cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N-O Chemistry for Antibiotics: Discovery of N-Alkyl-N-(pyridin-2-yl)hydroxylamine Scaffolds as Selective Antibacterial Agents Using Nitroso Diels-Alder and Ene Chemistry

The discovery, syntheses, and structure–activity relationships (SAR) of a new family of heterocyclic antibacterial compounds based on N-alkyl-N-(pyridin-2-yl)hydroxylamine scaffolds are described. A structurally diverse library of ∼100 heterocyclic molecules generated from Lewis acid-mediated nucleophilic ring-opening reactions with nitroso Diels–Alder cycloadducts and nitroso ene reactions with substituted alkenes was evaluated in whole cell antibacterial assays. Compounds containing the N-alkyl-N-(pyridin-2-yl)hydroxylamine structure demonstrated selective and potent antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240 (MIC90 = 2.0 μM or 0.41 μg/mL) and moderate activity against other Gram-positive strains including antibiotic resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). A new synthetic route to the active core was developed using palladium-catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination reactions of N-alkyl-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxylamines...
Determination of three-dimensional temperature fields in multiply connected orthotropic bodies under heating with heat sources and flows

We present an algorithm for calculating temperature fields in orthotropic bodies of complex shape, which is based on the method of integral equations. To develop the algorithm, the heat conduction boundary-value problem for orthotropic bodies is preliminarily reduced to the corresponding heat conduction problems for isotropic bodies with modified boundary conditions and heat sources. An investigation of the influence of anisotropy on temperature fields in a bounded and an infinite body with a cavity that are heated by heat sources and flows is performed.
Estimation of the Probability that Y<X

Abstract The problem of estimating θ = Pr[Y < X] has been considered in the literature in both distribution-free and parametric frameworks. In this article, using a Bayesian approach, we consider the estimation of θ from two approaches. The first, analogous to the classical procedure, is concerned with the problem of parametric estimation. The second, peculiar to the Bayesian approach, is directed to the query, “For two future observations, × and Y, what is the probability (given only the available sample data) that Y is less than X” This probability, termed the predictive probability, is not an estimate but is, in fact, a probability. These two views are related in that this predictive probability is the mean of the posterior distribution of θ. In the following sections, these Bayesian procedures are applied to the case of independent exponentially distributed random variables and to various cases of the normal distribution. The Bayesian estimates thus obtained are compared, whenever possible, with their...
Evidence for S1/S2 electronic state mixing in the S1 ←l S0 fluorescence excitation spectrum of 1-naphthol

Abstract Rotationally resolved fluorescence excitation spectra of two vibronic bands at ΔE = 410.5 and 414.9 cm −1 in the S 1 ← S 0 electronic transition of trans -1-naphthol have been recorded and analyzed. The analysis reveals that the in-plane transition dipole moment of the 410 cm −1 band makes an angle of −36° with the a inertial axis, the same as the origin band, whereas the corresponding angle of the 414 cm −1 band is +55°. Additionally, the spectrum of the 414 cm −1 band is perturbed. These effects are attributed to a coupling of the 414 cm −1 vibrational level of the S 1 electronic state to the S 2 electronic state which may influence the proton transfer behavior of 1-napththol.
Methylation analysis of cell-wall material from parenchymatous tissues of phaseolus vulgaris and phaseolus coccineus

Abstract Cell-wall material (CWM) from parenchymatous tissues of pods of dwarf french and runner beans was prepared by sequentially extracting the wet ball-milled tissues with 1% aqueous sodium deoxycholate, phenol-acetic acid-water, and 90% aqueous dimethyl sulphoxide. The overall monosaccharide compositions of the preparations were similar, and each contained small but significant amounts of hydroxyprolinerich glycoproteins. Methylation analysis of the CWM revealed the following main glycosidic linkages in descending order of concentration: 4-linked galacturonic acid, 4-linked glucose, 4-linked galactose, 5-linked arabinose, 2-linked rhamnose, and 4-linked xylose. The major branch-points were those through C-6 of glucose, C-3 of arabinose, and C-4 of rhamnose. Arabinose, xylose, and galactose constituted the non-reducing end-groups. The general structural features of the CWM are discussed.
Time-domain modeling and validation of overcurrent/reclosing relay operation

The goal of this work is to develop and validate a time-domain simulation model which can emulate the reclosing capabilities of an overcurrent and reclosing relay. The model is capable of performing multiple reclosing shots and can be programmed to operate on standard TCC curves by specifying the desired equations. The duration of the reclose intervals can also be specified. The performance of the model is compared to the performance of the reclosing relay by simulating the same fault scenarios on each and comparing the resulting fault current waveforms. Specifically, the operating times of the time-overcurrent trip function and duration of the reclose intervals are compared. The operating times are also compared with the theoretical values from the TCC curve equations. The accuracy of the reclosing relay model is compared to the actual relay for similar fault scenarios. The results show that both the model and the reclosing relay operate close to the expected theoretical values.
Modified superheating of purified water.

