounts. Results Sixty-eight ophthalmology malpractice cases involving plaintiffs younger than 18 years were included in the study. Thirty-five cases (51.5%) were resolved via jury trial. Of these 35 cases, verdicts in favor of the plaintiff were issued in 17 pediatric cases (48.6%), compared with 168 of 584 adult cases (28.8%) (difference, 33%; 95% CI, −24% to 64%; P = .01). The 17 cases that resulted in verdicts in favor of the pediatric plaintiff had a mean jury award of $4 815 693 (median, $883 281; range, $147 765-$42 061 690). Nine of the total 68 cases (13.2%) resulted in a settlement, with mean adjusted indemnities of $1 912 738 (median, $1 377 689; range, $92 070-$8 493 086). The remaining 24 cases (35.3%) involved appellate rulings, pretrial and posttrial relief rulings, and 1 bench verdict. Jury awards were higher in pediatric vs adult cases (difference, $3 422 134; 95% CI, −$3 422 134 to $8 731 916; P = .002), as were indemnity payments (difference, $1 186 757; 95% CI, −$69 074 to $3 342 588; P = .003). Cases involving legal blindness were more likely to result in verdicts in favor of the plaintiff (difference, 60.5%; 95% CI, −1% to 62%; P = .30). Common clinical scenarios in cases of litigation were traumatic ocular injury (15 [22.1%]), retinopathy of prematurity (12 [17.6%]), and endophthalmitis (6 [8.8%]). Conclusions and Relevance Malpractice litigation involving pediatric patients was more likely to be resolved in favor of the plaintiff and was associated with higher monetary awards than was adult litigation. Cases involving retinopathy of prematurity resulted in the highest payments to plaintiffs, and cases involving legal blindness and/or endophthalmitis were more likely to be resolved in favor of the plaintiff. This information may give pediatric ophthalmologists insight into the situations and conditions that commonly lead to litigation.
Mechanochemical Sensing of Single and Few Hg(II) Ions Using Polyvalent Principles.

Sensitivity of biosensors is set by the dissociation constant (Kd) between analytes and probes. Although potent amplification steps can be accommodated between analyte recognition and signal transduction in a sensor to improve the sensitivity 4–6 orders of magnitude below Kd, they compromise temporal resolution. Here, we demonstrated mechanochemical sensing that broke the Kd limit by 9 orders of magnitude for Hg detection without amplifications. Analogous to trawl fishing, we introduced multiple Hg binding units (thymine (T)–T pairs) in a molecular trawl made of two poly-T strands. Inspired by dipsticks to gauge content levels, mechanical information (force/extension) of a DNA hairpin dipstick was used to measure the single or few Hg2+ ions bound to the molecular trawl, which was levitated by two optically trapped particles. The multivalent binding and single-molecule sensitivity allowed us to detect unprecedented 1 fM Hg ions in 20 min in field samples treated by simple filtrations.
Rebels with Many Causes

I first heard the name Helena Born in a graduate course taught by the historian of anarchism Paul Avrich. A neglected figure in both British and American radical history, Born was etched in my mind...
Oxygen consumption in the inner and outer retina of the cat.

Purpose. Oxygen consumption rate (QO 2 ) was determined in the outer and inner halves of the cat retina in dark and light adaptation. Methods. Double-barreled oxygen microelectrodes were used to measure oxygen tension (PO 2 ) across the retina of anesthetized cats while the single retinal artery supplying that area was occluded. During the measurements of these PO 2 profiles, the cats were ventilated with 100% O 2 . Retinal PO 1 profiles were fitted to a diffusion model, and inner and outer retinal QO 2 s were determined from the fitted parameters. Results. A four-layer model, in which two layers consumed oxygen, fitted the data well. One consuming layer corresponded to the photoreceptor inner segments, as in previous studies, and a single region of uniform consumption was used to describe the profile in the inner half of the retina. Under dark-adapted conditions, outer and inner retinal QO 2 were 3.9±2.8 and 3.5±1.7 ml O 2 /(100 g.min) (mean±SD; 9 cats), respectively. With steady illumination, outer retinal (photoreceptor) QO 2 decreased to 1.4±0.9 ml O 1 /(100 g.min), but inner retinal QO 2 remained unchanged at 3.7±1.5 ml O 2 /(100 g.min) (5 cats). Conclusions. The total QO 2 of the inner retina was found to be the same as that of the dark-adapted outer retina. Oxygen use was distributed uniformly throughout the inner retina but was confined to the photoreceptor inner segments, which occupied approximately 20% of the thickness of the outer retina. Steady illumination had no effect on inner retinal QO 2
Regular physical activity prevents development of chronic muscle pain through modulation of supraspinal opioid and serotonergic mechanisms.

