cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paleobiogeography of Miocene Equinae of North America: A phylogenetic biogeographic analysis of the relative roles of climate, vicariance, and dispersal

ARTICLE I NFO The horse subfamily Equinae underwent a major radiation during the Miocene in North America, diversifying from one species, Parahippus leonensis, to 70 species. This radiation has been linked to climatic and vegetation changes that occurred in North America during this time. However, the relationship between climate change and speciation has not previously been studied quantitatively using phylogenetic biogeography. Distribution and age-range data were collected for all North American species within eighteen equine genera through a literature review and use of the Paleobiology Database. Fitch parsimony analysis of the taxon-area cladogram indicate that speciation by dispersal (Allopatry model II) was more common in the evolution of the clade than speciation by vicariance (Allopatry model I). Distribution data were analyzed using the Lieberman-modified Brooks Parsimony Analysis (LBPA) to determine patterns of vicariance and geodispersal, using four constrained biogeographic regions within North America in the analysis: the Great Plains, the Southwest, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast. Resulting general area cladograms are congruent with geological events, such as uplift of the Rocky Mountains, and climatic conditions, such as the change from a warm and moist to cool and arid climate during the Miocene. Well supported vicariance and geodispersal trees derived from the LBPA analysis are largely congruent with each other, indicating that cyclical events, in particular, climate change during the Miocene influenced the radiation of the clade.
Demonstration of Diameter-Selective Reactivity in the Sidewall Ozonation of SWNTs by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

Strategies for single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) separation are critical to developing nanotubes as useful nanoscale building blocks. Herein, we demonstrate that solution-phase ozonolysis of SWNTs fosters diameter selectivity in SWNTs. The main conclusion of our work is that in this sidewall addition reaction, smaller diameter tubes react more extensively than larger diameter tubes, which provides experimental validation for theoretical predictions on the role of pyramidalization and π-orbital misalignment in nanotube reactivity.
Point mutations in the Drosophila sodium channel gene para associated with resistance to DDT and pyrethroid insecticides

The gene para in Drosophila melanogaster encodes an alpha subunit of voltage-activated sodium channels, the presumed site of action of DDT and pyrethroid insecticides. We used an existing collection of Drosophila para mutants to examine the molecular basis of targetsite resistance to pyrethroids and DDT. Six out of thirteen mutants tested were associated with a largely dominant, 10- to 30-fold increase in DDT resistance. The amino acid lesions associated with these alleles defined four sites in the sodium channel polypeptide where a mutational change can cause resistance: within the intracellular loop between S4 and S5 in homology domains I and III, within the pore region of homology domain III, and within S6 in homology domain III. Some of these sites are analogous with those defined by knockdown resistance (kdr) and super-kdr resistance-associated mutations in houseflies and other insects, but are located in different homologous units of the channel polypeptide. We find a striking synergism in resistance levels with particular heterozygous combinations of para alleles that appears to mimic the super-kdr double mutant housefly phenotype. Our results indicate that the alleles analyzed from natural populations represent only a subset of mutations that can confer resistance. The implications for the binding site of pyrethroids and mechanisms of target-site insensitivity are discussed.
Development of Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Rats During Heroin and Ethanol Dependence: Alleviation by CRF1 Receptor Antagonism

Animal models of drug dependence have described both reductions in brain reward processes and potentiation of stress-like (or anti-reward) mechanisms, including a recruitment of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling. Accordingly, chronic exposure to opiates often leads to the development of mechanical hypersensitivity. We measured paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) in male Wistar rats allowed limited (short access group: ShA) or extended (long access group: LgA) access to heroin or cocaine self-administration, or in rats made dependent on ethanol via ethanol vapor exposure (ethanol-dependent group). In heroin self-administering animals, after transition to LgA conditions, thresholds were reduced to around 50% of levels observed at baseline, and were also significantly lower than thresholds measured in animals remaining on the ShA schedule. In contrast, thresholds in animals self-administering cocaine under either ShA (1 h) or LgA (6 h) conditions were unaltered. Similar to heroin LgA rats, ethanol-dependent rats also developed mechanical hypersensitivity after eight weeks of ethanol vapor exposure compared to non-dependent animals. Systemic administration of the CRF1R antagonist MPZP significantly alleviated the hypersensitivity observed in rats dependent on heroin or ethanol. The emergence of mechanical hypersensitivity with heroin and ethanol dependence may thus represent one critical drug-associated negative emotional state driving dependence on these substances. These results also suggest a recruitment of CRF-regulated nociceptive pathways associated with escalation of intake and dependence. A greater understanding of relationships between chronic drug exposure and pain-related states may provide insight into mechanisms underlying the transition to drug addiction, as well as reveal new treatment opportunities. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
Localization of multiple TMV encapsidation initiation sites on rbcL gene transcripts

