cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AMPHIBIAN, FISH STOCKING, AND HABITAT RELATIONSHIPS IN SISKIYOU MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS LAKES, CALIFORNIA AND OREGON

Abstract During 1999 and 2000, 10 of the 13 high-elevation lakes in and near the Red Buttes Wilderness in the Siskiyou Mountains were surveyed for amphibians. Five of the lakes had been stocked with non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) for over 30 y, while fish were absent from the other 5 lakes. Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) larvae were observed in 40% of fish-bearing lakes and 80% of fishless lakes, rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa granulosa) were present in all study lakes, and coastal giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) were present in 40% of fish-bearing lakes. Pacific treefrog larvae were significantly more abundant in fishless lakes, while rough-skinned newt median abundances were identical between fish-bearing and fishless lakes. Differences in Pacific treefrog abundances and distribution between fish-bearing and fishless lakes were likely related to the presence of brook trout, but might also have been influenced by other factors such as lake morphometry and abundan...
Spectroscopy of diagnostically-important magnetic-dipole lines in highly-charged 3d n ions of tungsten

An electron-beam ion trap (EBIT) is used to measure extreme ultraviolet spectra between 10 and 25 nm from highly charged ions of tungsten with an open $3d$ shell (W xlviii through W lvi). We found that almost all strong lines are due to the forbidden magnetic-dipole ($M1$) transitions within $3{d}^{n}$ ground configurations. A total of 37 previously unknown spectral lines are identified using detailed collisional-radiative (CR) modeling of the EBIT spectra. A level-merging scheme for compactification of rate equations is described. The CR simulations for Maxwellian plasmas show that several line ratios involving these $M1$ lines can be used to reliably diagnose temperature and density in hot fusion devices.
New aerosol models for the retrieval of aerosol optical thickness and normalized water-leaving radiances from the SeaWiFS and MODIS sensors over coastal regions and open oceans

We describe the development of a new suite of aerosol models for the retrieval of atmospheric and oceanic optical properties from the SeaWiFs and MODIS sensors, including aerosol optical thickness (tau), angstrom coefficient (alpha), and water-leaving radiance (L(sub w)). The new aerosol models are derived from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations and have bimodal lognormal distributions that are narrower than previous models used by the Ocean Biology Processing Group. We analyzed AERONET data over open ocean and coastal regions and found that the seasonal variability in the modal radii, particularly in the coastal region, was related to the relative humidity, These findings were incorporated into the models by making the modal radii, as well as the refractive indices, explicitly dependent on relative humidity, From those findings, we constructed a new suite of aerosol models. We considered eight relative humidity values (30%, 50%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%. and 95%) and, for each relative humidity value, we constructed ten distributions by varying the fine-mode fraction from zero to 1. In all. 80 distributions (8Rh x 10 fine-mode fractions) were created to process the satellite data. We. also assumed that the coarse-mode particles were nonabsorbing (sea salt) and that all observed absorptions were entirely due to fine-mode particles. The composition of fine mode was varied to ensure that the new models exhibited the same spectral dependence of single scattering albedo as observed in the AERONET data,
Inhibition of prostate cancer growth by 9-aminocamptothecin and estramustine

Abstract Objectives Hormone-refractory prostate cancer continues to be associated with a very poor prognosis. Agents that interact with the nuclear matrix have been demonstrated to have activity against hormonerefractory prostate cancer. It was the aim of this study to assess the activity of estramustine, an estradiolnitrogen mustard conjugate, and 9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, in a preclinical model of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Methods We used the Dunning rat prostatic adenocarcinoma model to demonstrate that the combination of estramustine and 9-AC interacts at the level of the nuclear matrix to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Results We demonstrate that the combination of these two agents at pharmacologically achievable doses are cytotoxic to rat and human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in the rat. Conclusions The combination of the two drugs was significantly more cytotoxic than either drug alone. We have instituted a Phase II clinical trial in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer using 9-AC based on these preclinical findings.
Effects of Resistance Training on Older Adults

