cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DUV synchrotron exposure station at CAMD

ABSTRACT A new synchrotron radiation exposure station dedicated to deep-UV exposures has been installed atthe synchrotron light source at the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD). Itcomplements the activities in synchrotron-based lithography including X-ray lithography, deep X-raylithography, and under way, ultra-deep X-ray lithography. The UV station branches out of the X-ray lithography beamline. A retractable Si mirror reflects the incoming synchrotron radiation beam by 90 degthrough a CaF2 window. Three insertable bandpass filters allow the selection of broad-band transmissionspectra around the wavelengths of two excimer lasers at 248nm (KrF) and 1 93 nm (ArF), and at a shorterwavelength of 187 nm. The station allows for exposures under vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere.Keywords: deep-UV, synchrotron radiation, depth-of-field. 1. INTRODUCTION The advantages of synchrotron radiation for lithography include: - beam naturally collimated in the vertical plane (6 mrad full-width-half-maximum at 200 nm forthe CAMD source); in the horizontal plane the divergence ofthe beam in the horizontal plane is a functionof the acceptance angle of the beamline, typically 5
Intelligent Scheduling with Machine Learning Capabilities: The Induction of Scheduling Knowledge§

Abstract Dynamic scheduling of manufacturing systems has primarily involved the use of dispatching rules. In the context of conventional job shops, the relative performance of these rules has been found to depend upon the system attributes, and no single rule is dominant across all possible scenarios. This indicates die need for developing a scheduling approach which adopts a state-dependent dispatching rule selection policy. The importance of adapting the dispatching rule employed to the current state of the system is even more critical in a flexible manufacturing system because of alternative machine routing possibilities and me need for increased coordination among various machines. This study develops a framework for incorporating machine learning capabilities in intelligent scheduling. A pattern-directed method, with a built-in inductive learning module, is developed for heuristic acquisition and refinement. This method enables the scheduler to classify distinct manufacturing patterns and to generate...
Population fluctuations, power laws and mixtures of lognormal distributions

A number of investigators have invoked a cascading local interaction model to account for power-law-distributed fluctuations in ecological variables. Invoking such a model requires that species be tightly coupled, and that local interactions among species influence ecosystem dynamics over a broad range of scales. Here we reanalyse bird population data used by Keitt & Stanley (1998, Dynamics of North American breeding bird populations. Nature, 393, 257–260) to support a cascading local interaction model. We find that the power law they report can be attributed to mixing of lognormal distributions. More tentatively, we propose that mixing of distributions accounts for other empirical power laws reported in the ecological literature.
Steady‐state field‐scale gas permeability estimation and pore‐gas velocity calculation in a domain open to the atmosphere

Field-scale estimation of gas permeability and subsequent computation of pore-gas velocity profiles are critical elements of sound soil venting design. It has been our experience, however, in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) technical assistance program, provided by the Office of Research and Development in support EPA regional offices, that many venting practitioners are unaware of equations and data interpretation methods appropriate for gas permeability estimation and pore-gas velocity computation. To ameliorate this situation, we use data collected at a U.S. Coast Guard Station in Traverse City, Michigan, to demonstrate gets permeability estimation and pore-gas velocity calculation for steady-state, axisymmetric, two-dimensional gas flow in a domain open to the atmosphere. For gas permeability estimation, we use random guesses constrained with decreasing intervals of radial and vertical permeabilityand analysis of root mean square errors to ensure attainment of a global versus local minimum. We demonstrate confidence in permeability estimation by providing plots of observed versus simulated pressure response. Finally, we illustrate how plots of pore-gas velocity as a function of distance and flow rate can be helpful in venting design.
The dominant of the 2-connected-Steiner-subgraph polytope for W 4 -free graphs

Abstract This paper presents a linear-inequality description of the dominant of the polytope of the 2-connected Steiner subgraphs of a given W4-free graph. For the special case of 2-connected spanning subgraphs, a description of the polytope is given. The latter contains the Traveling-Salesman polytope for W4-free graphs as a face.
The impact of informal music learning practices in the classroom, or how I learned how to teach from a garage band

This ethnographic study is an investigation of the environment that students create when making music that is meaningful to them. The initial purpose of the study was to describe a developing ‘rock group’, and the factors that contributed to its creation. The significance of the study may be in the discovery of ways to ‘counter mechanisms of dominance inherent’ (Fornas, Lindberg, & Sernhede, 1995, p. 263) in many formal environments. The author reflects on the lessons of informal music learning practices and the implications for her own classroom environment. A broader perspective on the informal/formal dichotomy may help teachers establish more diverse learning practices.
Factors Relating to Patient Visit Time With a Physician

