cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zooming in on a small multidrug transporter reveals details of asymmetric protonation.

Drug resistance poses a major threat to human health. A principal mechanism of multidrug resistance is the active transport of chemically unrelated compounds out of the cell by integral membrane proteins known as multidrug transporters (1). Multidrug transporters are represented by four superfamilies: ABC (ATP-binding cassette), MFS (major facilitator superfamily), RND (resistance-nodulation-division), and SMR (small multidrug resistance) proteins. The SMR family of transporters is the smallest of all, and yet high-resolution atomic structures are lacking and detailed mechanistic understanding remains incomplete. Over the past decade, much progress has been made in characterizing the prototypical SMR member, EmrE from Escherichia coli , which extrudes a wide range of cationic compounds out of cytosol by using the proton gradient across the bacterial inner membrane (2). Cryoelectron microscopy (3), X-ray crystallography (4), NMR spectroscopy (5), and other experimental data established that EmrE is a homodimer, composed of two conformationally distinct, antiparallel subunits, each of which contains four transmembrane helices. The transport cycle of EmrE is believed to follow the alternating access model, in which the substrate/proton binding site, harboring two conserved glutamic acid residues, Glu14A and GluB, are alternately accessible to the periplasm for proton binding or cytoplasm for drug loading, while the dimer is interconverting between the outward- and inward-facing states (Fig. 1) (5, 6). However, the details of the inward–outward conformational exchange and the coupling between proton binding and drug efflux remain unclear. Earlier experiments by Rotem and Schuldiner (7) based on transport assays established a 2:1 stoichiometry for proton:drug antiport; however, recent NMR data by Henzler-Wildman and coworkers challenged this view and raised the possibility that a one-proton stoichiometry is also possible (8, 9). Fig. 1. Thermodynamic linkage for the proton-coupled drug transport cycle of EmrE. A 3D diagram is used to describe proton–drug antiport coupled … [↵][1]1Email: jana.shen{at}rx.umaryland.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Conceptualizing and Assessing Campus Climates for Political Learning and Engagement in Democracy

AbstractEducating for political engagement in democracy has become simultaneously more urgent and more challenging in the current, contentious, and highly polarized context. To improve student political learning, discourse, agency, and participation, colleges and universities should critically examine and improve their campus climates, the complex ecosystem of interconnected structural, cultural, human, and political factors that provide the foundation for civic learning and engagement. Filling a gap in the literature, this article presents a theoretical framework for understanding and gauging how an institution’s climate can promote or dissuade student political learning and participation. Using the protocols provided here, researchers and institutions can replicate the study methods used to test and refine this framework.
Planning Interventions: Urban Bias, Social Reform and the City

The planning profession struggled for urban amelioration, but avoided confronting the conflict between the redistributive public interest and the goals of industrial capital, resulting in a devalui...
Report of Solid State Physics Group

The solid state physics group addressed the question what should be done in the future to improve the properties or increase the understanding of the problems in A15 filamentary superconductors. In their deliberations the group sought to avoid simply advocating more basic research in a blanket way or holding out the promise of a mythical new superconductor (Tc>30 K, Hc2>102 T, Jc>108 A/cm2, and outstanding mechanical properties) as the solution to today’s practical problems. There was the general perception, however, that recent advances in the basic understanding of the science of A15 superconductors relevant to practical conductors needs to be transmitted to the practical composite community. Moreover, it was likewise evident that, particularly for the newer very fine multifilamentary in situ and powder fabricated composites, new regimes of behavior were being encountered, the physics of which has not been completely elucidated heretofore. Some specific points felt generally worthy of mention both for their own sake and as illustrations of the type of work that would be helpful in the future are outlined below. Logically they divide conveniently into intrinsic properties (e.g., Tc, Hc2, strain dependence, etc.), extrinsic properties (e.g., flux pinning) and areas to watch for developments of possible relevance.
Ultra-Wide Bandgap AlxGa1-xN Channel Transistors

High Al-composition AlxGa1-xN, an emerging class of materials, is gaining significant traction due to its high critical breakdown electric field exceeding that of GaN and high electron saturation v...
Application of Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Scheduling of Microgrid

The increased penetration of renewable energy sources poses challenges in the control and operation of micro grids. Machine learning algorithms have emerged as a powerful tool in solving these issues. This paper presents an attempt to employ Q learning algorithm which is a variant of Reinforcement learning for conducting economic scheduling of a micro grid in the presence of photovoltaic cells and battery. The optimal scheduling reduces the net transaction cost with the grid and gives the battery operating schedule over a period of one day. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the method employed in comparison with the traditional methods.
Preconception and prenatal care

