cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OutHistory.org: An Experiment in LGBTQ Community History-Making

Abstract This article describes OutHistory.org, the public Web site on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) history hosted by the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) at the City University of New York, Graduate Center. OutHistory.org uses MediaWiki software to compile community-created histories of LGBTQ life in the U.S. and make the insights of LGBTQ history broadly accessible. Project Coordinator Lauren Gutterman explains how the public history project employs digital history to collect, advance, and project LGBTQ history, and how it serves as a model for other interactive history Web sites.
Ventromedial hypothalamic lesions and brain catecholamines.

Abstract Hyperphagic rats with bilateral ventromedial hypothalamic lesions were killed on either the fifth or tenth day after surgery and their brains were assayed for tel-diencephalic norepinephrine and striatal dopamine. Lesion-induced weight gain was highly correlated with depletion of tel-diencephalic norepinephrine; the lesions produced no change in striatal dopamine levels and there was no significant correlation between dopamine levels and weight gain. These results support the conclusion that damage to a noradrenergic bundle is responsible for hypothalamic hyperphagia.
Alternative substrates for malic enzyme: oxidative decarboxylation of L-aspartate.

The NAD-malic enzyme from Ascaris suum will utilize l-aspartate, (2S,3R)-tartrate, and meso-tartrate as substrates with V/K values 10-4−10-5 with respect to malate. There is a strict requirement fo...
Resource contention-aware Virtual Machine management for enterprise applications

Consolidating Virtual Machines (VMs) in data centers is desirable as it reduces hardware and power costs. However the performances of VMs on shared physical servers are not isolated from each other as they contend for the same server resources. This contention degrades the performance of delay sensitive applications and can increase response times by three orders of magnitude at high contention levels. In order to achieve Service Level Agreements (SLAs) under VM consolidation, resources must be allocated by considering the performance effects of contention. We therefore present VARACO, a contention-aware VM management system to achieve Quality-of-Service (QoS) targets for multi-tier web applications. VARACO models applications' performances online using 13 server resource utilization and contention metrics. Resources are dynamically allocated using these models to achieve QoS targets. Our results show that application- level performance can be modeled 130% more accurately when resource contention is considered. We demonstrate VARACO by achieving a 90th percentile response time target of a sample application under VM consolidation.
dropout: a program to identify problem loci and samples for noninvasive genetic samples in a capture-mark-recapture framework

Abstract Genotyping error, often associated with low-quantity/quality DNA samples, is an important issue when using genetic tags to estimate abundance using capture-mark-recapture (CMR). dropout, an MS-Windows program, identifies both loci and samples that likely contain errors affecting CMR estimates. dropout uses a ‘bimodal test’, that enumerates the number of loci different between each pair of samples, and a ‘difference in capture history test’ (DCH) to determine those loci producing the most errors. Importantly, the DCH test allows one to determine that a data set is error-free. dropout has been evaluated in McKelvey & Schwartz (2004) and is now available online.
The Dynamics of Circulations within the Trailing Stratiform Regions of Squall Lines. Part II: Influence of the Convective Line and Ambient Environment

Abstract A dynamic version of the two-dimensional kinematic cloud model of Rutledge and Houze is used to study the individual roles of hydrometeor and heat advection from the convective line to the stratiform region of the 10–11 June 1985 PRE-STORM squall line. The design of the model allows for specified inputs of hydrometeors, heat, and water vapor from the convective line. Convective heating alone generates significant ascent and condensate in the anvil; however, surface rainfall is scarce without the advection of hydrometeors from the convective line. Hydrometeor advection alone does not produce strong ascent in the anvil cloud, implying the important additive effects of both heat and hydrometeor advection in generating broad regions of significant stratiform rainfall. The roles of individual microphysical processes within the stratiform region are examined, along with the sensitivity of stratiform region dynamics to postconvective region environmental conditions. Of the processes evaporation, melting...
Dissociation—Excitation Reactions of Argon Metastables with Carbon Dioxide

Results of a study showing that a metastable argon-carbon dioxide reaction results in dissociation of carbon dioxide and electronic excitation of one of the products, carbon monoxide or oxygen. A flow system using a 2450-MHz discharge was used to produce metastable argon atoms. Metastable argon in the afterglow was confirmed by adding nitrogen to the afterglow. Without addition of carbon dioxide no argon line emission, or any other emission, is observed from the reaction zone. Absence of argon line emission produced by recombination indicates the absence of charged species.
Physical and optical properties of size-selective CdTe nanocrystals

Physical and optical properties of colloidal cadmium telluride nanocrystals (CdTe NCs) were investigated. The CdTe NCs were synthesized by reacting elemental tellurium dissolved in tributylphosphine with a mixture of cadmium oxide, octadecene, and oleic acid. These NCs, which were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are spherical and ranged from 5 to 7 nm in diameter. The identity of the compound post-synthesis was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) properties as grown and pure CdTe samples were investigated. Bright excitonic photoluminescence emission was observed (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Genetic Variation in Dry Matter Production and Nutritional Characteristics of Meadow Bromegrass under Repeated Defoliation

Meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) has gained interest as a highly productive pasture grass that can be used under management intensive grazing with limited irrigation. In 1999, 28 cloned parents and half-sib families of meadow bromegrass were each planted in a randomized complete block design to evaluate genetic variation of meadow bromegrass for dry matter yield (DMY) (Harvests 1 to 6), forage quality under repeated defoliation (Harvests 1, 3, and 5), and investigate intercharacter correlations. Narrow-sense heritability estimates and their standard errors for DMYat Harvests 2, 3, and 4 were 0.89 6 0.32, 0.59 6 0.28, and 0.53 6 0.29, respectively. However, at Harvest 1 and 5, standard errors of the heritability estimates for DMY were equal to or greater than the estimates. All heritability estimates for crude protein (CP) were at least twice their standard errors at Harvests 1, 3, and 5. High narrow-sense heritabilities at Harvest 5 for acid detergent fiber (ADF) suggest that selection on forage harvested later in the growing season might be more efficient than forage harvested earlier in the season. Combined across years and within harvests, narrow-sense heritability estimates and standard errors for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were 0.66 6 0.29, 0.47 6 0.30, and 0.71 6 0.28, respectively. Based on correlations, it seems reasonable to assume that when selecting for increased DMY that ADF and NDF will increase and that CP and IVTD will decrease in this population.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature: Chemotherapy and Surgery versus Surgery Alone in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background The effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has remained unclear despite the conduct of several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to assess the effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. This involved identifying eligible RCTs and extracting aggregate data from the abstracts or reports of these RCTs. Hazard ratios were calculated from these published summary statistics and then combined to give pooled estimates of treatment efficacy. Results Twelve eligible RCTs were identified, from which data from seven RCTs, including 988 patients (75% of eligible patients), could be combined in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Preoperative chemotherapy improved survival with a hazard ratio of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.97; p = 0.02). This is equivalent to an absolute benefit of 6%, increasing overall survival across all stages of disease from 14% to 20% at 5 years. There was no evidence of statistical heterogeneity. Conclusions This analysis shows a significant benefit of preoperative chemotherapy and is currently the best estimate of the effectiveness of this therapy, but this is based on a small number of trials and patients. This current analysis was unable to address important questions such as whether particular types of patients may benefit more or less from preoperative chemotherapy or whether the early stopping of a number of included RCTs impacted on the results. To assess this, an individual patient data meta-analysis is required.
Enterobactin Biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: Isochorismate Lyase (EntB) Is a Bifunctional Enzyme That Is Phosphopantetheinylated by EntD and Then Acylated by EntE Using ATP and 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoate†

In Escherichia coli, the siderophore molecule enterobactin is synthesized in response to iron deprivation by formation of an amide bond between 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate (2,3-DHB) and l-serine and formation of ester linkages between three such N-acylated serine residues. We show that EntB, previously described as the isochorismate lyase required for production of 2,3-DHB, is a bifunctional protein that also serves as an aryl carrier protein (ArCP) with a role in enterobactin assembly. EntB is phosphopantetheinylated near the C terminus in a reaction catalyzed by EntD with a kcat of 5 min-1 and a Km for apo-EntB of 6.5 microM. This holo-EntB is then acylated with 2,3-DHB in a reaction catalyzed by EntE, previously described as the 2,3-DHB-AMP ligase, with a kcat of 100 min-1 and a Km of <<1 microM for holo-EntB. The N-terminal 187 amino acids of EntB (isochorismate lyase domain) are not needed for reaction of EntB with either EntD or EntE as demonstrated by the equivalent catalytic efficiencies of the full-length EntB (residues 1-285) and the C-terminal EntB ArCP domain (residues 188-285) as substrates for both EntD and EntE.
Infants' perception of pictorially specified interposition

Abstract Five- and seven-month-olds were tested for sensitivity to pictorial interposition in two experiments. Reaching was used as the dependent measure. Seven-month-olds gave evidence of sensitivity to pictorial interposition. In both experiments they showed a significant preference to reach for the pictorially nearer side of a flat interposition display which simulated three overlapping surfaces and showed no reaching preferences when viewing control displays. Five-month-olds' reaching tendencies did not differ significantly between experimental (interpositon) and control conditions in the second experiment. This result indicated that their responses may have been due to nonspatial proximal stimulus variables in the displays. Five-month-olds, therefore, gave no evidence of sensitivity to pictorial interposition. The finding that 7-month-olds are sensitive to pictorial interposition and the failure to find sensitivity in 5-month-olds is consistent with findings from other studies on infants' sensitivity to pictorial depth information. The cumulative results of these studies suggest that sensitivity to pictorial depth information first appears between 5 and 7 months of age.
Hypersensitivity reactions to mAbs: 105 desensitizations in 23 patients, from evaluation to treatment

