Search

If forensic physical anthropology is the science of biological processes and related medico‐legal investigations, then forensic social anthropology is the science of cultural processes and related socio‐legal investigations. This article lays out the terms, definitions, and application of forensic specialization in social anthropology as it is practised in Australia. The objective of this exercise is to equip both physical and social anthropologists with a consilient model for the joint engagement of their parent discipline in legal proceedings where cultural processes are deemed relevant by a court or other legally empowered body. As demonstrated in Australia, the potential applications of forensic social anthropology range across a variety of matters involving both civil and criminal investigation. Such matters include systematic land expropriation, child removal, forced population movement, modern‐day slavery, unlawful detention, and other important social phenomena. The questionable legality of these kinds of phenomena is not isolated to Australia but is, rather, of international significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue of Anthropological Forum presents a collection of articles by international practitioners of forensic and expert social anthropology (FESA), and related areas of law. The forensic and expert specialisation of social anthropology focuses on the provision of evidence to legal-administrative processes overseen by courts and other legally empowered organisations, where human social culture is deemed an important factor. Social anthropology, as a field of expertise that studies links between culturally specific, collectively held ideas and observable patterns of social interaction, is an appropriate source of evidence for such processes. However, the field in general does not necessarily confer the specific training, study and experience required by the highly probative demands of presiding authorities. To address this gap, FESA advances a range of legally relevant concepts, objective investigative and analytical methods, and justice-oriented ethical principles. FESA applies this three-part focus consistently in its engagement both with legal-administrative processes and with the communities and individuals who seek justice using those processes, many of whom are marginalised within the national populations to which they belong. Contributors to this special issue have backgrounds working in Australia, Southeast Asia, the Americas, Africa and Europe. Variation between the legal-administrative regimes in each of these regions highlights both FESA's universal relevance, and its emerging coherence as a specialist field. The articles brought together in this special issue describe FESA practice under a range of legal-administrative regimes spanning Indigenous land claims, intellectual property disputes, cultural heritage preservation procedures, asylum claims and allegations of gender-based discrimination and genocide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human memory T cells (MTC) are poised to rapidly respond to antigen re-exposure. Here, we derived the transcriptional and epigenetic programs of resting and ex vivo activated, circulating CD4+ and CD8+ MTC subsets. A progressive gradient of gene expression from naïve to TCM to TEM is observed, which is accompanied by corresponding changes in chromatin accessibility. Transcriptional changes suggest adaptations of metabolism that are reflected in altered metabolic capacity. Other differences involve regulatory modalities comprised of discrete accessible chromatin patterns, transcription factor binding motif enrichment, and evidence of epigenetic priming. Basic-helix-loop-helix factor motifs for AHR and HIF1A distinguish subsets and predict transcription networks to sense environmental changes. Following stimulation, primed accessible chromatin correlate with an augmentation of MTC gene expression as well as effector transcription factor gene expression. These results identify coordinated epigenetic remodeling, metabolic, and transcriptional changes that enable MTC subsets to ultimately respond to antigen re-encounters more efficiently. An integrated analysis uncovers transcriptional and epigenetic differences of human circulating memory T cell subsets and identifies unique transcription factor networks associated with memory subset differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of geomorphological mapping and survey of Lateglacial and Holocene displaced shorelines in the Clyde estuary and around Loch Lomond, western central Scotland are described. On the basis of morphology, sedimentology, altitude and radiocarbon dating, four discrete shorelines are identified and are correlated with previously identified Scottish displaced shorelines. The shoreline formerly referred to as the Main Postglacial Shoreline is renamed the Menteith Shoreline. This body of data, combined with data on displaced shorelines for Scotland as a whole has been analysed using Gaussian quadratic trend surface analysis in order to determine the centre of glacio‐isostatic displacement for each shoreline. These Gaussian models of palaeo‐relative sea‐level suggest that the zone of greatest displacement lay NNW of Loch Lomond in the Lateglacial then moved SSE to the region of Loch Lomond during the Holocene and the Clyde in the Late Holocene. The factors responsible for the movement of the zone of greatest uplift are discussed, including temporal variations in the ice‐sheet thickness, variations in water load in the adjacent sea‐lochs and neotectonic processes. Comparison is made with glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out on the use of Gaussian trend surface analysis glacio‐isostatic modelling and this is included in the research evaluation, and reported in full in the Supporting Information files, along with the raw data used throughout this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the characterization of porosity in solids using the frequency dependence of the ultrasonic attenuation. Determination of the volume fraction and size of the voids for the case of dilute porosity in structural materials; Method for determining the volume fraction and pore size; Description of the general features of ultrasonic scattering in dilutely porous media.

Describes a scaling relation for the change in inductance of a coil on a ferromagnetic half-space. Comparison with different coils, permeabilities and conductivities; Analytic solution for the inductance of an air-core coil above a uniform half-space; Testing of the existence of a scaling relation with measurements made on medium carbon steel.

Reports on the influence of surface roughness on the detection of subsurface scatterers using phase-coherent, ultrasonic immersion transducers. Schematic diagram of acoustic wave scattering at a randomly rough liquid-solid interface; Information on simple formulas that describe the effects of roughness on a given inspection setup; Experimental setup for measuring the signal-to-noise ratio for a drill hole in a brass sample.

