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Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States experience a disproportionate burden of violence, substance use, physical and mental health conditions relative to other racial groups. BMSM who engage in sex work (BMSM-SW) experience a high burden of psychosocial conditions, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and intersectional stigma. This analysis characterizes remuneration and client typologies for BMSM-SW, documents intersectional stigma experienced by BMSM-SW relative to other BMSM, and explores the impact of experienced intersectional stigma on the relationship between sex work engagement and psychosocial syndemic conditions (violence, polydrug use, and depression symptoms). Results show that a majority of BMSM-SW in the sample had female clients and that sex workers were more likely than other BMSM to hire another sex worker. BMSM-SW were more likely than other BMSM to report stigma attributed to race; sexuality; HIV status; socioeconomic status; and "other" attributes, and were more likely to report experiencing stigma across all settings assessed (schools; healthcare; employment; housing; police/courts; and in public/community). Intersectional stigma mediated the relationship between sex work engagement and psychosocial syndemic conditions, accounting for 49% (95% CI: 47.6–50.0%) of the relationship. Interventions for BMSM-SW should include resilience-building components to counteract the effects of intersectional stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we provide further spectral analysis of the general asymptotic scattering resonances formula of small 3D dielectrics of arbitrary shape with high contrast, already derived in other works to a first-order approximation. To investigate the components of a full expansion of such resonances, a breakdown is presented for the case of high-contrast nanospheres, in terms of its radius h in the interval [0, 1]. We also derive, for radially symmetric fields, an exact resonance formula for a spherical scatterer in terms of its radius, not necessarily small, and dielectric susceptibility coefficient, not necessarily high. This formula is further developed and simplified in the case of high contrast nanospheres. Such formulas are useful in imaging applications to identify objects’ properties from frequency measurements. Another application is the study of negative refractive index materials, such as metamaterials, and the anomalous localized resonance phenomenon (ALR) that is associated with cloaking and superlensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and young Black transgender women (YBTW) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. However, few evidence-based models developed specifically by and for YBMSM and YBTW communities across the HIV prevention and care continuum exist. The objective of this paper is to describe a comprehensive youth-centered structural HIV intervention model that combines structural and behavioral high-impact prevention to provide a recreation-based community health space for YBMSM and YBTW. Project Silk pairs recreational activities with HIV and STI prevention, counseling, testing, and referral services on- and off-site, nested HIV care linkage/re-engagement, onsite ancillary broad-spectrum social services and mental health care, and social support and social capital initiatives intended to facilitate HIV risk reduction. By incorporating strongly targeted recruitment and engagement strategies and local tailoring, this innovative structural model can be deployed at scale for communities in where programmatic infrastructure is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American voters commonly express abstract support for candidates with a business background, yet there is minimal systematic evidence about whether it advantages candidates in actual electoral contests. We examine this question using observational data, drawing on a California law allowing candidates to designate their occupational background on the ballot, and experimental data. Candidates with a business background are prevalent in California. However, neither of our studies indicate that business candidates enjoy atypical overall electoral success (although Republican leaning constituencies have a notably more favorable view of such candidates). A political background predicts electoral success far more effectively. Further, "small business owners" have more success than other business candidates, suggesting that voters consider the specifics of a candidate's business experience. These results advance our knowledge of decision making in low-information elections, how voters weigh private-sector versus political experience, and how they filter occupational information through a partisan lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts sexual minority adolescents at rates equal to or greater than the rate it impacts heterosexual adolescents. We investigated whether reports of physical and sexual IPV were less frequent in school jurisdictions with more affirming climates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students; and whether these associations varied for sexual orientation subgroups. We combined student-level data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys on demographics and experiences with physical and sexual IPV with jurisdiction-level data from the 2014 School Health Profiles on LGBTQ-affirming school climate. Multilevel logistic regression models examined associations between LGBTQ-affirming school climates and IPV. We stratified our data by sex and examined whether these associations differed by sexual orientation subgroups using cross-level interaction terms between school climate and sexual orientation (assessed via sexual identity and behavior). Sexual minority youth were more likely to report experiencing past-year physical and sexual IPV than their heterosexual counterparts. Attending schools with