bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Cretaceus Kiowa Formation; The eastern margin of the Western Interior Seaway
Authors: Scott Robert W.
Published: November 2007

The Kiowa Formation is exposed discontinuously along the shores of Kanopolis Reservoir in central Kansas. This reservoir was formed by the damming of the Smoky River in Ellsworth County about 20 mi (32 km) southwest of Salina. One of the best exposures is about 660 ft (200 m) southwest of the dam control tower along the shore (NE¼, Sec.3, T.17S., R.6W.; 97°58′ W., 38°36—30—N.; Crawford 1964 USGS topographic sheet) (Fig. 1). The outcrop is accessible by a short hike west of the road leading across the dam. The condition of the exposure depends on the water level and varies from time to time. A similar section is exposed along the eastern bluff in the second bay west of the state campground. It is accessible by walking northwest a few hundred meters from the road (C. NE¼, Sec.4, T.17S., R.6W.;97°59—W., 38°36—24—N.). The unfossiliferous lower part of the section is partly exposed on private land east of the dam (SW¼, Sec.l, T.17S., R.6W.;97°56—36’W., 38°36—24’N.)
Plio-Pleistocene rocks, Borchers Badlands, Meade County, south western Kansas
Authors: Zakrzewski Richard J.
Published: November 2007

The Borchers Badlands, hereafter referred to as the badlands, are located in the south-central part of Meade County, Kansas, approximately 9 mi (14.4 km) south-southwest of Meade, the county seat (Fig. 1). This area is part of the transition zone between the High Plains and the Plains Border provinces. Meade is at the junction of U.S. 54 and 160 and Kansas 23. The latter highway bisects the badlands into a north half (Section 4) and a south half (Section 3). The badlands are located in Sec. 16; a small portion of the SE¼ of Sec. 17; the east half of Sec. 20 and the west half of Sec. 21, T33S., R.28W. (Fig. 2), an area of approximately 2 mi2 (5.2 km2) (Lake Larabee and Irish Flats NE7½-minute Quadrangles). The western boundary is Crooked Creek, a fault-controlled stream. The eastern boundary is the undissected upland area.
The Meers fault scarp, southwestern Oklahoma
Authors: Donovan R.N.
Published: November 2007

The Meers fault scarp trends ESE-WNW along the northern edge of the Meers Valley in Commanche County, southwestern Oklahoma (Fig. 1 ). The impressively straight scarp can be traced for 16 mi (26 km). The southeastern two-thirds of the scarp intends across land that is under relatively intensive agricultural use, and the northwestern third extends across hilly open range. This land usage reflects the underlying Permian bedrock shales to the southeast and conglomerates to the northwest. The most visually impressive and instructive lengths of scarp are developed in the conglomerate terrain. Access procedure to a convenient length of the scarp in this terrain is as follows. First, contact Mr. Charlie Bob Oliver, manager of the Kimbell Ranch. The ranch house is located in Blue Creek Canyon on Oklahoma 58. Mr. Oliver has been closely involved in recent work on the fault and, if notified in advance, can make a key to the ranch tracks available. Oklahoma 58 must be followed south of Stumbling Bear Pass to a county road (Fig. 2). This road should then be taken for just over 1 mi ( 1.6 km) west to a group of houses north of the road. At this point a decision must be made with respect to the condition of a ranch track which trends north by the houses. This road is impassable for most vehicles after a rain (the alternative is a walk of about 1.5 mi; 2.4 km). The track is followed north for about 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
Deltaic facies of the Hartshorne Sandstone in the Arkoma Basin, Arkansas-Oklahoma border
Authors: Houseknecht David W.
Published: November 2007

Sedimentary facies deposited in channel and interchannel positions within an actively prograding, river-dominated delta are illustrated at two localities near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border south of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Locality 1 (94°17—20"W.; 35°11'41—N.; Greenwood, Arkansas, Quadrangle) is a distinctive, terraced roadcut on U.S. 71, approximately 12 mi (20 km) south of Fort Smith (Fig. 1). The Hartshorne Sandstone dips steeply north (nearly vertical) along the north limb of the Washburn anticline (Fig. 2).

Locality 2 (94°31—20W.; 35°10—30"N.; Spiro, Oklahoma, Quadrangle) is a roadcut on old Oklahoma 112, approximately 8 mi (12 km) west of Hackett, Arkansas (Fig. 1). The Hartshorne Sandstone dips 15° southward along the southern limb of the Backbone anticline (Fig. 2).
Appalachian Valley and Ridge to Appalachian Plateau transition zone in southwestern Virginia and eastern West Virginia
Authors: Whisonant Robert C. , Schultz Arthur P.
Published: November 2007

The Appalachian Valley and Ridge to Appalachian Plateau transition is exposed in a series of road cuts located in Giles County, Virginia, and Mercer County, West Virginia, and include portions of the Narrows, Oakvale, Lerona, and Peterstown 7½-minute Quadrangles (Fig. 1). The exposures may be reached via U.S. 460 approximately 15 mi (24 km) east of Princeton, West Virginia, or 2 mi (3 km) north of Narrows, Virginia.
The Upper Ordovician Fredericktown Section, Nelson County, Kentucky
Authors: Noger Martin C.
Published: November 2007