This study sought to identify factors that increase or decrease patient time with a physician, determine which combinations of factors are associated with the shortest and longest visits to physicians, quantify how much physicians contribute to variation in the time they spend with patients, and assess how well patient time with a physician can be predicted. Data were acquired from a modified replication of the 1997-1998 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, administered by the Kentucky Ambulatory Network to 56 primary care clinicians at 24 practice sites in 2001 and 2002. A regression tree and a linear mixed model (LMM) were used to discover multivariate associations between patient time with a physician and 22 potentially predictive factors. Patient time with a physician was related to the number of diagnoses, whether non-illness care was received, and whether the patient had been seen before by the physician or someone at the practice. Approximately 38% of the variation in patient time with a physician was accounted for by predictive factors in the tree; roughly 33% was explained by predictive factors in the LMM, with another 12% linked to physicians. Knowledge of patient characteristics and needs could be used to schedule office visits, potentially improving patient flow through a clinic and reducing waiting times.
The value of fruit security for the conservation of a neotropical frugivore in human-dominated landscapes

Understanding which habitat elements are critical for species’ persistence in the human-dominated landscape is a fundamental challenge of conservation biology. In human-altered lands fruit can be less reliably available compared to intact forest, but it is unclear whether this affects generalist frugivores, the primary providers of the important ecosystem service of seed dispersal. Does the habitat element of fruit constancy influence the persistence of these species in human-altered lands? Radio-telemetry, foraging patterns and species incidence frequencies of a representative generalist frugivore, the Blue-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis) were used to examine the effect of fruit security, measured by a site’s annual constancy of fruit energy availability (FEA). Toucanets were detected 20–30% more often in shade-grown coffee plantations with high fruit security (<40% of months with <1000 fruit calories). Despite the large size of this generalist frugivore, home range size was <2 ha, when estimated by the a-LoCoH method, regardless of whether the initial capture site was forest, coffee plantation with high fruit security or coffee plantation with low fruit security. However, home range size was larger for birds captured in low fruit security coffee plantations. Furthermore, birds captured in low fruit security coffee plantations spent more time in forest patches and windbreaks, while birds captured in high fruit security coffee plantations spent more time in coffee shade trees. The results of this study emphasize the important role that a tree species’ contribution to annual FEA should be given in conservation applications within the tropical regions.
Pathogenicity of Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus SHIV-89.6P and SIVmac Is Attenuated in Cynomolgus Macaques and Associated with Early T-Lymphocyte Responses

Because most studies of AIDS pathogenesis in nonhuman primates have been performed in Indian-origin rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), little is known about lentiviral pathogenicity and control of virus replication following infection of alternative macaque species. Here, we report the consequences of simian-human immunodeficiency virus SHIV-89.6P and SIVmac251 infection in cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and rhesus macaques of Chinese origin. Compared to the pathogenicity of the same viruses in Indian rhesus macaques, both cynomolgus and Chinese rhesus macaques showed lower levels of plasma virus. By 9 to 10 months after infection, both viruses became undetectable in plasma more frequently in cynomolgus than in either Chinese or Indian rhesus macaques. Furthermore, after SHIV-89.6P infection, CD4+ T-cell numbers declined less and survival was longer in cynomolgus and Chinese rhesus macaques than in Indian rhesus macaques. This attenuated pathogenicity was associated with gamma interferon ELISPOT responses to Gag and Env that were generated earlier and of higher frequency in cynomolgus than in Indian rhesus macaques. Cynomolgus macaques also developed higher titer neutralizing antibodies against SHIV-89.6 at 10 and 20 weeks postinoculation than Indian rhesus macaques. These studies demonstrate that the pathogenicity of nonhuman primate lentiviruses varies markedly based on the species or geographic origin of the macaques infected and suggest that the cellular immune responses may contribute to the control of pathogenicity in cynomolgus macaques. While cynomolgus and Chinese rhesus macaques provide alternative animal models of lentiviral infection, the lower levels of viremia in cynomolgus macaques limit the usefulness of infection of this species for vaccine trials that utilize viral load as an experimental endpoint.
Bioadhesion of polymers for BioMEMS

Polymers are gaining significant importance in biomedical microelectromechanical systems (bioMEMS) owing to their advantages in microfabrication techniques over conventional silicon-based components and promising biocompatibility. Bioadhesion is a major issue in the reliability and performance of bioMEMS. In this study, the bioadhesion of two surface-modified polymers, poly(methylmethacrylate) and poly(dimethylsiloxane), were studied. The surfaces were modified by coating them with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane. Contact angle measurements were made to understand the effect of surface modification. Adhesion of these SAM-modified surfaces were measured with fetal bovine serum dip-coated silicon-nitride atomic force microscope tip in phosphate-buffered saline. The SAM-modified surfaces exhibited lower bioadhesion compared with virgin surfaces.
Dynamic geodesic snakes for visual tracking