more LGBTQ-affirming climates reduced the likelihood of reporting physical IPV, but not sexual IPV, for female students. More LGBTQ-affirming school climates increased risk for sexual IPV among gay male students. Establishing LGBTQ-affirming school climates may reduce physical IPV for female students, but may have unintended consequences on sexual IPV prevalence for gay male students. More work is necessary to ensure that these climates are affirming for all sexual minority students and to address sexual violence prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes what is currently known about the "pre-Allerton" history of Allerton Park using archaeological and historical data and explores the park's potential for future research. The park and surrounding area has a long and rich human history that is overshadowed by the "Allerton Period" mansion, gardens, and sculptures commissioned by Robert Allerton in the early twentieth century. Precontact native groups used the area for thousands of years, largely for hunting and gathering; they also constructed mounds along the Sangamon River within the current park boundaries. However, few systematic archaeological investigations of the park's prehistory have been conducted. Historic records indicate later indigenous groups such as the Illinois, Potawatomi, and Kickapoo also occupied the region; these records also provide detailed information regarding the early nineteenth century Euroamerican settlement of the region. Unfortunately, information derived from historic records about contact era indigenous groups and initial Euroamerican settlement of the area tells little about the daily lives and practices of these groups, and it is these aspects of the historic past that archaeology can reveal. While there are a number of historic period archaeological sites within the park that are associated with Euroamerican settlers, including two well-documented pioneer cemeteries, very little work has been conducted on these sites. Given the relatively undisturbed nature of the Allerton Park landscape, which has been preserved from the impacts of modern mechanized agricultural, the park represents a unique source of archaeological information in this little-understood area along the Sangamon River in east-central Illinois. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hypothesized benefit of decentralization is that it will promote policy experimentation, yet there have been few studies examining this link. In this article, I identify three pathways through which decentralization could plausibly lead to greater experimentation and empirically assess their presence through an analysis of California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), a policy that enhanced the fiscal autonomy of local school districts. I find mixed results; even though there was some evidence to suggest greater policy activity, most new actions taken by school districts were incremental changes. Further, there was little ideological differentiation in adopted policies despite variation in districts' partisan composition. Small districts were slightly more likely to experiment than larger ones, supporting the hypothesis that smaller jurisdictions are more nimble and flexible and thus more likely to enact policy change. I conclude by exploring how the incentives and preferences of local officials mediate the causal connection between decentralization and policy experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses recent archaeological investigations at the Samuel's Mounds site, a pre-Columbian mound site located within the boundaries of Robert Allerton Park in Piatt County, Illinois. This work was part of a collaborative effort between the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Allerton Park, and Parkland College to investigate the archaeological resources within the park. Pedestrian survey, geophysical survey, test excavations, and the restoration of one of the looted mounds were conducted at the site in 2017 and 2018, and these investigations provided information on the chronology, mound construction techniques, and activities that took place at the site. This work has shed light on the Late Woodland period in the upper Sangamon Valley and provided foundational archaeological information that will be useful to Allerton Park visitors, managers, the general public, and archaeologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic health records (EHR) are becoming a part of college counseling centers. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of clinicians (N = 5) who recently underwent the transition from paper files to an EHR system. A grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the interview data, and a member check was conducted to verify the accuracy of the results. Finally, the authors discuss implications for clinicians and offer suggestions to assist with the transition to an EHR system based on the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people experience disparities in HIV incidence and HIV outcomes. To effectively engage these communities in HIV-related programming, we developed a recreation-based community health space. We sought to examine the challenges and successes in implementing this program. Qualitative data were collected from federal progress reports and by a process evaluator who recorded interviews with staff, stakeholders, and participants. These data were coded for themes related to barriers and successes. We consolidated themes into four key domains: community engagement, service provision, stigma, and violence. Each of these domains was determined to significantly affect programmatic success during the implementation period. Young Black MSM and transgender people experience stigmas that pose challenges to effective engagement in HIV-related programming. These lessons learned offer strategies for community engagement and for addressing violence and stigma to maximize programmatic effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the most promising alternative energy storage systems beyond Li-ion batteries. However, the sluggish kinetics of the nucleation and growth of the solid discharge product of Li2S/Li2S2 in the lower discharge plateau has been recently identified as a critical hurdle for attaining high specific capacity in Li-S batteries with high sulfur loadings under lean electrolyte conditions. Herein, a new strategy of breaking the charge-transport bottleneck by successful generation of experimentally verified stable Li2S2 and a reservoir of quasi-solid lithium polysulfides within the micropores of activated carbon fiber cloth as a high-sulfur-loading host is proposed. The developed Li-S cell is capable of delivering a highly sustainable areal capacity of 6.0 mAh cm-2 under lower electrolyte to sulfur ratios (<3.0 mLE gS -1). Micropore confinement leads to generation of solid Li2S2 that enables high utilization of the entire electroactive area by its inherent self-healing capacity. This strategy opens a new avenue for rational material designs for Li-S batteries under lean electrolyte condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lithium‐sulfur (Li–S) batteries are one of the most promising alternative energy storage systems beyond Li‐ion batteries. However, the sluggish kinetics of the nucleation and growth of the solid discharge product of Li2S/Li2S2 in the lower discharge plateau has been recently identified as a critical hurdle for attaining high specific capacity in Li–S batteries with high sulfur loadings under lean electrolyte conditions. Herein, a new strategy of breaking the charge‐transport bottleneck by successful generation of experimentally verified stable Li2S2 and a reservoir of quasi‐solid lithium polysulfides within the micropores of activated carbon fiber cloth as a high‐sulfur‐loading host is proposed. The developed Li–S cell is capable of delivering a highly sustainable areal capacity of 6.0 mAh cm−2 under lower electrolyte to sulfur ratios (<3.0 mLE gS−1). Micropore confinement leads to generation of solid Li2S2 that enables high utilization of the entire electroactive area by its inherent self‐healing capacity. This strategy opens a new avenue for rational material designs for Li–S batteries under lean electrolyte condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lithium (Li) metal is an ideal anode material for high energy density batteries. However, the low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and the formation of dendrites during repeated plating and stripping processes have hindered its applications in rechargeable Li metal batteries. The accurate measurement of Li CE is a critical factor to predict the cycle life of Li metal batteries, but the measurement of Li CE is affected by various factors that often lead to conflicting values reported in the literature. Here, several parameters that affect the measurement of Li CE are investigated and a more accurate method of determining Li CE is proposed. It is also found that the capacity used for cycling greatly affects the stabilization cycles and the average CE. A higher cycling capacity leads to faster stabilization of Li anode and a higher average CE. With a proper operating protocol, the average Li CE can be increased from 99.0% to 99.5% at a high capacity of 6 mA h cm−2 (which is suitable for practical applications) when a high‐concentration ether‐based electrolyte is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men with an approximately 220,000 patients diagnosed with the disease in 2015. Prostate cancer is a hormone-driven tumor, and a common therapy is androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) that involves anti-androgen treatments and/or castration therapy. Understanding the molecular basis for androgen-independent tumors is crucial toward developing new therapies for these patients. Understanding how androgen receptor itself functions is an important step in elucidating this process. Androgen receptor (AR), NR3C4, is a nuclear hormone receptor and functions as a DNA-binding transcription factor that regulates the expression of protein-coding genes. Translocation of AR to improper gene promoter elements or DNA-binding sites can result in an alteration in gene expression and thus normal prostate function. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which AR-promoter interactions are drivers of disease, as compared to promiscuous or benign AR-binding interactions. While a large portion of our genome is considered a gene desert, it is now appreciated that these regions of the genome contain non-coding RNA genes such as microRNAs (miRNAs). These non-coding RNAs have enormous regulatory potential, as they post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to promote degradation or intervention of translational processes. In this review, we focus specifically on the notion that mis-regulation of non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs by improper AR–DNA binding are an important component that promotes prostate cancer. We also highlight the role of miR-206 and the interaction of miR-206 and AR within this process, given this is a miRNA known to be regulated by hormones in both breast and prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been associated with the lack of three hormone receptors; estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). However, a host of other steroid hormone receptors such as vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in TNBC, and the role of these hormone receptors in breast tumorigenesis is unclear. The levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) are also expressed differently than in normal mammary epithelial cells. miRNAs are regulatory RNAs involved in various cellular functions, mainly gene silencing. Here, we reviewed the literature surrounding miRNAs in breast cancer, and performedin silicoanalysis to determine whether there was a correlation between levels of VDR in