Purified water, intensively redistilled and allowed to overflow so as to shed residual adsorbate from the container, acquires a limiting thermal sensitivity to additions of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols. Thus two to three molecules of cis-13-docosenoic acid supplied for each 1000 molecules of exposed surface of water held quietly at the normal boiling point increases the superheat, Δtg, by 10 percent.
Review of drug analysis with direct serum injection on the HPLC column

Abstract Contrary to the expectations of the past decade, routine therapeutic drug monitoring by HPLC failed to expand. Although more extensive to perform, immunoassays have dominated the market for drug analysis in the last few years. This is attributed to the lengthy sample preparation needed for HPLC. However, HPLC remains the main method for therapeutic drug monitoring of the uncommon drugs and their metabolites. The method of direct serum injection on the column simplifies HPLC as an analytical technique and enables full automation. Advantages and disadvantages of this method of analysis are discussed. This review tries to summarize the different approaches for direct serum injection on the HPLC column: 1) Guard columns, 2) Micellar chromatography, 3) Internal surface reversed-phase chromatography, 4) Column switching, and 5) Wide-pore (protein) columns. With direct serum injection, the pH of the mobile phase is very critical for separating the drug of choice from the endogenous substances found in s...
Interactions between calcium antagonists, calcium fluxes and anthracycline transport.

Summary The calcium antagonists verapamil and nifedipine promote responsiveness to anthracyclines in certain drug-resistant cell lines. Their mode of action involves inhibition of anthracycline exodus, leading to promotion of intracellular drug retention. We examined the relationship between calcium fluxes and anthracycline responsiveness in the P388 murine leukemia, and in a drug-resistant sub-line, P388/ADR. Verapamil and nifedipine promoted daunorubicin accumulation by P388/ADR cells, but this occurred regardless of extracellular calcium concentration and did not involve perturbation of calcium transport. We conclude that these agents promote drug retention via mechanisms not related to calcium ion fluxes.
Surface Characterization of Laser-Ablated Polymers Used for Microfluidics

Fabrication of microfluidic devices by excimer laser ablation under different atmospheres may provide variations in polymer microchannel surface characteristics. The surface chemistry and electroosmotic (EO) mobility of polymer microchannels laser ablated under different atmospheres were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and current monitoring mobility measurements, respectively. The ablated surfaces of PMMA were very similar to the native material, regardless of ablation atmospheres due to the negligible absorption of 248-nm light by that polymer. The substrates studied that exhibit nonnegligible absorption at this energy, namely, poly(ethylene terephthalate glycol), poly(vinyl chloride), and poly(carbonate), showed significant changes in surface chemistry and EO mobility when the ablation atmospheres were varied. Ablation of these three polymer substrates under nitrogen or argon resulted in low EO mobilities with a loss of the well-defined chemical structures of the native surfaces, while ablation under oxygen yielded surfaces that retained native chemical structures and supported higher EO mobilities.
Relationship between the embedded-atom method and Tersoff potentials.

A Comment on the Letter by M. S. Daw and M. I. Baskes, Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 1285 (1983) and J. Tersoff, Phys. Rev. Lett. 56, 632 (1986).
The Perceived Value of Direct and Indirect Influence Strategies: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

In this study, we assessed the generalizability of the Western preference for direct versus indirect influence strategies and its relation to participant sex, perceptions of participant power, and concerns for politeness among a sample of 138 American, 41 Japanese, and 44 Korean female and male college students. Regardless of cultural group or participant sex, direct strategies were reported as first choice strategies, whereas indirect strategies were cited as strategies of last resort. Participant power, not participant sex, was predictive of the students' reported strategy use. Although the American, Japanese, and Korean students were more similar than different on measures of perceived power and frequency of strategy use, concerns for politeness were reflected in the Japanese and Korean students' less confrontational strategy style.
Dynamical layer decoupling in a stripe-ordered high-T(c) superconductor.

In the stripe-ordered state of a strongly-correlated two-dimensional electronic system, under a set of special circumstances, the superconducting condensate, like the magnetic order, can occur at a non-zero wave-vector corresponding to a spatial period double that of the charge order. In this case, the Josephson coupling between near neighbor planes, especially in a crystal with the special structure of La{sub 2-x}Ba{sub x}CuO{sub 4}, vanishes identically. We propose that this is the underlying cause of the dynamical decoupling of the layers recently observed in transport measurements at x = 1/8.
3-D determination of the location and absolute amount of sp2 and sp3 bound carbon and stress components in CVD diamond films using multi-color polarized Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Various individual diamond crystals within polycrystalline diamond films deposited by the MPACVD technique were measured in all three dimensions using confocal multi-color polarized Raman spectroscopy, which allows unambiguous determination of the amount and location of sp 2 and sp 3 bound carbon as well as stress components. Cross-sections clearly resemble the various growth sectors, which are shaped like inverted pyramids. Stress found in the [100] growth sector is compressive while stress found in the [111] growth sector is tensile. The best diamond quality in terms of least amount of stress and sp 2 bound carbon can be found in the apex of the [100] growth pyramid.
Simplified laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair: the scroll technique.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair can be technically challenging. We herein present a simplified technique of laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair. Methods This technique entails fixation of the rolled mesh to the anterior abdominal wall before unfolding it, each side of the mesh is unfolded and fixed individually using transfascial sutures and tacks. Results This technique was used in 3 patients; The average time for mesh placement was about 30 minutes. The mean length of stay was 2 days. Apart from 1 patient who developed a transient postoperative seroma, there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions This technique of mesh placement minimizes intracorporeal mesh manipulation, facilitates fixation of the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall, and provides adequate coverage to the hernia defect while hosting the colostomy without restriction.
Optimization of Oxygen Parameters for Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen in Biochar Materials

