cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bile duct obstruction secondary to heterotopic gastric mucosa

Abstract Background We present the first reported case of heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) with pyloric type metaplasia obstructing the bile duct, with a literature review of bile duct obstruction from other types of HGM in children and adults. Case presentation A 10-year old boy presented with severe, episodic, post-prandial, epigastric pain. An extensive work-up found a partially obstructing lesion of the common bile duct adjacent to the cystic duct. He underwent surgical resection of the lesion with restoration of the biliary drainage via choledocho-duodenostomy. Pathology revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa with pyloric metaplasia. Recovery was uneventful and he remains symptom-free 36 months later. Conclusions Obstructing lesions of the biliary tree are exceedingly rare in children. In contrast with adults, there is minimal concern that such a lesion represents a malignancy. This may lead to prolonged diagnostic work-up as opposed to early surgical exploration. While it can be difficult to differentiate between benign and high-risk bile duct lesions in adults, malignant transformation of HGM of the bile duct has only been reported in an adult. In every pediatric and adult case reviewed, surgical exploration was required to establish the diagnosis. Our patient's pathology revealed pyloric type metaplasia as a component of HGM. This is the first report of pyloric type metaplasia in the literature. Previously reports have only shown HGM of fundic origin. We advocate early resection of these lesions for both diagnostic purposes, and due to the potential for malignant transformation.
The Catholic Neoconservatives at War: The Battle for Control of Catholic Just War Teaching in America

There has been a small but very powerful and influential group of American Catholics who advocated for frequent America intervention around the world during the Cold War and now during the nearly t...
"We Can Do Better": University Leaders Speak to Tribal-University Relationships.

Wielding degrees of influence within educational organizations, university leaders are critical in determining how institutions enact their espoused missions and support severely marginalized campu...
Computed Tomography for Diagnosis and Staging in Pancreatic Cancer

Computed tomography (CT) is essential for the positive diagnosis and for appropriate staging of pancreatic cancer. Locoregional assessment is mandatory to accurately select patients who will benefit from up-front surgery with negative margin. CT technique includes a three-phase protocol including a pancreatic arterial phase, which allows the best tumor conspicuity, and a portal venous phase for assessment of liver and peritoneum. Due to a high spatial resolution, performance of CT for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is excellent with a high sensitivity and specificity. Use of high-quality MPR images provides more accurate information regarding vascular anatomy and vascular invasion and resectability of pancreatic carcinoma. Future development of dual-energy technique will increase the sensitivity of CT for detection of iso-attenuated tumor.
Live Monitoring of Inflammation Reveals Tissue and Sex-specific Responses to Western Diet and Butyrate treatment

Obesity is a current epidemic, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Chronic obesity is characterized by a low grade systemic inflammation besides not being a classic inflammatory disease. Many studies have tried to identify inflammatory insults dysregulated by a Westernized diet consisted of high fat, high sucrose, and high cholesterol mainly focusing on production and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The gut microbiome and derived metabolites, including the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, have received increased attention as underlying some of the obesogenic features. In the present work, we utilized a novel biosensor mouse model capable of monitoring in vivo inflammation. We observed tissue- and sex- specific caspase 1 activation patterns in obese mice and treated with butyrate. Our work utilizing a caspase-1 biosensor mouse model, flow cytometry and computational analyses and offers new mechanistic insights underlying the effect of butyrate in obesity and its complications.
Dermabrasion: a novel treatment for diffuse silicone granuloma.

Objective: Formation of a foreign body granuloma is one of the serious complications of silicone injection, which can be difficult to treat. In this paper, the authors report their successful experience with dermabrasion as an innovative treatment in a patient who presented with diffuse silicone granuloma. Case report: The patient was a 51-year-old woman, with areas of induration and hyperpigmentation on both her legs with intermittent fevers and generalized malaise. The patient had a history of numerous bilateral hip injections of liquid silicone five years ago for cosmetic purposes. A skin biopsy showed a foreign-body granuloma consistent with a paraffinoma with “Swiss cheese” appearance. After unsuccessful medical therapy and liposuction, an extensive bilateral dermabrasion was performed on both legs. Postoperatively, her wounds exuded a collection of thick, yellow viscous fluid under the transparent semi-occlusive dressings, which showed a markedly elevated level of silicone after analysis. She experienced no complication related to dermabrasion. Conclusion: The findings of this case demonstrate that dermabrasion may be an effective treatment option for diffuse silicone granuloma, particularly when the material resides superficially in the dermis.
Dissociation of CO2 in the Martian Atmosphere

Abstract Detailed calculations are presented for the production of O and CO in the Martian atmosphere. The diffusion equations are solved and results compared with Mariner observations of O and CO in the upper Marian atmosphere. An eddy diffusion coefficient of 5 × 108 cm2 sec−1 is required to account for these observations. Transport alone cannot explain the small abundances of CO and O2 in the lower atmosphere of Mars and chemical schemes suggested earlier encounter various difficulties.
Left Brain - Right Brain Differences: Inquiries, Evidence, and New Approaches

