cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary prerequisites for early phanerozoic calcareous skeletons

This paper develops the concept that the dramatic appearance of calcareous skeletons in the Lower Cambrian is directly related to the origin of refined mechanisms of intracellular modulation of calcium ion concentration. An homologous family of calcium modulated proteins has recently been discovered. These proteins contain "EF hands", involved in the maintenance of low concentrations of intracellular calcium and the informational use of calcium ion flow (Kretsinger, 1977). The evolution of this specialized calcium physiology, especially in muscle systems, coupled with natural selection by predators are identified as some of the preadaptations for the impressive Tommotian diversification of calcified metazoans. The distribution of calcium biominerals in the phyla of the five kingdoms and the time of first appearance of calcareous mineralization in the fossil record are tabulated. Macroscopic calcified hard parts apparently required the prior evolution of certain cell, tissue and organ system physiologies which are briefly discussed here.
Chronic illness as incalculable risk: Scientific uncertainty and social transformations in medicine

This article employs Ulrich Beck's (1992, 1999) formulation of incalculable risk to analyze chronic disease in contemporary western society and the resultant social transformations across multiple levels of scale. Specifically, we explore the social structures in which management of contemporary health risks is embedded, as well as how the social psychological implications of risk incalculability affect individuals. These micro-level phenomena in turn feed back into cultural transformations in health knowledge and health-care institutions. We discuss the rising significance of health lifestyles following the epidemiological transition as a starting point from which to analyze the incalculable nature of chronic disease risk, paying special attention to the ways that fracturing medical knowledge underlies the development of a variety of often opposing lifestyle practices. Medicine has responded to these developments by institutionalizing a diversity of alternative health-care models, and we organize these complex processes around macro- and micro-levels of scale using Beck's theory of risk in contemporary society as a starting place.
Minimally occlusive laser vascular anastomosis (MOLVA): experimental study

Temporary occlusion of an intracranial artery during microvascular anastomosis is a major risk factor in cerebrovascular surgery. A new laser vascular welding technique that minimizes the occlusion time of the recipient vessel has been developed and is described in this report. A new minimally occlusive technique of end-to-side microvascular anastomosis was developed employing a diode laser in association with the application of a chromophore in our experimental model of double end-to-side anastomosis. The implantation of a vein graft on the patent carotid artery was obtained through the application of three interrupted sutures at each anastomotic site; the carotid was then clamped, two arteriotomies were performed, followed by the application of a fourth suture and of the laser welding procedure on each anastomosis. Monitoring of the temperature at the site of the anastomosis was introduced in order to control the welding technique. The time of the clamping of the carotid artery was 12 min to perform two end-to-side anastomoses (i.e., 6 min for each anastomosis). All bypasses were patent after a follow-up of 90 days and histological study confirmed good preservation of the vascular wall. Our laser-assisted technique of vascular anastomosis reduces the duration of the clamping of the recipient artery down to 6 min. This technique can minimize the risk of cerebral ischemia associated with occlusion of a recipient artery in intracranial bypass procedures, promoting an improved vascular healing process with a lower risk of thrombosis and occlusion.
Theory of molecular-orbital and compound-nucleus x-ray emission in heavy-ion-atom collisions with nuclear sticking

Calculations are made of x-ray emission in head-on 200-MeV (lab) Ni+Ni and 860-MeV (lab) Yb+Yb collisions for various values of the compound nucleus lifetimeτ. TheK x-ray emission probability is obtained by coherently summing the amplitude for a molecular-orbital x-ray transition from the 2pσ, 2pπ, 3pσ, or 3pπ to the 1sσ molecular orbital with the amplitude for a compound-nucleus x-ray transition from the united-atom 2p or 3p levels to the 1s level while the projectile and target nuclei stick. If ω Kα τ $$<< $$ 1, where ω Kα τ is the united-atom transition frequency, only molecular orbital x-rays are observed. If ω Kα τ $$ > > $$ 1, compound nucleus x-rays are observed. Independent of the projectile velocity, the atomic number of the combined system, and the mechanism for the creation of the 1sσ vacancy, the compound-nucleus x-rays become sufficiently sharp at ω Kα τ ≈ 20 to permit the measurement of the united-atomKα andKβ x-ray energies to an accuracy of <±5%. The lifetime of the compound nucleus may be sufficiently long to observeK x-rays of 100≲Z u≲140 in fusion-fission nuclear reactions.
Zippered polygon meshes from range images

Range imaging offers an inexpensive and accurate means for digitizing the shape of three-dimensional objects. Because most objects self occlude, no single range image suffices to describe the entire object. We present a method for combining a collection of range images into a single polygonal mesh that completely describes an object to the extent that it is visible from the outside.The steps in our method are: 1) align the meshes with each other using a modified iterated closest-point algorithm, 2) zipper together adjacent meshes to form a continuous surface that correctly captures the topology of the object, and 3) compute local weighted averages of surface positions on all meshes to form a consensus surface geometry.Our system differs from previous approaches in that it is incremental; scans are acquired and combined one at a time. This approach allows us to acquire and combine large numbers of scans with minimal storage overhead. Our largest models contain up to 360,000 triangles. All the steps needed to digitize an object that requires up to 10 range scans can be performed using our system with five minutes of user interaction and a few hours of compute time. We show two models created using our method with range data from a commercial rangefinder that employs laser stripe technology.
Sudden cardiac death in a southeast Asian immigrant: clinical, electrophysiologic, and biopsy characteristics.