Introduction It is generally believed that exercise produces its effects by activating central opioid receptors; there are little data that support this claim. The periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are key nuclei in opioid-induced analgesia, and opioids interact with serotonin to produce analgesia. Objectives The purpose was to examine central inhibitory mechanisms involved in analgesia produced by wheel running. Methods C57/Black6 mice were given access to running wheels in their home cages before induction of chronic muscle hyperalgesia and compared with those without running wheels. Systemic, intra-PAG, and intra-RVM naloxone tested the role of central opioid receptors in the antinociceptive effects of wheel running in animals with muscle insult. Immunohistochemistry for the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the spinal cord and RVM, and pharmacological blockade of SERT, tested whether the serotonin system was modulated by muscle insult and wheel running. Results Wheel running prevented the development of muscle hyperalgesia. Systemic naloxone, intra-PAG naloxone, and intra-RVM naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect of wheel running in animals that had received muscle insult. Induction of chronic muscle hyperalgesia increased SERT in the RVM, and blockade of SERT reversed the hyperalgesia in sedentary animals. Wheel running reduced SERT expression in animals with muscle insult. The serotonin transporter in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord was unchanged after muscle insult, but increased after wheel running. Conclusion These data support the hypothesis that wheel running produced analgesia through central inhibitory mechanisms involving opioidergic and serotonergic systems.
Science policy in the days of Trump.

Chris Toumey explains why the actions on science policy taken so far by the current US administration are cause for concern.
The Basics of Polysomnography

With advances in neurophysiology, the recording of electrical activity of brain became possible. Analysis of the brainwave activity during sleep helped in understanding the various different components of sleep and sleep disorders. Polysomnography nowadays gives us a great deal of information about sleep, respiratory, and limb movement characteristics. The modern day sleep physician relies heavily on polysomnography in understanding the sleep disorders of the patients. In this chapter, we go over the various different aspects of a typical sleep study including electrode arrangement, electroencephalogram, electrooculogram including audio and video recordings.
Evaluation of shielding analysis methods in spent-fuel cask environments

The three-dimensional Monte Carlo code MORSE-SGC, as implemented in the SCALE system calculational sequence SAS4, is applied to the analysis of a series of simple geometry benchmark experiments and prototypic spent-fuel storage cask measurements. The simple geometry experiments were performed in Japan and at the General Electric-Morris Operation facility; the cask measurements were performed at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The quantification of uncertainties in a typical shielding analysis process for transport/storage casks can be accomplished by comparison of consistent trends between calculated and measured dose rate quantities in both benchmark and prototypic environments. Benchmark results typically measure the validity of cross-section data and computer code adequacy; prototypic environments, however, generally measure the overall validity of the calculational procedure. A total of five storage cask problems and two simple geometry problems were analyzed to determine the expected accur...
Revision of the metallic Lasioglossum (Dialictus) of eastern North America (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Halictini)

