cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive replanning using cone beam CT for deformation of original CT simulation.

BACKGROUND During a course of radiation therapy, anatomical changes such as a decrease in tumour size or weight loss can trigger the need for repeating a computed tomography (CT) simulation scan in order to generate a new treatment plan. This adaptive approach requires a separate appointment for an additional CT scan which generates additional burden, cost, and radiation exposure for patients. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we present a case of a head and neck cancer patient who required palliative radiation for a large neck mass. During treatment, he had a remarkable response which required a replan due to rapid tumour downsizing. In this case, we used a novel technique to avoid repeating the planning CT simulation by using a mid-treatment high-quality cone beam CT (CBCT) to deform the secondary image (plan CT) of the original planning CT and generate a new adapted treatment plan. CONCLUSION This is the first report to our knowledge using a Halcyon CBCT to deform the original planning CT in order to generate a new radiation treatment plan, and this novel technique represents a new potential method of adaptive replanning for select patients.
Colorado Mountain Soils

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the Colorado Mountain soils. Some 60% of the State of Colorado is mountainous; 40% lies above 7,000 feet elevation. Topography in this area varies from broad intermountain valleys to sharp ridges and spectacular peaks. The soil pattern in any landscape in the mountainous areas of Colorado is apt to be complex, depending upon the combination of soil forming factors effective in that specific locality. The great variability in elevation, climate, and vegetation combines with the many types of parent material to provide a broad spectrum of soils in Colorado. Brown and Chestnut soils are found in the relatively dry and cold mountain valleys. In the Lower Montane; Gray Wooded, Brown Forest, and Chestnut soils predominate. Still higher up in the Upper Montane; Gray Wooded, Bog, Brown Forest, Brunizem, Chestnut, and Humic Gley soils are most common. In the Subalpine, Brown Podzolic, Podzol, Ground Water Podzol, Brown Forest, Gray Wooded, and Bog soils predominate. In the Alpine, Alpine Turf, Alpine Meadow, and Bog soils occupy most of the landscape. Chernozems are found in each of these zones along with Alluvial soils and Lithosols. Sols Bruns Acides, Grumusols, Solonchaks, and Solonetz are minor components. Many of these soils can be found within a few miles of each other.
Cross-Dressers in Cyber-Space: Exploring the Internet as a Tool for Expressing Gendered Identity

The authors explore the ways in which the Internet functions to communicate about cross-dressing as part of a larger cultural discourse surrounding gender. As a widely used tool to dialogue on the topic of appearance, the Internet also helps to establish and even alter gendered identities. The seamless realm of the Internet allows such identities to cross cultural boundaries instantly and without regard for real physical space. Based on 30 Websites of cross-dressers collected and analyzed, this essay examines the ways that individuals use this virtual world for purposes of cross-dressing. As a study of human behavior and dress, this research has important implications for furthering our understanding of how cyberspace operates as a newly established socio-cultural realm and participates in the current scholarly discourse on the topic of the Internet as a new vehicle for the study of dress and identity.
Fungal biofilm inhibitors from a human oral microbiome-derived bacterium

The human mouth is home to a rich assortment of native and transient microorganisms. One of the commonly encountered bacterial species, Streptococcus mutans, was shown to generate the novel hybrid polyketide-nonribosomal peptide metabolite mutanobactin A (1). We have characterized three new analogues, mutanobactins B-D (2-4), and subjected these compounds to further biomedical evaluation. Metabolites 1, 2, and 4 were found to inhibit biofilm formation by the fungal oral-pathogen Candida albicans. Compound 4 was the most potent metabolite with an IC(50) value of 5.3 ± 0.9 μM. Using a combination of Marfey's analysis, proton spin-spin coupling, and (1)H-(1)H NOESY data, we proposed absolute configuration assignments in toto for 1-3 and a partial assignment for 4. In addition, feeding studies with isotopically labeled precursor metabolites (acetate and amino acids) have helped to determine the biosynthetic origins of this unique natural product family.
Short-time-scale thermal mapping of microdevices using a scanning thermoreflectance technique

The performance and reliability of microdevices can be strongly influenced by the peak temperature rise and spatial temperature distribution during brief electrical overstress (EOS) phenomena, which can occur at sub-microsecond time scales. The present study investigates short-time-scale laser reflectance thermometry of micro devices by examining the impact of passivation overlayers on the thermoreflectance signal and by demonstrating a calibration method suitable for metallization. This manuscript also describes a scanning laser thermometry facility that captures temperature fields in microdevices with 10 ns temporal resolution and 1 μm spatial resolution. The facility combines scanning laser optics with electrical stressing capability to allow simultaneous interrogation of the thermal and electrical behavior of devices. Data show the transient temperature distribution along the drift region of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) power transistors and along metal interconnects subjected to brief electrical stresses. The theory and experimental capability developed in this study are useful for studying short-time-scale thermal phenomena in microdevices and verifying models employed for their simulation.
Interrelationship between Self-Concept, Visual Perception, and Reading Disabilities