Using an integrative approach, this review highlights the benefits of resistance training toward improvements in functional status, health and quality of life among older adults. Sarcopenia (i.e. muscle atrophy) and loss of strength are known to occur with age. While its aetiology is poorly understood, the multifactorial sequelae of sarcopenia are well documented and present a major public health concern to our aging population, as both the quality of life and the likelihood of age-associated declines in health status are influenced. These age-related declines in health include decreased energy expenditure at rest and during exercise, and increased body fat and its accompanying increased dyslipidaemia and reduced insulin sensitivity. Quality of life is affected by reduced strength and endurance and increased difficulty in being physically active. Strength and muscle mass are increased following resistance training in older adults through a poorly understood series of events that appears to involve the recruitment of satellite cells to support hypertrophy of mature myofibres. Muscle quality (strength relative to muscle mass) also increases with resistance training in older adults possibly for a number of reasons, including increased ability to neurally activate motor units and increased high-energy phosphate availability. Resistance training in older adults also increases power, reduces the difficulty of performing daily tasks, enhances energy expenditure and body composition, and promotes participation in spontaneous physical activity. Impairment in strength development may result when aerobic training is added to resistance training but can be avoided with training limited to 3 days/week.
Lipid levels in sickle-cell disease associated with haemolytic severity, vascular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is an emerging and important clinical problem. In a single-institution adult cohort of 365 patients, we investigated lipid and lipoprotein levels and their relationship to markers of intravascular haemolysis, vascular dysfunction and PH. In agreement with prior studies, we confirm significantly decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in SCD versus ethnically-matched healthy controls. Several cholesterol parameters correlated significantly with markers of anaemia, but not endothelial activation or PH. More importantly, serum triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in SCD compared to controls. Elevated triglyceride levels correlated significantly with markers of haemolysis (lactate dehydrogenase and arginase; both P < 0.0005), endothelial activation (soluble E-selectin, P < 0.0001; soluble P-selectin, P = 0.02; soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, P = 0.01), inflammation (leucocyte count, P = 0.0004; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, P = 0.02) and PH (amino-terminal brain natriuretic peptide, P = 0.002; prevalence of elevated tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV), P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, triglyceride levels correlated independently with elevated TRV (P = 0.002). Finally, forearm blood flow studies in adult patients with SCD demonstrated a significant association between increased triglyceride/HDL-C ratio and endothelial dysfunction (P < 0.05). These results characterize elevated plasma triglyceride levels as a potential risk factor for PH in SCD.
Methionine enkephalin combined with AZT therapy reduce murine retrovirus-induced disease

AZT (7.5 or 15 mg/kg/dose) and the neuropeptide methionine enkephalin (Met-ENK, 1 or 3 mg/kg/dose) were used in a combined protocol for therapy of established murine retroviral infection. In both models used, Friend virus leukemia (FV) and BM5 complex (lymphadenopathy and immune deficiency), the drug combination was able to reduce mortality and splenomegaly. While increasing mean survival time of those animals that did not survive infection by FV, when compared to infected control mice or mice treated with AZT alone, Met-ENK used alone at 1 and 3 mg/kg/mouse had no effect in reducing morbidity or mortality due to either virus. This suggested that Met-ENK had no direct antiviral effect at the concentrations used. In fact, mice treated with either single drug therapy or the combination still yielded virus in their spleen, even when splenomegaly was absent. The data suggest that Met-ENK, which has been reported to be immunostimulatory, acts in combination to improve the efficacy of AZT in reducing progression of disease in murine retrovirus models for human AIDS.
Random-Effects Linear Modeling and Sample Size Tables for Two Special Crossover Designs of Average Bioequivalence Studies: The Four-Period, Two-Sequence, Two-Formulation and Six-Period, Three-Sequence, Three-Formulation Designs

Due to concern and debate in the epilepsy medical community and to the current interest of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in revising approaches to the approval of generic drugs, the FDA is currently supporting ongoing bioequivalence studies of antiepileptic drugs, the EQUIGEN studies. During the design of these crossover studies, the researchers could not find commercial or non-commercial statistical software that quickly allowed computation of sample sizes for their designs, particularly software implementing the FDA requirement of using random-effects linear models for the analyses of bioequivalence studies. This article presents tables for sample-size evaluations of average bioequivalence studies based on the two crossover designs used in the EQUIGEN studies: the four-period, two-sequence, two-formulation design, and the six-period, three-sequence, three-formulation design. Sample-size computations assume that random-effects linear models are used in bioequivalence analyses with crossover designs. Random-effects linear models have been traditionally viewed by many pharmacologists and clinical researchers as just mathematical devices to analyze repeated-measures data. In contrast, a modern view of these models attributes an important mathematical role in theoretical formulations in personalized medicine to them, because these models not only have parameters that represent average patients, but also have parameters that represent individual patients. Moreover, the notation and language of random-effects linear models have evolved over the years. Thus, another goal of this article is to provide a presentation of the statistical modeling of data from bioequivalence studies that highlights the modern view of these models, with special emphasis on power analyses and sample-size computations.
EFFECT OF IRON AND ITS COMPOUNDS ON THE COLOR AND PROPERTIES OF CERAMIC ENGOBES AND MATERIALS

