cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The structure and morphologic relations of rods and cones in the retina of the spiny dogfish, Squalus.

Abstract 1. 1. The central retina of Squalus , studied by light and electron microscopy, contains about one cone per fifty rods. 2. 2. Squalus ' rods and cones resemble their teleostean and mammalian counterparts in most respects. In Squalus , however, rod and cone synaptic endings are somewhat similar, being large pedicles with fine telodendria. 3. 3. Horizontal cell processes contact rod pedicles lateral to presynaptic lamellae (ribbons). Nearby, a small aggregate of dense extracellular material is interposed between the pedicle and each horizontal cell process. 4. 4. Other processes, probably bipolar cell dendrites, make contacts characterized by periodic intercellular substance (basal junctions) with photoreceptor terminals. 5. 5. The presence of cones is probably related to the animal's free-swimming, predatory behavior.
Extracellular dopamine and its metabolites in the nucleus accumbens of fischer and lewis rats: Basal levels and cocaine-induced changes☆

Rats of the Lewis (LEW) strain show a greater preference for drugs of abuse than do Fischer 344 (F344) rats. The in vivo microdialysis procedure was used to examine basal and cocaine-evoked extracellular (EC) levels of dopamine (DA), DOPAC, and HVA in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of F344 and LEW rats. The basal EC levels of the DA metabolites DOPAC and HVA in the NAc were markedly lower in LEW than in F344 rats. Although the increase in EC DA after 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, i.p. of cocaine was similar in both strains, LEW rats had a smaller peak DA elevation followed by a slower return to basal DA levels at the 30 mg/kg dose. The neurochemical differences observed may contribute to the strain differences in the behavioral response to cocaine.
The lysis of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria red cells by serum and cobra factor.

Summary. The complement-sensitive red cells of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) are haemolysed in the presence of serum and a protein factor present in cobra venom (CoF). The reaction of CoF and a serum factor, C3 proactivator, requires Mg2+. Once this interaction has taken place, the activation of C3 and the terminal components of complement can occur in the presence of EDTA and result in the lysis of PNH red cells. The concentration of reactants may be adjusted so that all of the complementsensitive red cells of PNH patients and the red cells of no other patients are lysed. A simple but specific and precise test for the presence of the complement-sensitive red cells of PNH was devised. Normal human red cells treated with trypsin and neuraminidase are not lysed, whereas these cells treated with glutathione or 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET) are lysed.
The distribution of fibrous flexor sheath ganglions

The distribution of fibrous flexor sheath ganglions was studied in 57 patients. They were found to be more common in the third decade and in the middle finger. Both hands were equally affected. There was no clear relationship to occupation or repeated trauma. The striking finding in our study was the male predominance.
Sparse Signal Recovery Methods for Multiplexing PET Detector Readout

Nuclear medicine imaging detectors are commonly multiplexed to reduce the number of readout channels. Because the underlying detector signals have a sparse representation, sparse recovery methods such as compressed sensing may be used to develop new multiplexing schemes. Random methods may be used to create sensing matrices that satisfy the restricted isometry property. However, the restricted isometry property provides little guidance for developing multiplexing networks with good signal-to-noise recovery capability. In this work, we describe compressed sensing using a maximum likelihood framework and develop a new method for constructing multiplexing (sensing) matrices that can recover signals more accurately in a mean square error sense compared to sensing matrices constructed by random construction methods. Signals can then be recovered by maximum likelihood estimation constrained to the support recovered by either greedy l0 iterative algorithms or l1-norm minimization techniques. We show that this new method for constructing and decoding sensing matrices recovers signals with 4%-110% higher SNR than random Gaussian sensing matrices, up to 100% higher SNR than partial DCT sensing matrices 50%-2400% higher SNR than cross-strip multiplexing, and 22%-210% higher SNR than Anger multiplexing for photoelectric events.
Benzo(a)pyrene-induced early cytopathologic changes and peroxidase activity in the endometrium of ovariectomized rats.

Abstract The present study was designed to investigate whether benzo(a)pyrene (BP) alone would have cytopathologic effects on the endometrium of ovariectomized rats, and whether DES can modulate or facilitate this cytopathology. The morphology and cytochemically detectable peroxidase activity in the endometrial epithelium of castrated rats were studied 24 hr after sc administration of three to six doses on consecutive days (one dose per day) either of corn oil, BP (50 mg/kg/day), DES (20 μg/kg/day), or a combination of the latter two agents. BP alone induced mitosis, peroxidase activity, and focal squamous cell metaplasia in the endometrial epithelium of castrated rats. Peroxidase activity was weak in the granular endoplasmic reticulum of the normal epithelial cells after three and six doses of BP. However, in the focal metaplasia, the superficial squamous cells contained strong peroxidase activity after six consecutive daily doses of BP. The focal metaplasia present only after six doses of BP consisted of three to four layers of squamous cells and one to two layers of basal cells. DES-treated animals showed no formation of metaplasia or structural alterations in the epithelium, but intense peroxidase activity was present in epithelial cells after three or six daily doses. The castrates treated with three or six combined doses of BP and DES showed significant ultrastructural changes in the epithelial cells. Vacuolization of the cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum was observed in the epithelial cells after three doses of BP-DES. Distinct dilation and degranulation of the granular endoplasmic reticulum as well as enlargement of mitochondria were found in all the epithelial cells of the pseudostratified hyperplastic epithelium after six consecutive daily doses of the combination, BP-DES. These ultrastructural aberrations are clearly indicative of a cytotoxic effect of BP on the endometrial epithelial cells. Collectively these findings suggest that sc administration of BP induces peroxidase activity which may lead indirectly to lesions in the endometrium of ovariectomized rats, and DES may enhance the cytotoxicity of BP by a similar mechanism.
Ventricular ectopy in children without known heart disease.

