cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Approach for Supplier Selection

Purchasing decisions are no longer made based on best price but companies are increasingly considering both tangible and intangible benefits that suppliers bring to the long term growth of the company. This paper addresses the multi-objective criteria pertaining to supplier selection process by a combination of Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Preemptive Goal Programming (PGP) techniques. QFD facilitates in blending the requirement for suppliers and supplier evaluating criteria. AHP then helps in systematically prioritizing the relative importance of the requirements enumerated as part of the QFD. Finally, PGP aids in the formulation to maximize the value proposition and to minimize the cost involved by exploiting volume discounts.
Hereditary gingival fibromatosis

Abstract A family exhibiting the characteristics of hereditary gingival fibromatosis has been presented. Surgical procedures consisting of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty were performed on two members of the family. A difference in the healing patterns of the two patients is described, and a possible reason for this difference is offered. The histologic findings consisted of a moderate inflammatory response, with a marked build-up of collagenous fibers.
Genetic linkage of bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis to a DNA marker on chromosome 22

Bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis (BANF) is a severe autosomal dominant disorder involving development of multiple tumours of the nervous system including meningiomas, gliomas, neurofibromas and particularly bilateral acoustic neuromas. We have used genetic linkage analysis with DNA markers to establish that the defective gene causing BANF is on chromosome 22, and is therefore distinct from the gene for the von Recklinghausen form of neurofibromatosis, which maps to chromosome 17. Linked DNA markers will be particularly valuable in BANF, facilitating early detection of tumours and thereby permitting more effective surgical intervention. In view of the reported loss of genes on chromosome 22 in meningiomas and acoustic neuromas, the genetic localization of the primary BANF defect strongly supports the concept that the disease locus encodes a 'tumour suppressor' gene. Isolation of this gene should provide insights into the pathogenesis of acoustic neuromas and other nervous system tumours, as well as into the control of proliferation and differentiation of neural crest cells.
Valuing intangible assets with a nested logit market share model

Abstract This paper develops an econometric method for valuing intangible assets using nested logit market share assumptions. Specifically, a method is developed to measure the value to a license holder of owning a branded consumer product. While it is well known that brands confer values to their owners, existing methods for establishing a brand's value via comparable, profit, or income methods are often fraught with imprecision or are frequently based on untested assumptions. An economic approach to brand valuation is developed in which the demand for branded goods is estimated and compared to the demand for comparable unbranded goods including both private label and generic commodities. The economic analysis relies on oligopoly pricing models and certain assumptions regarding the opportunity use of the brand holder's fixed investment. This paper extends the multinomial logit structure of preferences assumed in Dubin [1998a. The Demand for Branded and Unbranded Products—An Econometric Method for Valuing Intangible Assets. Studies in Consumer Demand—Econometric Methods Applied to Market Data. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Massachusetts, Boston, pp. 77–127] and derives trademark valuation fractions with a nested logit market share model. The market share demand model in Dubin [1998a. The Demand for Branded and Unbranded Products—An Econometric method for Valuing Intangible Assets. Studies in Consumer Demand—Econometric Methods Applied to Market Data. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Massachusetts, Boston, pp. 77–127] is re-estimated under nested logit assumptions and results for the trademark fraction are compared.
The binding of Cu2+ to actin without loss of polymerizability: The involvement of the rapidly reacting SH group

Abstract G-or F-actin binds 1 mole of Cu 2+ per mole of actin without denaturation and without replacement of the essential Ca 2+ or Mg 2+ . The association constant is ~10 16 . Denaturation of actin, e.g., by EDTA treatment, abolishes the high-affinity Cu 2+ binding. The absorption spectrum of Cu-actin shows a new intense absorption band centered at 347 nm (ϵ = 3000 M −1 cm −1 ) and a weak band centered at 550 nm (ϵ = 130 M −1 cm −1 ). The tryptophyl fluorescence of actin is strongly (70%) quenched by the binding of Cu 2+ . Circular dichroic spectra show multiple bands associated with each absorption band indicating an asymmetrical environment for the bound Cu 2+ and suggest that histidine is one of the ligands. Electron-spin resonance studies show that Cu 2+ maintains its valence when bound and also suggest that there are approximately three nitrogen ligands. Chemical modification studies of the sulfhydryl groups provide evidence for the involvement of one SH group in the binding of Cu 2+ to actin.
The Modified APACHE II Score Outperforms Curb65 Pneumonia Severity Score as a Predictor of 30-Day Mortality in Patients With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia

Objective To compare the predictive accuracy for 30-day mortality of the CURB65 score adopted by the British Thoracic Society and the simpler CRB65 score to APACHE (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) II in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia. Design A retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study. Setting Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a 1,200-bed urban teaching hospital. Patients Adult patients requiring hospitalization identified to have MRSA pneumonia. Interventions Retrospective data collection from automated hospital, microbiology, and pharmacy databases. Measurements and main results Two hundred eighteen patients with MRSA pneumonia were identified over a 3-year period. Forty-four patients (20.2%) died during hospitalization. All three prediction rules had high negative predictive values but relatively low positive predictive values at most cut-off points examined. APACHE II had the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.805; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.743 to 0.866) compared to CURB65 (0.634; 95% CI, 0.541 to 0.727) and CRB65 (0.643; 95% CI, 0.546 to 0.739) [p Conclusions APACHE II outperformed CURB65 and CRB65 for initial prognostic assessment in MRSA pneumonia.
Uptake of [3H]Progesterone and [3H]5α-Dihydroprogesterone by Rat Tissues in Vivo and Analysis of Accumulated Radioactivity: Accumulation of 5α-Dihydroprogesterone by Pituitary and Hypothalamic Tissues

These in vivo studies explored the possibility that the metabolism of progesterone to 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alpha-DHP) and 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one in hypothalamus and pituitary may influence gonadotropin release. [3H]progesterone or [3H]5alpha-DHP was injected iv into ovariectomized or ovariectomized-adrenalectomized rats for 10 0r 30 min. 3H content was determined for plasma, anterior pituitary, medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), cerebral cortex, muscle and uterus. Isotopic dilution analyses of the accumulated 3H were made for progesterone, 5alpha-DHP, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, 20alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-3-one, and 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha, 20alpha-diol on samples from the 10 min groups. With progesterone injections, most of the tissue 3H was distributed among progesterone, 5alpha-DHP, and 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one. Progesterone was the predominant 3H-steroid in uterus, MBH, cerebral cortex and muscle. [3H]5alpha-DHP was the other major 3H-steroid in MBH and the predominant one in pituitary. In terms of tissue/plasma concentration comparisons, no tissue concentration of [3H]progesterone was greater than that in plasma except for MBH in the ovariectomized-adrenalectomized group. In contrast, [3H]5alpha-DHP levels in pituitary, MBH and cerebral cortex were many fold greater than those in plasma and muscle. MBH and pituitary levels were significantly greater than that in cerebral cortex. With 5alpha-DHP injections, most tissue 3H was associated with 5alpha-DHP and/or 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one. No [3H]progesterone was detected. [3H]5alpha-DHP predominated in pituitary and MBH, while 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one predominated in the others. In terms of tissue and plasma concentration comparisons, MBH, pituitary and cerebral cortical concentrations of [3H]5alpha-DHP were markedly higher than plasma, muscle, and uterine levels. Pituitary and MBH concentrations were also greater than that in cerebral cortex. Tissue levels of [3H]3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one were not significantly greater than that in plasma. Thus, 10 min after injection of either [3H]progesterone or [3H]5alpha-DHP, high and significant amounts of 5alpha-DHP are accumulated in pituitary and hypothalamus, but not in uterus, which suggests that its presence may be functionally important in governing progesterone-sensitive processes in these feedback tissues.
Isolation of plasma membrane complexes from Xenopus oocytes.

A method for the isolation of plasma membrane fractions fromXenopus oocytes has been developed, and the membranes have been characterized biochemically and morphologically. Plasma membrane complexes prepared by this procedure consisted of large sheets of the membrane, with associated vitelline envelope (a nonmembranous meshwork of fibers) and cortical (secretory) granules still attached. The morphology of cell surface microvilli and coated pits was well preserved. Cortical granules were removed by gentle homogenization in a low ionic strength medium, and integral and peripheral membrane proteins were then separated from vitelline envelopes by detergent extraction and phase separation in Triton-X-114. Biochemical characterization of the plasma membrane fractions indicated substantial levels of 5′-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphodiesterase activity associated with the oocyte cell surface, with 44–66% recovery of these markers in the final membrane preparations. Lectin blotting and lectin affinity chromatography with Concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin were used to characterize the major glycoprotein species associated with the plasma membrane complexes. Plasma membrane fractions prepared by this procedure should be very useful in both biochemical and morphological studies of membrane protein sorting in theXenopus oocyte system.
Diluted magnetic III–V semiconductor structures

Abstract Diluted magnetic III–V semiconductors are a class of new semiconductor alloys containing a large amount of magnetic ions in the host III–V semiconductors. This was made possible by growing the epitaxial films at relatively low temperatures in molecular beam epitaxy, as specifically exemplified by the (In, Mn)As alloy system. This paper reviews electronic and magnetic properties, including a striking cooperative effect of carrier induced magnetism, in both bulk films and heterostructures.
Assessing construct of DIBELS: Measurement invariance of DIBELS subscales, from kindergarten to the first grade