Recently, there has been increased focus on biochar materials due to their ability to sequester carbon for long-term in soil. In the production of biochar or charcoal, plant biomass is heated in a low or no oxygen environment. This process results in a product with unique characteristics. But there is limited research on the standardization of methods for determining total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the biochar materials whose properties vary by feedstock type and pyrolytic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the oxygen dosing time (OT) and dose (OD) for total organic carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN) analysis in biochar materials by dry combustion method (using Vario Max CNS analyzer). Central composite rotatable design was used to determine the effect of five levels of oxygen dosing time (OT) and dosing level (OD) on measurement of total carbon and total nitrogen in four types of plant originated biochars. OT and OD level interaction had significant impact on the measurement of TC a...
Growth and accretion of continental crust: Inferences based on Laurentia

Nd isotopic data and U-Pb zircon ages from Laurentia (North America and the Baltic Shield) indicate that continental growth (extraction from the mantle) and accretion (collision of arcs and microcontinents) have been episodic with maxima at 2.7, 1.9, 1.8 and 1.7 Ga ago and a major period of accretion at ∼ 1.9 Ga ago. In general, accretion follows mantle extraction by <100 Ma. Archean and Early Proterozoic continental growth rates are 0.5–0.7 km3 a−1, whereas Late Proterozoic and Phanerozoic rates are 0.2–0.3 km3 a−1. Laurentia reached 40% of its present volume by the end of the Archean and 75% by 1.6 Ga ago. Reworking of continental crust does not become significant until after 1.2 Ga. Calculated worldwide continental growth rates for the Late Archean, Early Proterozoic and Late Proterozoic-Phanerozoic are ∼3, ∼1.5 and ∼ 1.1km3 a−1, respectively. These rates are in good agreement with growth rates predicted by assuming that continental growth rate is proportional to the decrease in radiogenic heat production in the Earth with time.
Automated spatial filter station for bubble film characterization

A fully automated spatial filter station for bubble film static characterizations is described. The spatial filter is used to measure the diffraction angles of a laser beam transmitted through the bubble film under measurement. The demagnetized domain stripe width is calculated from the first-order diffraction angle for the bubble film under zero bias field, and the saturation magnetization is derived from the bias field which induces a domain periodicity corresponding to a certain value of magnetization in the film. The whole measurement process has been automated, which takes about one minute per wafer, with a precision for domain stripe width better than 0.5 percent and that for saturation magnetization 1 percent.
Selection of Optimum Reflectance Ratios for Estimating Leaf Nitrogen and Chlorophyll Concentrations of Field-Grown Cotton

Leaf N and chlorophyll (Chl) concentrations of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) are important indicators of plant N status. Laboratory determinations of plant tissue N are time consuming and costly. Measurements of leaf reflectance may provide a rapid and accurate means of estimating leaf N and Chl. Studies were conducted to determine the relationships between leaf hyperspectral reflectance (400-2500 nm) and Chl or N concentration in field-grown cotton. One study consisted of four N rates of 0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha -1 , and another study consisted of four mepiquat chloride (MC) rates of 0, 0.59, 1.17, and 2.34 L MC ha -1 . Chlorophyll and N concentrations and reflectance of uppermost, fully expanded mainstem leaves were measured throughout the growing seasons. Reflectance at 556 and 710 nm increased significantly as N fertilizer rate decreased. Averaged across years and sampling dates, the percentage increase in reflectance at these two wavelengths was 8, 10, and 19% greater in the 112, 56, and 0 kg N ha -1 treatments, respectively, compared with the 168 kg N ha -1 treatment. The effect of MC on leaf reflectance was more complex than the N effect. In both the N and MC studies, a linear relationship was found between leaf N and a simple ratio of leaf reflectance at 517 and 413 nm (R 517 /R 413 ) (r 2 = 0.65-0.78***). Leaf Chl concentration was associated closely with reflectance ratios of either R 708 /R 915 or R 551 /R 915 (r 2 = 0.67-0.76***). Our results suggest leaf reflectance can be used for real-time monitoring of cotton plant N status and N fertilizer management in the field.
Improved Outcomes after Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: Twenty Years Experience at a Single Institution