Offers information on a study which derived the low-frequency asymptotics for eddy currents in a conducting half-space in the absence and presence of inhomogeneities. Theoretical background; Computational approach; Results.

Presents a method for calculating an electromagnetic field in two conjoined conducting half-spaces in the presence of current sources in either or both half-spaces. Advantages of the method; Formulation of boundary-value problem; Integral representations for solving for the fields in two homogeneous conjoined conducting half-spaces.

Arrurle‐nge‐ntyele researchers lhentere areye‐le intelhe‐ilepe‐ileme apmerrke areye‐akerte. Itne akaltye‐arle‐irreke apmerrke areye akwele urreme‐urreme‐irreme, utnenge alhwarrpe awelhemele. Kenhe alhentere nhenhe areye akaltye‐irretyakenhe iwenhenge‐arle apmerrke areye alakenhe anerlte‐aneme. Itne itelaretyakenhe nthakenhe‐arle arne ingkirreke urrperle‐areye‐kenhe‐le apmerrke areye atnerre ilirtnemere. Researchers itne akaltye‐irreke artwe apmerrke Central Australia‐arenye‐arle akwele health akurne anthurre‐ulkere, Australia arenye‐arrpenhe areye‐nge. Arrpenheme apeke clinic‐werne alheme, kenhe itne akenhe itelaretyakenhe iwenhe‐arle alhentere ngangkere‐le itneke ileme, health itnekenhe‐akerte, medications‐akerte‐arlke. Artwe atningke apeke itelaretyakenhe iwenhenge‐arle itne ilkelhetyakenhe uthene akangketyakenhe uthene. The kwenhe PhD project mpwarerle‐aneme apmerrke anwerneke‐akerte. Anwerne ahentye aneme apmerrke areye atyenpe‐irrirtnetyeke, atnerre anemele. Project nhenhe arne atyeperre anwerne‐kenhe areye‐akerte, angkentye, anpernirrentye, nthakenhe angkentye anwernekenhe intelhetyeke, anyenhenge, apmere‐kenhe arritnye ingkirreke, thipe‐kenhe arritnye, arne‐kenhe arritnye, atnunthe apmere‐altye‐arlke. Apmerrke areye kwenhe akaltye‐irretyeke nthakenhe English angketyeke, read‐eme‐iletyeke, intelhetyeke‐arlke. Apmerrke areye apeke akaltye‐irretyeke Akngerrepate arrwekelenye areye‐ke, arne mwerre areye itne‐arle mpware‐warretyarte, kele itne anteme itnenhe ingkentetyeke. Artwe akaperte altywere‐areye role models anwernekenhe aneme. 1930's‐nge‐ntyele governments‐le laws mpwareke arritnye Assimilation Policy. Yanhe‐iperre, atningke areye uye‐akaltye‐irreke urrperle‐kenhe arne areye‐kenhe‐ke. Alhentere areye‐le anamelhe‐ileke arrpenheme apmere itnekenhe‐nge‐ntyele bungalow‐atheke, ayerrere‐werne atheke, antekerre‐arlke. Assimilation Policys‐nge ularre, tyerrtye atningke angkentye‐ke uye akaltye‐irreke, apmere‐akerte, apmere‐ke‐artweye‐ke, kwertengwerle‐ke, laws anwernekenhe‐arlke. Lhentere arrpenheme ahentye‐aneke akaltye‐irretyeke Tywerrenge‐ke. Arne arrpenheme‐ke itne‐arle akaltye‐irreke artwe‐kenhe‐ante, kenhe arrpenhe akenhe ingkirreke‐ke. Arne nhenhe areye museums‐uthene‐le organisations arrpenhe areye uthene‐le akwete atnyeneme. Alhentere areye‐le itnenhe akeme "archives." Itnekenge‐ntyele anwerne apmerrke areye akaltye‐le‐anthetyeke, nthakenhe arrwekelenye anwernekenhe anirntyeke‐arteke. Kele, the pipe nhenhe intelhe‐ileke apmerrke itnenhe alpeme‐iletyeke rlterrke‐irrirtnetyeke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The additive manufacturing integrated energy (AMIE) demonstration utilized three-dimensional (3D) printing as an enabling technology in the pursuit of construction methods that use less material, create less waste, and require less energy to build and operate. Developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in collaboration with the Governor's Chair for Energy and Urbanism, a research partnership of the University of Tennessee (UT) and ORNL led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), AMIE embodies a suite of innovations demonstrating a transformative future for designing, constructing, and operating buildings. Subsequent, independent UT College of Architecture and Design studios taught in collaboration with SOM professionals also explored forms and shapes based on biological systems that naturally integrate structure and enclosure. AMIE, a compact microdwelling developed by ORNL research scientists and SOM designers, incorporates next-generation modified atmosphere insulation (MAI), self-shading windows, and the ability to produce, store, and share solar power with a paired hybrid vehicle. It establishes for the first time, a platform for investigating solutions integrating the energy systems in buildings, vehicles, and the power grid. The project was built with broad-based support from local industry and national material suppliers. Designed and constructed in a span of only 9 months, AMIE 1.0 serves as an example of the rapid innovation that can be accomplished when research, design, academic, and industrial partners work in collaboration toward the common goal of a more sustainable and resilient built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To explore the cost impact on Swedish healthcare of incorporating one instillation of hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride (HAL) blue-light cystoscopy into transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in patients with suspected new or recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Materials and Methods A decision tree model was built based on European Association of Urology guidelines for the treatment and management of NMIBC. Input data were compiled from two recent studies comparing recurrence rates of bladder cancer in patients undergoing TURBT with either the current standard of care (SOC) of white-light cystoscopy, or with the SOC and HAL blue-light cystoscopy. Using these published data with clinical cost data for surgical and outpatient procedures and pharmaceutical costs, the