cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring Lossy Compression of Gene Expression Matrices

Gene Expression Matrices (GEMs) are a fundamental data type in the genomics domain. As the size and scope of genomics experiments increase, researchers are struggling to process large GEMs through downstream workflows with currently accepted practices. In this paper, we propose a methodology to reduce the size of GEMs using multiple approaches. Our method partitions data into discrete fields based on data type and employs state-of-the-art lossless and lossy compression algorithms to reduce the input data size. This work explores a variety of lossless and lossy compression methods to determine which methods work the best for each component of a GEM. We evaluate the accuracy of the compressed GEMs by running them through the Knowledge Independent Network Construction (KINC) workflow and comparing the quality of the resulting gene co-expression network with a lossless control to verify result fidelity. Results show that utilizing a combination of lossy and lossless compression results in compression ratios up to 9.77× on a Yeast GEM, while still preserving the biological integrity of the data. Usage of the compression methodology on the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia(CCLE) GEM resulted in compression ratios up to 9.26×. By using this methodology, researchers in the Genomics domain may be able to process previously inaccessible GEMs while realizing significant reduction in computational costs.
Synthesis and Investigation of the Abiotic Formation of Pyonitrins A-D

Pyonitrins A-D are recently isolated natural products from the insect-associated Pseudomonas protegens strain, which were isolated from complex fractions that exhibited antifungal activity via an in vivo murine candidiasis assay. Genomic studies of Pseudomonas protegens suggested that pyonitrins A-D are formed via a spontaneous nonenzymatic reaction between biosynthetic intermediates of two well-known natural products pyochelin and pyrrolnitrin. Herein we have accomplished the first biomimetic total synthesis of pyonitrins A-D in three steps and studied the nonenzymatic formation of the pyonitrins using 15N NMR spectroscopy.
T d to 1 T ′ structural phase transition in the WTe 2 Weyl semimetal

Elastic neutron scattering on a single crystal combined with powder x-ray diffraction measurements were carried out to investigate how the crystal structure evolves as a function of temperature in the Weyl semimetal $\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{Te}}_{2}$. A sharp transition from the low-temperature orthorhombic phase (${T}_{d}$) to the high-temperature monoclinic phase ($1{T}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) was observed at ambient pressure in the single crystal near $\ensuremath{\sim}565$ K. Unlike in ${\mathrm{MoTe}}_{2}$, the solid-solid transition from ${T}_{d}$ to $1{T}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ occurs without the cell doubling of the intermediate ${T}_{d}^{*}$ phase with AABB (or ABBA) layer stacking. In powders, however, the thermal transition from the ${T}_{d}$ to the $1{T}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ phase was broadened and a two-phase coexistence was observed until 700 K, well above the structural transition.
Optimization of the electron transport layer in quantum dot light-emitting devices

Quantum dot light-emitting devices have emerged as an important technology for display applications. Their emission is a result of recombination between positive and negative charge carriers that are transported through the hole and electron conductive layers, respectively. The selection of electron or hole transport materials in these devices not only demands the alignment of energy levels between the layers but also balances the flow of electrons and holes toward the recombination sites. In this work, we examine a method for device optimization through control of the charge carrier kinetics. We employ impedance spectroscopy to examine the mobility of charge carriers through each of the layers. The derived mobility values provide a path to estimate the transition time of each charge carrier toward the emitting layer. We suggest that an optimal device structure can be obtained when the transition times of both charge carriers toward the active layer are similar. Finally, we examine our hypothesis by focusing on thickness optimization of the electron transport layer. Next-generation displays that use tiny semiconductor nanoparticles known as quantum dots to bolster color accuracy can reduce their power demands by following a new optimization procedure. To stimulate quantum dots to emit light, researchers typically sandwich them between two films that conduct either positive or negative charge. Now, Prashant Kamat from the University of Notre Dame in the United States and co-workers have developed an analytical technique that can predict the best arrangements of such sandwich-type structures. The team measured the speed of charge movement in the films with electrochemical spectroscopy, and then correlated the results with thickness measurements taken with electron microscopy. Their findings indicated that the dots were most efficient at converting electricity into light when film thicknesses were tweaked, so positive and negative charges moved toward the quantum dots at similar speeds. Quantum dot LED (light-emitting diode) optimization through the control of charge carriers’ kinetics is presented using impedance spectroscopy. The mobility of charge carriers through each one of the layers provide a path to estimate the transition time of each one of the charge carriers toward the emitting layer. By focusing on thickness optimization of electron transferring layer we can control the transition time of charge carriers and maximize radiative recombination.
The Translational Approaches to Personalized Health Collaborative: Pharmacogenomics for African American Older Adults.