The syndrome of sudden cardiac death in southeast Asians has only recently been given attention in the American medical literature. This case report describes a patient who presented with this rare syndrome. The physical examination, Holter monitor. 2-D echocardiogram, exercise treadmill test, radionuclide ventriculogram, coronary angiography, and endomyocardial biopsy were all normal. Programmed ventricular stimulation reproducibly induced sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, Oral procainamide, oral quinidine and oral quinidine plus propranolol were not successful in suppressing inducible polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The arrhythmia remained inducible after six weeks of oral amiodarone therapy. However, he has had no clinical recurrences while on amiodarone after one year of follow-up.
An empirical investigation of information technology structure, control and corporate governance

Abstract In a study involving 72 large publicly-held organizations, the relationships between information technology (IT) structure, control, and corporate governance were examined. Despite the fact that some have called centralized systems electronic dinosaurs, many companies are turning to this traditional approach because it does offer one thing that decentralized systems generally lack, namely, control. The results indicate that information technology structure (centralized vs. decentralized) is strongly related to management equity ownership and to concentration of stock holding. For example, an organization where top executives and managers own a relatively high percentage of the company's stock possesses a more centralized information technology structure than an organization with a relatively lower percentage of management ownership. This means that user departments in the latter have more control over their IT functions than users in the former. Conversely, companies with a high level of stock concentration have a more decentralized IT structure. In addition, the research revealed a statistically significant relationship between a company's equity to debt ratio and the level of IT centralization.
Blasphemy or Art: What Art Should Be Censored and Who Wants to Censor It?

Current events have marked the increasing tension between freedom of artistic expression and religious tolerance and sensitivity. While there have been several controversies in the West concerning art critical of Christianity, a more complex dynamic has arisen as some Western artists have created art critical of Islam. Research was undertaken to examine what aspects of artwork lead to the most aversive reactions and desire to ban art and individual differences in response to controversial art. Of particular interest was the response to artwork critical of Christianity in comparison to artwork critical of Islam. Studies 1 and 2 suggest that the artwork that mixes the sacred and profane (whether critical of Christianity or Islam) is particularly likely to elicit a negative emotional response and is more likely to be the target for censorship. Also consistent across Studies 1 and 2 individuals who based their moral foundation on purity and have Christian religious beliefs were more likely to endorse banning said artwork. In Study 3 an even more complex picture emerged in which non-Christians were more likely to endorse banning art critical of Islam in comparison to art critical of Christianity.
Acid phosphatase levels in the genus Candida and their application to the taxonomy and identification of pathogenic Candida species.

Quantitative assays of intact cells of 7 pathogenic Candida species, Cryptococcus neoformans and Torulopsis glabrata revealed many differences and few similarities between these yeast pathogens with respect to their acid phosphatase activity. Measurement of phosphatase levels in intact yeast cells at 2 pH values provided sufficient data for statistical differentiation of most of the species studied. This test may be used for the identification of C. guiUiermondii and C. pseudotropicalis to complement standard morphological and physiological criteria and for the differentiation of C. krusei and C. lambica.
BP-Dock: A Flexible Docking Scheme for Exploring Protein–Ligand Interactions Based on Unbound Structures

Molecular docking serves as an important tool in modeling protein–ligand interactions. However, it is still challenging to incorporate overall receptor flexibility, especially backbone flexibility, in docking due to the large conformational space that needs to be sampled. To overcome this problem, we developed a novel flexible docking approach, BP-Dock (Backbone Perturbation-Dock) that can integrate both backbone and side chain conformational changes induced by ligand binding through a multi-scale approach. In the BP-Dock method, we mimic the nature of binding-induced events as a first-order approximation by perturbing the residues along the protein chain with a small Brownian kick one at a time. The response fluctuation profile of the chain upon these perturbations is computed using the perturbation response scanning method. These response fluctuation profiles are then used to generate binding-induced multiple receptor conformations for ensemble docking. To evaluate the performance of BP-Dock, we applied...
Physical attractiveness and dating choice: A test of the matching hypothesis☆

Previous studies have failed to find support for the hypothesis, derived from Level of Aspiration Theory, that individuals chose to date those whose “social desirability” level is similar to their own. In the present experiments, which were designed to test the matching hypothesis, the salience of possible rejection by the dating choice was varied. Both experiments found support for the principle of matching in social choice. This support was obtained, however, not just under conditions in which rejection was presumably salient but for all conditions of choice. This and additional findings were discussed.
Autotaxin and LPA receptors represent potential molecular targets for the radiosensitization of murine glioma through effects on tumor vasculature.