model reported on the clinical and economic differences associated with the two treatment options. Results This model demonstrates the significant clinical benefits likely to be observed through the incorporation of HAL blue-light cystoscopy for TURBT in terms of reductions in recurrences of bladder cancer. Analysis of economic outputs of the model found that the use of one instillation of HAL for TURBT in all Swedish patients with NMIBC is likely to be cost-neutral or cost-saving over 5 years relative to the current SOC of white-light cystoscopy. Conclusions The results of this analysis provide additional health economic rationale for the incorporation of a single instillation of HAL blue-light cystoscopy for TURBT in the treatment of patients with NMIBC in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To explore the cost impact on Swedish healthcare of incorporating one instillation of hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride ( HAL) blue-light cystoscopy into transurethral resection of bladder tumour ( TURBT) in patients with suspected new or recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer ( NMIBC). Materials and Methods A decision tree model was built based on European Association of Urology guidelines for the treatment and management of NMIBC. Input data were compiled from two recent studies comparing recurrence rates of bladder cancer in patients undergoing TURBT with either the current standard of care ( SOC) of white-light cystoscopy, or with the SOC and HAL blue-light cystoscopy. Using these published data with clinical cost data for surgical and outpatient procedures and pharmaceutical costs, the model reported on the clinical and economic differences associated with the two treatment options. Results This model demonstrates the significant clinical benefits likely to be observed through the incorporation of HAL blue-light cystoscopy for TURBT in terms of reductions in recurrences of bladder cancer. Analysis of economic outputs of the model found that the use of one instillation of HAL for TURBT in all Swedish patients with NMIBC is likely to be cost-neutral or cost-saving over 5 years relative to the current SOC of white-light cystoscopy. Conclusions The results of this analysis provide additional health economic rationale for the incorporation of a single instillation of HAL blue-light cystoscopy for TURBT in the treatment of patients with NMIBC in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Electrolyte derangements, acidosis, and volume overload remain life-threatening emergencies in people with acute kidney injury in austere environments. A single-lumen alternating micro-batch (SLAMB) dialysis technique was designed to perform renal replacement therapy using a single-lumen access, low-cost disposable bags and tubing, widely available premade fluids, and a dialysis filter. A manual variation (mSLAMB) works without electricity, battery, or a pump. We modeled mSLAMB dialysis and predicted it could achieve adequate small solute clearance, blood flow rates, and ultrafiltration accuracy. Methods: A 25- to 30-kg pediatric patient's blood volume was simulated by a 2-L bag of expired blood and spiked with 5 g of urea initially, then with 1–2 g between experiments. Experiments had 8 cycles totaling prescription volumes of 800–2,400 mL and were conducted with different ratios of hemofiltration fluid to blood volume. Concentrations of urea and potassium, final effluent volumes, and cycle duration were measured at the end of each cycle to determine clearance, ultrafiltration accuracy, and blood flow rates. Results: Each cycle lasted 70–145 s. Experiments achieved a mean urea reduction ratio of 27.4 ± 7.1% and a mean potassium reduction of 23.4 ± 9.3%. The largest urea and potassium reduction percentage occurred with the first cycle. Increased hemofiltration fluid to blood volume ratio did not increase clearance. Mean (+/− standard deviation) blood flow ranged from 79.7 +/− 4.4 mL/min to 90.8 +/− 6.5 mL/min and increased with larger batch volume and height difference between reservoirs. Ultrafiltration accuracy ranged from 0 to 2.4% per cycle. Discussion: mSLAMB dialysis is a simple, manual, cost-effective mode of dialysis capable of providing clearance and accurate ultrafiltration. With further refinement of technique, we believe this can be a potentially lifesaving treatment in austere conditions and low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin has been used for many years in pharmaceutical formulation, cell culture and tissue engineering on account of its excellent biocompatibility, ease of processing and availability at low cost. Over the last decade gelatin has been extensively evaluated for numerous ocular applications serving as cell-sheet carriers, bio-adhesives and bio-artificial grafts. These different applications naturally have diverse physical, chemical and biological requirements and this has prompted research into the modification of gelatin and its derivatives. The crosslinking of gelatin alone or in combination with natural or synthetic biopolymers has produced a variety of scaffolds that could be suitable for ocular applications. This review focuses on methods to crosslink gelatin-based materials and how the resulting materials have been applied in ocular tissue engineering. Critical discussion of recent innovations in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine will highlight future opportunities for gelatin-based materials in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "The Intimate Room: Theory and Technique of the Analytic Field," by Giuseppe Civitarese, translated by Philip Slotkin.