Older adults (i.e., 60 years and older), are the leading consumers of medications, and consequently are suffering the most from medication-related adverse events. Not only are older adults the largest consumers of medications, they are more likely to experience an adverse drug event contributing to increased hospitalization, utilization of emergency medical services, and mortality. Translational Approaches to Personalized Health (TAPH) is a transdisciplinary team of researchers conducting community-engaged participatory research focused on the discovery and translation of pharmacogenomic (PGx) data to improve health outcomes. Underserved and ethnically diverse older adults living in urban settings are significantly under-represented in PGx studies. To address the issue of under-representation, our study enrolls older African American adults into a community-based PGx study. Therefore, we will characterize the frequency of actionable PGx genotypes and identify novel PGx response genes in our cohort of older community dwelling African Americans. The translational component of our work is to use the PGx findings to improve therapeutic outcomes for medication management in older adults. Such findings will serve as a foundation for translational PGx studies aimed at improving medication efficacy and safety for older adults. In this article, we describe the process for launching the TAPH collaborative group, which includes the transdisciplinary team, community-engaged participatory research model, study measures, and the evaluation of PGx genes.
Needs to Prepare for "Post-COVID-19 Syndrome".

While attention has focused in many states and countries on the initial acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and on lowering rates of infection and deaths, evidence suggests that among many survivo...
Key Informants’ Perspectives on Implementing a Comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program in a Safety Net Healthcare System: Leadership, Successes, and Barriers

Implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in a safety net healthcare system is challenging. This study examined factors associated with feasibility and potential facilitators and barriers which might affect the implementation of a new evidence-based comprehensive primary care and community health-based program aiming to promote efficient and equitable delivery of Lung Cancer Screening and Tobacco Cessation (LCS-TC). Fifty-three key informants were interviewed. Informants discussed their perceptions of adoption of screening and appropriate referral practices across 15 community health centers. They also identified barriers and facilitators to implementing the LCS-TC program. Interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Three major themes representing facilitators and barriers were identified: (1) Allocation of resources and services coverage; (2) need for a collaborative process to engage stakeholders and identify champions; and (3) stakeholders need different types of evidence to support implementation. The top three activities identified as essential for success included provision of sufficient resources for radiologic screening (30%); using non-physician staff for screening (30%); and minimizing the time healthcare providers need to contribute (23%). Conversely, the top three barriers were lack of resources for screening and treatment (60%); insufficient time to address complex patient problems (36%); and perceived lack of patient buy-in (30%). Models for EBP implementation provide stepwise guidance; however, particular contextual factors act as facilitators or barriers to the process. Findings inform EBP implementation efforts regarding resources and key barriers to success around organizational-level supports and promotion of suitable EBP programs.
DOCK2 Promotes Pleural Fibrosis by Modulating Mesothelial to Mesenchymal Transition.

Mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MesoMT) is one of the crucial mechanisms underlying pleural fibrosis, which results in restrictive lung disease. DOCK2 plays important roles in immune functions, however, its role in pleural fibrosis particularly MesoMT remains unknown. We found that DOCK2 and the MesoMT maker α-SMA were significantly elevated and colocalized in the thickened pleura of patients with nonspecific pleuritis, suggesting the involvement of DOCK2 in the pathogenesis of MesoMT and pleural fibrosis. Likewise, data from three different pleural fibrosis models (TGF-β, carbon black/bleomycin, and streptococcal empyema) consistently demonstrated DOCK2 upregulation and its colocalization with α-SMA in the pleura. In addition, induced DOCK2 colocalized with the mesothelial marker calretinin, implicating DOCK2 in the regulation of MesoMT. Our in vivo data also showed that DOCK2 knockout mice were protected from Streptococcus pneumoniae induced pleural fibrosis, impaired lung compliance, and collagen deposition. To determine the involvement of DOCK2 in MesoMT, we treated primary human pleural mesothelial cells with the potent MesoMT inducer TGF-β. TGF-β significantly induced DOCK2 expression in a time-dependent manner, along with α-SMA, collagen 1, and fibronectin. Furthermore, DOCK2 knockdown significantly attenuated TGF-β induced α-SMA, collagen 1 and fibronectin expression, suggesting the importance of DOCK2 in TGF-β induced MesoMT. DOCK2 knockdown also inhibited TGF-β induced Snail upregulation, which may account for its role in regulating MesoMT. Taken together, the current study provides evidence that DOCK2 contributes to the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis by mediating MesoMT and deposition of neomatrix and may represent a novel target for its prevention or treatment.
Optimal Control with Weighted Average Costs and Temporal Logic Specifications

We consider optimal control for a system subject to temporal logic constraints. We minimize a weighted average cost function that generalizes the commonly used average cost function from discrete-time optimal control. Dynamic programming algorithms are used to construct an optimal trajectory for the system that minimizes the cost function while satisfying a temporal logic specification. Constructing an optimal trajectory takes only polynomially more time than constructing a feasible trajectory. We demonstrate our methods on simulations of autonomous driving and robotic surveillance tasks.
Maternal smokeless tobacco use in Alaska Native women and singleton infant birth size