Contents: Preface. Part I: Introduction to Cerebral Asymmetries. Are Brain Symmetries a Common Misconception? Are Cerebral Asymmetries Unique to the Human Species? Two Brains, Two Cognitive Styles? Part II: Clinical Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries. What Do Neuropsychological Disorders Reveal About Brain Asymmetries? Are Split-Brain Patients Truly Divided in Cognitive Functioning? Is There Convincing Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries in the Clinical Pathologies and Developmental Disabilities? Part III: Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries in Normal Subjects. How Are Asymmetries Studied in the Normal Brain? Are There Gender Differences in Brain Lateralization? Are There Handedness Differences in Brain Lateralization? Are There Developmental Differences in Brain Lateralization? Part IV: New Approaches to and Concluding Comments on Cerebral Asymmetries. What New Techniques Will Be Used in Studying Cerebral Asymmetries?
Studies on the formation of transfer ribonucleic acid-ribosome complexes. IX. Effect of antibiotics on translocation and peptide bond formation.

Abstract The effect of several antibiotics on di- and oligophenylalanine formation in the presence and absence of transfer factor G and GTP was studied. Fusidic acid is an inhibitor of factor-dependent translocation. Cephalosporin Pl and bottromycin may also inhibit translocation, although other sites of action are also possible. Chloramphenicol, sparsomycin, vernamycin A, PA114A, streptogramin, amicetin, gougerotin, and tylosin inhibit oligophenylalanine synthesis; their mechanism of action is consistent with an inhibition of binding of the aminoacyl-end of aminoacyl-tRNA to ribosomes.
Regulation of Brassinosteroid Signaling by a GSK3/SHAGGY-Like Kinase

GSK3/SHAGGY is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase implicated in many signaling pathways in eukaryotes. Although many GSK3/SHAGGY-like kinases have been identified in plants, little is known about their functions in plant growth and development. Here we show that the Arabidopsis BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 2 (BIN2) gene encodes a GSK3/SHAGGY-like kinase. Gain-of-function mutations within its coding sequence or its overexpression inhibit brassinosteroid (BR) signaling, resulting in plants that resemble BR-deficient and BR-response mutants. In contrast, reduced BIN2 expression via cosuppression partially rescues a weak BR-signaling mutation. Thus, BIN2 acts as a negative regulator to control steroid signaling in plants.
First Observation of 15Be

The neutron-unbound nucleus ${}^{15}$Be was observed for the first time. It was populated using neutron transfer from a deuterated polyethylene target with a 59 MeV/u ${}^{14}$Be beam. Neutrons were measured in coincidence with outgoing ${}^{14}$Be particles and the reconstructed decay energy spectrum exhibits a resonance at 1.8(1) MeV. This corresponds to ${}^{15}$Be being unbound by 0.45 MeV more then ${}^{16}$Be thus significantly hindering the sequential two-neutron decay of ${}^{16}$Be to ${}^{14}$Be through this state.
Prizes, Patents and the Search for Longitude

The 1714 Longitude Act created the Board of Longitude to administer a large monetary prize and progress payments for the precise determination of a ship's longitude. However, the prize did not prohibit patenting. We use a new dataset of marine chronometer inventors to show that the propensity to patent was high. We argue that while the prize spurred entry by key inventors, and progress payments facilitated research investment in an area of significant social value, patents promoted disclosure. Our findings highlight the importance of complementarities between prize and patent-based incentives in the design of innovation inducement contests.
Multiexponential T2 analyses in a murine model of hepatic fibrosis at 11.7 T MRI

This study evaluated the effects of hepatic fibrosis on the multiexponential T(2) (MET(2) ) relaxation of ex vivo murine liver specimens using an 11.7 T MRI. This animal study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control (n = 3) and experimental (n = 15) groups; the latter group was fed a 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine-supplemented diet to induce hepatic fibrosis. Ex vivo liver specimens were imaged using an 11.7 T MRI scanner. A multi-echo spin-echo sequence was utilized for subsequent MET(2) analysis. Degrees of fibrosis were determined by a pathologist, as well as by digital image analysis. Scatterplot graphs comparing various features of the MET(2) signal decay with the degrees of fibrosis were generated, and correlation coefficients were calculated. Two distinct peaks of the MET(2) signal decay were identified in all liver specimens: a short T(2) component with a geometric mean T(2) (GMT(2) ) approximating 30 ms; and a long T(2) component with GMT(2) approximating 400 ms. Strong correlation was found between the degree of hepatic fibrosis and the amplitude of the short T(2) component, with a higher degrees of fibrosis associated with a lower amplitude. Moderate correlation was also found between hepatic fibrosis and the GMT(2) values of the long T(2) component, with higher degrees of fibrosis associated with lower GMT(2) values. The study of hepatic microenvironments using MET(2) analyses offers potential utility in the ongoing development of the noninvasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis using MRI.
Oxidation of Proteins in the In Vivo Environment: What We Know; What We Need to Study and Potential Mitigation Strategies