Bees in the subgenus Lasioglossum (Dialictus) are commonly collected, behaviourally diverse and taxonomically challenging. The metallic species of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) occurring east of the Mississippi River are revised. Taxonomic treatments of all 97 species are provided with complete descriptions and illustrations given for the 40 species, which have not been recently described elsewhere. Identification keys for males and females are provided. The following eleven new species are described: Lasioglossum (Dialictus) arantium new species, L. (D.) ascheri new species, L. (D.) batya new species, L. (D.) curculum new species, L. (D.) furunculum new species, L. (D.) georgeickworti new species, L. (D.) gotham new species, L. (D.) izawsum new species, L. (D.) katherineae new species, L. (D.) rozeni new species, and L. (D.) trigeminum new species. Lasioglossum ascheri, L. curculum, L. furunculum, L. izawsum, and L. rozeni are believed to be social parasites or cleptoparasites of nest-building L. (Dialictus). Lasioglossum (D.) smilacinae (Robertson) is resurrected from synonymy with L. laevissimum (Smith). Lasioglossum (D.) nymphaearum (Robertson) is resurrected from synonymy with L. albipenne (Robertson). Lasioglossum rufulipes (Cockerell) and L. testaceum (Robertson) are removed from Evylaeus and placed in Dialictus. The following eleven new synonymies are proposed (junior subjective synonym listed second): L. (D.) flaveriae (Mitchell) = Dialictus tahitensis Mitchell; L. (D.) leucocomum (Lovell) = Dialictus otsegoensis Mitchell; L. (D.) lionotum (Sandhouse) = Paralictus asteris Mitchell; L. (D.) longifrons (Baker) = L. (Chloralictus) robertsonellum Michener; L. (D.) nigroviride (Graenicher) = Evylaeus pineolensis Mitchell; L. (D.) simplex (Robertson) = Halictus (Chloralictus) malinus Sandhouse; L. smilacinae (Robertson) = Halictus zophops Ellis, = D. philanthanus Mitchell; L. (D.) testaceum (Robertson) = Halictus (Chloralictus) scrophulariae Cockerell, = Lasioglossum (Chloralictus) sandhouseae Michener; and L. (D.) versans (Lovell) = Evylaeus divergenoides Mitchell. Lectotypes are designated for Halictus albipennis Robertson (1890), Halictus albitarsis Cresson (1872), Halictus cressonii Robertson (1890), Halictus disparilis Cresson (1872), Halictus hortensis Lovell (1905), Halictus nubilis Lovell (1905), Halictus pilosus leucocomus Lovell (1908), Halictus planatus Lovell (1905), Halictus stultus Cresson (1872), Halictus subconnexus rohweri Ellis (1915), Halictus tegularis Robertson (1890), Halictus versans Lovell (1905), and Halictus viridatus Lovell (1905).
A Situated Comparison of Suicide and Non-Suicide Terrorist Plots and Homicides in the United States, 1990-2014:

This study compares suicide and non-suicide incidents in the United States by analyzing data from the U.S. Extremist Crime Database (ECDB) on terrorist incidents committed by extreme far-right (FR)...
A Structural Mimic of Carbonic Anhydrase in a Metal-Organic Framework

Summary Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have exciting potential for biomimetic studies of enzymes, yet construction of high-fidelity models at the metal nodes is challenging. Nonetheless, biomimetic MOFs have significant advantages, such as increased stability and ease of separation, over their enzymatic and homogeneous counterparts, making them particularly attractive for industrial applications. Here, we demonstrate biomimetic behavior of Zn hydroxide moieties inside a MOF with structural and reactivity characteristics of carbonic anhydrase. Similar to the biological system, the MOF binds CO2 by an insertion mechanism into the Zn–OH bond, leading to significant adsorption of CO2 (3.41 mmol/g). In reactivity mimicking that of the enzyme, the material also catalyzes the oxygen isotope exchange between water and carbon dioxide. Overall, these results provide the strongest evidence yet of metal nodes in MOFs bearing high structural fidelity to enzymatic active sites.
Does the degree of calcification of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery on preoperative computerized tomography predict the risk of anastomotic leak after right colectomy? A single center retrospective study

Anastomotic leak is a serious complication of colonic surgery. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of vascular calcifications of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery in patients undergoing elective right colectomy, and particularly their relationship to the risk of anastomotic leak. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of preoperative abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scans of patients who underwent right colectomy at the Vendean Departmental Hospital (France) between January 2011 and December 2016. We established a calcification score, which was correlated to the incidence of anastomotic leak and to the patients' American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. RESULTS The charts of 250 patients were reviewed. Twenty-three patients had a postoperative anastomotic leak. A stratified analysis revealed that the risk of developing an anastomotic leak was statistically significantly increased in patients whose calcification score was equal to or greater than 3 (P<0.05). In these patients, the risk was increased by a factor of 3.48 [odds ratio: 3.48 (1.45-8.36)]. A second stratified analysis showed that a calcification score of 2 at the level of the celiac axis takeoff was correlated with a statistically significantly increased risk of anastomotic leak (P<0.01). There was a correlation between a calcification score≥3 and an ASA score≥3. CONCLUSION A calcification score≥3 correlates to an increased risk of anastomotic leak. The analysis of CT findings is simple, easy and reproducible. This calcification score should be confirmed by a prospective study.
Inferring bone attribution to species through micro-Computed Tomography: A comparison of third metapodials from Homo sapiens and Ursus americanus