This study explores the relationship between self concept, visual perception, and reading disabilities. The Ss were fifty seventh and fifty ninth grade student selected randomly from an integrated and socially balanced senior high school. The Tennessee Self Concept Scales were used as a measure self concept; the Spatial Visual ization section of the Multiple Aptitude test was used as a measure of visual perceptions; and the paragraph meaning, spelling, and language portions of the Stanford Achievement Test were used as measures of reading disabilities. The twenty-four variables yielded from the data were then submitted to both factor analysis and multiple correlation. The hypothesis that self concept and visual perception are related to reading disabilities was not clearly supported by the data. Further replication is suggested using a measure of "reading" self con cept rather than "general" self concept. NUMEROUS INVESTIGATIONS have suggested a relationship between self concept and reading (2, 3, 5, 10, 14, 19, 21, 31) . Equally numerous are studies that support the relationship between visual perception and reading (1,7,8,9,11,12,15,18,22, 23,24,25,27,28,29,30) . The present study is an attempt to explore the possible interaction between self concept and visual perception in relationship to reading disabilities. Combs (4 ) has suggested that the basic motivation of all human behavior is to maintain and enhance an adequate self concept. Hence, if an individual believes himself to be a poor reader he will attempt to main tain this self image regardless of his ability to read. Lecky (17) calls this self consistency. He writes A standard is a conception that a person main tains because he has accepted it as a part of his personality. Standards need not be admirable, even from the standpoint of the person who main tains them so long as he believes them to be valid_If he defines himself as a poor speller, the misspelling of a certain proportion of the words which he uses for him becomes a moral issue. He misspells words for the same reason he refuses to be a thief. That is, he must endeavor to be consistent with his conception of himself (17:103) . Lecky goes on to report a study of spelling which suggests that individuals misspell about the same number of words per page regardless of the difficulty of the material. However, the same students when taught a foreign language were found to be good spellers. Since spelling and reading both involve a visual perceptualization, could it be possible that many poor readers like the poor spellers in Lecky's study are simply trying to maintain self consistency by "manipulating" their visual perceptual ability? METHOD
Chemicals from wood: Prehydrolysis/organosolv methods

The results of water hydrolysis of southern yellow pine and SO2 hydrolysis of southern hardwood mixtures are presented. A unified processing system of prehydrolysis and organosolv delignification is recommended on the basis of the above results and the results of organosolv-ethanol, EDA-EtOH-AQ and acid-catalyzed ethanol delignification systems on both hardwood and softwood and prehydrolyzed substrates.
Microtubules and microfilaments in newt neurulation

Abstract During urodele neurulation, presumptive neural cells elongate to form the neural plate and then constrict apically as the plate rolls up to form the neural tube. During the same period, epidermal cells gradually flatten. Electron microscopy of these cells has been carried out in an attempt to understand the mechanism of morphogenetic cell shape changes. In elongating neural plate cells, microtubules are oriented parallel to the long axis. Counts of numbers of these “paraxial” microtubules per cell do not differ significantly at three apicobasal levels of the cells; therefore, it is practical to consider the paraxial microtubules as a single population of full-cell-length microtubules. The number of paraxial microtubules per cell decreases significantly as the cell elongates, but the degree of elongation of a cell at a given stage is not closely related to the number of paraxial microtubules it contains. Several observations suggest that microtubules contribute to cell elongation by some form of transport mechanism. During the apical constriction of neural ectoderm cells, there is marked increase in thickness of a circumferential bundle of microfilaments which encircles the cell apex. The inverse relationship between increase in bundle thickness and decrease in circumference of the cell apex suggests that these processes result from increased overlap and interdigitation of the original complement of apical filaments. Flattening epidermal cells display randomly oriented microtubules and bundles of thicker filaments (70–100 A in diameter) which are reminiscent of “tonofibrils” and appear to span the cell from desmosome to desmosome.
JIT technology with C/C++: Feedback-directed dynamic recompilation for statically compiled languages

The growing gap between the advanced capabilities of static compilers as reflected in benchmarking results and the actual performance that users experience in real-life scenarios makes client-side dynamic optimization technologies imperative to the domain of static languages. Dynamic optimization of software distributed in the form of a platform-agnostic Intermediate-Representation (IR) has been very successful in the domain of managed languages, greatly improving upon interpreted code, especially when online profiling is used. However, can such feedback-directed IR-based dynamic code generation be viable in the domain of statically compiled, rather than interpreted, languagesq We show that fat binaries, which combine the IR together with the statically compiled executable, can provide a practical solution for software vendors, allowing their software to be dynamically optimized without the limitation of binary-level approaches, which lack the high-level IR of the program, and without the warm-up costs associated with the IR-only software distribution approach. We describe and evaluate the fat-binary-based runtime compilation approach using SPECint2006, demonstrating that the overheads it incurs are low enough to be successfully surmounted by dynamic optimization. Building on Java JIT technologies, our results already improve upon common real-world usage scenarios, including very small workloads.
The Matter in Extreme Conditions instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source