The oxidation of proteins in vivo continues to be an important focus of biomedical research (Davies 2005) as elevated levels of oxidized proteins have been associated with a large number of pathologies (Guttmann and Ghoshal 2011; Martinez et al. 2010; Nakamura et al. 2012) as well as biological aging (Stadtman 1988, 1992; Oliver et al. 1987). Protein oxidation can lead to changes in activity, conformation, protein–protein interactions, and half-life (Stadtman and Oliver 1991; Levine et al. 1981; Bota and Davies 2002; Davies and Lin 1988; Davies et al. 1987a, b; Davies and Delsignore 1987; Davies 1987), and trigger autophagy and/or apoptosis (Chan et al. 2012; Dunlop et al. 2011). An important consequence of oxidative (and other) covalent protein modifications can be the potential immunogenicity of the modified proteins (Eggleton et al. 2013), especially if antibodies directed against neo-epitopes cross-react with native, unmodified proteins, breaking immune tolerance (Griffiths 2008; Omersel et al. 2008, 2011; van Beers et al. 2011; Sauerborn et al. 2010; Jiskoot et al. 2009; Schellekens and Jiskoot 2006). Here, autoantibody generation may lead to autoimmune disorders. Analogous to endogenous proteins, therapeutic proteins may be subject to oxidation in vivo (i.e., after administration to the patient) though potential oxidation reactions of therapeutic proteins in vivo will likely be restricted to the extracellular space. The potential for immunogenicity is, therefore, not only an issue for endogenous proteins but also for the development and safe delivery of protein therapeutics (van Beers et al. 2011; Sauerborn et al. 2010; Jiskoot et al. 2009; Schellekens and Jiskoot 2006).
The maxillofacial rehabilitation of President Grover Cleveland and Dr. Sigmund Freud

Cleveland and Freud lived 16 and 15 years, respectively, after maxillofacial surgery. Case histories of these two men show the need for rehabilitation of patients with orofacial defects.
A Review of Peer Social Development in Early Childhood

This article provides a clear and informative review of the literature on young children's peer social development. Implications of social‐learning theory are addressed as well as numerous findings of empirical research in this area. Themes well‐documented in the literature include (a) child/peer versus child/adult interactions, (b) incorporation of toys and games, (c) influence of mothers, and (d) gender peer preferences. However, several important areas currently lack copious empirical support, such as (a) the role fathers play in children's social development, (b) racial/cultural differences, and (c) mixed‐age group interaction. Additional research concerning these topics is warranted to further the general understanding of the social development process.
Symposium on trauma in otolaryngology. I. Injuries to the facial nerve.

Facial nerve injuries are important to recognize in terms of etiology and degree of loss of facial function. The first examiner after the injury has an important function to serve because his observations may be crucial to definitive management. The mode of injury gives insight into management. A knowledge of the physiology of nerve repair is helpful in determining the optimum time of neurorrhaphy. There are nuances in operative technique which are helpful in gaining maximum return of facial nerve function when repair is necessary.
Mixed mode crack-tip fields in monolithic ceramics

Asymptotic and full field finite element solutions are given for a semi-infinite planar crack in a monolithic ceramic subjected to remote mixed mode loading. The material is assumed to undergo damage in the form of elastic degradation as a result of stable microcracking. Microcracks are assumed to be preferentially oriented normal to the direction of maximum tension. An outcome of the analysis is that microcracks shield the crack tip less effectively under mode II than under mode I conditions. Other issues addressed concern the relation between the mixities of the applied loads and the near-tip fields, the path-independence of the J integral, the validity of deformation theories of damage under proportional loading, and the conditions for dominance of the singular near-tip fields.
Evaluation and Treatment of Overactive Bladder after History of Cancer Treatment

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is a common condition associated with a lower quality of life. It poses a significant health burden to patients and cost to the health care system. The etiology of OAB symptoms after cancer treatment may be idiopathic or neurogenic. Pelvic surgery and radiation are associated with neurogenic changes that can cause OAB symptoms. Comprehensive evaluation is indicated in this high-risk group. Management of OAB symptoms is patient centered with a focus on initiating therapy with the fewest side effects that are reversible. Behavioral, medical therapy, botulinum injections, sacral neuromodulation (SNM), percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), and urinary reconstruction will be discussed. An in-depth discussion about each of the treatment options will assist in selecting the optimal treatment.
Bayesian quantile regression methods

This paper is a study of the application of Bayesian Exponentially Tilted Empirical Likelihood to inference about quantile regressions. In the case of simple quantiles we show the exact form for the likelihood implied by this method and compare it with the Bayesian bootstrap and with Jereys’ method. For regression quantiles we derive the asymptotic form of the posterior density. We also examine MCMC simulations with a proposal density formed from an overdispersed version of the limiting normal density. We show that the algorithm works well even in models with an endogenous regressor when the instruments are not too weak.
Low power correlation detector for binary FSK direct-conversion receivers

A multiplierless binary FSK detector with 82 dB of dynamic range is presented. The proposed detector is well suited to low power direct-conversion receivers used in wireless communications systems employing FSK modulation.
Biomarker geochemistry of the Miocene Monterey Formation, West San Joaquin Basin, California: Implications for petroleum generation