Background: Rapid desensitization, a procedure for graded drug administration, allows for the safe readministration of a medication after certain types of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and is indicated in cases in which there are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives. The use of rapid desensitization for HSRs to mAbs has not been validated. Objective: We sought to describe our experience with rapid desensitization to mAbs, including rituximab, infliximab, and trastuzumab. Methods: One hundred five rapid desensitizations were performed in 23 patients with a standardized 12-step, 6-hour protocol. Our approach to patient evaluation before desensitization is described. The severity, characteristics, and timing of both initial HSRs and HSRs during desensitization were determined by means of retrospective review of medical records. After a reaction during desensitization, patient-specific protocol modifications were made before each subsequent desensitization. Results: 104 of 105 desensitizations undertaken were successfully completed. We observed HSRs during 29% of desensitizations, including 27 mild reactions, 1 moderate reaction, and 2 severe reactions. Overall, reactions during desensitization were markedly less severe than initial HSRs, but reactions did recur in a minority of successive desensitizations. Conclusions: Rapid desensitization is a promising method for the delivery of monoclonal therapeutics after an HSR, but the possibility of a reaction remains with each desensitization. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009;124:1259-66.)
Effect of ethanol on microbial community structure and function during natural attenuation of benzene, toluene, and o-xylene in a sulfate-reducing aquifer.

Ethanol (EtOH) is a commonly used fuel oxygenate in reformulated gasoline and is an alternative fuel and fuel supplement. Effects of EtOH release on aquifer microbial ecology and geochemistry have not been well characterized in situ. We performed a controlled field release of petroleum constituents (benzene (B), toluene (T), o-xylene (o-X) at ∼1–3 mg/L each) with and without EtOH (∼500 mg/L). Mixed linear modeling (MLM) assessed effects on the microbial ecology of a naturally sulfidic aquifer and how the microbial community affected B, T, and o-X plume lengths and aquifer geochemistry. Changes in microbial community structure were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting Bacteria, Archaea, and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB); SRB were enumerated using a novel qPCR method targeting the adenosine-5′-phosphosulfate reductase gene. Bacterial and SRB densities increased with and without EtOH-amendment (1−8 orders of magnitude). Significant increases in Archaeal species richness; Ar...
A High-Latitude Molecular Structure in Pegasus-Pisces

We detected CO emission from a shell-like or ringlike dust structure approximately 20° across centered near Galactic coordinates (l = 105°, b = -45°). This region was also observed in CO by Yamamoto et al. A total of 106 positions along the ridge of the feature were observed in the CO(1-0) and (2-1) transitions with the Arizona Radio Observatory 12 m millimeter-wave radio telescope at Kitt Peak, Arizona. Emission was detected from 65 lines of sight, plus three with two distinct velocity components. Although the dust emission shows a marked ringlike morphology, the kinematic information from the CO spectra is more ambiguous. The best χ2 fits for two models, an expanding spherical shell and an expanding ring of molecular gas embedded in a sheet of neutral gas, suggest that, at best, only part of the CO emission is associated with an expanding structure. The remaining CO detections are projected onto a stream of neutral hydrogen where CO unrelated to the shell may also have formed. However, if at least part of the CO emission is associated with an expanding shell or ring of molecular gas, the structure has an expansion velocity of 3.8 km s-1, a molecular mass of 1200-1300 M⊙, and an age of ~1 × 107 yr.
Primary succession of Hawaiian montane rain forest on a chronosequence of eight lava flows

Abstract. The primary-successional sere of a Hawaiian montane rain forest was inferred from an age sequence of eight closely located ‘a’ ā flows (clinker type lava); 8, 50, 140, ca. 300, ca. 400, ca. 1400, ca. 3000 and ca. 9000 yr, on a windward slope of Mauna Loa, Hawaii. All study sites (0.2 ha each) were at 1120 — 1250 m a.s.l. with 4000 mm mean annual rainfall. The 400-yr, 1400-yr, and 9000-yr flows had younger volcanic ash deposits, while the others were pure lava. Comparisons of tree size and foliar nutrients suggested that ash increased the availability of nitrogen, and subsequently standing biomass. An Unweighted Pair Group Cluster Analysis on the samples (flows) using quantitative vascular species composition revealed that clusters were correlated with age regardless of the substrate types (pure lava vs. ash), and an indirect ordination on the samples suggested that the sequence of sample scores along axis 1 was perfectly correlated with the age sequence. Although ash deposits increased biomass, they did not affect the sequence of the successional sere. Both pubescent and glabrous varieties of Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae) dominated upper canopy layers on all flows ≥ 50 yr and ≤ 1400 yr, but the pubescent variety was replaced by the glabrous on the flows ≥ 3000 yr. Lower layers were dominated initially by a matted fern, Dicranopteris linearis, up to 300 yr, and subsequently by tree ferns, Cibotium spp., to 9000 yr. The cover of Cibotium declined slightly after 3000 yr, while other native herb and shrub species increased. A ‘climax’ stage in the conventional sense was apparently not reached on the observed age gradient, because the sere changed continuously in biomass and species; this divergent successional phenomenon may be unique to Hawaii where the flora is naturally impoverished and disharmonic due to its geographic isolation in contrast to more diverse and harmonic floras in continents.
Epoxide formation by ring closure of the cinnamyloxy radical