The Fredericktown Section is in Nelson County, Kentucky, in the southwestern quarter of the Maud 7½-minute quadrangle (Peterson, 1972) in a roadcut along the southwestern side of U.S.150, 4.5 miles (7.2 km) east of the Bluegrass Parkway (Fig. 1).
Flood-tidal deltas and related back barrier systems
Authors: Haas Christopher A. , Gastaldo Robert A.
Published: November 2007

Two outcrops of the Bremen Sandstone are located on or near River Highway, 2.4 mi (3.9 km) north of Alabama 69, in Sec.l, T.13S, R.6W, and Sec.6, T.13S, R.5W, Walker County, Alabama, on the Lewis Smith Lake Dam 7½-minute Quadrangle.
Pottsville Formation in Alabama
Authors: Rheams Lawrence J. , Benson D. Joe
Published: November 2007

Six exposures of the Early Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation in the Warrior coal field of Alabama can be seen along I-65 starting just north of Birmingham, Alabama and ending about 36 mi (60 km) farther to the north (Fig. 1). The stops illustrate the stratigraphy, structure, and depositional environments of a part of the Pottsville interval in the Warrior coal field.
Harpers Ferry water gap
Authors: Patchen Douglas G. , vary Katharine Lee A
Published: November 2007

Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where the Potomac has cut an impressive water gap through the Blue Ridge. Three states—West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland—meet at this point, which is located on the Harpers Ferry 7½-minute Quadrangle. Access to Harpers Ferry from the east or west is by way of U.S. 340 (Fig. 1). Recommended stops are along U.S. 340 south of the Potomac River, Sandy Hook Road north of the Potomac, and the B&O Railroad tracks and within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (Fig. 2).
The Roanoke Rapids complex of the Eastern slate belt, Halifax and Northampton Counties, North Carolina
Authors: Horton J. Wright , Stoddard Edward F.
Published: November 2007

The site is located at Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, along the tailrace below Roanoke Rapids dam on the Roanoke River, in the northeast quadrant of the Roanoke Rapids 7½-minute quadrangle (Fig. 1), 4.3 mi (7 km) south of the Virginia state line. This hydroelectric dam and the tailrace are owned by North Carolina Power. Most geologic features exposed along the tailrace can be observed by traversing the south side, which is open to the public “at your own risk.” The north side of the tailrace and the adjacent riverbed north of it show similar features and can be reached, with permission, by walking across the lower part of the dam. Permission can be requested from officials at the North Carolina Power station at the north end of Oakwood Avenue (Fig. 1).
Diabase dike near Lancaster, South Carolina
Authors: Butler James Robert
Published: November 2007

The large diabase dike and adjacent granite that it intruded are well exposed in road cuts along US Highway 601, about midway between Lancaster and Pageland in the northeastern South Carolina Piedmont (Figs. 1 and 2), about 50 mi (80 km) southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina. The outcrop is about 4,000 ft (1,200 m) south of Flat Creek and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) northeast of the village of Midway (intersection of US 601 and South Carolina 903). There is ample parking on the grassy shoulder of the highway just north of the outcrop, large enough even for several buses; in wet weather, be careful of soggy ground
Chunky Gal Mountain and Glade Gap
Authors: Hatcher Robert D.
Published: November 2007

Chunky Gal Mountain and Glade Gap are located adjacent to U.S. 646 mi (10 km) east of Shooting Creek, Clay County, North Carolina, Shooting Creek and Rainbow Springs 7½-minute Quadrangles (Fig. 1).
Ocoee Gorge; Appalachian Valley and Ridge to Blue Ridge transition
Authors: Hatcher Robert D. , Milici Robert C.
Published: November 2007

Ocoee Gorge is located along U.S. 64 in southeastern Tennessee in the western edge of the Blue Ridge (Fig. 1). Getting to this location is relatively easy, although parking conditions and access to the rocks vary considerably along the highway. Parking is readily available at Parksville Dam at the west end of the series of stops to be described. However, at Maddens Branch adequate parking is available for only one bus or four vans. The shoulders along the highway at both of these stops provide limited walking space, and the traffic moves very fast. Pay attention to the traffic at both Parksville Dam and Maddens Branch. Boyd Gap at the east end of the site contains adequate parking and plenty of room to walk and look at rocks.
Corbin Gneiss Complex
Authors: Costello John O.
Published: November 2007

Red Top Mountain State Park and vicinity, (1.3 mi or 2.1 km) east of Exit 123 (Red Top Mountain Road) on I-75, Bartow County, Allatoona Dam 7½-minute Quadrangle Georgia (Fig. 1). NOTE: Written permission must be obtained before samples can be gathered on State Park property. Write to: Chief Naturalist, Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Historic Sites Division, 270 Washington Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. Alternatively, fresh samples can be gathered from roadcuts and outcrops approximately 5 mi (8 km) north of the site along the Georgia 20 right-of-way between Roland Springs Community and the Bartow/Cherokee County line, Allatoona Dam 7½-minute Quadrangle. To reach these exposures, take I-75 north from Red Top Mountain Road. Exit onto Georgia 20 (Exit 125) and proceed East.
The Bartletts Ferry and Goat Rock fault zones north of Columbus, Georgia
Authors: Hanley Thomas B. , Redwine James C.
Published: November 2007