Despite wide margins and high dose irradiation, unresectable malignant glioma (MG) is less responsive to radiation and is uniformly fatal. We previously found that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is a molecular target for radiosensitizing cancer through the vascular endothelium. Autotaxin (ATX) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors are downstream from cPLA2 and highly expressed in MG. Using the ATX and LPA receptor inhibitor, α-bromomethylene phosphonate LPA (BrP-LPA), we studied ATX and LPA receptors as potential molecular targets for the radiosensitization of tumor vasculature in MG. Treatment of Human Umbilical Endothelial cells (HUVEC) and mouse brain microvascular cells bEND.3 with 5 µmol/L BrP-LPA and 3 Gy irradiation showed decreased clonogenic survival, tubule formation, and migration. Exogenous addition of LPA showed radioprotection that was abrogated in the presence of BrP-LPA. In co-culture experiments using bEND.3 and mouse GL-261 glioma cells, treatment with BrP-LPA reduced Akt phosphorylation in both irradiated cell lines and decreased survival and migration of irradiated GL-261 cells. Using siRNA to knock down LPA receptors LPA1, LPA2 or LPA3 in HUVEC, we demonstrated that knockdown of LPA2 but neither LPA1 nor LPA3 led to increased viability and proliferation. However, knockdown of LPA1 and LPA3 but not LPA2 resulted in complete abrogation of tubule formation implying that LPA1 and LPA3 on endothelial cells are likely targets of BrP-LPA radiosensitizing effect. Using heterotopic tumor models of GL-261, mice treated with BrP-LPA and irradiation showed a tumor growth delay of 6.8 days compared to mice treated with irradiation alone indicating that inhibition of ATX and LPA receptors may significantly improve malignant glioma response to radiation therapy. These findings identify ATX and LPA receptors as molecular targets for the development of radiosensitizers for MG.
Functional polymer–polymer/carbon nanotube bi-component fibers

Abstract Bi-component fibers typically combine multiple functions that arise from at least two distinct components. As a result, these fibers can incorporate carbon nanotubes, which impart specific and controllable mechanical, electrical, and thermal transport properties to the fibers. Using gel spinning, sheath-core polyacrylonitrile–polyacrylonitrile/carbon nanotube bi-component fibers with a diameter of less than 20 μm and carbon nanotube concentrations of up to 10 wt% were produced. In these fibers, the carbon nanotubes were well dispersed and aligned along the fiber axis. The fibers exhibited a tensile strength as high as 700 MPa, and a tensile modulus as high as 20 GPa, as well as enhanced electrical and thermal conductivities when compared to the fibers without carbon nanotubes.
On the Combinatorial Classification of Nondegenerate Configurations in the Plane

Abstract We classify nondegenerate plane configurations by attaching, to each such configuration of n points, a periodic sequence of permutations of {1, 2, …, n } which satisfies some simple conditions; this classification turns out to be appropriate for questions involving convexity. In 1881 Perrin stated that every sequence satisfying these conditions was the image of some plane configuration. We show that this statement is incorrect by exhibiting a counterexample, for n = 5, and prove that for n ⩽ 5 every sequence essentially distinct from this one is realized geometrically by giving a complete classification of configurations in these cases; there is 1 combinatorial equivalence class for n = 3, 2 for n = 4, and 19 for n = 5. We develop some basic notions of the geometry of “allowable sequences” in the course of proving this classification theorem. Finally, we state some results and an open problem on the realizability question in the general case.
Large nonlinear phase modulation in quasi-phase-matched KTP waveguides as a result of cascaded second-order processes

Nonlinear spectral modulation and broadening have been observed in quasi-phase-matched KTP waveguides near 850 nm, indicative of self-phase modulation that is due to cascaded second-order processes. Numerical beam-propagation simulations indicate nonlinear peak phase shifts larger than π for 600 W of peak power in a 2.8-mm-long guide.
Prisms are effective in resolving diplopia from incomitant, large, and combined strabismus.

PURPOSE To assess the effectiveness of prisms in the management of diplopia in patients with incomitant, large, and combined strabismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 64 patients who were prescribed prisms for symptomatic diplopia due to restrictive strabismus. The main outcome measure was resolution of diplopia (diplopia score 1 or 2). Data on the number of patients who continued wearing prisms versus those who opted for surgery were derived based on follow-up records. RESULTS Among 64 patients, 72% of patients reported complete or partial resolution of diplopia after prism use. In patients who were prescribed =10 PD (n=18) and those with oblique prisms (n=18), 67% and 50%, respectively, reported resolution of diplopia. More patients with vertical prism reported improvement in double vision symptoms (83%) than those who were prescribed horizontal prism (70%, p=0.04). During follow-up, 73% of the cohort continued using prisms while 23% of patients opted for strabismus surgery. CONCLUSIONS Prisms are an effective modality and should be considered in the initial or interim management of patients with diplopia from complex ocular misalignments.
Model finds bigger, stronger tropical cyclones with warming seas

