cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrin-Mediated Activation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Pulmonary Fibrosis

The integrin αvβ6 is restricted to epithelial cells and is dramatically induced in response to injury and inflammation. Mice expressing a null mutation of this integrin develop exaggerated inflammation of the lungs and skin, but are dramatically protected from bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This phenotype led to the identification of a unique role for this integrin in binding to and activating latent extracellular complexes of the anti-inflammatory, profibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor-β 1 . This integrin-mediated activation is tightly spatially restricted and appears to require direct presentation of the activated cytokine to receptors on adjacent cells. The process also requires distinct regions of the β6-subunit cytoplasmic domain and an intact actin cytoskeleton, suggesting the existence of additional cellular mechanisms to regulate this process. If this mechanism is found to be as important in humans as it is in mice, the integrin and as yet to be identified pathways for cellular regulation of this process could be exciting new targets for intervention in fibrotic diseases of the lung and other epithelial organs.
Full-Scale Structural Evaluation of Fatigue Characteristics in High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and Warm-Mix Asphalt

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) and the inclusion of higher percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) are two strategies for developing environmentally friendly pavement structures that can also reduce pavement cost. Although demonstration projects have evaluated the constructability and short-term performance of these technologies in the field, questions remain about the structural characterization and longer-term field performance. As part of the 2009 National Center for Asphalt Technology test track, four sections were constructed; they included both WMA and high-RAP contents (50% RAP). A control section did not include either technology. Every section featured embedded instrumentation that facilitated strain versus temperature characterization under truck loading. Statistical comparisons of measured strain response were conducted at three reference temperatures. At the lowest temperature (50°F), the measured strain in the control section was not statistically different from the strains of the experimenta...
Grid‐based molecular footprint comparison method for docking and de novo design: Application to HIVgp41

Scoring functions are a critically important component of computer-aided screening methods for the identification of lead compounds during early stages of drug discovery. Here, we present a new multigrid implementation of the footprint similarity (FPS) scoring function that was recently developed in our laboratory which has proven useful for identification of compounds which bind to a protein on a per-residue basis in a way that resembles a known reference. The grid-based FPS method is much faster than its Cartesian-space counterpart, which makes it computationally tractable for on-the-fly docking, virtual screening, or de novo design. In this work, we establish that: (i) relatively few grids can be used to accurately approximate Cartesian space footprint similarity, (ii) the method yields improved success over the standard DOCK energy function for pose identification across a large test set of experimental co-crystal structures, for crossdocking, and for database enrichment, and (iii) grid-based FPS scoring can be used to tailor construction of new molecules to have specific properties, as demonstrated in a series of test cases targeting the viral protein HIVgp41. The method is available in the program DOCK6. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling in human gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor cells

Background Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an autocrine regulator of carcinoid tumors. Blockade of IGF-1 signaling has been proposed as a therapeutic target in the treatment of patients with carcinoid syndrome. We hypothesized that the induction of parallel raf-1/MEK1 pathways will block IGF-1-mediated chromogranin A (CgA) maintenance. Methods Human gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor cells (BON) were treated with IGF-1 (0-500 ng/mL). Raf-1/MEK1 activation was achieved with an estrogen-inducible raf-1 vector that was transduced into BON cells. Activation of IGF-1/raf-1 pathways was determined by phosphorylation of downstream targets p70s6 and ERK1/2. The secreted and intercellular levels of CgA were measured in conditioned media and whole cell extracts by Western and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. Results IGF-1 and raf-1 pathways were activated successfully in BON cells, as shown by high levels of phosphorylated p70s6 and phosphorylated ERK1/2, respectively. Treatment of BON cells with IGF-1 stimulated the release of CgA, while high intracellular CgA levels were maintained. The activation of raf-1/MEK1 reversed the effect of IGF-1 treatment by the depletion of intracellular CgA. Conclusions The induction of the raf-1/MEK1 pathway blocks IGF-1-mediated intracellular neuroendocrine hormone regulation. Therefore, raf-1/MEK1 activation may be a viable method to block IGF-1-mediated cellular effects and serve as a therapeutic target in gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.
TGF‐β signaling via Smad4 drives IL‐10 production in effector Th1 cells and reduces T‐cell trafficking in EAE

Effector Th1 cells perpetuate inflammatory damage in a number of autoimmune diseases, including MS and its animal model EAE. Recently, a self-regulatory mechanism was described in which effector Th1 cells produce the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 to dampen the inflammatory response in both normal and autoimmune inflammation. While the presence of TGF-β has been suggested to enhance and stabilize an IFN-γ+IL-10+ phenotype, the molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Additionally, in the context of adoptive transfer EAE, it is unclear whether IL-10 acts on the transferred Th1 cells or on endogenous host cells. In the present study, using myelin-specific TCR-Tg mice, we show that repetitive Ag stimulation of effector Th1 cells in the presence of TGF-β increases the population of IFN-γ+IL-10+ cells, which correlates with a decrease in EAE severity. Additionally, TGF-β signaling causes binding of Smad4 to the IL-10 promoter, providing molecular evidence for TGF-β-mediated IL-10 production from Th1 effector cells. Finally, this study demonstrates that IL-10 not only reduces encephalitogenic markers such as IFN-γ and T-bet on Th1 effector cells expressing the IL-10R but also prevents recruitment of both transferred and host-derived inflammatory T cells. These data establish a regulatory mechanism by which highly activated Th1 effector cells modulate their pathogenicity through the induction of IL-10.
Thiocyanate electrocatalysis of the reduction of In(III)