Abstract TMV capsid protein reacts with and encapsidates many of the chloroplast DNA transcripts both in vivo and in vitro to form pseudovirions. We report on the encapsidation initiation reaction with one of the major RNA species found in in vivo formed pseudovirions, the mRNA for the chloroplast-encoded large subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcL). This mRNA is found to contain at least three sites which are independently capable of reacting with capsid protein oligomers to initiate encapsidation. All three sites react with capsid protein less efficiently in vitro than does the functional viral RNA encapsidation initiation site (ei). The 5′ portion of the region that contains the most reactive rbcL site, ei-3, shows significant nucleotide sequence homology with the encapsidation initiation sites of the U1 and Cc strains of TMV and it can assume a folding structure that resembles that postulated for the Cc strain site. A site that acts as a block to rod elongation is present in transcripts from the region just 3′ to the segment from which the rbcL mRNA is transcribed, probably close to, or at the transcription termination signal.
Investigating virtual passthrough I/O on commodity devices

A commodity I/O device has no support for virtualization. A VMM can assign such a device to a single guest with direct, fast, but insecure access by the guest's native device driver. Alternatively, the VMMcan build virtual devices on top of the physical device, allowing it to be multiplexed across VMs, but with lower performance. We propose a technique that provides an intermediate option. In virtual passthrough I/O (VPIO), the guest interacts directly with the physical device most of the time, achieving high performance, as in passthrough I/O. Additionally, the guest/device interactions drive a model that in turn identifies (1) when the physical device can be handed off to another VM, and (2) if the guest programs the device to behave illegitimately. In this paper, we describe the VPIO model, and present preliminary results in using it to support two commodity network cards within the Palacios VMM we are building. We believe that an appropriate model for an I/O device could be produced by the hardware vendor as part of the design, implementation, and testing process.
Polymerization of Propyl Malolactonate in the Presence of Candida rugosa Lipase

To gain better insight into mechanistic features of enzyme-catalyzed malolactonate polymerization, reactions with propyl malolactonate were analyzed while varying enzyme concentration, reaction media composition, and reaction temperature. Monomer conversion and product molecular weights were characterized by (1)H NMR and MALDI-TOF MS, respectively. A high extent of thermal polymerization of propyl malolactonate was observed, while the polymer chain length in all reactions was controlled by the elimination of alpha-hydrogen from propyl malolactonate with formation of a new initiator and the new chains. The most efficient enzymatic catalysis occurred in toluene (2.11 M monomer) at 60 degrees C. Candida rugosa lipase (10 wt %) accelerated polymerization 25-fold over the rate of thermal polymerization. The maximum poly(propyl malate) number-average molecular weight obtained was 5000 Da at 20 wt % enzyme with a polydispersity of 1.15. These values compare with 1800 Da and 1.5, respectively, in the absence of enzyme.
Growth responses of paddy rice to an ammonia-excreting mutant cyanobacterium at elevated CO2 concentration

An ammonia-excreting mutant strain of Anabaena variabilis (strain SA-1) was studied as a N supplier for the growth of rice (Oryza sativa L., cultivar ‘IR-30’) plants at near ambient (330 μmol mol−1) and elevated (660 μmol mol−1 carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Rice performance with N supplied by the mutant cyanobacterium was compared with that of three other N treatments: rice plants inoculated with the parent strain (A. variabilis, strain SA-0), plants fertilized with 75 Kg N ha−1 as urea, or control plants (uninoculated, with no nitrogen fertilization). Plants at elevated CO2 concentration had a higher dry matter content and accumulated more nitrogen than at near ambient CO2. At either CO2 concentration, the mutant strain enhanced the shoot and grain dry matter accumulation more than did the parent strain. Total N concentration of the shoot and grain fractions was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in plants inoculated with the mutant than with the shoot and grain the cyanobacterium. The benefit of inoculation with the ammonia-excreting mutant strain was equivalent to or greater than the response observed in plants receiving 75 kg N ha−1. A combined response of both the rice plants and the cyanobacterium to high CO2 levels probably accounted for the higher dry matter and N at the elevated than at the ambient CO2 concentration. The potential of the ammonia-excreting mutant cyanobacterium as a N source for sustainable, low-input rice production in the predicted high CO2 atmosphere of the next century is promising.
Comment: Toward Guidelines for Practitioners on Screening Designs and Analysis

Commentary for the article, "Screening Strategies in the Presence of Interactions," by Danel Draguljic, David C. Woods, Angela M. Dean, Susan M. Lewis & Anna-Jane E. Vine published in Technometrics Volume 56 Number 1.
Preschoolers are sensitive to the speaker's knowledge when learning proper names.