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the survival of pediatric patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (auBMT) for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (rrHL) and to identify factors that might contribute to their outcome. We reviewed the records and clinical course of 89 consecutive rrHL patients ≤ 21 years old who underwent auBMT at Stanford Hospitals and Clinics and the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford between 1989 and 2012. We investigated, by multiple analyses, patient, disease, and treatment characteristics associated with outcome. Endpoints were 5-year overall and event-free survival. Our findings include that cyclophosphamide, carmustine, and etoposide (CBV) as a conditioning regimen for auBMT is effective for most patients ≤ 21 years old with rrHL (5-year overall survival, 71%). Transplantation after the year 2001 was associated with significantly improved overall survival compared with our earlier experience (80% compared with 65%). Patients with multiply relapsed disease or with disease not responsive to initial therapy fared less well compared with those with response to initial therapy or after first relapse. Administration of post-auBMT consolidative radiotherapy (cRT) also appears to contribute to improved survival. We are able to conclude that high-dose chemotherapy with CBV followed by auBMT is effective for the treatment of rrHL in children and adolescents. Survival for patients who undergo auBMT for rrHL has improved significantly. This improvement may be because of patient selection and improvements in utilization of radiotherapy rather than improvements in chemotherapy. Further investigation is needed to describe the role of auBMT across the entire spectrum of patients with rrHL and to identify the most appropriate preparative regimen with or without cRT therapy in the treatment of rrHL in young patients.
Sediment Diatom Species and Community Response to Nitrogen Addition in Oregon (USA) Estuarine Tidal Wetlands

Sediment microalgae play an important role in nutrient cycling and are important primary producers in the food web in Pacific Northwest estuaries. This study examines the effects of nitrogen addition to benthic microalgae in tidal wetlands of Yaquina Bay estuary on the Oregon coast, USA. Liquid nitrogen fertilizers (0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 gN/m2/wk during the first year of the study, and increased to 0, 15.6, 62.5, and 156 gN/m2/wk during the second year of the study) were applied weekly to four salt marshes in Yaquina Bay for two summers (2009 and 2010). Diatom species and community parameters were analyzed in response to nitrogen addition in early and late summer 2010. Nitrogen addition (N) had a significant effect on species composition and community parameters. Amphora spp. and Nitzschia palea were more dominant with higher N, while Navicula gregaria and Navicula phyllepta were more dominant with lower N. Species diversity and richness were significantly higher (p < 0.05) with lower N (3.1 ± 0.1; 40.0 ± 3.3) compared with higher N (2.4 ± 0.5; 34.5 ± 3.0). NMDS ordination displayed shifts in overall diatom assemblage with time and with N. Results suggest the microalgal communities are limited by nitrogen levels and therefore may be susceptible to changes in nitrogen loading to these systems.
Cognitive and creative test generators

No one in education would deny the desirability of being able to produce quizzes and tests by machine. If one is careful and mechanically inclined, a teacher can build up, over a period of time, a bank of questions which can be used in a computer aided test production system. Questions can be drawn from the question (or item) bank on various bases such as random, subject area, level of difficulty, type of question, behavioral objective, or other pertinent characteristic. However, such an item bank requires constant maintenance and new questions should periodically be added.
THE V4 BAND OF FNO2

We report the first high resolution infrared spectra of nitryl fluoride, FNO(sub 2). The intense V(sub 4) band, associated with the NO(sub 2) antisymmetric streteching vibration, has been observed.
Enhanced thermochemical nonequilibrium computations of flow around the aeroassist flight experiment vehicle

A three-dimensional explicit, finite-rate, shock-capturing numerical algorithm is used to calculate thermochemical nonequilibrium flowfields about the Aeroassist Flight Experiment vehicle at one of its flight trajectory points. The full Navier-Stokes equations and an eleven species chemical model with the latest reaction rates are incorporated into the code. Results are compared against experimental data and other numerical solutions. The effects of changes to the physical model on the stagnation line and base region flow and surface quantities on the forebody are investigated.
Accounting student characteristics: Results of the 1993 and 1994 Federation of Schools of Accountancy (FSA) surveys

Abstract This paper updates a special study on accounting student quality, including provenance (“Where do our accounting graduates come from?”) and scholastic rankings, initiated in 1991 by the Data Base Committee of the Federation of Schools of Accountancy (FSA). Initial findings, based on a survey of accounting majors at 29 FSA schools administered during spring semester 1991, appeared in the fall 1992 issue of the Journal of Accounting Education (Vol. 10, pp. 25–37). Findings of the 1992 survey, which involved responses from accounting majors at 26 FSA schools, appear in a comparative format below. In general, the 1992 data show only minor variations from the 1991 data.
Computing character degrees in p-groups

This paper presents a reeursive procedure for computing the degrees of the irreducible complex characters of a finite p-group by working up a central series in the group. A program written in the computer group theory language CAVLE7 is presented which implements this algorithm assuming that the p-group is given in terms of a power-commutator presentation. Some times for sample runs are presented which indicate that the CAYLEY implementation is effective for groups of order up to p^1^5 for small primes. In particular, this approach seems to produce the character degrees much faster than using CAYLEY,''S built-in character table function and reading off the degrees.
Protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury by high-density lipoprotein and its components.