Abstract When adults are diagnosed with a genetic condition or have family members with a genetic condition, they may want to learn about their reproductive risks. Various genetic screens and tests are available before and during a pregnancy to determine the risk for offspring to be affected with genetic conditions, including conditions that are not ascertainable through family history. Depending on the indication for screening or the reason for parental concern, a provider may offer preconception or prenatal carrier screening, prenatal maternal serum screening or diagnostic testing, or in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing. Pregnancy itself can also influence the progression or severity of genetic disorders. We will highlight the more common of these conditions with recommendations for their management related to reproduction and pregnancy and also provide an overview of prenatal, carrier, and preimplantation genetic screening and testing options.
Mapping the Relationship between Dysmorphology and Cognitive, Behavioral, and Developmental Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Previous studies investigating the association between dysmorphology and cognitive, behavioral, and developmental outcomes among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been limited by the binary classification of dysmorphology and lack of comparison groups. We assessed the association using a continuous measure of dysmorphology severity (DS) in preschool children aged 2-5 years (322 with ASD and intellectual disability [ID], 188 with ASD without ID, and 371 without ASD from the general population [POP]). In bivariate analyses, an inverse association between DS and expressive language, receptive language, fine motor, and visual reception skills was observed in children with ASD and ID. An inverse association of DS with fine motor and visual reception skills, but not expressive language and receptive language, was found in children with ASD without ID. No associations were observed in POP children. These results persisted after exclusion of children with known genetic syndromes or major morphologic anomalies. Quantile regression models showed that the inverse relationships remained significant after adjustment for sex, race/ethnicity, maternal education, family income, study site, and preterm birth. DS was not associated with autistic traits or autism symptom severity, behaviors, or regression among children with ASD with or without ID. Thus, DS was associated with a global impairment of cognitive functioning in children with ASD and ID, but only with fine motor and visual reception deficits in children with ASD without ID. A better understanding is needed for mechanisms that explain the association between DS and cognitive impairment in children with different disorders. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1227-1238. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: We examined whether having more dysmorphic features (DFs) was related to developmental problems among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with or without intellectual disability (ID), and children without ASD from the general population (POP). Children with ASD and ID had more language, movement, and learning issues as the number of DFs increased. Children with ASD without ID had more movement and learning issues as the number of DFs increased. These relationships were not observed in the POP group. Implications are discussed.
YIELD OF IRRIGATED CABBAGE SUBMITTED TO DIFFERENT SOURCES AND DOSES OF BORON

Cabbage is an important vegetable for food. The use of micronutrients, more specifically boron, is important for plant development and head formation. The study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and yield of the cabbage crop submitted to the application of different sources and doses of boron. The study was carried out in the Agua Verde farm, located in Nova Gloria-GO, under irrigation by a center pivot system. The soil tillage consisted of operation with a subsoiler and a disk harrow. The fertilization was carried out by applying 48 kg ha -1 of N, 360 kg ha -1 of P 2 O 5 , and 120 kg ha -1 of K 2 O, in the planting furrow. The seedling transplant took place on 06/22/2019. At 20 days after transplanting, topdressing fertilization was carried out, with 200 kg ha -1 of N and 200 ha -1 of K 2 O. A randomized block design with four replications in a 4x5 factorial scheme was used. Four boron sources (boric acid, borax, ulexite, and Sulforgan) and five boron doses (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg ha -1 ) were evaluated. Each experimental plot consisted of four rows of five meters in length. The evaluations were carried out on the two central rows, with 0.50 m at each end. The variables analyzed were plant height, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, number of outer leaves, and yield (kg ha -1 ). There was no significant difference between the different boron sources evaluated. For the different boron doses applied, only the number of outer leaves did not obtain a significant regression. The application of boron at a dose of 1.8 kg ha -1 resulted in the highest cabbage-head yield, totaling 82.58 t ha -1 .
Toward Rational Fresh Frozen Plasma Transfusion

Numerous published guidelines encourage appropriate use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). However, adherence is documented as poor. Therefore, we sought to determine the laboratory effect of FFP administration to patients with an international normalized ratio (INR) less than 1.6 (prothrombin time <1.6 times normal). We found minimally prolonged INRs decreased with treatment of the underlying disease alone. Adding FFP to the treatment failed to change the decrease in INR over time. In addition, we observed that the change in the INR per unit of FFP transfused can be predicted by the pretransfusion INR (INR change = 0.37 [pretransfusion INR] – 0.47; r 2 = 0.82). With an observed analytic variation of 3.2%, a significant amount of change in the INR following FFP transfusion is expected at an INR of more than 1.7. Indeed, only 50% of patients with an INR of 1.7 showed a significant change in INR with FFP transfusion. Therefore, transfusion for patients not meeting current FFP guidelines does not reliably reduce the INR and exposes patients to unnecessary risk.
Hemodynamic Response Function from Osteoarthritic Pain using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Pain-related neural mechanisms are not well understood yet. FNIRS could elucidate the hemodynamic responses under pain stimulation. We present a qualitative perspective on brain response to pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
Figure 1

Figure 1. is a visual essay on the proliferation and mediation of the "digital body" in the contemporary politics of images. It is an attempt at locating the virtual body in the processes of production, circulation, and consumption of images concerning continuing computational advancements.
A Bridgewater Treatise for the 21st Century

Darwin and Design Does Evolution Have a Purpose?. Michael Ruse. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2003. 381 pp. $29.95, £19.95, €29.95. ISBN 0-674-01023-X. Ruse offers a history and discussion of teleological thinking--from the introduction of the argument from design, through Darwin's recognition of natural selection, to current disputes within evolutionary biology and present claims of "intelligent design" advocates.
Axisymmetric multicomponent vesicles: A comparison of hydrodynamic and geometric models.

