cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ALXR, a common GPCR gateway for antiinflammatory and/or proinflammatory cell activation: relevance of selective kinase and phospholipase signaling by uteroglobin, lipoxin A4 and serum amyloid A in ALXR-mediated chemotaxis

The lipoxin A4 receptor (ALXR) is expressed in fibroblast-like synoviocytes and is targeted by both antiinflammatory and proinflammatory endogenous ligands. Recently, annexin-1 (lipocortin) has been identified to be an ALXR ligand. Uteroglobin (Ug) is secretoglobin that shares with annexin-1 properties such as potent inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) as well as sequence similarities in the 'antiflammin' consensus region. Potential receptor interactions of Ug with ALXR were therefore investigated and PLA2 activity assays were performed in CHO and HL-60 cell lines stably overexpressing ALXR. Serum amyloid A (SAA), an ALXR ligand displaying proinflammatory activities, was compared with two antiinflammatory ligands, Ug and lipoxin A4 (LXA4). While Ug and LXA4 did not alter baseline PLA2 activity (Ug) or provoked a pulsed peak of activity (LXA4), SAA did induce a delayed and prolonged activation of PLA2. SAA-induced PLA2activation was sharply inhibited in the presence of Ug. Ug inhibition of SAA-dependent phospholipase activity occurred at submillimolar Ca2+ concentrations, suggesting an effect on cytosolic PLA2 (rather than secretory PLA2, a known target inhibited by Ug and annexin-1 but requiring millimolar Ca2+). Studies of Erk, p38 and AKT kinase phosphorylation confirmed that SAA and Ug interact with ALXR to oppositely regulate GPCR-coupled downstream signaling events. Overall the analysis of phospholipase D activity, kinase phosphorylation and cAMP levels also suggested that proinflammatory and antiinflammatory ligands of ALXR engage differently coupled pathways, leading to activation of these processes (SAA) or to their inhibition (LXA4 and Ug). These signaling events are functionally matched by the ability of SAA to stimulate NF-κB activity, IL-8 release and cell chemotaxis, and that of LXA4 and Ug to strongly inhibit them. Expression of Ug and SAA mRNAs was also detected in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, suggesting that ALXR may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of arthritis. In addition, annexin-1 and Ug inhibition of PLA2 offers enticing new venues to control inflammatory arthritides by limiting, for example, cascade signaling amplification via synthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids, along with a redirection of ALXR signaling toward antiinflammatory feedback mechanisms.
Scalability challenges for massively parallel AMR applications

PDE solvers using Adaptive Mesh Refinement on block structured grids are some of the most challenging applications to adapt to massively parallel computing environments. We describe optimizations to the Chombo AMR framework that enable it to scale efficiently to thousands of processors on the Cray XT4. The optimization process also uncovered OS-related performance variations that were not explained by conventional OS interference benchmarks. Ultimately the variability was traced back to complex interactions between the application, system software, and the memory hierarchy. Once identified, software modifications to control the variability improved performance by 20% and decreased the variation in computation time across processors by a factor of 3. These newly identified sources of variation will impact many applications and suggest new benchmarks for OS-services be developed.
Quasi-Phasematched Nonlinear Interactions and Devices

The field of nonlinear optics began nearly simultaneously in the United States and in Russia in 1962. The early years of discovery led to an understanding of nonlinearity in materials, phasematching, and nonlinear device performance. In the second decade of the 1970s, tunable parametric oscillators driven by high-peak-power Q-switched lasers made the transition to tools useful for spectroscopy and remote sensing. In the late 1980s engineered nonlinear materials were introduced with the successful implementation of quasi-phasematching by periodic inversion of ferroelectric domains in lithium niobate. Lithographic processing techniques enabled the fabrication of quasi-phasematched nonlinear "chips" using electric field poling of lithium niobate at the wafer scale.
Who Influences U.S. Foreign Policy

Research in international relations has identified a variety of actors who appear to influence U.S. foreign policy, including experts and “epistemic communities,” organized interests (especially business and labor), and ordinary citizens or “public opinion.” This research, however, has often focused on a single factor at a time, rather than systematically testing the relative importance of alternative possible influences. Using extensive survey data gathered over three decades we conduct a comparative test, attempting to account for the expressed foreign policy preferences of policy makers by means of the preferences of the general public and those of several distinct sets of elites. The results of cross-sectional and time-lagged analyses suggest that U.S. foreign policy is most heavily and consistently influenced by internationally oriented business leaders, followed by experts (who, however, may themselves be influenced by business). Labor appears to have significant but smaller impacts. The general public seems to have considerably less effect, except under particular conditions. These results generally hold over several different analytical models (including two-observation time series) and different clusters of issues (economic, military, and diplomatic), with some variations across different institutional settings (the U.S. House, Senate, and executive branch).
Ozone Promotes Chloropicrin Formation by Oxidizing Amines to Nitro Compounds