Identification of Apolipoprotein D as a Cardioprotective Gene Using a Mouse Model of Lethal Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease Tsukamoto et al Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A . 2013;110:17023–17028. Apolipoprotein D is expressed in many tissues after injury, such as reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction. Antioxidant activity of apolipoprotein D appears to confer cardioprotective properties after myocardial infarction in a mouse model of severe rapidly progressing coronary atherosclerosis and in a mouse model of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Mice with homozygous-null mutations in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and also with homozygous-null mutations in apolipoprotein E (apoE) experience development of severe occlusive coronary atherosclerosis and have myocardial infarction (MI) starting at approximately 31 days after birth. By 42 days after birth, ≈50% have died from cardiac causes. Tsukamoto et al1 studied myocardial gene expression before MI (21 days after birth) and at 31 and 43 days after birth in these mice (SR-BI−/−/apoE−/−). The expression of the gene for osteopontin increased 416-fold, and the gene for apoD increased 80-fold. Because it had previously been reported that the gene for osteopontin increased post-MI,2–5 the authors concentrated on the study of apoD. In an ischemia/reperfusion injury model, adenoviral expression of apoD in the liver was associated with high plasma apoD levels and reduced MI size. In contrast, deficiency of apoD (in apoD-null mice) was associated with increased MI size. The ability of apoD to protect cultured rat cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury correlated with the ability of apoD to inhibit oxidation in an in vitro antioxidant assay, suggesting that the antioxidant properties of apoD are important in mediating its cardioprotective properties. The authors determined the time course …
Topoisomerases as Novel Targets for Cancer Chemotherapy

Topoisomerase II has been identified as the primary cellular target for a number of antitumor drugs currently being used in cancer chemotherapy. Topoisomerase I has also been found to be the target of camptothecin, an antitumor drug currently under development. Topoisomerases normally solve the topological problems of DN A, which are generated during replication, transcription and recombination, by breaking and rejoining the DNA strands. Topoisomerase-active antitumor drugs interfere with the breakage and rejoining reaction of topoisomerases by trapping an abortive enzyme-DNA “cleavable complex”. The formation of drug-induced “cleavable complexes” effectively converts the enzyme into a cellular poison. The high cellular level of topoisomerase II in some tumors may partly explain the high therapeutic index of these antitumor drugs. Studies of this type of DNA lesion are likely to provide important new information concerning the mechanism of cell killing by antitumor drugs.
Growth and mortality of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) on constructed intertidal reefs: effects of tidal height and substrate level

Abstract Intertidal oyster reefs, 3-dimensional structures created by years of successive settlement of larval oysters on adult oyster shells, provide levels of surface and interstitial heterogeneity that are rare in marine ecosystems. Surprisingly, little is known about the ecological benefits for oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in these aerially exposed, structurally complex systems. In this study a 210 m×30 m intertidal reef was constructed. During three, 28-day sampling periods in the summer and early fall, growth and mortality of two size classes of oysters placed in cages at three tidal heights (25 cm above mean low water (MLW), MLW, and 90 cm below MLW) and at two substrate levels (reef surface and 10 cm below the reef surface) within the reef setting were examined. Mid-intertidal oysters residing within the reef interstices grew faster and enjoyed greater survival than mid-intertidal oysters at the reef surface during certain times of the year. Conversely, subtidal oysters inhabiting subsurface environments did not grow faster than surface dwelling subtidal oysters, but some oysters within the reef fabric (larger size class) experienced significantly higher survival. Along a tidal continuum, oysters at the reef surface grew best in subtidal locations, yet experienced the lowest mortalities in the low intertidal zone (MLW). Reef heterogeneity, which allows for residence along both interstitial and tidal gradients, may provide physical and biological refugia for oysters and furnish ideal spatial platforms for growth. Therefore, location within the reef habitat has a significant impact on the biology and ecology of C. virginica.
Recovery of Calcium Carbonate and Hydrogen Sulfide from Waste Calcium Sulfide

The removal of H2S from hot coal gas using a limestone-based sorbent generates a large quantity of calcium sulfide waste (e.g., 67 tons/day from the gasification of 1000 tons/day of 3% S coal) that cannot be landfilled because of potential H2S evolution and sulfide leaching. In the process proposed here, the CaS is dissolved by reaction with H2S complexed with aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) or other alkanolamines. In the second step, the highly soluble Ca(HS)2 reacts readily with CO2, also complexed with aqueous MDEA, to precipitate pure CaCO3 of uniform crystal size and to form MDEA-complexed H2S in solution. The solution from step 2 is splithalf is recycled to step 1 and half is sent to a stripper to recover H2S and from there to a column where the needed CO2 is absorbed from a combustion gas.
Incompatibility of recycled soy-derived biodiesels in marine environments