Iron compounds were introduced into engobes of varying clay, silica, and feldspar content by (1) direct additions of commercial iron oxide, (2) adsorption from ferric hydroxide sols, (3) use of stains composed of calcined mixtures of ferric and aluminum hydroxides, (4) addition of silica gel in which ferric hydroxide was precipitated, and (5) precipitation with ammonia as the hydroxide from ferric chloride. Methods (4) and (5) were the most satisfactory. Buff colors were obtained with engobes of high clay, browns with high silica, and reds with high feldspar contents. A general study was made of the coloring of ceramic materials by iron oxide, and it was found that the particle size of these materials as well as that of the ferric oxide was of primary importance. An investigation of the effect of gases on the iron oxide present in engobes gave results that are in agreement with the work done on the oxides of iron at the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
Resumption and last resort

This paper discusses the derivation of definite and indefinite relative clauses in Lebanese Arabic. The two types of relative clause are similar in that they require resumptive pronouns and do not exhibit island effects. Based on reconstruction effects, I however argue that definite relatives may be either base-generated or derived by movement, whereas indefinite relatives can only be base-generated.
Isolation of an active human transposable element

Two de novo insertions of truncated L1 elements into the factor VIII gene on the X chromosome have been identified that produced hemophilia A. A full-length L1 element that is the likely progenitor of one of these insertions was isolated by its sequence identity to the factor VIII insertion. This L1 element contains two open-reading frames and is one of at least four alleles of a locus on chromosome 22 that has been occupied by an L1 element for at least 6 million years.
Carbon-deuterium vibrational probes of amino acid protonation state.

The protonation state of titratable amino acid residues has profound effects on protein stability and function. Therefore, correctly determining the acid dissociation constant, pKa, of charged residues under physiological conditions is an important challenge. The general utility of site-specific carbon−deuterium (C−D) vibrational probes as reporters of the protonation state of arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and lysine amino acid side chains was examined using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Substantial shifts were observed in the anharmonic vibrational frequencies of a C−D2 probe placed immediately adjacent to the titratable group. Lysine exhibited the largest C−D2 frequency shifts upon protonation, 44.9 cm−1 (symmetric stretch) and 69.5 cm−1 (asymmetric stretch). Furthermore, the predicted harmonic intensities of the C−D2 probe vibrations were extraordinarily sensitive to the protonation state of the nearby acidic or basic group. Accounting for this dramatic change in intensity is ...
Making Sense of Interpretations: Response to Rawls on the Debate Between Symbolic Interactions and Ethnomethodology

Many sociologists have explored differences between symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology. We contributed to that literature (Gallant and Kleinman, 1983) to address those who would confuse, to the disadvantage of each perspective, phenomenology with pragmatism and ethnomethodology with symbolic interactionism. Rawls has written a rather lengthy comment on our contrast of symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology, but challenges neither the question we ask, “What are the similarities and differences between symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology?,” nor our answer, that the two perspectives are largely dissimilar. What she does to some extent challenge is our interpretation of ethnomethodological texts. We wrote as sociologists of the Chicago School tradition without stating so at the outset of our article. This intellectual framework informed our interpretation of various texts and what we saw as the implications of these literatures for delineating the two perspectives. The symbolic interactionist perspective suggests that it is not purposeful to look for the “true” meaning of any text (Fine and Kleinman, 1984) but rather to exemplify a perspective with a plausible reading of the material under question, addressing this to particular audiences. We did not, then, intend to produce the definitive interpretation of either ethnomethodology or symbolic interactionism. Rawls, by contrast, suggests that it is possible to find the true meaning of a text when she writes, “Hopefully a clear reading [hers] might set things rights.”
DRepl: Optimizing access to application data for analysis and visualization

Until recently most scientific applications produced data that is saved, analyzed and visualized at later time. In recent years, with the large increase in the amount of data and computational power available there is demand for applications to support data access in-situ, or close-to simulation to provide application steering, analytics and visualization. Data access patterns required for these activities are usually different than the data layout produced by the application. In most of the large HPC clusters scientific data is stored in parallel file systems instead of locally on the cluster nodes. To increase reliability, the data is replicated, using standard RAID schemes. Parallel file server nodes usually have more processing power than they need, so it is feasible to off-load some of the data intensive processing to them. DRepl replaces the standard methods of data replication with replicas having different layouts, optimized for the most commonly used access patterns. Replicas can be complete (i.e. any other replica can be reconstructed from it), or incomplete. DRepl consists of a language to describe the dataset and the necessary data layouts and tools to create a user-space file server that provides and keeps the data consistent and up to date in all optimized layouts. DRepl decouples the data producers and consumers and the data layouts they use from the way the data is stored on the storage system. DRepl has shown up to 2x for cumulative performance when data is accessed using optimized replicas.
Standard dose development for medications commonly used in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To establish standardized, rounded doses of medications for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through a multi-institutional peer-reviewed process. METHODS: Pediatric faculty and pediatric pharmacy residents from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy (Piscataway, NJ) conducted a systematic review of rounded, weight-based medication information for neonatal patients from September 2010 to April 2011. After initial review, an expanded workgroup of expert neonatal pharmacy clinicians from academic institutions throughout the United States were invited to conduct a final review. The workgroup identified 74 medications or indications in the NICU. Recommended standardized doses were established for discrete weight categories at workgroup consensus web meetings conducted from June to December 2011. Workgroup recommendations were cross-referenced with published neonatal pharmacology resources. Consensus was obtained when references provided insufficient information on medication informa...
Error performance of a digitally processed binary ESK frequency hopping receiver in the presence of large Doppler