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of maternal prenatal smokeless tobacco use on infant birth size. DESIGN: A retrospective medical record review of 502 randomly selected deliveries. POPULATION AND SETTING: Singleton deliveries to Alaska Native women residing in a defined geographical region in western Alaska, 1997-2005. METHODS: A regional medical center's electronic records were used to identify singleton deliveries. Data on maternal tobacco exposure and pregnancy outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Logistic models were used to estimate adjusted mean birthweight, length and head circumference for deliveries to women who used no tobacco (n=121), used smokeless tobacco (n=237) or smoked cigarettes (n=59). Differences in mean birthweight, length and head circumference, 95% confidence intervals and p-values were calculated using non-users as the reference group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Infant birthweight, crown-heel length and head circumference. RESULTS: After adjustment for gestational age and other potential confounders, the mean birthweight of infants of smokeless tobacco users was reduced by 78 g compared with that of infants of non-users (p=0.18) and by 331 g in infants of smokers (p<0.01). No association was found between maternal smokeless tobacco use and infant length or infant head circumference. CONCLUSIONS: We found a modest but non-significant reduction in the birthweight of infants of smokeless tobacco users compared with infants of tobacco non-users. Because smokeless tobacco contains many toxic compounds that could affect other pregnancy outcomes, results of this study should not be construed to mean that smokeless tobacco use is safe during pregnancy.
Soft-landing Monetary Policy, Composite Leading Economic Indicators, and Predicting the 2001 Recession

Since the late 1970s/early 1980s, the entire U.S. economy has gone through some structural changes. Outside of the technological changes, the Federal Reserve monetary policies have probably been the main force behind these changes. These policies, known as soft-landing policies, focused on a stable growth in the economy by keeping the inflation low, with the ultimate objective of removing extreme fluctuations. To cope with these structural changes, the composite leading economic indicators have gone through a series of revisions since 1996 (CLI-96) with the objective of improving its quality information for the prediction of the near term state of the economy. In this research we look at two related questions: (1) Have these revisions in CLI-96 captured all the effects of the structural changes on the state of the economy since the early 1980s, or are there still some effects left behind and not captured? (2) Given that the latter part of question (1) is true, can this new information be measured and utilized to produce a better prediction of the near term state of the economy? Our research shows that CLI-96 did not capture all the effects of the structural changes in the economy. When the probability distribution of the CLI-96 growth rates for the expansion periods since 1983 is used, the two methodologies of the classical statistical decision theory and the Bayesian have predicted the 2001 recession correctly, but the overall reliability of their predictions has deteriorated. Overall, it can be concluded that the severity of the 2001 recession is more comparable to the economic slowdowns of 1993 and 1996 than to the recession of 1990.
US Corporate Tax Reform: Why is a Worldwide Tax System Absent from the Debate?

Reform of the U.S. international tax policy is under consideration in Congress. Policymakers are concerned with both reducing tax disincentives to repatriate earnings to the U.S. and with constraining business tactics to move U.S. income offshore. We argue that to achieve significant tax reform, policymakers should generate reform alternatives based on ideas that are shared across partisan and ideological divides. The common ground among political perspectives includes broadening the tax base and lowering tax rates, simplifying the tax code, and assuring U.S. corporations pay their fair share while remaining competitive in the global economy. Most proposals are centered on changing the current tax system into a territorial system rather than preserving some form of worldwide system. Informed by recent research, we present arguments favoring a burden-neutral worldwide tax system as the basis for U.S. international income tax reform.
The Fractionation of Glycerinated Cilia by Adenosine Triphosphate

At low concentrations of ATP glycerinated cilia swell, as indicated by an increase in packed volume after low speed centrifugation. At high concentrations of ATP partial dissolution occurs. The soluble proteins thus obtained were resolved by sucrose density gradient sedimentation. Three major peaks were obtained: a nonadenosine triphosphatase protein sedimenting at 4 S; an ATPase of low specific activity sedimenting at 14 S; and an ATPase of high specific activity and high substrate specificity sedimenting at 30 S. The pellet remaining after extraction contained ciliary membranes and outer fiber pairs, and had ATPase activity of low specific activity and low substrate specificity. After extraction with high ATP the residual pellet no longer swelled in response to the addition of a low concentration of ATP. The 30 S protein can recombine functionally with the pellet, as judged by an increase in turbidity which could be reversed by the addition of ATP. The low specific activity, 14 S ATPase is activated by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, but the 30 S ATP is not. Both ATPases are activated by Mg++ and by Ca++. The fractions obtained by this method resemble those obtained by Gibbons from ethanol- and calcium-isolated cilia by his fractionation procedure.
Correction and optimization of a T2-based approach to map blood oxygenation in small cerebral veins