Abstract: Central administration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is known to enhance locomotion across a wide range of vertebrates, including the roughskin newt, Taricha granulosa. The present study aimed to identify the CRH effects on locomotor-controlling medullary neurons that underlie the peptide''s behavioral stimulating actions. Single neurons were recorded from the rostral medullary reticular formation before and after intraventricular infusion of CRH in freely behaving newts and newts paralyzed with a myoneural blocking agent. In behaving newts, most medullary neurons showed increased firing 3–23min after CRH infusion. Decreases in firing were less common. Of particular importance was the finding that in behaving newts, medullary neurons showed a cyclic firing pattern that was strongly associated with an increase in the incidence of walking bouts, an effect blocked by pretreatment with the CRH antagonist, alpha-helical CRH and not seen following vehicle administration. In contrast, the majority of medullary neurons sampled in immobilized newts lacked temporal cyclicity in their firing patterns following intraventricular infusion of CRH. That is, there was no evidence for a fictive locomotor activity pattern. Our results indicate that the actual expression of locomotion is a critical factor in regulating the behavior-activating effects of CRH and underscore the importance of using an awake, unrestrained animal for analysis of a hormone''s neurobehavioral actions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lung cancer accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide of which non-small-cell lung carcinoma alone takes a toll of around 85%. Platinum-based therapy is the stronghold for lung cancer at present. The discovery of various molecular alterations that underlie lung cancer has contributed to the development of specifically targeted therapies employing specific mutation inhibitors. Targeted chemotherapy based on molecular profiling has shown great promise in lung cancer treatment. Various molecular markers with predictive and prognostic significance in lung cancer have evolved as a result of advanced research. Testing of EGFR and Kras mutations is now a common practice among community oncologists, and more recently, ALK rearrangements have been added to this group. This paper discusses various predictive and prognostic markers that are being investigated and have shown significant relevance which can be exploited for targeted treatment in lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This review presents the themes of a special issue dealing with environmental scenarios of human evolution during the Early Pleistocene (2.6–0.78 Ma; MIS 103-MIS 19) and early Middle Pleistocene (0.78–0.47 Ma; MIS 19-base of MIS 12) within the western Palaearctic. This period is one of dramatic changes in the climates and the distribution of Palaearctic biota. These changes have played their role in generating adaptive and phyletic patterns within the human ancestry, involving several species such as Homo habilis, “Homo georgicus”, Homo erectus, Homo antecessor and Homo heidelbergensis. In the archaeological record, these species include the Oldowan (Mode 1) and Acheulian (Mode 2) lithic technologies. Taphonomic considerations of palaeoecological research in hominin-bearing sites are provided and evaluated. Syntheses are provided for north Africa, western Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, Britain, and continental Europe. Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions based on multidisciplinary data are given for Ain Boucherit, Ain Hanech and El-Kherba in Algeria, Dmanisi in Georgia, Atapuerca, Cueva Negra, and the Orce Basin in Spain, Monte Poggiolo and Pirro Nord in Italy, Pont-de-Lavaud in France, and Mauer in Germany. The state of the art with the Out of Africa 1 dispersal model is reviewed. A source-sink dynamics model for Palaeolithic Europe is described to explain the morphological disparity of H. heidelbergensis (we will sometimes use the informal name “Heidelbergs”) and early Neanderthals. Other aspects debated here are the selective value of habitat mosaics including reconstructions based on mammal and avian databases, and the role of geological instability combined with topographic complexity. This review is completed by addressing the question of whether the appearance of evolutionary trends within hominins is concentrated in regions of highest worldwide biological diversity (biodiversity hotspots). It is concluded that the keys for the activation of evolutionary change in hominins may have been geological instabilities, and a shifting physiographical heterogeneity combined with high biodiversity and ecological interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study of a 60-year-old man, who had received living-donor renal transplant, who presented with a mass dorsum in the right hand. Biopsy of lesions revealed well-differentiated infiltrating squamous-cell carcinoma. Surgical excision of the lesion was conducted in the hand and the full-thickness skin grafts from the volar aspect of the ipsilateral forearm were placed over the large defect. The patient started range-of-motion exercises four weeks after surgery.