The cinnamyloxy and oxiranyl benzyl radicals were generated by photolysis of alkyl 4-nitrobenzenesulfenates. The yet unprecedented epoxide ring formation from a primary alkoxy radical was observed. Experimental evidence supports the fact that the mode of ring opening of the oxiranyl carbinyl radical system is thermodynamically driven. B3LYP/6-31G* calculations indicate that the closed form of the radical is ∼5 kcal/mol more stable than the open one.
Emerging role of endovascular grafts in complex aortoiliac occlusive disease

Abstract Background Aortobifemoral bypass is the standard therapy for complex aortoiliac occlusive disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of endovascular grafts as an alternative to aortobifemoral bypass in patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease at high risk. Methods Endovascular grafts were placed in 23 limbs in 22 patients with TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus document (TASC) type C and D lesions. All procedures were performed in the operating room, and images were obtained with portable digital fluoroscopy. Surgical exposure of the ipsilateral common femoral artery was performed to enable safe closure of 9F to 12F sheath sites and to facilitate ipsilateral interventions in the distal external iliac artery. Concomitant infrainguinal outflow procedures were performed in 6 patients. Results Twenty of 22 patients were men; mean patient age was 63.2 ± 3.2 years. Indications for intervention were rest pain in 12 of 23 limbs and tissue loss in 9 of 22 limbs. Risk factors included hostile abdomen or pelvis in 8 patients, coronary artery disease in 11 patients, end-stage renal disease in 3 patients, and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 3 patients. Each patient received a mean of 1.6 grafts. Initial technical success was 95.2%, with one technical failure. There was no 30-day mortality. All patients experienced at least one grade improvement per Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. Primary patency at 24 months was 84.2% ± 8.0%, with a limb salvage rate of 95.3% ± 5.0%. Mean (± SD) ankle brachial index improved from 0.49 ± 0.22 to 0.87 ± 0.26 ( P Conclusion Endovascular grafting to treat advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease can be accomplished with good clinical outcome and acceptable short-term patency. This endovascular technique can be a viable alternative to conventional surgical revascularization in patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease at high risk.
Electron detachment in negative-ion collisions. III. Model calculations

With the use of a previously developed close-coupling theory, and simple models for the energy gap and propagator that arise in that theory, calculations are made of the properties of the survival probability for the negative ions and of the energy spectrum of detached electrons. Special attention is given to interference effects that might be seen under favorable circumstances.
Glutamate 189 of the D1 Polypeptide Modulates the Magnetic and Redox Properties of the Manganese Cluster and Tyrosine YZ in Photosystem II

Recent models for water oxidation in photosystem II postulate that the tyrosine YZ radical, YZ•, abstracts both an electron and a proton from the Mn cluster during one or more steps in the catalytic cycle. This coupling of proton- and electron-transfer events is postulated to provide the necessary driving force for oxidizing the Mn cluster in its higher oxidation states. The formation of YZ• requires the deprotonation of YZ by His190 of the D1 polypeptide. For YZ• to abstract both an electron and a proton from the Mn cluster, the proton abstracted from YZ must be transferred rapidly from D1-His190 to the lumenal surface via one or more proton-transfer pathways. The proton acceptor for D1-His190 has been proposed to be either Glu189 of the D1 polypeptide or a group positioned by this residue. To further define the role of D1-Glu189, 17 D1-Glu189 mutations were constructed in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Several of these mutants are of particular interest because they appear to assemble Mn...
Aortitis in ankylosing spondylitis: Early detection of aortic root abnormalities with two dimensional echocardiography

Mild aortic root dilatation, cusp thickening and subvalvular fibrous ridges have been reported as characteristic in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and aortic regurgitation. Thirty-five patients with ankylosing spondylitis (10 also had Reiter's syndrome) without clinically apparent cardiac involvement were studied using phased array two dimensional and sector-directed M mode echocardiography to determine the prevalence of aortic abnormalities. Aortic root dimensions were measured at the aortic anulus, at the tip of the cusps and 0.5 to 1.5 cm above the cusps. The two dimensional echocardiographic study was also analyzed for qualitative abnormalities. The dimensions were compared with those in 20 normal men and among patient subgroups separated according to age, duration and severity of ankylosing spondylitis and presence of qualitative abnormalities. With one exception, no abnormally increased aortic dimensions suggestive of aortic dilatation were found in any group. However, two patients had aortic dimensions greater than 4.2 cm at the valve (normal 4.0 cm or less). Also, six patients had discrete areas of increased bright echoes below the left or noncoronary cusps suggestive of a subaortic "bump" and two of the six patients had increased aortic cusp echoes suggestive of thickening or fibrosis, or both. These changes tended to occur more commonly in older patients and those with more severe disease. It is concluded that aortic root changes suggestive of inflammation or fibrosis, or both, occur in asymptomatic patients with ankylosing spondylitis and are detectable on two dimensional echocardiography. Dilatation usually does not occur without aortic regurgitation.
Novel fiber optic coupler/repeater for military systems