Abstract Gross similarities between human hand/foot bones and bear paws have been well-documented. Macroscopic skeletal analyses provide insight into species origin when whole bones are recovered but are frequently rendered inapplicable when bones are fragmented. In these scenarios, histological techniques are often applied; though specific research focusing on the quantification of bear bone microstructure remains scarce. We hypothesized that 3D analysis of bear cortical bone microarchitecture provides a more representative and accurate means to infer bone attribution to species from fragmented metapodials. Methods included visualizing and quantifying bone microstructural parameters using micro-Computed Tomography (µCT). Third metacarpals and metatarsals from mature black bears and humans were assessed using 3D analyses. Micro-CT experiments were carried out using a laboratory X-ray system at The University of Akron. Projections were reconstructed and cylindrical Volumes of Interest (VOIs) were identified within each bone sample. Variables measured within the VOIs included: total volume (TV), total canal volume (Ca.V), canal number (Ca.N), average canal diameter (Ca.Dm), and cortical porosity (Ca.V/TV). Between-species t-tests revealed that both Ca.N and Ca.Dm significantly differed between human and bear metapodials. Qualitative features including osteon banding and resorption bays were more prevalent in bear metapodials. The 3D data for this study were obtained non-destructively and reveal the usefulness of laboratory µCT as a diverse and novel tool for the anthropologist. Results demonstrated differences between the human and black bear third metapodials, supporting the hypothesis that a microstructural comparison is necessary for fragmentary bone identification of human and bear metapodials.
Path-based dynamic pricing for vehicle allocation in ridesharing systems with fully compliant drivers

Abstract Rapidly advancing on-demand ridesharing services, including those with self-driving technologies, hold the promise to revolutionize delivery of mobility. Yet, significant imbalance between spatiotemporal distributions of vehicle supply and travel demand poses a pressing challenge. This paper proposes a multi-period game-theoretic model that addresses dynamic pricing and idling vehicle dispatching problems in the on-demand ridesharing systems with fully compliant drivers/vehicles. A dynamic mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) is formulated to capture the interdependent decision-making processes of the mobility service provider (e.g., regarding vehicle allocation) and travelers (e.g., regarding ride-sharing and travel path options). An algorithm based on approximate dynamic programming (ADP), with customized subroutines for solving the MPEC, is developed to solve the overall problem. It is shown with numerical experiments that the proposed dynamic pricing and vehicle dispatching strategy can help ridesharing service providers achieve better system performance (as compared with myopic policies) while facing spatial and temporal variations in ridesharing demand.
The End of the (Research) World As We Know It? Understanding and Coping With Declining Response Rates to Mail Surveys

Mail surveys have long been a staple of social science research. Properly conducted, they can gather representative data about a population that provides important generalizations about that popula...
TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF DYSIDIOLIDE

The cdc25A protein phosphatase inhibitor dysidiolide (1) has been synthesized enantioselectively, starting from the enantiomerically pure ketal enone 2 and using a cationic rearrangement as the key step to produce the fully substituted bicyclic core of the natural product. Once the central portion of 1 was established, elaboration of the side chains was accomplished expediently via steps that included (1) vinyl cuprate displacement of an iodide to complete the C-1 side chain, (2) a highly diastereoselective oxazaborolidine-catalyzed (CBS) reduction to form carbinol 11, and (3) photochemical oxidation of 11 to generate the γ-hydroxybutenolide functionality of 1. Additionally, this synthesis proves the absolute stereochemistry of dysidiolide (1).
Low Food Security and Diet Quality Among Midwest University Students (P04-051-19)

Recent reports indicate US students in higher education experience greater levels of food insecurity than the general populace. Chronic food insecurity can adversely affect health, dietary quality, and academic performance. The study objective was to describe student's food security level and diet, and determine associations with demographic characteristics, BMI, living arrangements, employment, year in school, and campus college. We hypothesized that: 1) students with high food security are consuming less healthy foods because of the price, availability and convenience of unhealthy options; 2) students living on campus are more food secure than those living off campus; 3) students who are employed are more likely to be food insecure than those unemployed. An online survey with questions on demographics, food security, dietary intakes, purchasing habits, and shopping patterns was developed. All students in the College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, aged 18–34, were sent a direct email invitation to participate in the Survey Monkey (Palo Alto, CA) survey. Of the 946 responses received, 684 (72.3%) had complete data on the variables of interest. Few meet daily dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetable servings (11%), fiber (27%), and eating less than 36% of total calories from fat (50%). Over 31% of participants reported low or very low food security in contrast to 11.8% nationally. Significant findings include: students who are employed are more likely to be in the low and very low food secure category (P = .006), and those students with a higher BMI had lower food security (P = .030). Students using the university meal plans had higher fat diets than those students not using a meal plan (P = .001). Over 32% of students on campus have not, but are interested in receiving information on budgeting, and 16.2% would like to know who to talk to if they are facing problems accessing enough food. The majority of Iowa State University students consume too much dietary fat and do not meet fruit/vegetable, or fiber recommendations. There is a need to provide information, resources, and food options to students having difficulty accessing food. Partial research support for the project was provided by the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Project Number IOW04002, Ames, Iowa.
Cannabis and tobacco use and co-use: Trajectories and correlates from early adolescence to emerging adulthood