In the wake of powerful tropical cyclones such as Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina and Typhoon Haiyan, questions about the likely effect of climate change on tropical cyclone activity are on the public's mind. The interactions between global warming and cyclone activity, however, are complex, with rising sea surface temperatures, changing energy distributions, and altered atmospheric dynamics all having some effect.
Detection of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Receptor Expression in Experimental Atherosclerotic Lesions An Autoradiographic Study

Background— Monocytes, a common component of atheroma, are attracted to the lesion site in response to chemotactic signals, particularly expression of monocyte chemoattractant peptide 1 (MCP-1). This study assessed the feasibility of using radiolabeled MCP-1 to identify monocytes and macrophages that have localized at sites of experimental arterial lesions. Methods and Results— The biodistribution of radiolabeled MCP-1 was determined in normal mice, and localization in experimental atheroma was determined in cholesterol-fed rabbits 4 weeks after arterial injury of the iliac artery (9 rabbits) and the abdominal aorta (1 rabbit). Vessels were harvested and autoradiographed after intravenous administration of 125I-labeled MCP-1 and Evans blue dye. The arteries were evaluated histologically by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immune staining with a monoclonal antibody specific for rabbit macrophages (RAM-11). 125I-MCP-1 has a blood clearance half-time of ≈10 minutes and circulates in association with cells....
A Boltzmann-equation approach to the magnetoresistance of ferromagnetic-normal metallic multilayers

Abstract The Boltzmann equation is solved for a ferromagnetic-normal-ferromagnetic metallic trilayer. The in-plane conductance of the film is calculated for two configurations: the ferromagnetic layers aligned (i) parallel and (ii) antiparallel to each other. The results explain the giant negative magnetoresistance encountered in multilayer systems. Considerable asymmetry in the interface scattering for the two spin orientations is required.
Yttrium-induced segregation, disorder and oxidation of the GaAs(110) surface

Abstract Yttrium deposition onto GaAs(110) and the oxidation of the Y-exposed GaAs(110) surface have been investigated as a function of both Y and O 2 exposures by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). At low Y deposition ( 0.5 ML, was detected by the AES. The oxidation rates of Ga and As in the Y-exposed GaAs(110) surface were enhanced dramatically in proportion to the Y exposure.
What is the true coefficient of partial correlation

Abstract Although partial correlation is a correlation of residuals, the correlation of the true-score components of these residuals is not equivalent to the partial correlation of the true scores themselves. The source of this discrepancy is explained and its implications are briefly discussed.
Variation among Individuals and Reduced Demographic Stochasticity

: Population viability analysis ( PVA) is a technique that employs stochastic demographic models to predict extinction risk. All else being equal, higher variance in a demographic rate leads to a greater extinction risk. Demographic stochasticity represents variance due to differences among individuals. Current implementations of PVAs, however, assume that the expected fates of all individuals are identical. For example, demographic stochasticity in survival is modeled as a random draw from a binomial distribution. We developed a simple conceptual model showing that if there is variation among individuals in expected survival, then existing PVA models overestimate the variance due to demographic stochasticity in survival. This is a consequence of Jensen's inequality and the fact that the binomial demographic variance is a concave function of mean survival. The effect of variation among individuals on demographic stochasticity in fecundity depends on the mean-variance relationship for individual reproductive success, which is not presently known. If fecundity patterns mirror those of survival, then variation among individuals will reduce the extinction risk of small populations. Resumen: El analisis de viabilidad poblacional (AVP) es un tecnica que emplea modelos demograficos estocasticos para predecir el riesgo de extincion. Todo lo demas siendo igual, mayor variacion en la tendencia demografica conduce a un mayor riesgo de extincion. La estocasticidad demografica representa variacion debido a diferencias entre individuos. Sin embargo, los AVP actualmente asumen que el destino esperado para cada individuo es identico. Por ejemplo, la estocasticidad demografica en la supervivencia es modelada como una muestra aleatoria de una distribucion binomial. Desarrollamos un modelo conceptual simple que muestra que si hay variacion entre individuos en la supervivencia esperada, entonces los modelos de AVP existentes sobrestiman la variacion debida a la estocasticidad demografica en la supervivencia. Esto es una consecuencia de la desigualdad de Jensen y del hecho de que la variacion demografica binomial es una funcion concava de la supervivencia promedio. El efecto de la variacion entre individuos sobre la estocasticidad demografica en la fecundidad depende de la relacion media-varianza del exito reproductivo individual, que actualmente es desconocida. Si los patrones de fecundidad son un reflejo de los de supervivencia, entonces la variacion entre individuos reducira el riesgo de extincion de poblaciones pequenas.
Nucleic Acid Structures in Solution: Sequence Dependence

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Structure Determination 3 Criteria to Assess the Quality of NMR-Derived Structures 4 Complications from Conformational Flexibility 5 Conclusions 6 Acknowledgements 7 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Divergent and Conserved Elements Comprise the Chemoreceptive Repertoire of the Nonblood-Feeding Mosquito Toxorhynchites amboinensis