Chloropicrin formation has been associated with ozonation followed by chlorination, but the reaction pathway and precursors have been poorly characterized. Experiments with methylamine demonstrated that ozonation converts methylamine to nitromethane at ∼100% yield. Subsequent chlorination converts nitromethane to chloropicrin at ∼50% yield under the conditions evaluated. Similarly high yields from other primary amines were limited to those with functional groups on the β-carbon (e.g., the carboxylic acid in glycine) that facilitate carbon–carbon bond cleavage to release nitromethyl anion. Secondary amines featuring these reactive primary amines as functional groups (e.g., secondary N-methylamines) formed chloropicrin at high yields, likely by facile dealkylation to release the primary nitro compound. Chloropicrin yields from tertiary amines were low. Natural water experiments, including derivatization to transform primary and secondary amines to less reactive carbamate functional groups, indicated that pr...
Regional expression of hepatocyte growth factor/c-met in experimental renal hypertrophy and hyperplasia

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, c-met, have been found to increase in the whole kidney of the rat following several types of renal injury or renal hypertrophy. In an attempt to determine whether the upregulation of this growth factor and its receptor is selective for the regions of greatest anatomic change, and therefore likely to be important in regulating renal tubular hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy, we examined their expression in liver, whole kidney, and subsections of the kidney following either sham operation, transient ischemia of one kidney, or unilateral nephrectomy. The message for HGF was increased in both liver and kidney by all surgical procedures tested, including sham operation, and was seen predominantly in the outer cortex, the site of least morphological change. However, c-met was not upregulated by sham operation or in the liver, but rather was selectively upregulated only in the kidney in both the hypertrophy and hyperplasia (ischemia/reflow) models. Renal subsections revealed that this increase was confined to the renal medulla, with the greatest change in the outer medulla. Thus induction of the message for HGF can occur nonselectively and at sites distant to the injurious stimulus, whereas the target for HGF, c-met, is upregulated selectively at the site of greatest tubular injury or hypertrophy. These results support a role for HGF/c-met in regulation of these renal tubular events.
AN “ALL-COMER” MINIMALIST APPROACH TO TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IS AS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AS THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH

A “minimalist” approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (mTAVR) is common in Europe, but the United States experience has been limited to large centers on only select patients. We compare our “all-comers” mTAVR approach initiated since 2/2015, with traditional approach (TA), using
Development of a behavioroid I-E locus of control scale.

Summary.-Measures of discrepancy between observed behavior and that predicted by the Rotter (1966) I-E Scale indicate the usefulness of moderator variables in distinguishing defensive externality. To explore the complex relationship between verbalized beliefs and behavior a 26-item Behavioroid Internal-External Scale was developed and administered to 200 college students. Analysis of the scores indicated a symmetrical distribution, moderate to high loadings on a principal factor, moderate item-remainder correlations, and high reliability estimates. The validity and usefulness of the Behavioroid I-E Scale as a moderator variable were discussed. The formulation of the internal-external locus of control construct grew out of Rotter's (1954) social learning theory as a result of both clinical and experimental observations of behavior. One of the early efforts to develop an instrument which would measute generalized expectancy for control of reinforcement resulted in the Rotter (1966) I-E Scale. Individuals who score toward the internal end of the distribution express belief that they themselves are the primary agents of reinforcement while those scoring toward the external dimension attribute that causality to forces outside themselves such as luck, chance, fate, and powerful others. The I-E Scale has proven useful in the prediction of behavior in a variety of situations but on some occasions the expected relationship between verbalized expectancies and actual behavior has not occurred either with groups (Russell & Jorgenson, 1978) or with individuals (Rotter, 1966). For some external persons, for example, extreme scores accurately predicted behavioral passivity while for others they reflected a defensive verbalization which showed Little relationship to actual observed behavior under performance conditions (Phares, Ritchie, gc Davis, 1968). This discrepancy berween verbalized beliefs and actual behavior led some investigators (Rotter, 1966; Hochreich, 1968) to postulate the existence of external scorers who verbalize an external orientation as a defense against anticipated failure but who behave more like internal scorers when performing. There are several rea'sons which might account for the inability of the I-E Scale to predict expected behavior. The first stems from the fact that although the I-E construct was formulated on the basis of observed behavior, the actual scale items measure opinions about how outcomes occur. The I-E Scale does not assess the individual's personal behavior but rather self-reported beliefs about control of reinforcement.
Measurement of O17(p,γ)F18 between the narrow resonances at Erlab=193 and 519keV