Unobservable properties that are specific to individuals, such as their proper names, can only be known by people who are familiar with those individuals. Do young children utilize this “familiarity principle” when learning language? Experiment 1 tested whether forty-eight 2- to 4-year-old children were able to determine the referent of a proper name such as “Jessie” based on the knowledge that the speaker was familiar with one individual but unfamiliar with the other. Even 2-year-olds successfully identified Jessie as the individual with whom the speaker was familiar. Experiment 2 examined whether children appreciate this principle at a general level, as do adults, or whether this knowledge may be specific to certain word-learning situations. To test this, forty-eight 3- to 5-year-old children were given the converse of the task in Experiment 1—they were asked to determine the individual with whom the speaker was familiar based on the speaker’s knowledge of an individual’s proper name. Only 5-year-olds reliably succeeded at this task, suggesting that a general understanding of the familiarity principle is a relatively late developmental accomplishment.
Supply Chain Management: Integration and Globalization in the Age of Ebusiness

The rise of global markets and increasingly virtual companies has focused management attention on competition between supply chains. In this paper, we present a framework for understanding supply chain management, highlighting the impact of integration and globalization.
Genetic polymorphism and interspecific competitive ability in Drosophila.

A simple method is given to compare the relative fitnesses of various populations of one species when they compete with another species. Populations of Drosophila psevdoobscura polymorphic for the chromosomal inversions CH and AR are superior to monomorphic populations CH or AR when they compete for the available resources with D. serrata.
Kim-1/Tim-1 and Immune cells: Shifting Sands

Kim-1/Tim-1 is an apoptotic-cell phagocytosis and scavenger receptor that is most highly upregulated in proximal tubular epithelium in acute and chronic kidney injury. While Kim-1/Tim-1 has been proposed to be a costimulatory molecule for immune cells, its potential immunological role has been controversial. In the presence of very high epithelial cell expression, understanding the influence of immune cell Kim-1/Tim-1 expression in kidney injury relies on a better definition of its functional significance in immune cells and better characterization of antibodies used to probe function.
Disaster Preparedness for Technology and Electricity-Dependent Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs

Background. Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) are complex and often dependent on electrical devices (technoelectric dependent) for life support/maintenance. Because they are reliant on electricity and electricity failure is common, the purpose of this study was to survey their preparedness for electricity failure. Methods. Parents and caregivers of technoelectric CYSHCN were asked to complete a preparedness questionnaire. We collected a convenience sample of 50 patients. Results. These 50 patients utilized a total of 166 electrical devices. A home ventilator, oxygen concentrator, and a feeding pump were identified as the most important device for the children in 35 of the 50 patients, yet only 19 of the 35 patients could confirm that this device had a battery backup. Also, 22 of the 50 patients had a prolonged power failure preparedness plan. Conclusion. Technoelectric-dependent CYSHCN are poorly prepared for electrical power failure.
Serum Prostate Specific Antigen as a Predictor of Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Second-Line Hormonal Therapy (CALGB 9181)

Objectives: To explore whether serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) decline can be used as a prognostic factor for survival among patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) who are treated with a secondary hormonal therapy, megestrol acetate. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-nine patients were randomized with equal probability to either low-dose (160 mg/day) or high-dose (640 mg/day) megestrol acetate. Patients were stratified on performance status (0–1, or 2) and on disease measurability (measurable, or evaluable disease). Results: Patients with high pretreatment PSA (≥95 ng/ml) had worse survival times than patients with low PSA (<95), with a hazard ratio of 1.6 (p = 0.003). The median survival times for patients with a ≥50% reduction in PSA at 8 weeks and those patients without a 50% reduction were 15 and 11 months, respectively (p = 0.763). A landmark analysis at 8 weeks showed that a PSA decline was significantly associated with survival. The survival time for patients whose PSA dropped below the pretreatment levels (median = 15 months) were significantly longer than for patients who did not have a decline in PSA (median = 9 months, p = 0.031). Similar significant results were observed between PSA reduction and survival when landmark analyses were performed at 12 and 16 weeks. PSA changes during the first 45 days after the initiation of therapy were significantly related to survival. The median survival time for patients whose PSA doubled during the first 45 days after treatment and for patients whose PSA did not double during the first 45 days were 10 and 14 months, respectively (p = 0.020). Conclusions: PSA decline is significantly associated with longer survival times in prostate patients treated with secondary hormonal manipulation. Longer survival time is observed among the following AIPC patients: 1) those whose pretreatment PSA were 0% from baseline; and 3) those whose PSA did not double during the first 45 days of therapy. If these observations are generalizeable, PSA decline as a criterion of response could be used to rapidly approve new agents in patients treated with second-line hormonal therapy.
Probabilistic fusion of spatio-temporal data to estimate stream flow via Bayesian networks