Visual tracking using active contours is usually accomplished in a static framework. The active contour tracks the object of interest in a given frame of an image sequence, and then a subsequent prediction step ensures good initial placement for the next frame. This approach is unnatural, the curve evolution gets decoupled from the actual dynamics of the objects to be tracked. True dynamic approaches exist, all being marker particle based, and thus prone to the shortcomings of such particle-based implementations. In particular, topological changes are not handled naturally in this framework. The now "classical" level set approach is tailored for codimension one evolutions. However, dynamic curve evolution is at least of codimension two. We propose a natural, efficient, level set based approach for dynamic curve evolution which removes the artificial separation of segmentation and prediction, while retaining all the desirable properties of level set formulations. This is based on a new energy minimization functional which for the first time puts dynamics into the geodesic active contour framework.
Ketamine for Prehospital Use: New Look at an Old Drug

Introduction: Ketamine has been used extensively for analgesia and anesthesia in many situations, including disaster surgery where extra personnel and advanced monitoring are not available. There are many features of ketamine that seem to make it an ideal drug for prehospital use. The reported use of ketamine in the prehospital environment is limited, however. The purpose of this study is to review the experience in the use of ketamine in a regional air ambulance service and suggest indications for its use in the prehospital setting. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients transported by a regional aeromedical program. Patients were included in this study if the crew had used ketamine at any time during the flight. Data regarding the transport collected included patient age, type of transport, indications for ketamine use, and adverse reactions. Results: During the period studied, ketamine was used in 40 patients. The age range was 2 months to 75 years. The indications and situations requiring use were varied and included both trauma and medical patients. Hypotension with need for analgesia, agitation or combativeness and intact airway, or pain unresponsive to narcotic medications were the most common indications for use. Ketamine was used both intravenous and intramuscular, even without intravenous access. There were no adverse reactions. Conclusions: Ketamine is an ideal drug for use in many prehospital situations. Our experience suggests that it is safe, effective, and may be more appropriate than drugs currently used by prehospital providers.
Sudden cardiac death: a critical appraisal of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Summary Importance Approximately 350,000 Americans still die of sudden cardiac death each year. This exceeds the number of patients who die annually from stroke, lung cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined. Objective This review aims to trace the history of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) with reference to landmark trials and their influence on the formulation of Medicare guidelines for ICD implantation criteria. This paper will also discuss the cost-effectiveness of ICDs and the quality of life after implantation. The reasons for the disparity between guidelines for implantation and actual clinical practice will be elucidated, with suggestions for improving overall clinical performance. Results and conclusion The ICD has been shown to be cost-effective in reducing sudden cardiac death and all-cause mortality. However, the existing recommendations for ICD implantation have yet to translate completely into clinical practice. Barriers to implementation of existing guidelines include knowledge gaps in the referring physician practices, lack of validated screening tools to assess patient candidacy for the device and patient understanding of the need for the device. Future strategies to increase compliance with the existing guidelines and improve clinical performance are areas of potential research focus.
Metals analysis of botanical products in various matrices using a single microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method

Presented here is the development and validation of a simple and singular sample preparation method for the detection of heavy metals (i.e. arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) and other elements (i.e. iron, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc) in botanical products by microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). This one methodology is successfully applied to botanical samples existing in three very different forms; powdered raw material, liquid phyto-caps (i.e.glycerin-based matrices) and ethanolic tinctures. Method validation results were obtained by the generation of calibration curves with multi-element aqueous standard solutions and a standard addition method. NIST standard reference material (SRM) 3241 Ephedra sinica Stapf Native Extract, SRM 3243 Ephedra-Containing Solid Oral Dosage Form and SRM 3246 Ginkgo biloba (leaves) were used for the method validation. Limits of detection obtained from the calibration functions range from 4 to 100 ng/mL. Concentration ranges determined for the various botanical extracts were as follows: iron (1–434 µg/g), sodium (3–6742 µg/g), calcium (4–46537 µg/g), phosphorus (24–14710 µg/g), and zinc (7–7247 µg/g). For the majority of the heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) the concentration results were not detectable (ND), i.e. below the detection limits of the method.
A Survey of Drug Information References Emergency Medicine Clinicians Utilize for Prescribing in Pregnant Patients

Background:Clinicians practicing in Emergency Departments (EDs) using outdated pocket guides and other non–pregnancy-specific references when prescribing in pregnancy may place the pregnancy or fetus at risk.Objective:To identify the references that emergency medicine (EM) clinicians use for prescribing in pregnant patients, the prescribing trends when clinicians are given the pregnancy category information, and clinician awareness of access to drug information references.Methods:This cross-sectional survey was administered to EM clinicians. In part I, clinicians listed the top 3 drug information references that they routinely use in clinical practice. In part II, clinicians ranked their willingness to prescribe a Category A, B, C, D, or X drug using a 5-point Likert scale. In part III, clinicians selected from a list of electronic and print resources those that they consider available to them in the ED to find pregnancy-related drug prescribing information. Statistical analyses included frequency distrib...
A quantitative micromethod for the isolation and liquid scintillation assay of radioactive free and ester cholesterol.