To accelerate lung development and protect neonates from other early developmental problems, synthetic steroids are administered maternally in the third trimester, exposing fetuses that are candidates for premature delivery to them. However, steroid exposure at this point of gestation may lead to elevated blood pressure [mean arterial pressure (MAP)] during adolescence. We hypothesize that fetal exposure to steroids activates the renin-angiotensin system, inducing an elevation in blood pressure and attenuation of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) that is angiotensin It dependent in early adulthood. To test this hypothesis, fetal sheep were exposedto betamethasone (Beta) or vehicle (control) administered to ewes at day 80 of gestation and delivered at full term. At 1.8 yr of age, male offspring were instrumented for conscious recording of MAP, heart rate, and measurement of BRS [as lowfrequency-a, high-frequency-a, sequence (seq) UP, seq DOWN, and seq TOTAL]. Beta-exposed sheep (n = 6) had higher MAP than control sheep (n = 5) (93 ± 2 vs. 84 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.01). Acute blockade of angiotensin type I receptors with candesartan (0.3 mg/kg iv) normalized MAP in Beta-exposed sheep (85 ± 4 mmHg), with no effect in control sheep (82 ± 3 mmHg). Before angiotensin type 1 blockade, BRS maximum gain was significantly lower in Betaexposed vs. control sheep (11 ± 3 vs. 26 ± 3 ms/mmHg, P < 0.0.01). However, 45 mm after candesartan injection, BRS was increased in Beta-exposed (21 ± 5 ms/mmHg) and control (35 ± 4 ms/mmHg) sheep. Heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) revealed lower HRV (SD of beat-to-beat interval and root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences in R-R interval duration) and higher BPV (SD of MAP, systolic arterial pressure in low-frequency range) in Beta-exposed sheep. Candesartan partially restored HRV in Beta-exposed sheep and fully corrected BPV. Thus, in utero exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids causes long-lasting programming of the cardiovascular system via renin-angiotensin system-dependent mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) has been detected in the adrenal gland of many species and may be involved in regulation of glucocorticoid secretion. In cultured human fetal adrenal definitive/transitional zone cells, CRH upregulates the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor and steroidogenic enzymes and is blocked by the selective CRH type 1 receptor (CRH1) antagonist, antalarmin. Based on these findings and evidence that antalarmin infusion into sheep suppressed prepartum increases in cortisol, we hypothesized that antalarmin would influence adrenal cortisol secretion. Antalarmin strongly attenuated ACTH and forskolin (FSK)-stimulated cortisol and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) release from cultured ovine adrenocortical cells but did not prevent ACTH binding to cells or ACTH-induced proliferation in adult cells. Corticotropin releasing hormone was minimally effective as a secretagogue but increased the cortisol response to subsequent ACTH. These results suggest that antalarmin attenuates ACTH-induced cortisol secretion from cultured ovine adrenal cortical cells at a site distal to the ACTH receptor. Although CRH may modulate the secretory response to ACTH, it is probably not a direct cortisol secretagogue in the sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the torpor phase of mammalian hibernation when core body temperature is near 4°C, the autonomic system continues to maintain respiration, blood pressure and heartbeat despite drastic reductions in brain activity. In addition, the hibernator’s neuronal tissues enter into a protected state in which the potential for ischemia–reperfusion injury is markedly minimized. Evolutionary adaptations for continued function and neuroprotection throughout cycles of torpor and euthermia in winter are predicted to manifest themselves partly in changes in the brainstem proteome. Here, we compare the soluble brainstem protein complement from six summer active ground squirrels and six in the early torpor (ET) phase of hibernation. Thirteen percent of the ~1,500 quantifiable 2D gel spots alter significantly from summer to ET; the proteins identified in these differing spots are known to play roles in energy homeostasis via the tricarboxylic acid cycle (8 proteins), cytoarchitecture and cell motility (14 proteins), anabolic protein processes (13 proteins), redox control (11 proteins) and numerous other categories including protein catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, signal transduction, glycolysis, intracellular protein trafficking and antiapoptotic function. These protein changes represent, at least in part, the molecular bases for restructuring of cells in the brainstem, a shift away from glucose as the primary fuel source for brain in the winter, and the generation of a streamlined mechanism capable of efficient and rapid energy production and utilization during the torpor and arousal cycles of hibernation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibernators are unique among mammals in their ability to survive extended periods of time with core body temperatures near freezing and with dramatically reduced heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates in a state known as torpor. To gain insight into the molecular events underlying this remarkable physiological phenotype, we applied a proteomic screening approach to identify liver proteins that differ between the summer active (SA) and the entrance (Ent) phase of winter hibernation in 13-lined ground squirrels. The relative abundance of 1,600 protein spots separated on two-dimensional gels was quantitatively determined using fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis, and 74 unique proteins exhibiting significant differences between the two states were identified using liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSIMS). Proteins elevated in Ent hibernators included liver fatty acid-binding protein, fatty acid transporter, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase, which support the known metabolic fuel switch to lipid and ketone body utilization in winter. Several proteins involved in protein stability and protein folding were also elevated in the Ent phase, consistent with previous findings. In contrast to transcript screening results, there was a surprising increase in the abundance of proteins involved in protein synthesis during Ent hibernation, including several initiation and elongation factors. This finding, coupled with decreased abundance of numerous proteins involved in amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, supports the intriguing hypothesis that the mechanism of protein preservation and resynthesis is used by hibernating ground squirrels to help avoid nitrogen toxicity and ensure preservation of essential amino acids throughout the long winter fast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Woolly rhinoceros bones, from a number of sites in Britain, have been AMS radiocarbon dated following ultrafiltration pre-treatment. These determinations give a coherent set of ages between >50 and c. 35calkaBP. The youngest (35,864–34,765calBP) come from the area around Bishopbriggs in western central Scotland and are derived from glaciofluvial sand and gravel overlain by till, both deposited during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) glaciation. A previous radiocarbon date from the site suggested that woolly rhinoceros lived c. 27 14C ka BP and the region was ice-free at the time. This date has had significant influence on the timing of extinction of woolly rhinoceros and the onset of glaciation over Britain during the LGM. The new dates revise this earlier determination and confirm that woolly rhinoceros became extinct in Britain after c. 35calkaBP, that central Scotland was ice-free at this time, and glaciation extended across this region sometime after 35calkaBP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a 1:25,000 scale geomorphological map of the Glasgow region, western central Scotland, an area that was glaciated during the Last Glacial Maximum and, in part, during the Younger Dryas glaciation. The text accompanying the map sets out the historical context of the mapping exercise and describes the process of geomorphological mapping at 1:10,560 scale. The text outlines briefly the results of the mapping exercise, in terms of the map evidence recorded and the interpretation of Quaternary landscape evolution. The paper is not designed to provide a comprehensive review of the geomorphology and Quaternary history of the area which can be found in the references cited therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various reports published within the issue including one by S. L. Greenwood and C. D. Clark on small scale geomorphological mapping for Ireland using a combination of satellite imagery and digital elevation models, and another by D. C. McCormack and colleagues on the future of field mapping.