The LCLS beam provides revolutionary capabilities for studying the transient behavior of matter in extreme conditions. The particular strength of the Matter in Extreme Conditions instrument is that it combines the unique LCLS beam with high-power optical laser beams, and a suite of dedicated diagnostics tailored for this field of science. In this paper an overview of the beamline, the capabilities of the instrumentation, and selected highlights of experiments and commissioning results are presented.
Three-Dimensional Structure of Tetrahydrodipicolinate N-Succinyltransferase †,‡

The conversion of tetrahydrodipicolinate and succinyl-CoA to N-succinyltetrahydrodipicolinate and CoA is catalyzed by tetrahydrodipicolinate N-succinyltransferase and is the committed step in the succinylase pathway by which bacteria synthesize L-lysine and meso-diaminopimelate, a component of peptidoglycan. The X-ray crystal structure of THDP succinyltransferase has been determined to 2.2 A resolution and has been refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 17.0%. The enzyme is trimeric and displays the left-handed parallel beta-helix (L beta H) structural motif encoded by the "hexapeptide repeat" amino acid sequence motif [Raetz, C.R.H., & Roderick, S.L. (1995) Science 270, 997-1000]. The approximate location of the active site of THDP succinyltransferase is suggested by the proximity of binding sites for two inhibitors: p-(chloromercuri)benzenesulfonic acid and cobalt ion, both of which bind to the L beta H domain.
Discrete Steepest Descent Algorithms And Their Realization On Optical Analog Processors

We consider an analog (linear) heterodyned linear algebraic optical processor for adaptive phased array radar (APAR). Its use in solving the discrete steepest descent (DSD) algorithm is considered. New stability and performance measure expressions are used (that relate the scenario and the processor's accuracy) and their verification is obtained by scenario tests. Extensions to more complex problems by terminating the number of iterations and by matrix preconditioning are discussed and demonstrated.
Child Welfare Practice with Immigrant Children and Families: Challenges and Responses

This issue of the Journal of Public Child Welfare focuses on the rapidly growing population of children of immigrants in the United States and the implications to child welfare practice when immigr...
Insect sterilant experiments with apholate and five bifunctional aziridine chemicals in outdoor cages against the boll weevil.

In 1964 and 1965, six bifunctional aziridine chemicals compared as sprays on caged cotton as sterilants for control of Anthonomus grandis Boheman. Comparisons were made of the numbers of sterile eggs found, egg-punctured squares that developed to bolls, and the total produced. Phytotoxicity to plants was noted. order of decreasing effectiveness the chemicals were: OM 53264 ( N, N’ -(4-methyl- m -phenylene) bis-(1-aziridinecarwere boxamide)), OM 53061 (1-[bis(l-aziridinyl) phosphinyl]-3 (3,4-dichlorophcnyl) urea), apholate, OM 53139 ( N-N’- hexamethylenebis (I-aziridinecarboxamide), OM 53386 ( N, N’- (4-methyl-m-phenylene) bis 2-methyl-I-aziridinecarbolls In boxamide), and OM 2797 (3.9-bis (I-aziridinyl)-2.4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane 3,9-dioxide).
Design and fabrication of reflective spatial light modulator for high-dynamic-range wavefront control

This paper describes design and fabrication of a microelectromechanical metal spatial light modulator (SLM) integrated with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics, for high-dynamic-range wavefront control. The metal SLM consists of a large array of piston-motion MEMS mirror segments (pixels) which can deflect up to 0.78 µm each. Both 32x32 and 150x150 arrays of the actuators (1024 and 22500 elements respectively) were fabricated onto the CMOS driver electronics and individual pixels were addressed. A new process has been developed to reduce the topography during the metal MEMS processing to fabricate mirror pixels with improved optical quality.
Interaction of calf brain tubulin with glycerol.

Abstract The preferential interaction of calf brain tubulin with glycerol in an aqueous buffer (0.01 m -NaPi, 0.02 m -NaCl, 10−4 m -GTP, pH 7.0) has been investigated by densimetry. The apparent specific volumes of tubulin at constant chemical potential of the diffusible components were determined at 0, 10, 20 and 30% ( v v ) glycerol. Application of multicomponent solution thermodynamics shows that tubulin is preferentially hydrated in aqueous glycerol solvent and that such interaction results in thermodynamic destabilization of the system by raising the chemical potentials of both glycerol and tubulin. Interpreted in terms of the Wyman linkage function, the unfavorable free energy change brought about by the preferential protein-glycerol interaction can account for the glycerol enhancement of tubulin self-assembly in vitro into microtubules as well as offer a rationale for glycerol stabilization of the native tubulin conformation.
Effect of diet and trace minerals on erythrocyte fragility and x-irradiation mortality in rats.