Summary The slow step in the thiocyanate-catalyzed electro-reduction of In(III) on Hg has been identified as the surface reaction of In 3+ with two adsorbed thiocyanate ions. This appears to be the only reaction pathway available in thiocyanate solutions when the pH is sufficiently low to prevent hydrolysis. The reaction rate is proportional to the square of the surface activity sa of adsorbed SCN −
Joint stiffness: Myth or reality?

Abstract The notion of joint stiffness as commonly studied in biomechanics and motor control is compared with the physical definition of stiffness. The importance of elastic deformation and storage of elastic energy is stressed. Different terms are suggested in order to differentiate between experimentally observed relations between joint angle and torque that are likely to have different nature. A review of studies measuring stiffness of joint subcomponents and intact joints is presented. We suggest to either abandon the term ‘joint stiffness’ as misleading or to state up front stiffness of which of the joint components or subsystems is analyzed in each particular study. We also suggest that each study of ‘joint stiffness’ should clearly state to what extent the results are defined by the system's properties and to what extent they are reflections of the particular experimental procedure.
Effects of response-contingent clock stimuli on behavior maintained by intravenous codeine in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract Response-contingent brief presentations of clock stimuli differentially correlated with food availability altered rates of codeine-maintained lever pressing. Rhesus monkeys performed under a two lever multiple schedule: Multiple fixed interval clock 5 min variable interval 2 min. Different colored lights were presented during successive 75 sec periods of the fixed-interval clock component. Lever pressing under the FI Clock schedule was maintained by presentation of 1 g Noyes pellets, and lever pressing under the VI schedule by 0.05 mg/kg infusions of codeine PO4. Characteristic schedule-controlled performance developed in both schedule components. When the clock stimulus from the first or the final period of the FI Clock schedule was presented contigent upon completion of a short fixed ratio of responses during the variable-interval schedule component, the first clock stimulus decreased and the final clock stimulus increased rates of codeine-maintained lever pressing. Neither the first nor the final clock stimulus altered the frequency of codeine injection. The effect of each clock stimulus was accentuated by increasing the duration of stimulus presentation and by decreasing the response requirement for stimulus illumination. These rate-altering effects of the clock stimuli were most pronounced when different reinforcers were presented in the two components of the multiple schedule when either food or intravenous codeine injection was available under both components of the multiple schedule, response-contingent clock stimulus presentation did not alter response rates under the VI schedule.
Effect of adiabatic phonons on striped and homogeneous ground states

The effects of adiabatic phonons on a spin-fermion model for high T_c cuprates are studied using numerical simulations. In the absence of electron-phonon interactions (EPI), stripes in the ground state are observed for certain dopings while homogeneous states are stabilized in other regions of parameter space. Different modes of adiabatic phonons are added to the Hamiltonian:breathing, shear and half-breathing modes. Diagonal and off-diagonal electron-phonon couplings are considered. It is observed that strong diagonal EPI generate stripes in previously homogeneous states, while in striped ground states an increase in the diagonal couplings tends to stabilize the stripes, inducing a gap in the density of states (DOS) and rendering the ground state insulating. The off-diagonal terms, on the other hand, destabilize the stripes creating inhomogeneous ground states with a pseudogap at the chemical potential in the DOS. The breathing mode stabilizes static diagonal stripes; while the half-breathing (shear) modes stabilize dynamical (localized) vertical and horizontal stripes. The EPI induces decoherence of the quasi-particle peaks in the spectral functions.
SOIL EXTRACTION, ION EXCHANGE RESIN, AND ION EXCHANGE MEMBRANE MEASURES OF SOIL MINERAL NITROGEN DURING INCUBATION OF A TALLGRASS PRAIRIE SOIL

Two commercially available ion exchange resin (IER) devices-Unibest resin capsules (Unibest, Inc., Bozeman, MT) and Plant Root Simulator (PRS) probe-ion exchange membranes (Western Ag Innovations, Inc., Saskatoon, Canada)-for measuring soil nutrient availability were compared to traditional soil NH + 4 and NO - 3 measurements during incubation of an Oklahoma tallgrass prairie soil at two temperatures (16° and 25°C) and two moisture contents (15 and 25% by weight). Nitrate dominated the soil mineral N pool in soils and in both IER devices. Soil extractable and resin capsule mineral N showed significant responses to both temperature and moisture whereas PRS probe mineral N showed responses to moisture only. Both devices were more sensitive to moisture than soil mineral N was. Neither device related well to N mineralization or the patterns of extractable mineral N over time. Possible reasons for the differences include the integration of soil mineral N over time in the IERs as opposed to snapshots in time for soil mineral N, spatial variation within the incubated soils, and the importance of solution contact with IERs.
The early identification of candidates for epilepsy surgery

