Rational Explanation Research Articles

Deciphering substrate promiscuity and specificity of indolethylamine N-methyltransferase family enzymes from amphibian toads

N-methylation is a crucial post-modification process in natural product biosynthesis and also contributes to the metabolism of various physiological substances, such as neurotransmitter synthesis, hormone, and trace elements. In this study, we identified seven indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) family enzymes from the amphibian toads Bufo gargarizan with distinct catalytic properties. Among these enzymes, BNMT 1, BNMT 5, BNMT 6 and BNMT 7 exhibited notable promiscuity, demonstrating the ability to methylate multiple derivatives of indolethylamine, phenylethylamine, phenylethanolamine, and nicotinamide. Conversely, BNMT 3 and BNMT 4 exhibited more specific substrate preferences, targeting particular phenylethylamine, phenylethanolamine, and nicotinamide-type substrates. Additionally, one enzyme, BNMT 11, exhibiting high specificity towards phenylethanolamines. By employing molecular docking and mutating key amino acids, we provided a rational explanation for the promiscuity and specificity mechanisms exhibited by these enzymes. This research offers valuable insights into the catalytic mechanisms of INMT family enzymes in B. gargarizans, as well as other organisms. Moreover, the identification of these broadly substrate-specific enzymes holds promise for leveraging synthetic biology in the production of a wide variety of naturally occurring N-methylated compounds.

Falsificationism redux: in search of explanatory rationality in historical sociology

ABSTRACT Those who study unique events and processes cannot manipulate the world to ‘test’ theories, to ensure conclusions are rational, as falsificationism prescribes. This has left historical sociologists and kindred researchers to use hermeneutics, forms of counterfactual reasoning, and covering laws, but these techniques do not ensure explanations are accountable to the object of inquiry. I repurpose the falsificationist principle of negativity to serve rational theoretical redescriptions of this class of objects. We must work in a theoretical medium, as the main criticism of falsificationism maintains. Theoretical prejudices can nevertheless be held in check, making space for new conclusions, via the double break characteristic of scientific reflexivity. A directional dynamic toward rational explanations can then result by starting with negative cases, which inherently bring case-theory misfits into focus, and applying immanent critique to cycle from worse to better such fits. This allows us to manipulate our theories to ‘test’ the world.

Creating an endless visual space: An Isovist analysis of a small traditional Chinese garden

Traditional Chinese private gardens, as a unique spatial typology, create a maze-like quality through the arrangement of sightlines and pathways, offering occupants a sense of perpetual circulation and boundless time. The rich experiential nature cultivated within these confined spaces, alongside the ecological worldview of “harmony between heaven and humanity,” holds significant relevance for urban landscape design and the sustainable development of urban environments. While there is ample research literature on various aspects of garden spaces, studies exploring how private gardens generate visually infinite and cyclic spatial experiences within limited areas often remain confined to intuitive analysis, lacking concrete and rational explanations. This study employs the method of Isovist Analysis to test the validity of the spatial consciousness of “Limitless vision, Endless recurrence” within the spatial layout and tour organization of traditional private gardens, using the analysis of Isovists at eight scenic spots within the Xiaocanglang Water Courtyard, as well as an examination of visual-spatial changes along both primary and secondary pathways in different tour directions. It is hoped that this research method will serve as a tool for urban designers and landscape architects to assess spatial-visual characteristics and experiences during the design phase.

Single-atom Ru modified flake g-C3N4 enhances photogenerated electron transport for rapid degradation of tetracycline antibiotics: Non-radical mechanism and ecotoxicity studies

Design of green and low-cost single-atom catalysts (SACs) with high-performance is key to moving photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics toward applications. In order to achieve SACs for large-scale manufacturing, we prepared ultrathin flake carbon nitride (FCN) by low-energy-consuming physical knockout means, and also applied an in situ growth strategy with stable and easy-operating effect to anchor the Ru element on FCN in the form of single atom. Notably, in the PMS/Vis/0.5Ru-FCN system, the degradation rate of tetracycline achieved 100 % in just five minutes, with an apparent rate constant of 0.236 min−1. Ru-FCN exhibits selective and stable determination due to narrow bandgap, unique photoresponsivity and low photogenerated carrier complexation rate. Mechanism investigation reveal that Ru-N4 sites accelerated the electron transfer between Ru-FCN and PMS, while the low oxidation state of Ru elements reduced the risk for metal corrosion. DFT calculations predict the attack sites of reactive oxygen species. This work provides a rational explanation for the charge transfer and resistance to external disturbance by Ru single atom, and it also provides a new direction to enhance the efficiency of water treatment.