Preparing the mammalian fetus for birth requires an increase in fetal plasma glucocorticoid levels. The mechanisms facilitating this increase are not fully known. It has been shown in sheep that the prepartum elevation in fetal plasma cortisol is accompanied by increases in adrenocorticotropin receptor (ACTH-R) expression in the fetal adrenal and in the adrenal responsiveness to stimulation. To determine the significance of the upregulation in ACTH-R expression on fetal adrenal function, the authors used small interfering RNA targeted to the ovine ACTH-R to reduce receptor expression and studied responses to stimulation in ovine adrenal cells. They studied fetal cells from late gestation after responsiveness had increased. They also studied adult cells to determine if maturation would influence the impact of receptor expression suppression on responsiveness. Fetal and adult cells were obtained, dispersed, transfected with receptor-targeted small interfering RNA or scrambled small interfering RNA, and subsequently stimulated with ACTH. Cells and media were harvested for measurements of gene and protein expression and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cortisol levels. The ability of ACTH to upregulate its receptor or steroid acute regulatory protein was attenuated in fetal (P < .01) and adult cells (P < .01) by small interfering RNA treatment; the blockade was more pronounced in the adult cells (P < .01). The small interfering RNA treatment also blocked the cAMP response to ACTH in fetal (P < .001) and adult (P < .05) cells. This was accompanied by marked reductions in cortisol responses in both (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). These data surest that upregulation of the ACTH-R expression in late gestation is essential for the increase in adrenal steroidogenic capacity occurring then. The data also indicate that a reduction in the ACTH-R expression blocks the ability of the peptide to stimulate early steps in the steroidogenic pathway event after maturation is complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pedology and the isotope geochemistry of the early Middle Pleistocene interglacial ‘rootlet bed’ at Pakefield, eastern England, record the climate when this unit accumulated. Horizons of nodular pedogenic calcrete indicate the existence of a strongly seasonal precipitation regime that produced a pronounced net soil moisture deficit during which secondary carbonate was precipitated. The isotopic composition of these nodules confirms the seasonality of annual precipitation, as this indicates that intense soil moisture evaporation was a major mechanism in secondary carbonate formation. The climatic interpretation is enhanced by the palaeoecology of the unit that indicates average summer temperatures significantly warmer than those of the present. The climate of this period was, therefore, different from that of the present day in terms of both temperature and the seasonality of precipitation. Although it has previously been shown that certain interglacial periods in northwest Europe were warmer than the Holocene, this is the first study to show that the precipitation regime of one such episode may also have been significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present FindLocks, an approach for automatically proving the absence of data races in multi-threaded Java programs, using a combination of dynamic and static analysis. The program in question is instrumented so that when executed it will gather information about locking relationships. This information is then used to automatically generate annotations needed to type check the program using the Race-Free Java type system. Programs that type check are sure to be free from races. We call this technique dynamic annotation inference. We describe the design and implementation of our approach, and our experience applying the tool to a variety of Java programs. We have found that when using a reasonably comprehensive test suite, which is easy for small programs but harder for larger ones, the approach generates useful annotations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article focuses on matters related to the micromorphology of cave sediments in the humid tropics. Investigations of archaeologically important cave deposits are rare in the humid tropics. Only five published accounts have been located by the authors. This study uses the explanatory power of micromorphology to interpret the palaeoenvironmental history of the sediments preserved in the West Mouth of the Great Cave of Niah. Attention is given to the deposits exposed in new or cleaned exposures in the deep section known as Hell Trench excavated by archeologists Tom and Barbara Harrisson in the 1950s and 1960s and by Zuraina Majid in the 1970s and reinvestigated by the Niah Cave Project in recent years.