relation to miRNAs important in breast cancer development and tumorigenesis. We identified three miRNAs of interest, specifically, miR-23, miR-124, and miR-125. Through this research we determined the possibility that these miRNAs play an important role in controlling VDR activity and by virtue the development of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many RNA species have been identified as important players in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. Over the past decade, numerous studies have highlighted how regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of a disease state. It is clear that the aberrant expression of miRNAs promotes tumor initiation and progression, is linked with cardiac dysfunction, allows for the improper physiological response in maintaining glucose and insulin levels, and can prevent the appropriate integration of neuronal networks, resulting in neurodegenerative disorders. Because of this, there has been a major effort to therapeutically target these noncoding RNAs. In just the past 5 years, over 100 antisense oligonucleotide-based therapies have been tested in phase I clinical trials, a quarter of which have reached phase II/III. Most notable are fomivirsen and mipomersen, which have received FDA approval to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis and high blood cholesterol, respectively. The continued improvement of innovative RNA modifications and delivery entities, such as nanoparticles, will aid in the development of future RNA-based therapeutics for a broader range of chronic diseases. Here we summarize the latest promises and challenges of targeting noncoding RNAs in disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anode-free rechargeable lithium (Li) batteries (AFLBs) are phenomenal energy storage systems due to their significantly increased energy density and reduced cost relative to Li-ion batteries, as well as ease of assembly because of the absence of an active (reactive) anode material. However, significant challenges, including Li dendrite growth and low cycling Coulombic efficiency (CE), have prevented their practical implementation. Here, an anode-free rechargeable lithium battery based on a Cu||LiFePO4 cell structure with an extremely high CE (>99.8%) is reported for the first time. This results from the utilization of both an exceptionally stable electrolyte and optimized charge/discharge protocols, which minimize the corrosion of the in situly formed Li metal anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decentralization is a structural change designed to influence policy outcomes by changing the policy-making process. Critical to assessing the merits of decentralization is an articulation of the causal mechanisms through which it alters the motivations and behavior of officials which, in turn, influence policy decisions. This article offers a new theoretical framework that explicates these causal mechanisms. It yields two sets of hypotheses. The first posits causal relationships between decentralization and the mix of resources and constraints that a government faces when addressing a policy problem. The second set of hypotheses explores how these resources and constraints influences decisions makers' preferences, incentives, and capacity. This framework captures the potential ways through which decentralization could alter policy outcomes, pointing to a new research agenda that will allow scholars to empirically sort through the mixed and inconclusive findings on decentralization's impact. Related Articles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with no clinically proven biologically targeted treatment options. The molecular heterogeneity of TNBC and lack of high frequency drivermutations other than TP53 have hindered the development of new and effective therapies that significantly improve patient outcomes. miRNAs, global regulators of survival and proliferation pathways important in tumor development and maintenance, are becoming promising therapeutic agents. We performed miRNA-profiling studies in different TNBC subtypes to identify miRNAs that significantly contribute to disease progression. We found that miR-34a was lost in TNBC, specifically within mesenchymal and mesenchymal stem cell-like subtypes, whereas expression of miR-34a targets was significantly enriched. Furthermore, restoration of miR-34a in cell lines representing these subtypes inhibited proliferation and invasion, activated senescence, and promoted sensitivity to dasatinib by targeting the proto-oncogene c-SRC. Notably, SRC depletion in TNBC cell lines phenocopied the effects of miR-34a reintroduction, whereas SRC overexpression rescued the antitumorigenic properties mediated by miR-34a. miR-34a levels also increased when cells were treated with c-SRC inhibitors, suggesting a negative feedback exists between miR-34a and c-SRC. Moreover, miR-34a administration significantly delayed tumor growth of subcutaneously and orthotopically implanted tumors in nude mice, and was accompanied by c-SRC downregulation. Finally, we found that miR-34a and SRC levels were inversely correlated in human tumor specimens. Together, our results demonstrate that miR-34a exerts potent antitumorigenic effects in vitro and in vivo and suggests that miR-34a replacement therapy, which is currently being tested in human clinical trials, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the spring of 1987, archaeological excavations were conducted at the Ernat site (11LS267), a multicomponent occupation located in the Illinois River floodplain immediately east of Starved Rock State Park along State Route 71. Excavations yielded several pit and rock concentration features, including two possible basin structures, and rich lithic, ceramic, faunal and botanical assemblages, including evidence of bison exploitation and possible aquatic tuber roasting pits. Although artifacts and features indicate Early Archaic through Upper Mississippian/Late Prehistoric