Analysis is made of the effects of Doppler on the error rate performance of a low data rate binary FSK frequency hopping receiver, employing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) technique for baseband detection. Bit detection decision is made by locating the maximum of the DFT outputs which, in the frequency domain, are assumed to be separated by 1/T where T is the bit period. Both the worst case and average error performances are obtained and presented as a function of E/sub b//N/sub 0/ for various values of M where E/sub b//N/sub 0/ is the signal bit energy-to-noise density ratio and M is the degree of freedom associated with the Doppler uncertainty window. The E/sub b//N/sub 0/ degradation as a function of M is also presented. >
Retinal and intracranial hemorrhage in acute leukemic disseminated intravascular coagulation

A 22-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history presented with recent fever, epistaxis, ecchymosis, altered mental status, and blurry vision. Leukocyte count was 147,000, platelet count was 23, and blood smear was consistent with acute promyelocytic leukemia in the setting of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Ophthalmoscopy demonstrated retinal hemorrhages consistent with leukemic retinopathy. CT (figure 1) and MRI (figure 2) of the head demonstrated characteristic numerous multifocal cortical and subcortical hemorrhages in addition to the retinal hemorrhages, which were particularly striking on the susceptibility-weighted imaging.1 Retinopathy at presentation of adult leukemia portends a poor prognosis.2
Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: an update

Observational studies document a positive relationship between vitamin D from the environment (sunlight or diet), circulating vitamin D status, and improved symptoms or prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS). Experimental animal models of MS reproduce the beneficial effects of vitamin D and 1,25(OH)2D3. The geographical distribution of MS can be explained by both the hygiene hypothesis and the vitamin D hypothesis. It therefore seems more likely that both hypotheses may be correct and that there are interactions between multiple environmental factors like vitamin D and the rate of infection that might explain the etiology of MS. The effects of vitamin D on the immune system and in the CNS have begun to be described and there is some information on the mechanisms underlying the effects of vitamin D in MS. A need exists for better understanding of the interactions of the environmental factors on MS, communication with the physicians treating MS patients as to the benefits of vitamin D, and clinical interventions with both vitamin D and analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3.
A modified pinkerton-type helium gas-flow system for high-accuracy data collection at the X3 SUNY synchrotron beamline at NSLS

As the combination of high-intensity synchrotron sources and area detectors allows collection of large data sets in a much shorter time span than previously possible, the use of open helium gas-flow systems is much facilitated. A flow system installed at the SUNY X3 synchrotron beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source has been used for collection of a number of large data sets at a temperature of ∼16 K. Instability problems encountered when using a helium cryostat for three-dimensional data collection are eliminated. Details of the equipment, its temperature calibration and a typical result are described.
A Network of Ubiquitin Ligases Is Important for the Dynamics of Misfolded Protein Aggregates in Yeast