Purpose Cerebral venous blood oxygenation (Yv) is an important biomarker in brain physiology and function. The present study proposes a procedure to provide a quantitative map of the brain's intravascular Yv. Theory and Methods The method is based on a pulse sequence, T2-Relaxation-Under-Phase-Contrast (TRU-PC) MRI, with postprocessing approaches to correct eddy-current effects. A complete scan protocol consists of four TRU-PC scans sensitized to large and small vessels with anterior–posterior and foot–head flow-encoding directions, and the data are analyzed conjunctively. Eddy-current correction was performed by fitting the tissue phase to a hyperplane, and then subtracting the eddy-current phase from the measured vessel phase. The reproducibility of the Yv-maps was examined in five participants. Sensitivity of the Yv map to a caffeine challenge was studied in another five participants. Results Removal of eddy-current induced artifact allowed for the correction of T2 measurements, as demonstrated in vivo and with simulation. A Yv-map depicting all vessels in the slice can be obtained with the proposed protocol. Test–retest variability of the Yv-map was 3.7 ± 1.2%. Yv reduction can be reliably detected (P < 0.001) following the caffeine ingestion. Conclusion With the proposed TRU-PC protocol and eddy-current correction procedure, an accurate, vessel-specific Yv map of the human brain can be obtained. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Links Between Dust Disks and Exoplanets

Since 1984, roughly 100 main sequence stars within 50 parsecs of the Sun have been identified as possibly possessing replenished, circumstellar dust disks. Optical to submillimeter imaging has resolved disk-like structure around 7 main sequence stars. We review these results, and discuss how they elucidate the existence and properties of exoplanetary systems.
Watermarking applications and their properties

We describe a number of applications of digital watermarking and we examine the common properties of robustness, tamper resistance, fidelity, computational cost and false positive rate. We observe that these properties vary greatly depending on the application. Consequently, we conclude that evaluation of a watermarking algorithm is difficult without first indicating the context in which it is to be applied.
The Loyal Opposition & The Practice of Aikido

Discussions regarding martial arts often focus on the unique manner in which different styles respond to a set of common attacks. Indeed, it is in these unique responses that most martial arts distinguish themselves. However, this paper examines the role of the aggressor during training; specifically, in the martial art of Aikido and draws an analogy between the role of an aggressor during Aikido practice and the actions of a member of the loyal opposition in a democracy. A commitment to a set of rules that govern and protect the participants and a commitment to maintain a rich, creative tension mark both the vibrant interactions of an Aikido dojo and democratic life in a multicultural society.
Laser‐Assisted Tattoo Removal with Topical 5% Imiquimod Cream

BACKGROUND Laser-assisted tattoo removal is effective but can be costly and time-consuming and can result in disfiguring scars and pigment alterations. Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, may play a role in tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical 5% imiquimod cream used daily in conjunction with laser therapy to remove unwanted tattoos. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty subjects with two similar tattoos were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, double-blinded, case-controlled study. Tattoos were treated with either imiquimod or placebo daily and laser therapy every 4 to 6 weeks for a total of six sessions. The primary efficacy parameter was tattoo clearance (5-point scale, poor through complete). Secondary efficacy parameters included textural changes (5-point scale, minimal through severe), pain during and between laser procedures, and undesirable pigment alterations. RESULTS Nineteen subjects completed the study. The mean score for tattoo clearance with imiquimod versus placebo was 3.2 versus 2.9 and, for textural changes, was 1.37 versus 1.21 (differences not statistically significant). There was no difference in subjective pain during and between laser sessions and no undesirable pigment alterations were reported. Adverse reactions were more frequent with imiquimod compared to placebo. CONCLUSION Topical imiquimod is an ineffective adjunct to laser-assisted tattoo removal.
Nanofluidics in Lab-on-a-Chip Devices

As the field of nanofluidics matures, fundamental discoveries are being applied to lab-on-a-chip analyses. The unique behavior of matter at the nanoscale is adding new functionality to devices that integrate nanopores or nanochannels. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, please go to the Analytical Chemistry website at pubs.acs.org/journal/ancham.)
Surface and Electronic Properties of Hydrogen Terminated Si (001) Nanowires

The calculated band gaps reported previously for silicon nanowires (SiNW) have disagreed with the experimental values both in magnitude and in the behavior with radius. We resolve this discrepancy here. We report ab initio quantum mechanical calculations of hydrogen terminated Si (001) nanowires (HSiNWs) asafunctionofdiameter(d) andhydrogencoverage using theB3LYP density functional. For smaller diameters (d e 1.9 nm) we find that the most stable surface is fully saturated with hydrogen leading to directbandgaps.Forlargerdiameters, thesurfacedanglingbonds are notsaturated,leading tosurface LUMO and HOMO states thatlower the gap andlead toan indirectband gap.Thistransition from direct to indirect gap resolves the previous disagreement in the scaling of band gap with diameter. We conclude that the electronic properties of Si NW depend sensitively on controlling the diameter and surface hydrogen coverage.
Heterogeneous distribution of gastric mucosal blood flow with restraint stress in the rat.