Objective To describe the presentation and clinical course of patients with ventricular ectopy (VE) without known heart disease seen at a single institution. Study design Patients with VE were identified from the cardiology database. Patients with known hemodynamically significant heart disease or systemic diseases were excluded. Results A total of 219 patients constitute the study population, with 59% male and median age of diagnosis 11.3 years. A total of 138 patients had follow-up data. Median duration of follow-up was 3.1 years (n = 138, range 0-21 years) for a total of 587 patient-years. Simple VE was found in 83%, and 17% had ventricular tachycardia. Most patients were asymptomatic at presentation (77%) At presentation, echocardiograms were performed in 164 patients, with 98% normal. Of the 36 patients with sequential echocardiograms, 32 (88%) remained normal, 3 (9%) had abnormal echocardiograms which normalized, and 1 (3%) had progressive left ventricular dysfunction. On sequential Holter data (n = 48), 54% showed stable or decreased VE, 40% showed resolution, and 6% showed worsening. No cases of death or resuscitated sudden death occurred. Conclusions Most patients were asymptomatic. There were rare cases of progression of VE and development of left ventricular dysfunction but the majority had stable findings. No deaths occurred.
A three-view segmented hadron calorimeter

Abstract In this paper we present a description of a three-view segmented hadron calorimeter which provides three dimensional information on shower location as well as the usual energy deposition. We summarize several important results emerging from the use of our hadron calorimeter both as a component of an hybrid bubble chamber trigger and in the data reduction and analysis. Calibration data taken during our run cycle allowed determination of the spatial and energy resolution of the calorimeter as a function of the shower distribution and incident particle energy. Also an algorithm was developed which permitted good determination of the shower trajectory and errors even for showers not fully contained within the calorimeter and thereby indicating a significant loss of energy deposition.
Phospho-aspirin-2 (MDC-22) inhibits estrogen receptor positive breast cancer growth both in vitro and in vivo by a redox-dependent effect.

Phospho-aspirin (PA-2) is a novel aspirin derivative that exhibits promising anticancer properties and is considerably safer than conventional aspirin. In this study, we investigated the chemotherapeutic efficacy of PA-2 in preclinical models of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer and elucidated its mechanism of action. PA-2 inhibited the growth of ER+ cells more potently than aspirin in vitro, and exerted a triple cytokinetic effect that includes induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation. PA-2 is highly efficacious in vivo, as treatment of established MCF7 xenografts with PA-2 induced tumor stasis (98.2% inhibition, p<0.01). PA-2 triggered the activation of p53-dependent apoptosis via two distinct mechanisms: 1) acetylation of p53 (at K373), which disrupts its interaction with its transcription repressor MDM2, and 2) translocation of p53 to the mitochondria leading to the dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm). Consistent with these observations, both the RNAi-mediated knockdown of p53 and forced deactylation via HDAC1 over-expression attenuated the anticancer effect of PA-2 in MCF7 cells. An upstream mediator of the signaling effects of PA-2 is RONS. PA-2 induced oxidative stress in vitro and in mice bearing MCF7 xenografts; its induction effect appears to be tumor-specific. Crucially, administration of N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the effect of PA-2 on p53 acetylation and mitochondria translocation, thus identifying RONS as proximal molecules mediating the anticancer effect of PA-2. In summary, our findings demonstrate that PA-2 is a promising antineoplastic compound against ER+ breast cancer, warranting further evaluation as an anticancer agent.
Theoretical Perspectives in Causality Assessment

Criteria for determining an adverse drug reaction should include baseline conditions, timing of events, effective co-morbidity, and effective co-medication. Although the results can be consistent if everyone uses the same algorithm, there is no way of being certain about an effect in an individual person.
Regulation of cellular calcium metabolism and calcium transport by calcitonin.