Abstract Much of the Miocene Monterey Formation of California is rich in biogenic sediment, especially organic matter and silica. Because of the geologic structure, the Monterey in the subsurface near Lost Hills in the San Joaquin Basin forms a natural laboratory for the study of the diagenetic responses of these materials. Rocks of similar age and lithology are buried to depths ranging between 500 and 3500 m, and are thus exposed to a temperature range of 45–130°C. The diagenetic progression of silica from opal-A to opal-CT to microquartz is well-documented in Monterey burial history studies. However, diagenetic indicators need to be established below the depth of complete conversion of opal-CT to quartz, which may be very shallow (1500 m or less at Lost Hills). Conventional maturity indicators are problematic. The scarcity of vitrinite in many Monterey samples hampers reflectance measurements. In addition, values that are measured may be anomalously low. Maximum pyrolysis temperatures are depressed, due in part to high heavy bitumen content. Biomarker geochemistry provides effective alternative maturity indicators. Of particular interest are the stereochemical variations observed in the assemblages of steranes and triterpanes extracted from oil well core samples. For example, the 20S/20R ratio of 5α(H), 14α(H), 17α(H)-24-ethylcholestane increases from 0.09 to 0.56 over the depth range cited. Samples from petroleum accumulation zones are distinguished by anomalously mature biomarker assemblages considering their depth of burial. This indicates that these bitumens are as mature as the deepest non-production zone sample (3430 m), even though they are from much shallower depths (580–1572 m). Other maturity (and/or migration) indicators confirm this, such as the relative increases in amounts of 14β(H), 17β(H)-steranes, rearranged steranes and tricyclic terpanes. Thus, it appears that any immature indigenous bitumen in production zone samples is overwhelmed by a mature component, which presumably migrated updip, from deeper, warmer strata. Since much oil is produced from shallow, organic-rich fractured Monterey shales, early in situ generation has previously been hypothesized. However, while both source and reservoir rock are lithologically similar and lie within the same formation, biomarker geochemistry indicates that substantial generation occurs only in deeply buried Monterey shales.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY AND THE SENSITIVITY OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER TO AN ALKYLATING AGENT

Abstract The lowest dietary concentrations of cholesterol, choline, nicotinic acid, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine·HCl and riboflavin that yield adult males whose longevity and fertility are sufficient for mutation studies were defined for the Canton-S strain of Drosophila melanogaster . Because the combined physiological indices indicated that the severities of the individual nutritional deficiencies were quantitatively similar, comparisons were made using the summed data for males fed deficient or optimal concentrations of the test nutrients. Compared to the broods of untreated control males, the incidence of unhatched eggs was higher in brood 1 of three 4-day broods and the frequencies of larval and pupal mortality were lower in all three broods derived from two day old untreated males raised on deficient diets. Dietary deficiencies apparently modify sperm function and the expression of paternal genes in the progeny. According to the frequencies of induced dominant lethal mutations, dominant lethals blocking fertilization or embryonic events were more frequent in brood 1 sperm of Trenimon-treated males raised on deficient diets than in brood 1 sperm from control-treated males; however, dominant lethals terminating larval development in brood 1, 2 and 3 progeny and pupal development in brood 1 offspring were more prevalent in the sperm of control-treated males. Lower frequencies of X-chromosomal recessive lethal mutations were found in brood 1 and 2 of deficient Trenimon-treated males than in the corresponding broods of treated-control males. Dietary deficiencies for the test nutrients are proposed to be inhibitory to the repair system that heals the broken chromosomal ends formed by Trenimon in the sperm of males of D. melanogaster .
IFT80 is essential for chondrocyte differentiation by regulating Hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways.

Partial mutation of intraflagellar transport 80 (IFT80) in humans causes Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD) and short-rib polydactyly (SRP) syndrome type III. These diseases are autosomal recessive chondrodysplasias that share clinical similarities, including shortened long bones and constricted thoracic cage. However, the role and mechanism of IFT80 in the regulation of chondrocyte differentiation and function remain largely unknown. We hypothesize that IFT80 is required for the formation and function of cilia and plays a critical role in chondrogenic differentiation by regulating Hedgehog (Hh) and Wingless (Wnt) signaling pathways. To test this hypothesis, we first analyzed the IFT80 expression pattern and found that IFT80 was predominantly expressed in growth plate chondrocytes and during chondrogenic differentiation. Silencing IFT80 impaired cilia formation and chondrogenic differentiation in mouse bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSCs), and decreased the expression of chondrocyte marker genes—collagen II and aggrecan. Additionally, silencing IFT80 down-regulated Hh signaling activity whereas up-regulated Wnt signaling activity. The overexpression of Gli2 in IFT80-silenced cells promoted chondrogenesis and recovered the chondrogenic deficiency from IFT80 silencing. Overall, our results demonstrate that IFT80 is essential for chondrocyte differentiation by regulating the Hh and Wnt signaling pathways.
Proxy plant valuation methods for demand-side utility programs

Abstract Methods for valuing demand-side utility programs are discussed for load impacts large enough to require changes in the utility resource plan. The valuation period is divided into subperiods for which different rules are appropriate. The principal feature of the methods discussed is the identification of a deferrable resource, or proxy plant, which is used to determine value. Proxy plants determine value either on the basis of their own costs or the value they produce through reduced operating costs. Both approaches are discussed in the context of case studies. Proxy plant methods are compared with other valuation methods.
Cryoreduction EPR and 13C, 19F ENDOR study of substrate-bound substates and solvent kinetic isotope effects in the catalytic cycle of cytochrome P450cam and its T252A mutant.