A high degree of fault tolerance is required in both commercial and military fiber optic networks. Building fault tolerant physical layers for itultiport fiber optic systems is difficult because of the limited optical loss budget available and the limitations of electro-optic components including sources couplers and switches. This paper describes a fault tolerant fiber optic physical layer based on U. S. Patent 4 The concept permits the circumvention of faults in electronics power supplies or in optical fibers without the need for bypass switches. The fault tolerance is achieved through the use of a 1XN coupler with multiple photodiodes and fibers.
On robust decentralized control of a 5-axis robot

Abstract In this paper, a dynamic model of a robot manipulator is first derived based on the Euler-Lagrange equation and a state-space representation is derived for it. A number of non-adaptive robot control schemes are then reviewed. A robust decentralized control is then proposed for a 5-axis robot manipulator. Numerical simulation results are presented to verify the theory.
Backscatter properties of hygroscopic aerosols using models, combined multiwavelength Raman lidar, GPS, and radiosonds

In this paper, we explore the possibility of determining the nature and variability of urban aerosol hygroscopic properties using multi-wavelength Raman lidar measurements at 355nm, as well as backscatter measurements at 532nm and 1064nm. The addition of these longer wavelength channels allow us to more accurately validate the homogeneity of the aerosol layer as well as provide additional multiwavelength information that can be used to validate and modify the aerosol models underlying the hygroscopic trends observed in the Raman channel. In support of our hygroscopic measurements, we also discuss our calibration procedures for both the aerosol and water vapor profiles. The calibration algorithm we ultimately use for the water vapor measurements are twilight measurements where water vapor radiosonde data from the OKX station in NYS, are combined with total water vapor obtained from a GPS MET station. These sondes are then time correlated with independent near surface RH measurements to address any bias issues that may occur due to imperfect calibration due to lidar overlap issues and SNR limitations in seeing the water vapor at high altitudes. In particular, we investigate the possibility of using ratio optical scatter measurements which eliminate the inherent problem of variable particle number and illustrate the sensitivity of different hygroscopic aerosols to these measurements.
Diffraction effects from (111) twist boundaries in gold

The structural characteristics of (111) twist boundaries in gold are investigated using a combination of x-ray diffraction and computer modeling techniques. Comparison of the measured scattering effects with those generated from EAM computer models reveals that the (111) boundary displacement field is weak, rotational in form and centered on O' lattice sites. Furthermore, the measured intensities of the strong O' lattice reflections decrease smoothly with increasing boundary angle up to 30{degree}, as calculated from the model. The effect of double positioning on the diffraction pattern and the structural analysis is discussed. 9 refs., 2 figs.
Characterization of a Novel Plasmid-Borne Thiopeptide Gene Cluster in Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain 115

Thiopeptides are small (12- to 17-amino-acid), heavily modified peptides of bacterial origin. This antibiotic family, with more than 100 known members, is characterized by the presence of sulfur-containing heterocyclic rings and dehydrated residues within a macrocyclic peptide structure. Thiopeptides, including micrococcin P1, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and even protozoa. Micrococcin P1 is known to target the ribosome; however, like those of other thiopeptides, its biosynthesis and mechanisms of self-immunity are poorly characterized. We have discovered an isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis harboring the genes for thiopeptide production and self-protection on a 24-kb plasmid. Here we report the characterization of this plasmid, identify the antimicrobial peptide that it encodes, and provide evidence of a target replacement-mediated mechanism of self-immunity.
An electron microscopic study of synaptic morphology in the oculomotor nuclei of three inframammalian species

The fine structure and distribution of synapses in the oculomotor nuclei of three inframammalian species (spiny boxfish Chilomycterus schoepfi, grass frog Rana pipiens, American chameleon Anolis carolilzensis) were studied by electron microscopy. Oculomotor neurons in Chilomycterus are approximately 40 μ in diameter, and have one or a few large dendrites which extend in a ventro- lateral direction and ramify in the tegmental neuropil. Axons establish numerous en passant synapses and sometimes extend into indentations in the surfaces of the motoneurons. Approximately one-sixth of synaptic profiles include regions of close membrane apposition (gap junctions). Presynaptic processes at these synapses contain electron-lucent and dense core vesicles. Similar synapses occur on fine dendrites in the neuropil but are rare. Somatosomatic and dendroden- dritic close appositions are not present, so that electrotonic coupling between oculomotor neurons occurs via a presynaptic pathway. Synapses commonly arise at nodes of Ranvier. Rana oculomotor nucleus consists of motoneurons about 30 p in diameter with one or a few dendrites which ramify in the ventrolateral neuro- pil, and smaller and less common multipolar interneurons. The two neuronal types differ in their relationships with glial elements. The majority of synapses on large neurons exhibit distinct synaptic clefts. Close membrane appositions are present at approximately 8% of synaptic contacts on large neurons, but are rare on small diameter dendrites. Subsynaptic cisterns are present at some synapses, but were never observed subjacent to close appositions. Axosomatic synapses are uncommon on the smaller interneurons. A cryptlike extension of the cerebral aqueduct separates contralateral oculomotor nuclei in Anolis. Oculomotor neu- rons in dorsolateral and ventromedial divisjons of the nucleus are multipolar and approximately 25 p in diameter. Large areas of the cell bodies are covered by glial lamellae, and axodendritic synapses predominate. At 5% of synapses on somata and proximal dendrites, there are close appositions. Subjunctional dense bodies are present at other synapses. Previous electrophysiological studies have demonstrated electrotonic coupling between homonymous oculomotor neurons, and between neurons and presynaptic fibers in teleosts. The present results pro- vide morphological evidence for electrotonic transmission in the oculomotor nuclei of three diverse species of vertebrates.
CONTOUR investigation launched