Monkeys Predict US Elections.

How people vote often defies rational explanation. Physical traits sometimes sway voters more than policies do-but why? Here we show that rhesus macaques, who have no knowledge about political candidates or their policies, implicitly predict the outcomes of U.S. gubernatorial and senatorial elections based solely on visual features. Given a pair of candidate photos, monkeys spent more time looking at the loser than the winner, and this gaze bias predicted not only binary election outcomes but also the candidates' vote share. Analysis of facial features revealed candidates with more masculine faces were more likely to win an election, and vote share was a linear function of jaw prominence. Our findings endorse the idea that voters spontaneously respond to evolutionarily conserved visual cues to physical prowess and that voting behavior is shaped, in part, by ancestral adaptations shared with nonhuman primates.

The Employment Outlook of Urban Youth under Consumption Downgrading

This paper uses participant observation and semi-structured interviews to examine the presentation of urban youth’s employment outlook in the context of consumer downgrading, and explores the shaping factors behind it to provide rational explanations. Through the classification and analysis of employment attitudes and expectations, it is found that the employment expectations of urban youths tend to be de-employerization and career digitization, lifelong learning and compound talents, embracing new industries and engaging in new occupations as amphibious youths and slash-and-burn youths, and presenting attitudes of pursuing the fulfillment of self-worth, and attaching equal importance to responsibilities and ideals. The emergence of employment attitudes and expectations is related to the acceleration of modernity and pressurized survival, as well as the awakening of self-consciousness among urban youth. In this regard, society at large should respect and adjust to their new employment mentality and expectations, so that they can firmly hold on to their ideals, which is also of great significance in promoting the in-depth optimization of the human resources structure.

Experimental investigations of the shear strength and deformation behavior of a frozen unsaturated silt

There are limited studies in literature with respect to the deformation and shear strength behavior of frozen unsaturated soils that consider sensitive changes in temperatures below 0 °C. For this reason, the focus of the present study is directed towards investigating the shear strength and deformation behavior of a frozen unsaturated silt. As a part of the study, one-dimensional freezing tests were performed on compacted silt samples with various initial water contents and dry densities. The pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (P-NMR) method was used to obtain distribution of unfrozen water content of silt samples; this information was used to explain the deformation behavior during freezing. The volume change behavior in unsaturated soils due to freezing can be associated to three primary factors: expansion caused by the ice-water phase transition and shrinkage induced by ice-cementation and dehydration. A critical water saturation was also observed at which the frost heave is minimum, or no volume change occurs. In addition, conventional direct shear tests were performed on compacted unsaturated silt samples both in frozen and unfrozen conditions to determine and quantify the shear strength contribution arising from the different cohesion components. The investigations in this study provide valuable information that can be used in rational explanation of the strength and deformation behavior of unsaturated frozen soils.

Defending Indian Philosophy from the Criticisms of Stace

In his, A Critical History of Greek Philosophy, W. T. Stace denies to give Indian schools of thought a philosophical status. He gives three reasons for that—(1) Indian thoughts have practical motivation, (2) instead of rational explanation, it is content with symbolism, and (3) India lies outside the mainstream human civilization. In the defense of Indian philosophy, these three arguments have been countered in this paper from different perspectives. It has been shown that these arguments are rooted in scientism, extreme idealism, and ethnocentrism respectively. Stace has also argued that philosophy has four leading traits—(1) discussing the universe as a whole, (2) generalizing sciences, (3) idealism, and (4) non-practical motivation. For a proper defense, it has been shown that Indian systems share those traits. At the end, a conclusive remark has been given. It has been remarked that Stace’s case is an example of ethnocentric bias and racism. It has also been suggested that the interaction of the philosophies of different civilizations is necessary for the very sake of philosophy. Though this is not the first endeavor to defend Indian philosophy, the literature review (conducted by the author) suggests that Stace’s arguments haven’t been criticized separately. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#73-74; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2023 P 281-314