This paper outlines the evidence for the Happisburgh Glaciation—the first Middle Pleistocene glaciation of lowland eastern England and the adjacent margins of the North Sea Basin. We propose that this glaciation occurred during a pre-Elsterian/Anglian (MIS 12) cold stage based on evidence of clasts of till, erratics and heavy minerals from the third youngest terrace of the ‘pre-glacial’ Bytham River in southern Norfolk. The heavy minerals show a progressive increase in glacially sourced materials from the bottom to the top of the Bytham River third terrace sediments. The till clasts are correlated with the extensive deposits of the Happisburgh Formation on the basis of their colour, heavy minerals and particle size properties. Thus, the Happisburgh Glaciation occurred during the accumulation of the Bytham River terrace deposits and prior to MIS 12, when the Bytham River system was destroyed by the Anglian glaciation. In the absence of any geochronology or robust biostratigraphy, the age of the Happisburgh Glaciation is estimated by the synchronisation of the pattern of large-scale river activity with patterns of Milankovitch-forced global climate change. On this basis, and assuming the British Ice Sheet acted in phase with global patterns of ice volume, the Happisburgh Glaciation is considered to have occurred during MIS 16 and be equivalent of the Don Glaciation of eastern Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The glutathione (GSH)-dependent dichloromethane dehalogenase from Methylophilus sp. strain DM11 catalyzes the dechlorination of CH[sub 2]Cl[sub 2] to formaldehyde via a highly reactive, genotoxic intermediate, S-(chloromethyl)glutathione (GS-CH[sub 2]Cl). The catalytic mechanism of the enzyme toward a series of dihalomethane and monohaloethane substrates suggests that the initial addition of GSH to the alkylhalides is fast and that the rate-limiting step in turnover is the release of either the peptide product or formaldehyde. With the exception of CH[sub 2]ClF, which forms a relatively stable GS-CH[sub 2]F intermediate, the turnover numbers for a series of dihalomethanes fall in a very narrow range (1-3 s[sup -1]). The pre-steady-state kinetics of the DM11-catalyzed addition of GSH to CH[sub 3]CH[sub 2]Br exhibits a burst of S-(ethyl)-glutathione (k[sub b] = 96 ± 56 s[sup -1]) followed by a steady state with k[sub cat] = 0.13 ± 0.01 s[sup -1]. The turnover numbers for CH[sub 3]CH[sub 2]Cl, CH[sub 3]CH[sub 2]Br, and CH[sub 3]CH[sub 2]I are identical, indicating a common rate-limiting step. The turnover numbers of the enzyme with CH[sub 3]CH[sub 2]Br and CH[sub 3]CH[sub 2]I are dependent on viscosity and are very close to the measured off-rate of GSEt. The turnover number with CH[sub 2]I[sub 2] is also dependent on viscosity, suggesting that a diffusive step is rate-limiting with dihaloalkanes as well. The rate constants for solvolysis of CH[sub 3]SCH[sub 2]Cl, a model for GS-CH[sub 2]Cl, range between 1 s[sup -1] (1:1 dioxane/water) and 64 s[sup -1] (1:10 dioxane/water). Solvolysis of the S-(halomethyl)glutathione intermediates may also occur in the active site of the enzyme preventing the release of the genotoxic species. Together, the results indicate that dissociation of the GS-CH[sub 2]X or GS-CH[sub 2]OH intermediates from the enzyme may be a relatively rare event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivePrevious studies have shown that anterior pituitary expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone type 1 receptor (CRH-R1) decreases during late gestation. This study sought to determine whether this reduction is from a decrease in the number of cells expressing CRH receptors or a decrease in the number of CRH receptors per cell.: MethodsFetuses were studied at 100 days’ gestational age (100 dGA), 120 dGA, or 140 dGA. Dispersed anterior pituitary cells were incubated with or without fluorescein-conjugated CRH (FL-CRH). FL-CRH binding was assessed by flow cytometry.: ResultsThe number of CRH receptors per cell decreased at 120 dGA and 140 dGA. However, because of an increase in the percentage of cells expressing CRH receptors at 120 dGA, the total receptor index was similar at 100 dGA and 120 dGA. The receptor index tended to decrease at 140 dGA.: ConclusionFL-CRH binding was decreased at 140 dGA due to a decrease in the percentage of cells binding CRH and the number of CRH receptors per cell. This could contribute to the decrease in CRH-stimulated adrenocorticotropin release during late gestation in fetal sheep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Courtship clasping, a reproductive behavior in male roughskin newts (Taricha granulosa), is rapidly blocked by an action of corticosterone (CORT) at a specific neuronal membrane receptor. The CORT-induced impairment of clasping in behaving newts appears to be mediated partly by an elimination of clasping-related activity in medullary reticulospinal neurons. Previous studies of rapid CORT actions in Taricha have focused on the brain, so existence of CORT action in the spinal cord or peripheral nervous system has not been assessed. The present study used newts with a high cervical spinal transection to examine potential spinal or peripheral CORT effects on clasping by the hindlimbs in response to pressure on the cloaca. Spinal transection causes clasps elicited by cloacal stimulation to be very sustained beyond the termination of the eliciting stimulus. In spinally transected newts, CORT caused a dose-dependent depression in the duration as well as quality of the clasp that appeared within 10 min of injection. CORT selectively impaired the usual sustained maintenance of a clasp after termination of cloacal stimulation, but not clasp elicitation during stimulation. These effects were not produced by dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid that binds poorly to the CORT membrane receptor. The CORT effect on clasp maintenance but not clasp elicitation implies selective action on an intraspinal generator for clasping but not on sensory or efferent neuromuscular aspects of the response. These results indicate the presence in the newt spinal cord of the CORT membrane receptor that exerts functional effects distinctly different from those on the brainstem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provenance of the Happisburgh Till and Corton Till of the Corton Formation is investigated using erratic clast lithologies and allochthonous palynomorphs to test whether the long held assumption that they were deposited by ice that originated in Scandinavia is valid. The results show a wide range of lithologies including Carboniferous Limestone and Coal Measures, and Permian Magnesian Limestone that are not found in Scandinavia, and an absence of distinctive Scandinavian material such as rhomb porphyry and larvikite. Lithologies found indicate deposition by an ice sheet which flowed southwards into north-east East Anglia from central and southern Scotland eroding and transporting materials derived from outcrops in these areas