SummaryThe data indicate that the fragility of erythrocytes pre-irradiation was of less importance in determining the lethality of irradiation than the type and adequacy of the diet. The three basal diets used in these studies supported growth equally well; however, animals fed diet 1 (natural) succumbed to the effects of irradiation more rapidly than did animals fed diet 2 (natural) (rbc's equally fragile) or those fed diet 3 (synthetic) (rbc's less fragile). Dietary trace mineral supplementation was observed to reduce the erythrocyte fragility. This effect which was traced (to the cobalt of the supplement was pronounced and was associated with the feeding of one of the natural diets (diet 2). Although the rbc's of animals fed the supplemented diet 2 were less fragile, these animals showed an earlier and more rapid mortality rate than did animals fed the basal diet. The data from the present studies indicate that long term feeding of polycythemic levels of cobalt increased the mortality rate of animals g...
Increases in amphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects of the abused inhalant toluene in mice

Rationale Toluene, an abused solvent, shares behavioral and pharmacological effects with abused depressant drugs. These effects include ethanol- and pentobarbital-like discriminative stimulus effects. There is also emerging evidence that this abused inhalant may share stimulus effects with abused central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
Predictive model for growth of Clostridium perfringens during cooling of cooked ground pork

Abstract A predictive dynamic model for Clostridium perfringens spore germination and outgrowth in cooked pork products during cooling is presented. Cooked, ground pork was inoculated with C. perfringens spores and vacuum packaged. For the isothermal experiments, all samples were incubated in a water bath stabilized at selected temperatures between 10 and 51 °C and sampled periodically. For dynamic experiments, the samples were cooled from 54.4 to 27 °C and subsequently from 27 to 4 °C for different time periods, designated as x and y hours, respectively. The growth models used were based on a model developed by Baranyi and Roberts (1994), which incorporates a constant, referred to as the physiological state constant, q 0 . The value of this constant captures the cells' history before the cooling begins. To estimate specific growth rates, data from isothermal experiments were used, from which a secondary model was developed, based on a particular form of Ratkowsky's 4-parameter equation. Using the data from dynamic experiments and the Ratkowsky model, an optimal value of q 0 (=0.01375) was derived minimizing the mean square error of predictions. However, using this estimate, the model had a tendency to over-predict relative growth when there was observed small amounts of relative growth, and under-predict relative growth when there was observed large relative growth. To provide more fail-safe estimates, rather than using the derived value of q 0 , a value of 0.04 is recommended. The predictive model with this value of q 0 would provide more fail-safe estimates of relative growth and could aid producers and regulatory agencies with determining disposition of products that were subjected to cooling deviations. Industrial relevance Safe time/temperature for cooling of cooked pork is very important to guard against the pathogen in cooked products. Predictive model will assist industry to determine compliance with regulatory performance standards and to ensure microbiological safety of cooked products.
Effects of (+)-methamphetamine on path integration and spatial learning, but not locomotor activity or acoustic startle, align with the stress hyporesponsive period in rats

Abstract Rats treated with (+)-methamphetamine (MA) on postnatal days (P) 11–20 exhibit long-term spatial and path integration (Morris water maze (MWM) and Cincinnati water maze (CWM)) learning deficits whereas those treated on P1–10 do not. MA treatment increases corticosterone release in an age-dependent U-shaped pattern that corresponds to the stress hyporesponsive period (SHRP; P4–15). Here we tested the hypothesis that the cognitive effects induced by MA are associated with treatment that begins within the SHRP. Three treatment regimens were compared, P1–10, P6–15, and P11–20. One male/female pair/litter received 0, 10, or 25 mg/kg MA/dose (four doses/day at 2 h intervals given s.c. with 19–21 litters/regimen). Locomotor activity and acoustic startle were tested as behaviors not predicted to be associated with the SHRP. Cincinnati and Morris water maze findings were consistent with the hypothesis in that MA-treated animals exposed from P6–15 or P11–20 showed impaired learning compared to those exposed from P1–10; however, on probe trials in the Morris water maze, MA-induced memory impairments were not regimen-specific and were contributed to by all treatment regimens. All MA treatment regimens induced reductions in locomotor activity and acoustic startle facilitation as expected. No differential effect on prepulse trials was seen suggesting no impairment in sensory gating. Cognitive deficits from neonatal MA treatment are associated with the SHRP and may be the product of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation during critical periods of brain development.
The "transformation" from marxian "values" to competitive "prices": a process of rejection and replacement.

