cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impaired Ca++ mobilization in rituximab-resistant cells is associated with changes in the structure of CD20 antigen and downregulation of Bax/Bak pro-apoptotic proteins

647 The use of rituximab as a single agent or in combination with systemic chemotherapy is commonly used in the majority of B-cell lymphomas. Biologically rituximab induces apoptosis via Ca++ dependent mechanisms. Therapeutic strategies to improve rituximab activity are currently been explored in multiple clinical trials. Positive selective pressure by extending treatment with rituximab by using “maintenance” regimens could potentially result in the emergence of resistance to rituximab. Studying and understanding the mechanisms of resistance (MOR) to rituximab could give us valuable information in developing and using rituximab-based therapies that limit its development and/or finding ways to overcome this condition. To this end, we developed several rituximab-resistant cell lines (RRCL) by exposing Raji cells to escalating doses of rituximab with (4RH) or without (2R) concurrent exposure to human complement. follow by limited dilutiion cloning. Functional assays were performed and demonstrated decreased rituximab sensitivity in 2R and 4RH cells. Changes in the structure of CD20 were determined by Western blotting using various antibodies recognizing epitopes located in the internal (GST77 [C-terminal] and 1439 [N-terminal]) and external domain (B1) of CD20. Expression of pro- or anti-apoptotic proteins was also determined by Western blotting. Extra- and intracellular Ca++ mobilization was measured by flow cytometric analysis using FLUO-3 AM (acetoxymethyl ester). Pluronic acid F-127 was utilized to load FLUO-3 AM into NHL cells. Optimization of the Ca++ indicator and calibration curves was performed for each cell line. Raji and RRCL were labeled under optimal conditions with FLUO-3 AM/Pluronic Acid F-127. Subsequently, cells were then re-suspended in HANKS media with or without Ca++ and exposed to rituximab or isotype antibody (10μg/ml) +/- human serum (25%). Surface CD20 expression was similar between Raji cells and RRCL. Significant changes in the internal domain of CD20 were observed in RRCL. Specifically, changes in the N-terminal, and to a lesser degree the C-terminal region of the internal domain of CD20 were observed in RRCL. Also, downregulation of Bax/Bak was demonstrated in RRCL. In vitro exposure of Raji cells to rituximab + HS resulted in Ca++ mobilization even in Ca++-depleted media. Notably, Ca++ mobilization was impaired in RRCL when compared to Raji parental cells. Our data suggest that the acquirement of rituximab resistance in B-cell lymphoma cell lines is associated with changes in the intracellular domain of CD20 and Ca++ regulator pro-apoptotic proteins Bax/Bak resulting in a decrease in the intracellular mobilization of Ca++ in responses to rituximab therapy. Evaluation of lymphoma clinical samples for similar changes is currently underway in an attempt to validate our laboratory model.
Unrepaired Transitional Atrioventricular Septal Defect in a Geriatric Woman with Down Syndrome. Case Report

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is frequently described in patients with Down syndrome (DS). Advances in cardiovascular surgery have led to an increase in life expectancy for adult patients with CHD. Patients with DS and CHD that have undergone early surgical repair are now living well into the 7th decade of life. This case report illustrates the survivability of an unrepaired 64-year-old woman with DS and CHD of moderate complexity. Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed diagnosis of transitional atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). Prior to the early 1990s, patients with DS did not undergo routine surgery for complex CHD. Patients with DS and unrepaired transitional AVSD are at high risk for developing late-onset complications including pulmonary vascular disease, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and valvular regurgitation. Appropriate lifelong evaluation and surveillance of late-onset complications in adults with CHD and DS will ultimately lead to the highest quality of care.
Anti-inflammatory protein TNFα-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) reduces inflammatory response after brain injury in mice.

Background Current research suggests that the glial scar surrounding penetrating brain injuries is instrumental in preserving the surrounding uninjured tissue by limiting the inflammatory response to the injury site. We recently showed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a well-established anti-inflammatory molecule, is present within the glial scar. In the present study we investigated the role of TSG-6 within the glial scar using TSG-6 null and littermate control mice subjected to penetrating brain injuries. Results Our findings show that mice lacking TSG-6 present a more severe inflammatory response after injury, which was correlated with an enlarged area of astrogliosis beyond the injury site. Conclusion Our data provides evidence that TSG-6 has an anti-inflammatory role within the glial scar.
Stanford Type a Aortic Dissection Presenting with Dyspnea: A Case Report.