SUMMARY Using a mathematical model, we investigate the role of hydrodynamic forces on three-dimensional axisymmetric multicomponent vesicles. The equations are derived using an energy variation approach that accounts for different surface phases, the excess energy associated with surface domain boundaries, bending energy and inextensibility. The equations are high-order (fourth order) nonlinear and nonlocal. To solve the equations numerically, we use a nonstiff, pseudo-spectral boundary integral method that relies on an analysis of the equations at small scales. We also derive equations governing the dynamics of inextensible vesicles evolving in the absence of hydrodynamic forces and simulate numerically the evolution of this geometric model. We find that compared with the geometric model, hydrodynamic forces provide additional paths for relaxing inextensible vesicles. The presence of hydrodynamic forces may enable the dynamics to overcome local energy barriers and reach lower energy states than those accessible by geometric motion or energy minimization algorithms. Because of the intimate connection between morphology, surface phase distribution and biological function, these results have important consequences in understanding the role vesicles play in biological processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of a hospitalist-run postdischarge clinic on outcomes.

BACKGROUND New post-discharge strategies to reduce adverse events are needed. OBJECTIVE To determine whether follow-up in a hospitalist-run post-discharge clinic (PDC) decreases post-discharge adverse events when compared to follow-up in a primary care clinic (PCP) or urgent care clinic (UC). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using propensity scoring in multivariate analysis. PATIENTS Consecutive Veterans discharged home after a nonscheduled admission seen in PDC, UC, or PCP within 30 days of discharge. INTERVENTIONS Recently discharged patients are seen by housestaff who cared for them during the index admission and staffed with a rotating hospitalist in PDC; UC and PCP patients are seen by housestaff or attending ambulatory physicians. MAIN MEASURES The primary outcome was a composite of hospital readmissions, Emergency Department visits, and mortality 30 days after discharge. KEY RESULTS 5085 patients met criteria; 538 followed up in PDC (10.6%), 1848 with their PCP (36.3%), and 2699 in UC (53.1%). Patients following up in PDC were older and had a higher comorbidity burden. ICU exposure was similar between groups. Patients seen in PDC had shorter length of stay (LOS) (PDC, 3.8 days, UC, 5.0 days, PCP, 6.2 days; p = 0.04) and time to first post-discharge visit (PDC, 5.0 days, UC, 9.4 days, PCP, 13.7 days; p < 0.01). There were no differences between groups in the primary outcome in unadjusted or propensity-adjusted multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Patients seen in a hospitalist-run PDC had similar 30-day post-discharge adverse outcome rates despite a 2.4-day shorter LOS compared to patients seen by their PCP. Prospective testing of PDCs is warranted. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:7–12. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Real time observation of domain reversal in cerium-doped Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6 single crystal fibers

Domain configuration is of significant importance in utilizing ferroelectric single crystals such as strontium barium niobate (SBN) to design optoelectronic and nonlinear optical devices. This letter reports the real time observation of domain reversal in cerium doped SBN crystal fibers by electro-optic imaging microscopy. The SBN single crystal fibers studied were grown using the laser heated pedestal growth technique. The dynamic polarization switching behavior of SBN crystal fibers can be described as an antiparallel domain nucleation at low electric fields after a dormant period and a sideways growth of domain walls at higher electric field. These two different mechanisms result in the asymmetric current curve of domain switching dynamics.
Transfected rat high-molecular-weight neurofilament (NF-H) coassembles with vimentin in a predominantly nonphosphorylated form.

A fully encoding cDNA for the high-molecular-weight rat neurofilament protein (NF-H) has been isolated from a lambda gt11 library, sequenced and subcloned into eukaryotic expression vectors. Sequence analysis shows that rat NF-H has an overall homology of 72 and 88% with human and mouse NF-H, respectively. The head and rod domains are almost entirely identical, and the divergences are due to differences in the long C-terminal extensions of the molecule. The consensus phosphorylation sequence for neurofilaments Lys-Ser-Pro (KSP) is present 52 times. The predicted molecular mass of the protein is 115 kDa, 42% lower than that observed by SDS-PAGE. Upon transfection into vimentin-containing fibroblasts, such as L tk-, L929, and 3T6 cells, NF- H is seen distributed with vimentin by light and electron microscopic examinations indicating that copolymers of NF-H and vimentin are formed in these cells. Only a negligible proportion of the cells is positive when stained with a number of antibodies directed against phosphorylated NF-H epitopes. This is in contrast with the middle molecular weight NF protein (NF-M) transfected into L tk- and L929 cells, which can readily be detected by antibodies against phosphorylated neurofilament epitopes. The mobilities of the transfected protein on 1- and 2-dimensional gels confirm that NF-H is predominantly in a nonphosphorylated form. These results indicate that phosphorylation of NF-H, but not NF-M, on the KSP sequence is due to protein kinases, which are not present in fibroblasts and are presumably NF-H specific. The stable NF-H-expressing cell lines can therefore be used to study these putative neurofilament kinases in vitro and in vivo.
Techniques for Tempting Teens