The effectiveness of resective surgery for the treatment of carefully selected patients with medically intractable, localization-related epilepsy is clear. Seizure-free rates following temporal lobectomy are consistently 65% to 70% in adultsand 68% to 78% in children.Extratemporal resections less commonly lead to a seizure-free outcome, although one recent childhood series reported a seizure-free rate of 62% following extratemporal epilepsy surgery.With both temporal and extratemporal resections, additional patients have a reduction in seizures following surgery but are not completely seizure free. The identification of favorable surgical candidates has been the subject of extensive research, and many investigators have examined predictors of outcome following epilepsy surgery. However, the early identification of the potential epilepsy surgery candidate and the optimal timing of surgery have only occasionally been addressed in the literature. This issue is methodologically challenging to study since studies require large numbers of patients with new-onset partial epilepsy who are followed over time. The purpose of this article is to review the current ability for early prediction of medical intractability in patients with surgically remediable epilepsy. Emphasis will be placed on the early prediction of intractable temporal lobe epilepsy in children and adolescents, since temporal lobectomy remains the prototype epilepsy surgery, and early surgery may improve psychosocial outcome in younger patients.
Off-axis spatial localization with frequency modulated nuclear magnetic resonance rotating ( ρ) pulses

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) rotating ( ρ) pulses produce two‐dimensional spatially selective inversion of nuclear magnetization with a single NMR excitation. A technique employing frequency modulation of the excitation waveform is described here for offsetting the sensitive volume defined by these pulses to any preselected location within the sample. The technique is demonstrated in a whole‐body 1 H NMR imaging system, and can be used to provide simple, automated relocation or interleaving of selectively excited volumes in NMR imaging and spectroscopy.
Reading the Academic Library Blog Through the Lens of Genre Theory: A Preliminary Discussion

This article is a theoretical discussion that introduces examining the emerging library blog of the public academic library from the approach of genre theory. Genre theory classifies texts not only by form but by the social actions performed, a definition developed by Carol Miller. Public and private spheres are found to intersect in the library blog, complicating the traditional role of the librarian as objective information provider.
PHENOL TOXICITY IN LEUKEMIA CELLS : A RADICAL PROCESS?

The multiple functions of the phenol moiety that are widely present in disparate sources such as drugs, pesticides, teas, fuel additives and surfactants have not been clearly delineated. The differences in behavior of phenols, which run the gamut from aberrations in DNA/chromosomes to suppression of genotoxic activity of carcinogenic compounds, merit further attention. In this study, a thorough examination of the growth inhibition patterns of 37, simple 3- and 4-substituted phenols in mouse leukemia cells was carried out and the following quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) was obtained for the 23 electron releasing substituents in X-phenols: log 1/IC50=−1.58σ++0.21 log P+3.10. In this QSAR, IC50 is the concentration of phenol that induces 50% inhibition of growth, P is a measure of the hydrophobicity of each phenol and Brown’s electronic parameter, σ+, represents the electronic effect of the substituent. The negative dependence on σ+ is strongly reminiscent of what is observed in the developmental toxicity of phenols on rat embryos as well as for the radical abstraction of a hydrogen atom from phenolic groups. The other 15 electron-attracting substituted X-phenols clearly show a linear dependence on hydrophobicity alone: Log 1/IC50=0.62 log P+2.35. The bifurcation in mechanism of action of this large set of diverse phenols is novel and unusual. It suggests that two distinct processes are operative. In the case of electron releasing substituted phenols, the observations are not inconsistent with a radical mediated process while with electron attracting substituted phenols, non-specific toxicity as modulated by hydrophobicity, appears to predominate.
Static hybrid quarkonium potential with improved staggered quarks

The authors are studying the effects of light dynamical quarks on the excitation energies of a flux tube between a static quark and antiquark. They report preliminary results of an analysis of the ground state potential and the {Sigma}{prime}{sub g}{sup +} and II{sub u} potentials. They have measured these potentials on closely matched ensembles of gauge configurations, generated in the quenched approximation and with 2+1 flavors of Asqtad improved staggered quarks.
Temperature behaviour of Young's moduli of forty engineering alloys

Abstract Young's modulus and temperature data are collected graphically and tabulated for forty alloys that have technological applications. Alloy base metals include: aluminium, copper, iron, and nickel. Sources of data are: handbooks, original research at NBS, and the scientific-engineering literature. The temperature range 0 to 590 K is covered.
A new result for projection neural networks to solve linear variational inequalities and related optimization problems