and possibly Contact-era occupations at the site, the majority of remains pertain to the Middle and Late Woodland periods. Of these, materials classified as Late Woodland Swanson and Starved Rock Collared predominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report summarizes information presented at the 2015 Keystone Symposium on "MicroRNAs and Noncoding RNAs in Cancer." Nearly two decades after the discovery of the first miRNA, the role of noncoding RNAs in developmental processes and the mechanisms behind their dysregulation in cancer has been steadily elucidated. Excitingly, miRNAs have begun making their way into the clinic to combat diseases such as hepatitis C and various forms of cancer. Therefore, at this Keystone meeting, novel findings were presented that enhance our view on how small and long noncoding RNAs control developmental timing and oncogenic processes. Recurring themes included (i) how miRNAs can be differentially processed, degraded, and regulated by ribonucleoprotein complexes, (ii) how particular miRNA genetic networks that control developmental process, when disrupted, can result in cancer disease, (iii) the technologies available to therapeutically deliver RNA to combat diseases such as cancer, and (iv) the elucidation of the mechanism of actions for long noncoding RNAs, currently a poorly understood class of noncoding RNA. During the meeting, there was an emphasis on presenting unpublished findings, and the breadth of topics covered reflected how inescapable the influence of noncoding RNAs is in development and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working through disagreement is a core deliberative activity, yet our knowledge of how disagreement exchanges unfold during deliberation is limited. This study analyzes this issue using eight National Issues Forums and a framework that identifies specific activities related to working through disagreement. Even though deliberators expressed opposing viewpoints during forums, there was minimal “working through” of these differences. Specific points of contention were not articulated clearly, causal logics were not critiqued, the accuracy and relevance of evidence went unexamined, and the relative costs and benefits of proposals were not compared. Even when disagreements were explored at length, the conversations often lacked explicit efforts at working through. These findings suggest that deliberative democracy scholars need to focus greater attention on factors that can promote or inhibit working through disagreements, as well as how participants’ approach to disagreement can influence whether desired deliberative outcomes are realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new lithium-ether-derived chelate ionic liquid is synthesized to serve as an electrolyte for the Li-O2 battery that is stable to metallic lithium, and whose ethereal framework is much more inherently stable to superoxide-initiated hydrogen abstraction than the simple glyme, dimethoxyethane (DME). Reactions of chemically generated superoxide with this electrolyte show that virtually no decomposition products such as lithium formate are generated. When the electrolyte is employed in a Li-O2 battery, a ten-fold decrease in CO2 evolution is evident on charge by comparison to DME and greatly enhanced cycling stability is observed with TiC as a cathode support. A mechanism is proposed to account for the lowered reactivity, offering new insight into the stability of organic electrolytes in Li-O2 batteries. This approach for electrolyte design is presented here for the first time, and it can be extended to other organic systems to provide a platform for the design of advanced electrolyte systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamental research into the Li-O2 battery system has gone into high gear, gaining momentum because of its very high theoretical specific energy. Much progress has been made toward understanding the discharge mechanism, but the mechanism of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on charge (i.e., oxidation) remains less understood. Here, using operando X-ray diffraction, we show that oxidation of electrochemically generated Li2O2 occurs in two stages, but in one step for bulk crystalline (commercial) Li2O2, revealing a fundamental difference in the OER process depending on the nature of the peroxide. For electrochemically generated LijO oxidation proceeds first through a noncrystalline lithium peroxide component, followed at higher potential by the crystalline peroxide via a Li deficient solid solution (Li2-xO2) phase. Anisotropic broadening of the X-ray Li2O2 reflections confirms a platelet crystallite shape. On the basis of the evolution of the broadening during charge, we speculate that the toroid particles are deconstructed one platelet at a time, starting with the smallest sizes that expose more peroxide surface. In the case of in situ charged bulk crystalline Li2O2, the Li vacancies preferentially form on the interlayer position (Lil), which is supported by first-principle calculations and consistent with their lower energy compared to those located next to oxygen (Li2). The small actively oxidizing fraction results in a gradual reduction of the Li2O2 crystallites. The fundamental insight gained in the OER charge mechanism and its relation to the nature of the Li2O2 particles is essential for the design of future electrodes with lower overpotentials, one of the key challenges for high performance Li--air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a pivotal role in the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Numerous factors potentially place athletes at high risk for developing these cancers. Various prevention strategies ameliorate this risk, including avoiding sun exposure during peak UV exposure hours, applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or above before participating in outdoor sports, wearing hats and sunglasses, and reducing exposure with long pants and