Acute Aortic dissection is relatively uncommon but can lead to fatal outcome due to misdiagnosis and/or delay treatment [1]. In this report we present a case of a 45-year-old man presenting with chief complaint of substernal chest pain with no remarkable laboratory and echocardiography finding. He was admitted to the cardiology service with clinical suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, further evaluation led to the diagnosed of acute aortic dissection and referral for urgent repair. Aortic dissection could mimic other disorders such as ACS and pulmonary embolism due to variation in the presenting symptoms [1]. Therefore, high clinical suspicious could lead to timely diagnosis and initiation of life-saving therapeutic interventions.
Instructional dissent over the course of the semester

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to model student trajectories of instructional dissent over the course of a semester. Participants were 312 undergraduate students who completed panel sur...
“Could that be Play?”: Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions of Play in Kindergarten

Play is a developmentally appropriate practice for young children and enhances children’s holistic development. However, recent educational policies and pressure to focus on academic goals and high-stakes testing have resulted in an emphasis on teacher-directed instruction, minimizing play-based child directed experiences in kindergarten classrooms. Research indicates that pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) perceptions about teaching affect their future pedagogy in the classroom, therefore this phenomenological study aimed to explore PSTs’ perceptions of play in kindergarten as they reflected on early childhood play experiences and more recent student teaching experiences. Data were collected through interviews, artifact analysis, document analysis, and field notes. Interview responses were transcribed, interpreted, and coded into themes, aggregating the data into small categories of information. The data analysis revealed PSTs’ widespread conceptualizations of play, including misconceptions. The findings suggest the PSTs’ incomplete understanding of play may result in deprived authentic, valuable learning opportunities for children in kindergarten classrooms. The findings of this study should be considered by all educational stakeholders to ensure that PSTs develop a comprehensive understanding of play, identify the connection between play and learning, and understand how play supports all children’s development, resulting in integration of play in kindergarten classrooms.
Shifting Peaks and Cumulative Consequences: Disqualifying Convictions in High-security Jobs:

Objectives:Disqualifying conviction lists (DCLs) bar applicants with certain convictions within specified timeframes from employment. Using proposed federal legislative changes in the aviation sect...
Combining Deep Learning and Optimization for Preventive Security-Constrained DC Optimal Power Flow

The security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) is fundamental in power systems and connects the automatic primary response (APR) of synchronized generators with the short-term schedule. Every day, the SCOPF problem is repeatedly solved for various inputs to determine robust schedules given a set of contingencies. Unfortunately, the modeling of APR within the SCOPF problem results in complex large-scale mixed-integer programs, which are hard to solve. To address this challenge, leveraging the wealth of available historical data, this paper proposes a novel approach that combines deep learning and robust optimization techniques. Unlike recent machine-learning applications where the aim is to mitigate the computational burden of exact solvers, the proposed method predicts directly the SCOPF implementable solution. Feasibility is enforced in two steps. First, during training, a Lagrangian dual method penalizes violations of physical and operations constraints, which are iteratively added as necessary to the machine-learning model by a Column-and-Constraint-Generation Algorithm (CCGA). Second, another different CCGA restores feasibility by finding the closest feasible solution to the prediction. Experiments on large test cases show that the method results in significant time reduction for obtaining feasible solutions with an optimality gap below 0.1%.
Lipoxygenases, Integrin Receptors, and Metastasis

Failure of tumor cells to arrest and form stable adhesions to the endothelium may be viewed as a critical barrier to the formation of a successful metastatic lesion. This suggests that agents (i.e., receptors, platelets, hemodynamic factors, eicosanoids, etc.) which regulate initial tumor cell arrest and adhesion are of significant importance in the development (or prevention) of a successful metastasis (1).
Differentiation of Chick Lens Epithelial Cells: Involvement of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Endogenous Ligand

Purpose To characterize the constitutively activated epidermal growth factor receptor in a lens epithelial cell population experiencing initial stages of lens fiber formation, the chick lens annular pad. Methods Phosphotyrosine levels of the receptor were examined with western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation after ligand stimulation. Endogenous receptor ligands were immunologically identified in whole cell lysates of freshly isolated cells. The expression of lens fiber-specific differentiation marker proteins was examined with western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in short-term primary cultures of annular pad cells exposed to ligand. Results The major phosphotyrosine-containing protein in annular pad cells comigrated with the epidermal growth factor receptor and increased its phosphotyrosine content after epidermal growth factor treatment. Both time- and dose-dependent responses were noted. The constitutive activation of the receptor was determined in the presence of phosphatase inhibitors. Endogenous transforming growth factor-alpha, but not epidermal growth factor, was detected in freshly isolated cells. Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) treatment produced greater increases in receptor phosphotyrosine levels than equimolar levels of epidermal growth factor. Finally, TGF-alpha treatment induced increased expression of the beaded filament protein filensin when compared with control cells. Filensin expression was increased further when cells were costimulated with TGF-alpha and cAMP analogs. Conclusions At least in the postnatal lens, endogenous TGF-alpha may affect overall growth patterns by modulating differentiation-specific protein expression. Furthermore, signaling pathways elicited by TGF-alpha and cAMP analogs converge to cooperatively enhance lens fiber differentiation.
On the eigen-decomposition of electromagnetic systems and the frequency dependence of the associated eigenvalues

The asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE) technique is a useful way to minimize repeated electromagnetic system computations for multiple frequencies, dramatically reducing wideband solution times. In the context of AWE, it has already been shown (Y.E. Erdemli et al., 1999) (J. Gong and J.L. Volakis, 1996) that use of the Fade rational function for the modeling of unknowns is a superior choice to the Taylor series expansion, providing a wider bandwidth coverage; owing to its enhanced ability to model pole behavior. This paper discusses a close analog to the Fade rational function developed from the eigenvalues of a given electromagnetic system. For Illustrative purposes, we chose the finite element boundary integral (FE-BI) method to demonstrate the application and utility of AWE expansions based on the eigenvalues of the FE-BI matrix system
Phosphoryl Transfer Reactions

Phosphoryl transfer is the name given to the chemical process of the transfer of the phosphoryl group (PO3) from a phosphate ester or anhydride to a nucleophile. Nucleophilic attack by water on a phosphate monoester gives the hydrolysis product inorganic phosphate. This net dephosphorylation reaction is the process catalysed by phosphatases. Although the reaction is thermodynamically favourable, it has a very high kinetic barrier, making the uncatalysed hydrolysis of phosphate esters extremely slow. The opposite process, the formation of phosphate esters, is termed phosphorylation and is accomplished in biological systems by kinases. The balance between phosphatase and kinase activities in biology serves to regulate the phosphorylation level of many enzymes and other proteins in the cell, forming an important regulatory mechanism that is found throughout the biological world. Key Concepts The post-translational phosphorylation levels of proteins are regulated by the complimentary actions of phosphatases and kinases. The uncatalysed hydrolysis of phosphate esters has a very high kinetic barrier, making phosphatases among the most efficient enzymes known. The various families of phosphatases use different catalytic machinery and mechanisms to carry out phosphate ester hydrolysis. Keywords: phosphate ester; phosphatase; kinase; phosphorylation; signal transduction
Resistance of Cysts to Disinfection Agents

Soon after the realization that many infectious diseases could be spread via food and water came attempts by numerous investigators to devise means by which to prevent this spread. As a result, many types of disinfection methods have been developed which when properly applied can virtually eliminate the possibility of infection by many disease-causing microorganisms which enter the host through this route.
Searching Spaces of Discrete Solutions: The Design of Molecules Possessing Desired Physical Properties

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an algorithmic strategy for the automatic generation of molecules and their screening against a set of constraints that represent the physical properties' values that the desired molecules should satisfy. Functional groups are the essential building blocks for the construction of molecules, allowing the use of group-contribution estimation techniques for the testing of physical property constraints. These techniques are simple, fast, and yield estimates of sufficient accuracy for preliminary screening purposes. The use of more complicated estimation techniques, such as molecular modeling, is unwise at this stage of design. The probability of an ab initio automatic identification of satisfactory molecules at this stage is low, implying that the effort expended for the examination of each candidate molecule should be kept to a minimum.
George F. Kennan: An American Life,, John Lewis Gaddis (2011)

George Frost Kennan was one of the most original and astute students of twentieth century diplomacy. He was also one of its most frustrated practitioners. He crafted the dominant Cold War strategic...
Calculation of the field and temperature dependence of the c-axis plasmon in Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 2 O 8+δ

We calculate the {ital c}-axis Josephson plasmon frequency {omega}{sub pl}(B,T) versus temperature {ital T} and magnetic induction {ital B} in Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 8+{delta}}, treating the order parameter fluctuations in the lowest Landau level (LLL) approximation. The calculation agrees qualitatively with recent field-cooled measurements of Matsuda {ital et al.} assuming a {ital c}-axis dielectric constant {epsilon}{sub 0}{approximately}20{endash}50. For any given B, {omega}{sub pl} falls monotonically with increasing T, remains finite in the flux liquid state, and varies continuously across the solid-liquid transition when disorder is included. We also obtain an expression for {omega}{sub pl} which is valid everywhere in the flux liquid state and is not restricted to the LLL approximation. This expression leads to {omega}{sub pl}{approximately}1/{radical} (B) in the flux liquid state, in agreement with experiment. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Setting the stage for evidence-based medicine.