Stream flow directly impacts flooding and transport of sediments and pollutants (e.g. NO3) in watershed systems, and hence knowledge of current and future flow is important. Unfortunately, spatially dense networks of in situ stream flow meters are not generally available and would be prohibitively expensive to deploy and maintain. It is known that surface morphology, land cover, and rainfall can impact stream flow through time, and these quantities can be measured using remote sensing techniques. Physically-based hydrologic models have been used to estimate flow using such data, but such approaches are limited because severe assumptions often have to be made for many input values. We present an alternative approach based upon a spatio-temporal Bayesian network (STBN) solution and compare its performance to methods based on physical models and more approximate probabilistic models. We show that the STBN method is able to capture the non-stationarity of hydrologic processes that contribute to streamflow in space and time while also limiting the computational requirements.
Effect of side-chain shortening on the physiologic properties of bile acids: Hepatic transport and effect on biliary secretion of 23-nor-ursodeoxycholate in rodents

Abstract To define whether side-chain length influences the physiologic properties of bile acids, nor-ursodeoxycholate (nor-UDC), the C23-nor derivative of ursodeoxycholate (UDC), was synthesized in both nonradioactive and radioactive forms (23-14C). Its hepatic translocation, hepatic biotransformation, and effect on bile flow, biliary bicarbonate, and biliary lipid secretion were compared with that of UDC and those of their respective glycine and taurine conjugates in anesthetized biliary fistula hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs, as well as the isolated perfused hamster liver. Hepatic uptake and biliary output of nor-UDC was slower than that of UDC or cholyltaurine in the isolated perfused hamster liver. In biliary fistula animals, nor-UDC was secreted only in bile. Biliary recovery of nor-UDC as compared to that of UDC was prolonged in the rat and hamster, although not in the guinea pig. Hepatic biotransformation, assessed by chromatography of bile, showed that conjugation of nor-UDC was inefficient, as unconjugated nor-UDC was present in bile; there was little amidation with glycine or taurine in any species, but sulfates and glucuronides, as well as other metabolites, were formed, with the pattern of biotransformation varying among species. When infused over a dosage range of 0.2–30 μmol/kg · min, nor-UDC induced a striking choleresis of canalicular origin. The bile acid-dependent flow was increased threefold in hamsters, ninefold in rats, and nearly twofold in guinea pigs when compared to that induced by UDC. The choleresis was associated with a linear increase in bicarbonate output and concentration in bile, and little phospholipid or cholesterol secretion was induced. A competition experiment in the bile fistula hamster indicated that nor-UDC or its metabolites, or both, appeared to compete for canalicular transport of ursocholyltaurine (a cholyltaurine epimer) when the latter was secreted under its Vmax conditions. Conjugates of nor-UDC and UDC were promptly and almost completely recovered in bile without appreciable hepatic biotransformation; the conjugates did not induce a hypercholeresis or increase biliary bicarbonate concentration. It is proposed that a fraction of nor-UDC is secreted into canalicular bile in the unconjugated form and is protonated by a hydrogen ion derived from carbonic acid that was generated by the hydration of luminal CO2 by carbonic anhydrase present in biliary ductular cells.
Psychosocial aspects of asthma in adults

In 1903 Osler wrote: “All writers agree that there is, in a majority of cases of bronchial asthma, a strong neurotic element. Many regard it as a neurosis”.1 In 1966 the authors of a popular general medical textbook included the following statement: “Psychological influences play some part in nearly every asthmatic and quite often they appear to be mainly responsible, if not in starting the asthma, at least in maintaining it. Anxieties of various kinds, a sense of frustration, or frequently discord and an atmosphere of tension in the home, often underlie the tension in the bronchi. Treatment is not likely to be satisfactory unless these influences are appreciated and the patient handled with sympathetic understanding, tact and firmness, and the difficulties eased as much as possible”.2 In 1972 inhaled steroids became available and this ushered in the modern era of asthma management with the emphasis on anti-inflammatory treatment for what is essentially an inflammatory disease of the bronchi and bronchioles. The introduction of much more effective treatment for asthma has been associated with diminished interest in psychological or psychosocial aspects of asthma, to the extent that they are now often ignored or patients, doctors, and nurses pay no more than lip service to them. In the recent edition of the major British book on respiratory medicine 190 pages are devoted to asthma and there are references to psychological or psychosocial aspects in children and adults on only five.3 In an 860 page international manual on asthma there were references to psychological or psychosocial factors on only 11 pages.4 In a recent excellent publication for nurses on asthma management with over 100 contributors there is no chapter on the importance of adverse psychological or social factors.5 However, there are striking similarities between patients recognised as …
Conceptualizing Political Opportunity

This article reviews central problems in political opportunity theory and explores the implications of adopting certain conceptualizations of political opportunities for explaining the emergence, development, and influence of protest movements. Results from multivariate analyses of civil rights protest, organizational formation, and policy outcomes indicate significant variation depending on (1) whether the political opportunity structure is conceptualized broadly or narrowly, (2) the dependent variable concerned, and (3) the underlying assumptions about the mechanisms through which opportunities translate into action. We argue that the variation in results can best be understood by adopting a broader understanding of protest and the political process and that theory development requires more careful and more explicit — although not necessarily more uniform — conceptualization and specification of political opportunity variables and models.
Conditions for dominance of one eye during competitive development of central connections in visually deprived cats.