This workshop, which addresses the use of activities, or “programming,” with delinquent adolescents, was presented in 1959 at the Annual Spring Conference of the In-Service Training Department of the New York City Youth Board. The conference was titled “Prevention – Treatment – Control of Juvenile Delinquency through Group Work Services.” The author first identifies the key concerns of the attendees. She presents guiding principles for motivating teens to become engaged in groups, elaborates on Ryland’s framework for choosing what type of activity to use with a group at a particular point in time, and suggests techniques and resources for looking for new program experiences. The author stresses the role of group members in planning their own program.
Effect of Repeated Glucagon Doses on Hepatic Glycogen in Type 1 Diabetes: Implications for a Bihormonal Closed-Loop System.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate subjects with type 1 diabetes for hepatic glycogen depletion after repeated doses of glucagon, simulating delivery in a bihormonal closed-loop system. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eleven adult subjects with type 1 diabetes participated. Subjects underwent estimation of hepatic glycogen using 13C MRS. MRS was performed at the following four time points: fasting and after a meal at baseline, and fasting and after a meal after eight doses of subcutaneously administered glucagon at a dose of 2 µg/kg, for a total mean dose of 1,126 µg over 16 h. The primary and secondary end points were, respectively, estimated hepatic glycogen by MRS and incremental area under the glucose curve for a 90-min interval after glucagon administration. RESULTS In the eight subjects with complete data sets, estimated glycogen stores were similar at baseline and after repeated glucagon doses. In the fasting state, glycogen averaged 21 ± 3 g/L before glucagon administration and 25 ± 4 g/L after glucagon administration (mean ± SEM) ( P = NS). In the fed state, glycogen averaged 40 ± 2 g/L before glucagon administration and 34 ± 4 g/L after glucagon administration ( P = NS). With the use of an insulin action model, the rise in glucose after the last dose of glucagon was comparable to the rise after the first dose, as measured by the 90-min incremental area under the glucose curve. CONCLUSIONS In adult subjects with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (mean A1C 7.2%), glycogen stores and the hyperglycemic response to glucagon administration are maintained even after receiving multiple doses of glucagon. This finding supports the safety of repeated glucagon delivery in the setting of a bihormonal closed-loop system.
Receptor mechanisms for flavour stimuli

Abstract The perception of flavour is the result of complex processing of sensory signals that initiate from the periphery and terminate in the central nervous system. The receptor mechanisms operative in chemosensory signal transduction are varied in type and specificity. Transduction of taste stimuli involves a number of receptor and cellular mechanisms including passage of stimuli through receptor cell ion channels, blockage of ion channels, receptor-mediated changes in intracellular second messengers and the activation of stimulus-gated ion channels. These mechanisms impart specificity to the process of taste transduction and result in neurotransmitter secretion that alters firing of innervating sensory nerves. Transduction of olfactory stimuli also involves a number of mechanisms. A large family of olfactory receptors has been cloned. These receptors are linked via GTP-binding regulatory proteins to production of second messengers, including cyclic AMP and/or inositol trisphosphate. These second messengers directly gate ion channels which allow influx of cations to depolarize the olfactory receptor neuron. There is also evidence for stimulus-gated ion channels in olfactory signal transduction. The transduction processes for chemesthesis (somatosensory chemoreception carried primarily by the trigeminal nerve) are not well understood, but may involve both specific receptor processes and purely physico-chemical ones. Integration of these mechanisms from multiple stimuli through these multiple sensory systems leads ultimately to flavour impressions.
Composting and biodegradation of thermally processed feather keratin polymer

Proteins obtained from agricultural sources represent a unique feedstock from which to prepare thermally processable polymers. In this study, thermally processed feather keratin films were composted with three-month-old compost inoculum in self-heating laboratory composters for 30 days and temperature and carbon dioxide development monitored. About 24% of the available carbon in the feather keratin polymer (FKP) was metabolized in this time and this may not be high enough for some applications. Degradation of the feather keratin polymers was observed within 10 days with concurrent molecular weight reduction measured using FT-IR. Visual inspection of the polymers also showed destruction of the films. A change in crystallinity was observed in DSC analysis and some degradation processes could be inferred from this as well.
Performance enhancement of adaptive Active Noise Control systems for FMRI machines