The $^{17}\mathrm{O}$($p,\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{18}\mathrm{F}$ reaction sensitively influences hydrogen burning nucleosynthesis in a number of stellar sites, including classical novae. These thermonuclear explosions, taking place in close binary star systems, produce peak temperatures in the range of $T=100--400$ MK. Recent results indicate that the thermonuclear rates for this reaction in this particular temperature range are dominated by the direct capture process. We report on the measurement of the $^{17}\mathrm{O}$($p,\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{18}\mathrm{F}$ cross section between the narrow resonances at ${E}_{r}^{\mathrm{lab}}=193$ and $519$ keV, where the $S$ factor is expected to vary smoothly with energy. We extract the direct capture contribution from the total cross section and demonstrate that earlier data are inconsistent with our results.
HPV Vaccination in Children With JIA

Dr Li has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. Researchers from The Netherlands recently evaluated the efficacy and safety of the bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) administered at 0, 1, and 6 months in females aged 12 to 18 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis [JIA] compared to healthy controls (HC).1 Immunogenicity was determined by measuring the level of HPV-specific IgG antibodies (reported as geometric mean concentration [GMC]) to calculate the seropositivity rate at 7 and 12 months after the first vaccination. Investigators also measured memory B cell responses before the first vaccination and 3, 7, and 12 months afterwards in a subset of JIA and …
Incorporating Clinical Considerations into Statistical Analyses of Markers: A Quiet Revolution in How We Think About Data.

I can say 2 things about the biostatistical methods I learned in college for the analysis of markers and diagnostic tests. First, they closely reflect the methods actually used in the literature. Second, they are completely useless. So although my professors were completely right to teach me about the current state of the art, they left me completely unprepared for conducting informative analyses. The basic problem shared by many of the biostatistical methods used in marker research is that they relate numbers to other numbers, rather than to anything that we might care about in the real world. A correlation coefficient, for instance, tells us the average difference in y for a 1SD increase in x , where x and y are first divided by their SDs. If this is not sufficiently abstract for you, remember that the standard deviation is the square root of the average of the squared difference between each value of a variable and the mean of that variable. Sensitivity tells you the probability that a patient with disease has a positive test result, which assumes that you know whether the patient has disease and are trying to guess whether he or she will test positive or not. An area under the curve (AUC) tells you the probability that for a randomly selected pair of patients, 1 with disease and 1 without, the patient with disease has a higher test score. Is a doctor really ever asked to guess which of 2 patients actually has a disease? The abstract nature of many statistical metrics becomes particularly problematic when we try to interpret the results of diagnostic studies. Take, for instance, …
Universal Grammar and Theoretical Research on Second Language Acquisition

To test the availability of Universal Grammar (UG) in second language acquisition (SLA), researchers concern themselves with the Principles-and-Parameters framework (Chomsky, 1981, 1986) and adopt different methods to multidimensionally investigate the accessibility of UG to the process of SLA. This paper, by concentrating on the Subjacency Principle, examines the testing of the UG principles and parameters in SLA. It also discusses the experimental methodology in SLA research.
Evaluation of environmental sustainability for urban water systems based on LCA framework

Environmental sustainability assessment is the basis on which urban sustainable water system is planned and constructed.A set of environmental sustainability indices(ESI) and evaluation procedure based on the framework of life cycle assessment(LCA) were presented.The results indicate that this method helps to determine the potential environmental impacts from more aspects and helps to identify and choose the important ESI,such as recycling of nutrients and recovery of energy.The method discloses the internal relationships of the urban water system parameters much better than other methods.
Transformative Learning: The Role of Research in Traditional Clinical Disciplines.

One of an educator’s main tasks is to develop the intellectual openness of students that is necessary for transformative learning to take place. An initial step in removing the constraint of assumption is to employ the process of unlearning in the classroom. Unlearning in its simplest form can be described as the process through which the student learns to ask questions about a subject on which they are passionate, and through critical reflection, to construct and validate a new understanding based on observations and information generated by the original questions. Developing the ability to improvise and innovate are clear and positive indications that unlearning has occurred, and the Maryland University of Integrative Health’s (MUIH’s) educators have found that integrating research methods into class and group projects can accelerate the unlearning process. MUIH promotes students’ effort to solve interesting problems using the community found within the classroom. The natural state of relativism found in group processes lends itself to making explicit the assumptions each individual brings to the process. MUIH’s methods include engaging students in visual deconstruction of research data found in graphs, tables, and images; having students identify the end point of a line of inquiry; and evaluating a previously accumulated body of evidence to determine if it supports a product’s claims (eg, claims about general health, structure-function, or therapeutic value). The ultimate aim in asking students to take part in research embedded in coursework is to provide an assessment of their abilities that is more closely linked to discipline-specific experience. MUIH’s method of ingraining a culture of inquiry into both classroom and independent research serves to enhance students’ self-awareness about the constraints of their own a priori thinking and to nurture a deeper trust in their own informed intuition.
Geopolitics over Proliferation: the Origins of US Grand Strategy and Their Implications for the Spread of Nuclear Weapons in South Asia