Summary Three groups of visually deprived cats were studied for evidence that one eye gained a competitive advantage over the other during development of central connections. We attempted to detect such an advantage by measuring lateral geniculate cell sizes, by recording the proportion of lateral geniculate Y-cells and the ocular dominance of cortical neurons, and/or by testing visual orienting behavior. Three cats were raised with one eye covered by the lids, and the other, by the nictitating membrane. Lids reduce illumination by 3–4 log units, nictitating membranes, by about one log unit, and both eliminate spatial patterns. Neither eye in these cats appeared to develop with a competitive advantage over the other. Four cats raised with monocular nictitating membrane closure developed with a clear advantage to the open eye, and in all ways data from these cats were indistinguishable from those previously reported for monocularly lid sutured cats. Finally, 4 cats teared with binocular lid closure, but with additional, temporally modulated stimulation through the right lids, showed no evidence of a competitive advantage to either eye. We conclude that interocular differences in light intensity or temporal patterns do not confer a significant competitive advantage to either eye during development of central connections.
Repeatability of Female Reproductive Traits in Pigmy Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius)

The consistency of a trait's expression within individuals reflects both its maximal possible heritability and that trait's susceptibility to the influence of temporal variation in environmental conditions. A lack of repeatability in reproductive traits may also result if there are ontogenetic changes in female reproductive effort. In a decade-long study, we collected data on the reproductive traits (including female SVL, female postpartum condition, litter size, total litter mass, mean offspring mass, and birth date) of free-ranging Pigmy Rattlesnakes in central Florida. We captured and held the study snakes in field enclosures for several weeks before parturition each year. A total of 24 females produced two or more litters during the course of the study. We determined the repeatability for each reproductive trait. Our results indicated that four of the six reproductive traits had high and statistically significant repeatability despite annual variation in environmental conditions. A lack of growth in adult Sistrurus miliarius and the ability of females to skip reproduction in some years appear to foster the high repeatability of reproductive traits. Our research and previous studies indicate that many, but not all, reproductive traits in female snakes are highly repeatable. The repeatability of a few traits, particularly post-partum female condition, is likely to depend strongly on the reproductive mode of the species.
Emotion Regulation Predicts Pain and Functioning in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: An Electronic Diary Study

Objectives This study utilized e-diaries to evaluate whether components of emotion regulation predict daily pain and function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods 43 children ages 8–17 years and their caregivers provided baseline reports of child emotion regulation. Children then completed thrice daily e-diary assessments of emotion, pain, and activity involvement for 28 days. E-diary ratings of negative and positive emotions were used to calculate emotion variability and to infer adaptive emotion modulation following periods of high or low emotion intensity. Hierarchical linear models were used to evaluate how emotion regulation related to pain and function. Results The attenuation of negative emotion following a period of high negative emotion predicted reduced pain; greater variability of negative emotion predicted higher pain and increased activity limitation. Indices of positive emotion regulation also significantly predicted pain. Conclusions Components of emotion regulation as captured by e-diaries predict important health outcomes in children with JIA.
Nonenzymatic domains of Kalirin7 contribute to spine morphogenesis through interactions with phosphoinositides and Abl

Like several Rho GDP/GTP exchange factors (GEFs), Kalirin7 (Kal7) contains an N-terminal Sec14 domain and multiple spectrin repeats. A natural splice variant of Kalrn lacking the Sec14 domain and four spectrin repeats is unable to increase spine formation; our goal was to understand the function of the Sec14 and spectrin repeat domains. Kal7 lacking its Sec14 domain still increased spine formation, but the spines were short. Strikingly, Kal7 truncation mutants containing only the Sec14 domain and several spectrin repeats increased spine formation. The Sec14 domain bound phosphoinositides, a minor but crucial component of cellular membranes, and binding was increased by a phosphomimetic mutation. Expression of KalSec14-GFP in nonneuronal cells impaired receptor-mediated endocytosis, linking Kal7 to membrane trafficking. Consistent with genetic studies placing Abl, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and the Drosophila orthologue of Kalrn into the same signaling pathway, Abl1 phosphorylated two sites in the fourth spectrin repeat of Kalirin, increasing its sensitivity to calpain-mediated degradation. Treating cortical neurons of the wild-type mouse, but not the Kal7(KO) mouse, with an Abl inhibitor caused an increase in linear spine density. Phosphorylation of multiple sites in the N-terminal Sec14/spectrin region of Kal7 may allow coordination of the many signaling pathways contributing to spine morphogenesis.
New Compounds: Synthesis of Heterocyclic Estrogens