We recently used cryoreduction EPR/ENDOR techniques to show that a substrate can modulate the properties of both the monooxygenase active-oxygen intermediates and of the proton-delivery network which encompasses them. In the present report we use Q-band pulsed 19F ENDOR (Mims 3-pulse sequence) to examine the substrate binding geometries of camphor (a), through use of the 5,5′--difluorocamphor (c), and 13C ENDOR to examine the binding of 5-methylenyl camphor (b) labeled with 13C at C11 (Chart 1). These probes are examined in multiple states of the catalytic cycle of P450cam and its T252A mutant. As part of this investigation we further report a new cryoreduction reaction, the reduction of a ferroheme to the EPR-visible Fe(I) state, and use it to probe the substrate binding to the EPR-silent ferroheme state. Finally we report the solvent kinetic isotope effect on the decay of the camphor complex of the hydroperoxo-ferric intermediate, the first such measurement on an individual step within the P450cam reaction cycle. Following reduction of oxyferrous-P450cam, this step is the rate-limiting step in camphor hydroxylation, and its solv-KIE of 1.8 at 190 K establishes that it involves activation of the hydroperoxo moiety by transfer of the ‘second’ proton of catalysis. We suggest that the finding that the heme pocket can exist in multiple substates, including multiple substrate binding locations, even in P450cam, along with the established possibility that the hydroperoxo-ferriheme intermediate can react with substrate, may explain the formation of multiple products by P450s.
Estimate Freeway Exit Sign Locations

ABSTRACT Considering that a driver decides to exit a highway upon seeing the guide sign upstream of an exit, subsequently the driver in an inside lane or the middle lanes must move onto the outside lane prior to exiting. The concern is whether the driver can accomplish this task safely and smoothly. It is apparent that an upstream exit sign cannot be placed too close to an exit or too far beyond several exits upstream. The MUTCD recommends that the sign should be placed 1 mile and 2 miles upstream of an exit without explaining the reasons for selecting the 1 mile distance. By integrating driver decisions, vehicle acceleration characteristics, tire-road traction into a single analytic framework, the location upstream of an exit where an exit sign should be installed is determined for a driver to get off at the right exit successfully. Practitioners can easily apply these user friendly formulae and equations derived from the framework to compute the required distance ‘D’ between a highway exit and an upstream exit sign for guiding drivers to exit the highway safely. Additionally, parameters for these formulae can be adjusted to resemble various exiting scenarios.
Fluorometric determination of chlorzoxazone in tablets and biological fluids.

A fluorometric determination for chlorzoxazone was developed based on the intrinsic drug fluorescence in chloroform using excitation and emission wavelengths of 286 and 310 nm, respectively. A calibration curve for chlorzoxazone in chloroform gave a linear working range of 0.027-2.3 μg/ml (r = 0.9999) with the minimum detectability at 27 ng/ml. The procedure was applied to chlorzoxazone analysis in spiked plasma and urine samples. Minimum detectable drug levels in these samples were 60 and 130 ng/ml, respectively. Data revealed that chlorzoxazone could be determined in plasma and urine even in the presence of 20-fold molar excesses of its major metabolite, 6-hydroxy-chlorzoxaxone, and acetaminophen. The method also was applicable to chlorzoxazone analysis in a commercial dosage form containing acetaminophen.
Melatonin concentrations in the sudden infant death syndrome.

To examine a possible relationship between pineal function and the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), samples of whole blood, ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or vitreous humor (VH) were obtained at autopsy from 68 infants (45 male, 23 female) whose deaths were attributed to either SIDS (n = 32, 0.5-5.0 months of age; mean plus or minus S.E.M., 2.6 plus or minus 0.2 months) or other causes (non-SIDS, n = 36, 0.3-8.0 months of age 4.3 plus or minus 0.3 months). The melatonin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. A significant correlation was observed for melatonin levels in different body fluids from the same individual. After adjusting for age differences, CSF melatonin levels were significantly lower among the SIDS infants (91 plus or minus 29 pmol/l; n = 32) than among those dying from other causes (180 plus or minus 27; n = 35, P less than 0.05). A similar, but non-significant trend was also noted in blood (97 plus or minus 23, n = 30 vs. 144 plus or minus 22 pmol/l, n = 33) and vitreous humor (68 plus or minus 21, n = 10 vs. 81 plus or minus 17 pmol/l, n = 15). These differences do not appear to be explainable in terms of the interval between death and autopsy, gender, premortem infection, or therapeutic measures instituted prior to death. Diminished melatonin production may be characteristic of SIDS and could represent an impairment in the maturation of physiologic circadian organization.
Separation of Permanent Gases by Open Tubular Adsorption Columns