ABSTRACTHow much does the United States care about nonproliferation? Recent scholarship suggests that the fear of spreading nuclear weapons was central to the US grand strategy in the Cold War. In one important case, however, this argument does not hold. This article draws on theoretical debates and newly declassified archives to demonstrate the primacy of geopolitics over nonproliferation in Washington’s policy toward India and Pakistan. Despite their rhetoric, Democratic and Republican leaders consistently relegated nonproliferation to the backburner whenever it conflicted with other strategic goals. Moreover, they inadvertently encouraged proliferation in South Asia at three inter-connected levels: technology, security, and identity.
Science and Development

In Section 1 I will analyze the concepts of science and development and their relationship on a very general and abstract but still realistic plane. In Section 2 I plan to discuss a very specific subject, namely the upcoming United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development.
Impact of Time Interval between Radiation and Free Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Background To evaluate whether the timing of surgery after radiation in autologous breast reconstruction affects major complications. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 454 free flaps (331 patients) for breast reconstruction at a single institution from 2003 to 2014. Charts were reviewed for age, BMI, laterality, flap type (TRAM, msTRAM, DIEP), surgeon, donor vessels (IMA, TD), chemotherapy, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, DVT, venous anastomoses, vein size, and time from radiation (none, < 12 months, or ≥ 12 months). The primary outcome of major complications was defined as partial/total flap loss, thrombosis, ischemia, or hematoma requiring return to the operating room. To identify independent predictors of major complications, a multivariate logistic regression was constructed. Alpha = 0.05 indicated significance in all tests. Results Average age was 47.4 ± 8.4. Free flaps consisted of msTRAM (41.1%), TRAM (29.6%), or DIEP (29.3%). The donor vessel was IMA in 66.9% of flaps or TD in 33.0% of patients with 90.7% using only one vein and 9.3% with two veins. The average IMA/TDV size was 2.5 cm ± 0.5. Preoperative radiation occurred in 31.2% of flaps. There were 54 flaps with at least one major complication (11.7%). On multivariate regression, only flap type (OR =4.04, p < .01) and vein size (OR = 0.13, p = 0.02) independently predicted major complications. Conclusion There was no significant difference in major complications between flaps who had reconstruction within 12 months and greater than 12 months after radiation. Only having a more muscle sparing technique or smaller vein size were independent risk factors for major complications.
Rational Design and Development of Polysialic Acid-Binding Peptides

Polysialic acid (PSA) is a unique post-translational modification found on the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and plays an important physiological role in nervous system development through modulation of neuronal interactions. While the size and hydrophilicity of PSA result in a large excluded volume that serves its non-adhesive properties well, a number of proteins act as specific ligands to PSA, including Siglec-11 – a sialic-acid specific lectin that recognizes alpha-2,8-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid. Understanding of biomolecular interactions involving PSA may be applied in the targeting of PSA in biotechnological applications, as for the development of ligands, such as peptides, to serve as biosensors, modulators in infections caused by PSA-expressing microbes, or novel affinity agents for neural stem cell targeting. In addition to being small, relatively stable molecules, peptides offer the possibility to study and exploit natural interactions as the basis for rational design. In this work, we demonstrate the development of PSA-binding peptides through rational design, beginning with epitope mapping of Siglec-11 for understanding of PSA-lectin interaction regions and identification of lead candidates. High-throughput synthesis and screening of peptide libraries, with screening in a spatially addressable manner on peptide microarrays, enabled study of peptide-PSA binding interactions. Lead peptides isolated show overlap with the binding pocket of Siglec-11, as evident from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of PSA with a homology model of the Siglec-11 N-terminal domain. Peptides were further studied through mutational analyses for examination of critical binding residues and for understanding the affinity and selectivity of PSA-peptide interactions. Binding data from microarray studies were corroborated with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and fluorescence anisotropy assays. Library level data, combined with MD simulations of peptide-PSA interactions, suggest the importance of spatial positioning along with identity of peptide residues. That is, while the electrostatic component of binding is high, as expected, the geometry of residues plays an important role and hence offers potential for development of selectivity. For purposes of comparison to our natural-partners based rational approach, phage display screening of a random peptide library was also conducted and lead peptides were studied through mutational analyses as above. The approach used in development and study of PSA-binding peptides thus contributes to the understanding of carbohydrate-peptide interactions and has implications for small-molecule targeting of specific glycosylation patterns in disease-related applications.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Three Nucleotide Insertion Corrects a Deletion Mutation in MRP1/ABCC1 and Restores Its Proper Folding and Function.