Abstract A challenge using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) in studying reading growth is that reading skills children exhibit change by age. In order to study growth using changing subscales, it is necessary to examine measurement invariance and measurement structure underlying the different subscales. The purpose of this paper is to examine the measurement structure of the DIBELS subscales, particular measurement invariance. The results indicate that the DIBELS subscales do not seem to have metric invariance but they do share a common factor over time, suggesting that the same construct of reading skills were measured but they manifested in the different fashion over time.
Sensing with porous silicon double layers: A general approach for background suppression

One-dimensional porous silicon photonic crystals can be considered as optical double layers. The reflectivity spectrum of the structure displays a strong peak corresponding to the stop band of the photonic crystal (rugate filter) and Etalon fringes due to Fabry-Perot interference in the porous silicon film. The intensity (reflectivity) of the rugate peak and of the peak in the Fourier transform of the Fabry-Perot interference spectrum changes differently upon adsorption or binding of biomolecules to the solution/porous silicon interface. Whereas the intensity of the rugate peak only tracks lamp fluctuations, bubbles, and other sources of experimental errors, the intensity of the peak in the FFT spectrum detects in addition adsorption/binding of biomolecules to the surface of the biosensor. The intensity ratio between the rugate peak (reference channel) and the peak in the FFT spectrum (sensing channel) efficiently suppresses background and improves the signal to noise ratio for the detection of biomolecules. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Extracellular Matrix from Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa (SIS) as Immune Adjuvants

Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) of Cook Biotech is licensed and widely used for tissue remodeling in humans. SIS was shown to be highly effective as an adjuvant in model studies with prostate and ovarian cancer vaccines. However, SIS adjuvanticity relative to alum, another important human-licensed adjuvant, has not yet been delineated in terms of activation of innate immunity via inflammasomes and boosting of antibody responses to soluble proteins and hapten-protein conjugates. We used ovalbumin, and a hapten-protein conjugate, phthalate-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The evaluation of SIS was conducted in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice using both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. Inflammatory responses were studied by microarray profiling of chemokines and cytokines and by qPCR of inflammasomes-related genes. Results showed that SIS affected cytokine and chemokines microenvironments such as up-regulation of IL-4 and CD30-ligand and activation of chemotactic factors LIX and KC (neutrophil chemotactic factors), MCP-1 (monocytes chemotactic factors), MIP 1-α (macrophage chemotactic factor) and lymphotactin, as well as, growth factors like M-CSF. SIS also promoted gene expression of Nod-like receptors (NLR) and associated downstream effectors. However, in contrast to alum, SIS had no effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) or NLRP3, but it appeared to promote both Th1 and Th2 responses under different conditions. Lastly, it was as effective as alum in engendering a lasting and specific antibody response, primarily of IgG1 type.
Noisy quantum teleportation: An experimental study on the influence of local environments

We report experimental results on the action of selected local environments on the fidelity of the quantum teleportation protocol, taking into account nonideal, realistic entangled resources. Different working conditions are theoretically identified, where a noisy protocol can be made almost insensitive to the further addition of noise. We put to test these conditions on a photonic implementation of the quantum teleportation algorithm, where two polarization entangled qubits act as the entangled resource and a path qubit on Alice encodes the state to be teleported. Bob's path qubit is used to implement a local environment, while the environment on Alice's qubit is simulated as a weighted average of different pure states. We obtain a good agreement with the theoretical predictions, experimentally recreate the conditions to obtain a noise-induced enhancement of the protocol fidelity, and identify parameter regions of increased insensibility to interactions with specific noisy environments.
Oscillatory Flows over a Permeable Wavy Boundary

In this paper viscous boundary layer flows above and inside a permeable wavy bed are studied. The flow motions are driven by an oscillatory horizontal velocity just outside the Stokes boundary layer above the bed. Analytical and numerical solutions are obtained for both the oscillatory velocity component and the steady streaming inside the permeable bed, the Stokes boundary layer and the outer boundary layer. Two specific situations are examined: (1)Weak oscillatory motions over a wavy bed with finite slope and (2) strong oscillatory motions over a small wavy slope. In both situations, the slip (tangential) velocity and the normal velocity do not vanish on the wavy surface because of the permeability. The magnitude of the bed shear stress decreases as the permeability increases. The permeability can also affect significantly the steady streaming patterns; they could change from having two pairs of recirculating cells above an impervious wavy bed to one pair of recirculating cells above a wavy permeable bed.
The evolutionary strategies of plant defenses have a dynamic impact on the adaptations and interactions of vectors and pathogens.