Calcitonin was studied in isolated kidney cells and in isolated mitochondria. A concentration of 10 ng/ml of synthetic calcitonin increases the cellular accumulation of45Ca and the total cell calcium. The mitochondrial pool is increased several-fold. Kinetic analysis of the data shows that although the total cellular exchangeable calcium pool is enlarged, calcium influx and efflux are significantly depressed by calcitonin. The absence of phosphate or the presence of inhibitors of mitochondrial calcium transport completely abolish the effects of the hormone. In isolated mitochondria, the hormone stimulates the active calcium uptake and depresses the extramitochondrial calcium activity. Calcitonin counteracts the effects of cyclic AMP which stimulates the release of calcium from mitochondria and increases the extramitochondrial calcium activity. These data indicate that cellular calcium homeostasis is controlled by the mitochondrial calcium turnover. They suggest that calcitonin regulates the cell calcium metabolism and inhibits the transcellular calcium transport by stimulating the rate of calcium uptake by mitochondria which depresses cytoplasmic calcium activity.
Analysis of organic compounds by particle beam/hollow cathode atomic emission spectroscopy : Determinations of carbon and hydrogen in amino acids

A detailed evaluation of the analytical characteristics of a particle beam/hollow cathode glow discharge atomic emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-AES) system is described for applications in the area of organic sample analysis. The optimization of sample introduction, nebulization parameters, and glow discharge conditions was performed for the elemental analysis (focusing on C and H) of a group of amino acids. By use of a high-efficiency thermoconcentric nebulizer, analyte particles are introduced into a heated hollow cathode glow discharge source, in either flow injection or continuous-flow mode, for subsequent vaporization/atomization and excitation. Nebulization temperature, solvent composition, and liquid flow rate were studied to elucidate their roles in the ultimate analyte emission characteristics for organic compound analysis. The hollow cathode operating discharge current and gas pressure were optimized, with the general responses found to be similar to those for the case of metal analysis. Background interferences from solvent and additive media on carbon and hydrogen determinations were studied and substantially reduced. The analytical response curves for carbon and hydrogen present in amino acids were obtained using 200 μL injection volumes, showing less than 10% RSD for replicate injections over a concentration range of 10-250 ppm, with detection limits of 3 and 1 ppm, respectively, for C (I) and H (I) emission. Subsequent studies of the response of carbon and hydrogen emission signal intensities to differences in amino acid stoichiometries suggest a capability of the PB/HC-AES system for the determination of empirical formulas based on H (I)/C (I) intensity ratios.
Mead on the Self and Moral Situations

One of G. H. Mead’s most valuable contributions to pragmatism was his analysis of the self. Many of the themes developed by other pragmatic thinkers were completed by this view of selfhood. Such was the case in the field of ethics. Although both John Dewey and C. I. Lewis were more prominent moral philosophers, it was Mead who developed the means of showing the ultimate relevance of the self in moral problem solving.
High-level expression and characterization of a secreted recombinant cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor in Pichia pastoris.

Abstract Mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) form essential components of the lysosomal enzyme targeting system by binding newly synthesized acid hydrolases with high (nM) affinity. We report the use of Pichia pastoris as a host to efficiently express the extracytoplasmic ligand-binding domain of the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor. A truncated and glycosylation-deficient form of the receptor AF-Asn 81 /Stop 155 was secreted into the culture medium, yielding ∼28 mg/L after purification, which is an improvement of 10–100-fold compared to expression in baculovirus-infected insect cells and mammalian cells, respectively. Enzymatic deglycosylation indicated high-mannose sugars at the single potential glycosylation site of Asn 81. The extent and heterogeneity of N -glycans were revealed by applying matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). In the case of AF-Asn 81 /Stop 155 , the majority (75%) of the oligosaccharides contained chain lengths of Man 8–10 GlcNAc 2 while Man 11–12 GlcNAc 2 comprised the remaining (25%) N -linked sugars. A comparative MALDI-TOF spectra of Asn 81 /Stop 155 purified from insect cells indicated that Man 2–3 GlcNAc 2 and GlcNAcMan 2–3 GlcNAc 2 share the oligosaccharide pool. The receptor isolated from yeast was functional with respect to ligand binding and acid-dependent dissociation properties, as determined by pentamannosyl phosphate-agarose affinity chromatography. In addition, the protein was biochemically and functionally similar to Asn 81 /Stop 155 expressed in insect cells concerning its oligomeric state and binding affinity to the lysosomal enzyme, β-glucuronidase ( K d =1.4 nM). These results demonstrate that P. pastoris is a convenient system for the production of large quantities of functional recombinant MPRs suitable for structure–function studies.
Evaluation of initial corrosion location in E316L austenitic stainless steel weld metals

The initiation of corrosion attack in E316L austenitic stainless steel weld metal occurs preferentially in the overlapped heat affected zone (HAZ), especially along the fusion line for fissure-free samples, and at the tips of microfissures for fissure-containing samples.
Potentiation of large conductance KCa channels by niflumic, flufenamic, and mefenamic acids

Large conductance calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels are rapidly activated by niflumic acid dose-dependently and reversibly. External niflumic acid was about 5 times more potent than internal niflumic acid, and its action was characterized by an increase in the channel affinity for [Ca2+], a parallel left shift of the voltage-activation curve, and a decrease of the channel long-closed states. Niflumic acid applied from the external side did not interfere with channel block by charybdotoxin, suggesting that its site of action is not at or near the charybdotoxin receptor. Accordingly, partial tetraethylammonium blockade did not interfere with channel activation by niflumic acid. Flufenamic acid and mefenamic acid also stimulated KCa channel activity and, as niflumic acid, they were more potent from the external than from the internal side. Fenamates applied from the external side displayed the following potency sequence: flufenamic acid approximately niflumic acid >> mefenamic acid. These results indicate that KCa channels possess at least one fenamatereceptor whose occupancy leads to channel opening.
Light-driven proton translocations in Halobacterium halobium.