A three-nucleotide deletion in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator/ATP-binding cassette transporter C7 (CFTR/ABCC7) resulting in the absence of phenylalanine at 508 leads to mis-fold of the mutated protein and causes cystic fibrosis. We have used a comparable three-nucleotide deletion mutant in another ABCC family member, multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1)/ABCC1, to determine whether CRISPR-Cas9-mediated recombination can safely and efficiently knock in three-nucleotide to correct the mutation. We have found that the rate of homology-directed recombination mediated by guideRNA (gRNA) complementary to the deletion mutant is significantly higher than the one mediated by gRNA complementary to the wild-type (WT) donor. In addition, the rate of homology-directed recombination mediated by gRNA complementary to the WT donor is significantly higher than that of gRNAs complementary to the 5′ or 3′ side of the deletion mutant. Interestingly, the frequency of mutations introduced by gRNA complementary to the deletion mutant is significantly higher than with gRNA complementary to WT donor. However, combination of gRNAs complementary to both WT donor and deletion mutant decreased the rate of homology-directed recombination, but did not significantly decrease the mutation rate introduced by this system. Thus, the data presented here provide guidance for designing of gRNA and donor DNA to do genome editing, especially to correct the mutations with three mismatched nucleotides, such as three-nucleotide deletion or insertion.
Theoretical possibilities for superconductivity in PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7

Recent reports about observations of superconductivity in ${\mathrm{PrBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ raise a number of questions. (i) Of the various theories striving to explain the ${T}_{c}$ suppression in ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{x}{\mathrm{Y}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, are there any compatible with possible superconductivity in stoichiometric ${\mathrm{PrBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$? (ii) If this superconductivity is not an experimental artifact, are the superconducting carriers (holes) of the same character as in the other high-${T}_{c}$ cuprates, or do they represent another electronic subsystem? (iii) Is the underlying mechanism the same as in other high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors? I present an answer to the first two questions, leaving the last one open.
Injecting and assessing cybersecurity topics within a computer science program

This paper presents initial results of a three year initiative to develop and implement an approach to integrate cybersecurity topics into a computer science (CS) curriculum. Our approach injects cybersecurity topics and student learning assessment (SLA) into traditional CS courses, allowing faculty and students to see the connections between core CS topics and cybersecurity. At the end of year one, key deliverables produced include a curriculum planning document that categorizes the IAS (Information Assurance and Security) learning outcomes into core cybersecurity topics, teaching modules that describe ways to inject and assess cybersecurity content in various courses, and SLA documents that map IAS outcomes to courses and to cybersecurity topics.
The influence of front-of-package nutrition claims on food perceptions and purchase intentions among Nepali consumers

Abstract Obesity is increasing in countries undergoing nutrition transition (e.g., Nepal) largely due to changing food environments. Food choices are influenced by marketing and packaging, including front-of-pack nutrition claims (FOPNCs). Although FOPNCs can help consumers identify healthful foods, these claims can also lead consumers to unduly attribute healthfulness to unhealthful food products. This study investigated the effects of FOPNCs on consumers’ purchase intentions and product perceptions of snack foods. Participants were 239 adult shoppers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Participants viewing product images rated purchase intentions and seven product perceptions (e.g., healthfulness, tastiness). Participants reported their two most important shopping priorities, and explained why they found a specific FOPNC to be truthful/influential or not. Path analyses of multiple mediation models showed that FOPNCs most often influenced the product perception of healthful for children, while product perceptions of tasty and adults like it were most predictive of purchase intention. Inductive thematic analysis of open-ended responses identified various reasons for trust and skepticism in FOPNCs. FOPNCs were largely described as useful, despite their inconsistent influence on perceptions. Thematic analysis of shopping priorities resulted in 10 themes; the three most prevalent were quality, familiarity, and taste. Only 12% of reported shopping priorities appeared to motivate the use of FOPNCs (i.e., health and nutrition and package labeling). Evidence that FOPNCs create health halos for snack foods did emerge. However, FOPNCs’ inconsistent or absent impact on most product perceptions and purchase intentions suggest that FOPNCs are not a primary contributor to increasing obesity during Nepal’s nutrition transition.
Air-Stable [(R3P)PdCl2]2 Complexes of Neopentylphosphines as Cross-Coupling Precatalysts: Catalytic Application and Mechanism of Catalyst Activation and Deactivation

Air-stable [(R3P)PdCl2]2 complexes with di-tert-butylneopentylphosphine (DTBNpP, 1a) or trineopentylphosphine (TNpP, 1b) ligands have been applied to Suzuki cross-coupling reactions, and the mechanism of their conversion to the active LPd0 catalyst species has been studied. Precatalysts 1a,b provide effective catalysts for Suzuki cross-coupling of aryl bromides at room temperature, even when the reactions are performed in air. The precatalyst systems provided much higher activity catalysts in toluene/water in comparison to acetonitrile/water. Precatalyst loadings could be decreased by a factor of 50 in toluene in comparison to acetonitrile, while achieving equal or better yields. In acetonitrile/water, ligand metalation to form a [(κ2-P,C-DTBNpP)PdX]2 palladacycle was found to compete with formation of the active Pd(0) species. The palladacycle shows low catalytic activity; thus, its formation represents a catalyst deactivation pathway. In toluene, clean formation of the active Pd(0) species occurs withou...
Ecological causes of uneven diversification and richness in the mammal tree of life