Plants have evolved and diversified to reduce the damages imposed by in- fectious pathogens and herbivorous insects. Living in a sedentary lifestyle, plants are constantly adapting to their environment. They employ various strategies to increase per- formance and fitness. Thus, plants developed cost-effective strategies to defend against specific insects and pathogens. Plant defense, however, imposes selective pressure on in- sects and pathogens. This selective pressure provides incentives for pathogens and insects to diversify and develop strategies to counter plant defense. This results in an evolution- ary arms race among plants, pathogens and insects. The ever-changing adaptations and physiological alterations among these organisms make studying plant-vector-pathogen interactions a challenging and fascinating field. Studying plant defense and plant protec- tion requires knowledge of the relationship among organisms and the adaptive strategies each organism utilize. Therefore, this review focuses on the integral parts of plant-vector- pathogen interactions in order to understand the factors that affect plant defense and disease development. The review addresses plant-vector-pathogen co-evolution, plant defense strategies, specificity of plant defenses and plant-vector-pathogen interactions. Improvingthecomprehensionofthesefactorswillprovideamulti-dimensionalperspective for the future research in pest and disease management.
X-Ray-Induced Photoconductivity in Dielectric Materials

X-ray-induced photoconductivity has been measured in low-density polyethylene, Tefzel? (Dupont fluorocarbon), Durasan (Dupont fluorocarbon), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (Kel-F), polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl chloride and mica. Dose rates varied in the range 109 - 5 × 1010 rad/s. The observed photoconductivity showed no apparent dependence on the molecular structure of the materials. The photoconductivity of polyethylene and Kel-F was observed to depend on the degree of crystallinity in these materials.
Sodium retention and hepatic function following partial portal vein ligation in the rat

Recent studies have suggested that the development of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in the rat occurs when hepatic function, measured by the aminopyrine breath test, decreases below a critical threshold. The present study evaluated the relationship between renal sodium handling and hepatic function and determined whether sodium retention occurs following partial portal vein ligation. Sodium balance, urine volume, creatinine clearance and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination, on a constant sodium intake, were evaluated daily, from 1 day before surgery to 5 days after surgery, in both sham-operated ( n = 6) and partially portal vein-ligated rats ( n = 14). In the partially portal vein-ligated group, sodium retention occurred in 9 rats between 1 and 4 days after surgery, accompanied by a 45% reduction in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination. Spontaneous natriuresis occurred within 5 days after surgery, and was associated with an increase in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination from 0.94 ± 0.07 × 10 −2 min −1 on the last day of sodium retention to 1.36 ± 0.06 × 10 −2 min −1 on the day of diuresis (P r = 0.70, P −2 min −1 below which sodium retention occurs in this study, is similar to those reported in the carbon tetrachloride and bile-duct ligation models of cirrhosis, and in the partial hepatectomy model of hepatic dysfunction. In conclusion, the concept of a critical threshold has been extended to the partial portal vein ligation model in the rat.
Evita raced: metacompilation for declarative networks

Declarative languages have recently been proposed for many new applications outside of traditional data management. Since these are relatively early research efforts, it is important that the architectures of these declarative systems be extensible, in order to accommodate unforeseen needs in these new domains. In this paper, we apply the lessons of declarative systems to the internals of a declarative engine. Specifically, we describe our design and implementation of Evita Raced, an extensible compiler for the OverLog language used in our declarative networking system, P2. Evita Raced is a metacompiler: an OverLog compiler written in OverLog. We describe the minimalist architecture of Evita Raced, including its extensibility interfaces and its reuse of P2's data model and runtime engine. We demonstrate that a declarative language like OverLog is well-suited to expressing traditional and novel query optimizations as well as other query manipulations, in a compact and natural fashion. Finally, we present initial results of Evita Raced extended with various optimization programs, running on both Internet overlay networks and wireless sensor networks.
Reaction pathway insights into the solvothermal preparation of CuIn 1−x Ga x Se 2 nanocrystalline materials

Reaction pathway investigations of the solvothermal preparation of nanocrystalline CuIn 1−x Ga x Se 2 in triethylenetetramine reveal the early formation of a previously unreported Cu 2−x Se(s) intermediate. Over 24 hours, this reacts with In and Se species to form CuInSe 2 (s). If Ga is present, the reaction proceeds over an additional 48 hours to form CuIn 1−x Ga x Se 2 . Adding ammonium halide salts reduces the CuInSe 2 formation time to as little as 30 minutes. It is proposed that in these cases, Cu 2−x Se particle growth is limited via a competitive Cu-halide complex formation. The smaller Cu 2−x Se particles may react and form CuInSe 2 more rapidly. A reaction pathway scheme consistent with experimental results and previous literature reports is proposed.
Allostery: an illustrated definition for the ‘second secret of life’