Many mosquito species serve as vectors of diseases such as malaria and yellow fever, wherein pathogen transmission is tightly associated with the reproductive requirement of taking vertebrate blood meals. Toxorhynchites is one of only three known mosquito genera that does not host-seek and initiates egg development in the absence of a blood-derived protein bolus. These remarkable differences make Toxorhynchites an attractive comparative reference for understanding mosquito chemosensation as it pertains to host-seeking. We performed deep transcriptome profiling of adult female Toxorhynchites amboinensis bodies, antennae and maxillary palps, and identified 25,084 protein-coding “genes” in the de novo assembly. Phylogenomic analysis of 4,266 single-copy “genes” from T. amboinensis, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus robustly supported Ae. aegypti as the closest relative of T. amboinensis, with the two species diverged approximately 40 Ma. We identified a large number of T. amboinensis chemosensory “genes,” the majority of which have orthologs in other mosquitoes. Finally, cross-species expression analyses indicated that patterns of chemoreceptor transcript abundance were very similar for chemoreceptors that are conserved between T. amboinensis and Ae. aegypti, whereas T. amboinensis appeared deficient in the variety of expressed, lineage-specific chemoreceptors. Our transcriptome assembly of T. amboinensis represents the first comprehensive genomic resource for a nonblood-feeding mosquito and establishes a foundation for future comparative studies of blood-feeding and nonblood-feeding mosquitoes. We hypothesize that chemosensory genes that display discrete patterns of evolution and abundance between T. amboinensis and blood-feeding mosquitoes are likely to play critical roles in host-seeking and hence the vectorial capacity.
INFECTIOUS CATARRH OF MICE I. A NATURAL OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE

A natural outbreak of an infectious catarrh in a colony of Swiss mice is reported. The disease was generally characterized by a peculiar chattering sound during life and by a rhinitis, an otitis media, and a pneumonia at autopsy. The pneumonia was slowly progressive and terminated fatally in a high percentage of cases. The mortality in a group of 75 naturally infected mice was 95 per cent over a period of 11 months. The disease was readily reproducible in susceptible mice by the nasal instillation of exudate from any locus of infection. It was also transmissible by direct contact. In both naturally and experimentally infected animals there was an incubation period of 10 days or more before symptoms were apparent. Recovery from the disease was not observed.
The Influence of Support Groups on Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Objective. To compare quality of life in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients following treatment. Methods. The Short Form-36 Version 2 (SF-36v2) was utilized to measure patient quality of life. Results. For all 8 parameters measured by the SF-36V2, HNC patients had lower mean scores than the US population means. Support group patients had significantly worse scores than US population norms in role-physical, social functioning, and role-emotional. There were no significant differences between support group and control patients for the 8 parameters measured by the SF-36v2. Conclusions. HNC patients report significantly worse quality of life than US population norms in several physical and emotional areas. Our study did not demonstrate improved quality of life for support group patients. The increased incidence of oropharyngeal cancer and chemotherapy treatment in the support group patients in our study were factors which were likely to have lowered the overall scores in these patients.
A methodologic study of histologic classification and grading of malignancy in oral squamous cell carcinoma

– A multifactorial grading system was devised for the histologic classification and grading of malignancy in carcinoma of tongue and floor of mouth. The system is presented with all morphologic variables defined and illustrated. Statistical analysis of the classification of 52 cases of squamous cell carcinoma revealed that the reproducibility of the system by two independent observers was good for all morphologic variables. Mean total malignancy, tumor cell population, and tumor-host relationship scores showed statistically significant correlations with mean ratings for all the different morphologic parameters, with certain specified exceptions. Reasons for the exceptions and lack of correlation of the histotechnical and theoretical errors of previous grading systems are explored.
American Woodcocks' (Scolopax minor) Use Of Pine Plantation Habitat During Spring In Central Arkansas

Abstract We evaluated sites on an industrial forest in central Arkansas that American Woodcocks (Scolopax minor) used for courtship during their spring migration. Our main objective was to determine the vegetation characteristics used by male woodcocks on their courtship sites within early successional pine stands. We quantified use within three stages of early successional pine stand; pine seedling (1 year old), young-pine sapling (2–3 years old), and old-pine sapling (4–5 years old). We used crespuscular surveys as an index to the number of woodcock using each stand. We completed surveys in January–March 2010 and 2011 on eight stands of each stage (n = 24) during 7–10 day sampling periods across spring migration. We quantified the vegetation structure of each stand including the percent of bare ground, standing herbaceous, flattened herbaceous, shrub, coarse woody debris, and canopy cover and horizontal density. We found that woodcocks used stands with greater shrub, standing herbaceous, and flattened...
The Unmaking of the Mediterranean Trade Hegemony: International Trade Rivalry and the Commercial Revolution

The shift in the locus of European trade from the markets of the Mediterranean to the North Atlantic overthrew a centuries old pattern of commerce and established the basis for the predominant role of North Atlantic Europe in the era of industrialization. While the expression “commercial revolution” no longer has quite the currency that it once enjoyed, students of the early modern economy have not been negligent about trying to understand the causes of the commercial shift. The impact of entrepreneurship and Weltanschauung, capital accumulation, technical innovation in shipping and industry, and the economic and political organization of nation-states have all received attention from students of the age.
Emphysematous pancreatitis: a severe complication of acute pancreatitis.