In 2015, the federal government allocated $30 billion toward groundbreaking new health research through the National Institutes of Health, with the biomedical industry, foundations, and others contributing substantially as well. Although these investments in biomedical innovation hold tremendous promise to improve the health, quality of life, and survival of Americans, we often fail to make best use of the therapies that we already have within our grasp. Optimal use of cardiovascular medications is critical to improving outcomes for the 15.5 million Americans with coronary artery disease.1 Nearly, half of the reduction in coronary heart disease mortality in the United States between 1980 and 2000 has been attributed to well-established evidence-based medications.2 Extensive evidence suggests that patients with chronic conditions adhere to only 50% to 60% of prescribed medications, even where these drugs have been shown to improve survival and quality of life. Poor medication adherence also leads to increased healthcare costs, with estimates ranging from $100 to 300 billion annually.3 Article see p 252 The Post-Myocardial Infarction Free Rx Event and Economic Evaluation (MI FREEE) trial was a cluster-randomized controlled policy study, which examined the effect of eliminating copayments for guideline concordant medications after myocardial infarction (MI) on adherence and outcomes of care.4 All patients in the trial (n=5855) were enrolled in Aetna medical and prescription drug benefits and were randomized at the level of the plan sponsor. Participating plans were randomly assigned to full coverage or usual pharmacy benefits. Covered medications included any brand name or generic statin, β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or angiotensin-receptor blocker for every prescription after randomization. The elimination of …
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Chiral Rhenium Cycloalkene Complexes of the Formula ; Facile Vinylic Deprotonation of a Coordinated Alkene

Reactions of [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(ClC6H5)]+BF−4 and (n = 5, a; 6, b; 7, c; 8, d) give cycloalkene complexes (6a – d, 94 to 79%). A crystal structure of the methylcyclopentadienyl analog of 6a shows the Re – plane and Re – PPh3 bond to be coplanar, with the vinyl protons syn to the cyclopentadienyl ligand. Reaction of 6a and tBuO−K+ leads to the vinyl complex (9a, 90%) instead of expected allyl complex (10a) Analogous reactions of 6b – d give varying mixtures of 9b – d/10b – d. HBF4 · OEt2 and 9a react to form the cyclopentylidene complex (10+ BF−4, 96%), the stability of which precludes any intermediacy in the deprotonation of 6a. A crystal structure of 11+ PF−6 shows the ReCC planes to be perpendicular to the Re – P bond. Spectroscopic features of compounds 6 are analyzed in detail, and NMR data show a high barrier to cyclopentylidene ligand rotation in 11+ BF−4 (ΔG≢ (110°C) ≥ 19 kcal/mol).
Carbon-Carbon and Carbon-Hydrogen Distances in Simple Polyatomic Molecules

A DEPENDENCE of bond distances on environment was first noticed when the carbon–carbon single-bond distance in methyl acetylene was compared with that in ethane1. In recent years, a wealth of material based mainly on infra-red and microwave spectra2 has confirmed this dependence. Still more recently, the study of high-resolution rotational Raman spectra has supplied further data (partly unpublished) on this dependence. It is the purpose of this communication to review briefly the results of the work on carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen distances.
Kazimierz Kelles‐Krauz (1872–1905): A Pioneering Scholar of Modern Nationalism

. This essay attempts to place the contributions of the sociologist Kazimierz Kelles-Krauz (1872–1905) within the history of the scholarship of nationalism. Though absent from present scholarly literature on the question, Kelles-Krauz's contribution to the study of nationalism was outstanding. The article advances three arguments: that Kelles-Krauz was among the first to treat modem nationalism as an object of serious study, that his approach was more typical of our day than his, and that his arguments anticipated many of the major positions of today's scholars. In order to defend the first claim, the article briefly considers the contributions of scholars who preceded Kelles-Krauz. In order to defend the second and third claims, the article briefly characterises Kelles-Krauz's sociological method and presents his answers to some of the central questions of today's scholarly literature on nationalism.
VGA—design choices for a new video subsystem

The VGA (Video Graphics Array) video subsystem is provided as standard on the system boards of the IBM Personal System/2® Models 50 and above. VGA was designed to meet the objectives set for these new systems and to support compatibility with older IBM offerings, while at the same time providing greater performance and increased function. The IBM Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) was chosen as the compatibility base for VGA, since EGA had become the video standard for IBM-compatible computer systems. Six new modes of operation were designed to meet the needs of new business and consumer applications and to improve the ergonomics of the systems. Higher-performance video presents several design problems, including electromagnetic interference, physical design size, and cost. These design problems were contained by implementing the VGA function in a single-gate array and by using an analog display interface. The use of a video digital-to-analog converter (DAC) allows the VGA subsystem to show any color from a choice of 256K colors when a color display is used, or 64 gray shades when a monochrome display is used. The VGA subsystem was designed to provide a uniform interface for color and monochrome that allows a color mode to be selected when a monochrome display is used, or a monochrome mode to be used on a color display. A color-summing algorithm was designed and implemented in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) software that will allow colors to be shown as shades of gray on the monochrome display.
The photochemistry of carbon-rich circumstellar shells