In recent years, a projection neural network was proposed for solving linear variational inequality (LVI) problems and related optimization problems, which required the monotonicity of LVI to guarantee its convergence to the optimal solution. In this paper, we present a new result on the global exponential convergence of the projection neural network. Unlike existing convergence results for the projection neural network, our main result does not assume the monotonicity of LVI problems. Therefore, the projection neural network can be further guaranteed to solve a class of non-monotone LVI and non-convex optimization problems. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained result.
Investigation of the Flow in Centrifugal Compressor Volute

Volute is used to collect and transport swirling gas produced by impeller or diffuser. Design of the volute not only impacts compressor efficiency but also influences the operating ranges of the compressor. In this study, Navier-Stokes equations combined with an algebra turbulence model were used to simulate flows inside a single stage compressor. Detailed flow simulations for a large cut back tongue volute are presented and discussed. A rounded tongue volute was tested in a single stage test rig. The compressor stage performance tests were conducted in the test lab and static pressure taps were used to measure static pressures at volute internal walls at locations of θ = 240° and 360°. Thermal couples and other static pressure probes were instrumented at inlet and outlet of the compressor for performance tests. The numerical results were compared with experiments and good agreements are found. Studies showed that a large cut back rounded tongue volute provided good operating range without dramatically dropping compressor peak efficiency.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Isolated lung metastases from pelvic malignancies.

Abstract Isolated or multiple lung metastases from pelvic malignancies must be aggressively managed. Surgical resection can yield 20 to 40% 5-year survival rates, a result comparable to that in primary bronchogenic carcinoma.
Beyond Post-Racial Narratives: Barack Obama and the (Re)shaping of Racial Memory in US Schools and Society.

Drawing from the work of cultural memory and racial formation theory (Omi and Winant 1994) we explore the ascension of Barack Obama as an illustration of how ‘race’ is understood and remembered. This article focuses on the public media discourse of the 2012 Obama re-election to illustrate how the narrative morphed racially from 2008 to 2012. Our findings suggest that the public discourse about ascension and re-election of Barack Obama drew from racial and post-racial narratives to describe his re-election. We contend that attention given to the public construction of Barack Obama in the present is vitally important to how the narrative arc of ‘race’ in the US will be understood in schools and society.
The potential for enhancement of mouse melanoma metastasis by diagnostic and high-amplitude ultrasound

The potential for enhancement of the metastatic spread of cells from mouse melanoma tumors was examined for exposure to diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) and high-amplitude ultrasound (HAUS) without and with ultrasound (US) contrast agent. The melanoma cell line B16-D5, which is metastatic specifically to lung, was cultured and implanted on a hind leg of female C57/bl6 mice. For DUS, tumors were scanned using 1.5-MHz harmonic B-mode imaging with 1-Hz intermittent frame triggering at 2.1 MPa (equivalent MI = 1.7) in a 37 degrees C water bath. For HAUS, a 1.35-MHz focused transducer directed 1-ms bursts at 5 MPa to the tumor at a 1-Hz rate. A total dose of 1 mL/kg Optison was injected during exposures. Exposure without contrast agent received the same exposure followed by the contrast agent with the US off. The primary tumor was removed surgically one day after US. Lungs were removed after four weeks for evaluation of metastases. Experiments involved exposure without and with contrast agent in groups of 20 mice. For DUS, mean counts of 0.8 +/- 0.3 (standard error) and 1.3 +/- 0.9 (P = 0.62) metastases were found for groups exposed without and with contrast, respectively. For HAUS, mean counts of 3.4 +/- 1.2 and 5.9 +/- 1.7 (P = 0.35) metastases were found for groups exposed without and with contrast, respectively. The lack of effect of DUS exposure with contrast confirms a previous finding. However, the HAUS counts and incidence were significantly larger than the DUS results (P < 0.05) in a two-way analysis of variance. This indicates a potential for HAUS to enhance metastasis.
Migraine and quality of life: psychological considerations

In the past decade researchers have become increasingly interested in quality of life as it pertains to headache, in particular migraine. A number of general health or well–being measures and migraine–specific measures have been investigated thus far. This paper briefly reviews investigations conducted to date, argues that measurement consolidation is needed for certain extant approaches, discusses potential uses and interpretations of derived measures, and points out alternative models and approaches that merit further exploration.
Rereading the enlightenment: Akhundzada and his voltaire

(1995). Rereading the enlightenment: Akhundzada and his voltaire. Iranian Studies: Vol. 28, No. 1-2, pp. 39-60.
An extension theorem for separable Banach spaces

We construct a totally disconnected ω*, norming subsetF of the unit ballB * of an arbitrary separable Banach space,X, and an operator fromC(F) toC(B*) that “amost” commutes with the natural embeddings ofX. This is used to give a new proof of Milutin's theorem and to prove some new results on complemented subspaces ofC[0, 1] with separable dual. In particular we show that a complemented subspace ofC(ωω), is either isomorphic toC(ωω) or toc u.
On the efficiency of price competition

Abstract We study the efficiency of price competition among multi-product firms in differentiated oligopolies. Under a general affine demand model, we show that total surplus (sum of industry profit and consumers’ surplus) under competition is at least 75% of the maximum total surplus achievable by a centralized planner. We also show, in contrast to more stylized oligopoly models, that price collusion can increase total surplus and that competition does not, in general, yield a Pareto efficient trade-off between industry profit and consumers’ surplus. However, the maximum deviation of total surplus from Pareto optimality is less than 10%. These results have implications regarding the effectiveness of current anti-trust regulations.
Conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin: mechanism of exposure of tPA- and plasminogen-binding sites.

Conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin results in the exposure of cryptic interaction sites and modulation of various activities. To elucidate the mechanism of this exposure, we tested the accessibility of the Aalpha148-160 and gamma312-324 fibrin-specific epitopes that are involved in binding of plasminogen and its activator tPA, in several fragments derived from fibrinogen (fragment D and its subfragments) and fibrin (cross-linked D-D fragment and its noncovalent complex with the E(1) fragment, D-D. E(1)). Neither D nor D-D bound tPA, plasminogen, or anti-Aalpha148-160 and anti-gamma312-324 monoclonal antibodies, indicating that their fibrin-specific epitopes were inaccessible. The Aalpha148-160 epitope became exposed only upon proteolytic removal of the beta- and gamma-modules from D. At the same time, both epitopes were accessible in the D-D.E(1) complex, indicating that the DD.E interaction resulted in their exposure. This exposure was reversible since the dissociation of the D-D.E(1) complex made the sites unavailable, while reconstitution of the complex made them exposed. The results indicate that upon fibrin assembly, driven primarily by the interaction between complementary sites of the D and E regions, the D regions undergo conformational changes that cause the exposure of their plasminogen- and tPA-binding sites. These changes may be involved in the regulation of fibrin assembly and fibrinolysis.
Selectively Targeting T- and B-Cell Lymphomas: A Benzothiazole Antagonist of α4β1 Integrin

Current cancer chemotherapeutic agents clinically deployed today are designed to be indiscriminately cytotoxic, however, achieving selective targeting of cancer malignancies would allow for improved diagnostic and chemotherapeutic tools. Integrin α4β1, a heterodimeric cell surface receptor, is believed to have a low-affinity conformation in resting normal lymphocytes and an activated high-affinity conformation in cancerous cells, specifically T- and B-cell lymphomas. This highly attractive yet poorly understood receptor has been selectively targeted with the bisaryl urea peptidomimetic antagonist 1. However, concerns regarding its preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) profile provided an impetus to change the pharmacophore from a bisaryl urea to a 2-arylaminobenzothiazole moiety, resulting in an analogue with improved physicochemical properties, solubility, and kidney:tumor ratio while maintaining potency (6; IC50 = 53 pM). The results presented herein utilized heterocyclic and solid-phase chemistry, cell adhe...
Increased amniotic fluid leukotriene C4 concentration in term human parturition

The purpose of this study was to determine whether parturition is associated with changes in the amniotic fluid concentration of leukotriene C 4 , an arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolite. Amniotic fluid was collected from 36 women not in labor and from 30 women in active labor with cervical dilation of ≥6 cm. The concentration of leukotriene C 4 was determined by radioimmunoassay. The median amniotic fluid concentration of leukotriene C 4 was greater in laboring women than in nonlaboring women: 121 pg/ml (range, 52 to 261 pg/ml) versus 73.5 pg/ml (range, 6 to 249 pg/ml), respectively ( p = 0.0008). These data are consistent with activation of the lipoxygenase pathway during spontaneous parturition at term.
Effects of benzodiazepines on acute and chronic ethanol-induced nociception in rats.

Background : Acute and chronic ethanol produces antinociception, and ethanol withdrawal induces hyperalgesia. Methods : A radiant heat tail-flick assay was used to assess the effects of benzodiazepine ligands on ethanol-induced changes in nociception in rats. Acute activity of cumulative doses of ethanol (0.5–2.0 g/kg) and diazepam (0.1–10 mgkg), a benzodiazepine agonist, was tested alone and after pretreatment with flumazenil (1.0–10 mg/kg), a benzodiazepine antagonist. Chronic effects of ethanol were tested in three groups of rats that received a liquid diet for 10 days. One group received ethanol alone; one group received ethanol and twice-daily injections of flumazenil (10 mg/kg); and one received a dextrin control diet. Acute withdrawal was tested at 12 hr after removal of the liquid diet. Effects of cumulative doses of diazepam (1.0–10 mg/kg) were tested during withdrawal (12 hr) in the ethanol-alone group. Results : Acute doses of ethanol produced a small but significant degree of antinociception, which was fully suppressed by flumazenil. Acute doses of diazepam did not produce antinociception. Chronic exposure to ethanol produced antinociception on days 2 through 8. Tolerance developed by day 10, and hyperalgesia was seen 12 hr after removal of ethanol. Administration of diazepam or ethanol during withdrawal reversed the hyperalgesia induced by ethanol withdrawal. However, flumazenil (10–50 mg/kg) failed to reverse the antihyperalgesic effect of either diazepam or ethanol. No antinociception was seen in either the ethanoliflumazenil or dcxtrin control groups. Conclusions :These results suggest that the antinociceptive effects of both acute and chronic ethanol are at least partially mediated by GABA receptors, and that diazepam's antihyperalgesic effects may not be mediated by the GABA acid receptor.
Identification of oleanolic acid from saponins present in lucerne (alfalfa) root

Oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxy-Δ12-oleanene-28-oic acid) was identified as a component of those lucerne (alfalfa) root saponins which complex with β-sitosterol. The identity was confirmed by thin-layer, gas-liquid and high performance liquid chromatography of the free acid and methyl ester and/or acetyl methyl ester derivatives as compared to authentic reference compounds. Two isomers of oleanolic acid, namely ursolic and betulinic acids were not detected. This is the first report of the detection of this compound in lucerne.
From old school to reform school

We hope that the work that we have undertaken over the past 5 years in farm-to-school (FTS) and farm-tocollege initiatives in Wisconsin and Montana has indeed contributed to the development of emancipatory possibilities. In their essay, Allen and Guthman suggest that not only are those of us engaged in FTS programs not making nonreformist reforms, we aren t even making reforms! Instead of building alternatives, we are actually strengthening the system we purport to oppose: ‘‘FTS advocates are essentially producing neoliberal forms and practices de novo’’ (Allen and Guthman, this issue). Over the past decade, Patricia Allen and Julie Guthman have produced a substantial body of work that has provided a useful counterpoint to those of us who have enthusiastically embraced the wide range of initiatives and projects, often local in orientation, that comprise the alternative agrifood movement (e.g., Allen and Kovach, 2000; Guthman, 2002, 2004; Allen et al., 2003; Allen, 2004). Still, we have felt that their skepticism has not always been informed by an adequate recognition of the achievements and potentials of such approaches. In the present piece, their analysis of the FTS movement often departs significantly from our own experiences with and understanding of the initiatives in which we have been engaged. We welcome the opportunity to provide another perspective. Where s the beef?
Solution to geometric chemistry challenge.

Figure 1 depicts the stepwise formation of three manganese oxides from metallic manganese and oxygen. In this rare geometrical rendering of a chemical reaction, the reactants are depicted as rectangles whose areas add up to the product rectangle area. For example, in a reaction between “MnO” and “O”, the areas of MnO (Manganoxydul) and O (Sauerstoff) add up to the area of the MnO2 (Manganhyperoxyd). Figure 1 is the dissection of the original scheme [1] showing the geometrical representation of three reactions:
Nuclear Disintegrations Produced by Cosmic Rays

SINHA has recently published1 a remarkable cloud-chamber photograph of a four-pronged disintegration of an oxygen nucleus produced by a neutral cosmic ray particle. From the appearance of the tracks, he concludes that the two outer ones (tracks 1 and 4) are due to particles of a charge higher than that of an α-particle. The two inner tracks (2 and 3) appear to be due to doubly charged particles. Their end portions are crossed by thin ionization tracks. After considering the possibility that this is due to an extremely rare chance coincidence, Sinha suggests that the thin tracks may be interpreted as pairs of (oppositely charged) electrons emitted from excited nuclei at the end of their paths. He emphasizes, though, that it is difficult to understand why the electrons should be emitted in diametrically opposite directions.
Heart failure-related hospitalization in the U.S., 1979 to 2004.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine hospitalizations for heart failure in the U.S. during the past 26 years. Background Heart failure increased in the U.S.; however, little is known about the long-term trends in diseases leading to hospitalizations among patients with heart failure. Methods Using National Hospital Discharge Survey data from 1979 to 2004, we assessed trends in hospitalizations for heart failure as either a first-listed or additional (2nd to 7th) diagnosis. Among hospitalizations with any mention of heart failure, we assessed the distribution of first-listed diagnoses. Results The number of hospitalizations with any mention of heart failure tripled from 1,274,000 in 1979 to 3,860,000 in 2004; 65% to 70% of admissions were patients with additional diagnoses of heart failure. Heart failure hospitalization rates increased sharply with age. More than 80% of hospitalizations were among patients of at least 65 years and were paid by Medicare/Medicaid. Age-adjusted hospitalization rates between 1979 and 2004 increased for heart failure as either the first-listed or additional diagnosis. Whereas heart failure was the first-listed diagnosis for 30% to 35% of these hospitalizations, the proportion with respiratory diseases and noncardiovascular, nonrespiratory diseases as the first-listed diagnoses increased. Heart failure hospitalizations that resulted in transfers to long-term care facilities increased, and in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay declined. Conclusions With the increased aging of the U.S. population and advanced therapeutic interventions that improve survival, it is expected that heart failure hospitalizations at older ages and the associated economic burden to Medicare will continue to increase in the future.
Particle size dependence of coal volatile matter: is there a non-maceral-related effect?