On 27 August, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe appointed a team to investigate the apparent loss of the Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft, which stopped communicating with the mission control operations on 15 August. On that date, CONTOUR failed to communicate following the firing of its main engine that would take it out of its orbit around the Earth. Shortly afterwards, the mission team received telescope images from several observatories showing two objects traveling along the spacecraft's predicted path. Those objects could be CONTOUR, and part of the spacecraft that may have separated from it when the spacecraft's solid rocket motor fired.
Paradoxical protection from atherosclerosis and thrombosis in a mouse model of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with vascular complications including premature stroke. The role of atherothrombosis in these vascular complications is unclear. To determine the effect of SCD on atherosclerosis and thrombosis, mice with SCD along with controls were generated by transplantation of bone marrow from mice carrying the homozygous sickle cell mutation (Hbbhβs/hβs) or wild-type mice (Hbb+/+) into C57BL6/J or apolipoprotein E deficient (Apoe−/−) recipient mice. At the time of sacrifice, 23–28 weeks following bone marrow transplantation, anaemia, reticulocytosis, and splenomegaly were present in mice receiving Hbbhβs/hβs bone marrow compared with control mice. Analysis of atherosclerosis involving the aortic root revealed reduced atherosclerotic lesion area with reduced macrophage content and increased collagen content in Apoe−/−, Hbbhβs/hβs mice compared to Apoe−/−, Hbb+/+ mice. In a carotid thrombosis model, the time to thrombosis was prolonged in Hbbhβs/hβs mice compared to Hbb+/+ mice. This apparent protective effect of SCD on atherosclerosis and thrombosis was diminished by inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) using zinc protoporphyrin IX. We conclude that SCD in mice is paradoxically protective against atherosclerosis and thrombosis, highlighting the complexity of vascular events in SCD. This protective effect is at least partially mediated by induction of HMOX1.
Malaria-Infected Mice Live until at Least Day 30 after a New Monomeric Trioxane Combined with Mefloquine Are Administered Together in a Single Low Oral Dose†

In only five simple steps and 48% overall yield from the natural trioxane artemisinin, the thermally and hydrolytically stable trioxane fluoroanilide 4b has been prepared. Upon one oral dose of only 6.8 mg/kg of monomeric trioxane 4b combined with 20 mg/kg of mefloquine hydrochloride, all of the malaria-infected mice lived until at least day 30 post infection. Of the five mice in this surviving group, four (80%) were completely cured (no parasites in their blood) and one mouse had 4% blood parasitemia. Importantly, the efficacy of this ACT chemotherapy using monomeric trioxane 4b plus mefloquine hydrochloride is considerably better than the efficacy under the same conditions using the popular trioxane drug artemether plus mefloquine hydrochloride.
Diffractive structure function in a quasiclassical approximation

We derive an expression for the diffractive ${F}_{2}$ structure function which should be valid at small x for quasielastic scattering on a hadron and for quasielastic scattering on a large nucleus. This expression includes multiple rescatterings of the quark-antiquark pair produced by the virtual photon off the sources of color charge in a quasiclassical approximation. We find that there is a relation between such diffractive production and inclusive processes. In the former, one averages over all colors of sources before squaring the amplitude, and in the latter one first squares the amplitude and then averages it in the hadron or nuclear wave function. We show that in the limit of a large virtuality of the photon ${Q}^{2}$ the diffractive structure function becomes linearly proportional to the gluon distribution of the hadron or nucleus, therefore proving that in this sense diffraction is a leading twist effect.
A MEMS-based approach to detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms for genetic disorder diagnosis

This paper presents an integrated, MEMS-based approach to the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This SNP detection approach aims to eliminate complicated fluidic control operations by using a single-chamber microfluidic device, which incorporates polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single base extension (SBE) on microbeads. Experimental results demonstrate that the device is capable of performing bead-based PCR, chemical elution, thermal elution, bead-based SBE, and on-chip desalting, which together potentially allow rapid, simple, accurate, multiplexed and highly efficient detection of SNPs.
Prevalence and Detection of Mixed Population Enterococcal Bacteremia