Although allosteric regulation is the 'second secret of life', the molecular mechanisms that give rise to allostery currently elude understanding. In my opinion, experimental progress is hampered by a commonly used but misleading definition of allostery as protein structural changes that are elicited by the binding of a single ligand. Allostery is more strictly defined in functional terms as a comparison of how one ligand binds in the absence, versus the presence, of a second ligand. Therefore, as each of the two binding events involves two protein complexes, a study of allostery must consider four complexes and not just two. Such a comparison can distinguish allosteric from non-allosteric protein changes, the importance of which is frequently overlooked. When a study of all four complexes is not feasible, an alternative, albeit limited, strategy can identify subsets of allosteric-specific changes.
Moral Emotions and Social Activism: The Case of Animal Rights

Why do some people and not others become involved in social movements? We examined the relationships between a moral emotion—disgust—and animal activism, attitudes toward animal welfare, and consumption of meat. Participants were recruited through two social networking websites and included animal activists, promoters of animal use, and participants not involved in animal-related causes. They took an online survey which included measures of sensitivity to visceral disgust, attitudes toward animal welfare, and frequency of meat eating. Animal activists were more sensitive to visceral disgust than were promoters of animal use or nonaligned participants. Disgust sensitivity was positively correlated with attitudes toward animal welfare but not with meat consumption. The relationship between animal activism and vegetarianism was complex; nearly half of animal activists ate meat, and half of the vegetarians did not consider themselves to be animal activists. We argue that conflicts over the moral status of animals reflect fundamental differences in moral intuitions.
The myths and politics of housing in Hong Kong: The controversy over the demolition of the Hunghom Estate

Abstract This paper explores the post-handover surge of civic activism in Hong Kong by examining the controversy over the demolition of the Hunghom Estate—a government subsidized housing project that was sold to private developers during a recession in early 2004. In a departure from “business as usual,” the high-profile demolition was stopped 10 months later after a series of protests mobilized by environmental activists. This result was widely hailed as a triumph of corporate responsibility and environmental consciousness. By tracing the competing narratives over the course of the controversy, this paper attempts to elucidate this “success” story by revealing the inherent conflicts between different stakeholders, and how these narratives nevertheless share and sustain a number of long-held myths about Hong Kong's economy and housing market. It argues that these myths obscure the ongoing political choices of an interventionist administration, which maintains legitimacy by tightly controlling urban development and securing support from powerful economic actors. By connecting the various claims of the present case with historic discourses of the territory, the paper aims to shed light on the power relations embedded in the development policies that characterized Hong Kong over the colonial period, and which continues to shape the practices of housing in the present.
Misbehavior and MAC Friendliness in CSMA Networks

Nodes using standardized, contention-based CSMA protocols are susceptible to the misbehavior of other nodes and, also have little flexibility in controlling quality of service. The misbehavior problem is addressed in this paper by proposing the use of continuous-time protocols instead of slotted-time protocols. The flexibility problem is addressed by introducing the concept of "MAC friendliness" where nodes can adjust arrival and backoff rates while maintaining a fixed share of the channel. The continuous-time system is modeled using an iterative method and matrix exponential distributions. The model itself is very useful because it is accurate over all ranges of loads and models both queueing within nodes and contention for the channel.
The Effect of Timing Errors in Optical Digital Systems

The use of digital transmission with narrow light pulses appears attractive for data communications, but carries with it a stringent requirement on system bit timing. The effects of imperfect timing in direct-detection (noncoherent) optical binary systems are investigated using both pulse-position modulation (PPM) and on-off keying for bit transmission. Particular emphasis is placed on specification of timing accuracy and an examination of system degradation when this accuracy is not attained. Bit error probabilities are shown as a function of timing errors from which average error probabilities can be computed for specific synchronization methods. Of significance is the presence of a residual or irreducible error probability in both systems, due entirely to the timing system, which cannot be overcome by the data channel.
Intrusion detection: a brief history and overview

The goal of intrusion detection is seemingly simple: to detect intrusions. However, the task is difficult, and in fact intrusion detection systems do not detect intrusions at all, they only identify evidence of intrusions, either while they are in progress or after the fact. The paper considers data collection issues, intrusion detection techniques, system effectiveness and network wide analysis.
Off-axis magnetron sputtering of YBCO films: the influence of atomic oxygen