Effects of Harvest Time on Medicinal Qualities of Hemp

Harvest time impacts the physicochemical properties of hemp. This study investigated the relationship between harvest time on growth parameters, physiological parameter, and color, in addition to Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabigerol (CBG) concentrations. Siskiyou cannabis was harvested at 5 different stages after flowering 50% at week five to week nine. The rational explanation for stages on growth parameters, physiological parameters, color, and total physiochemical properties was found, while total color changes ranged from brightness (L*) decreased gradually from 66.06 at 5 weeks to a minimum of 16.14 at 9 weeks of flowering. On the contrary, the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) increased from –0.65 and 8.95 at 5 weeks to their peak values of 19.99 and 34.24 at 9 weeks, respectively. The hue also decreased from 110.03 at 5 weeks to a minimum of 80.14 at 9 weeks, with samples being significantly (p <0.05) different. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was higher than 1 % at week 5, which was lower than their Cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations, reaching 14.35% at week 8. Cannabigerol (CBG) in dried samples reached 2.01% at week 7. The average dry weight of inflorescence per plant peaked at 36.75 g in week 8 and week 9 respectively. Significant differences in Crop Growth Rate (CGR) were noted across the harvesting periods, notably 17.13 and 16.70 g cm⁻² day⁻¹ at weeks 8 and 9, respectively, representing the highest dry weight accumulation per unit area. This increase in dry weight accumulation indicates higher efficiency. Finally, the Harvest Index (HI) showed notable discrepancies among the post-flowering harvesting times, with the greatest total dry weight observed at 0.357 and 0.345 at weeks 8 and 9, respectively. These findings could be of industrial relevance for improving post-harvest processes while maintaining the quality of this regulated crop.

Using fractal voids to understand Mode I compressive fracture in brittle materials – A two-dimensional analysis

Unlike cases of direct or indirect tensile loading, analysis of Mode I fracture in cases of compressive loading must necessarily consider two-dimensional flaw geometries. The consequent analytical complications have resulted in little theoretical evolution towards understanding Mode I fracture in compressive loading. Researchers have recently observed that the linear elastic (LE) stress fields surrounding two-dimensional flaws in compression appear to have indicative value regarding Mode I fracture, but no rational framework has yet been proposed for their interpretation. Herein it is demonstrated that by idealizing void surfaces as fractal, and using what will be called the “small flaw assumption,” LE stress fields can be interpreted to obtain significant insight regarding brittle Mode I compressive fracture. Using fractal voids, a rational and consistent explanation for the satisfaction of the stress and energy criteria at the surface of two-dimensional flaws is presented. The discussion resolves many typical theoretical issues in the literature in a manner consistent with fundamental Griffith theory, and accounts for size and shape effects. The framework further enables the computationally efficient prediction of peak KI values associated with the propagation of line cracks from two-dimensional flaws from a brittle medium subject to macroscopic uniaxial compression via LE stress fields.

Modeling spatial variability of mechanical parameters of layered rock masses and its application in slope optimization at the open-pit mine

Mining engineering with layered structures often obtains extensive geological data to ensure reliability of mining operations. Effectively utilizing these data to characterize the spatial distribution of mechanical parameters in layered rock mass is crucial for slope stability analysis. This study focuses on the Heishan open-pit mine as a case study, leveraging the distinctive characteristics of mining engineering geological data. A three-dimensional fracture network was then generated based on the distribution of fractures in the rocks, and the representative elementary volume of the rock mass was determined by calculating the volumetric joint count (Jv). Statistical characteristics of various geological data are analyzed, and a geological statistical method combining the Kriging method and inverse distance power method is applied to establish a spatial distribution block model for geological strength index (GSI) and rock mechanical properties. Subsequently, a spatial variability model of the mechanical parameters of the layered rock mass was generated based on the Hoek–Brown criterion. Furthermore, the heterogeneous mechanical model is implemented in numerical software for stability analysis and slope angle optimization. The findings indicate that each engineering zone of layered slopes exhibits unique mechanical parameters while demonstrating significant layered distribution patterns at a macro level. Considering spatial variability, the mechanical model significantly impacts slope stability and slope angle optimization outcomes. Our research methodology facilitates accurate quantification of the heterogeneity of mechanical parameters in layered slopes without incurring excessive additional survey costs, enabling more rational explanations of slope landslides and the provision of suitable slope angle optimization designs.

The influence of withdrawal-recharging pattern on the deformation characteristics of sand in confined aquifer

Land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater withdrawal has become a global hazard, which demands further researches and the potential measures to control. Using the FlowTrac Ⅱ consolidation test system, six compression tests were designed to investigate the stress state and stress paths of sand within confined aquifers under conditions of withdrawal and recharging. The deformation characteristics of aquifer sand were studied under different withdrawal-recharging patterns. During pumping and recharge processes, sand deformation responses were observed to lag behind changes in applied stress. The characteristics of this hysteresis effect on deformation were summarized. The alternating phenomenon of rebound and compression of sand deformation under the recharging process is analyzed. When the recharging effect was relatively small than withdrawing effect under the stable withdrawal-recharging pattern, the compression deformation was observed in the recharging process. The research results provide a rational explanation for the continuous compression deformation of the aquifer during groundwater level recovery and offer experimental evidence for the rational design of artificial groundwater recharge in engineering construction.