and from eastern England and the western margins of the southern North Sea Basin. It is concluded that the long held assumption that the Happisburgh Till and Corton Till of the Corton Formation were deposited by a Scandinavian ice sheet is erroneous and that they were instead deposited by Scottish ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasotocin (AVT) and vasopressin (AVP) are potent modulators of social behaviors in diverse species of vertebrates. This review addresses questions about how and where AVT and AVP act to modulate social behaviors, focusing on research with an amphibian model (Taricha granulosa). In general, the behaviorally important AVT and AVP neurons occur in the forebrain and project to sites throughout the brain. Social behaviors are modulated by AVT and AVP acting at multiple sites in the brain and at multiple levels in the behavioral sequence. This review proposes that AVT and AVP can act on sensory pathways to modulate the responsiveness of neurons to behaviorally relevant sensory stimuli and also can act on motor pathways in the brainstem and spinal cord to modulate the neuronal output to behavior-specific pattern generators. This neurobehavioral model, in which AVT and AVP are thought to modulate social behaviors by affecting sensorimotor processing, warrants further research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focusing of waves in one dimension is analyzed for the plasma-wave equation and the wave equation with variable speed. The existence of focusing causal solutions to these equations is established, and such wave solutions are constructed explicitly by deriving an orthogonality relation for the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The connection between wave focusing and inverse scattering is studied. The potential at any point is recovered from the incident wave that leads to focusing to that point. It is shown that focusing waves satisfy certain temporal-antisymmetry and support properties. Discontinuities in the spatial and temporal derivatives of the focusing waves are examined and related to the discontinuities in the potential of the Schrödinger equation. The theory is illustrated with some explicit examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the neurobehavioral nature of fishes and addresses the question of whether fishes are capable of experiencing pain and suffering. The detrimental effects of anthropomorphic thinking and the importance of an evolutionary perspective for understanding the neurobehavioral differences between fishes and humans are discussed. The differences in central nervous system structure that underlie basic neurobehavioral differences between fishes and humans are described. The literature on the neural basis of consciousness and of pain is reviewed, showing that: (1) behavioral responses to noxious stimuli are separate from the psychological experience of pain, (2) awareness of pain in humans depends on functions of specific regions of cerebral cortex, and (3) fishes lack these essential brain regions or any functional equivalent, making it untenable that they can experience pain. Because the experience of tear, similar to pain, depends on cerebral cortical structures that are absent from fish brains, it is concluded that awareness of fear is impossible for fishes. Although it is implausible that fishes can experience pain or emotions, they display robust, nonconscious, neuroendocrine, and physiological stress responses to noxious stimuli. Thus, avoidance of potentially injurious stress responses is an important issue in considerations about the welfare of fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaciotectonized sediments and palaeosol at Great Sampford, western Suffolk, England are reconstructed to their original positions in order to determine the form of the original land surface and the associated soil development. The restored stratigraphy consists of Early Pleistocene Kesgrave Sands and Gravels which were deposited by the 'pre-glacial' river Thames, with the Early-Middle Pleistocene Valley Farm Soil developed on a terrace surface. These units are overlain by Sampford Deformation Till and Lowestoft Till, which were formed during the Middle Pleistocene Anglian glaciation. The micromorphological features of the reconstructed soil are interpreted in terms of three climatic cycles, each comprising a period of temperate climate soil formation followed by cold climate soil disruption. The final stage of disruption is associated with the periglacial climate that preceded Anglian glacierization. This pedological reconstruction is the most complex yet recognized from British Early and Middle Pleistocene palaeosols and provides an insight into major climatic oscillations prior to the Anglian Glaciation. The surface upon which the soil developed is one of the oldest terraces of the 'pre-glacial' River Thames that were formed when this river flowed northwards through East Anglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the renin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in renal cortical cells from fetal lamb kidneys at stages of gestation and stimulation. Materials and methods; Results; Perspectives.

Compares renin gene responses to stimulation in dispersed renal cortical cells obtained from fetuses at two stages of development to determine if age-related differences exist. Comparison of the disappearance of renin mRNA in immature and mature fetal kidney cells after blockade of transcription by actinomycin D; Changes in renin gene stability in the ovine fetus.

Development of the frontal lobes of the brain is known to continue through late adolescence, in contrast to the earlier maturation of other cortical regions. Because cortical regions appear to mature at different rates, neuropsychological tests that are differentially sensitive to functioning of specific conical regions were used to examine developmental trends in cognitive performance. Seventy-two participants were classified into 3 stages of development: prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal. The results demonstrated that performance improved throughout adolescence on 9 of the 11 neuropsychological tasks. The few sex differences that were identified primarily consisted of male participants performing better than female participants on visual-spatial tasks. Results from the a priori comparisons indicate that the tasks associated with frontal lobe functioning showed more improvement across maturational stages than tasks associated with parietal lobe functioning. Results are discussed in terms of the relation between brain development and cognitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a time-domain or pulsed eddy-current technique for determining the thickness and conductivity of conductive coatings on metal plates. Transient current induced in an absolute, air-cored coil placed next to a layered sample and excited with a step-function change in voltage; Difference in the transient current measured on the substrate.