Abstract The purple membrane of Halobacterium halobium acts as a light-driven proton pump, ejecting protons from the cell interior into the medium and generating an electrochemical proton gradient across the cell membrane. However, the typical response of cells to light as measured with a pH electrode in the medium consists of an initial net inflow of protons which subsides and is then replaced by a net outflow which exponentially approaches a new lower steady state pH level. When the light is turned off a small transient acidification occurs before the pH returns to the original dark level. We present experiments suggesting that the initial inflow of protons is triggered by the beginning ejection of protons through the purple membrane and that the initial inflow rate is larger than the continuing light-driven outflow. When the initial inflow has decreased exponentially to a small value, the outflow dominates and causes the net acidification of the medium. The initial inflow is apparently driven by a pre-existing electrochemical gradient across the membrane, which the cells can maintain for extended times in the absence of light and oxygen. Treatments which collapse this gradient such as addition of small concentrations of uncouplers abolish the initial inflow. The triggered inflow occurs through the ATPase and is accompanied by ATP synthesis. Inhibitors of the ATPase such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) inhibit ATP synthesis and abolish the inflow. They also abolish the transient light-off acidification, which is apparently caused by a short burst of ATP hydrolysis before the enzyme is blocked by its endogenous inhibitor. Similar transient inflows and outflows of protons are also observed when anaerobic cells are exposed to short oxygen pulses.
Incorporating Social Impact on New Product Adoption in Choice Modeling: A Case Study in Green Vehicles

While discrete choice analysis is prevalent in capturing consumers’ preferences and describing their choice behaviors in product design, the traditional choice modeling approach assumes that each individual makes independent decisions, without considering the social impact. However, empirical studies show that choice is social — influenced by many factors beyond engineering performance of a product and consumer attributes. To alleviate this limitation, we propose a new choice modeling framework to capture the dynamic influence from social network on consumer adoption of new products. By introducing the social influence attributes into the choice utility function, the social network simulation is integrated with the traditional discrete choice analysis in a three-stage process. Our study shows the need for considering social impact in forecasting new product adoption. Using hybrid electric vehicle as an example, our work illustrates the procedure of social network construction, social influence evaluation, and choice model estimation based on data from National Household Travel Survey. Our study also demonstrates several interesting findings on the dynamic nature of new technology adoption and how social network may influence consumers’ “green attitude” in hybrid electric vehicle adoption.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Is lymphoma occurring in the elderly the same disease

The letter from Lim et al. in this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma [1] addresses the most rapidly increasing problem in clinical oncology – i.e., the care of elderly patients. This increase is a ref...
Characterization of ovine utero-placental interface tensile failure

Abstract Data on the strength of the utero–placental interface (UPI) would help improve understanding of the mechanisms of placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta from the uterus) during motor-vehicle crashes involving pregnant occupants. An ovine model was selected for study because like the human, its placenta has a villous attachment structure. Uteri with intact placentas were obtained from three sheep as by-products of another research study. The samples were harvested between 102 and 119 days of the 145-day gestational period. Rectangular specimens with areas measuring 15 mm × 5 mm were cut through the thickness of the placenta and uterus. Each subject provided eight samples, of which four were tested at a nominal strain rate of 0.10 strains/sec and the remainder was tested at a nominal strain rate of 1.0 strains/sec. Sutures were used to secure the uterine side of the specimens to the test fixture, while mechanical clamps were used to attach the placenta side. A FARO arm scanner recorded the initial geometry of the tissue, and a random dot pattern applied to the placenta and uterus tissue allowed visualization of displacement. For the structure of the UPI, mean tensile failure strain and standard deviations are 0.37 (0.11) and 0.37 (0.18) for the 0.10 and 1.0 strain rates, respectively ( p -value = 0.970) while the associated failure stresses are 6.5 (1.37) and 15.0 (5.08) kPa, ( p -value = 0.064). The results from sheep UPI testing provide the first estimate of the human UPI structural failure tolerance.
Landscape Ecological Urbanism: Origins and Trajectories

City design and planning are especially important in what has been called the “first urban century,” with a majority of people on the planet living in cityregions for the first time in history. Since the mid-1990s, two ideas emerged with implications for how we design and plan cities in the twenty-first century: landscape urbanism and urban ecology. Landscape urbanism evolved from design theory within both architecture and landscape architecture. It melds highstyle design and ecology. More traditional ecological design is perceived as messier (some detractors call ecological design practitioners ‘weedies’) and, as a result, less appealing to international design elites. Thus far, landscape urbanism is largely theoretical, with a few, highly visible actual projects.
Nitrogen transformations and loss in flooded soils and sediments