MDM2 inhibitor APG-115 synergizes with ABT-199 to induce cell apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Although clinical outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have greatly improved with several approved small molecular inhibitors, acquired resistance does occur, leading to disease progression and eventual death. Thus, the effort to explore novel inhibitors and combination therapeutic regimens is needed. The inhibition of MDM2-p53 interaction to restore p53 function has been regarded as a potential strategy for treating different cancers. We investigated the effects of novel MDM2 inhibitor APG-115 in CLL. We found that APG-115 treatment upregulated the expression of p53, MDM2, and p21 at the mRNA and protein level. APG-115 inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 stage. Moreover, APG-115 inhibited the expression of BCL-2, BCL-xL, and MCL-1, and suppressed the activation of AKT and ERK signaling pathways. APG-115 combined with the BCL2 inhibitor, ABT-199 (venetoclax), led to further inhibition of the expression of BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins and consequently enhanced cell death. Collectively, this study demonstrates that APG-115 activates p53 and thus inhibits multiple pro-survival mechanisms, which provides a rational explanation for APG-115 efficiency in inducing cell apoptosis in CLL. The synergistic effect of APG-115 with ABT-199 suggested a potential combination application in CLL therapy.

Government social capital and bond credit ratings

Few studies have explored the impact of heterogeneous government investment on corporate bond ratings from the perspective of government social capital allocation. This paper examines the bond market's response to government social capital allocation, utilizing empirical data from the bond ratings of listed companies issued between 2008 and 2020. The analysis begins with a rational explanation, conceptual definition, and index construction of government social capital. The empirical research finds that government social capital allocation significantly enhances corporate credit ratings. Mechanism tests reveal that local governments provide “government support” signals through short-term and long-term borrowing, enabling firms to secure more long-term loans and reduce their default risk. These signals are captured by rating agencies, which then influence the rating outcomes. Heterogeneity tests indicate that the positive impact of government capital allocation on ratings is more pronounced during periods of corporate financial distress. Furthermore, foreign rating agencies are better able to capture signals of government social capital allocation, and their independence confirms that high ratings are not the result of rating inflation.

A rational finance explanation of the stock predictability puzzle

AbstractWe address the stock predictability puzzle, a challenge in the stock market often discussed in behavioral finance. Our approach formulates a statistical model within rational finance, avoiding reliance on behavioral finance assumptions, and integrates stock return predictability into the Black–Scholes option pricing framework. Empirical analysis focuses on the predictability of stock prices by option and spot traders, introducing a forward‐looking measure we term “implied excess predictability.” Results show that option traders' predictability of stock returns positively correlates with moneyness, whereas for spot traders, this relationship is inverse. These findings suggest a potential asymmetry in stock price predictability between spot and option traders. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of incorporating stock return predictability into option pricing formulas, particularly for options with strike prices significantly different from the stock price. Conversely, when moneyness is close to unity, predictability is not integrated into option pricing, indicating equal information among spot and option traders. Comparison of volatility measures reveals the difference between implied and realized variances or variance risk premia as potential predictors of stock returns.

Mechanistic insight into C−S bond construction using CO2 as a carbon source: Synthesis of benzothiazoles from 2-aminothiophenols in imidazolium acetate

DFT calculations on synthesis of benzothiazoles via cyclization of 2-aminothiophenols with CO2 and triethoxysilane have revealed a novel mechanism that fundamentally differs from previously proposed mechanisms. In this new mechanism, the acetate anion plays a pivotal role in both stages of the reaction: first, in the formation of the formoxysilane intermediate via CO2 reduction, and second, in its subsequent transformation to the product, benzothiazoles. The acetate anion acts as a nucleophile to activate the Si−H bond of triethoxysilane in the CO2 reduction stage and as a base, deprotonating 2-aminothiophenol and generating a HOAc molecule, which then acts as a proton shuttle in the subsequent transformations leading to the final product. Throughout the whole reaction process, it is the acetate anion that plays a substantial role in catalyzing the reaction by activating the Si–H bond of triethoxysilane, contrasting with the previous notion that the imidazolium cation activates CO2 through the formation of a NHC-CO2 adduct. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism offers a rational explanation for the observed inefficiency of imidazolium trifluoromethansulfonate as a catalyst for this reaction. The elucidation of this new mechanism sheds light on the intricate details of the benzothiazole synthesis and may inspire further investigations in this field.