Several nitrogen analogs of diethylstilbestrol have been prepared by a convenient route from pyridyl lithium and the appropriate ketone. These compounds are expected to have estrogenic activity with possible greater selectivity of action than previous known synthetic estrogens.
Ecology of Ixodes dammini-borne human babesiosis and Lyme disease

The number of diseases transmitted by Ixodes ticks is remarkable; European I. ricinus and Siberian I. persulcatus each have been incriminated as vectors of ten or more infections, and North American I. dammini serves as vector for at least two. These I. dammini-transmitted infections have, only recently, been found to cause disease in residents of populated regions in North America, thereby stimulating intensive research on the biology of the tick and on both pathogens. This review summarizes the accumulated evidence implicating I. dammini as the vector of babesiosis and Lyme disease, describes the natural history of these zoonoses, and identifies concepts that may assist efforts to reduce the risk of human disease.
Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy Applications from the Social Psychology of Attitude Change

This article provides a new conceptualization of the literature on the application of the elaboration likelihood model of attitude change (ELM) to counseling, identifying two waves of this work: (a) early application studies that were essentially parametric extensions of well-established basic laboratory paradigms and (b) later studies that reflect less strong adherence to basic research paradigms and more sensitivity to the counseling context. In the second wave, the focus shifted away from laboratory paradigms, toward important issues in counseling, such as enhancing the effectiveness of assertion training and evaluating the validity of people's assessment responses. Results from the second wave provide clearer support for the utility of the ELM than first-wave studies. This article also identifies important methodological differences between the two waves, discusses relevant recent advances, and provides a list of practice-relevant conclusions from this literature and a future research agenda.
Stress‐Induced Enhancement of Cell‐Mediated Immunitya

: We have demonstrated that acute stress induces a large-magnitude, rapid, and reversible redistribution of leukocytes from the blood to other compartments within the body. These changes in leukocyte distribution are mediated by adrenal stress hormones. Because the skin is one of the target organs of a stress-induced redistribution of leukocyes, we hypothesized that such a leukocyte redistribution could be one of the factors by which acute stress may enhance cutaneous immune function. This hypothesis was tested by examining the effects of acute stress on cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). DTH reactions are antigen-specific, cell-mediated immune responses that, depending on the antigen involved, mediate beneficial (resistance to viruses, bacteria, and fungi) or harmful (allergic dermatitis, autoimmunity) aspects of immune function. DTH was induced by challenging the pinnae of previously sensitized rats with 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB). Experiments showed that acute stress administered immediately before the introduction of an antigenic challenge significantly enhances a cutaneous DTH response. In contrast, chronic stress suppresses cutaneous DTH. These results demonstrate a bidirectional relationship between stress and immune function, such that acute stress enhances, while chronic stress suppresses, an important class of immune responses in vivo. They also suggest that stress-induced alterations in lymphocyte redeployment within the body may play an important role in mediating these bidirectional effects of stress on cell-mediated immunity.
An Extended Range Liquid Extrusion Method for Determining Pore Size Distributions

A liquid extrusion method for determining pore volume distributions has been developed that is especially useful for, but not restricted to, characterizing fibrous materials. It involves gravimetric monitoring of liquid that drains from an initially saturated sample as incremental increases in pressure gradient are applied across it. Any liquid that wets the material can be used. Using techniques devised for applying an extended range of pressure gradients, it is possible to detect pore radii from 0.5 to 1,000 μm. Results for a variety of substrates show the sensitivity of the method. For example, bimodal distributions obtained for woven fabrics reflect the larger interyarn and smaller intrayarn pores. Advantages and limitations of the method and the meaning and usefulness of the data are discussed.
A new method to calculate looming for autonomous obstacle avoidance

The concept of visual looming can be used as a powerful visual cue for autonomous obstacle avoidance. In this paper a method that measures looming quantitatively by fixating a camera at a point on the surface of an object is presented. It is based on studying the texture and its temporal change near the fixation point. The surface may be tilted relative to the optical axis. Looming can be calculated from the relative change in texture density and from the local orientation of the surface. The orientation is obtained from a set of one-dimensional directional densities of the texture primitives. This visual cue is used as a feedback signal of a closed loop system to implement obstacle avoidance using a six-degree-of-freedom simulator. >
An Expanded Role For The Federal Reserve Bank

On June 17, 2009 the Obama Administration released an 85-page white paper on federal regulatory reform. The corner stone of the proposed plan is an expanded role for the Federal Reserve Bank. The Federal Reserve Bank is an independent private bank created by Congress in 1913. This paper will present a critical review of the proposed expanded powers for the Federal Reserve Bank.
Lunatic, Manic, and Radical Fringe Each Promote T and B Cell Development