long-sleeve shirts. The literature, however, cites several barriers to these prevention approaches, including sports' competition rules, the lack of availability of sunscreen, and the lack of information about sun safety behaviors. Sun safety education programs prove effective in getting athletes to participate in prevention strategies. This article reviews the effect of UV radiation on athletes' skin and provides sports medicine clinicians with suggestions to improve the sun safety behaviors of their athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we report on an advanced nanoscale catalyst system of PtPd nanodendrites and their electrochemical catalytic activity toward the oxidation of methanol. The Pt and Pd based nanostructured materials with different compositions, Pt, PtPd(25%), PtPd(50%), PtPd(75%) and Pd, were prepared using a facile hydrothermal method. These catalysts were tested for efficacy in the oxidation of methanol using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, as well as in situ electrochemical infrared (IR) spectroscopy. In terms of methanol oxidation, the PtPd(50%) nanodendrite catalyst was found to have the highest electrocatalytic activity over its counterparts as well as pure Pt and Pd. With the increase of the Pd component, the intensity of the CO peaks decreased and the CO band shifted to a lower wavenumber. The final product of methanol oxidation, CO2, was observed at the lowest potential (100mV) for the PtPd(50%) among the nanoporous Pt and PtPd nanodentrites investigated in this study, whereas no CO and CO2 peaks appeared in the IR spectra recorded for the nanoporous Pd. The enhanced Pt activity in the oxidation of methanol via the incorporation of Pd may be attributed to a synergistic catalytic effect. With a balance of 50:50 of Pt/Pd, not only are the maximum number of sites made available for the formation of the COads and the OHads species, but also those sites that are in closest proximity between the formed Pt–COads and Pd–OHads. These synergistic effects translate to a significant improvement in the electrochemical oxidation of methanol through the formation of PtPd(50%) nanodentrites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The cultural landscape of east-central Illinois consisted of a range of settlement types during the pioneer and frontier periods, and while archaeological sites representing habitations are relatively abundant, sites representing commercial and industrial activities are less common. Recent investigations at the Meneley Mill site in Vermilion County near the community of Potomac provide a glimpse of an early to mid-nineteenth-century industrial site. Results of recent field and archival investigations at the mill site are presented, as well as a discussion of the role of mills during the pioneer and frontier periods. Primary sources consist of archaeological features and artifacts from the site, historic maps and atlases, and census data. Secondary sources include county histories, studies of the historic distribution of mills in Illinois, and the role of mills in nineteenth century society and economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to better understand the behavior of the total wrist implant systems, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to model the articular surfaces of two unconstrained total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) devices. After creating models based on manufacturer specifications, simulations of flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation and circumduction were run with simulated moments from surrounding tendons under displacement control. In addition, simulations were run under positioning that represented a pronated and supinated forearm as well as unstable conditions. Understanding implant behavior and capabilities as related to the shape of the articular surfaces is important for proper prescription of implants as well as determining future directions for the design of arthroplasty devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing importance of electrified transport, the need for high energy density storage is also increasing. Possible candidates include Li-O2 batteries, which are the subject of rapidly increasing focus worldwide despite being in their infancy of understanding. This excitement owes to the high energy density of Li-O2 (up to 2-3 kWh kg−1), theoretically much higher compared to that of other rechargeable systems, and the open 'semi-fuel' cell battery configuration that uses oxygen as the positive electrode material. To bring Li-O2 batteries closer to reality as viable energy storage devices, and to attain suitable power delivery, understanding of the underlying chemistry is essential. Several concepts have been proposed in the last year to account for the function and target future design of Li-O2 batteries and these are reviewed. An overview is given of the efforts to understand oxygen reduction/evolution and capacity limitations in these systems, and of electrode and electrolyte materials that are suitable for non-aqueous and hybrid (nonaqueous/aqueous) cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olympic athletes are vulnerable to traumatic, environmental and infectious skin manifestations. Although dermatological complaints are frequent among Olympians, there is a scarcity of literature that reviews sports-related dermatoses among Olympic athletes. A comprehensive review of PREMEDLINE and MEDLINE searches of all available literature through to January 2011 was conducted, focusing on sports-related dermatological presentations as well as the key words 'Olympic athletes' and 'skin diseases'. Common skin conditions can be harmful and even prohibitive for competition. Common aetiologies of dermatological conditions related to sports include: skin infections with dermatophytes such as tinea pedis and tinea corporis, bacteria such as pitted keratolysis, and folliculitis and viruses such as herpes