The effect of ambient ultraviolet photons on the chemical structure of carbon-rich, circumstellar envelopes is investigated with a simple formulation of the time-dependent, photochemical rate equations valid for optically thick shells. Molecules injected into the shielded inner envelope are broken down when they reach the outer regions where ambient ultraviolet photons can penetrate. A quantitative description of the abundance variations is obtained for the case of uniform expansion by detailed consideration of the shielding of the radiation by the dust and molecules of the envelope. Representative results are presented to illustrate the role of shielding in defining the extent of molecular envelopes, the formation of C I and C II shells by photodestruction of carbon-bearing molecules, and the development of layered chemical structures from the photobreakup of polyatomic molecules. Photochemistry makes the outer parts of thick, carbon-rich envelopes into complex regions containing radicals, ions, and atoms which are of considerable observational and theoretical interest.
The Personal and the Philosophical in Gadamer's Thought

A critical notice of Jean Grondin, Hans‐Georg Gadamer: A Biography. Yale University Press, 2003. Pp. xi + 478. ISBN 0–300–09841–3. $35 (hbk). In this review article I want to discuss a rather parad...
Effect of interfering substances on colorimetric reactions for deoxyribonucleic acid.

Abstract A number of substances commonly found in solutions in which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is to be measured were tested for their effects on the color developed during the assay for DNA by methods using the indole, diphenylamine, and cysteine reactions. Mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol produced marked changes in the color developed by all the reactions. Other compounds which seriously affected the color developed by one or more of the reactions included sodium citrate, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, sodium nitrate, sodium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate. An equation was derived which relates the absorbance that is observed in the presence of a known concentration of an interfering substance to the absorbance that would be observed in its absence. The constants necessary for solving this equation were determined for 18 substances that interfere with one or more of the reactions studied. The range of concentrations of DNA over which Beer's law applies, and therefore over which the equation is valid, was estimated for some of the substances tested. The data obtained for this study were also used to estimate the precision and sensitivity of these colorimetric methods. The Dische diphenylamine method was found to provide the best combination of precision and ease of performance for many routine purposes. The Burton diphenylamine method and a method based on the indole reaction were found to be the most precise and sensitive of those studied. The Burton method is easy to perform under routine conditions, but the results of analysis are delayed by a lengthy incubation and the reagents require careful purification. Both diphenylamine methods were found to be subject to interference by many substances commonly present in solutions of DNA. The method based on the indole reaction was found to be relatively free from interference. It requires more manipulations than the others, but it is often the best choice when interfering substances are present. A method based on the cysteine reaction showed poor reproducibility under routine use and it proved to be the most troublesome of the four to perform.
An exercise trial targeting posterior shoulder strength in manual wheelchair users: pilot results and lessons learned.

AbstractPurpose: Because wheelchair users are unable to use standard fitness equipment such as treadmills and bikes, we developed an upper body rowing ergometer (UBRE) that can be retrofitted onto a standard stationary cycle and used to perform a rowing exercise. We validated a graded exercise testing protocol utilizing the UBRE and completed a 12-week pilot intervention to compare the training effects of the UBRE to a standard arm cycle ergometer (ACE) in manual wheelchair users. Methods: Repeat graded exercise tests were compared on the two pieces of equipment. Twenty-seven manual wheelchair users participated in the intervention. Outcomes included pre- versus post-test change in shoulder pain, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness measures. Results: Testing results obtained with the UBRE were comparable to those on the ACE. In the exercise intervention, most outcome measures did not change significantly, but individuals assigned to the UBRE were able to increase their peak exercise test power by 31 W ...
Deep surface transformation and cladding of net shape commercial steel parts by simultaneous multiple pulsed laser radiation

A key innovation in materials processing of pre-formed metal parts is reported herein. The ”QQC Process” involves the judicious selection of exposure parameters to three pulsed lasers (excimer, Nd-YAG and CO2) simultaneously for treatment of the work piece. Pre-formed commercial steel parts are hardened and/or toughened, and/or clad with TiC improving performance by at least one order of magnitude. Two examples are detailed: a punch for aluminum can production and a fuel injector nozzle. In the latter case it has been shown that some tens of microns of the metal are transformed to a noncrystalline phase, in the middle of the workpiece.
Vena caval filter use in patients with sepsis: Results in 175 patients