Abstract The well-known transformation procedure for transforming from Marxian values to competitive prices is shown to be logically of the form: „Anything” equals „anything else” multiplied by „anything/anything else.”
Antibody Indications of Secondary and Superimposed Retinal Hypersensitivity in Retinitis Pigmentosa

Antibody reactions with recognized retinopathy-inducing retinal antigens may be interpreted to reflect ongoing autoimmune events responsible for some forms of vision loss. We sought evidence of secondary and superimposed retinal hypersensitivity indicated by such antibody reactivity in a random group of patients with retinitis pigmentosa. We identified patterns of immunologic reactivity within members of a group of 52 patients with retinitis pigmentosa, which suggests some patients with retinitis pigmentosa may experience consequential superimposed retinal hypersensitivity. Identifying subgroups of patients with retinitis pigmentosa who exhibit indications of retinal hypersensitivity to known uveitopathogenic retinal proteins may permit the reduction of their rate of retinal degradation by immunomodulation.
Transportation: meeting the dual challenges of achieving energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

As the population and economy continue to grow globally, demand for energy will continue to grow. The transportation sector relies solely on petroleum for its energy supply. The United States and China are the top two oil-importing countries. A major issue both countries face and are addressing is energy insecurity as a result of the demand for liquid fuels. Improvements in the energy efficiency of vehicles and the substitution of petroleum fuels with alternative fuels can help contain growth in the demand for transportation oil. Although most alternative transportation fuels — when applied to advanced vehicle technologies — can substantially reduce greenhouse emissions, coal-based liquid fuels may increase greenhouse gas emissions by twice as much as gasoline. Such technologies as carbon capture and storage may need to be employed to manage the greenhouse gas emissions of coal-based fuels. At present, there is no ideal transportation fuel option to solve problems related to transportation energy and greenhouse gas emissions. To solve these problems, research and development efforts are needed for a variety of transportation fuel options and advanced vehicle technologies.
Overexpression of Eotaxin and the CCR3 Receptor in Human Atherosclerosis Using Genomic Technology to Identify a Potential Novel Pathway of Vascular Inflammation

Background—Unstable atherosclerotic lesions typically have an abundant inflammatory cell infiltrate, including activated T cells, macrophages, and mast cells, which may decrease plaque stability. The pathophysiology of inflammatory cell recruitment and activation in the human atheroma is incompletely described. Methods and Results—We hypothesized that differential gene expression with DNA microarray technology would identify new genes that may participate in vascular inflammation. RNA isolated from cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was examined with a DNA microarray with 8600 genes. This experiment and subsequent Northern analyses demonstrated marked increases in steady-state eotaxin mRNA (>20 fold), a chemokine initially described as a chemotactic factor for eosinophils. Because eosinophils are rarely present in human atherosclerosis, we then studied tissue samples from 7 normal and 14 atherosclerotic arteries. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated...
Structure-Binding Relation of Philanthotoxins from Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Binding Assay

Philanthotoxins are noncompetitive inhibitors of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the various glutamate receptors. Analogues carrying photoaffinity labels, fluorine atoms for solid-state NMR studies of ligand/receptor interaction, and large head groups such as porphyrins and planar bulky aromatic rings (BIG analogues) for clarifying mode of entry and orientation of analogues in receptors have been synthesized, assayed against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and brief comments are given for the assay results.
The use of a high efficiency mass separator in activation analysis

The application of high yield mass separators to problems in activation analysis is discussed. The identification of separation parameters including separator yields, memory, resolution and overlap, and sputtering are considered. The use of the mass separator in determining lead by photon activation analysis is described.
Swimming endurance of the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., at low temperatures

Abstract Swimming speed and endurance of the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., were measured in a swimming flume at temperatures between −0.3 and 1.4°C. The maximum sustained swimming speed for fish 0.36–0.52 m long was between 0.9 and 1.0 body lengths per second (BL s −1 ). Endurance reduces as swimming speed is increased. All fish measured were unable to swim for more than 1 min at 3 BL s −1 . The results are discussed in relation to the selectivity of survey trawls in northwest Atlantic waters where the cod are found in waters of temperatures ranging from 8°C.
Withdrawal from a self-administered or non-contingent cocaine binge: differences in ultrasonic distress vocalizations in rats

After termination of a self-administered cocaine “binge,” rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and these calls may represent affective distress. The present study investigated whether the rates of USVs as indices of withdrawal from a period of continuous access, depends on cocaine being self-administered versus given non-contingently. Five days after implantation of a jugular catheter, triads of rats that were matched for housing, food-training and surgery were placed into experimental chambers. The active rats were allowed to acquire self-administration of cocaine (0.5 mg) while the two yoked animals passively received either cocaine (0.5 mg) or saline according to the active animal’s pattern of administration. Once the active animal responded at a stable rate over 3 days, with every third lever press being reinforced by cocaine (FR3), it was allowed free access to cocaine (0.5 mg) for 16 h. Subsequently, all animals were exposed to 18 air puffs (10 psi) at 0, or 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after the “binge”. Immediately following the binge, there was no significant difference in the rate of startle-induced USVs between the active cocaine group and the yoked saline group. However, the yoked or non-contigent cocaine rats emitted significantly higher rates of USVs immediately after the last cocaine infusion. At the time of the peak increase in USVs, the active and yoked cocaine groups were significantly different. For up to 5 days after unlimited cocaine access, the active and passive-cocaine groups showed an increase in USVs response when compared to the yoked saline group. The emerging increase in USVs and their gradual decline observed after termination of a cocaine “binge” can be interpreted as an abstinence phenomenon. The non-contingent cocaine appears to be highly aversive, as indicated by the immediate significant increase in the rate of USVs after termination of a cocaine “binge”.
Death Clustering, Mothers' Education and the Determinants of Child Mortality in Rural Punjab, India