Lunatic, Manic, and Radical Fringe (LFNG, MFNG, and RFNG) are N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases that modify Notch receptors and regulate Notch signaling. Loss of LFNG affects thymic T cell development, and LFNG and MFNG are required for marginal zone (MZ) B cell development. However, roles for MFNG and RFNG in T cell development, RFNG in B cell development, or Fringes in T and B cell activation are not identified. In this study, we show that Lfng/Mfng/Rfng triple knockout (Fng tKO) mice exhibited reduced binding of DLL4 Notch ligand to CD4/CD8 double-negative (DN) T cell progenitors, and reduced expression of NOTCH1 targets Deltex1 and CD25. Fng tKO mice had reduced frequencies of DN1/cKit(+) and DN2 T cell progenitors and CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) T cell precursors, but increased frequencies of CD4(+) and CD8(+) single-positive T cells in the thymus. In spleen, Fng tKO mice had reduced frequencies of CD4(+), CD8(+), central memory T cells and MZ B cells, and an increased frequency of effector memory T cells, neutrophils, follicular, and MZ P B cells. The Fng tKO phenotype was cell-autonomous and largely rescued in mice expressing one allele of a single Fng gene. Stimulation of Fng tKO splenocytes with anti-CD3/CD28 beads or LPS gave reduced proliferation compared with controls, and the generation of activated T cells by Concanavalin A or L-PHA was also reduced in Fng tKO mice. Therefore, each Fringe contributes to T and B cell development, and Fringe is required for optimal in vitro stimulation of T and B cells.
The Distinctive Dynamics of Nanotechnology in Developing Nations

Nanotechnology is unique among emerging technologies in the level of attention given to social and ethical implications (SEIs) in its early stages of development. Central funders have set aside money for large projects to undertake “anticipatory governance” of nanotechnology, and nanoscientists and engineers themselves have solicited the help of social scientists and philosophers in helping to identify potential issues early. The distasteful and expensive experience with agricultural biotechnology, which raised near-fatal red flags late in the development process, stands clearly as an example not to be followed.
Mechanism of Laser-Enhanced Etching of Silicon

Recent studies of the laser-enhanced etching of silicon by XeF2 have demonstrated that rapid reaction rates are attributable to intrinsic effects of above band gap radiation, that is, that photo-generated charge carriers influence the etching reaction. The mechanism proposed to account for this is described.
Sex Biases in the Measurement of Moral Judgment

The most commonly used method for measuring levels of moral reasoning has been the Kohlberg/Rest technique of presenting subjects wirh a story in which the main character is faced with a moral dilemma (2, 3). Holstein (1) has argued that this method may be biased in favor of men, since all of the main story characters are males. The present study is designed to determine whether altering the sex of the story characters on Rest's Defining Issues Test differentially affects male and female subjects' test scores. A total of 84 freshman men and women completed either the standard short form of the test (N = 38) or a sex-reversed form (N = 46). For this latter form, each of the main story characters was a woman. Subjects also responded to questions asking them to report how believable and realistic the story characters' acrions were, and how easily the subjects could identify wirh the main story character. In scoring the protocols, a P-score is computed for each subject. The P-score is the percentage of items representing principled reasoning (Kohlberg's Stages 5 and 6) rated as important considerations by the subject. P-scores for the present sample 'ranged from 3 to 70. The mean score for the regular form was 33.6 (SD = 18.1), while [he mean score for the sex-reversed form was 32.0 (SD = 16.2). Application of a 2 (sex of subject) X 2 (form of test) analysis of variance yielded non-significant main effects for sex and form. - The interaction, however, was significant (F,,so = 4.05, ? = .05). Examination of the means showed differences between groups in the non-predicted dlrectlon. Males who took the form with female characters (sex-reversed form) had higher P-scores than males who took the regular rest with male characters (134 = 36.2, SD = 18.6 for the sex-reversed form, and M = 30.2, SD = 19.9 for the regular form). However, females who took the regular version had higher P-scores (M = 37.0. SD = 16.3) than females who took the test with female story characters (M = 27.9, SD = 13.9). Thus, individuals who read dilemmas with main characters who were the opposite sex had higher moral judgment scores than those who read stories in which the main characters were the same sex as themselves. The analysis of the subjects' responses to the believabiliry and identifiabiAity items showed no significant differences associated with subject sex or story character sex. The present results do nor support Holstein's (1) contention that tests such as the Defining Issues Test are biased in favor of males. The results do suggest, however, that the sex of the story characters can be a confounding variable in measuring moral judgment on this test. Research should attempt to replicate and extend these preliminary findings.
FoIA in the age of “Open. Gov”: An analysis of the performance of the Freedom of Information Act under the Obama and Bush administrations