The uneven distribution of species in the tree of life is rooted in unequal speciation and extinction among groups. Yet the causes of differential diversification are little known despite their relevance for sustaining biodiversity into the future. Here we investigate rates of species diversification across extant Mammalia, a compelling system that includes our own closest relatives. We develop a new phylogeny of nearly all ~6000 species using a 31-gene supermatrix and fossil node- and tip-dating approaches to establish a robust evolutionary timescale for mammals. Our findings link the causes of uneven modern species richness with ecologically-driven variation in diversification rates, including 24 detected rate shifts. Speciation rates are a stronger predictor of among-clade richness than clade age, countering claims of clock-like speciation in large phylogenies. Surprisingly, rate heterogeneity in recent radiations shows limited association with latitude, despite the well-known richness increase toward the equator. Instead, we find a deeper-time association where clades of high-latitude species have the highest speciation rates, suggesting that species durations are shorter outside than inside the tropics. At shallower timescales (i.e., young clades), diurnality and low vagility are both linked to greater speciation rates and extant richness. High turnover among small-ranged allopatric species may erase the signal of vagility in older clades, while diurnality may adaptively reduce competition and extinction. These findings highlight the underappreciated joint roles of ephemeral (turnover-based) and adaptive (persistence-based) diversification processes, which manifest as speciation gradients in recent and more ancient radiations to explain the evolution of mammal diversity.
"Artillery Properly Distributed": Ten or Twelve Guns with the Continental Advance Corps at Monmouth Courthouse

This paper attempted to answer how many artillery pieces were actually present with General Charles Lee’s advance corps at the Battle of Monmouth? The various sources disagree on the number, ranging from ten to twelve guns. Based on re-analysis of primary and secondary sources, this paper surmised that there were in fact five separate artillery companies, with two guns each, attached to the advance corps, for a total number of armament fixed at ten guns. This conclusion was reached through a several-step process, begun initially by conducting an in-depth historiography of the primary and secondary sources that discussed these artillery numbers at the Battle of Monmouth. After this review, the structure of the Continental Artillery, as it was incorporated into Washington’s Army, was analyzed. With the insights gained from these studies, the final step sought to reconcile these two sets of data to resolve the question at hand. Next, based on the conclusions reached, this article proffers the identities of the artillery companies of the advance corps. The further evidence collected from artillery unit muster rolls and other primary sources clearly identified four of these companies while providing strong circumstantial evidence in naming the fifth and final artillery unit.
The truth, but not yet: avoiding naïve skepticism via explicit communication of metadisciplinary aims

ABSTRACTIntroductory students regularly endorse naive skepticism – unsupported or uncritical doubt about the existence and universality of truth – for a variety of reasons. Though some of the reasons for students’ skepticism can be traced back to the student – for example, a desire to avoid engaging with controversial material or a desire to avoid offense – naive skepticism is also the result of how introductory courses are taught, deemphasizing truth to promote students’ abilities to develop basic disciplinary skills. While this strategy has a number of pedagogical benefits, it prevents students in early stages of intellectual development from understanding truth as a threshold concept. I argue that we can make progress against naive skepticism by clearly discussing how metadisciplinary aims differ at the disciplinary and course levels in a way that is meaningful, reinforced, and accessible.
The ekonting in Jola culture and history

ABSTRACTThe ekonting is a plucked lute played by people of the Jola ethnic group in Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. It has received considerable public attention in the past twenty years due to...
1289 Urinary Retention Following Outpatient Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Study Objective Identify risk factors associated with postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing minimally invasive outpatient hysterectomy. Design Retrospective cohort study Setting Academic medical center Patients or Participants All patients undergoing outpatient minimally invasive hysterectomy between January, 2013 to July, 2018 were considered for inclusion. Interventions Outpatient laparoscopic, vaginal, or robotically-assisted-laparoscopic hysterectomy. Measurements and Main Results A total of 543 patients met inclusion criteria. Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 175 patients (cases) and 368 patients successfully passed their voiding trial in the postanesthesia care unit (controls), for a pass rate of 68%. Cases were older (mean age 54.5 years, SD=11.9 vs. 49 years SD=10.2, p Conclusion In patients undergoing minimally invasive outpatient hysterectomy, performing concomitant FPMRS procedures, having a longer operating time, and increased perioperative narcotic use is shown to increase the risk of postoperative urinary retention. The rate of urinary tract infection is higher in patients who experience postoperative urinary retention.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: new labels confuse everyone

Over the past 15 years, my caseload of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS)4 has increased from two a year to two a month. Almost all have hypermobile EDS. The 2017 classification aimed to tighten the categorisation of EDS1 but seems to have substantially increased the number of patients instead. The new diagnostic approach is of the “pick and mix” variety; careful selection shows that all …
Is hydrothermal treatment coupled with carbon capture and storage an energy-producing negative emissions technology?