The stops described herein are approximately 10 to 12 mi (16 to 20 km) north of Columbus, Georgia, on the east bank of the Chattahoochee River and on the west side of 1-185 (Fig. 1).
Devonian and Mississippian black shales of Kentucky
Authors: Kepferle Roy C.
Published: November 2007

A series of road cuts exposes black shale of Devonian and Mississippian age along I-64, about 49 mi (79 km) east of Lexington, Kentucky (Fig. 1). The entire sequence can best be visited from separate approaches. The lower part of the sequence (Fig. 1, locality A) should be approached from the west on the eastbound lanes of I-64; the upper part of the sequence (Fig. 1, locality B) should be approached from the east on the westbound lanes. The black-shale section is in the Farmers 7½-minute Quadrangle (McDowell, 1975), and the base of the Ohio Shale at the west end (locality ) is at an elevation of 710 ft (216.5 m).
Depositional environments and paleogeography of the interglacial Flanner Beach Formation, Cape Lookout area, North Carolina
Authors: Mixon Robert B.
Published: November 2007

The 2 Stops described here are in the Central Neuse River estuary in the outermost Atlantic Coastal Plain, Craven and Pamlico Counties, North Carolina (Fig. 1).
The geology and physiography of the Orangeburg Scarp
Authors: Colquhoun Donald J.
Published: November 2007

The Orangeburg Scarp is located along and adjacent to I-26, Orangeburg, South Carolina, St. Matthews and Orangeburg 15-minute quadrangles and South Carolina, Department of Highways and Public Transportation, General Highway Map, Orangeburg County (Fig. 1).
Stratigraphy and depositional environments of the kaolin belt in middle Georgia
Authors: Long Aubrey L. , Quintus-Bosz R. L. , Schrader Ed L.
Published: November 2007

Two inactive kaolin mines about 6 mi ( 10 km) northeast of Huber, Georgia (Fig. 1), display the stratigraphy and depositional environments of the kaolin belt in middle Georgia. The northwest highwall of Huber's #26 mine and northeast highwall of Huber's #30 mine are about 2.0 mi (3.2 km) and 2.7 mi (4.3 km), respectively, northeast of Huber's mine shop, at latitude 32°45′ and longitude 83028′, in Twiggs County, Georgia (Fig. 2). The mines are in the southwest corner of the Dry Branch quadrangle and the northwest corner of the Marion quadrangle. These mines are located in the J. M. Huber Corporation active mine complex, which is approximately 11 mi (17.7 km) southeast of Macon, Georgia. Permission to enter should be obtained from the exploration office at Huber, Georgia, which is 4.0 mi (6.4 km) west of the mine shop, on the Warner Robins NE quadrangle.
Trail Ridge and Okefenokee Swamp
Authors: Carver Robert E. , Brook George A. , Hyatt Robert A.
Published: November 2007

Trail Ridge is located in southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida (Fig. 1). The ridge is a Pleistocene coastal terrace that forms the eastern margin of Okefenokee Swamp, a large freshwater swamp. Trail Ridge is accessible by automobile where U.S. 1 and 23 crosses the Ridge about 20 mi (32 km) southeast of Waycross, Georgia. The road from Georgia 23 and 121 to the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area (Camp Cornelia) and Georgia 94 west of St. George, Georgia also cross Trail Ridge.
The Everglades National Park
Authors: Bond Paulette
Published: November 2007

The Everglades National Park is located at the southern extreme of peninsular Florida in Dade and Monroe Counties (Fig. 1). Florida 27 provides access from Homestead and Florida City to the southern part of the park and the locations discussed here.
St. Vincent Island (St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge), Florida
Authors: Campbell Kenneth M.
Published: November 2007

St. Vincent Island is a Holocene barrier island located in Franklin County, Florida, west-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida (Fig. 1), The island is located on the Apalachicola 2-degree quadrangle and on the Indian Pass and West Pass 7½-minute quadrangle maps.

The island is accessible only by boat. To obtain current access information, contact the Refuge Manager: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, Post Office Box 347, Apalachicola, Florida 32320, (904) 653-8808.
St. Stephens Quarry (Lone Star Cement Company Quarry), St. Stephens, Washington County, Alabama, where a near complete Oligocene section, including the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, is exposed
Authors: Mancini Ernest A. , Copeland Charles W.
Published: November 2007

St. Stephens Quarry (Lone Star Cement Company Quarry) is located at St. Stephens Bluff on the west bank of the Tombigbee River, 2.2 mi (3.5 km) northeast of St. Stephens, Washington County, Alabama (Fig. 1).
Coffee Landing, Hardin County, Tennessee
Authors: Russell Ernest E.
Published: November 2007

The type locality of the Coffee Sand is a series of bluffs on the Tennessee River north of Coffee Landing, Hardin County, Tennessee. The westernmost bluff is located at Lat. 35°16′28”N; Long. 88°17′32” W on the Milledgeville, Tennessee 7½-minute quadrangle (see index map, Fig. 1). The site is accessible by car and it is only a short walk along the river from Coffee Landing to one of the low bluffs. However, during high water the bluffs may not be approachable from Coffee Landing along the river's edge. All the bluffs are accessible by boat, and the bluff tops are only a short distance from paved roads although it is necessary to cross through woods. The bluffs are in an active cutbank of the Tennessee River, thus are very steep and unstable. Therefore, caution is recommended, weather.
The Taconic sequence in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Authors: Fichter Lynn S. , Diecchio Richard J.
Published: November 2007