Abstract 1.1. A quick, convenient, and quantitative micromethod for isolating, measuring, and assaying radioactive free and ester cholesterol from plasma or tissue has been presented. 2.2. A solvent system applicable for assaying cholesterol digitonide in a liquid scintillation counter has been devised.
Issues in designing an information model for application development

IBM's object-oriented information model lets a customer share data among various tools for application development. This paper discusses several issues in designing the information model, namely (1) techniques for diagrams (an essential part of communication between an information model designer and other designers or tool writers), (2) organization of the design of the information model (an essential step when many designers design anything large), and (3) technical content. These discussions of the experience of designing the information model should be valuable for further design of the information model and for other design efforts, e.g., involving other models or other integration of tools.
Neighborhood quality and somatic complaints among American youth.

Abstract Purpose This study examines the relationship between the social context of neighborhood and somatic complaints in a national probability sample of adolescents. Methods Structural equation modeling is used to estimate paths of influence between neighborhood quality and somatic complaints. An analysis of variance highlights the relationship between demographic characteristics and neighborhood quality. Results Neighborhood quality appears to play an indirect role in producing somatic complaints in adolescents. Linkages between correlates of somatic complaints, such as stressful life events, family environment, psychological distress, and measures of neighborhood quality are discussed. Conclusions These findings emphasize the need to conceptualize adolescent somatization as contextually dependent and to use an ecological perspective when intervening with somaticizing teens.
Impact of Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch on Long-Term Survival in Patients With Small St Jude Medical Mechanical Prostheses in the Aortic Position

Background— The impact of aortic prosthesis-patient mismatch (P-PtM) on long-term survival is unclear. Methods and Results— Between 1985 and 2000, 388 patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with 19- or 21-mm St Jude Medical prostheses and had transthoracic echocardiography within 1 year after AVR. Mean age of patients was 62±13 years; 69% were female. Prosthesis effective orifice area (EOA) was derived from the continuity equation. P-PtM was classified as severe (indexed EOA ≤0.60 cm2/m2), moderate (0.60 cm2/m2 0.85 cm2/m2). P-PtM was severe in 66 patients (17%), moderate in 168 (43%), and not hemodynamically significant in 154 (40%). Patients with severe P-PtM had a significantly larger body surface area (P<0.0001), higher mean gradient (P<0.0001), lower preoperative (P<0.0001) and postoperative (P<0.0001) ejection fractions, and lower stroke volume (P<0.0001) and more often received a...
Agent Transparency for Human-Agent Teaming Effectiveness

We discuss the Situation awareness-based Agent Transparency (SAT) model and its three levels of information to support agent transparency and operator situation awareness of the agent: agent's current action or plan, agent's reasoning information, and agent's projections of future outcomes. Two studies -- Autonomous Squad Member and IMPACT -- are summarized to illustrate the utility of agent transparency for the overall human-agent team performance.
Gauging the Hurdle to Strike Suits: Reconciling the Circuit Split over the Proper Interpretation of the Heightened Pleading Standard under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The abuse of securities fraud litigation-the so-called strike suits- has unduly burdened the stock markets. To curb the abusive practice, Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995(the Reform Act), which imposes, among others, a heightened pleading requirement on private securities fraud actions brought under the federal securities law. However, the heightened pleading standard set forth in the Reform Act has caused confusion among federal courts. Recently, six federal courts of appeals have issued conflicting decisions interpreting the Reform Act's pleading standard provision. The purpose of this Note is to clarify the Reform Act's pleading standard and promote a uniform interpretation of the pleading standard. This Note will fist present the legal landscape for the recent circuit split over the Reform Act's pleading standard. It will then review those circuits cases interpreting the pleading standard. Finally, the Note will critique those circuit decisions, reconcile their differences, and propose a uniform interpretation of the pleading standard. The author concludes that the divisions among circuits courts are reconcilable. The interpretations of the Reform Act's pleading standard by the First, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits essentially represent the reconciled results. With the reconciled results, a plaintiff in securities fraud litigation can not satisfy the Reform Act's pleading standard by simply alleging motive or opportunity to commit fraud, but alleging circumstantial evidence of reckless conduct would be sufficient to meet the standard.
Abstract 553: Relaxin Attenuates Angiotensin II--Induced Proinflammatory Signaling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Relaxin 2 (RLX) was traditionally considered a reproductive hormone. However, recent studies indicate that it also has potent short-term vasodilatory and long-term arterial remodeling and anti-fibrotic effects. Based on these findings, a recombinant form of relaxin, Serelaxin, was successfully used in treatment of the acute heart failure. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that RLX can attenuate the Angiotensin II (Ang II) mediated vascular inflammation. Ang II, the principal hormone of the renin-angiotensin system, can induce secretion of the Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6). Release of these proinflammatory mediators is an initial step in vascular inflammation, an important early component in the development of cardiovascular disease. Utilizing ELISA, we observed that RLX pretreatment inhibited Ang II-induced secretion of MCP-1 and IL-6 by 70 (p<0.05) and 87% (p<0.05), respectively, in human aortic smooth muscle cells. The same effect was achieved in isolated mouse aortas. We next studied the effect of RLX on Ang II-induced activation of the NFκB pathway and ROS signaling. RLX pretreatment inhibited Ang II-mediated induction of NADPH oxidase 5 expression and production of H2O2 as measured by the sensor HyPer. RLX also prevented P65 phosophorylation and nuclear translocation in response to Ang II. We conclude that RLX inhibits secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 likely through interference with ROS-mediated NFκB activation. Via this mechanism, RLX may thus represent a therapeutic treatment of pro-inflammatory cardiovascular conditions such as acute heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic aneurysms.
Abstract PL03-03: Innovative policies to reduce tobacco use and harm