A 65-year-old male patient presented to the accident and emergency department with generalized upper abdominal pain. Blood tests showed a raised amylase of 1811 IU/l and elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein = 126 mg/l). The patient was found to have a profound metabolic acidosis with a base excess of –16. Also of note was a history of severe alcohol excess. A differential diagnosis was made clinically of pancreatitis or ischaemic bowel and a computed tomography (CT) …
Initial Cognitive Performance Predicts Longitudinal Aviator Performance

Objectives. The goal of the study was to improve prediction of longitudinal flight simulator performance by studying cognitive factors that may moderate the influence of chronological age. Methods. We examined age-related change in aviation performance in aircraft pilots in relation to baseline cognitive ability measures and aviation expertise. Participants were aircraft pilots (N = 276) aged 40–77.9. Flight simulator performance and cognition were tested yearly; there were an average of 4.3 (± 2.7; range 1–13) data points per participant. Each participant was classified into one of the three levels of aviation expertise based on Federal Aviation Administration pilot proficiency ratings: least, moderate, or high expertise. Results. Addition of measures of cognitive processing speed and executive function to a model of age-related change in aviation performance significantly improved the model. Processing speed and executive function performance inter acted such that the slowest rate of decline in flight simulator performance was found in aviators with the highest scores on tests of these abilities. Expertise was beneficial to pilots across the age range studied; however, expertise did not show evidence of reducing the effect of age. Discussion. These data suggest that longitudinal performance on an important real-world activity can be predicted by initial assessment of relevant cognitive abilities.
Exposure to cigarette smoke delays the plasma clearance of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants in rats

We investigated the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on the clearance of chylomicrons (CM) and CM remnants in rats after administration of a fat-containing meal. There was a decrease in clearance of both postprandial CM and exogenous radiolabeled CM in smoke-exposed animals. For exogenous CM, clearance (t1/2) increased significantly for both triglyceride and cholesterol labels and correlated with the delay in liver uptake. This decrease in lipid clearance could not be explained by decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity because smoke exposure resulted in a significant increase in LPL activity. When the hydrolysis of CM by endothelial LPL was tested in a heart perfusion system, there was no difference in CM hydrolysis between the two groups. Hepatic lipase activity was also unchanged in smoke-exposed animals. However, there was a significant delay in the CM remnant uptake into livers isolated from smoke-exposed rats. Thus the delay in CM clearance in smoke-exposed animals cannot be attributed to reduced lipase activities but results from impaired hepatic uptake of CM remnants.
The “Big Idea” That Is yet to Be: Toward A More Motivated, Contextual, and Dynamic Model of Emotional Intelligence

The “emotional intelligence” construct has been the focus of enormous scrutiny over the past 20 years (Salovey & Mayer, 1990). Much of this interest is based on the so-called “big idea” that first brought widespread attention to it—an idea popularized by Goleman's best-selling book Emotional Intelligence (1995), in which he claimed that emotional intelligence (EI) can matter more than the intelligence quotient (IQ) in predicting important life outcomes. Despite the appeal of this idea, recent meta-analyses indicate that emotional intelligence has not lived up to its promise. What are the implications of these findings for emotional intelligence research and for people interested in applying EI research to their organizations? We suggest that the predictive validity of emotional intelligence can be enhanced by refining the construct through the incorporation of three well-established principles of psychological processing: (a) dual-process principles that capture automatic and deliberate processing, (b) mo...
Can advanced imaging reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment

t first glance, it is counterintuitive that imaging, the However, this paradigm has several challenges, which A instigator of overdiagnosis, can reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Imaging can curb overdiagnosis if it juxtaposes between the gateway of overdiagnosis and biopsy or treatment or makes diagnosis prognostically meaningful. In this special issue, how imaging may affect overdiagnosis is discussed in relation to prostate cancer (1), Alzheimer disease (2), and psychiatric disorders (3).
Left ventricular outflow tract tachycardia with preferential conduction and multiple exits.