The Taconic sequence in the northern Shenandoah Valley is located on the Strasburg and Toms Brook, 7½-minute Quadrangles, or the Strasburg, 15-minute Quadrangle. In addition, geologic maps are available for both 7½-minute quadrangles (Rader and Biggs, 1976). All stops are readily accessible on paved heavy duty and medium duty roads and are numbered on the index map (Fig. 1) in stratigraphic order. All stops are on public land or right-of-way and require no special permission for access.
Taconian elastic sequence and general geology in the vicinity of the Allegheny Front in Pendleton County, West Virginia
Authors: Diecchio Richard J.
Published: November 2007

Outcrops of the Taconic elastic sequence and the general geology in the vicinity of the Allegheny Front are exposed at Judy Gap on U.S. 33, Pendleton County; Circleville and Spruce Knob, 7½-minute quadrangles about 8 miles (13 km) westnorthwest of Franklin, West Virginia (Fig. 1). West Virginia 28 and 33 provide access for any kind of vehicle including busses. All other travel in the area will be on dirt roads or narrow paved roads that provide access only by passenger cars and vans.
Trimble Knob basalt diatreme and associated dikes, Highland County, Virginia
Authors: Rader Eugene K. , Gathright Thomas M. , Marr John D.
Published: November 2007

The Trimble Knob basalt diatreme and associated dikes are located adjacent to U.S. 250 and 220, near Monterey and Highland, Highland County Virginia (Fig. 1).
Middle to Late Famennian successions at Ain Jemaa (Moroccan Meseta)—implications for regional correlation, event stratigraphy and synsedimentary tectonics of NW Gondwana
Authors: Kaiser S. I. , Becker R. T. , El Hassani A.
Published: November 2007

Two pelagic successions near Ain Jemaa (Oulmès region, Moroccan Meseta) are dated by conodonts and ammonoids and provide new data on the discontinuous Middle to Upper Famennian faunal and facies evolution in the region. Upper Devonian shales and nodular limestones are assigned to the new Bou Gzem Formation, which is subdivided into three members. The Upper Member consists of black shales that are correlated with the globally widespread, transgressive black shale interval of the Hangenberg Event. The overlying quartzites are interpreted as prodeltaic deposits and assigned to the new Táarraft Formation that probably correlate with the major regressive phase of the Hangenberg Event. Contemporaneous (‘Strunian’) coarse siliciclastics have a wide distribution in different structural units of the Meseta. Both studied sections display a long sedimentary gap but of different extent at the base of the black shales. Comparison with other regions of Hercynian Morocco suggest an influence of Eohercynian tectonics on sedimentation, leading to extreme condensation and/or non-deposition, whilst other Meseta areas show evidence of contemporaneous reworking on uplifted structural highs and massive shedding of mass flows, conglomerates and turbidites into adjacent pelagic basins. Data from Oulmés and other Meseta regions suggest a timing of tectophases as early Middle Famennian (starting within the
marginifera
Zone) and Upper Famennian (starting within the Middle
expansa
Zone), interrupted by transgressive pulses of the global
Annulata
and Dasberg Events.
A novel von Willebrand factor mutation (I1372S) associated with type 2B-like von Willebrand disease: An elusive phenotype and a difficult diagnosis
Authors: Sartorello Francesca , Pontara Elena , Gallinaro Lisa , Bertomoro Antonella , Cattini Maria Grazia , Daidone Viviana , Szukowska Maryta , Pagnan Antonio , Casonato Alessandra
Published: November 2007

Mutations in the A1 domain of von Willebrand factor (VWF) may be associated with gain of function in theVWF-platelet GPIb interaction and consumption of largeVWF multimers, as seen in type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD). We report a new VWF abnormality associated with greater VWF-GPIb interaction in the presence of all VWF multimers. The index case is a woman with a lifelong history of bleeding, found hyperresponsive to ristocetin with spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA). She had normal factor VIII,VWF:Ag,VWF:RCo and VWF:CB levels, normal VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag and VWF:CB/VWF:Ag ratios, and a full panel of plasma and platelet VWF multimers. A missense mutation (4115T>G) was found in exon 28 of theVWF gene, which replaced a isoleucine with a serine at position 1372 of pre-pro-VWF (I1372S) at heterozygous level. Recombinant VWF carrying the I1372S mutation and showing a normal VWF multimer organisation was capable of inducing SPA on normal plateletrich plasma (unlike wild-type VWF), as well as a hyper-response to ristocetin in the same platelets (0.6 mg/ml ristocetin vs. 1.2 of wild-type VWF). The new I1372S VWF mutation, characterised by SPA and hyper-responsiveness to ristocetin thus has some of the features of type 2B VWD, but not the lack of large VWF multimers, so we defined this variant as type 2B-likeVWD. Why I1372SVWF is associated with bleeding symptoms, despite normalVWF levels and multimer organisation,remains to be seen.
Heterozygous loss of platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-V-IX variably affects platelet function in velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) patients
Authors: Liang Hai Po Helena , Morel-Kopp Marie-Christine , Curtin Julie , Wilson Meredith , Hewson John , Chen Walter , Ward Christopher
Published: November 2007