Abstract This paper evaluates the feasibility of hydrothermal treatment (HTT) with carbon capture and storage (CCS) as an energy producing negative emissions technology (NET) and compares such system with a conventional bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) system. Machine learning models were developed to predict product yields and characteristics from HTT of various feedstocks. The model results were then integrated into a life cycle assessment (LCA) model to compute two metrics: energy return on investment (EROI) and net global warming potential (GWP). Results showed random forest models had better prediction accuracy than regression tree and multiple linear regression to model HTT of feedstocks (e.g., microalgae, crops/forest residues, energy crops, and biodegradable organic wastes) and predicted the mass yields of multiple products (biocrude, hydrochar, gas, and aqueous co product) as well as the energy and carbon contents of biocrude and hydrochar. LCA results revealed that the proposed HTT-CCS system constituted a net-energy producing NET for some combinations of feedstock characteristics and reaction conditions. Best overall energy and GWP performance was achieved for HTT-CCS of lignocellulosic biomass at low temperature. Compared with the conventional BECCS system, HTT-CCS generally exhibited higher EROI but higher net GWP, depending on processing conditions and the feedstock types.
CCL28-induced CCR10/eNOS interaction in angiogenesis and skin wound healing.

Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in vascular homeostasis, development, and angiogenesis. Little is known regarding the molecular signaling mechanisms activated by CCL28 chemokine via its primary receptor CCR10 in endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we test the hypothesis that CCL28/CCR10 signaling plays an important role in regulating skin wound angiogenesis through endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-dependent Src, PI3K, and MAPK signaling. We observed nitric oxide (NO) production in human primary ECs stimulated with exogenous CCL28, which also induced direct binding of CCR10 and eNOS resulting in inhibition of eNOS activity. Knockdown of CCR10 with siRNA lead to reduced eNOS expression and tube formation suggesting the involvement of CCR10 in EC angiogenesis. Based on this interaction, we engineered a myristoylated 7 amino acid CCR10-binding domain (Myr-CBD7) peptide and showed that this can block eNOS interaction with CCR10, but not with calmodulin, resulting in upregulation of eNOS activity. Importantly, topical administration of Myr-CBD7 peptide on mouse dermal wounds not only blocked CCR10-eNOS interaction, but also enhanced expression of eNOS, CD31, and IL-4 with reduction of CCL28 and IL-6 levels associated with improved wound healing. These results point to a potential therapeutic strategy to upregulate NO bioavailability, enhance angiogenesis, and improve wound healing by disrupting CCL28-activated CCR10-eNOS interaction.
Chapter 4 – Landmark Summaries: Interpreting Typical Values and Percentiles

In this chapter, you will learn how to condense a data set down to one number (or two or a few numbers) that summarizes the data by expressing some of the most fundamental data characteristics. The methods most appropriate for a single list of numbers (ie, univariate data) include the following: One: The average, median, and mode are different ways of selecting a single number that closely describes all the numbers in a data set. Such a single-number summary is referred to as a typical value, center, or location. The average is best when total amounts are important to you (because it divides the total equally) and the average also works well when the histogram shows an approximately normal distribution. The median can work better when you have skewness or outliers (because it always chooses a value near the middle of the data) although the median might not work well when total amounts are important. The mode is the most common category (or midpoint of tallest histogram bar with quantitative data) and is the best (and only) choice for nominal qualitative data. With ordinal qualitative data, either the median or the mode can be used, and all three of these summary methods are available with quantitative data. If some numbers in your data have more importance than others, you may use a weighted average to reflect this information. Two: A percentile summarizes information about ranks, characterizing the value attained by a given percentage of the data after they have been ordered from smallest to largest. There are many percentiles! For example, the median is the 50th percentile, and the quartiles are the 25th and 75th percentiles. Your company would be “at the 93rd percentile for revenues in your industry group” if your revenues are larger than those of about 93% of these companies. The box plot displays the five-number summary (smallest, 25th percentile, median, 75th percentile, largest) allowing you to focus on these essentials without the distractions of the additional details of a histogram. The cumulative distribution function displays all of the percentiles in full detail. Three: The standard deviation is an indication of how different the numbers in the data set are from their average. This concept is also referred to as diversity or variability and will be deferred to Chapter 5.
Water and electrolyte balance