Under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the Food and Drug Administration is now empowered to regulate tobacco products. One section of this Act describes the authority for FDA to establish tobacco product standards. This presentation will describe standards which may significantly reduce the prevalence of tobacco use and mortality and morbidity. These standards include regulating the attractiveness (e.g., formulations, packaging and flavorants), addictiveness (e.g., reducing levels of nicotine and other constituents that enhance addiction) and toxicity (e.g., establishing standards for levels of toxicants) of tobacco products. Results from the University of Minnesota, Trandisciplinary Tobacco Use Center will be presented that support these potential policies. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):PL03-03.
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 33-2014. A 60-year-old man with bone pain.

A 60-year-old man was seen in the outpatient cancer center because of bone pain that had lasted for 2 months and the presence of lytic bone lesions on imaging studies. Biopsy specimens of bone marrow and bone lesions showed increased mast cells. A diagnostic procedure was performed.
Polymer Growth and Gelation in Borate-Based Systems

In situ FTIR, NMR and SAXS were used to investigate the synthesis and molecular structure of xLi2O·(1−x)B2O3 gels derived from tri-n-butyl borate (TBB) and lithium methoxide. In solution the fraction of tetrahedrally coordinated borons (N4) increases linearly with x, and a critical value of N4 must be exceeded in order to form gels. The primary criterion affecting gel formation is the kinetic stability of borate bonds toward molecules which are able to undergo dissociative chemisorption.
Copper, Zinc-Superoxide Dismutase Protein but not mRNA is Lower in Copper-Deficient Mice and Mice Lacking the Copper Chaperone for Superoxide Dismutase:

Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is an abundant metalloenzyme important in scavenging superoxide ions. Cu-deficient rats have lower SOD1 activity and protein, possibly because apo-SOD1 is degraded faster than holo-SOD1. Previous work with mice lacking the Cu chaperone for SOD1 (CCS) indicated a drastic loss of SOD1 activity but not protein, suggesting an accumulation of apo-SOD1. We produced dietary Cu deficiency in mice to clarify this issue. Compared with Cu-deficient rats, reduction in liver SOD1 activity and protein was much less than Cu-deficient mouse dams and offspring. However, after perinatal Cu deficiency, 4-week-old mouse pups had lower levels of SOD1 activity and protein in liver and heart, but not brain, compared with Cu-adequate controls. Reduction in brain Cu was greater than liver. In CCS -/- mice, there was severe reduction in liver, heart, and brain SOD1 activity and protein. In fact, the reduction in activity was similar to the loss of protein. Neither Cu-deficient mouse liver nor CCS -/- mouse liver had altered SOD1 mRNA levels compared with control values. These results in mice are comparable with rats and suggest a posttranscriptional mechanism for reduction of SOD1 protein when Cu is limiting in SOD1.
Discussion on Power Loss of HVDC Converter Valves Adopting Silicon Carbide Thyristors

Among new kinds of most promising wide band gap semiconductor materials,the silicon carbide(SiC) is the most matured one,and recently the SiC power devices begin to displace conventional silicon thyristors power devices.Taking ±800 kV DC power transmission project with rated current of 5 000 A for example,an electrical model of basic components in converter valve is built and a simulation circuit for the converter is constructed by PSCAD/EMTDC software to research the application of SiC thyristors in HVDC converter valves.The electrical performances and power loss of DC converter valve consisted of SiC thyristor and that consisted of common silicon thyristors are respectively simulated and compared.Calculation results show that displacing conventional silicon thyristors by SiC thyristor can greatly decrease power loss of HVDC power transmission system under different trigger angles and operation conditions.Finally,the economic effect brought by utilizing SiC thyristors in HVDC power transmission project is estimated.
LINEARIZATION OF NONLINEAR SINGULAR SYSTEMS