Quality control ubiquitin ligases promote degradation of misfolded proteins by the proteasome. If the capacity of the ubiquitin/proteasome system is exceeded, then misfolded proteins accumulate in aggregates that are cleared by the autophagic system. To identify components of the ubiquitin/proteasome system that protect against aggregation, we analyzed a GFP-tagged protein kinase, Ste11ΔNK444R-GFP, in yeast strains deleted for 14 different ubiquitin ligases. We show that deletion of almost all of these ligases affected the proteostatic balance in untreated cells such that Ste11ΔNK444R-GFP aggregation was changed significantly compared with the levels found in wild type cells. By contrast, aggregation was increased significantly in only six E3 deletion strains when Ste11ΔNK444R-GFP folding was impaired due to inhibition of the molecular chaperone Hsp90 with geldanamycin. The increase in aggregation of Ste11ΔNK444R-GFP due to deletion of UBR1 and UFD4 was partially suppressed by deletion of UBR2 due to up-regulation of Rpn4, which controls proteasome activity. Deletion of UBR1 in combination with LTN1, UFD4, or DOA10 led to a marked hypersensitivity to azetidine 2-carboxylic acid, suggesting some redundancy in the networks of quality control ubiquitin ligases. Finally, we show that Ubr1 promotes clearance of protein aggregates when the autophagic system is inactivated. These results provide insight into the mechanics by which ubiquitin ligases cooperate and provide feedback regulation in the clearance of misfolded proteins. Background: Misfolded proteins are degraded via the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway or form aggregates that are cleared by autophagy. Results: Several yeast ubiquitin ligases protect against aggregate formation and promote aggregate clearance. Conclusion: A ubiquitin ligase network influences proteostasis by controlling degradation, proteasome regulation, and autophagy. Significance: Investigating ubiquitin ligase function is important for understanding aggregate formation and clearance.
Consequences of pacing the Pleistocene 100 kyr ice ages by nonlinear phase locking to Milankovitch forcing

[1] The consequences of the hypothesis that Milankovitch forcing affects the phase (e.g., termination times) of the 100 kyr glacial cycles via a mechanism known as “nonlinear phase locking” are examined. Phase locking provides a mechanism by which Milankovitch forcing can act as the “pacemaker” of the glacial cycles. Nonlinear phase locking can determine the timing of the major deglaciations, nearly independently of the specific mechanism or model that is responsible for these cycles as long as this mechanism is suitably nonlinear. A consequence of this is that the fit of a certain model output to the observed ice volume record cannot be used as an indication that the glacial mechanism in this model is necessarily correct. Phase locking to obliquity and possibly precession variations is distinct from mechanisms relying on a linear or nonlinear amplification of the eccentricity forcing. Nonlinear phase locking may determine the phase of the glacial cycles even in the presence of noise in the climate system and can be effective at setting glacial termination times even when the precession and obliquity bands account only for a small portion of the total power of an ice volume record. Nonlinear phase locking can also result in the observed “quantization” of the glacial period into multiples of the obliquity or precession periods.
A contextual interpretation of undefinedness for runtime assertion checking

Runtime assertion checkers and static checking and verification tools must all cope with the well-known undefinedness problem of logic. This problem is particularly severe for runtime assertion checkers, since, in addition to the possibility of exceptions and errors, runtime assertion checkers must cope with non-executable expressions (such as certain quantified expressions). This paper describes how the runtime assertion checker of the Java Modeling Language (JML) copes with undefinedness.JML is interesting because it attempts to satisfy the needs of a wide range of tools; besides runtime assertion checking, these include static checking tools (like ESC/Java) and static verification tools. These other tools use theorem provers that are based on standard (two-valued) logic and hence use the underspecified total functions semantics for assertions. That semantics validates all the rules of standard logic by substituting an arbitrary value of the appropriate type for each undefined subexpression.JML's runtime assertion checker implements this semantics, and also deals with non-executable expressions, in a way that is both simple and practical. The technique implemented selects a value for undefined subexpressions depending on the context in which the undefinedness occurs.This technique enables JML's runtime assertion checker to be consistent with the other JML tools and to fulfill its role as a practical and effective means of debugging both code and specifications.
Activation of host cell protein kinase C by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) consists of a group of diarrhea-producing E. coli strains, common in developing countries, which do not produce classical toxins and are not truly invasive. EPEC strains adhere to mammalian cells in an intimate fashion, trigger a localized increase in intracellular calcium levels, and elevate inositol phosphate production. We hypothesized that these mediators could activate host cell protein kinase C (PKC) and tested this idea in vitro with two cultured human cell lines, HeLa cells and T84 cells. Using a recently described subculturing protocol to "induce" or accelerate EPEC adherence, we infected the cells with EPEC at a multiplicity of infection of approximately 100:1 for 30 to 60 min. Under these conditions, EPEC E2348 increased membrane-bound PKC activity 1.5- to 2.3-fold in HeLa cells and T84 cells, respectively. The increase in membrane-bound PKC activity was accompanied by a decrease in cytosolic PKC activity in EPEC-infected HeLa cells. Nonadherent laboratory E. coli strains such as HB101 and H.S. failed to trigger any consistent change in PKC production, similar to the nonadherent mutant strains derived from E2348, JPN15 (plasmid cured) and CVD206 (eaeA). In addition, immunoblots performed on extracts of T84 cells with a monoclonal antibody against PKC-alpha showed an increased PKC content in membranes of EPEC-infected cells. Finally, EPEC-infected T84 cells showed a 60% increase in responsiveness to the E. coli heat-stable toxin. We conclude that mediators produced in response to EPEC adherence activate PKC in intestinal and nonintestinal cells.
New Voters, New Outlook? Predispositions, Social Networks, and the Changing Politics of Gay Civil Rights*