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is a common, phenotypically heterogeneous developmental disorder caused by an interstitial microdeletion within human chromosome 22q11. The deleted chromosomal region in >90% of VCFS patients includes the GPIbβ gene, encoding for one subunit of the platelet GPIb-V-IX receptor, which is critical for platelet adhesion under shear, and important in aggregation and thrombin-mediated activation. Complete loss of GPIb-V-IX due to autosomal recessive inheritance of two GPIbα,Ibβ or GP9 gene mutations,results in a severe bleeding disorder,Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS). In this study, twenty-one confirmedVCFS patients were analyzed for platelet morphological and functional alterations, resulting from the heterozygous loss of one GPIbβ gene allele. Compared to unaffected family members,VCFS patients showed a significant decrease in platelet count; VCFS platelet size and mean platelet volume were increased, but not as markedly as in BSS. As expected from obligatory heterozygotes for GPIbβ deficiency, VCFS patients showed reduced platelet GPIb-V-IX surface expression and total GPIb content, but with considerable variation between cases. Platelet function tested using the PFA-100™ analyzer was impaired in 70% of patients. Platelet aggregation was reduced in response to a GPIb-dependent agonist, ristocetin, in 50% ofVCFS patients, with 35% showing a reduced response to thrombin receptor activating peptide. Genomic screening was performed to exclude mutations of the subunit genes, indicating that these platelet abnormalities were due to GPIbβ heterozygosity and not spontaneous BSS. In conclusion, many VCFS patients have in-vitro defects in platelet function that may increase their risk of bleeding during surgery.
Decreased platelet reactivity identified by whole blood flow cytometry in Fanconi anaemia patients
Authors: Holzhauer Susanne , Sitaru Ana-Gabriela , Ebell Wolfram , Schindler Detlev , Hanenberg Helmut , Wirbelauer Johannes , Walter Ulrich , Grossmann Ralf
Published: November 2007

disorder characterized by congenital anomalies and a high risk for bone marrow failure and cancer. Bleeding is a frequent complication in FA, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Thrombocytopenia is a major factor leading to this complication, but the bleeding tendency of FA patients often exceeds what one might expect based on their platelet counts. We therefore investigated if alterations of platelet function contribute to the bleeding tendency of FA patients. We assessed platelet function in 11 FA patients and 23 controls with whole blood flow cytometry. We analyzed the expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein receptors, reactivity of platelets to physiologic agonists and the proportion of young platelets. In FA patients platelet PAC-1 after stimulation with thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) were 15–70% lower than in controls. We found no or only minor differences of platelet glycoprotein receptor expression between groups. While the proportion of reticulated platelets was not different, the absolute number of reticulated platelets was markedly lower in FA patients. Our data show that FA is associated with reduced platelet reactivity, which may contribute to the high bleeding tendency in FA patients. Whole blood flow cytometry is a suitable method for analysis of platelet function in FA patients.
Farnesoid X Receptor Ligands Inhibit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Inflammation and Migration
Authors: Li Yoyo T.Y. , Swales Karen E. , Thomas Gareth J. , Warner Timothy D. , Bishop-Bailey David
Published: November 2007

Objective—

The farnesoid X receptor/bile acid receptor (FXR; NR1H4) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates bile acid and lipid homeostasis, and is highly expressed in enterohepatic tissue. FXR is also expressed in vascular tissue. We have investigated whether FXR regulates inflammation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Methods and Results—

The FXR target gene, small heterodimer partner (SHP), was induced in vascular smooth muscle cells after treatment with synthetic FXR ligands, GW4064, or 6α-ethyl-chenodeoxycholic acid. FXR ligands induced smooth muscle cell death and downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β–induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. In addition, FXR ligands suppressed smooth muscle cell migration stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor-BB. Reporter gene assays showed that FXR ligands activated an FXR reporter gene and suppressed IL-1β–induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and iNOS in a manner that required functional FXR and SHP.

Conclusion—

Our observations suggest that a FXR-SHP pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for vascular inflammation, remodeling, and atherosclerotic plaque stability.
Direction and Location Are Not Sufficient for Navigating in Nonrigid Environments: An Empirical Study in Augmented Reality
Authors: Cao Caroline G. L. , Milgram Paul
Published: November 2007

Nonrigid environments, such as the human colon, present unique challenges in maintaining spatial orientation during navigation. This paper presents a design concept for presenting spatial information in an augmented reality (AR) display, together with results of an experiment conducted to evaluate the relative usefulness of three types of spatial information for supporting navigation and spatial orientation in a nonrigid environment. Sixteen untrained subjects performed a simulated colonoscopy procedure, using rigid and nonrigid colon models and six different AR displays comprising various combinations of direction, location, and shape information related to the scope inside the colon. Results showed that, unlike navigating in rigid environments, subjects took 44% longer to navigate the nonrigid environment and were less efficient, and suggested that it may be useful to train aspiring endoscopists in an equivalent rigid environment initially. A navigational aid presenting shape information was more beneficial than location or direction information for navigating in the nonrigid environment. Even though the AR navigational aid display did not speed up travel time, navigation efficiency and confidence in direction and location judgment for all subjects were improved. Subjectively, subjects preferred having shape information, in addition to position and direction information, in the navigational aid.
Communalism and Nationalism in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahim Aminur
Published: November 2007