This paper discusses the problem of linearization about nonlinear singular systems. The sufficient conditions for the linearization of nonlinear singular systems are derived. Two example are given to illustrate the results of the paper.
Thermodynamic study of the complexation between Nd3+ and functionalized diacetamide ligands in solution

A series of amine functionalized ligands, including 2,2′-(benzylazanediyl)bis(N,N′-dimethylacetamide) (BnABDMA), 2,2′-azanediylbis(N,N′-dimethylacetamide) (ABDMA), and 2,2′-(methylazanediyl)bis(N,N′-dimethylacetamide) (MABDMA), are synthesized for the thermodynamic study of their complexation with Nd3+ ions. Their complexation in solution is investigated using potentiometry, spectrophotometry, calorimetry, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The results suggest that these ligands act as tridentate ligands. Furthermore, direct comparison between ABDMA and an analogous ether-functionalized ligand, 2,2′-oxybis(N,N′-dimethylacetamide) (TMDGA), showed that the amine functionalized ligand forms thermodynamically stronger complexes with Nd3+ ions than the ether-functionalized ligand. In addition, the amine functionalized ligand can allow the fine-tuning of the binding strength with metal ions via substitution on the central amine N atom with different functional groups, which is not possible for ether functionalized ligands such as TMDGA.
Infectious diseases and medical institutions in the late Chosen dynasty

The first Korean record on the smallpox can be found in the Hyangyak-Kukupbang compiled during the period of late Koryo dynasty. The record told on the cause, symptom, preventive and curative method of the disease but it did not touch upon its infectivity. Jeong Yak-Yong and Lee Jong-In of late 18th and early 19th centuries recognized first that the disease is infectious and it can be prevented by the vaccination method. But the vaccination against smallpox had not been carried out in public until 1880. From 1879 Chi Suk-Young began to try it privately to his relatives and neighbors. For sometime the smallpox vaccination was considered foreign and heretical by many people and some officers, so the trial of Chi and his colleagues had to go through an ordeal until the Reform of 1894. In 1895 the government first proclaimed an Ordinance on the Smallpox Vaccination in October and an Ordinance on the Training Center for Smallpox Vaccination in November. And two years later, in 1897 to bring up the vaccination doctors the government established the Training Center for Smallpox Vaccination, which was in 1899 integrated into the Medical school, the first modern and westernized medical school run by Korean government. Many of the vaccination doctors were posted at the newly established Office of Smallpox Vaccination by the government to perform their activities there until 1907.
Imprisoned by Empathy Familial Incarceration and Psychological Distress among African American Men in the National Survey of American Life

The stress process model predicts that current incarceration of a family member should damage the health status of the inmate’s relatives. We address this prediction with data from the National Survey of American Life, focusing exclusively on African American men (n = 1,168). In survey-adjusted generalized linear models, we find that familial incarceration increases psychological distress, but its effect attenuates ostensibly after controlling for other chronic strains. Familial incarceration remains statistically insignificant with the introduction of mastery and family emotional support and their respective interactions with familial incarceration. However, a statistical interaction between familial incarceration and former incarceration reveals that levels of psychological distress are significantly higher among never-incarcerated respondents whose family members are incarcerated but significantly lower among formerly incarcerated respondents whose family members are incarcerated. We conclude that fami...
In vitro-Hemmung der durch Fremdserum induzierten Thrombocytenaggregation

Hundeserum, das praformierte Antikorper gegen Schweinegewebe besitzt, aggregiert Schweineplattchen, ein Vorgang, der mit der Plattchenaggregometrie gemessen werden kann. Die durch Fremdserum ausgeloste Plattchenaggregation kann durch Vorbehandlung des Serums mit synthetischen Fibrinolytica oder durch Zusatz von Pentosanpolysulfoestern (Heparinoide) zum Reaktionssystem teilweise oder vollstandig verhindert werden. Beiden Substanzgruppen ist eine hemmende Wirkung auf das Komplementsystem gemeinsam.
Food and Identity in Early Rabbinic Judaism: Jewish Male Rabbinic Identity

The [European Jews'] encounter with food in America in the context of novelty and abundance also subverted a culture built around food taboos. Food, so central to the Judaic sacred system and the promise of America, got caught up in a complicated set of internal Jewish fights about class, immigrant status, religion, generation, and gender. Because they venerated food, and because so much about their food world changed in America, it became a locus of contestations and conflict. In the epigraph to this chapter, Hasia Diner discusses how various factors contribute to food becoming a “locus of contestations and conflict” between European Jews who immigrated to America. This is by no means a modern phenomenon. Just as the Tannaim use culinary and commensal practices to establish distinct Jewish and male identities, so too did these practices serve to establish a Jewish, male, and rabbinic identity. In fact, the Tannaim devote more attention to parsing how their culinary and commensal practices distinguish themselves from other Jews than they do to any other “Other.” The Tannaim construct their Jewish, male, rabbinic identity in part by way of four food practices. First, they develop the notion that there is a distinctive cuisine that comprises the diet and foodway of (and, thus, marks the socially constructed identity of) a rabbinic Jew. (Throughout this book, the term “rabbinic Jew” refers to a Jew who chooses to follow the prescriptions of rabbinic Judaism, as opposed to a nonrabbinic Jew, who, although unquestionably Jewish even in the eyes of rabbinic Judaism, has chosen not to adhere to rabbinic practice.)
Wisdom: How the Leaders of Purpose-Driven Organizations Manage from Their Values