IN conjunction with investigations aimed at reducing the size, weight, and carrier gas consumption of a space-borne chromatograph for breathing atmosphere analysis, an open tubular (Golay) adsorption column, capable of separating fixed gases, has been designed. Separation was achieved for hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and methane. Base-line resolution of oxygen and nitrogen was obtained as shown in Fig. 1. So far as I know, the separation of permanent gases with coated open tubular columns has not yet been reported.
CIMPle origin for promoter hypermethylation in colorectal cancer

The proposal that a distinct subset of colorectal cancers show a marked propensity for promoter CpG island DNA methylation and associated gene silencing has been hotly debated. A new study takes an unbiased approach and not only strongly concludes that a CpG island methylator phenotype exists, but also offers new markers to define a concept that could teach much about the origins of cancer.
Crash analysis of lower extremity injuries in children restrained in forward-facing car seats during front and rear impacts.

This article presents research results on children between 1 and 4 years old who sustained lower extremity injuries while restrained in forward-facing car seats. The research reconstructed and analyzed crash data from the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network to better understand the mechanisms involved. To better understand crash and injury characteristics, the authors analyzed data from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) database. Results from the crash reconstruction data showed that the likely mechanism for lower extremity injury was contact between front seatbacks and the legs. The CDS database identified 15 children who sustained lower extremity injuries in a forward-facing child seat that was typically positioned in the rear seat (13 out of 15) and involved in a frontal collision (11 out of 15). Several other children (5 out of 15) sustained injuries from being either unbelted or improperly secured in forward-facing car seats. Injury Severity Scores (ranging from 5 to 50) showed wide variance.
Light as a central modulator of circadian rhythms, sleep and affect

Light has profoundly influenced the evolution of life on earth. As widely appreciated, light enables us to generate images of our environment. However, light - through intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) - also influences behaviours that are essential for our health and quality of life but are independent of image formation. These include the synchronization of the circadian clock to the solar day, tracking of seasonal changes and the regulation of sleep. Irregular light environments lead to problems in circadian rhythms and sleep, which eventually cause mood and learning deficits. Recently, it was found that irregular light can also directly affect mood and learning without producing major disruptions in circadian rhythms and sleep. In this Review, we discuss the indirect and direct influence of light on mood and learning, and provide a model for how light, the circadian clock and sleep interact to influence mood and cognitive functions.
A possible close supermassive black-hole binary in a quasar with optical periodicity

Quasars have long been known to be variable sources at all wavelengths. Their optical variability is stochastic and can be due to a variety of physical mechanisms; it is also well-described statistically in terms of a damped random walk model. The recent availability of large collections of astronomical time series of flux measurements (light curves) offers new data sets for a systematic exploration of quasar variability. Here we report the detection of a strong, smooth periodic signal in the optical variability of the quasar PG 1302−102 with a mean observed period of 1,884 ± 88 days. It was identified in a search for periodic variability in a data set of light curves for 247,000 known, spectroscopically confirmed quasars with a temporal baseline of about 9 years. Although the interpretation of this phenomenon is still uncertain, the most plausible mechanisms involve a binary system of two supermassive black holes with a subparsec separation. Such systems are an expected consequence of galaxy mergers and can provide important constraints on models of galaxy formation and evolution.
THE HAMILTONIAN ALGEBRAS OF CARTAN TYPE IN CHARACTERISTIC 0

Let F be a field of characteristic 0. In this paper, we study algebras of Cartan type over F, which is a class of infinite dimensional Lie algebras. These algebras are sets of the images of DH where DH (α) = ∑ i = 1 n {∂−i (α)∂ i − ∂ i (α)∂−i} for all α in the field F(x 1,…,xn , x −1,…,x −n ), and occur as subalgebras of the Lie algebra of derivations of the field of rational functions. An algebra of this type has a unique minimal ideal and the size of is quite large. In fact, many simple subalgebras of algebras of type are in .
Fuzzy intersection equations

Abstract We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the solution of a system of fuzzy intersection equations. We also give an algorithm for the solution of such a system. We apply the results to fuzzy graph theory and to fuzzy commutative algebra.
Effect of nanostructure, oxidative pressure and extent of oxidation on model carbon reactivity