Active Noise Control (ANC) of fMRI acoustic noise using the conventional Filtered-X LMS (FXLMS) approach results in poor cancelation performance and slow convergence due to its broadband nature and the need for high order adaptive filters. High order adaptive filters are needed to effectively model the long acoustic impulse responses. Existing methods to improve the performance of FXLMS based broadband ANC systems are either computationally expensive or need elaborate implementation. In this paper we show a practical method to enhance the performance of FXLMS based algorithms, by deriving a crude estimate of the causalWiener filter and initializing the adaptive filter with the estimated Wiener filter. We observe that very fast convergence to the global minimum can be achieved along with huge gains in the noise cancelation performance. We call this method Wiener initialized FXLMS (WI-FXLMS).We show the effectiveness of the proposed approach for the active noise control of functional MRI acoustic noise and several other realistic noise sources.
The Behavior of the QR-Factorization Algorithm with Column Pivoting

Abstract A bound on the performance of QR-factorization with column pivoting is derived and two classes of matrices are constructed for which the bound is sharp or asymptotically sharp.
Effects of Temperature on Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Development

Growth curves were studied for the egg, larva, and pupa of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) under mean cyclic temperatures of 15.6, 21.1, 26.7, and 35.0°C and a constant temperature of 25.0°C. Development from egg to adult under all regimes ranged from 190 to 598 h. A constant temperature of 25°C produced a range of pupation times from 134 to 162 h, with adult emergence ranging from 237 to 289 h. The maximal preferential temperature of 35.1°C was determined for maggots using a gradient system. Highly predictable developmental time, minimal larval length variation, and low cohort variation emphasize the utility of this species in entomological-based postmortem interval determinations. Therefore, C. rufifacies should be of primary forensic importance when recovered alone or in conjunction with other species of Calliphoridae.
Limits to Quantum Mechanics as a Source of Magic Tricks: Retrodiction and the Bell-Kochen-Specker Theorem

A trick discovered by Vaidman, Aharanov, and Albert permitting retrodiction of the outcomes of more measurements than one would naively have thought possible is extended to a case in which the retrodicted observables are forbidden all to have values by a Bell-Kochen-Specker theorem. A rather peculiar analysis shows that an even better trick that retrodicts the outcomes of more informative measurements of these same observables is impossible.
Phase unwrapping and background correction in MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been widely used for both clinical diagnostics and in-vivo research. Although MRI images are acquired in the complex number field, traditionally magnitude images are utilized for most applications, while the phase of the complex numbers is ignored due to various signal processing and visualization issues. However, there is substantial evidence that a phase of MRI image can contain additional useful diagnostic information. For example the phase of MRI image can be used to detect excessive iron accumulation associated with many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzeimerpsilas and Parkinson disease. Phase wrapping and background phase variations are two main problems, which prevent clinical use of phase images directly. In this paper, we propose 2-D technique for phase unwrapping and background phase correction based on spectral image segmentation and detrending algorithms. This method handles various noise levels successfully, and most importantly, its extension to 3-D volumetric MRI phase image processing is conceptually straightforward.
Copolymerization of fluorinated acrylic monomers and sodium-p-styrene sulfonate

Abstract Fluorinated, acrylic vinyl monomers such as; 1H,1H-Heptafluorobutyl acrylate 1 , and 1H,1H-Heptafluorobutyl methacrylate 2 , were copolymerized with sodium-p-styrene sulfonate 3 , via emulsion polymerization. The polymerization reactions were carried out at 70–75°C, for 4.5–5 hours using a water soluble initiator, a nonionic surfactant and a hydrocarbon soluble chain transfer agent. The level of ion-containing monomer was varied between 0–7 mole percent. The copolymers were obtained in high yield and high molecular weight. They showed novel ionomeric behavior as characterized by FTIR, penetration studies, stress-strain tests and DSC.
Contributions of the National Incident‐Based Reporting System to Substantive Knowledge in Criminology: A Review of Research

The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data have been available to the research community for about a decade. The advantages of NIBRS over other official statistics such as summary Uniform Crime Reports, Supplementary Homicide Reports, and the National Crime Victimization Survey have contributed to better evaluation of a number of theoretical perspectives in criminology and criminal justice, and have helped in suggesting possible policy implications. This paper reviews studies using the NIBRS data in the areas of crime clearance, crime rates disaggregated by situational context (including domestic violence, race-specific crime, and gun crime), and lethal and non-lethal outcomes of violent encounters. The paper also discusses limitations of the NIBRS data and cautions for its use, along with future research possibilities.
Phosphine and phosphine oxide adducts of vanadium(IV) chloride: synthesis and structural studies