This chapter shows how the CEOs of “purpose-driven organizations” fundamentally manage in accordance with their basic values. In this way, they ensure the loyalty of their employees, customers, suppliers, and a wide range of stakeholders. For instance, the CEOs of “purpose-driven organizations” do not pursue growth and profits for their own sake. In short, they are not willing to do anything that will compromise their basic values.
Microbiome in the urinary system—a review

Urine was considered sterile in healthy individuals for many years, and the presence of bacteria signified urinary tract infection. With the development of Expanded Quantitative Urine Culture (EQUC) and utilization of molecular techniques, the previous clinical dogma is no longer valid. Instead, healthy people harbor a considerable microbial community, or microbiota, in their urinary systems. Similar to other physiological niches where microbiota contribute to the health status of their hosts, recent studies demonstrated different microbial populations also play a crucial role in urinary health of individuals. Understanding urinary microbiome thus allows a more holistic approach in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders in urinary system. This review article provides an overview of current findings in urinary microbiome and discusses some of the gaps for future research.
Radiosensitization of glioma cells with the curcumin analogs EF24 and EF31

411 Outcomes for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remain poor despite aggressive multimodality therapy. Normal tissue constraints generally preclude further dose escalation with radiation. Therefore, agents that can modify the sensitivity of these tumors to radiation may prove useful clinically in the management of these patients. Curcumin, a major component of tumeric, is used as a spice to give the flavor and yellow coloring to curry. It has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. Multiple groups have found that curcumin has anti-neoplastic and anti-angiogenic activities. However, while curcumin’s safety is illustrated by its longstanding use in foods, its relatively low potency and poor absorption characteristics limits its clinical development. EF24 and EF31 were developed as synthetic curcumin analogs that display significantly greater potency than the parental compound as anti-cancer agents when screened against a variety of tumor cell lines. We have previously shown that these analogs can function as general kinase inhibitors. Since inappropriate activation of various signal transduction pathways often contribute to resistance to cytotoxic therapies including radiation, we tested whether these agents could radiosensitize glioma cells. We utilized the LN229 glioma cell line that has been engineered to overexpress EGFRvIII (LNvIII), a mutant form of this receptor tyrosine kinase that show constitutive activity and is often seen in GBMs, as well as the corresponding vector control (LNpuro). EF24 (100 nM) and EF31 (10 nM) were used to assess in vitro radiosensitizing activity in the LNpuro and LNvIII cell lines. These drug levels were chosen based on inhibition of growth in the absence of radiation (inhibited clonogenicity by
Harman International and Kkr (a)

When courted by KKR, Harman International was experiencing robust times. After several months of due diligence performed by KKR and its financial and legal partners, KKR announced that Harman International had agreed to be acquired in a private equity transaction valued at $8 billion. But by the time the documents pertaining to the Harman International/KKR transaction were on the table, the financial markets that had ridden on the enormous momentum from prior years into the first half of 2007, almost overnight experienced a cooling-off period of unprecedented magnitude. Unfortunately, Harman International's fourth quarter results released in August 2007 were disappointing, prompting some critical questions: What was the real intrinsic value of Harman International, and which financial metrics were most meaningful in assessing that value? Should KKR follow through on the proposed transaction or pay a required $225 million termination fee? Was going private still in the best interest of Harman International, or should the CEO abandon the transaction and have his company pay the termination fee? Followed by the B case, C-2311. Excerpt UVA-C-2305 Rev. Mar. 19, 2012 Harman International and KKR (A) On the morning of September 21, 2007, Sidney Harman and Henry Kravis sat at a conference table overlooking Central Park in the New York office of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR). The purpose of the meeting was to determine the fate of an $ 8 billion private equity transaction between a group led by KKR and the renowned audio-equipment maker Harman International Industries, Inc. (Harman International). It had been 10 months since Kravis first approached Harman about acquiring Harman International. Kravis, cofounder of one of the world's leading private equity firms, had made the first direct pitch to Harman in his Washington, DC, office. Kravis strongly believed the time was right for Harman International to go private. Harman was initially reluctant to sell because Harman International was experiencing robust times, as exemplified by its recent financial performance, and he enjoyed being at the helm of the company as executive chairman. “This is how I define myself. This is my life,” he said. Yet there were compelling reasons for him to consider Kravis's offer. Although vigorous at heart, Harman was 88 years old. He also recalled the difficult time replacing former CEO Bernie Girod. Girod, after more than 20 years with the company, had recently retired, but his successor had lasted only a few months. Harman also knew he would receive a financial windfall from the sale: He owned approximately 5% of the company's common stock, and the value offered by KKR and its partners would provide more than $ 400 million in financial security for him, his wife (U.S. Congresswoman Jane Harman of California), their extended families, and their many philanthropic interests. Harman International . . .
RECALLING GEORGE OLIVER MAY AND ME