The Effect of Oxygen Vacancy Defects on the Structure and Electrochemical Behaviors of LiMn0.65Fe0.35PO4 Cathode

The presence of oxygen vacancy defects significantly impacts the crystal structure and electrochemical attributes of phosphate cathodes. In this investigation, LiMn0.65Fe0.35PO4 materials with varying levels of oxygen vacancy defects were synthesized via hydrogen plasma-induced reduction. It was observed that the content of oxygen vacancy defects on the crystal surface increased proportionately with the rise in hydrogen (H2) flow rate. Notably, the LMFP-3 sample, prepared with an H2 flow rate of 10 ml min−1, demonstrated superior electrochemical performance, characterized by a 159.7 mAh g−1 discharge capacity at 0.1 C and a remarkable 99.8% capacity retention at 5 C after 200 cycles. This enhancement in electrochemical performance is attributed to the improved intrinsic conductivity of the LiMn0.65Fe0.35PO4 material due to the presence of oxygen vacancy defects. However, it is important to note that an excessively high H2 flow rate can lead to the formation of Fe2P impurities, which hinder lithium ion (Li+) diffusion. Furthermore, theoretical calculations conducted using density functional theory provide a rational explanation for the observed improvement in electronic conductivity. The introduction of oxygen vacancy defects results in a significant reduction in the Band gap, which is highly beneficial for enhancing the intrinsic conductivity of the LiMn0.65Fe0.35PO4 materials.

The Impact of Parental Rational Explanation on Middle School Students’ School Adjustment: The Sequential Mediating Effect of Autonomy and Empathy

The Impact of Parental Rational Explanation on Middle School Students’ School Adjustment: The Sequential Mediating Effect of Autonomy and Empathy

Complex delayed blood transfusion reaction: A case report.

Inefficient blood transfusions present a significant challenge, leading to the wastage of crucial blood resources and increased medical expenses. This study aims to address this issue by providing a comprehensive analysis of a case involving an ineffective clinical transfusion and outlining the significance of identifying multiple alloantibodies in resolving transfusion challenges. We present a detailed follow-up on a patient treatment journey, highlighting the critical role of identifying multiple alloantibodies through various methodologies in addressing the transfusion problem. Subsequently, a strategic intervention was implemented, leading to a successful patient outcome. This study underscores the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of ineffective transfusions and implementing scientifically formulated transfusion plans based on rational explanations. Such an approach not only improves hemoglobin levels but also contributes to better patient outcomes, thereby reducing blood resource wastage and medical costs.

Effectiveness of a symptom-clinic intervention delivered by general practitioners with an extended role for people with multiple and persistent physical symptoms in England: the Multiple Symptoms Study 3 pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-group, individually randomised controlled trial

People with multiple and persistent physical symptoms have impaired quality of life and poor experiences of health care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based symptom-clinic intervention in people with multiple and persistent physical symptoms, hypothesising that this symptoms clinic plus usual care would be superior to usual care only. The Multiple Symptoms Study 3 was a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-group, individually randomised controlled trial conducted in 108 general practices in the UK National Health Service in four regions of England between Dec 6, 2018, and June 30, 2023. Participants were individually randomised (1:1) to the symptom-clinic intervention plus usual care or to usual care only via a computer-generated, pseudo-random list stratified by trial centre. Allocation was done by the trial statistician and concealed with a centralised, web-based randomisation system; masking participants was not possible due to the nature of the intervention. The symptom-clinic intervention was a sequence of up to four medical consultations that aimed to elicit a detailed clinical history, fully hear and validate the participant, offer rational explanations for symptoms, and assist the participant to develop ways of managing their symptoms; it was delivered by general practitioners with an extended role. The primary outcome was Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) score 52 weeks after randomisation, analysed by intention to treat. The trial is registered on the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN57050216). 354 participants were randomly assigned; 178 (50%) were assigned to receive the community-based symptoms clinic plus usual care and 176 (50%) were assigned to receive usual care only. At the primary-outcome point of 52 weeks, PHQ-15 scores were 14·1 (SD 3·7) in the group receiving usual care and 12·2 (4·5) in the group receiving the intervention. The adjusted between-group difference of -1·82 (95% CI -2·67 to -0·97) was statistically significantly in favour of the intervention group (p<0·0001). There were 39 adverse events in the group receiving usual care and 36 adverse events in the group receiving the intervention. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in the proportion of participants who had non-serious adverse events (-0·03, 95% CI -0·11 to 0·05) or serious adverse events (0·02, -0·02 to 0·07). No serious adverse event was deemed to be related to the trial intervention. Our symptom-clinic intervention, which focused on explaining persistent symptoms to participants in order to support self-management, led to sustained improvement in multiple and persistent physical symptoms. UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.