Cold water immersion restraint (CWIR) is associated with gastric hypercontractility and gastric corpus erosions in the rat. Because the gastric blood flow response to CWIR has not been well defined, we performed the following study. Rats were implanted with force transducers, subjected to CWIR for 2 hr, and then blood flow was determined by the iodo[14C]antipyrine autoradiographic (IAP) technique. When compared to control animals, the CWIR-treated animals displayed foci of gastric corpus hyperemia with a marked and significant increase in blood flow in all layers of the gastric corpus. There was approximately a 100% increase in the mucosa and a 50% increase in the muscularis externa. The hyperemia was not uniform, but rather alternated every 2.1±0.2 mm with regions of low blood flow. Blood flow in the antrum and duodenum was unaffected by CWIR. We conclude that CWIR is associated with alternating regions of high and low blood flow only in the gastric corpus. Reduction of corpus mucosal blood flow might be due to the powerful gastric contractions associated with CWIR.
Entropy-based parameter estimation for extended Burr XII distribution

Two entropy-based methods, called ordinary entropy (ENT) method and parameter space expansion method (PSEM), both based on the principle of maximum entropy, are applied for estimating parameters of the extended Burr XII distribution. With the parameters so estimated, the Burr XII distribution is applied to six peak flow datasets and quantiles (discharges) corresponding to different return periods are computed. These two entropy methods are compared with the methods of moments (MOM), probability weighted moments (PWM) and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). It is shown that PSEM yields the same quantiles as does MLE for discrete cases, while ENT is found comparable to the MOM and PWM. For shorter return periods (<10–30 years), quantiles (discharges) estimated by these four methods are in close agreement, but the differences amongst them grow as the return period increases. The error in quantiles computed using the four methods becomes larger for return periods greater than 10–30 years.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a new patient-reported outcome instrument measuring the functional impact of insomnia

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a patient-reported outcome instrument to comprehensively assess the consequences of inadequate sleep for use in insomnia-related studies. To inform item development, relevant constructs were identified through patient focus groups, literature review, and expert input. Following a translatability assessment for United States (US) English, US Spanish, and French, the draft items were refined through iterative sets of patient interviews in the United States and France. Psychometric properties were evaluated using patient responses from a validation study including 432 participants with either a diagnosis of primary insomnia or no history of insomnia. Psychometric analyses supported item reduction from 38 to 26 items, yielding a unidimensional scale and preserving the original content (mood, tiredness/energy, memory/concentration, motivation, daily performance, social interaction, sexual functioning). Evidence of internal consistency (coefficient α = 0.97), convergent validity, and known-groups validity also was documented. The Sleep Functional Impact Scale (SFIS) is a psychometrically sound measure targeting the impact of insomnia on patient functioning. When administered with a sleep diary, this instrument has the ability to provide a more comprehensive assessment of treatment response in clinical studies.
Josephson tunneling between a conventional superconductor (Pb) and YBa2Cu3O7-δ

Abstract The symmetry of the order parameter in the high T c cuprates can be probed by investigation of its phase using various squid configurations. Even more simply, an investigation of the overlap of the pair wavefunction of a conventional superconductor with a high T c cuprate should reveal the symmetry of the cuprate. We have been studying this overlap by Josephson tunneling (tunneling as opposed to SNS or weak link) between Pb and YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ . The observation of a Josephson coupling in the c-axis implies the order parameter in the cuprate is not strictly d x 2 -y 2 symmetry. Measurements of the magnetic field dependence of the Josephson current I c (B) allow a direct, d.c. measurement of the low temperature penetration depth. Studies have been performed on twinned and untwinned single crystals and thin films.
Isobaric quartets in nuclei

The present experimental evidence on $T=\frac{3}{2}$ states in nuclei is presented with particular attention to quartets in which the properties of all four members are known. A relation between the masses of the quartet, the isobaric multiplet mass equation, is shown to hold extremely well. The significance of the coefficients of the equation is discussed, and a brief review of the present status of quintets is also presented.
TEXAS AUTOMATED BUOY SYSTEM PROVIDES SITUATIONAL AWARENESS OF WINDS AND CURRENTS ON THE COAST OF TEXAS

Texas has established an operational system that provides observations of wind and currents to the State On-Scene Coordinator. The Texas Automated Buoy System (TABS) began in 1994 with five current...
Use of proton NMR to study low symmetry bonding effects in transition metal complexes

Abstract The 300 MHZ proton NMR chemical shifts of the mixed complex (salicylaldehyde)(acetyl-acetone)ethylenediimino nickel(II) and the two corresponding non-mixed complexes were studied. The differences in chemical shifts were very small, ∼ 0.05 ppm, but by looking at both the mixed and non-mixed species in the same solution relative values could be determined. The differences in chemical shifts were attributed to both a geometry effect and a basicity effect.
Diaphragm disease: complete small bowel obstruction after long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use A case report and review of literature