Background Septic patients are at risk of thromboembolism. However, the Food and Drug Administration guidance for intravascular filters states that "filters should not be implanted in patients with risk of septic embolism." The purpose of this study is to evaluate this restriction. Hypothesis There is no difference in outcomes following filter placement in patients with and without septicemia. Data Sources A registry of vena caval filter experiences containing information regarding filter placement and annual examinations of more than 2600 patients obtained during a 15-year period was reviewed. We conducted a MEDLINE search of publications reporting clinical sequelae of filter placement in septic patients. Data Extraction The registry was searched for patients with a diagnosis of sepsis at filter placement; survival rates, adverse events, and recurrent sepsis or thromboembolism were noted. The MEDLINE search joined results from 7 MeSH headings (vena cava filter,sepsis, septic thromboembolism, vena caval filter contraindication, and filter adverse events) related to filters and sepsis. Data Synthesis One-hundred seventy-five patients (6.7%) met the criteria and received Greenfield filters. None of the adverse events were related to sepsis, and no filter was removed. Follow-up data were available for 56 patients, with a combined recurrent pulmonary embolism and caval occlusion rate of 1.7%. The 30-day mortality rate was 33%. We noted a significant difference in survival related to the use of anticoagulation therapy ( P = .001) and to age ( P = .004). The MEDLINE search did not identify any clinical reports of septic filters or the need to remove a filter because of sepsis. Conclusions Based on our review, the Greenfield filter is a safe method of prophylaxis for septic patients. Rescinding the restriction for use of vena caval filters in septic patients should be considered by regulatory bodies.
Philosophizing about Teacher Dissatisfaction: A Multidisciplinary Hermeneutic Approach.

In this methodological reflection, I describe the multidisciplinary hermeneutic process of philosophizing about teacher dissatisfaction. I discuss how philosophy serves as a starting point for interpretive work based on interviews with former teachers and readings of qualitative and quantitative research on teacher attrition and dissatisfaction. The result has been a project that enabled me to offer new descriptions of phenomena and to develop concepts that can be used to interpret the moral dimensions of teacher dissatisfaction. The fact that I return to language and concepts as my research outcomes is why, despite my multidisciplinary approach, I continue to describe my work as philosophical. I suggest that philosophical enquiry pursued through empirical research has the potential to inform larger empirical studies, serve as a “sensitizing instrument” for empirical analysis, and to open discursive spaces where common understandings limit interpretive possibilities.
Age studies of Mid-Atlantic Ridge sediments near 42°N and 20°N

Abstract Average sedimentation rates over the last two to three hundred thousand years have been estimated for two areas on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge using both the 230Th and the 231Pa methods. The rates of non-carbonate components in the southern area (near 20°N) range from 1 to 3 mm per thousand years; those in the northern area (41°N–44°N), 3 to 10 mm per thousand years. Although fluctuation in sedimentation rates may have occurred, there is no evidence of a major slow-down in the deposition of non-carbonate material to less than 1 mm/103yr commencing about 115,000 years ago, as previously reported from the measurement of 230Th/232Th ratios. The distribution of planktonic foraminifera has been studied in one core (CH 82-24, 41°41′N, 32°50′W) and the biostratigraphic assemblage zones (Z, Y and X) which can be correlated with those established in Caribbean sediments, have been identified. Sedimentation rates as deduced from the published ages for the biostratigraphic zone boundaries are consistent with those determined from the 14C, 230Th and 231Pa date on this core. Two incursions of the cold Polar Front Water to 41°N in the North Atlantic, occurring about 19,000 years and 70,000 B.P., are recognizable. Several aspects on the marine geochemistry of the uranium series isotopes are discussed.
Linking solid phase speciation of Pb sequestered to birnessite to oral Pb bioaccessibility: implications for soil remediation.

Lead (Pb) sorption onto oxide surfaces in soils may strongly influence the risk posed from incidental ingestion of lead-contaminated soils. In this study, Pb was sorbed to a model soil mineral, birnessite, and was placed in a simulated gastrointestinal tract (in vitro) to simulate the possible effects of ingestion of a soil contaminated with Pb. The changes in Pb speciation were determined using extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. Birnessite has a very high affinity for Pb with a sorption maximum of 0.59 mol Pb kg−1 (approximately 12% Pb sorbed by mass) in which there was no detectable bioaccessible Pb (<0.002%). Surface speciation of the birnessite Pb was determined to be a triple corner sharing complex in the birnessite interlayer. Lead sorbed to Mn oxide in contaminated media will have a very low (≈ 0) Pb bioaccessibility and present little risk associated with incidental ingestion of soil. These results suggest that birnessite, and other Mn oxides woul...
Veracity of Disability Claimants' Self-Reports of Current Smoking Status: Comparison of Carboxyhemoglobin Levels from Disability Claimant and Reference Population

Carboxyhemoglobin level (%COHB) obtained during pulmonary function testing was used as a measure of recent tobacco smoking among persons claiming to be nonsmokers and ex-smokers. Asbestos disability applicants and reference routine clinical patients had similar mean %COHB (2.09 ± 1.34 and 1.99 ± 0.88, respectively) and proportions with abnormally elevated %COHB (35 and 46 percent, respectively, had %COHB >2 percent). However, comparisons of persons claiming to be ex-smokers and nonsmokers showed that the ex-smokers had higher mean %COHB (p
A New Endochronic Approach to Computational Elastoplasticity: Example of a Cyclically Loaded Cracked Plate