It is pointed out that in situ off-axis magnetron sputtering of superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O (YBCO) is the simplest method for producing high-quality thin films. However, the method is not completely understood and the properties of films can vary widely among similarly configured systems and even from run-to-run in a given system. The authors have performed a series of experiments aimed at understanding and controlling the off-axis sputtering process. Film properties such as lattice parameter, T/sub c/, and surface morphology were measured as a function of substrate temperature, oxygen pressure, and substrate position. A method to accurately measure the substrate surface temperature has been developed, thus eliminating this as an unknown parameter. Under certain conditions, good films can be deposited at oxygen partial pressures well below the Hammond-Bormann oxygen-pressure-vs.-temperature stability curve for superconducting YBCO, showing the importance of the generation of activated oxygen in the sputtering chamber. Optical emission has confirmed the presence of atomic oxygen. Additional studies of the oxidation of YBCO films in molecular and atomic oxygen generated by an electron cyclotron resonance plasma show that the presence of atomic oxygen creates an equivalent pressure more than two orders of magnitude greater than molecular oxygen at that pressure.
Transformational Innovation: Reflections on How to Foster it in Engineering Education Systems*

This paper describes the educators’ disposition that we believe is required for transformational innovation. Innovating in this domain relies on interrupting existing patterns. This interruption requires the conscious recognition of patterns through an active practice of self observation. Though self observation does not necessarily need a collective process, it is served by encountering the diversity of views present in groups. Innovation in this sense consists of a fundamental identity shift in the human system and the innovators themselves. Unlike the processes of problem solving and process improvement, transformational innovation requires insight into the individual and collective attention of the designers. It also allows access to unexamined mental models and apparent cause and effect relationships. The praxis of transformational innovation within organizations looks like an active practice of reflection, experimentation and learning within the human system. We explain the theoretical perspective, suggest a protocol to begin experimenting with self observation for the purpose of pattern interruption, summarize preliminary results from a year-long process of action research involving over 25 university agents in such a change process, and comment on the limitations and risks in the protocol.
Computation of nonlinear observers

The author improves on the method of nonlinear observer design with linearized error dynamics. The differential equation for coordinate transformation to observer normal form of A.J. Krener and W. Respondek (SIAM J. Control Optim., vol.23, no.2, p.197-216, 1985) is solved explicitly. Results and an example are shown for both transformed and original (nonlinear observable form) coordinates. >
Dislocation Arrays in the Interfaces between Substrates and Epitaxial Islands

We present a model for dislocation array image effects during epilayer island growth. Misfit dislocations often appear at an interface between phases, to accommodate a lattice mismatch. In many situations, such as early film growth, one of the phases may be discontinuous, leaving the interface region clearly bounded. The structure of such a finite interface differs from the normally-modeled infinite boundary because of end effects near the edges of the islands. We have modeled the dislocation structure of such a finite interface in MBE-grown InAs islands on GaP, and compare our results to high-resolution images of the same structure. The 11% misfit causes dislocation introduction from the outset of growth. Islands containing between 4 and 14 dislocations were examined, and dislocation spacings were found to be enlarged near the island perimeters. The model provides a clear understanding of this and other effects.
Pregnancy Outcomes After Vasectomy Reversal for Female Partners 35 Years Old or Older

ABSTRACTPurpose: We review the outcomes after vasectomy reversal for couples with female partners 35 years old or older.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of experience at 2 institutions was performed. Patency was defined as the presence of motile sperm. Patients with less than 6 months of followup were excluded from the patency rate analysis unless they had sperm in the semen. Similarly, patients with less than 12 months of followup or no ongoing interest in establishing conception were excluded from the pregnancy rate analysis unless they had established a pregnancy or they were azoospermic with sufficient followup.Results: A total of 46 men with partners 35 years old or older underwent vasectomy reversal at 2 institutions. Mean partner age was 37 ± 2 years, and median obstructive interval was 10 years. Bilateral vasovasostomy was performed in 43 men, unilateral vasovasostomy in 2 and vasovasostomy/vasoepididymostomy in 1. Of the 46 men 27 had followup semen analyses with a patency rate of 81...
Point-of-care testing for prothrombin time, but not activated partial thromboplastin time, correlates with laboratory methods in patients receiving aprotinin or epsilon-aminocaproic acid while undergoing cardiac surgery

Point-of-care testing (POCT) of coagulation parameters can help optimize transfusion practice in cardiac surgery. Antifibrinolytic agents may interfere with the laboratory and/or POCT coagulation assays. This randomized controlled study compared coagulation parameters obtained from a whole blood POCT coagulation device with a typical laboratory instrument in cardiac surgery patients receiving aprotinin, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, or normal saline before undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Aliquots of arterial blood samples from 42 patients were collected perioperatively, and their prothrombin times (PTs) and activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTTs) were measured by POCT and laboratory instrumentation. Linear regression and error analyses were used for the method comparison. For PT, the POCT device compared favorably with the laboratory method. For aPTT, the POCT device did not compare well with the laboratory method. Treatment with antifibrinolytic agents does not interfere with determination of PT.
Intracellular Zinc Release and ERK Phosphorylation Are Required Upstream of 12-Lipoxygenase Activation in Peroxynitrite Toxicity to Mature Rat Oligodendrocytes