It has been suggested that renewable energy sources be considered as replacements or blending stocks for middle-distillate ground transportation and marine fuels. It is vital for the operational considerations of these fuels to investigate the many positives and negatives that this use could prompt. Unlike air environments, water environments also have a pH factor that has to be considered. Most U.S. Navy shipboard fuel tanks compensate for diminishing fuel by the addition of seawater to the fuel tank. It was found that this practice would lead to fuel instability problems such as filter plugging and potentially other serious engine damage.
Nanorobotic end-effectors: Design, fabrication, and in situ characterization

This paper reports three types of nanorobotic end-effectors: m@CNTs-based sphere-on-pillar (SOP) optical nanoantennas, nanotube fountain pen, and m@CNTs-based tunneling nanosensor. The fabrication method of the m@CNTs-based SOP optical nanoantennas we developed has potentials in the investigation of nano-optics and nano-photonics due to its feasibility in preparing such devices. Nanotube fountain pen (NFP) illustrates the practical applications in the direct fabrication of nanostructures from 0 to 3D, which is of critical importance in the future fast-prototype of nanodevices. The m@CNTs-based tunneling nanosensor provides a new design in measuring force/displacement in nanoscale, opening a new ground in developing nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS). These three end-effectors enable new functions for the nanorobotic manipulators and extending people's ability in exploring the world in nanoscale.
SURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVE STUDIES OF DEFECTS IN ELECTRON IRRADIATED GaAs

Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) provide a means of studying low temperature anelastic relaxations of crystal defects produced by irradiation. Due to their confinement near the surface where radiation induced defect concentrations are highest. SAW are more sensitive than bulk ultrasonic waves in these investigations. Furthermore, for piezoelectric materials, the use of photolithographically deposited interdigital SAW transducers eliminates the ubiquitous ultrasonic bond problem faced in bulk wave experiments, facilitating annealing studies. Results are reported for 2.5 MeV electron irradiated GaAs. Two peaks in attenuation versus temperature were observed both with SAW and with bulk waves.
Assessing Long-Term Outcomes of an Intervention Designed for Pregnant Incarcerated Women

Objectives: Approximately 25% of women are pregnant or postpartum when they enter prison. This study assesses a system-level intervention that prevented the separation of mothers and infants at birth, allowing them to reside together in an alternative community setting. Method: Longitudinal analysis of several state-level administrative databases compares the intervention (n = 48) group to the ‘‘treatment as usual’’ group (n = 36), over a 10-year period. Results: Preliminary analyses reveal few between-group differences and illuminate the presence of informal caregivers that were outside the scope of our data. Conclusions: Although 70% of the children remain legally attached to their mothers, further study is required to account for data limitations and to determine whether time to negative events differed between groups.
A Short Method for the Isolation of Somatotrophs from the Rat Pituitary Gland

Application of a density gradient centrifugation procedure for the isolation of somatotrophs from dispersed rat anterior pituitary cells is described. Two sequential discontinuous gradients of bovine serum albumin are used to enrich the somatotroph population from a frequency of 38% in the initial cell suspension to a final purity of 85%. The isolated somatotrophs retain both histochemical and ultrastructural integrity throughout the isolation procedure. The isolated somatotrophs also release immunoassayable growth hormone when incubated with 6 mM dibutyryl 3',5'-cyclic AMP. The method offers the advantages of being both simple and short.
Electron transmission spectra of carbonyl fluoride: Determination of the vertical electron affinity

Abstract The electron transmission (ET) spectrum of carbonyl fluoride is reported. The vertical electron affinity of carbonyl fluoride is found to be −1.85±0.05 eV as compared to −0.86 eV for formaldehyde. The ET spectrum of carbonyl fluoride, unlike that of formaldehyde, does not display sharp structure due to nuclear motion.
Development and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Alaska blackfish (Esociformes: Dallia pectoralis)

Blackfishes (Esociformes: Esocidae: Dallia), small fishes with relictual distributions, are unique in being the only primary freshwater fish genus endemic to Beringia. Although the number of species of Dallia is debated, disjunct populations and distinct mitochondrial divisions that predate the end of the last glacial maximum are apparent. We developed sixteen polymorphic microsatellites from the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) to study genetic diversity in Dallia. Genotypes from two populations, Denali (n = 31) and Bethel (n = 35), demonstrated the usefulness of the loci for population-level investigation. Observed and expected heterozygosity averaged 18.6 and 19.8 % in Denali and 61.1 and 63.7 % in Bethel. Number of alleles at each locus averaged 3.50 in Denali and 9.63 in Bethel. The observed signature of variability and structuring between populations is consistent with mitochondrial data.
Receiver Architecture for Channel-Aided, OOK, APD-Based FSO Communications Through Turbulent Atmosphere