Abstract Background Cannabis and tobacco co-use is a growing concern, yet little is known about its developmental course or associated outcomes during emerging adulthood. This study examines developmental trajectories of cannabis and tobacco co-use from adolescence to emerging adulthood, associations of co-use trajectories with four domains of functioning, and differences across racial/ethnic groups. Methods Survey data come from a racially/ethnically diverse and predominantly California-based cohort that completed 10 surveys from 2008 (wave 1: mean age 11.5; n = 6,509) to 2018 (wave 10: mean age 20.7; n = 2,429). Co-use was defined as use of both cannabis and tobacco (cigarettes or smokeless tobacco) in the past 30 days. Trajectories of use were examined using latent growth modeling in a structural equation modeling framework. Results Prevalence of cannabis and tobacco co-use increased from 0.3% at wave 1 to 9.5% at wave 10, with average probabilities of co-use higher among non-Hispanic white versus Hispanic or Asian participants. Higher average probability of co-use was associated with greater delinquency, more mental health symptoms, and poorer physical health during emerging adulthood. Higher rate of change in the probability of co-use over time was associated with greater delinquency, but better social functioning and less physical ailments. There was some evidence of racial/ethnic disparities in functioning, even at similar levels of co-use. Conclusions Cannabis and tobacco co-use deserves greater attention, especially regarding its effects on functioning during emerging adulthood. Results also emphasize the need for future research to focus on racial/ethnic disparities related to co-use and associated outcomes.
Linguistic context in verb learning: Less is sometimes more.

Linguistic contexts provide useful information about verb meanings by narrowing the space of candidate concepts. Intuitively, the more information, the better. For example, “the tall girl is fezzin...
Retained Vaginal Remnant and Urethrocutaneous Fistula in Transgender Man After Phalloplasty.

ABSTRACT As gender-affirming genital surgery for transgender men becomes more common, general urologists may be confronted with unfamiliar anatomy and complications. We describe the use of voiding cystourethrogram and retrograde urethrogram in a transgender man in demonstrating the anatomy of the urethra, urethrocutaneous fistula, and a vaginal remnant after phalloplasty.
Point of care, clinician-performed laryngeal ultrasound and pediatric vocal fold movement impairment.

Abstract Introduction Vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) is a well-known sequela of cervical and thoracic procedures performed in the vicinity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Interpretation of flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) can be difficult in young children due to crying, secretions, and obstructing supraglottic structures. We have previously published on the use of radiologist performed and interpreted, laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) to evaluate vocal fold mobility with substantial agreement with FNL in infants in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate point of care, clinician performed, LUS for vocal fold mobility in a pediatric voice clinic. Methods LUS and FNL were performed and recorded on 30 consecutive patients (11 with a clinical diagnosis of VFMI and 19 with clinically normal mobility) in a pediatric voice clinic. All LUS was performed by a single clinician (reviewer 1) with a GE logiq P9 and 12 MHz linear probe. Deidentified recordings of the LUS and FNL (without sound) were reviewed in random order by 2 fellowship trained pediatric otolaryngologists who were blinded to the vocal fold mobility. Cohen's kappa was used to determine agreement. Results There was substantial agreement ( κ = 0.7) between the reviewers regarding interpretation of LUS as well as regarding interpretation of FNL κ = 0.7802. In addition, each reviewer had near perfect to substantial agreement between their interpretation of the LUS and FNL (reviewer 1 κ = 0.9294 and reviewer 2 κ = 0.8413). Conclusion Point of care, clinician performed, LUS can be used for the identification of VFMI with substantial agreement with FNL with good inter-rater reliability. This provides clinicians with another tool in their armamentarium for the evaluation of challenging larynges.
Distinguished Professor Dr. David B. Audretsch: World Renowned Researcher – Legendary Icon in Entrepreneurship

Written by close friend and co-author Professor Donald F. Kuratko (Dr. K), this chapter portrays David’s work and life in a snapshot. This viewpoint from a colleague and friend gives an overview of David’s career, highlighting his positions, awards, travels and achievements. Most importantly, it serves as an example of how highly admired David is by those that know him best.
Impact of Connate Brine Chemistry on In Situ Wettability and Oil Recovery: Pore-Scale Experimental Investigation