Diaphragm-like stricture of the small bowel is an infrequent complication of the treatment of patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is part of the spectrum of diseases associated with NSAIDs injury. We report a patient with this condition who had used various forms of NSAIDs for over 20 years. Patient presented with abdominal pain and indigestion. Plain abdominal film revealed small bowel obstruction. Surgical resection of jejunum and proximal part of ileum identified dilated thickened hyperemic mucosa alternating with areas of small bowel fibrotic constriction. The mucosal surface showed multiple pink-tan mucosal folds (circumferential ridges) with focal hemorrhage and edema. Our findings support the local stimulation and damage and reparative process seen with NSAIDs use. A high degree of suspicion and awareness of diaphragm disease is necessary in those patients.
The degradation of platelet-activating factor and related lipids: susceptibility to phospholipases C and D.

1-O-Octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (ET-18-OCH3) is an ether-linked lipid that exhibits selective cytotoxicity toward several types of tumor cells and is relatively inactive toward normal cells under the same conditions of treatment. The mechanism of this selective cytotoxicity is unknown. We conducted studies to determine whether this compound is metabolized by phospholipases C and D and, if so, whether sensitive and resistant cells differ in their ability to degrade ET-18-OCH3 by these enzymes. We have examined the metabolism of the L-isomer of ET-18-OCH3, 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (L-ET-18-OCH3), by lysophospholipase D of rat liver microsomes and by a phospholipase D from the marine bacteriumVibrio damsela. The metabolism of L-ET-18-OCH3 was also examined in cell culture using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, human promyelocytic leukemia cells and human myelocytic leukemia cells. In these studies, L-ET-18-OCH3 and related 1-O-alkyl-linked phosphocholine analogs radiolabeled with3H in the 1-O-alkyl chain were used.
Pest-managing activities of plant extracts and anthraquinones from Cassia nigricans from Burkina Faso

Abstract Insecticidal activity of eight plants collected from Burkina Faso was studied using mosquito ( Ochlerotatus triseriatus ), Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens larvae and adult white fly ( Bemisia tabaci ). The n -hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Pseudocedrela kotschyi , Strophantus hispidus , Securidaca longepedunculata , Sapium grahamii , Swartzia madagascariensis , Cassia nigricans , Jatropha curcas and Datura innoxia were used in this study. Extracts were tested at 250 μg/mL concentration. All three extracts of C. nigricans , J. curcas (skin and seeds) and D. innoxia exhibited 100% mortality on fourth instar mosquito ( O. triseriatus ) larvae. In addition, the n -hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of S. hispidus , S. longepedunculata , S. grahamii showed 100% mortality. The ethyl acetate extract of S. madagascariensis was the most active on adult white fly and exhibited 80% mortality. Extracts of all other plants exhibited 30–50% mortality on B. tabaci . In the antifeedant assays against H. zea and H. virescens , the MeOH extracts of C. nigricans , S. madagascarensis and S. hispidus were more effective against H. zea as indicated by 74% larval weight reduction as compared to the control. Since C. nigricans is commonly used in West Africa to protect grain storage from insects, we have characterized the insecticidal components present in its extract. Bioassay directed isolation of C. nigricans leaf extract yielded anthraquinones emodin, citreorosein, and emodic acid and a flavonoid, luteolin. Emodin, the most abundant and active anthraquinone in C. nigricans showed approximately 85% mortality on mosquito larvae Anopheles gambiaea and adult B. tabaci at 50 and 25 μg/mL, respectively, in 24 h. These results suggest that the extract of C. nigricans has the potential to be used as an organic approach to manage some of the agricultural pests.
A Heuristic Analysis of Quantum Noise Quenching in the Two‐Photon Correlated Emission Laser

We demonstrate how the two-photon correlated emission laser (CEL) can be understood from a simple physical picture in a quasirigorous fashion. We use semiclassical arguments to derive correct expressions for the phase and amplitude diffusion in a simple way. We then illustrate how noise suppression is achieved in the two-photon CEL. Reduktion von Quantenrauschen im Zweiphotonenlaser mit korrelierter Spontanemission. Ein heuristisches Argument Wir erklaren in anschaulichen Bildern die Wirkungsweise des Zweiphotonenlasers mit korrelierter Spontanemission. Mit Hilfe der semiklassischen Lasertheorie leiten wir die bekannten Ausdrucke fur die Phasen- und Amplitudendiffusion ab und geben eine physikalische Begrundung fur die Reduktion des Rauschens im Zweiphotonenlaser.
Integration of the β-Catenin-Dependent Wnt Pathway with Integrin Signaling through the Adaptor Molecule Grb2