Abstract Maintaining appropriate water and electrolyte content in various fluid compartments is crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. Many complex systems, including the kidneys, work together to maintain and restore this balance. Common electrolyte derangements include hyponatremia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and hyperkalemia due to acute kidney injury. Laboratory assessment of electrolyte concentrations and/or osmolality in both blood and urine plays an important role in the diagnosis of electrolyte and blood volume abnormalities. Sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations are routinely measured by ion-selective electrode methodologies, while osmolality is most often assessed by freezing point depression. Though electrolyte measurement has become routine and straightforward, preanalytical errors still pose challenges in the interpretation of results. This chapter will focus on the analytical aspects of electrolyte and blood volume assessment as well as clinical disorders that rely on these measurements.
Dynamic Risk Factors for Handgun Carrying: Are There Developmental or Sex Differences?

This study examines the effects of dynamic risk factors on handgun carrying from adolescence into young adulthood. A nationally representative sample of 8,679 individuals (ages 12–26; 51.1% male; 5...
Temporal changes in metabolism late in seed development affect biomass composition in soybean

ABSTRACT The inverse correlation between protein and oil production in soybeans is well-documented; however, it has been based primarily on the composition of mature seeds. Though this is the cumulative result of events over the course of soybean seed development, it does not convey information specific to metabolic fluctuations during developmental growth regimes. Maternal nutrient supply via seed coat exudate measurements and metabolite levels within the cotyledon were assessed across development to identify trends in the accumulation of central carbon and nitrogen metabolic intermediates. Active metabolic operation during late seed development was probed through transient labeling with 13C substrates. The results indicated: i) a drop in lipid during seed maturation with a concomitant increase in carbohydrates, ii) a transition from seed filling to maturation phase characterized by quantitatively balanced changes in the carbon use and CO2 release, iii) changes in measured carbon and nitrogen resources supplied maternally over development, iv) 13C metabolites processed through gluconeogenesis towards sustained carbohydrate accumulation as the maternal nutrient supply diminishes, and v) oligosaccharide biosynthetic metabolism during seed coat senescence at maturation. These results highlight temporal engineering targets for altering final biomass composition to increase the value of soybeans and a path to breaking the inverse seed protein and oil correlation. One-sentence summary Assessment of temporal changes in metabolism during soybean seed development indicated that lipid turnover during maturation contributes carbon for gluconeogenic production of carbohydrates.
Discordance Between Subjective and Objective Cognitive Function in Older Korean Americans

Objectives: To examine predictors of membership in discordant groups identified by subjective and objective measures of cognitive function. Methods: Participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans (N = 2046) were classified according to their subjective cognitive ratings (excellent/very good/good vs. fair/poor) and Mini-Mental State Examination scores (normal cognition vs. cognitive impairment), yielding two discordant groups: (1) positive ratings but cognitive impairment and (2) negative ratings but normal cognition. Logistic regression models examined how the discordant group membership was associated with personal resources. Results: Among those with positive cognitive ratings, the odds of belonging to the discordant group were associated with low personal resources (advanced age and lower levels of education, acculturation, and knowledge about Alzheimer's disease). However, an opposite pattern was observed among those with negative ratings. Discussion: The pattern of discordance suggests ways to promote early detection of cognitive impairment and close the gap in cognitive health care.
Cross-cultural perspectives on collaboration: Differences between the Middle East and the United States

Abstract Cross-cultural collaboration is critical for tackling many complex issues of the modern-day, yet can be challenging, particularly when it includes collaborators with a history of conflict, such as Middle Eastern countries and the United States. To explore how collaborators might have unique conceptualizations of collaboration that could ultimately contribute to this challenge, this research leverages comparative structural analysis of interview data from 113 participants across four nations in the Middle East and the United States. Several key differences in conceptualizations emerged. Middle Eastern samples emphasized (1) who is involved, including a spiritual element, (2) interpersonal aspects, (3) higher levels of motivation, and (4) equality of resources, more so than American participants. However, not all conceptualizations were different. These cultures all agreed collaboration is challenging and requires effort to be successful. Findings provide important insights for informing future research, as well as practical approaches to managing cultural differences in collaborative settings.
The Downside of the U.S. Marginalizing Economics in Great Power Competition

A strategic shift has occurred in great power competition. The Pentagon says this strategic shift calls for an emphasis on U.S. grand strategy (linking economics and security) and geopolitics. Unfortunately, the U.S. keeps failing in its great power competition in the Greater Middle East. A militarized U.S. foreign policy marginalizes economics against Russia in Syria, against Iran in Iraq and against China in Afghanistan. Peaceful foreign policy opportunities are squandered. Therefore, the current U.S. administration’s economic nationalism is problematic. A better approach would be to turn enemies into friends by using shared prosperity in intra-state relations to reduce the demand for violence in the Syrian and Afghan civil wars. The French and Germans did much the same thing in inter-state relations after World War II.