In this paper, a methodology for finite-element elastoplastic analyses of structures subjected to cyclic loading, based on a new form of endochronic (internal time) plasticity theory, is presented. In the present version of the endochronic theory, the rate forms of the stress/strain relations (stated here explicitly for plane stress, plane strain, and three-dimensional cases) are entirely analogous to those of the classical (isotropic or kinematic hardening) plasticity theory and, thus, are no more difficult or expensive to implement in computational algorithms. The problem of a double-edge-cracked panel, subjected to monotonic loading as well as to zero-to-tension or tension-compression cyclic external loading, is analyzed. The elastoplastic stress/strain fields at the root of the notch, for each of these loading conditions, are studied in detail. These results are compared and contrasted with those presented recently by Valanis and Fan, and the noted discrepancies are discussed. This paper is limited to considerations of small strains and small displacements only.
Polyoxoanion Chemistry Moves toward the Future: From Solids and Solutions to Surfaces.

In the context of modern surface science, current understanding of polyoxoanion surface chemistry is truly modest from a structural/mechanistic point of view. Only three techniques have received any attention to date, and none of them has been developed to anywhere near its full potential. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has proven to be a useful qualitative tool for in situ monitoring of polyoxoanion adsorption and adsorption kinetics. A second technique that has shown great potential for in situ study of polyoxoanion surface chemistry at solid-liquid interfaces is modulated infrared spectroscopy. The third and final in situ surface analytical technique that has shown great promise but is yet to be exploited to its full potential is scanning probe microscopy. Sections of the paper discuss scanning probe microscopy; single crystal surfaces; evaporative solution deposition on graphite; electrochemical deposition onto graphite; and self-assembly on metal surfaces.
Mapping the Meanings of Global Governance: A Conceptual Reconstruction of a Floating Signifier:

Ever since global governance was introduced to the discipline of International Relations (IR), it has been criticised for its conceptual vagueness and ambiguity. In fact, how to even speak and thin...
Permeability and membrane transport in the larva of Taenia crassiceps

The free pool amino acids of Taenia crassiceps metacestodes (advanced larvae) were analyzed quantitatively. In addition, the uptake of L-glutamic acid, L-proline, L-phenylalanine, L-lysine, and L-methionine was studied. Proline and glutamic acid absorption followed straight-line kinetics with respect to substrate concentration, and were not inhibited by their own molecular species. Lysine, phenylalanine and methionine were found to enter larvae by a combination of diffusion and mediated processes. Lysine absorption was inhibited only by lysine, arginine and ornithine. Phenylalanine and methionine uptake was not inhibited by lysine or arginine, but was inhibited by several other amino acids. The data suggested the presence of a basic amino acid transport locus and two distinct transport loci for methionine absorption. In addition, both immature and advanced larvae were found to be impermeable to [14C]inulin (M.W. ca. 5000). These results are discussed and compared with the results of earlier investigations of protein and amino acid absorption by T. crassiceps larvae.
Characterization of Liquid Membrane Supports

Abstract Two polypropylene films, Celgard 2400 and Celgard 2500 (products of Celanese Corp.), were examined by scanning electron microscopy before and after impregnation with a 0.2 kmol/m3 dodecane solution of dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid for 55 d. In the photomicrographs of the untreated film samples, the surface pores appeared as a regular pattern of slots. Mercury porosimetry results indicate that the pores are present as a very narrow size distribution: 0.01 μm < 90% < 0.062 μm. The photomicrographs of the treated film samples showed an extensive loss of porosity.
Inhibition of Glutamate Dehydrogenase in Brain Mitochondria and Synaptosomes by Mg2+ and Polyamines: A Possible Cause for Its Low In Vivo Activity

: Magnesium and the polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine inhibited the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase in permeabilized rat brain mitochondria in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect was observed on both the reductive amination of 2-oxoglutarate and oxidative deamination of glutamate, as well as in the presence and absence of ADP and leucine, the allosteric activators of the enzyme. Kinetic studies at various concentrations of substrates showed that inhibition by magnesium and spermine was very pronounced at 2-oxoglutarate concentrations less than 0.5 mM and NADH levels less than 0.08 mM. The presence of the former compounds also accentuated the inhibitory effect of high concentrations of 2-oxoglutarate (>2.0 mM) and NADH (>0.32 mM). Addition of magnesium and spermine to suspensions of synaptosomes decreased the amount of ammonia produced from glutamate. It is suggested that polyamines and magnesium, normal constituents of mammalian brain, are responsible, at least in part, for the low glutamate dehydrogenase activity in vivo.
Hormonal regulation of embryogenesis: the formation of mesoderm in Xenopus laevis.