Objectives. This study examines the factors that shape public acceptance of homosexuality and support for same-sex marriage across age cohorts.Methods. We analyzed data from two national surveys. We constructed hierarchical logistic and hierarchical ordinary least squares regressions for relevant age cohorts in order to test our hypotheses and explore our research questions.Results. Our models suggest that personal contact has a greater impact on the attitudes of younger respondents, positively influencing public acceptance of homosexuality. Alternatively, religious and ideological predispositions have a greater impact on the attitudes of older individuals. When examining public support for gay marriage, we find that younger individuals have higher levels of deliberative engagement with the issue debate, while older individuals rely more heavily on their predispositions when determining issue stance. Interestingly, measures of media exposure are not significantly related to either public acceptance of homosexuality or support for same-sex marriage, suggesting that other factors may have a greater impact on public attitudes at this point in time.Conclusion. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of the emergence of a new political generation and the continuing struggle for gay civil rights.
A Paradigm Shift: Focus on the HIV Prevention Continuum

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention continuum is a framework that illustrates the interconnectedness of each step in the spectrum of prevention services, while emphasizing that all steps are needed to decrease HIV acquisition and transmission. This continuum, similar to the HIV care continuum, begins with HIV testing followed by linkage of HIV-uninfected persons to prevention services, retention in such services, and adherence to prevention interventions with repeated HIV testing to monitor for HIV acquisition. To advance the global goal of zero new HIV infections, individuals must receive the entire continuum of prevention services, and no partial credit can be given to achievement of one step in isolation of all steps in the continuum.
Using Fetal and Infant Mortality Reviews to Improve Birth Outcomes in an Urban Community

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the implementation of a Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) in a small urban community to improve perinatal birth outcomes. Design Descriptive study. Setting Urban community within a Wisconsin city, population 85,000. Participants Between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008, all women ( N =82) in a targeted five zip‐code area within an urban city were identified who experienced a fetal loss >14 weeks, neonatal or infant death ( Methods The National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Manual: A Guide for Communities developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (2008) provided the framework for the systematic review of available records for all fetal and infant deaths during a 2‐year period. Based on these findings, targeted evidence‐based interventions were implemented. Results The infant mortality rate was higher in two of the five targeted zip‐code areas. The mean ages of women who experienced fetal and infant mortality were in their 20s as opposed to teenage mothers. A higher proportion of Black women experienced fetal/perinatal losses than other race/ethnicities, many of which were related to prematurity. Conclusions Many social, environmental, and maternal health issues such as poverty, racism, and perception of stress negatively contributed to the general health of women's subsequent birth outcomes. Nurses have the opportunity to promote and improve health to eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes within their communities.
Rendezvous Problem in Multi-vehicle Systems: Information Relay and Local Information Based Strategies

Cooperative control in the presence of a limited communication range poses significant theoretical and practical challenges. Some control strategies in this area rely on information relay where all information received by any vehicle is passed to all other vehicles that it communicates with. Some other control strategies in this area are based on local neighbor-to-neighbor information exchange where each vehicle only communicates directly with all other vehicles in its communication range without information relay involved. Both information relay and local information based strategies have their strengths and limitations. In this paper, we investigate the two control strategies in the context of a multi-vehicle rendezvous application. Various aspects of the two strategies are compared in relation to convergence time and overall system performance. Strengths and limitations of both control strategies will be discussed and approaches for overcoming these limitations will be proposed.
Gamendazole, an Orally Active Indazole Carboxylic Acid Male Contraceptive Agent, Targets HSP90AB1 (HSP90BETA) and EEF1A1 (eEF1A), and Stimulates Il1a Transcription in Rat Sertoli Cells