Peroxynitrite toxicity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of white matter injury. The mechanisms of peroxynitrite toxicity to oligodendrocytes (OLs), the major cell type of the white matter, are unknown. Using primary cultures of mature OLs that express myelin basic protein, we found that 3-morpholinosydnonimine, a peroxynitrite generator, caused toxicity to OLs. N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine, a zinc chelator, completely blocked peroxynitrite-induced toxicity. Use of FluoZin-3, a specific fluorescence zinc indicator, demonstrated the liberation of zinc from intracellular stores by peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite caused the sequential activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 42/44 (ERK42/44), 12-lipoxygenase, and generation of reactive oxygen species, which were all dependent upon the intracellular release of zinc. The same cell death pathway was also activated when exogenous zinc was used. These results suggest that in addition to preventing the formation of peroxynitrite, useful strategies in preventing disease progression in pathologies in which peroxynitrite toxicity plays a critical role might include maintaining intracellular zinc homeostasis, blocking phosphorylation of ERK42/44, inhibiting activation of 12-lipoxygenase, and eliminating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.
Reasoning About Relations.

Inferences about spatial, temporal, and other relations are ubiquitous. This article presents a novel model-based theory of such reasoning. The theory depends on 5 principles. (a) The structure of mental models is iconic as far as possible. (b) The logical consequences of relations emerge from models constructed from the meanings of the relations and from knowledge. (c) Individuals tend to construct only a single, typical model. (d) They spontaneously develop their own strategies for relational reasoning. (e) Regardless of strategy, the difficulty of an inference depends on the process of integration of the information from separate premises, the number of entities that have to be integrated to form a model, and the depth of the relation. The article describes computer implementations of the theory and presents experimental results corroborating its main principle.
Enhancing The Quality Of Health Information Online: Recommendations For Health Education Professionals

Health information is plentiful and easy to access online. However, the quality, accuracy, and safety of the information have rightly been called in to question. Never the less, the number of health consumers seeking health information online continues to grow. The web presents health education professionals with unique opportunities to enhance the quality of health information online and leverage new web-based media to expand health education outreach methods. Practical suggestions for health professionals to initiate greater web visibility with the goal of increasing the quality of health information online are offered.
Vulvar edema and weight loss in a pediatric patient

From the Department of Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. Funding sources: None. Conflicts of interest: None declared. Correspondence to: Alex G. Ortega-Loayza, MD, Department of Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 N 11th St, Nelson Clinic, 5th fl, Ste 520, Richmond, VA 23219. E-mail: alex. ortegaloayza@vcuhealth.org. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015;73:e193-4. 0190-9622/$36.00 a 2015 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.002
Palliation in Renal Cancer

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often is found by serendipity when abdominal imaging is done for unrelated reasons. However, it can present with symptoms both local and systemic, which are both prognostically important and cause significant suffering. RCC is associated with unusual sites of metastases and a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes related to tumor and host cytokine production. Isolated metastases can be managed by surgery with a survival benefit. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors though effective in extending survival in advanced disease, can add to symptom burden. Symptom management not infrequently requires multiple disciplines (oncologists, palliative specialists, radiation therapists, and surgeons). To be successful, a patient centered care approach which includes personal goals of care and continuity of care, should direct the use of technologies in the palliation of RCC.
The Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development: Tackling HIV/AIDS and Poverty in South Africa (A)

The Novartis Foundation and various donors undertook a risk-assessment of how REPSSI could be brought to other African countries both legally and effectively. The original initiative had to be transformed into an organization, and a host country had to be chosen to implement the program. South Africa, where the HIV/AIDS problem and its effects on children seemed the most severe, was chosen. By 2006, REPSSI, through its various organizations and institutions throughout sub-Saharan Africa, had touched the lives of more than 300,000 orphans. It had worked at various times with more than 140 aid organizations. The collaboration had, in particular, been extremely successful in 'transferring best practices in labor management, leadership, and financial skills.' Many of the services businesses and universities provided the NGO were pro bono. REPSSI continued to grow as 2006 came to a close and, with management stretched thin, those involved with REPSSI looked once again to Novartis’s corporate human resources as well as the foundation itself to guide them to greater growth. By 2007, the project was financially secured for another three years by the Swedish Development Agency (SIDA), the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, and other donors. The Novartis Foundation’s goal was to make REPSSI the 'implementing agency of choice' for such programs and securing long-term financing through expanding the donor base.
Synthesis of Fullerene by Spark Plasma Sintering and Thermomechanical Transformation of Fullerene Into Diamond on Fe-C Composites