This paper presents a critical review on nitrogen (N) transformations functioning in flooded soils and sediments, and their role in N loss from the system. Nitrogen transformations reviewed include (1) ammonification (organic ? ammonium N) (2) nitrification (ammonium ? nitrate), (3) ammonia volatilization (ammonium N ? NH3), (4) denitrification (nitrate ? gaseous products N2O and N2). Transport processes reviewed were ammonium and nitrate diffusion. Inorganic N in flooded soils and sediments and waters is converted to gaseous forms by two processes, i.e., (1) nitrification‐denitrification; and (2) NH3 volatilization. The former process seems to be more predominantly involved in the ammonium N loss from the sediments, whereas the latter process occurs under specialized conditions, mainly in the overlying waters. The processes involved in converting organic N to gaseous end products include ammonification of organic N to ammonium N, upward diffusion of ammonium N into the aerobic soil layer, oxidation of am...
Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus1

In the literature on the prevention of diabetes one finds attention drawn to the fact that heredity, race, and obesity are among the important factors that influence the development of this disease. If one could choose a mate with no diabetic taint in the family and not develop obesity the incidence of diabetes could be appreciably reduced. Strome and Blaine (1) point out that mortality rates from diabetes are higher in the United States than in any other major civilized country and that these are increasing every year. In 1933 the author (2) suggested that if one could diagnose diabetes before it became clinically apparent and could treat the disturbance successfully a considerable step forward in reducing the incidence and mortality of this disease would be achieved. The author has previously reported (3) that approximately 15 per cent of patients of college age having glycosuria on one examination would have some degree of disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism as judged by routine glucose tolerance tests.
Direct Implementation of Discrete and Residue-Based Functions Via Optimal Encoding: A Programmable Array Logic Approach

This paper presents a technique for direct truth table implementation of residue-based functions by an encoding scheme that employs programmable array logic (PAL) technology. The scheme models the basic associative memory operation, i.e., the detection of matchings between input patterns and prestored information in the PAL's. The complexity of this model is related to the amount of stored logic, i.e., the P-terms in the logic arrays. A linear programming approach is proposed for the encoding of the residue set with the objective of minimizing the complexity of addition and multiplication, modulo M, simultaneously. It is shown that the addition is more complex than the multiplication modulo M, with both (two-operand) operations being upper bounded by O(M2). Results produced using the optimal encoding compare favorably to corresponding results regarding the usual binary representation of residues. Practical constraints are also considered such as limitations on the number of pins, the number of P-terms, and the chip area, with the latter shown to be more efficiently utilized in the PAL scheme than in a ROM-or PLA-based implementation. The encoding technique is also applicable to the functions of discrete logic, in general.
Union algebra: Unionization, productivity and labor intensity restrictions

Two models are developed to investigate unionism effects. The first assumes Cobb-Douglas technology, derives an explicit cost function allowing for noncost minimization and separates productivity and labor intensity effects. The second assumes a more flexible translog shadow cost function and isolates a neutral productivity effect and factor-specific composite effects. The models are estimated using Allen's construction data. Both models indicate a positive union productivity effect in office construction and a negative union productivity effect in school construction. The Cobb-Douglas model indicates a binding labor-to-materials restriction in both office and school construction, but this evidence disappears with the nonminimum cost function.
Profiting From the Sale of Carbon Offsets: A Case Study of the Trigg Ranch

Profiting From the Sale of Carbon Offsets: A Case Study of the Trigg Ranch DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v33i5_gosnell2
Self-esteem and change in body mass index over 3 years in a cohort of adolescents

Self-esteem has been hypothesized to be lower in obese adolescents relative to their normal weight peers and to be an important factor in preventing or reversing obesity. The present study examined the relationship between obesity and self-esteem cross-sectionally and prospectively over three years in a cohort of 1278 adolescents in grades 7 to 9 at baseline. Cross-sectional analyses revealed an inverse association between physical appearance self-esteem and body mass index in both males and females. In females, body mass index was inversely associated with global self-esteem, close friendship, and behavioral conduct self-esteem. In males, body mass index was inversely associated with athletic and romantic appeal self-esteem. Prospectively, in females, physical appearance and social acceptance self-esteem at baseline were inversely related to body mass index three years later. Baseline self-esteem was unrelated prospectively to change in body mass index in males. All associations were modest in magnitude. These results suggest that in a middle class white sample of adolescents, self-esteem specific to physical appearance is modestly associated with body mass index. Low self-esteem does not appear to predict the development of obesity over time.
American Exceptionalism and US Foreign Policy: Public Diplomacy at the End of the Cold War. By Siobhàn McEvoy-Levy. New York: Palgrave, 2001. 256p. $75.00.