In this paper the behavioural factors which make for continuing high levels of child mortality in rural Punjab, despite favourable conditions in terms of nutrition, income, women's literacy and health care facilities are examined. A major factor is that inadequate attention has been paid to improved health care practices within the home. Women's autonomy, social class, and mothers' education significantly influence child survival. One of the pathways by which mothers' education affects child survival is through improved child care. In this society, a woman's autonomy is lowest during that part of her life-cycle which also contains her peak childbearing years: this perverse overlap raises child mortality. The risk of dying is distributed very unevenly amongst children, as the majority of child deaths are clustered amongst a small proportion of the families. The death-clustering variable remained significant even after several possible biological and socio-economic reasons for clustering had been controlled...
Inorganic−Organic Hybrid Materials with Novel Framework Structures: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of [Ni(py)4]2V10O29 and [Ni2(py)5(H2O)3]V4O12

Inorganic−organic hybrid materials [Ni(py)4]2V10O29 (1) and [Ni2(py)5(H2O)3]V4O12 (2) have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, magnetometry, and complete single crystal structure analysis. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 exhibit novel three-dimensional covalent networks. The framework structure in 1 contains polyoxometallate groupings of stoichiometry {V10O29} which are constructed from two cyclic {V4O12} units bound to centrosymmetric {V2O7} species. V−O−Ni bridges in the a- and b-directions join these units to two crystallographically independent trans-[Ni(py)4O2] octahedra. The nickel- and vanadium-based moieties occupy alternating channels along the c-direction. The structure of 2 consists of octahedral species [Ni(py)3(H2O)O2] and [Ni(py)2(H2O)2O2] which are linked into a three-dimensional covalent network by the sharing of oxygen atom vertices with tetrahedral {VO4} groups. Compounds 1 and 2 are thermally stable up to 200 and 175 °C, respectively. Both co...
The origin and nature of beading: A reversible transformation of the shape of nerve fibers

Nerve fibers which appear beaded (varicose, spindle-shaped, etc.) are often considered the result of pathology, or a preparation artifact. However, beading can be promptly elicited in fresh normal nerve by a mild stretch and revealed by fast-freezing and freeze-substitution, or by aldehyde fixating at a temperature near 0 degree C (cold-fixation). The key change in beading are the constrictions, wherein the axon is much reduced in diameter. Axoplasmic fluid and soluble components are shifted from the constrictions into the expansions leaving behind compacted microtubules and neurofilaments. Labeled cytoskeletal proteins carried down by slow axonal transport are seen to move with the soluble components and not to have been incorporated into and remain with, the cytoskeletal organelles on beading the fibers. Lipids and other components of the myelin sheath are also shifted from the constrictions into the expansions, with preservation of its fine structure and thickness. Additionally, myelin intrusions into the axons are produced and a localized bulging into the axon termed "leafing". The beading constrictions do not arise from the myelin sheath: beading occurs in the axons of unmyelinated fibers. It does not depend on the axonal cytoskeleton: exposure of nerves in vitro to beta, beta'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) disaggregates the cytoskeletal organelles and even augments beading. The hypothesis advanced was that the beading constrictions are due to the membrane skeleton; the subaxolemmal network comprised of spectrin/fodrin, actin, ankyrin, integrins and other transmembrane proteins. The mechanism can be activated directly by neurotoxins, metabolic changes, and by an interruption of axoplasmic transport producing Wallerian degeneration.
Endometrial changes from short-term therapy with CDB-4124, a selective progesterone receptor modulator