Mixed-population (heterogeneous) enterococcal bacteremia (MEB) is rarely reported. Based on one occasion in which Vitek2 missed a vancomycin-resistant subpopulation isolated from a patient, we developed a simple method to detect this subpopulation and determined MEB frequency. The four patients presented here had either Enterococcus faecium or Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia caused by both vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE). No prior common antibiotic therapy was observed, and bacteremia resolved with daptomycin, gentamicin, and/or linezolid treatment. In two cases, VRE presence was missed by Vitek2. To detect the VRE subpopulation, tryptic soy broth was inoculated from positive blood cultures and a saline suspension was inoculated to a vancomycin (6-μg/ml) (V6) plate. Two isolates from each patient were studied further. Relatedness was assessed by multilocus sequence typing, fitness was evaluated by growth curve and competition assays, and vanA presence was determined by PCR. MEB represented ∼5% of all enterococcal bacteremias. All VRE subpopulations grew on V6 plates but were missed in two instances by Vitek2. VRE and VSE isolates from each patient were closely related and did not differ in overall fitness. All four VRE isolates and 2/4 VSE isolates were vanA positive. MEBs occur regardless of prior antimicrobial therapy, are relatively common in our hospital, and are important to detect. As far as we know, this study is the first to report heterogeneous E. faecalis bacteremia. There is a simple method to detect VRE subpopulations that may be missed by Vitek2.
Viral genomic detection and outcome in myocarditis.

The Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry (PCMR) was established in 1996 and reported data on children enrolled at multiple sites within the United States between 1996 and 1999 [1]. Analysis of the data gathered retrospectively and prospectively in the PCMR suggests an overall incidence of cardiomyopathy of 1.13 per 100,000 children, with 51% having DCM, 42% having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 3% other forms, and the remaining 4% unspecified [1]. The most common age at presentation was less than 1 year (41%), with 12 to 18 years of age next most common (29%). Children 1 to 5 years (15%) and 6 to 11 years of age (14%) were represented nearly equally. Of the cases of DCM where a primary cause could be identified, 27% were a result of biopsyconfirmed myocarditis. Similar data were reported from an Australian study of cases enrolled over a 10-year period [2], which found an annual incidence of cardiomyopathy of 1.24 per 100,000 children under the age of 10 years; 59% were caused by DCM, and of these, 40% had myocarditis. Myocarditis is an ‘‘inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart.’’ In 1984 a group of pathologists meeting in Dallas attempted to define this broad term as ‘‘a process characterized by inflammatory infiltrate of the myocardium with necrosis or degeneration of adjacent myocytes not typical of the ischemic damage associated with coronary artery disease’’ [3].
Coordination of cell proliferation and cell fate decisions in the angiosperm shoot apical meristem.

A unique feature of flowering plants is their ability to produce organs continuously, for hundreds of years in some species, from actively growing tips called apical meristems. All plants possess at least one form of apical meristem, whose cells are functionally analogous to animal stem cells because they can generate specialized organs and tissues. The shoot apical meristem of angiosperm plants acts as a continuous source of pluripotent stem cells, whose descendents become incorporated into organ primordia and acquire different fates. Recent studies are unveiling some of the molecular pathways that specify stem cell fate in the center of the shoot apical meristem, that confer organ founder cell fate on the periphery, and that connect meristem patterning elements with events at the cellular level. The results are providing important insights into the mechanisms through which shoot apical meristems integrate cell fate decisions with cellular proliferation and global regulation of growth and development.
Optimization of chemical shift selective suppression of fat

Strategies to optimize flip angles for chemical shift selective fat suppression are discussed. Mathematical models for fat suppression in spoiled gradient recalled acquisition, spin echo, and RARE, which incorporate steady state conditions and multiple spectral components of fat, are developed. The optimal suppression flip angle is found to be larger than that determined with a single fat component model by more than 10 degrees due to contributions from unflipped components such as olefinic and glycerol protons that lie outside the suppression band.
Phosphorus-Nitrogen Compounds III. Phenyl Esters of N-Tolyl-and N-Pyridylthiocarbamylphosphoramidic Acids

The preparation of phosphoramidates containing moieties with potential antimetabolic activity is reported. Hydrolytic decomposition products obtained in the attempted isolation and purification of some of these compounds are also described.
Effects of prolonged loud reading on selected measures of vocal function in trained and untrained singers

Summary This study investigated the effects of prolonged loud reading on the singing and speaking voice. Subjects consisted of 26 trained female singers and 24 musically untrained women, who read aloud for 1 h at 80% of their speaking intensity range. Pre- and posttest measures were made on a variety of voice samples elicited during speaking and singing tasks. Acoustic analyses of these samples included fundamental frequency (F 0 ), intensity, jitter ratio, shimmer, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Results revealed a general pattern of consistency between pre- to posttest measures for trained singers, whereas the untrained subjects' posttest measures showed higher jitter ratios and lower SNRs. It was concluded that 1 h of constant loud reading has little effect on the speaking voices of trained singers, although challenging singing tasks may be affected. The voices of untrained singers appeared to be more negatively affected by the hour of loud and constant reading.
Taking it to the next interface level: Advancing game design for higher education STEM applications