BackgroundThe complexity of wnt signaling likely stems from two sources: multiple pathways emanating from frizzled receptors in response to wnt binding, and modulation of those pathways and target gene responsiveness by context-dependent signals downstream of growth factor and matrix receptors. Both rac1 and c-jun have recently been implicated in wnt signaling, however their upstream activators have not been identified.Methodology/Principal FindingsHere we identify the adapter protein Grb2, which is itself an integrator of multiple signaling pathways, as a modifier of β-catenin-dependent wnt signaling. Grb2 synergizes with wnt3A, constitutively active (CA) LRP6, Dvl2 or CA-β-catenin to drive a LEF/TCF-responsive reporter, and dominant negative (DN) Grb2 or siRNA to Grb2 block wnt3A-mediated reporter activity. MMP9 is a target of β-catenin-dependent wnt signaling, and an MMP9 promoter reporter is also responsive to signals downstream of Grb2. Both a jnk inhibitor and DN-c-jun block transcriptional activation downstream of Dvl2 and Grb2, as does DN-rac1. Integrin ligation by collagen also synergizes with wnt signaling as does overexpression of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), and this is blocked by DN-Grb2.Conclusions/SignificanceThese data suggest that integrin ligation and FAK activation synergize with wnt signaling through a Grb2-rac-jnk-c-jun pathway, providing a context-dependent mechanism for modulation of wnt signaling.
Effect of Coating Thickness on the Friction Coefficients and Torque-Tension Relationship in Threaded Fasteners

This paper experimentally investigates the effect of coating thickness on the thread, bearing friction coefficients and torque-tension relationship in threaded fasteners. The torque-tension relationship is highly sensitive frictional changes. Two different coating thicknesses are investigated using two bolt sizes; realtime test data is collected for two ranges of bolt tension. The experimental set up collects real-time data on the tightening torque, bolt tension, and the corresponding reaction torque. Test data is used for calculating the thread and bearing friction coefficients, as well as the overall torque-tension relationship for two different coating thicknesses. The study would provide an insight into the variation of the torque-tension relationship which is a key factor that significantly affect the reliability and safety of bolted assemblies in many mechanical and structural applications.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Geologic Sequestration Software Suite (GS3 ): A collaborative approach to the management of geological GHG storage projects

Abstract Geologic storage projects associated with large anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases (GHG) will have lifecycles that may easily span a century, involve several numerical simulation cycles, and have distinct modeling teams. The process used for numerical simulation of the fate of GHG in the subsurface follows a generally consistent sequence of steps that often are replicated by scientists and engineers around the world. Site data is gathered, assembled, interpreted, and assimilated into conceptualizations of a solid-earth model; assumptions are made about the processes to be modeled; a computational domain is specified and spatially discretized; driving forces and initial conditions are defined; the conceptual models, computational domain, and driving forces are translated into input files; simulations are executed; and results are analyzed. Then, during and after the GHG injection, a continuous monitoring of the reservoir is done and models are updated with the newly collected data. Typically the working files generated during all these steps are maintained on workstations with local backups and archived once the project has concluded along with any modeling notes and records. We are proposing a new concept for supporting the management of full-scale GHG storage projects where collaboration, flexibility, accountability and long-term access will be essential features: The Geologic Sequestration Software Suite, GS 3 .
Alkane mixtures: Comparisons between theory and experiment for the butane–heptane system

Abstract In this work we introduce our continuum integral equation methodology to the study of alkane mixtures. The theory is applied to predict liquid–vapour coexistence properties in the mixed butane–heptane system using a model parameterization based only on the pure fluids. These predictions are in strong agreement with corresponding experimental values available for the mixture, including temperature–composition phase envelopes, and temperature–pressure phase diagrams spanning a wide region of the system’s overall coexistence regime. The alkanes are modelled as square-well chains, marking here our first application of the theory to chain mixtures with attractive interactions.
Interactions of Cosmic-Ray Muons in a Thick Pb Absorber

The experiment is a cloud-chamber study of the momentum losses of the sea-level cosmic-ray particles, in the range 1-20 GeV/c, in a 317-g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ Pb target, by measurement of curvature in an 11 000-G magnetic field before and after traversal of the target. The incident particles are filtered by 28-in. Pb, corresponding to a normal momentum loss of about 1 GeV/c. One set of data is taken with simple coincidence to give essentially a random sample of the incident particles, and a second set with a 3-4-fold coincidence requiring large pulses, equivalent to \ensuremath{\sim}10 minimum ionization particles, in one or both of two proportional counters located below and in the middle of the absorber. The experiment is not highly precise; nevertheless, the first part, which is presumed to be dominated by the normal "probable" collision energy loss, gives a reasonably good test of the error analysis, and the second part shows larger fluctuations which are shown to be at least in qualitative agreement with normal electromagnetic processes of muons. The energy distribution of showers observed in the lower chamber in the second sample is also in qualitative agreement with expectations for muons. The positive excess of the selected particles, defined by $\ensuremath{\eta}=\frac{({N}_{+}\ensuremath{-}{N}_{\ensuremath{-}})}{({N}_{+}+{N}_{\ensuremath{-}})}$, is 0.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 for the entire experiment (exclusive of the visible shower events) compared with 0.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, an average for several other workers. The primaries of the shower events, however, give $\ensuremath{\eta}=0.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12$. It is shown that this result cannot reasonably be attributed to contamination by protons, and its is equally difficult to attribute the effect to errors.
Development and validation of a chiral liquid chromatographic method, based on Chiralpak to quantify enantiomers of (+/-)-DRF 2725 in rat plasma: lack of inversion of ragaglitazar (S(-)-DRF 2725) to its antipode in plasma.