Public diplomacy, or foreign policy rhetoric, is an increasingly important dimension of international relations. As modern media extend their global reach, they bring national foreign policy actions out of the diplomatic closet into full public view. Public relations experts market foreign policy as they do other products and services. Foreign policy marketing uses rhetoric strategically to legitimize national actions, mobilize support from allies, and counter the propaganda efforts of opponents. McEvoy-Levy's work contributes to the growing literature of such modern international communication.
Reciprocal temporospatial patterns of Msx2 and Osteocalcin gene expression during murine odontogenesis.

Msx2 is a homeodomain transcription factor that regulates craniofacial development in vivo and osteocalcin (Osc) promoter activity in vitro. Msx2 is expressed in many craniofacial structures prior to embryonic day (E) E14 but is expressed at later stages in a restricted pattern, primarily in developing teeth and the calvarium. We examine Osc expression by in situ hybridization during murine development, detailing temporospatial relationships with Msx2 expression during preappositional and appositional odontogenesis and calvarial osteogenesis. Osc expression at E14–14.5 is very low, limited to a few perichondrial osteoblasts in the dorsal aspect of developing ribs. At E16.5 and E18.5, Osc expression is much higher, widely expressed in skeletal osteoblasts, including calvarial osteoblasts that do not express Msx2. No Osc is detected in early preappositional teeth that express Msx2. In incisors studied at an early appositional phase, Msx2 is widely expressed in the tooth, primarily in ovoid preodontoblasts and subjacent dental papilla cells. Osc is detected only in a small number of maturing odontoblasts that also express α1(I) collagen(Col1a1) and that are postproliferative (do not express histone H4). Msx2 expression greatly overlaps both histone H4 and Col1a1 expression in ovoid preodontoblasts and dental papilla cells. By the late appositional phases of E18.5 and neonatal teeth, Osc mRNA is highly expressed in mature columnar odontoblasts adjacent to accumulating dentin. In appositional bell-stage molars, reciprocal patterns of Msx2 and Osc are observed in adjacent preodontoblasts and odontoblasts within the same tooth. Osc is expressed in mature columnar odontoblasts, while Msx2 is expressed in adjacent immature ovoid preodontoblasts. In less mature teeth populated only by immature ovoid preodontoblasts, only Msx2 is expressed-–no Osc is detected. Thus, Msx2 and Osc are expressed in reciprocal patterns during craniofacial development in vivo, and Msx2 expression in preodontoblasts clearly preceeds Osc expression in odontoblasts. In functional studies using MC3T3-E1 calvarial osteoblasts, Msx2 suppresses endogeneous Osc, but not osteopontin, mRNA accumulation. In toto, these data suggest that Msx2 suppresses Osc expression in the craniofacial skeleton at stages immediately preceeding odontoblast and osteoblast terminal differentiation.
Particle Injection in the Cygnus X-3 Radio Outburst

Particle injection played an important role in the recent Cygnus X-3 radio outburst. Calculations on the basis of an improved expanding cloud model show that a maximum mass of 0.76 × 10−8 M⊙ was injected over a period of 1.2 days.
The Implications of Surface Energy in Ice Adhesion

Abstract A simple experiment indicates that the effect of the surface energy of a substrate can be detected through a thin grease layer by spreading water drops. The effect of the surface energy on the adhesive strength of ice can be described qualitatively based on this fact with the use of a schematic diagram.
Clostridium difficile infection after cardiac surgery: Prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization

Objective Despite increasing efforts to prevent infection, the prevalence of hospital-associated Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) is increasing. Heightened awareness prompted this study of the prevalence and morbidity associated with CDI after cardiac surgery. Methods A total of 22,952 patients underwent cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic from January 2005 to January 2011. CDI was diagnosed by enzyme immunoassay for toxins and, more recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Hospital outcomes and long-term survival were compared with those of the remaining population in propensity-matched groups. Results One hundred forty-five patients (0.63%) tested positive for CDI at a median of 9 days postoperatively, 135 by enzyme immunoassay and 11 by PCR. Its prevalence more than doubled over the study period. Seventy-seven patients (48%) were transfers from outside hospitals. Seventy-three patients (50%) were exposed preoperatively to antibiotics and 79 (56%) to proton-pump inhibitors. Patients with CDI had more baseline comorbidities, more reoperations, and received more blood products than patients who did not have CDI. Presenting symptoms included diarrhea (107; 75%), distended abdomen (48; 34%), and abdominal pain (27; 19%). All were treated with metronidazole or vancomycin. Sixteen patients (11%) died in hospital, including 5 of 10 who developed toxic colitis; 3 of 4 undergoing total colectomy survived. Among matched patients, those with CDI had more septicemia ( P P = .0002), reoperations ( P P P P = .03), than patients who did not have CDI. Conclusions Although rare, the prevalence of CDI is increasing, contributing importantly to morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. If toxic colitis develops, mortality is high, but colectomy may be lifesaving.
Polygon discretization of the loop-space equation

Abstract Methods for studying equations on the loop space are developed using interpretation of the loop equation of many-color QCD as the functional (inhomogeneous) Laplace equation. We discretize the loop space by M -vertex polygons to approximate the functional laplacian by a (finite-dimensional) second order partial differential operator. A path-integral representation for the Green function of the functional laplacian is obtained as the M → ∞ limit of the Green function of the approximating operator. Finally, we speculate on the possibility of extending this approach to relativistic string.
Intranasal delivery of deferoxamine reduces spatial memory loss in APP/PS1 mice.