A 50-year-old man with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs; PVC 1, Figure 1A) and ventricular tachycardias (VTs) was referred for catheter ablation. Activation and pace mapping were performed at multiple sites in the right and left ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT and LVOT) (Figure 1). Nonirrigated radiofrequency (RF) applications delivered in the left coronary cusp where pacing reproduced a perfect pace map failed to suppress PVCs but gave a slight change in the QRS morphology of the PVCs characterized by S waves in lead V6 (PVC 2, Figure 1B). VT with this altered QRS morphology was induced by programmed stimulation (VT 1, Figure 1B). Pacing in the distal great cardiac vein (GCV) reproduced a different QRS morphology (Figure 1D). During PVC 2, the earliest ventricular activation was observed at the aorto-mitral continuity (AMC) where pacing reproduced a perfect pace map (Figure 1B). However, nonirrigated RF applications at this site did not …
Expression and Function of Four Carbonic Anhydrase Homologs in the Deep-Sea Chemolithoautotroph Thiomicrospira crunogena

The hydrothermal vent chemolithoautotroph Thiomicrospira crunogena grows rapidly in the presence of low concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) (= CO2 + HCO3− + CO3−2). Its genome encodes α-carbonic anhydrase (α-CA), β-CA, carboxysomal β-like CA (CsoSCA), and a protein distantly related to γ-CA. The purposes of this work were to characterize the gene products, determine whether they were differentially expressed, and identify those that are necessary for DIC uptake and fixation. When expressed in Escherichia coli, CA activity was detectable for α-CA, β-CA, and CsoSCA but not for the γ-CA-like protein. α-CA and CsoSCA but not β-CA were inhibited by sulfonamide inhibitors. CsoSCA was also inhibited by dithiothreitol. When grown under DIC limitation in chemostats, T. crunogena transcribed csoSCA more frequently than when ammonia limited, while genes encoding α-CA and β-CA were not differentially transcribed under these conditions. Cell extracts from T. crunogena grown under both DIC- and ammonia-limited conditions had CA activity that was strongly inhibited by sulfonamides, though extracts from nitrogen-limited cells had some CA activity that was resistant, perhaps due to a higher level of β-CA activity. Based on predictions from the SignalP software program, subcellular location when expressed in E. coli, and carbonic anhydrase assays conducted on intact T. crunogena cells, α-CA is located in the periplasm. However, inhibition of α-CA by acetazolamide had only a minor impact on rates of DIC uptake or fixation. Conversely, inhibition of CsoSCA with ethoxyzolamide inhibited carbon fixation but not DIC uptake, consistent with this enzyme functioning to facilitate DIC interconversion and fixation within carboxysomes.
The linear sampling method for cracks

We consider the inverse scattering problem of determining the shape of an infinite cylinder having an open arc as cross section from a knowledge of the TM-polarized scattered electromagnetic field corresponding to time-harmonic incident plane waves propagating from arbitrary directions. We assume that the arc is a (possibly) partially coated perfect conductor and develop the linear sampling method, which was originally developed for solving the inverse scattering problem for obstacles with nonempty interior, to include the above case of obstacles with empty interior.
The Madagascan Coraebini Bedel (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae): A New Genus and Species1

Abstract Falliellus richardi, new genus and species, is described and illustrated from Perinet, eastern Madagascar. This new genus is distinct from all other known Madagascan Coraebini, which currently includes 103 species placed in 27 genera, and is placed in the new subtribe Toxoscelini Majer. At least 500 undescribed coraebine species are estimated to exist from Madagascar based on examination of museum specimens. Full page charges borne by the author.
Predictors of perceived risk for colon cancer in a national probability sample in the United States.

This study examines potential predictors of perceived risk for colon cancer in a U.S. sample of 2,949 individuals aged 45 and older with no colon cancer history. We examined perceived comparative risk for colon cancer as the outcome in ordinal regression analyses, and perceived absolute risk for colon cancer in linear regression analyses. Potential predictors included demographics, current risk behaviors, self-reported health, family and personal cancer history, emotion variables (colon cancer worry, general anxiety, and fear of positive screening findings), general cancer beliefs (causes, lack of preventability, information overload), and cancer information seeking. Those who had poorer self-reported health, a family cancer history, and increased colon cancer worry had higher perceived comparative and absolute colon cancer risk (all ps < .05). Those who were younger, interviewed in Spanish, had increased anxiety, and information overload had higher comparative risk; those with a personal history of cance...
Selective laser suture lysis with a compact, low-cost, red diode laser

The argon (blue-green) laser is currently used for vaporization of sutures during ophthalmic surgery. However, previous studies have reported more effective laser suture lysis and a lower rate of complications using the krypton (red) laser. Red wavelengths are selectively absorbed by the nylon sutures, but are minimally absorbed by adjacent tissue, and not absorbed by hemoglobin, unlike the argon laser wavelengths. More compact and less expensive red diode lasers have recently become commercially available for surgical applications. This study explores the use of a compact, low-power, red diode laser for selective laser suture lysis. A 225 mW, 660-nm diode laser was used to vaporize 10-0 nylon sutures in human cornea samples with a single laser pulse, pulse energy of 150 mJ, pulse duration of 100 ms, and spot diameter of 55 μm. The red diode laser may represent an inexpensive, compact, and safer alternative laser for use in laser suture lysis during ophthalmic surgery.
Interaction of polarization mode dispersion and nonlinearity in optical fiber transmission systems