Gamendazole was recently identified as an orally active antispermatogenic compound with antifertility effects. The cellular mechanism(s) through which these effects occur and the molecular target(s) of gamendazole action are currently unknown. Gamendazole was recently designed as a potent orally active antispermatogenic male contraceptive agent. Here, we report the identification of binding targets and propose a testable mechanism of action for this antispermatogenic agent. Both HSP90AB1 (previously known as HSP90beta [heat shock 90-kDa protein 1, beta]) and EEF1A1 (previously known as eEF1A [eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1]) were identified as binding targets by biotinylated gamendazole (BT-GMZ) affinity purification from testis, Sertoli cells, and ID8 ovarian cancer cells; identification was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and Western blot analysis. BT-GMZ bound to purified yeast HSP82 (homologue to mammalian HSP90AB1) and EEF1A1, but not to TEF3 or HBS1, and was competed by unlabeled gamendazole. However, gamendazole did not inhibit nucleotide binding by EEF1A1. Gamendazole binding to purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae HSP82 inhibited luciferase refolding and was not competed by the HSP90 drugs geldanamycin or novobiocin analogue, KU-1. Gamendazole elicited degradation of the HSP90-dependent client proteins AKT1 and ERBB2 and had an antiproliferative effect in MCF-7 cells without inducing HSP90. These data suggest that gamendazole may represent a new class of selective HSP90AB1 and EEF1A1 inhibitors. Testis gene microarray analysis from gamendazole-treated rats showed a marked, rapid increase in three interleukin 1 genes and Nfkbia (NF-kappaB inhibitor alpha) 4 h after oral administration. A spike in II1a transcription was confirmed by RT-PCR in primary Sertoli cells 60 min after exposure to 100 nM gamendazole, demonstrating that Sertoli cells are a target. AKT1, NFKB, and interleukin 1 are known regulators of the Sertoli cell-spermatid junctional complexes. A current model for gamendazole action posits that this pathway links interaction with HSP90AB1 and EEF1A1 to the loss of spermatids and resulting infertility.
Of Marbles and (Little) Men: Bad Luck and Masculine Identification in Aymara Boyhood

This article takes up the way that Aymara boyhood marbles play counts as a spectacle of masculinity. Specifically, I examine the way that a boy's relationship to bad luck qhincha (bad luck) in marbles has consequences for his gender and sexual affiliations. To do so, I analyze the way in which qhincha instantiates as a participant status in marbles and the way in which heterosexual “toughness” and homosexual “weakness” and “transgression” are thereby—that is, in relation to qhincha—made salient. Theoretically, I show that Aymara masculinity requires a semiotically nuanced concept of “identification” in order to capture its processual, task-like character. [identification, metapragmatic discourse, masculinity, the Andes, bad luck]
Packaged vacations: tourism development in the Spanish Caribbean

Packaged vacations: tourism development in the Spanish Caribbean, by Evan R. Ward, Gainesville, FL, University Press of Florida, 2008, xxvi + 236 pp., US$69.95 (cloth), ISBN-13 978-0-8130-3229-0 Th...
Communicating with accelerated observers in Minkowski spacetime

Our goal here is to determine the spatial and temporal constraints on communication between two observers at least one of which moves with constant proper acceleration in two-dimensional Minkowski spacetime. We take as a simplified model of communication one observer bouncing a light signal off another observer. Our derivations use only elementary mathematics and spacetime diagrams, and hence are accessible to students taking their first course in special relativity. Furthermore, the qualitative features of our results can be easily explained to non-physics students in courses that discuss special relativity at a 'conceptual' level.
Commutativity of Quantum Family Algebras

Recently, A. A. Kirillov introduced an important notion of classical and quantum family algebras. Here the criterion of commutativity is given. The quantum eigenvalues of \(\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{l}_2 \left( \mathbb{C} \right)\) are computed.
Monetary union and forest products trade- The case of the euro

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if the establishment of a monetary union in European countries had affected the international trade of forest products between the euro-using countries. A differential gravity model of bilateral trade flows was developed and estimated with panel data for the bilateral trade between 12 euro countries from 1988 to 2013, for commodity groups HS44 (wood and articles of wood), HS47 (pulp of wood, fibrous cellulosic material, waste, etc.), HS48 (paper and paperboard), and their sum. The parameters were estimated by ordinary least squares and fixed-effects methods. The results showed a positive or neutral effect of the euro on trade, for all products and countries, with both estimation methods. According to the most general result, the introduction of the euro had increased the average annual rate of growth of the bilateral trade of forest products by 6.5 ± 1.3% from 2002 to 2013.
The neural encoding of formant frequencies contributing to vowel identification in normal-hearing listeners

Even though speech signals trigger coding in the cochlea to convey speech information to the central auditory structures, little is known about the neural mechanisms involved in such processes. The purpose of this study was to understand the encoding of formant cues and how it relates to vowel recognition in listeners. Neural representations of formants may differ across listeners; however, it was hypothesized that neural patterns could still predict vowel recognition. To test the hypothesis, the frequency-following response (FFR) and vowel recognition were obtained from 38 normal-hearing listeners using four different vowels, allowing direct comparisons between behavioral and neural data in the same individuals. FFR was employed because it provides an objective and physiological measure of neural activity that can reflect formant encoding. A mathematical model was used to describe vowel confusion patterns based on the neural responses to vowel formant cues. The major findings were (1) there were large variations in the accuracy of vowel formant encoding across listeners as indexed by the FFR, (2) these variations were systematically related to vowel recognition performance, and (3) the mathematical model of vowel identification was successful in predicting good vs poor vowel identification performers based exclusively on physiological data.
Hyperprolactinemia Secondary to Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Compressing the Pituitary Gland.