Intranasal administration, which bypasses the blood–brain barrier and minimizes systemic exposure, is a non-invasive alternative for targeted drug delivery to the brain. While identification of metal dysregulation in Alzheimer’s brain has led to the development of therapeutic metal-binding agents, targeting to the brain has remained an issue. The purpose of this study was to both determine concentrations of deferoxamine (DFO), a high-affinity iron chelator, reaching the brains of mice after intranasal administration and to determine its efficacy in a mouse model of spatial memory loss. Intranasal administration of DFO (2.4 mg) labeled with 59Fe (75 μCi) to C57 mice resulted in micromolar concentrations at 30 min within brain parenchyma. After 3 months of intranasal DFO treatment, 2.4 mg three times per week, 48-week-old APP/PS1 mice had significantly reduced escape latencies in Morris water maze compared to vehicle-treated mice. This is the first report that intranasal DFO improves spatial memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and demonstrates that intranasal DFO reaches the brain in therapeutic doses.
Quantitative gas chromatography of squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) corticosteroids

Abstract Data are presented documenting the validity and precision of a new computerized gas chromatographic method for quantifying corticosteroids in biologic material. Derivatives suitable for gas chromatographic analysis were obtained in quantitative yield from the initial extracts without preliminary purification by other chromatographic means. Corticosteroids produced by squirrel monkey adrenals were identified and their production rates measured with and without added ACTH. Cortisol (F), cortisone (E), cholesterol (CHOL), and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11BA) were the most abundant steroids produced. In incubations of adrenal slices, F and E together comprised 64% of the total steroid production without added ACTH and 85% with ACTH. The steroid compositions of adrenal vein plasma and incubates of adrenal slices were similar. The identities of F, E, 11BA, and CHOL were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Traces of other steroids were present, but their identification was based primarily on gas Chromatographic retention times on SE 30 and QF 1 columns.
Lipopolysaccharide Induced Dynamic Lipid Organizations: Lipid Tubules, Membrane Perforations and Multi-Lamellar Stacking

Supported lipid bilayer assemblies (sLBAs) are generally thought of as relatively stable, predictable model membranes, relevant to a biological system. Lipopolysaccahride (LPS) is a unique lipoglycan, with two major functions: (i) as a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and (ii) as a highly potent human toxin when released from cells into solution ("endotoxin"). Divalent cations have long been known to neutralize and stabilize LPS in the outer membrane, whereas LPS in the presence of monovalent cations forms highly mobile negatively-charged aggregates. We report fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis of the interaction between soluble LPS and a single component fluid-phase sLBA. Three remarkably different deformations are induced by LPS on the simple lipid membrane, dependent on cation availability. LPS is an amphiphile that spontaneously inserts into the outer leaflet of lipid bilayers to bury its hydrophobic lipidic domain and expose the hydrophilic polysaccharide chain to the exterior polar solvent. Net negative (LPS-Na+) induces membrane curvature due to electrostatic repulsive effects between clustered LPS. This leads to (1) the growth of 100μm-long flexible lipid tubules from surface associated lipid vesicles and (2) destabilization of the sLBA leading to micron-sized hole formation. In contrast, Ca2+ promotes self-association and bridging of LPS, and (LPS-Ca2+) induces (3) growth of 100μm-wide planar single- or multi-lamellar sheets of lipid and LPS from surface associated lipid vesicles that exhibit 2-D membrane fluidity and represent a potential means of organizing layer-by-layer membrane construction. Our findings have important implications about the physical interaction of LPS and lipids and the potential of using LPS and other amphiphilic materials as membrane soft-lithography tools.
The Biblical Politics of John Locke

The Biblical Politics of John Locke, Kim Ian Parker, Editions SR, Volume 29; Waterloo, Ontario: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2004, pp. ix, 211.Parker's study is on the foundational role played by the creation story of Genesis in Locke's moral and political philosophy. Locke's First Treatise against patriarchalism was not only a refutation of Filmer's reading of Adam and original sin, it was a positive rereading of that story suggesting “an emancipation of humanity almost unprecedented in theological writings” (38). Locke's distinction between paternal and political power, then, is not merely a way of “scoring polemical points against Filmer” but becomes a way “to form the basis of his political theory” (120). What can too easily be read as “merely” exegetical polemic in the First Treatise is translated into philosophical argument in the Second Treatise.
Spermatophore transfer in the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus (Crustacea, Anomura, Diogenidae).