Abstract The reaction products of VCl4 with PEt3, PMe3, PMe2Ph, Et3PO and PhMe2PO have been structurally characterized. Compound 1, [HPEt3][VCl4(PEt3)2], crystallizes in space group C2/c with a=17.422(2), b=12.671(1), C=13.390(1) A, β=95.76(2)°, V=2941(2) A3 and Z =4. The [VCl4(PEt3)2]− anion has a trans arrangement of the phosphines with mean VCl and VP distances of 2.360(3) and 2.551(4) A, respectively. Compound 2, mer-VCl3(OPEt3)3, crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell (P212121) with a=13.310(4), b=17.754(6), c=12.383(3) A, V=2926(2) A3 and Z=4; VCl distance (av.)=2.396(7) and VO (av.)=2.00(2) A. Compound 3, mer-VCl3(PMe2Ph)2(OPMe2Ph) which has been reported before in a different space group, crystallizes with an orthorhombic (Pmn21) unit cell: a=13.590(4), b=11.673(4), c=8.964(4) A, V=1422(1) A3 and Z=2. A mirror plane bisects the molecule. The VCl, VP and VO distances are similar to those in 1 and 2. Compound 4, V2Cl6(PMe3)4, is a dinuclear compound which crystallizes with an orthorhombic unit cell (Pna21) with cell dimensions: a=11.470(4), b=18.433(4), c=13.677(4) A, V=2892(2) A3 and Z=4; distance VCl1(av.)=2.30(1), VClb(av.)=2.44(1) and VP(av.)=2.524(6) A. The phosphines have the common 1,3,6,8 arrangement. The V···V distance of 3.691(2) A is non-bonding. The reaction chemistry of these compounds is compared with that of the Nb and Ta analogs, and EPR measurements made on compound 1 are discussed. EPR spectra recorded for solutions of 1 in CH2Cl2 were shown to be due to about 1% of the vanadium in the form of VOCl2(PEt3)2
The scattering of radio waves by an extended randomly refracting medium

Abstract A continuous medium containing three-dimensional random inhomogeneities of refractive index scatters an electromagnetic wave which is incident upon it. This paper derives the form of the emerging angular power spectrum of the wave, for the case where the scales of the inhomogeneities are different in the three spaced directions. It is shown that the medium cannot be analysed as a series of superposed thin phase screens, spaced in the propagation direction, and with independent phase profiles. When a limiting process is carried out, allowing for an arbitrary spatial correlation function for the inhomogeneities in the three directions, a quite different result is obtained. This disparity is due to diffractive changes in the wave in passing from one inhomogeneity to the next.
THE BODY FOCUS QUESTIONNAIRE: INTERPRETIVE ISSUES

Analyse des positions de Iagolnitzer et Bruchon-Schweitzer sur les inter-relations entre les differentes echelles du questionnaire de Fisher sur l'image du corps
A New Theory of the Generalized Optical Theorem in Anisotropic Media

A new general approach for the generalized optical cross-section theorem and its particular manifestation, the ordinary optical theorem, is developed for electromagnetic scattering in anisotropic media (corresponding to the scatterer and the background medium where the scatterer is embedded). The derived results are based on cross-flux concepts, and interaction and reciprocity relations, and apply under arbitrary incident fields, hence they apply in arbitrary representational domains for the data or scattering matrix. This generalization is demonstrated for arbitrary anisotropic scatterers embedded in lossless anisotropic background media by means of the so-called modified reciprocity theorem plus duality. A new reactive optical theorem is also derived which clarifies the possibilities and limitations of the extraction of reactive energy storage information of an scatterer from scattering field data. Fundamental and practical imaging implications of the derived optical theorems are discussed. The developed theory is elaborated for general anisotropic scatterers embedded in free space via the multipole expansion of the electromagnetic field.
Ghost marker detection and elimination in marker-based optical tracking systems for real-time tracking in stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Purpose: To propose a simple model to explain the origin of ghost markers in marker-based optical tracking systems (OTS) and to develop retrospective strategies to detect and eliminate ghost markers. Methods: In marker-based OTS, ghost markers are virtual markers created due to the cross-talk between the two camera sensors, which can lead to system execution failure or inaccuracy in patient tracking. As a result, the users have to limit the number of markers and avoid certain marker configurations to reduce the chances of ghost markers. In this work, the authors propose retrospective strategies to detect and eliminate ghost markers. The two camera sensors were treated as mathematical points in space. The authors identified the coplanar within limit (CWL) condition as the necessary condition for ghost marker occurrence. A simple ghost marker detection method was proposed based on the model. Ghost marker elimination was achieved through pattern matching: a ghost marker-free reference set was matched with the optical marker set observed by the OTS; unmatched optical markers were eliminated as either ghost markers or misplaced markers. The pattern matching problem was formulated as a constraint satisfaction problem (using pairwise distances as constraints) and solved with an iterative backtracking algorithm. Wildcard markers were introduced to address missing or misplaced markers. An experiment was designed to measure the sensor positions and the limit for the CWL condition. The ghost marker detection and elimination algorithms were verified with samples collected from a five-marker jig and a nine-marker anthropomorphic phantom, rotated with the treatment couch from −60° to +60°. The accuracy of the pattern matching algorithm was further validated with marker patterns from 40 patients who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). For this purpose, a synthetic optical marker pattern was created for each patient by introducing ghost markers, marker position uncertainties, and marker displacement. Results: The sensor positions and the limit for the CWL condition were measured with excellent reproducibility (standard deviation ≤ 0.39 mm). The ghost marker detection algorithm had perfect detection accuracy for both the jig (1544 samples) and the anthropomorphic phantom (2045 samples). Pattern matching was successful for all samples from both phantoms as well as the 40 patient marker patterns. Conclusions: The authors proposed a simple model to explain the origin of ghost markers and identified the CWL condition as the necessary condition for ghost marker occurrence. The retrospective ghost marker detection and elimination algorithms guarantee complete ghost marker elimination while providing the users with maximum flexibility in selecting the number of markers and their configuration to meet their clinic needs.
Single Peptide Assembly onto a 1.5 nm Au Surface via a Histidine Tag