The scholars of the South Asian politics have tended to take a one-dimensional view in national formations in Bangladesh, that is, identity formation is seen as either instrumental or primordial. Relying on the conceptual framework of social formation, this article argues that `Bengali' and `Muslim' are complementary. Group solidarity itself is seen as a social process that links to the everyday world that provides the space for the identity formation. It transcends the narrow utilitarian principle to strive for securing and organizing power itself.
Analysis of Two Modeling Methodologies for Predicting the Tensile Properties of Cotton-covered Nylon Core Yarns
Authors: Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar , Shanbeh Mohsen , Palhang Maziar
Published: November 2007

In this study, the capability of artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression methods for modeling the tensile properties of cotton-covered nylon core yarns based on process parameters were investigated. The developed models were assessed by verifying Mean Square Error (MSE) and Correlation Coefficient (R-value) the test data prediction. The results indicated that artificial neural network algorithm has better performance in comparison with multiple linear regression. The difference between the mean square error of predicting these two models for breaking strength and breaking elongation was 0.365 and 0.119, respectively. The five-fold cross-validation technique was used to evaluate the performance of artificial neural network algorithm. Moreover, the weight decay technique was also used for preventing the memorization.
X-ray Crystallinity of Bleached and Crosslinked Cottons
Authors: Parikh D.V. , Thibodeaux D.P. , Condon B.
Published: November 2007

An X-ray diffractometer was used to study the crystalline structure of cotton fibers after bleaching, crosslinking and a combination of bleaching and crosslinking treatments. Wet crosslinking was accomplished with formaldehyde (Form W) and dry crosslinking was carried out with either dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) or citric acid (CA). Results indicated that crosslinking of bleached cotton did not change the crystalline nature of cotton (i.e. it was Cellulose I), but did increase its degree of crystallinity when crosslinked with either DMDHEU or CA; crosslinked formaldehyde (Form W) was relatively less crystalline.
Depression Among Rural Native American and European American Grandparents Rearing Their Grandchildren
Authors: Letiecq Bethany L. , Bailey Sandra J. , Kurtz Marcia A.
Published: November 2007

Increasing numbers of grandparents are rearing their grandchildren because of their adult children's inability to parent. Researchers have begun to document the mental health outcomes of grandparent caregivers in general, yet none have examined the mental health of Native American and European American grandparent caregivers residing in rural communities. To shed light on this topic, the current study examined relationships between degree of rurality; economic, community, and social resources; grandparenting experiences; and depression among 55 rural Native American and European American custodial grandparents. Based on hierarchical regression analyses, the best predictors of depression were grand-parental stress, total time providing primary care to grandchildren, household income, and race. Grandparents experiencing more stress, less time in the role of primary grandparent caregiver, and lower household income reported more depressive symptoms. Moreover, Native American grandparent caregivers reported more depressive symptoms than did their European American counterparts. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Listening and learning: The reciprocal relationship between worker and client
Authors: Barry Monica
Published: November 2007

The relationship between worker and client has for the best part of 100 years been the mainstay of probation, and yet has recently been eroded by an increased emphasis on punishment, blame and managerialism. The views of offenders are in direct contradiction to these developments within the criminal justice system and this article argues that only by taking account of the views of those at the `coal face' will criminologists, policy makers and practitioners be able to effect real change in crime rates. The article thus focuses on the views of a sample of previously persistent offenders in Scotland about offending, desistance and how the system can help them. It explores not only their need for friendship and support in youth but also the close association between relationships and the likelihood of offending. It also demonstrates the views of offenders themselves about the importance of the working relationship with supervising officers in helping them desist from crime. The article concludes that the most effective way of reducing offending is to re-engage with the message of the Probation Act of 100 years ago, namely, to `advise, assist and befriend' offenders rather than to `confront, challenge and change' offending behaviour.
Comment: Victims of exclusion
Authors: Sheridan Chris
Published: November 2007

In an intensely personal account the author provides a first-hand account of his experiences of the criminal justice system from the perspective of offender, victim and probation officer. Using these insights he reflects on crime and punishment, restoration and the role of the National Probation Service. He was born in prison. By age six he was stealing. On his own at 17 and on the streets, he lived a life of crime. What useful skills would such a man have? Turning his life around, he put himself through university then took his very unique perspective on life to the National Probation Service where for over a decade he worked as probation officer, guiding others off the path he was once on himself. As someone who has `been there', he offers us his views on crime and punishment and ponders the future of the criminal justice system and the role of the National Probation Service, the largely unsung hero in the forefront of public protection and the way offenders are rehabilitated.
Information Literacy: assessing the readiness of Ghanaian universities
Authors: Dadzie Perpetua S.
Published: November 2007

The study assesses the readiness of the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, to formally integrate information literacy (IL) into their curricula. A multiple case study approach was adopted and in-depth interviews with some heads of departments and librarians were carried out. The study revealed that library literacy, computer literacy and communication skills literacy are being carried out to some extent in both institutions. Some constraints which could impede the smooth implementation of a campus-wide information literacy project in the universities include the large enrolment numbers and the lack of collaboration or cooperation among departments carrying out some IL initiatives. The study recommends, among others, the sensitization of the whole university community to the IL programme and the important role the libraries and information professionals should play in the implementation of IL projects.
Institutional Change in the Ugandan Library Sector: the establishment of the National Library of Uganda
Authors: Hansson Joacim , Kawalya Jane
Published: November 2007