Although mating has been described in several hermit crab species, the mechanics of spermatophore transfer have not previously been demonstrated. Evidence from pleopod and gonopore morphology, video observations, and inseminated females indicates that in Clibanarius vittatus the male applies a spermatophoric mass directly onto the female via the gonopores rather than with modified pleopods 1–2 (gonopods) and/or genital papillae as in many other decapods. The single second pleopod of males of C. vittatus has a simple endopod with no apparent modifications for sperm transfer. There are no genital papillae extending from the male gonopores. The globular spermatophores are aligned in rows surrounded by a seminal secretion in the male ducts (vasa deferentia that terminate in ejaculatory ducts opening to the exterior via the gonopores). During copulation, described from time-lapse video recordings, the ventral surface of the last thoracic segment of the male, bearing the gonopores, was apposed to the ventral cephalothorax of the female. A massive amount of seminal secretion containing spermatophore ribbons, termed here the spermatophoric mass and described for the first time in a hermit crab species, was observed covering the sternites and coxae of pereopods 1–5 of a recently copulated female. It is suggested that during copulation the male emits the contents of the ejaculatory ducts directly onto the female without the aid of gonopods or genital papillae. Although spermatophore transfer is simple in C. vittatus, the presence of modified anterior pleopods or elongate genital papillae (sexual tubes) in other paguroidean species suggests the possibility of a more complex insemination process in these other hermit crabs. J. Morphol. 253:166–175, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Potassium channels of myenteric neurons in guinea-pig small intestine

Abstract Patch-clamp recording was used to study rectifying K + currents in myenteric neurons in short-term culture. In conditions that suppressed Ca 2+ -activated K + current, three kinds of voltage-activated K + currents were identified by their voltage range of activation, inactivation, kinetics and pharmacology. These were A-type current, delayed outwardly rectifying current (I K.dr ) and inwardly rectifying current (I K.ir ). I K.ir consisted of an instantaneous component followed by a time-dependent current that rapidly increased at potentials negative to −80 mV. Time-constant of activation was voltage-dependent with an e-fold decrease for a 31-mV hyperpolarization amounting to a decrease from 800 to 145 ms between −80 and −100 mV. I K.ir did not inactivate. I K.ir was abolished in K + -free solution. Increases in external K + increased I K.ir conductance in direct relation to the square root of external K + concentration. Activation kinetics were accelerated and the activation range shifted to more positive K + equilibrium potentials. I K.ir was suppressed by external Cs + and Ba 2+ in a concentration-dependent manner. Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ were less effective than Ba 2+ I K, ir was unaffected by tetraethylammonium ions. I K.dr was activated at membrane potentials positive to −30 mV with an e-fold decrease in time-constant of activation from 145 to 16 ms between −20 and 30 mV. It was half-activated at 5 mV and fully activated at 50 mV. Inactivation was indiscernible during 2.5 s test pulses. I K.dr was suppressed in a concentration-, but not voltage-dependent manner by either tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine and was insensitive to Cs 2+ . The results suggest that I K.ir may be important in maintaining the high resting membrane potentials found in afterhyperpolarization-type enteric neurons. They also suggest importance of I K.ir channels in augmentation of the large hyperpolarizing after-potentials in afterhyperpolarization-type neurons and the hyperpolarization associated with inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. I K.dr in afterhyperpolarization-type enteric neurons has overall kinetics and voltage behaviour like delayed rectifier currents in other excitable cells where the currents can also be distinguished from A-type and Ca 2+ -activated K + current.
Synaptic excitation mediated by glutamate-gated ion channels

Excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system relies predominantly on stimulation of L-glutamate-gated ion channels in postsynaptic membranes. Activation of these channels not only mediates millisecond to millisecond signalling but can also have long term influences on synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Recent work has resolved some longstanding problems involving the identity of the transmitter, the postsynaptic localization of the receptor subtypes, and the time course of the transmitter in the synaptic cleft.
A few remarks on Ramsey--Turán-type problems

Let H be a fixed forbidden graph and let f be a function of n. Denote by RT(n, H,f(n)) the maximum number of edges a graph G on n vertices can have without containing H as a subgraph and also without having at least f(n) independent vertices. The problem of estimating RT(n, H,f(n)) is one of the central questions of so-called Ramsey Turan theory.In their recent paper (Discrete Math. 229 (2001) 293-340), Simonovits and Sos gave an excellent survey of this theory and mentioned some old and new interesting open questions. In this short paper we obtain some new bounds for Ramsey-Turan-type problems. These results give partial answers for some of the questions.
Ontogeny of the noradrenergic innervation of the rat hippocampal formation.

The noradrenergic (NA) innervation of the rat hippocampal formation arrives embryonically into a structure in which cytogenesis and cell migration are still active processes. At embryonic day 18 (E18) the first fluorescent axons appear in the septal end of CA3 at the boundary of the marginal zone and cortical plate, the future stratum lucidum. By birth axons invade the subiculum and also course along the septo-temporal axis in a longitudinal associational system in stratum moleculare of CA3. The innervation of the area dentata increases significantly by postnatal day four (P4). The innervation pattern throughout the dentate and Ammon's horn is fairly complete by P10. High affinity uptake of 3H-NA also matures embryonically and correlates postnatally with the extent of innervation estimated by fluorescence histochemistry. The levels of endogenous NA develop more slowly, showing only 60–80% of older adult values by P48.