cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Limit and Applicability of Dynamic Homogenization

a b s t r a c t Recent years have seen considerable research success in the field of dynamic homogenization which seeks to define frequency dependent effective properties for heterogeneous composites for the purpose of studying wave propagation. There is an approximation involved in replacing a heterogeneous composite with its homogenized equivalent. In this paper we propose a quantification to this approximation. We study the problem of reflection at the interface of a layered periodic composite and its dynamic homogenized equivalent. It is shown that if the homogenized parameters are to appropriately represent the layered composite in a finite setting and at a given frequency, then reflection at this special interface must be close to zero at that frequency. We show that a comprehensive homogenization scheme proposed in an earlier paper results in negligible reflection in the low frequency regime, thereby suggesting its applicability in a finite composite setting. In this paper we explicitly study a 2-phase composite and a 3-phase composite which exhibits negative effective properties over its second branch. We show that based upon the reflected energy profile of the two cases, there exist good arguments for considering the second branch of a 3-phase composite a true negative branch with negative group velocity. Through arguments of calculated reflected energy we note that infinite-domain homogenization is much more applicable to finite cases of the 3-phase composite than it is to the 2-phase composite. In fact, the applicability of dynamic homogenization extends to most of the first branch (negligible reflection) for the 3-phase composite. This is in contrast with a periodic composite without local resonance where the approximation of homogenization worsens with increasing frequency over the first branch and is demonstrably bad on the second branch. We also study the effect of the interface location on the applicability of homogenization. The results open intriguing questions regarding the effects of replacing a semi-infinite periodic composite with its Bloch-wave (infinite domain) dynamic properties on such phenomenon as negative refraction.
Effects of TPA, bryostatin 1, and retinoic acid on PO-B, AP-1, and AP-2 DNA binding during HL-60 differentiation.

PO-B was originally characterized as a transcriptional regulatory factor of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene; however, it has become increasingly clear that this protein may be active in tissues outside the pituitary, since it is present in diverse cell types, including differentiated HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells. We previously showed that PO-B DNA-binding is progressively induced during differentiation of promyelomonocytic leukemia HL-60 cells to the macrophage-like lineage (with phorbol esters). We now report that PO-B DNA-binding in HL-60 cells is similarly induced during differentiation to the granulocytic lineage (with either retinoic acid or dimethylsulfoxide). Either a genetic or pharmacologic blockade of HL-60 differentiation prohibited these inductive effects. These studies have prompted our interest in the dynamics of other transcription factor changes during HL-60 differentiation. Of these, we observed that another transcription factor (AP-1) is also robustly induced at the DNA-binding level during macrophagelike HL-60 differentiation, but not during granulocytic differentiation. Conversely, the DNA-binding of the transcription factor AP-2 was slightly reduced by TPA-induced HL-60 differentiation but unchanged during granulocyte differentiation. From these data, we conclude that the induction of PO-B DNA binding is a general marker of HL-60 myelomonocytic differentiation, but that qualitative aspects of the induction of additional distinct transcription factors, such as AP-L may contribute to lineage-specific determinants of cell fate. J. Cell. Biochem. 65:308–324. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Successful tissue transplantation of auxin-dependent tumours and some of its problems.

AUTOTROPHY with respect to auxin has come to be regarded as a diagnostic characteristic of plant tumours1–3. Experience shows, however, that spruce tumours in culture are heterotrophic with respect to auxin4. It was therefore decided to transplant living cells from in vitro cultures into healthy seedlings.
Metasomatism in Serpentinite Mélange Rocks from the High-Pressure Maksyutov Complex, Southern Ural Mountains, Russia

Metasomatized basalts are enclosed in antigorite serpentine melange of the Upper Unit of the Maksyutov Complex, southern Ural Mountains, Russia. The structurally Lower Unit of this complex consists predominantly of mafic eclogite and sedimentary gneiss metamorphosed at ultrahigh pressures; rocks of the Upper Unit underwent blueschist-facies conditions. The metasomatized rocks are fine-grained blocks, variably composed of chlorite, garnet, lawsonite, white-mica, epidote, and titanite. Partial rodingitization accompanied serpentinization of the surrounding peridotite, and predated the high-pressure metamorphism that led to the formation of lawsonite. Extensive Mg metasomatism followed rodingitization, leading to prevalent Mg-rich rims around the mafic blocks. Potassium metasomatism, although minor compared to the rodingitization and Mg metasomatism, contributed to the formation of muscovite pseudomorphs after lawsonite during exhumation.
Do ice caves exist on Mars