A recollection of the author's contacts with his friend George Oliver May. These personal insights provide an added dimension to the previous article, “May and Paton: Two Giants Revisited,” authored by Henry Francis Stabler and Norman X. Dressel.
An investigation of pyrolysis and ignition of moist leaf-like fuel subject to convective heating

Abstract The burning of a thin rectangular-shape moist fuel element, representing a living leaf subject to convective heating, was investigated computationally. The setup resembled a previous bench-scale experimental setup (Pickett et al., Int. J. Wildland Fire 19, 2010, 153-162), where a freshly harvested horizontally oriented manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa) leaf was held over a flat flame burner and burned by its convective heating. Computations were performed by FDS coupled with an improved version of Gpyro3D. This improvement was concerned with the calculation of the mean porosities in the computational cells to account for the net volume reduction that the condense phase experiences within the computational cells during moisture evaporation and pyrolysis. The dry mass was assumed to consist of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin undergoing the pyrolysis reactions proposed by Miller and Bellan (Combust. Sci. Technol.126, 1997, 97-137) for biomass. The reaction scheme was initially validated against published experimental and computational TGA results. Then, the burning of leaf-like fuels with three initial fuel moisture contents (40%, 76%, 120%), selected as per the range of experimentally measured values, was modeled. The time evolutions of the normalized mass were good for the modeled fuels with 76% and 120% FMCs and fair for the one with a 40% FMC, as compared to the experimental burning results of four manzanita leaves with unspecified FMCs. The computed ignition time was also in good agreement with the measurement. The computed burnout time was somewhat shorter than the measurement. Modeling revealed the formation of unsteady flow structures, including vortices and regions with high strain rates, near the fuel that acted as a bluff body against the stream of the burner exit. These structures played a significant role in the spatial distribution of gas phase temperature and species around the fuel, which in turn, had an impact on the ignition location. Fuel moisture content primarily affected the temperature response of the fuel and solid phase decomposition.
Don’t Mess with My Happy Place: Understanding Misogyny in Fandom Communities

Pop culture genres and fandoms are booming in popularity, aided by social media and comic con fan events. From Harry Potter to Doctor Who and Star Wars, an increasingly diverse group of fans are able to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their favorite fandoms. With an increase in participation, however, comes an increase in tensions within communities traditionally dominated by men. Given previous research and events where men within fandoms rejected the influx of female fans, the current project explores how misogyny impacts participation and enjoyment of fan culture. This study collected qualitative responses from fandom participants at a large fan event (comic con). Participants were asked about fandom activities and the presence of misogyny within their communities. Findings suggest, in line with previous research on geek culture misogyny, that women are still regarded as second-tier fans. Women are regularly viewed as neither committed nor knowledgeable enough to participate in fandom culture. Moreover, women are often objectified and harassed in social media fandom spaces. Reasons for fandom misogyny as well as improvements to inspire more tolerant and inclusive fandom communities are discussed.
Randomized prospective evaluation of the wound integrity of primary clear corneal incisions made with a femtosecond laser versus a manual keratome.

Purpose To compare the wound integrity of femtosecond laser–assisted 110-degree reverse side-cut clear corneal incisions (CCIs) with femtosecond laser–assisted 70-degree forward side-cut and manual CCIs in patients having cataract surgery. Setting Island Eye Surgicenter, Carle Place, New York, USA. Design Prospective case series. Methods Patients having cataract surgery were randomized into 3 treatment groups as follows: Group A had 110-degree femtosecond reverse side-cut CCIs, Group B had 70-degree femtosecond forward side-cut CCIs, Group C had manual CCIs. At the conclusion of surgery, the integrity of the CCI was measured by raising intraocular pressure (IOP) until the CCI began to leak. Postoperatively, the CCIs were assessed for wound leakage at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Results The study comprised 45 patients (45 eyes, 15 in each treatment group). The mean IOP at which CCIs leaked (in response to anterior chamber balanced salt solution irrigation) was statistically significantly higher in Group A (28.20 mm Hg ± 11.69 [SD]) than in Group B (15.07 ± 10.64 mm Hg; P = .005) and Group C (9.93 ± 9.90 mm Hg; P Conclusion The femtosecond laser–created reverse side-cut CCIs required significantly higher IOP intraoperatively before leaking and resulted in better wound integrity with significantly less wound leakage postoperatively than laser-created forward side-cut or manual CCIs.