This article is part of a larger research project focussing on institutional change in the Ugandan library sector from the 1960s up until today, with special focus on the development of the National Library of Uganda. The article is based primarily on official publications such as di ferent legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament on library issues and on documentation reporting on various initiatives and projects aiming at building a functioning library and information infrastructure in Uganda during the last four decades. Findings show that initiatives have been regularly neglected at the political levels, both nationally and locally. The founding of the National Library of Uganda has a fected the Ugandan library system in a major way and the country is now better equipped to face some of the challenges created by the requirements of the global information society and by high levels of illiteracy, especially in the rural areas. The article pinpoints some of these challenges and suggests further action on both professional and political levels.
Moral Disengagement
Authors: Kiriakidis Stavros P.
Published: November 2007

This article explores the relations of moral disengagement with several legal, institutional, and demographic characteristics of young offenders held in custody. The sample consisted of 152 randomly selected male young offenders from the largest young offenders' institution in Scotland. The age of the sample ranged from 16 to 21 ( M = 18.9, SD =1.3). The respondents took part in a structured interview asking about several sociodemographic characteristics, and they completed the Moral Disengagement Scale. The sample in the study scored significantly higher on moral disengagement in comparison to a community sample. Higher moral disengagement was related to the offenders' families receiving help from a social worker; the expectation of an unstable living situation after custody; drug use before custody; and intention of drug use after custody. However, the lack of relation of moral disengagement to most of the social, family, school, employment, legal, and lifestyle characteristics of the sample suggests that moral disengagement is an independent variable exerting an influence on juvenile delinquent behavior over and above the social characteristics of juvenile delinquents.
Temperature-Modulated Interaction Changes with Adenosine Nucleotides on Intelligent Cationic, Thermoresponsive Surfaces1
Authors: Kikuchi Akihiko , Kobayashi Jun , Okano Teruo , Iwasa Takeshi , Sakai Kiyotaka
Published: November 2007

Thin layer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-n-butyl-methacrylate-co-N,N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide) (IBD) copolymer gels are covalently introduced to initiator immobilized silica bead surfaces to create thermally sensitive intelligent cationic surfaces. The surface shows thermoresponsive changes in charge density as well as hydrophilic/hydrophobic character. The polymer chains dehydrate and inter-/intra-molecular aggregation occurs due to weakly deprotonated cationic amino groups in the hydrophobized circumstances, resulting in the surface charge density decrease. This was corroborated by the thermoresponsive pKa shift of dimethylamino side groups in the copolymers as well as the surface potential changes at elevated temperature. The unique characteristics of the IBD copolymer-immobilized surfaces were applied to regulate adenosine nucleotides retention in high-performance liquid chromatography using aqueous mobile phase by thermal stimulus. At lower temperature, adenosine nucleotides showed higher retention which was primarily driven by ionic interaction with positively charged surfaces. With increasing temperatures, their retention was shortened and a drastic change was observed above the polymer transition temperatures. This is strong evidence that the solute interaction is being regulated by the thermoresponsive surface charge density changes and hydrophobic alterations. Furthermore, we confirmed the modulation of nucleotide retention by step-temperature gradient without changing mobile phase composition. These findings should be beneficial in utilizing this stimuli responsive surface for the separation of bioactive compounds in aqueous system and environmental impact.
Polymer—Doxorubicin Conjugate with a Synthetic Peptide Ligand Targeted on Prostate Tumor
Authors: Pola Robert , Pechar Michal , Ulbrich Karel , Fabra Fres Àngels
Published: November 2007

In this study, the synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, and antiproliferative effects of a polymer—doxorubicin conjugate targeted by the amide of peptide sequence CPLHQRPMC are described. This sequence is discovered using the phage display method to achieve high affinity to prostate cancer cell line PC3MM2. The peptide is bound to N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide-based copolymer carrier via a hydrophilic undeca(ethylene oxide) spacer. Doxorubicin is attached to the polymer using a pH-sensitive hydrazone bond which proves to be stable at a physiological pH 7.4 but quickly hydrolyzes at pH 5.0. The polymer—drug conjugate exhibits significant antiproliferative activity against human metastatic prostate cancer cell line PC3MM2 in vitro. The addition of a second polymer with the targeting peptide but without doxorubicin to the incubation media leads to a decrease in the cytotoxicity of 32% induced by the first polymer. This finding indicates a receptor-specific endocytosis of the polymeric drug.
Antitumoral Activity Induced by Alkylating Agents Conjugated to Poly(maleic anhydride-alt-vinyl acetate)
Authors: Popa Marcel , Sunel Valeriu , Dulea Nicoleta , Popa Aura Angelica , Ottenbrite Raphael M. , Uglea Constantin V.
Published: November 2007