The problem of optimum signal detection for the channel-aided free-space optics (FSO) communications is addressed. It is assumed that the avalanced-photo-detection (APD) is utilized for the direct-detection (DD) of on-off-keying (OOK) signals impaired by optical turbulence. The average primary photon count due to the background radiation is assumed to be large enough to allow for a Gaussian operation for the APD receiver. In the presence of large signal fluctuations, it is shown that the optimum structure, motivated by the maximum a-posteriori (MAP) rule, is a dual-threshold architecture where the thresholds are functions of the channel state. To remedy the channel effects, the channel state is estimated and the estimates are used to set the receiver thresholds, thereby resulting in a channel-aided scenario. Performance of the proposed optimum receiver is assessed in terms of the overall bit error rate. To assess performance, it is assumed that the turbulent channel obeys a Gamma-Gamma (GG) distribution and that the channel estimator yields an unbiased and efficient estimate of the channel state. This study shows that channel-aided reception reduces the error floor. Further, channel-aided receivers have error-floor-free signal ranges that are larger than those of the standard receivers'.
A Comparison of Instruments for Assessing Competency to Stand Trial

The present study compared two instruments for assessing competency to stand trial, The Competency Screening Test and a revised version of The Georgia Court Competency Test. in a sample of 140 defendants admitted to the forensic unit of a state hospital for court-ordered pretrial evaluation. Scores on the tests were used to predict staff decisions about competency. Correlates of scores on the two tests also were examined. The tests were highly correlated with one another and with the decisions of forensic examiners. Although neither of these instruments should provide the sole basis for competency decisions, both may be useful components of a comprehensive program of competency evaluation.
Differentiation of the continental crust by relamination

Abstract Crust extracted from the mantle in arcs is refined into continental crust in subduction zones. During sediment subduction, subduction erosion, arc subduction, and continent subduction, mafic rocks become eclogite and may sink into the mantle, whereas more silica-rich rocks are transformed into felsic gneisses that are less dense than peridotite but more dense than the upper crust. These more felsic rocks rise buoyantly, undergo decompression melting and melt extraction, and are relaminated to the base of the crust. As a result of this process, such felsic rocks could form much of the lower crust. The lower crust need not be mafic and the bulk continental crust may be more silica rich than generally considered.
Externalism and analyticity

L'A. etudie le probleme de la distinction entre verite analytique et verite synthetique dans le cadre de l'externalisme semantique developpe par Quine. Rejetant la distinction traditionnelle entre signification et reference, l'externalisme semantique rend compatible l'idee d'une verite analytique (en fonction de la signification) avec l'idee d'une seule verite definie en fonction du monde
Lowest electronic states of the CP47 antenna protein complex of photosystem II: simulation of optical spectra and revised structural assignments.

In this work, we present simulated steady-state absorption, emission, and nonresonant hole burning (HB) spectra for the CP47 antenna complex of photosystem II (PS II) based on fits to recently refined experimental data (Neupane et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 4214). Excitonic simulations are based on the 2.9 A resolution structure of the PS II core from cyanobacteria (Guskov et al. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 2009, 16, 334), and allow for preliminary assignment of the chlorophylls (Chls) contributing to the lowest excitonic states. The search for realistic site energies was guided by experimental constraints and aided by simple fitting algorithms. The following experimental constraints were used: (i) the oscillator strength of the lowest-energy state should be approximately ≤0.5 Chl equivalents; (ii) the excitonic structure must explain the experimentally observed red-shifted (∼695 nm) emission maximum; and (iii) the excitonic interactions of all states must properly describe the broad (non-line-narrowed,...
Long-Range Interactions and Rigidity in Surfaces and Lamellar Phases

Recently there has been a large effort to understand the statistical and phase behavior of collections of surfaces and membranes. Experimental activity has focused on the behavior of stacked films in lamellar phases of microemulsions. Here I briefly sumnmarize the role of fluctuations and undulations in four classes of films: fluid, hexatic, solid, and charged.
i) Shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Summary Replacement arthroplasty represents the treatment of choice for most patients with end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple studies have documented reliable improvements in pain, range of motion, function and quality of life after this procedure. Total shoulder arthroplasty seems to be associated with more reliable pain relief and improvements in elevation when compared to hemiarthroplasty. The main surgical principles of shoulder arthroplasty apply equally to patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; however, the different underlying pathology associated with these two conditions needs to be understood in order to modify the surgical technique accordingly. Most patients with osteoarthritis have an intact rotator cuff and enough glenoid bone stock to allow implantation of a glenoid component. Asymmetric posterior glenoid erosion often needs to be corrected and capsular releases are needed to restore elevation and external rotation. In rheumatoid arthritis, implantation of a glenoid component may not be possible in the presence of severe glenoid bone loss or a massive irreparable cuff tear; in addition, rheumatoid involvement of other joints needs to be taken into consideration. Infection, instability, periprosthetic fractures, and glenoid loosening or erosion are the main failure mechanisms of shoulder arthroplasty. Careful surgical technique and a well-executed physical therapy program translate into successful outcomes in most patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Simplifying the Design of Knowledge-Based Algorithms Using Knowledge Consistency