Nanoparticle surfaces functionalized with proteins or other biomolecules provide a mechanism for interfacing the unique properties of nanomaterials with biological samples. In most of these studies, the biomolecule is conjugated to a gold nanoparticles (AuNP) surface through the thiol group of native or introduced cysteine residues. Here we demonstrate the direct attachment of a hexa-histidine tagged (His6) peptide to a 1.5 nm AuNP. Binding occurs via a specific interaction between the Ne of the His imidazole, forming a 1:1 stoichiometric complex. Given the widespread use of histidine tags in producing recombinant proteins, this approach promises to expand the applications of AuNP in biological applications.
Designing a medical Web site.

Background A web site Is a valuable shop window for any medical unit with something to sell or something to say.
T Cell Responses to Herpes Simplex Viruses in Humans

Much of the evidence that implicates cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the control of infections due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) is circumstantial. However, the ease of induction of HSV-specific CTLs in vitro, the evidence from clinical observations in humans, and the protection afforded by adoptively transferred CTLs all tend to support an important role for CTLs in the resolution of HSV disease. One salient feature of the response of human CTLs to HSV that has emerged quite clearly is the presence of CD4+ T cells as a predominant killer cell phenotype. Given the importance of CD4+ T cells in mediating delayed type hypersensitivity responses and in clearing local infections on adoptive transfer, this T cell subset probably plays a critical role in the resolution of HSV recrudescent disease. Moreover, it is tempting to speculate that viral agents that impair the function of CD4+ T cells, such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1, may predispose patients to severe local infections.
Prostaglandin endoperoxidase 21. Covalent binding of levuglandin E2 with proteins

Abstract Levuglandin E2(LGE2), a γ-ketoaldehyde produced by rearrangement of the prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH2 under the aqueous conditions of its biosynthesis, binds covalently with ram seminal vesicle microsomes. Totally synthesis 5,6-ditritio-LGE2 was prepared and used to determine that rapid covalent binding of LGE2 (initially 800 μM) occurs with 6.4 μM bovine serum albumin (>10 equiv within 1 min) which approached saturation (≈ 16 equiv) after 40 min at 37°C.
Relative stability, electronic structure, and magnetism of MnN and (Ga,Mn)N alloys

Pure MnN and (Ga,Mn)N alloys are investigated using the ab initio generalized gradient approximation $+U$ $(\text{GGA}+U)$ or the hybrid-exchange density-functional (B3LYP) methods. These methods are found to predict dramatically different electronic structure, magnetic behavior, and relative stabilities compared to previous density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. A unique structural anomaly of MnN, in which local-density calculations fail to predict the experimentally observed distorted rocksalt as the ground-state structure, is resolved under the $\text{GGA}+U$ and B3LYP formalisms. The magnetic configurations of MnN are studied and the results suggest the magnetic state of zinc-blende MnN might be complex. Epitaxial calculations are used to show that the epitaxial zinc-blende MnN can be stabilized on an InGaN substrate. The structural stability of (Ga,Mn)N alloys was examined and a crossover from the zinc-blende-stable alloy to the rocksalt-stable alloy at an Mn concentration of $\ensuremath{\sim}65%$ was found. The tendency for zinc-blende (Ga,Mn)N alloys to phase separate is described by an asymmetric spinodal phase diagram calculated from a mixed-basis cluster expansion. This predicts that precipitates will consist of Mn concentrations of $\ensuremath{\sim}5$ and $\ensuremath{\sim}50%$ at typical experimental growth temperatures. Thus, pure antiferromagnetic MnN, previously thought to suppress the Curie temperature, will not be formed. The Curie temperature for the $50%$ phase is calculated to be ${T}_{C}=354\text{ }\text{K}$, indicating the possibility of high-temperature ferromagnetism in zinc-blende (Ga,Mn)N alloys due to precipitates.
A semiautomated Wisconsin General Test Apparatus

A modification of the WGTA is described. It retains those features of the original apparatus which make it efficient. In addition, it provides (1) precise and largely automatic control of trial pacing and stimulus presentation, (2) simultaneous acquisition of data on problem-solving and locomotor activity of the S, (3) rapid change to any one of a wide variety of behavioral situations, and (4) thorough but quick cleaning and disinfection of the monkey cage.
Health promotion in the city: a review of current practice and future prospects in the United States.