In this study, we present the results of micro- and macroscale core-flooding experiments performed on reservoir and outcrop sandstone core samples to investigate the impact of connate brine salinit...
Evolution of disc thickness in simulated high-redshift galaxies

We study the growth of stellar discs of Milky Way-sized galaxies using a suite of cosmological simulations. We calculate the half-mass axis lengths and axis ratios of stellar populations split by age in isolated galaxies with stellar mass $M_* = 10^7 - 10^{10} M_{\odot}$ at redshifts $z$ > 1.5. We find that in our simulations stars always form in relatively thin discs, and at ages below 100 Myr are contained within half-mass height $z_{1/2}$ ~ 0.1 kpc and short-to-long axis ratio $z_{1/2}/x_{1/2}$ ~ 0.15. The disc thickness increases with the age of stellar population, reaching median $z_{1/2}$ ~ 0.8 kpc and $z_{1/2}/x_{1/2}$ ~ 0.6 for stars older than 500 Myr. We trace the same group of stars over the simulation snapshots and show explicitly that their intrinsic shape grows more spheroidal over time. The observed increase in disc thickness is due to the gradual vertical expansion of the originally thin stellar population, combined with the rapidly changing orientation of the galactic plane which mixes the configuration of young stars. The frequently mentioned "upside-down" formation scenario of galactic discs, which posits that young stars form in already thick discs at high redshift, is describing only the final product of this quick disc inflation while missing the actual formation of stars within a fairly thin plane. The location of very young stars in thin discs is due to the correspondingly flat configuration of dense molecular gas that participates in star formation.
Dual-tool multiplexing model of parallel computer controlled optical surfacing.

Fabrication of large optics is a time-consuming process and requires a vast investment in manpower and financial resources. Increasing the material removal rate of polishing tools and minimizing dwell time are two common ways of reducing the processing time. Indeed, the polishing efficiency can be further improved if multiple tools are used at the same time. In this Letter, we propose a dual-tool deterministic polishing model, which multiplexes the dwell time and optimizes the run parameters of two polishing tools simultaneously. The run velocities of the two tools are coordinated by boundary conditions with a velocity adjustment algorithm, and the corresponding polishing paths are studied. We demonstrate this model with a simulation of polishing one segment of the Giant Magellan Telescope, where, with the proposed dual-tool multiplexing, the processing time of an o8.4 m mirror has been reduced by 50.54% compared with that using two tools in a sequential schedule.
Demand Characteristics as Determinants of Behavior: An Unconscious Effect

The environmental setting and the willingness to participate in a study may contain within themselves enough Information to unconsciously influence the performance of subjects. Λ 2 × 2 factorial experiment to test these hypotheses is reported. Results support both hypotheses.
Linguistic Cues of Deception Across Multiple Language Groups in a Mock Crime Context

A recent study showed that specific linguistic and grammatical features of a technique commonly referred to as statement analysis are applicable across different language groups. One limitation of that study was that it used an eyewitness crime video paradigm, which might be different from writing a statement after committing an actual criminal act. We remedied that limitation by using a mock crime paradigm. In this study, three language groups (English, Spanish, and Chinese) produced statements after committing a mock crime, taking a check, in an experimental context. Certain linguistic features significantly discriminated truths from lies similarly across the different language groups, suggesting that statement analysis might be applicable as a reliable indicator of deception across languages. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arbitrage Pricing Theory

The Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) is due to Ross (1976a, 1976b). It is a one period model in which every investor believes that the stochastic properties of capital assets’ returns are consistent with a factor structure. Ross argues that if equilibrium prices offer no arbitrage opportunities, then the expected returns on these capital assets are approximately linearly related to the factor loadings. (The factor loadings are proportional to the returns’ covariances with the factors.)
Profit, Profits, and Profit Motive

What are profits and how can they be justified? These questions are at the center of this article. In the first part, different positions and theories in the history of economic thought on the nature of profits are explored. The second part deals with the legitimacy of profits, specifically through the lens of Rawls's Theory of Justice and Robert Nozick's libertarian perspective. Of key importance from a business ethics perspective are questions related to the distribution of profits and to the motivation that underlies profit-seeking. Keywords: profits; John Rawls; Robert Nozick; Adam Smith; Frank Knight; Milton Friedman; libertarianism; risk; uncertainty; equality; corporate responsibility