Aspects of the interaction of the Kerr nonlinearity and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) are reviewed. The basic equation that governs this interaction on the length scale of interest in optical fiber communications systems is the Manakov-PMD equation. This equation is derived using multiple-length-scale techniques. The focus of the derivation is the elucidation of common misunderstandings and pitfalls rather than mathematical rigor. It is shown that the scalar nonlinear Schro/spl uml/dinger equation is valid when PMD is absent and the signal is initially in a single polarization state. Two examples are then presented that illustrate the complexity of the interaction between nonlinearity and PMD. The first example considers the interaction of a nonlinearly induced chirp with PMD. As the power increases, one can obtain an improved eye opening relative to the case when PMD is absent. The second example considers the effect of nonlinear polarization rotation in a wavelength-division-multiplexed system. When nonlinear polarization rotation is important, the principal states of polarization become time dependent and PMD compensation becomes ineffective. This problem can be mitigated through the use of line codes.
Handling, genetic and housing effects on the mouse stress system, dopamine function, and behavior.

This research was designed to examine how early stimulation (i.e., handling), subsequent housing conditions and genetic factors interact to produce adult differences in stress regulation. High-aggressive (NC900) and low-aggressive (NC100) mice were handled for 3 weeks potspartum and were subsequently isolated or grouped until observed as adults in an open field or a dyadic test. In NC100, handling abolished the temporal variations seen in open-field activity among the nonhandled subjects and reduced corticosterone (CORT) activation. In NC900, these two measures were unaffected by handling. Only among handled NC100 did subsequent group rearing further reduce CORT activation. By contrast, handling caused an up-regulation of D1 dopamine receptors in both lines, and, in NC100, this effect was increased by group rearing. In a dyadic encounter with another male mouse, subjects of both lines showed handling effects. NC100 froze less rapidly and NC900 attacked more rapidly. This multifactorial design showed that the systemic effects of handling are modulated by genetic background, and that measures of these effects are affected by experience beyond infancy. Our findings also showed that the effects of handling vary when assessed across different physiological systems and across social and nonsocial testing conditions.
A manganese catalyst for highly reactive yet chemoselective intramolecular C( sp 3 )–H amination

C-H bond oxidation reactions underscore the existing paradigm wherein high reactivity and high selectivity are inversely correlated. The development of catalysts capable of oxidizing strong aliphatic C(sp(3))-H bonds while displaying chemoselectivity (that is, tolerance of more oxidizable functionality) remains an unsolved problem. Here, we describe a catalyst, manganese tert-butylphthalocyanine [Mn((t)BuPc)], that is an outlier to the reactivity-selectivity paradigm. It is unique in its capacity to functionalize all types of C(sp(3))-H bond intramolecularly, while displaying excellent chemoselectivity in the presence of π functionality. Mechanistic studies indicate that [Mn((t)BuPc)] transfers bound nitrenes to C(sp(3))-H bonds via a pathway that lies between concerted C-H insertion, observed with reactive noble metals such as rhodium, and stepwise radical C-H abstraction/rebound, as observed with chemoselective base metals such as iron. Rather than achieving a blending of effects, [Mn((t)BuPc)] aminates even 1° aliphatic and propargylic C-H bonds, demonstrating reactivity and selectivity unusual for previously known catalysts.
Complex Exponential Pseudomodes of LTI Operators Over Finite Intervals

In applications including radar and ultrasonic inspection, an observed signal can often be modeled as the output over a finite interval of a linear, time-invariant (LTI) operator having a short-duration impulse response. For processing such as filtering and compression it would be useful to have approximations to eigenfunctions of the operator. It has been shown that discrete-time complex exponentials are asymptotic pseudomodes (i.e., approximate eigenvectors) of sequences of Toeplitz matrices. In this letter we show that complex exponentials over the observation interval are pseudomodes of LTI operators, corresponding to pseudoeigenvalues that are samples from the operator’s frequency response, and how the level of approximation depends on the ratio of the impulse response duration to observation interval length. This implies that the Fourier Series basis for the observation interval can be used as an orthonormal set of approximate eigenfunctions.
An Inverter Woven from Flat Component Fibers for e-Textile Applications

In the most fundamental approach, e-Textile circuits will be made by weaving component fibers into circuits. The weaving pattern will determine the circuit function. A key requirement of such e-Textile circuits is reliable electrical contact between fibers. Contacts which rely only on the pressure between fibers are preferred since they preserve the drapability of real fabrics. Since thin-film device fabrication technology is planar, the component fibers, made by the slit-film technique, are flat. Thus a slight edge-to-edge curvature (with a radius of curvature as large as 500mm) can either prevent or promote electrical contact. Using fibers with thin-film transistors of amorphous silicon, we study the processes that produce the desired fiber curvature. A layer of stressed silicon nitride is used to create the curvature. The stress in this layer can be controlled by the deposition parameters. We present successful fabrication of curved fibers with vastly improved electrical contact. We also present electrical characterization of woven transistor circuits
2015 Manuscript Reviewers for Pharmaceutical Development and Technology.

Many thanks to the following list of scientists who completed at least one peer review of a manuscript submitted to Pharmaceutical Development and Technology in 2015. This time, Manuscript Central ...