Abstract This study used five standard Department of Justice FoIA parameters to analyze and compare FoIA performance between the Obama and Bush administrations in terms of: efficiency, disposition, type of exemptions, redress and staff workload. Results indicate that while efficiency is higher under Obama, agencies are releasing information only in part. While appeals were processed faster under Bush, petitioners have had more success under Obama. Additionally, FoIA staff workload has dramatically reduced under Obama. One notable finding was that contrary to popular media outcry, neither administration evoked national security and law enforcement exemptions as much as has been widely claimed. Legacy and commonality were also findings indicating that certain trends transcend the incumbent. Implications to government transparency and pertinent issues are discussed within.
Bariatric Surgery and the Neuro-Ophthalmologist.

Background:As the prevalence of obesity increases, so, too, do the prevalences of weight-related diseases and surgical procedures to promote weight loss. It is important for neuro-ophthalmologists to be familiar with these procedures and possible downstream effects on afferent and efferent visual fu
The Power of Persuasion: Lessons in Personal Selling from the White House

Those Presidents who historians agree have been most successful have been able to sell themselves and their programs to many different constituencies. They have recognized that effective leadership requires many of the same skills as effective personal selling. The experiences of those who have worked in the Oval Office underscore some of the simple but often forgotten lessons of personal selling, and this article catalogs some of the most important of these.
Intussusception Rates Before and After the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine

BACKGROUND: Recent US studies have identified a small increased risk of intussusception after rotavirus vaccination, mainly after the first dose. We examined trends in intussusception hospitalizations before (2000–2005) and after (2007–2013) rotavirus vaccine introduction to assess whether this observed temporal risk translates into more hospitalized cases at the population level. METHODS: Intussusception hospitalizations in children RESULTS: No consistent change in intussusception hospitalization rates was observed among all children CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the intussusception hospitalization rate in children 8 to 11 weeks when the majority of first doses of vaccine are given is consistent with recent US postlicensure studies. Given the magnitude of declines in rotavirus disease compared with this small increase in intussusception, the benefits of rotavirus vaccination outweigh the increase risk of intussusception.
Diseases of Cardiac Sarcomeres

The identification of linkage of common cardiomyopathies leading to sudden death to mutations in myofilament/cytoskeletal proteins rather than membrane proteins stimulated a focus of thinking and studies about cardiac sarcomeres. To those with deep knowledge, this was no surprise in that the exquisite complexity of sarcomere function indicates many points vulnerable to mutations. Moreover, sarcomeres house mechanosensitive signaling networks, which communicate with other cellular organelles including the surface membrane, the cytoskeleton, nucleus, and mitochondria. Thus, it is likely that a disturbance of the homeostatic balance of these connections may lead to hypertrophic signaling, remodeling, and sudden death. Major challenges in this field include: (1) understanding molecular events triggering the disorders; (2) understanding the signaling cascades promoted by alterations at the level of the sarcomeres in both acquired and familial disorders of the heart; (3) knowing how posttranslational modifications may exacerbate the consequences of the mutations; and (4) developing stage-specific and realistic therapies.
The role of social media use in improving cancer survivors’ emotional well-being: a moderated mediation study

In the USA, levels of emotional well-being among cancer survivors remain low. Social media is recognized as important to improve their emotional well-being. However, little is known about social mechanisms that underlie the impact of health-related social media in cancer care. This study proposed a moderated mediation model to signify a pathway linking social media use to emotional well-being. Four-hundred and fifty-nine cancer survivors identified through the 2013 US-based Health Information National Trends Survey were included for data analysis. First, structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the path from social media use to emotional well-being, mediated by patient activation. Second, hierarchical regression was performed to test the moderation effect of emotion management. Last, a normal theory-based approach was used to explore the final moderated mediation model. The effect of health-related social media use on emotional well-being was completely mediated by patient activation. Also, emotion management positively moderated the effect of patient activation on emotional well-being. Last, emotion management positively moderated the mediation pathway from health-related social media use to patient activation, and finally, to emotional well-being. Health-related social media, by itself, is not sufficient to bring about improvement in cancer survivors’ emotional well-being. Patient activation and emotion management play a significant role. In future interventions designed to improve cancer survivors’ emotional health, health practitioners should not only encourage cancer survivors to use social media for health purposes, but also activate them in the course of care, and improve their emotion self-management skills.
Topical Tacrolimus for Eczema.

For children and adults with moderate to severe eczema, topical tacrolimus is an effective, albeit costly, alternative to topical corticosteroids. Both tacrolimus strengths (0.03% and 0.1%) are superior to low-potency topical corticosteroids, whereas tacrolimus 0.1% has similar effectiveness to moderate- to high-potency topical corticosteroids. A mild, self-limited, local burning sensation is common with use.