New polyanionic polymer conjugates with antitumoral activity are synthesized by chemically binding mustard type alkylating derivatives of di-(β-chloroethyl)-amine and tri-(β-chloroethyl)-amine, respectively, onto poly(maleic anhydride-alt-vinyl acetate). The structures of the compounds are verified by FTIR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The antitumoral activity of these polymeric drugs is evaluated in vivo using carcinosarcoma Walker 256 solid tumors in Wister rats. The conjugates exhibit antitumor regression (ATR) values between 25 and 44% depending on comonomers' structure. In addition, an accumulation in the solid tumors (enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect) by these compounds is observed. These compounds also cause small organotropic effects, such as increases in the liver, spleen, and kidney weight.
Delivery of Doxorubicin from Biodegradable PEG Hydrogels Having Schiff Base Linkages†
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Hoffman Allan S. , Ogawa Hiroaki Iyehara
Published: November 2007

In our quest to develop new drug delivery systems, we designed and synthesized PEG-conjugates and PEG-hydrogels with a degradable linkage to the drug. Specifically, methoxyPEG-doxorubicin (MPEG-CH=N-Doxo) and doxorubicin-PEG aldehyde (OHC-PEG-CH=N-Doxo) conjugates, plus poly (vinyl amine)-PEG-doxorubicin (PVAm-PEG-Doxo) hydrogels were prepared. The hydrogels were crosslinked by PEG-Schiff base linkages, and the Doxo was conjugated to the gel by pendant Schiff base bonds (PVAm-N=CH-PEG-CH=N-Doxo). The release profile of Doxo from the hydrogels was dependent on pH and on the ratio of PVAm to the PEG-dialdehyde crosslinker. These degradable PEG hydrogels could be good candidates for slow release of Doxo from subcutaneous or IM implants.
Germany and European Security and Defence Cooperation: The Europeanization of National Crisis Management Policies?
Authors: Gross Eva
Published: November 2007

This article analyses German preferences towards the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The lens of Europeanization, which traces both the top-down and the bottom-up influences between the European and the national levels, makes it possible to highlight the ways in which Germany was able to shape — and was shaped by — these two institutions. The analysis of decisions taken by the Schröder government in relation to the crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and the war in Afghanistan in particular shows that, although moves towards the Europeanization of national foreign policy can be observed, transatlantic relations and national biases determined policy choices that involved the use of military force. The article concludes that although there is evidence of Europeanization of German foreign policy, the continuing influence of both NATO and domestic factors on policy outcomes means that conclusions regarding the Europeanization of national foreign policy can be easily overstated, particularly when it comes to the use of military force.
Grasping the Phenomenology of Sporting Bodies
Authors: Hockey John , Collinson Jacquelyn Allen
Published: November 2007

The last two decades have witnessed a vast expansion in research and writing on the sociology of the body and on issues of embodiment. Indeed, both sociology in general and the sociology of sport specifically have well heeded the long-standing and vociferous calls `to bring the body back in' to social theory. It seems particularly curious therefore that the sociology of sport has to date addressed this primarily at a certain abstract, theoretical level, with relatively few accounts to be found that are truly grounded in the corporeal realities of the lived sporting body; a `carnal sociology' of sport, to borrow Crossley's (1995) expression. To portray and understand more fully this kind of embodied perspective, it is argued, demands engaging with the phenomenology of the body, and this article seeks to contribute to a small but growing literature providing this particular form of `embodied' analysis of the body in sport. Here we identify some useful intellectual resources for developing a phenomenology of sporting experience, specifically its sensory elements, and also subsequently examine the potential for its evocative portrayal and effective analysis via different kinds of textual forms.
Gendered Narratives in Spain
Authors: Crolley Liz , Teso Elena
Published: November 2007

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the global sports media in terms of the amount of coverage dedicated to women's sport compared to men's. There have also been qualitative differences in the manner of reporting of women's and men's sports, reflecting the patriarchal attitudes dominant in society. This article explores the extent to which these traditional differences exist today in the Spanish print media. Drawing on data analysed from a sample of Spanish newspapers during the summer Olympic Games of 2004 in Athens, we carried out an empirical analysis of the amount of coverage dedicated to women's sports and research of a more qualitative nature which focuses on a detailed evaluation of the narratives employed, the images published and the political commentary surrounding women's events and female athletes. While the gender gap in the coverage of the Olympic Games in Spain is narrowing and ideologies regarding masculinity and femininity are gradually changing, gendered discursive strategies and subtexts prevent this process from evolving further.
Gender Construction in Judo Interactions
Authors: Guérandel Carine , Mennesson Christine
Published: November 2007

This study analyses gender relations amongst high-level judokas. It uses the interactionist paradigm developed by Goffman and takes into account both the actors' history and the context. More precisely, we observed interactions between men and women during training sessions of the pole-hope in Toulouse and carried out interviews with judokas exhibiting various behaviours. Results attest to the existence of differentiated behaviours according to sex throughout the judo session in mixed-sex non-adversarial situations and during the fight when the principle of pride is paramount. Behaviours constitute a sort of out of frame communication, reinforcing gender hierarchy. Moreover, the coeducational fight situation allows us to observe the framing activity of the judokas, the judo framework conflicting with that of gender experience. Indeed, the competitors must position themselves as men or women but also be recognized as judokas. During coed fights, the majority of judokas interpret the situation through the gender framing experience. However, in some particular situations, the judo framework takes precedence. This affects gender differences. In addition, atypical behaviours of certain judokas are associated with the gender roles with which they were socialized. Thus, interactions in judo can be incorporated into matrices of socialization in which actors, each with their own history, build their gender identity by and for the consideration of others.