Selective progesterone receptor modulators are a class of drugs with progesterone antagonist activity that may confer therapeutic benefit for reproductive disorders in premenopausal women. Endometrial structure, which is dynamically controlled by circulating sex hormones, is likely to be perturbed by progesterone receptor modulators through their progesterone antagonist properties. We examined endometrial histology in 58 premenopausal women treated with the progesterone receptor modulator CDB-4124 (also known as Proellex) for endometriosis or uterine leiomyomata in two clinical trials. Endometrial biopsies obtained after 3 or 6 months with doses of 12.5, 25, or 50 mg daily oral CDB-4124 were reviewed independently by three pathologists. Consensus diagnoses using the World Health Organization hyperplasia scoring system, comments on specific histologic features, and clinical annotation were collected and analyzed. The majority of the endometrial biopsies (103 of 174 biopsies) contained histologic changes that are not seen during normal menstrual cycles. The histology of CDB-4124-treated patients was generally inactive or atrophic, and less frequently, proliferative or secretory, superimposed upon which were novel changes including formation of cystically dilated glands, and secretory changes coexisting with mitoses and apoptotic bodies. With increasing treatment dose and duration, the cysts became predominant and their lining inactive or atrophic. Cystic glands in the CDB-4124-treated subjects correlated with increased endometrial thickness by ultrasound. None of the CDB-4124-treated patients developed endometrial carcinoma or hyperplasia while on therapy. CDB-4124 therapy for 3-6 months produces histologic changes that are sufficiently novel that they might easily be misinterpreted by pathologists, particularly as disordered proliferative or hyperplastic endometrium. Knowledge of the constellation of endometrial changes associated with this agent and other progesterone receptor modulators, including cystic architecture and mixed non-physiologic epithelial changes will prevent misdiagnosis.
Analysis of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine in amniotic fluid by enzymatic hydrolysis and high-performance thin-layer chromatography reflectance spectrodensitometry

A novel test for the determination of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in amniotic fluid (AF) as free dipalmitoylglycerol (DPG), is described. Aliquots of amniotic fluid were hydrolyzed with Bacilus cereus phospholipase C, and the resulting diglycerides analyzed by AgNO3-modified high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-reflectance spectrodensitometry. This HPTLC system provided resolution of DPG and palmitoylpalmitoleoylglycerol (POG) from other 1,2-diglycerides and cholesterol. The turn-around analysis time for triplicate aliquots of amniotic fluid was 40 min. Recoveries ranged between 90 and 98%. In summary, this method provides a quantitative, specific, highly reproducible, and fast turn-around means of analysis of DPPC in amniotic fluid.
On the gravitational displacement of three-dimensional fluid droplets from inclined solid surfaces

The yield conditions for the gravitational displacement of three-dimensional fluid droplets from inclined solid surfaces are studied through a series of numerical computations. The study considers both sessile and pendant droplets and includes interfacial forces with constant surface tension. An extensive study is conducted, covering a wide range of Bond numbers Bd, angles of inclination β and advancing and receding contact angles, θA and θR. This study seeks the optimal shape of the contact line which yields the maximum displacing force (or BT ≡ Bd sin β) for which a droplet can adhere to the surface. The yield conditions BT are presented as functions of (Bd or β, θA, Δθ) where Δθ = θA − θR is the contact angle hysteresis. The solution of the optimization problem provides an upper bound for the yield condition for droplets on inclined solid surfaces. Additional contraints based on experimental observations are considered, and their effect on the yield condition is determined. The numerical solutions are based on the spectral boundary element method, incorporating a novel implementation of Newton's method for the determination of equilibrium free surfaces and an optimization algorithm which is combined with the Newton iteration to solve the nonlinear optimization problem. The numerical results are compared with asymptotic theories (Dussan V. & Chow 1983; Dussan V. 1985) and the useful range of these theories is identified. The normal component of the gravitational force BN ≡ Bd cos β was found to have a weak effect on the displacement of sessile droplets and a strong effect on the displacement of pendant droplets, with qualitatively different results for sessile and pendant droplets.
Role of leukocytes in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, especially those who are critically ill. The mortality rate in patients with severe AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) can exceed 50 % [1]. Numerous factors contribute to the development of AKI, including reductions in renal blood flow, actions of nephrotoxic drugs, cellular injury/death of proximal tubule epithelial cells, pro-inflammatory responses of renal endothelial cells, influx and activation of inflammatory leukocytes that further reduces renal blood flow through vascular congestion and promotes and extends injury to kidney parenchymal cells [2, 3]. The immune response in AKI involves cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the detrimental role of many different types of immune cells, recent reports have uncovered a protective and possibly therapeutic role of other immune cells in AKI. Studies in animal models of AKI have revealed that innate immune cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, and adaptive CD4+ T cells promote renal injury. Indeed, renal inflammation is a common feature of human AKI [4] and detailed analyses of biopsy samples from patients with AKI demonstrated the presence of mononuclear leukocytes (some CD3+ T cells) and neutrophils [5]. In contrast, CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) can protect the kidney from ischemic and nephrotoxic injury in animal models.
Models for LRRK2-Linked Parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies. The pathogenesis of PD is not fully understood, but it appears to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Treatment for PD that prevents neuronal death progression in the dopaminergic system and abnormal protein deposition in the brain is not yet available. Recently, mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene have been identified to cause autosomal-dominant late-onset PD and contribute to sporadic PD. Here, we review the recent models for LRRK2-linked Parkinsonism and their utility in studying LRRK2 neurobiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutics.
Vibrational Energy Gain in the ν2 Bending Mode of Water via Collisions with Hot Pyrazine (Evib = 37900 cm-1): Insights into the Dynamics of Energy Flow†