EMBRYONIC induction, the process wherein one cell instructs a responding cell to adopt a particular fate, bears striking parallels to a number of endocrine regulatory systems (1). In addition to utilizing similar intracellular signal transduction mechanisms, many of the extracellular signals used are the same. Regulation of metamorphosis in frogs by thyroid hormone is a classical example which has seen renewed interest recently, and activin, follistatin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and epidermal growth factor all appear to have roles in the early embryo. Embryonic induction bears other parallels to endocrine systems as well; for example, the responding cell is sensitive to very low levels of inducing signals. In addition, the type of response to a given signal is determined by the responding cell, by the type of receptors present, regulation of the intracellular signaling components, or activation of different downstream targets. Finally, the distinctions between endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine ph...
Time resolved fluorescence line narrowing of ions in solids

Abstract Recent applications of tunable dye laser spectroscopic techniques to the spectroscopy of ions in solids are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on advances in the interpretation of time resolved fluorescence line narrowing (FLN) spectra of ion in insulators as they apply to the dynamics of optically excited states of these ions.
Quantifying Uncertainty of Measuring Gully Morphological Evolution with Close-Range Digital Photogrammetry

Measurement of geomorphic change may be of interest to researchers and practitioners in a variety of fields, including geology, geomorphology, hydrology, engineering, and soil science. Landscapes are often represented by digital elevation models. Surface models generated of the same landscape over a time interval can be compared with estimate geomorphic evolution. Any such morphologicalestimate of change in a landform should include a range of probable values based on the quality of the digital elevation models that represent the surface of interest. This study sought to determine the uncertainty associated with detecting changes in reaches of ephemeral gullies with close-range digital photogrammetry. An experimental surface was constructed, surveyed, and photographed. The images were used as input to photogrammetry software to generate point clouds, which were then analyzed to determine the quality of elevation data generated by the photogrammetric technique. For individual point clouds the 2σ relative vertical accuracy was determined to equal 0.916 mm, and the 2σ absolute (geo-referenced) vertical accuracy was computed as 8.26 cm, and the 95% confidence range (2σ uncertainty) of detecting elevation change between two point clouds was determined to be ±1.29 to ±2.55 mm, depending on relief. These values could be applied to volumetrically derived estimates of geomorphic change as an uncertainty range. The high vertical accuracy and small uncertainty in elevation change determined in this study suggest that close-range digital photogrammetry is an effective and acceptable method to accurately detect small changes in ephemeral gullies or other geomorphic features of interest.
Investigation of vertical slug flow with advanced two-phase flow instrumentation

Abstract Extensive experiments of vertical slug flow were carried out with an electromagnetic flowmeter and an impedance void-meter in an air–water two-phase experimental loop. The basic principles of these instruments in vertical slug flow measurements are discussed. Time series of the liquid velocity and the impedance were separated into two parts corresponding to the Taylor bubble and the liquid slug. Characteristics of slug flow, such as the void fractions, probabilities and lengths of the Taylor bubble and liquid slug, slug unit velocity, area-averaged liquid velocity, and liquid film velocity of the Taylor bubble tail, etc., were obtained. For the first time, the area-averaged liquid velocity of slug flow was revealed by the electromagnetic flowmeter. It is realized that the void fraction of the liquid slug is determined by the turbulent intensity due to the relative liquid motion between the Taylor bubble tail region and its wake region. A correlation of the void fraction of the liquid slug is developed based on experimental results obtained from a test section with 50.8 mm i.d. The results of this study suggest a promising improvement in understanding of vertical slug flow.
Alterations of monoamines in specific central autonomic nuclei following immunization in mice

At the peak of an immune response (Day 4 following immunization) in mice, norepinephrine (NE) was selectively decreased in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. At times before (Day 2) and after (Day 8) the peak immune response, no changes in NE were found in this nucleus. Decreases in NE were not seen in other hypothalamic sites or in the A1 cell group of the medulla, which sends noradrenergic projections to the hypothalamus, suggesting that the effect is selective and regional. Morphometric evaluation of varicosities revealed no alterations in density of catecholamine-containing varicosities in the PVN, further suggesting that the decrease in NE is a metabolic effect and not a loss or redistribution of fibers. NE also was decreased in the hippocampus on Day 2 at the rising phase of the immune response. In addition, alterations in serotonin levels were found in the brain during an immune response. Serotonin was decreased in the hippocampus on Day 2, was decreased in the PVN and supraoptic nucleus on Day 4, and was increased in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) on Day 2. These results support the presence of a functional link from the activated immune system to central autonomic nuclei interconnecting the hypothalamus, the limbic system, and the autonomic nervous system. In view of the role of the PVN in corticotropin-releasing factor secretion and regulation of autonomic outflow, evidence from lesion studies for hippocampal involvement in immune regulation, and a key role for NTS in regulation of autonomic outflow, the present findings reinforce the potential importance of these brain regions in reciprocal communication between the nervous and immune systems.