Objective. We aim to describe the first case in the literature of allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) presenting with hyperprolactinemia due to compression of the pituitary gland. Case Presentation. A 37-year-old female presented with bilateral galactorrhea and occipital headaches of several weeks. Workup revealed elevated prolactin of 94.4, negative pregnancy test, and normal thyroid function. MRI and CT demonstrated a 5.0 × 2.7 × 2.5 cm heterogeneous expansile mass in the right sphenoid sinus with no pituitary adenoma as originally suspected. Patient was placed on cabergoline for symptomatic control until definitive treatment. Results. The patient underwent right endoscopic sphenoidotomy, which revealed nasal polyps and fungal debris in the sphenoid sinus, consistent with AFS. There was bony erosion of the sella and clivus. Pathology and microbiology were consistent with allergic fungal sinusitis caused by Curvularia species. Prolactin levels normalized four weeks after surgery with resolution of symptoms. Conclusion. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery alone was able to reverse the patient's pituitary dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first case of AFS presenting as hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary compression.
The Professions in Society

“The Recent History of Professionalism in Relation to Social Structure and Social Policy” by T. H. Marshall was published by this Journal twenty years ago. It has since become a classic; and may be fittingly celebrated in this anniversary issue. Its classic quality lies in the skill with which Marshall worked enduring themes with current trends and problems into a common web. He defines professions as, in effect and with some other characteristics, those occupations in which caveat emptor cannot be allowed to prevail and which, while they are not pursued for gain, must bring their practitioners income of such a level that they will be respected and such a manner of living that they may pursue the life of the mind. There are certain problems which surround such occupations in all times. The current changes noted by Marshall are the ever greater dependence of modern society upon professional services, an increase in the variety of such services and in the number of the professions, and the tendency for many practitioners of the older professions and for most or all of some newer professions to work in organizations with an employer, rather than to set up a shop to which clients come, one by one, are served, and pay for the service. He also noted that while the community at large is in all times and places concerned with the manner in which professional services are performed, this is especially so in our times; indeed, the community at large is the client of some new professions and, in increasing measure, of older ones.
Interaction of Graphene Oxide with Bacterial Cell Membranes: Insights from Force Spectroscopy

Understanding the interactions of graphene oxide (GO) with biological membranes is crucial for the evaluation of GO’s health and environmental impacts, its bactericidal activity, and to advance graphene-based biological and environmental applications. In an effort to understand graphene-induced bacterial inactivation, we studied the interaction of GO with bacterial (Escherichia coli) cell membranes using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Toward this goal, we devised a polydopamine-assisted experimental protocol to functionalize an AFM probe with GO nanosheets, and used AFM-based force spectroscopy to measure cell membrane–GO interaction forces. Our results show that GO–cell interactions are predominantly repulsive, with only sporadic adhesion forces being measured upon probe pull-off, which we attribute to lipopolysaccharide bridging. We provide evidence of the acellular oxidation of glutathione by GO, underscoring the role of oxidative pathways in GO-mediated bacterial cell inactivation. Our force spectrosc...
The Development and Construction of Northwestern Financial Market by the Kuomintang Government

Modern Chinese,under the influence of western financial markets,began to develop from the traditional exchange industry to modern banking.After the foundation of national government,the financial system centered by "four banks assisted by two offices",and circulation currency cored with the legal money,were formed.They gradually improved the modern Chinese financial market.The northwest financial market,at first from Shanghai,the foundation place,extending to the southeast coastal cities,finally reaching to northwest area,especially when the war broke out and the coastal industries moved inwards,saw a new spring and a further development and construction.And the progress of it highlighted the special quality of the northwestern area,which played an essential role in the northwestern economy.
Some Ors and Buts

The word or is a member of a small class of words (or, if… then, and, and not) that are used in both natural language and formal logic. The natural language and formal logic meanings of and and not are sufficiently similar that a person without training in formal logic will experience little difficulty in understanding how these terms are used in formal logic. In contrast, if… then and or have sufficiently different meanings in the two domains that without special instruction a speaker of English may experience difficulty in understanding the specialized meanings these “familiar” terms assume in formal logic.6 Failure to respect the distinction between the formal logic and ordinary language meanings appears to underlie the conclusion, reached by some investigators, that young children do not understand the meaning of or.