Despite the demand for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals and their role in driving innovation and economic growth, literature consistently reports that less than forty percent of students in the United States starting out in a STEM college program complete their degree. One way to increase the pipeline of STEM professionals in the near-term is to increase the retention rates of students pursuing STEM degree programs. It is well-established that a key component of achievement in STEM-related curricula at every level (elementary, secondary, or post-secondary) is the student's degree of engagement with the subject matter. This work details the development of a game platform that integrates undergraduate STEM content in a compelling and holistic fashion in which users can navigate the environment using natural gestures. Recognizing that the inclusion of games in educational contexts is a broad area of ongoing study, the authors confine the scope of this project to the development of advanced game systems for higher education STEM applications.
Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of alkaline-earth metallocenes with pendant substituents

Deprotonation of [(2-C5H4N)CH2CMe2]C5H5 ( = HCppy) and CH3OCH2CH2C5H5 (= HCp§) with Ae[N(SiMe3)2]2 (Ae = Ca, Sr. Ba) in toluene produces the corresponding metallocenes, Cp'2Ae, in high yield. 1H NMR data reveal that the calcium complex (Cppy)2Ca does not bind tetrahydrofuran. The solid state structures of (Cppy)2Sr and (Cp§)2Ca were obtained by single crystal X-ray analysis, and found to be monomeric, with the Lewis base substituents on the cyclopentadienyl rings coordinated to the metal centers. Crystals of (Cppy)2Sr grown from toluene are orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, with a = 11.988(4) A, b = 16.141(4) A, 12.572(4) A, V = 2433(1) A3, Z = 4, R = 0.038, Rw = 0.043 based on 635 observed reflections. The complex possesses a bent metallocene geometry and contains a crystallographically imposed two-fold rotation axis passing through the strontium. The average Sr-C and Sr-N distances are 2.85(1) and 2.660(7) A respectively, and the ring centroid-Sr-ring centroid angle is 141.1°. Crystals of (Cp§)2Ca grown from toluene are monoclinic, space group P 21/n, with a = 6.912(4) A, b = 15.114(2) A, c = 15.435(3), s = l00.34(2)°, V = 1586.3(9) A3, Z = 4, R = 0.041, Rw = 0.048 based on 1318 observed reflections. The complex also has a bent metallocene geometry, with average Ca-C and Ca-O distances are 2.670(6) and 2.407(3) A respectively; the ring centroid-Ca-ring centroid angle is 136.6°.
Knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS among community-living older women: reexamining issues of age and gender.

ABSTRACT Although older women face unique risks related to HIV/AIDS, little empirical data is available regarding HIV/AIDS among women over the age of 65. In the present study, 160 community-living older women and men completed questionnaires regarding knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS. Findings showed that although older women were less likely to talk to their physician about HIV than men, they maintained greater knowledge and generally dispelled myths about viral transmission. However, most older women believed that HIV/AIDS had limited personal relevance, possessed virtually no knowledge of age and gender specific risk factors, and professed HIV-associated stigma. These findings highlight the need for gender and age specific prevention programs.
On the Relationship between Zero-sums and Zero-divisors of Semirings

Abstract. In this article, we generalize a well-known result of Hebisch and Weinert thatstates that a ﬁnite semidomain is either zerosumfree or a ring. Speciﬁcally, we show thatthe class of commutative semirings S such that S has nonzero characteristic and everyzero-divisor of S is nilpotent can be partitioned into zerosumfree semirings and rings. Inaddition, we demonstrate that if S is a ﬁnite commutative semiring such that the set ofzero-divisors of S forms a subtractive ideal of S, then either every zero-sum of S is nilpo-tent or S must be a ring. An example is given to establish the existence of semirings in thislatter category with both nontrivial zero-sums and zero-divisors that are not nilpotent. 1. IntroductionThis article is devoted to an exploration of how ideal-theoretic considerations incommutative semirings, particularly ﬁnite commutative semirings, impact the mul-tiplicative behavior of those elements of the semiring that have additive inversesin the semiring. The general question as to the algebraic nature of these so-called“zero-sums” of a semiring is one of the most central in the theory of semirings. Weare especially motivated by a result of Hebisch and Weinert [9, Corollary 3.4, p. 81]that establishes that the class of ﬁnite semidomains can be partitioned by the an-tipodal properties of being zerosumfree (that is, only the zero element is a zero-sumof the semiring) and being a ring (where, by deﬁnition, every element is a zero-sumof the semiring). Of course, there exist inﬁnite semidomains with nontrivial zero-sums that are not rings; for example, the polynomial semiring XZ[X] + N, where
Criminal justice education in relation to law school expectation: A failure of confidence

This paper discusses the findings from a survey of admissions officers at law schools in the United States. Deans of Admission (N=119) were asked a variety of questions pertaining to how the undergraduate criminal justice major is perceived in relation to the adequacy of the academic preparation it provides for individuals applying and/or currently attending law school. The findings suggest that the criminal justice major is not perceived as adequate preparation for law school education by the Deans of Admission. Results are discussed within the context of the criminal justice curricula standards recommended by the academic review committee of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.