Energy gain into specific rotational levels of vibrationally excited H2O(010) resulting from collisions with highly vibrationally excited pyrazine in a low-pressure, 298 K environment was investigated using high-resolution transient infrared absorption spectroscopy of water at λ ≈ 2.7 μm. Vibrationally excited pyrazine with 37900 cm-1 internal energy was generated by 266 nm optical excitation to an electronically excited singlet state of pyrazine, followed by rapid radiationless decay to the ground electronic state. Collisions between highly excited pyrazine and water that result in excitation of the ν2 bending vibrational mode (ν2 = 1594 cm-1) in water were studied by monitoring the time-resolved appearance of individual rotational states of H2O(010). Transient absorption signals were obtained for a number of rotational states with Erot ≤ 811 cm-1. The nascent distribution of rotational states for the scattered, vibrationally excited water molecules, H2O(010), is well characterized by a Boltzmann rotatio...
A Conceptualization of Integrated Actions of Ethanol Contributing to its GABAmimetic Profile: A Commentary

Early behavioral investigations supported the contention that systemic ethanol displays a GABAmimetic profile. Microinjection of GABA agonists into brain and in vivo electrophysiological studies implicated a regionally specific action of ethanol on GABA function. While selectivity of ethanol to enhance the effect of GABA was initially attributed an effect on type-I-benzodiazepine (BZD)-GABA(A) receptors, a lack of ethanol's effect on GABA responsiveness from isolated neurons with this receptor subtype discounted this contention. Nonetheless, subsequent work identified GABA(A) receptor subtypes, with limited distribution in brain, sensitive to enhancement of GABA at relevant ethanol concentrations. In view of these data, it is hypothesized that the GABAmimetic profile for ethanol is due to activation of mechanisms associated with GABA function, distinct from a direct action on the majority of postsynaptic GABA(A) receptors. The primary action proposed to account for ethanol's regional specificity on GABA transmission is its ability to release GABA from some, but not all, presynaptic GABAergic terminals. As systemic administration of ethanol increases neuroactive steroids, which can enhance GABA responsiveness, this elevated level of neurosteroids is proposed to magnify the effect of GABA released by ethanol. Additional factors contributing to the degree to which ethanol interacts with GABA function include an involvement of GABA(B) and other receptors that influence ethanol-induced GABA release, an effect of phosphorylation on GABA responsiveness, and a regional reduction of glutamatergic tone. Thus, an integration of these consequences induced by ethanol is proposed to provide a logical basis for its in vivo GABAmimetic profile.
Spectral evolution of the 5 March 1979 γ burst

The spectral development of the intense gamma-ray burst observed on March 5, 1979 by nine spacecraft spaced on an interplanetary scale is discussed. As observed by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter detector, the hardness ratio of the burst, defined as the ratio between counts in the 100-1000 keV channels to those in the 50-100 keV channel, decreases during the very fast rise and subsequent 75 msec of the burst, consistent with a decrease in black-body temperature from 30 to 26 keV, and then increases during the shoulder on the gamma-ray burst light curve. Following the burst, the source was observed to exhibit many of the characteristics of a hard X-ray pulsar with a period of 8.0 sec and a hardness ratio varying in phase with the intensity. The observed characteristics of the pulsations are interpreted in terms of hot spots at the magnetic poles of a rotating neutron star, although it is shown that the simple cooling of residual hot spots does not completely explain the pulsations. Alternative explanations for the pulsation include accretion or an effect of beam geometry.
Paneth’s epistemology of chemical elements in light of Kant’s Opus postumum

Friedrich Paneth’s conception of “chemical element” has functioned as the official definition adopted by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry since 1923. Paneth maintains a distinction between empirical and “transcendental” concepts of element; furthermore, chemical science requires fluctuation between the two. The origin of the empirical-transcendental split is found in Immanuel Kant’s classic Critique of Pure Reason (1781/1787). The present paper examines Paneth’s foundational concept of element in light of Kant’s attempt, late in life, to revoke key distinctions made in his Critique, including that of regulative and constitutive functions of reason. In a section of his Opus postumum devoted to the “Transition from the Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science to Physics,” Kant bends his philosophical system to address the newly emerging sciences of matter of his time. Specifically, he tried, without success, to develop the transcendental ground for microscale motions of bodies encountered in physical, electrical and chemical processes. Paneth’s discussion of chemical element does not take the Opus postumum into account, which is why it begins with a rejection of Kant’s rejection (in his earlier writings) of chemistry’s status as science. I make the case that Paneth’s definition of element effectively maintains something very like Kant’s critical separation of regulative and constitutive principles, while a advancing the concept of chemical science.