To achieve its health goals, the United States must reduce the disproportionate burden of illness and poor health borne by urban populations. In the 20th century, patterns of immigration and migration, changes in the global economy, increases in income inequality, and more federal support for suburbanization have made it increasingly difficult for cities to protect the health of all residents. In the last 25 years, epidemics of human immunodeficiency virus infections and substance abuse and increases in homelessness, lack of health insurance, rates of violence, and concentrations of certain pollutants have also damaged the health of urban residents. Several common strategies for health promotion are described, and their relevance to the unique characteristics of urban populations is assessed. To identify ways to strengthen health promotion practices in U.S. cities, lessons have been taken from five related fields of endeavor: human rights, church- and faith-based social action, community economic development, youth development, and the new social movements. By integrating lessons from these areas into their practice, public health professionals can help to revitalize the historic mission of public health, contribute to creating healthier cities, and better achieve national health objectives.
Improved accuracy of SPECT thallium-201 using wavelet prefiltering

Abstract Background: Image noise significantly degrades the quality of nuclear cardiac images. Noise reduction using conventional Fourier techniques has become an essential part of reconstruction. Wavelet filtering has several theoretical advantages over Fourier based methods but has not been evaluated in clinical nuclear cardiology. Methods: We identified 695 patients referred for exercise stress testing using SPECT Tl-201 who either had less than a 5% probability of coronary disease or catheterization documented disease within 60 days of stress testing. Patients with documented MI, pathologic Q waves, LBBB, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy or prior bypass grafting were not included. There were 315 women and 380 men, 309 had coronary disease and 386 were low probability. Twenty men and 20 women were taken from the low probability group to create gender and filter specific normal databases. Quantitative SPECT analysis was performed by conventional Fourier techniques using a Butterworth filter with a cutoff of 0.4 of the Nyquist and an order of 8. Wavelet prefiltering was performed by transforming the each frame of the projection data with a 4 th order Coiflet filter then performing a soft threshold using 4.5x the standard deviation of the noise for each frame. Quantitative analysis was performed using volume weighted radial plots on the remaining 655 patients and normals using both prefilters. Corresponding accuracy for each technique was determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating curve. Results: There was a small but statistically significant increase in accuracy using the Coiflet prefilter. The area under the ROC curve was 0.81±0.02 using the conventional Butterworth prefilter versus 0.84±0.02 using the Coiflet prefilter (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Wavelet prefiltering results in a small but statistically significant increase in accuracy of quantitative SPECT thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging.
795 PLATELET FUNCTION IN CHILDHOOD IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (ITP)

The risk of hemorrhage in ITP is related not only to the platelet count but also to the functional integrity of the platelets and microvasculature. Platelet function in adults with ITP has been reported by different investigators to either be enhanced (bleeding time (BT) shorter than expected for the degree of thrombocytopenia) or impaired (defective aggregation due to effects of anti-platelet antibody). These discrepant results are unexplained and data in pediatric patients are lacking.Therefore, we investigated platelet function in 46 children with acute ITP by modified template BT and in 22 children with chronic ITP by BT, platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine, collagen and ADP, and/or generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) following exposure of platelets to N-ethylmaleimide. BT, performed on 185 occasions in the 68 patients, was nearly always prolonged (> 7 1/2 minutes) when the platelet count was under 100,000/μl and markedly prolonged (> 25 minutes) in 52% of children whose platelet counts were < 20,000/μl. BT values in the patients with ITP were not different from those in 20 children with thrombocytopenia due to decreased platelet production. BT was not affected by corticosteroid therapy independent of platelet count. Platelet aggregation and MDA measurements performed on 18 occasions in 12 patients with chronic ITP were usually normal. We conclude that platelet reactivity is neither enhanced nor significantly impaired in childhood ITP.
Molecular mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in significant disability due to cognitive deficits particularly in attention, learning and memory, and higher-order executive functions. The role of TBI in chronic neurodegeneration and the development of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and most recently chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is of particular importance. However, despite significant effort very few therapeutic options exist to prevent or reverse cognitive impairment following TBI. In this review, we present experimental evidence of the known secondary injury mechanisms which contribute to neuronal cell loss, axonal injury, and synaptic dysfunction and hence cognitive impairment both acutely and chronically following TBI. In particular we focus on the mechanisms linking TBI to the development of two forms of dementia: AD and CTE. We provide evidence of potential molecular mechanisms involved in modulating Aβ and Tau following TBI and provide evidence of the role of these mechanisms in AD pathology. Additionally we propose a mechanism by which Aβ generated as a direct result of TBI is capable of exacerbating secondary injury mechanisms thereby establishing a neurotoxic cascade that leads to chronic neurodegeneration.