In this work, results are presented regarding the characterization of nanostructured Fe matrix composites reinforced with fullerene. The fullerene is a mix of 15 wt.%C60, 5 wt.%C70 and 80 wt.% soot that is the product of the primary synthesis of C60. The composite has been produced by means of mechanical alloying and sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The characterization methods include XRD, SEM and TEM. The C60 and C70 withstand mechanical alloying, SPS, and thermomechanical processing and act as a control agent during mechanical alloying. The results show that the mechanically alloyed and SPS product is a nanostructured composite. A larger amount of C60 is found in the sintered composite than in the original fullerene mix, which is attributed to an in-situ synthesis of C60 during the SPS process. The synthesis of C60 is presumably assisted by the catalytic nature of Fe and the electric field generated during the SPS process. In order to study the effect of high temperature, high strain, high heating and cooling rates on C60, the composite is subjected to a thermomechanical processing; demonstrating that some of the C60 resists the above described environment and some of it partially transforms into diamond.
Development of a test method for composite materials energy absorption: corrugated specimens

One of the key factors preventing the widespread adoption of composites in primary crash structures is the absence of specialized test methods for the characterization of specific energy absorption (SEA). Aside from thin-walled tubular specimens, a limited number of attempts have been made at using a plate specimen, which is easier to manufacture but requires complex anti-buckling fixtures. A new method, featuring a corrugated plate, which can be easily manufactured and is self-stabilizing and hence does not require a dedicated test fixture, is suggested here. A systematic investigation is performed to validate the possibility of using such specimen to screen candidate material systems and laminate designs, with the specific goal of isolating the sensitivity of the method to intrinsic specimen parameters. he four necessary conditions for survival during a vehicle collision are maintaining sufficient occupant space, providing adequate occupant restraint, employing energy-absorbing devices, and allowing for a safe post-crash egress from the craft [1]. Specifically, the energy-absorbing components, primary vehicle structure and secondary systems must all be designed to work together to absorb the vehicle kinetic energy and slow the occupants to rest without injurious loading. Vehicle impact events involve the simultaneous structural response of multiple components, and often the energy-absorbing devices experience combined loading, resulting from axial crushing and bending. However, the complexity of these events is such that often these processes need to be approached individually, and usually the energy-absorbing components are designed to dissipate energy under controlled collapse in simpler loading configurations. In general, while the total energy dissipated during a crash depends on the overall vehicle system deformation, the crashoriented design of the individual structural subcomponents of simple geometry can provide a great increase in structural crashworthiness and survivability, with an acceptable increase in overall vehicle cost. For this reason, structural elements that provide energy absorption have received special attention in the literature [2-6]. T
Integrating Freeform and Feature-Based Fitting Methods

Reverse engineering (RE) is the process of defining and instantiating a model based on the measurements taken from an exemplar object. Traditional RE is costly, requiring extensive time from a domain expert using calipers and/or coordinate measurement machines to create new design drawings/CAD models. Increasingly RE is becoming more automated via the use of mechanized sensing devices and general purpose surface fitting software. This work demonstrates the ability to reverse-engineer parts by combining feature-based techniques with freeform surface fitting to produce more accurate and appropriate CAD models than previously possible.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The Ste5p scaffold

An emerging theme of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades is that they form molecular assemblies within cells; the spatial organization of which is provided by scaffold proteins. Yeast Ste5p was the first MAPK cascade scaffold to be described. Early work demonstrated that Ste5p selectively tethers the MAPKKK, MAPKK and MAPK of the yeast mating pathway and is essential for efficient activation of the MAPK by the pheromone stimulus. Recent work indicates that Ste5p is not a passive scaffold but plays a direct role in the activation of the MAPKKK by a heterotrimeric G protein and PAK-type kinase. This activation event requires the formation of an active Ste5p oligomer and proper recruitment of Ste5p to a Gbetagamma dimer at the submembrane of the cell cortex, which suggests that Ste5p forms a stable Ste5p signalosome linked to a G protein. Additional studies underscore the importance of regulated localization of Ste5p to the plasma membrane and have revealed nuclear shuttling as a regulatory device that controls the access of Ste5p to the plasma membrane. A model that links Ste5p oligomerization with stable membrane recruitment is presented. In this model, pathway activation is coordinated with the conversion of a less active closed form of Ste5 containing a protected RING-H2 domain into an active Ste5p dimer that can bind to Gbetagamma and form a multimeric scaffold lattice upon which the MAPK cascade can assemble.