Abstract Oxidation kinetics and fringe analysis studies of three “model” carbons, ranging from fullerenic to onion-like nanostructures and a reference diesel soot were performed in a thermogravimetric analyzer. The samples were oxidized isothermally at temperatures ranging from 575 to 775 °C in air. Multiple tests were performed to obtain the most favorable operating conditions to minimize mass-transfer diffusion limitations in the experiments. First-order reaction kinetics and an Arrhenius-type equation were used to extract the rate constants at each temperature. The activation energies for the oxidation of the carbon samples ranges from 124 to 204 kJ/mol, and it was approximately 140 kJ/mol for the reference diesel soot sample. The onion-like structure exhibited a slower kinetic rate compared to the other carbons. Similar kinetic parameters were found for “intermediate structure” model carbon and reference diesel soot. Fringe analysis explained the differences in the kinetic parameters between carbon samples studied. The onion-like carbon “nascent” sample had a broader range of lamellae length with smaller tortuosity distribution, suggesting stacking; the “nascent” fullerenic carbon had much shorter mean lamella length distribution and broader tortuosity, suggesting more curvature. Nanostructure metrics of the reference diesel soot and intermediate model carbon were between the other two carbons. Results confirm a structure–property relationship between oxidative reactivity with carbon nanostructure.
Environmental Concerns, Effort and Impact: An Empirical Study

This study investigates the relationship between environmental concern, environmental effort and their impact on company performance. Results based on survey data from sixty companies indicate that there is a positive correlation between environmental concern and effort. In addition, positive correlations between effort and operations efficiency and company image were found. No significant correlation between environmental effort and profit was found. It was observed that top management concern is a key to environmental initiatives. Manufacturing companies seem to have higher concern than those of service companies and expend more effort in reducing pollution, waste recycling etc. However, there is no significant difference in impact on performance between manufacturing and service companies relative to environmental efforts.
Effects of temperature, salinity, and carbon: nitrogen ratio on sequencing batch reactor treating shrimp aquaculture wastewater

In order to improve the water quality in the shrimp aquaculture, we tested a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for the treatment of shrimp wastewater. A SBR is a variation of the activated sludge biological treatment process. This process uses multiple steps in the same tank to take the place of multiple tanks in a conventional treatment system. The SBR accomplishes pH correction, aeration, and clarification in a timed sequence, in a single reactor basin. This is achieved in a simple tank, through sequencing stages, which includes fill, react, settle, decant, and idle. The wastewater from the Waddell Mariculture Center, South Carolina was successfully treated using a SBR. The wastewater contained high concentration of carbon and nitrogen. By operating the reactor sequentially, viz, aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic modes, nitrification and denitrification were achieved as well as removal of carbon. We optimized various environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, and carbon and nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio) for the best performance of SBR. The results indicated that the salinity of 28-40 parts per thousand (ppt), temperature range of 22-37 degrees C, and a C:N ratio of 10:1 produced best results in terms of maximum nitrogen and carbon removal from the wastewater. The SBR system showed promising results and could be used as a viable treatment alternative in the shrimp industry.
Preservation of Normal Lung Regions in the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Analysis by Computed Tomography

In this report, we challenge the commonly held assumption that the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a homogeneous process associated with generalized and relatively uniform damage to the alveolar capillary membrane. We studied 13 patients with ARDS, comparing the pulmonary parenchymal changes seen by standard bedside chest roentgenograms with those seen by computed tomography of the chest. Three patients demonstrated generalized lung involvement by both radiologic techniques. In another eight patients, despite the appearance of generalized involvement on the standard chest x-ray film, the computed tomographic scans showed patchy infiltrates interspersed with areas of normal-appearing lung. Two patients showed patchy involvement by both techniques. The fact that ARDS spares some regions of lung parenchyma is useful knowledge in understanding the gas-exchange abnormalities of ARDS, the variable responsiveness to positive end-expiratory pressure, and the occurrence of oxygen toxicity. The problem of regional inhomogeneity should also be kept in mind when interpreting lung biopsy specimens or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with ARDS. (JAMA1986;255:2463-2465)
Camphor binding by Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P-450

Abstract In this report, a procedure is described for the large-scale purification from the bacterium Pseudomonas putida of two components of the camphor methylene hydroxylase system, cytochrome P-450 and putidaredoxin. The absorption spectra and circular dichroism spectra of oxidized, reduced, and the carbon monoxide-complex forms of cytochrome P-450 in the presence and absence of camphor are shown. The heme iron of cytochrome P-450 is in a high-spin state with five unpaired electrons in the presence of camphor and a low-spin state with one unpaired electron in the absence of camphor as determined by magnetic susceptibility and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements, respectively. Cations are shown to potentiate camphor binding by cytochrome P-450; in the presence of 0.1 m KCl, the association constant of camphor and cytochrome P-450 is 0.47 ± 0.07 × 106 m −1. A possible mode of interaction of camphor, cations, and cytochrome P-450 is discussed. The specific activity of cytochrome P-450, as measured by the rate of oxygen utilization in the presence of an excess of the other components of the camphor methylene hydroxylase system, is 600 nmoles/min/nmole of cytochrome P-450. Anaerobic titration of cytochrome P-450 with Na2S2O4 indicates that cytochrome P-450 is a one-electron acceptor. A possible reaction mechanism of cytochrome P-450 in the interaction of substrate and oxygen in the hydroxylation reaction is presented.
Nonlinear kernels of the human ERG