Abstract A selective, accurate and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the separation of individual enantiomers of DRF 2725 [ R (+)-DRF 2725 and S (−)-DRF 2725 or ragaglitazar] was obtained on a chiral HPLC column (Chiralpak ® ). During method optimization, the separation of enantiomers of DRF 2725 was investigated to determine whether mobile phase composition, flow-rate and column temperature could be varied to yield the base line separation of the enantiomers. Following liquid–liquid extraction, separation of enantiomers of DRF 2725 and internal standard (I.S., desmethyl diazepam) was achieved using an amylose based chiral column (Chiralpak ® AD™) with the mobile phase, n -hexane-propanol-ethanol-trifluoro acetic acid (TFA) in the ratio of 89.5:4:6:0.5 (v/v). Baseline separation of DRF 2725 enantiomers and I.S., free from endogenous interferences, was achieved in less than 25 min. The eluate was monitored using an UV detector set at 240 nm. Ratio of peak area of each enantiomer to I.S. was used for quantification of plasma samples. Nominal retention times of R (+)-DRF 2725, S (−)-DRF 2725 and I.S. were 15.8, 17.7 and 22.4 min, respectively. The standard curves for DRF 2725 enantiomers were linear ( R 2 > 0.999) in the concentration range 0.3–50 μg/ml for each enantiomer. Absolute recovery, when compared to neat standards, was 70–85% for DRF 2725 enantiomers and 96% for I.S. from rat plasma. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for each enantiomers of DRF 2725 was 0.3 μg/ml. The inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.71–4.60% and 3.77–5.91% for R (+)-DRF 2725, S (−)-DRF 2725, respectively. The intra-day precisions were in the range of 1.06–11.5% and 0.58–12.7% for R (+)-DRF 2725, S (−)-DRF 2725, respectively. Accuracy in the measurement of quality control (QC) samples was in the range 83.4–113% and 83.3–113% for R (+)-DRF 2725, S (−)-DRF 2725, respectively. Both enantiomers and I.S. were stable in the battery of stability studies viz., bench-top (up to 6 h), auto-sampler (up to 12 h) and freeze/thaw cycles ( n = 3). Stability of DRF 2725 enantiomers was established for 15 days at −20 °C. The application of the assay to a pharmacokinetic study of ragaglitazar [ S (−)-DRF 2725] in rats is described. It was unequivocally demonstrated that ragaglitazar does not undergo chiral inversion to its antipode in vivo in rat plasma.
Development of differences in response latencies to right and left visual fields

Abstract Robust lateralization developed in right-handed adults who were asked to judge letter pairs as “same” or “different” during 4608 trials. By the end of the first two blocks (768 trials) “same” responses were favored when presented in the RVF (transmitted directly to the left hemisphere) and “different” responses were favored when presented in the LVF (transmitted direction to the right hemisphere). This gradually reversed over sessions with “same” responses becoming faster for letters presented in the LVF, and “different” responses becoming faster for stimuli presented in the RVF. The laterality acquired under these conditions was cumulative and reproducible, appeared in all 16 subjects, and was preserved between sessions a week apart. The data suggest that laterality is a flexible and reversible characteristic of the human brain even when stimulus and task remain constant.
Comparison of gas-phase basicities and ion-molecule reactions of aminobenzoic acids

Functional group interactions and substituent effects of o-, m- and p-aminobenzoic acids were examined in a quadrupole ion trap by evaluation of proton-transfer and methylene substitution reactions. An electron-withdrawing carboxylic acid group can enhance or reduce the gas-phase basicity of aniline depending on its location and ability to participate directly in proton bridging. In fact, the gas-phase basicity of o-aminobenzoic acid is enhanced by ∼ 7 kcal mol−1 relative to the meta and para isomers in which the substituents do not have cooperative functional group interactions. Collisionally activated dissociation studies of deuterium-labeled ions provide evidence of proton migration from the amino group to the carboxylic acid group prior to fragmentation. Results of semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations provided structures for the various protonated aminobenzoic acids. For o-aminobenzoic acid, the proton bridges between the acid and amine groups.