Abstract Proximate analyses were conducted on different size fractions of pure vitrinite from two bituminous coals and demineralized vitrinite from one of the coals. CO2 surface areas were also determined, to aid in assessing the possible influence of pore diffusion of volatiles in particles of different sizes. The results implied that for comminuted coals, the particle size dependence of the measured volatile matter, after correction for effects of mineral matter, is due almost entirely to differences in maceral composition.
Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments of Moenkopi Formation in Southeastern Utah: ABSTRACT

In southeastern Utah the Triassic Moenkopi Formation is composed mainly of red and yellowish-gray siltstone, sandstone, mudstone, and limestone. Continuity of individual units in this formation provides a basis for regional correlation. Five members are recognized here: Hoskinnini Member, "lower slope-forming member," Sinbad Limestone Member, "ledge-forming member," and "upper slope-forming member." The Moenkopi Formation was deposited on a fairly uniform and gentle west slope that was bordered and at times covered by an epicontinental sea. Prominently stratified mudstone and fine siltstone were deposited when the rate of subsidence slightly exceeded the rate of deposition. Mudstone or massive sandy siltstone was deposited from a suspension load or by gravity flow. Ripple-marked and platy siltstone was deposited when subsidence and deposition were nearly equal and currents distributed thin layers of sediment over tidal flats, floodplains, and sea bottom. Horizontally stratified or low-angle cross-stratified sandstone is indicative of beach, bar, or shallow-marine environment. Prominently cross-stratified sandstone was deposited by restrictive currents such as those found in fluvi l and tidal channels and some offshore bars. Fossiliferous carbonate was deposited in shallow marine waters. Using these data, the following conclusions can be drawn. The Hoskinnini Member was deposited in a quiet body of water but was disturbed after deposition. The "lower slope-forming member" was deposited on a large tidal and in shallow marine waters; the sea transgressed farther east and deposited the Sinbad Limestone Member. As the sea retreated, a large delta spread across much of the basin of deposition and the complex "ledge-forming member" was deposited. Lithology of the "upper slope-forming member" indicates a widespread low-energy tidal, sabkha, and shallow marine environment. End_of_Article - Last_Page 604------------
Genetic Recombination: Patterns in the genome

Recent analyses suggest that the GC content of gene sequences is related to the local frequency of genetic recombination; this may reflect the greater efficacy of natural selection when recombination is frequent.
Trends in Party System Indicators for the July 2007 Turkish Elections

Abstract The stellar success of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has led to the interpretation of the 2002 and 2007 elections as sharp deviations from past political trends. Through an analysis of national and regional‐level party system indicators in the post‐1980 period, the authors find that the success of the AKP should rather be seen as the continuation of trends that started in the early 1990s. Throughout the 1990s, the pro‐Islamist and nationalist bloc had already established a strong base in Central Anatolia, and the success of the AKP is due to its expansion of this voter base to Western regions and some of the predominantly Kurdish provinces in the southeast.
Disulfide stimulation of fluid transport and effect on ATP level in rabbit corneal endothelium

Abstract Transendothelial fluid transport in rabbit corneal preparations is known to be improved when perfusates are supplemented with reduced glutathione. Evidence is now presented showing that oxidized glutathione which arises by autoxidation of reduced glutathione under the conditions of perfusion is responsible for this effect. An optimal level of about 10−5 m -oxidized glutathione is necessary to support fluid transport while only 10−7 m oxidized glutathione will sustain endogenous endothelial adenosine triphosphate levels. Of the structurally related disulfides tested, cystine and to a lesser degree homocystine, can replace oxidized glutathione. Levels of adenosine triphosphate and activities of (Na++K+)-activated and Mg2+-activated adenosine triphosphatase were measured in individual endothelia after maximal thinning of preswollen corneal preparations had been achieved and the criteria for pump failure had been met. Data for these physiological and biochemical parameters after perfusion with basal salts, glucose or adenosine in the absence or presence of glutathione have been obtained. Adenosine triphosphate levels in the presence of basal salt perfusates are comparably elevated by supplementation with either glutathione or glucose and remain unchanged when both substrates are simultaneously available. Similarly, the elevated ATP levels that accompany adenosine supplementation are not affected by the additional presence of glutathione or glucose. Adenosine triphosphatase activities are somewhat depressed in the absence of all metabolites and are not improved by glutathione alone. These activities remain essentially normal when glucose or adenosine is present.
A geochemical study of a breccia body in the central Tennessee zinc district

Abstract Central Tennessee is the site of a 9000 km2 mineral district that is being actively developed for Zn ore production. Sphalerite is the only ore mineral of the district, occurring in association with calcite, dolomite, fluorite, barite, and quartz. Processes responsible for the localization of this mineralization include brecciation, dolomitization, silicification, and fracturing. The Zn mineralization occurs in bodies of brecciated carbonates in the Lower Ordovician Upper Knox Group. Using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, optical emission spectrography, and atomic absorption spectrometry, the distribution patterns of As, Ca, Co, F, Ga, Mg, Hg, Si, Sr, and Zn were examined as a function of distance from ore. Strontium displayed greater concentrations at shallower depth and is considered to have been remobilized by dolomitizing and metal-bearing solutions. The effects of Zn diffusion were noted at 25–125 cm from sphalerite. Other elements showed no apparent relationship to distance from ore. The most favorable, discernable geochemical settings for sphalerite mineralization include sites with relatively high silica content, areas of Sr depletion, and areas of dolomitization.
Effect of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes on Renal Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity

The effects of streptozotocin(SZ)-induced diabetes on renal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, were studied. Sixteen hours after the injection of SZ, renal ODC activity increased 50% above that of the vehicle-injected controls. The maximum increase in activity--600%--was observed from 24 to 72 h after SZ. Within a week, ODC activity fell below control levels and remained suppressed during a 3 wk follow-up period. Insulin treatment within 10 h of the SZ injection prevented the increase of ODC activity; however, insulin given after enzyme activity had increased did not restore ODC activity to control levels. The early increase of ODC activity occurred in the presence of mild hyperglycemia without ketosis or hyperglucagonemia, but the levels were much higher in severely diabetic animals. Adrenalectomy, performed before the initial increase in enzyme activity, prevented the subsequent increase in diabetic animals; however, when adrenalectomy was performed after the enzyme had increased, enzyme activity did not normalize.
Petaloid Organs Preserved in an Arctic Plant Macrofossil Assemblage from Full-Glacial Sediments in Southeastern Minnesota

A small suite of plant macrofossils indicates that southeastern Minnesota supported subarctic to arctic vegetation 18,700 yr B.P. Fossil tepals of Polygonum viviparum are exceptionally well preserved; they occur with more fragmentary remains of Dryas integrifolia, Vaccinium uliginosum var. alpinum, and probable species of arctic Salix, S. cf. herbacea, and S. cf. arctica. The pollen spectrum from this site is dominated by Picea, Pinus, and Cyperaceae, which are typical of midwestern full-glacial sequences. Tundra-like conditions with permafrost were present in southeastern Minnesota during full-glacial time. Local environments 18,700 yr B.P. reconstructed from both physical and paleobotanical evidence include wind-swept ridge tops with thin loess, outcrops of dolostone and sandstone on valley walls, colluvial slopes, sandy to gravelly floodplains, shallow floodplain pools, wet meadows, and peaty turfs, all in a treeless or nearly treeless environment.
LEED measurements of one monolayer of iron epitaxially grown on Cu(111)

Abstract We report a LEED study of Cu(111) and one monolayer of iron epitaxially grown on Cu(111). A full dynamical analysis was performed using the renormalized forward scattering method. We studied the influence of the scattering potential employed on the quality of the LEED theoretical analysis. The analysis of the intensity versus energy for all the spots at room temperature gave a 2% contraction for the topmost layer of Cu(111) and 3% contraction for one monolayer of iron (in reference to Cu(111) bulk). We also detected Cu surface segregation at relative low temperatures (473 K) for iron epitaxially grown on Cu(111). Time and temperature play a significant role in the surface segregation process. Great care must be exercised when studying the electronic and magnetic properties of epitaxially grown fcc iron on Cu(111) when samples are prepared above room temperature.
A clinical prediction model to estimate risk for 30-day adverse events in emergency department patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

Study objective Atrial fibrillation affects more than 2 million people in the United States and accounts for nearly 1% of emergency department (ED) visits. Physicians have little information to guide risk stratification of patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and admit more than 65%. Our aim is to assess whether data available in the ED management of symptomatic atrial fibrillation can estimate a patient's risk of experiencing a 30-day adverse event. Methods We systematically reviewed the electronic medical records of all ED patients presenting with symptomatic atrial fibrillation between August 2005 and July 2008. Predefined adverse outcomes included 30-day ED return visit, unscheduled hospitalization, cardiovascular complication, or death. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of 30-day adverse events. The model was validated with 300 bootstrap replications. Results During the 3-year study period, 914 patients accounted for 1,228 ED visits. Eighty patients were excluded for non–atrial-fibrillation-related complaints and 2 patients had no follow-up recorded. Of 832 eligible patients, 216 (25.9%) experienced at least 1 of the 30-day adverse events. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.20 per decade; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.36 per decade), complaint of dyspnea (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.20), smokers (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.47 to 3.76), inadequate ventricular rate control (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.21), and patients receiving β-blockers (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.04) were independently associated with higher risk for adverse events. C-index was 0.67. Conclusion In ED patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, increased age, inadequate ED ventricular rate control, dyspnea, smoking, and β-blocker treatment were associated with an increased risk of a 30-day adverse event.
The role of writing in nontraditional education

In order to determine the role of student writing in nontraditional life/experience credentialing programs, a questionnaire was compiled and results surveyed from nearly 50 such programs. Although there was little consensus among these programs as to what the proper role of student writing should be, most agreed that writing is a vital part of the credentialing process, but many felt it should not be overstressed. Few programs involved faculty whose main concern was writing despite evidence that essay grading provides a useful paradigm for portfolio assessment and that such faculty have much to offer and much to learn from nontraditional programs.