In this paper we examine the use of a symmetric binary random stimulus for eliciting the ERG, and for calculating the first-order and second-order kernels of a nonlinear functional expansion of the response. We show that if the stimulus is represented in a non-dimensional form, then the units in which all kernels are measured are the same as the units used to measure the response, microvolts in the case of the ERG: further, contributions from all kernels to the response can be added without scale factors. We present the first-order and second-order kernels measured for a population of 15 normal subjects in a clinical setting. The measurements were made at various levels of adaptation ranging from photopic to scotopic conditions. The second-order kernels illustrate the processes of rapid adaptation (<100 ms) in the retina.
Potential function model of hydrogen bonded sulfur systems

Abstract The Schroeder-Lippincott potential function model of the hydrogen bond has been used to study the properties of O-H⋯O, O⋯H ⋯ S, S-H⋯O, S-H⋯S inter and intra molecular hydrogen bonds. This model predicts comparable inter molecular bond strengths and frequency shifts for O-H⋯O and O-H⋯S, although intra molecular bonded O-H⋯S bond strengths and frequency shifts will be larger than those of the O-H⋯O bond. S-H⋯O and S-H⋯S inter and intra hydrogen bonds are weaker than O-H⋯S, but intra molecular S-H⋯O bonds are comparable in bond strength to OH⋯O intra bonds. The theoretical predictions have been compared to experimental results when available.
Realistic quantum probability

A mathemetical framework for a realistic quantum probability theory is presented. The basic elements of this framework are measurements and amplitudes. Definitions of the various concepts are motivated by guidelines from the path integral formalism for quantum mechanics. The operational meaning of these concepts is discussed. Superpositions of amplitude functions are investigated and superselection sectors are shown to occur in a natural way. It is shown that this framework includes traditional nonrelativistic quantum mechanics as a special case. Proofs of most of the theorems will appear elsewhere.
Change in Bid‐Ask Spread Around Earnings Announcements of U.S. — Listed Foreign Firms

Prior studies find increased bid‐ask spread around earnings announcements of U.S. firms. These findings show that increased adverse selection cost is the dominant factor affecting bid‐ask spread. Using a sample of foreign firms that are cross‐listed on Nasdaq as American Depositary Receipts, we find that there is significant decrease in bid‐ask spread around earnings announcements of these foreign firms. The results suggest that increased trading volume is the dominant factor affecting the bid‐ask spread of American Depositary Receipts around earnings announcements.
FUNGAL ORIGIN BY HORIZONTAL TRANSFER OF A PLANT MITOCHONDRIAL GROUP I INTRON IN THE CHIMERIC COXI GENE OF PEPEROMIA

We present phylogenetic evidence that a group I intron in an angiosperm mitochondrial gene arose recently by horizontal transfer from a fungal donor species. A 1,716-bp fragment of the mitochondrial coxI gene from the angiosperm Peperomia polybotrya was amplified via the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Comparison to other coxI genes revealed a 966-bp group I intron, which, based on homology with the related yeast coxI intron aI4, potentially encodes a 279-amino-acid site-specific DNA endonuclease. This intron, which is believed to function as a ribozyme during its own splicing, is not present in any of 19 coxI genes examined from other diverse vascular plant species. Phylogenetic analysis of intron origin was carried out using three different tree-generating algorithms, and on a variety of nucleotide and amino acid data sets from the intron and its flanking exon sequences. These analyses show that the Peperomia coxI gene intron and exon sequences are of fundamentally different evolutionary origin. The Peperomia intron is more closely related to several fungal mitochondrial introns, two of which are located at identical positions in coxI, than to identically located coxI introns from the land plant Marchantia and the green alga Prototheca. Conversely, the exon sequence of this gene is, as expected, most closely related to other angiosperm coxI genes. These results, together with evidence suggestive of co-conversion of exonic markers immediately flanking the intron insertion site, lead us to conclude that the Peperomia coxI intron probably arose by horizontal transfer from a fungal donor, using the double-strand-break repair pathway. The donor species may have been one of the symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi that live in close obligate association with most plants.
The Effect of Food-Pellet Reinforcement on Rats' Rates of Lever Pressing for 1% Sucrose Reinforcers across Several “Contrast” Procedures

Abstract Recent research has indicated that food-pellet reinforcement, when upcoming in the second half of a session, increases rats' rates of lever pressing for low-concentration liquid-sucrose reinforcement in the first half (i.e., induction). The present study determined the effect of food-pellet reinforcement on responding for 1% sucrose across different “contrast” procedures. Experiment 1 employed a successivecontrast procedure and found that food-pellet reinforcement produced negative contrast (i.e., decreased responding). Experiment 2 employed one type of simultaneous-contrast procedure and found that food-pellet reinforcement produced neither contrast nor induction. Experiment 3 employed a procedure similar to those used in studies of behavioral contrast and found that food pellets produced an induction effect for responding for 1% sucrose. Because the above procedures differ in whether they employ between- or within-subject designs, Experiment 4 used both to determine the effect of delivering food-pellet reinforcement in one half of the session on response rates for 1% sucrose in the other half. It increased sucrose-reinforced response rates similarly in both designs. The present results make an empirical contribution to our knowledge of contrast/induction effects. They also outline the challenge for theories trying to account for results across different procedures.