Processor knowledge is an important tool in the study of distributed computer systems. It has led to better understanding of existing algorithms for such systems and to the development of new knowledge-based algorithms. Some of these algorithms use forms of knowledge (e.g., common knowledge) that cannot be achieved in certain systems. This paper considers alternative interpretations of knowledge under which these forms of knowledge can be achieved. It explores consistent knowledge interpretations and shows how they can be used to circumvent the known impossibility results in a number of cases. This may lead to greater applicability of knowledge-based algorithms.
Evidence for a unique species-specific hypersensitive epitope in Mycobacterium tuberculosis derived cord factor.

Presensitization with Mtb –derived trehalose 6,6′-dimycolate (TDM; cord factor) followed by challenge with the same glycolipid species resulted in elicitation of stronger inflammatory responses than when mice were similarly challenged with M. bovis -derived TDM. Mice presensitized to the homologous Mtb -derived TDM demonstrated cachexic over a 6 day period, whereas similarly presensitized mice challenged with the M. bovis -derived TDM, or with emulsion control, did not experience weight loss. Examination of inflammatory responses demonstrated increased lung histopathology in the Mtb -derived TDM challenged group, evidenced by severe tissue disruption, cellular influx, vascular occlusion and lymphocytic cuffing, and endothelial cell damage. Histological analysis demonstrated that lung pathology in the M. bovis challenged group was strikingly similar to that of the acute model challenge. Examination of proinflammatory mediators also showed findings consistent with histological manifestation, with significantly elevated TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as IFN-γ, in the homologous TDM challenged group relative to all other groups. Overall, these findings indicate a difference in hypersensitive immune responses to TDM derived from different mycobacterial strains. Development of specific adaptive immune responses to the Mtb-derived TDM were demonstrated that had limited cross-reactivity to that of M. bovis, thus strongly suggesting the presence of hypersensitive epitopes exclusive to Mtb TDM not present on M. bovis -derived TDM.
Coordination of Multiple Intelligent Software Agents

We are investigating techniques for developing distributed and adaptive collections of information agents that coordinate to retrieve, filter and fuse information relevant to the user, task and situation, as well as anticipate user's information needs. In our system of agents, information gathering is seamlessly integrated with decision support. The task for which particular information is requested of the agents does not remain in the user's head but it is explicitly represented and supported through agent collaboration. In this paper we present the distributed system architecture, agent collaboration interactions, and a reusable set of software components for structuring agents. The system architecture has three types of agents: Interface agents interact with the user receiving user specifications and delivering results. They acquire, model, and utilize user preferences to guide system coordination in support of the user's tasks. Task agents help users perform tasks by formulating problem solving plans and carrying out these plans through querying and exchanging information with other software agents. Information agents provide intelligent access to a heterogeneous collection of information sources. We have implemented this system framework and are developing collaborating agents in diverse complex real world tasks, such as organizational decision making, investment counseling, health care and electronic commerce.
A temperature-responsive antibody-like nanostructure.

Antibodies play an essential role in various applications. However, antibodies exhibit considerable challenges in applications that require tunable binding capabilities and exposure to nonphysiological conditions such as chemical conjugation. This study is aimed to develop a novel antibody-like nanostructure with special features. The key components of the nanostructure are two DNA aptamers and a dendrimer. The aptamers are used to mimic the antigen-binding sites of an antibody; the dendrimer is used to provide a defined conjugation site for carrying molecules of interest. The results showed that the bivalent nanostructure exhibited a high binding affinity and specificity. Moreover, a temperature shift from 0 to 37 °C would trigger its rapid dissociation from the bound target cells, which is not possible in antibody−antigen complexes. Thus, an antibody-like nanostructure was successfully developed with novel features that natural antibodies do not possess.
New perspectives in peritoneal dialysis fluids

Abstract Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been used for nearly 30 years as an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. During this period, there was a lot of improvement in the delivery system but there was not much change in the composition of the dialysis solutions. There was increasing evidence showing that the conventional PD solutions were bioincompatible. They adversely affect the peritoneal immune system and make patients more prone to peritonitis. In addition, chronic exposure to such solutions may lead to continuous peritoneal damage. All these factors are harmful to the peritoneal membrane and impair its function as a dialysis membrane. There are now more attention being paid to look for an ideal biocompatible PD fluid. The potential areas for improvement are the buffer and osmotic agent, the ionic composition of the fluids, additives to the fluids and gene therapy.