gladiatorum. Frictional dermatoses occur commonly and include athlete's nodules, jogger's itch, frictional blisters, callosities and talon noir. Trauma can cause haematomas such as auricular haematomas. Due to long training hours in the sun, many endurance athletes experience high levels of UV radiation and a higher risk for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Pre-existing dermatoses can also be aggravated with practice and competition; in particular, atopic eczema and physical urticarias. Infrequent dermatoses are susceptible to misdiagnosis, delay in treatment and needless biopsies. This review highlights the diagnosis and management of sports-related dermatoses by the following general categories of Olympic sport: endurance, resistance, team sport, and performing arts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differences in many spatial and verbal tasks appear to reflect an inherent low-level processing bias for movement in males and objects in females. We explored this potential movement/object bias in men and women using a computer task that measured targeting performance and/or color recognition. The targeting task showed a ball moving vertically towards a horizontal line. Before reaching the line, the ball disappeared behind a masking screen, requiring the participant to imagine the movement vector and identify the intersection point. For the color recognition task, the ball briefly changed color before disappearing beneath the mask and participants were required only to identify the color shade. Results showed that targeting accuracy for slow and fast moving balls was significantly better in males compared to females. No sex difference was observed for color shade recognition. We also studied a third, dual attention task comprised of the first two, where the moving ball briefly changed color randomly just before passing beneath the masking screen. When the ball changed color, participants were required only to identify the color shade. If the ball didn't change color, participants estimated the intersection point. Participants in this dual attention condition were first tested with the targeting and color tasks alone and showed results that were similar to the previous groups tested on a single task. However, under the dual attention condition, male accuracy in targeting, as well as color shade recognition, declined significantly compared to their performance when the tasks were tested alone. No significant changes were found in female performance. Finally, reaction times for targeting and color choices in both sexes correlated highly with ball speed, but not accuracy. Overall, these results provide evidence of a sex-related bias in processing objects versus movement, which may reflect sex differences in bottom up versus top-down analytical strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state-level ballot initiative process has been criticized for failing to live up to the progressive ideals of a citizen-driven, grassroots endeavor. Much less attention, however, has been paid to the initiative process on the local level. This article assesses the democratic credentials of the local initiative process by analyzing which groups sponsor initiatives and what types of issues they attempt to influence. Using a dataset of California initiatives between 2001 and 2008, I find that the local initiative process is a mix of interest group politics and citizen-driven efforts. There are many examples of 'grassroots' campaigns that resemble twentieth-century progressives' hopes for direct democracy. By contrast, established interest groups frequently use ballot measures to accomplish their political goals, similar to dynamics observed at the statewide level. This is a result of the relatively small size of jurisdictions, which creates conditions favorable to both types of politics. El proceso de las propuestas de ley a nivel estatal ha sido criticado por los altos ideales progresistas impulsados por los ciudadanos. Sin embargo, el proceso de iniciativas a nivel local ha recibido mucho menos atención. Este articulo evalúa las cualidades democráticas de los procesos de iniciativas ciudadanas locales analizando qué grupos patrocinan iniciativas y qué tipos de problemas tratan de influir. Usando una base de datos de las iniciativas California entre 2001 y 2008, encuentro que el proceso de las iniciativas locales es una mezcla de intereses de grupos políticos y esfuerzo impulsado por los ciudadanos. Existen muchos ejemplos de campañas 'con raíces locales' que se asemejan a las expectativas progresistas del siglo veinte por una democracia directa. Por otra parte, grupos de interés establecidos usan las urnas frecuentemente para lograr sus objetivos políticos, de manera similar a la dinámica observada a nivel estatal. Este es el resultado de áreas jurídicas relativamente pequeñas, lo cual crea condiciones favorables para ambos tipos de políticas. Related Articles:'Conditions for Efficacious Petitions,' (2011): 'Elite Frame Selection and Development in Ballot Initiative Campaigns,' (2009): 'Raiders of the Lost Vote,' (2005): [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common form of breast cancer, luminal A, is estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive and epithelial, but nevertheless can metastasize. The process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is probably the first step in the metastasis of epithelial cancers. We discuss the characteristics of EMT, including factors that induce EMT, and the relationship of EMT to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Estrogen/ERα signaling maintains an epithelial phenotype and suppresses EMT. An overview of microRNAs in breast cancer is presented, including how microRNA biogenesis is altered in cancer and regulated by ERα. We also discuss the role of the miR-200 family in opposing EMT. Finally, we discuss specific microRNAs that target ERα and regulate EMT in breast cancer, and the role of these microRNAs in breast cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excavations at 11V924, a mid-nineteenth century farmstead in Vermilion County, revealed a wealth of information regarding everyday life during the frontier period in east-central Illinois. The site is especially interesting because it appears that the head of the household during most of the period of its occupation was Mary Ann Martin (née Prather), widow of Presley Martin. In addition to overseeing a prosperous farmstead, Mrs. Martin also managed a cottage industry of wool production and weaving. The results of investigations at 11V924 contribute a unique data set to the growing corpus of information relating to the pre-Civil War Euro-American settlement in central and east central Illinois (Gums et al. 1999; Mazrim 2002; Stelle 2005). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of CO molecules onto small metal clusters was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and experimental electrochemical and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (ATR-FTIR) techniques were used to examine CO adsorbed onto nanostructures of similar composition. The adsorption strengths and CO vibrational stretching frequencies were calculated and analyzed for clusters of the form M-CO for all of the period 4, 5, and 6 d-block transition metals. A direct link between the νCO and the population of d orbitals of the metal was observed. All possible binding sites for CO on clusters of the form Pd4-CO, Pd2Pt2-CO, and Pd2Au2-CO were determined and the corresponding adsorption energies and CO stretching frequencies were examined. Pure Pd and bimetallic PdPt and PdAu nanostructures were fabricated and used as catalysts for the adsorption and electrochemical oxidation of CO. The relative quantities of CO molecules adsorbed to surface of the catalysts decrease in the order of PdPt > Pd > PdAu, consistent with our DFT results. The location of νCO bands of CO adsorbed onto the nanostructured catalysts were determined by means of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and were found to have values close to that predicted by DFT. This paper shows that DFT calculations on very small metal clusters M n-CO ( n ≤ 4) can be a simple but effective way of screening catalysts for their adsorbing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are facing accelerated global warming due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. A hydrogen-based economy is one potential approach toward maintaining our standard of living while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. Palladium is a unique material with a strong affinity to hydrogen owing to both its catalytic and hydrogen absorbing properties. Palladium has the potential to play a major role in virtually every aspect of the envisioned hydrogen economy, including hydrogen purification, storage, detection, and fuel cells. Major aspects of current research and potential applications of palladium-based nanomaterials in various hydrogen technologies are presented in this review. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite high success rates when they run for office, women are still underrepresented in federal, state, and local elective office. Past research has explored factors that contribute to the scarcity of female candidates on the state and federal level, but little attention has been paid to the local level. This article begins to fill that gap by exploring electoral and fundraising patterns in mayoral and council elections in seven cities. We find that, similar to state and federal elections, women do just as well as men when they seek office but fewer women run. Further, of the women who do mount campaigns their backgrounds are quite similar to male candidates, raise comparable amounts of campaign funds, and receive contributions from the same sources. In general, we found few differences between male and female candidates. These findings highlight the importance of self-selection in the decision to run for office. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report on the synthesis of novel nanoporous Pd–Ag electrocatalysts using a facile hydrothermal method where the portion of Ag was varied from 0 to 40%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the morphologies of the prepared nanoporous materials. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) were used to directly and indirectly characterize the composition of the formed Pd–Ag nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the formed Pd–Ag nanomaterials were alloys with a face-centered cubic structure. Electrochemical methods were used to study the capacity and kinetics of hydrogen sorption into the nanoporous Pd and Pd–Ag alloys. The nanoporous Pd–Ag alloy with 20% silver possesses the highest capacity for the α phase hydrogen sorption, which is over 4 times higher than the pure nanoporous Pd. The combination of the enhanced α phase hydrogen sorption capacity and diminishing of the α- and β-phase transition makes the nanoporous Pd–Ag alloys promising for hydrogen selective membranes and hydrogen dissociation catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One argument made in favor of devolution of policy authority to local governments is that it will promote citizen participation by moving decision-making authority "closer" to the people. This paper examines the merits of this argument: will increasing local autonomy have the desired effect of enhancing citizen participation? Based on an examination of citizen participation in the United States and South Korea, I find that even though local governments are not inherently more responsive or open to citizen influence, devolution has democratic benefits because it allows for different types and forms of citizen activity that are limited on the national level. Devolution creates participatory spaces that, if utilized, could enhance civic learning and governmental responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]