We have developed a numerical model for assessing the lifetime of ice deposits in martian caves that are open to the atmosphere. Our model results and sensitivity tests indicate that cave ice would be stable over significant portions of the surface of Mars. Ice caves on Earth commonly occur in lava tubes, and Mars has been significantly resurfaced by volcanic activity during its history, including the two main volcanic provinces, the Tharsis and Elysium rises. These areas, known or suspected of having subsurface caves and related voids are among the most favorable regions for the occurrence of ice stability. The martian ice cave model predicts regions which, if caves occur, would potentially be areas of astrobiological importance as well as possible water sources for future human missions to Mars.
5/6 Area Length Method for Left-Ventricular Ejection-Fraction Measurement in Adults with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: Comparison with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) predicts adverse outcomes. Two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) methods of measuring LVEF require geometric assumptions and may be limited in this population due to altered ventricular geometry. This study evaluated the performance of the 5/6 area × length (AL) method in this population as well as which factors limit agreement with the results of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). In 20 patients with rTOF (28.5 ± 14.7 years old) and CMR and 2DE within 3 months, two investigators blinded to CMR measured LVEF from 2DE by the AL method, biplane Simpson’s (BiS) method, and visual estimate. Two investigators blinded to 2DE measured LVEF from CMR by Simpson’s and AL methods. The AL method on 2DE more closely approximated LVEF by CMR (r = 0.73, p = 0.0003) than BiS method (r = 0.53, p = 0.02). AL method was not limited by geometric assumptions, as AL method on CMR closely approximated Simpson’s method on CMR (r = 0.90, p < 0.0001) despite median left-ventricular diastolic eccentricity index of 1.24. AL method on 2DE was primarily limited by short-axis area measurement rather than foreshortening of the ventricle. In conclusion, in adults with rTOF, AL method on 2DE moderately approximates LVEF by CMR, even in the context of altered left-ventricular geometry. Although the AL method may be the most appropriate 2DE method in this population, significant limitations remain for LVEF assessment by 2DE, and strategies to optimize image position and border detection are essential.
Absolute specificity for retrograde fast axonal transport displayed by lipid droplets originating in the axon of an identifiedAplysia neuron in vitro

Lipid droplets were found to form all along the axon of the giant cerebral neuron (GCN) of the sea hare Aplysia californica when the cell was placed in culture. The emission of yellow fluorescence by the droplets after exposure of the neuron to Nile red and their uniformly dark appearance in electron micrographs of axons fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide identified them as lipid droplets. In contrast to lipid droplets in fat cells and certain other cell types, these droplets were bounded by a membrane, indicating that the lipid droplet is a type of organelle that is membranated in some situations but not others. As observed by video-enhanced contrast-differential interference contrast microscopy, the droplets grew manyfold in place in the axon to diameters of 1-3 micron within 2-3 days. Often they formed coherent tandem arrays of 3-15 droplets. Droplets were usually essentially stationary but occasionally moved tens of microns by fast axonal transport, the largest spherical organelles to have been observed to undergo transport. They usually moved as singlets, sometimes as tandem arrays. The direction of transport was always retrograde (towards the cell body). Thus, an organelle need neither originate nor be modified in the axon terminal to be specified for retrograde transport. Whether or not an organelle is formed in the cell body might determine directionality. Alternatively, size might be a determining factor, with large organelles specified for retrograde transport.
The measurement of the dielectric and optical properties of nano thin films by THz differential time-domain spectroscopy

As feature sizes of circuits and devices approach 100 nm and chip frequencies climb into the upper GHz to THz range, it becomes increasingly important to have a convenient method of characterizing properties of thin dielectric films in the GHz to THz frequency range. THz time-domain spectroscopy provides a non-contact, non-destructive and highly sensitive optical tool to characterize the dielectric and optical properties of micron to nanometer scaled thin films at GHz and THz frequencies. The measurement of the dielectric and the optical properties of nanometer scaled dielectric films is performed using the THz differential time-domain spectroscopy. The real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric constants and the optical constants of a variety of nano thin films are measured at GHz and THz frequencies.
Recent advances in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fullerenes

Abstract This paper highlights advances which have occurred in the last three years related to the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fullerenes by chromatographic and related techniques. The techniques reviewed include sample preparation, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Some of the most significant advances have occurred in the area of sample preparation, including the increased adoption of solid-phase extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, hyphenated chromatographic methods (e.g. LC-LC, LC-GC, etc.) and the chromatographic separation of fullerenes which did not exist on a macroscopic scale three years ago.
Methods for the study of the growth and production of turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum König

Research has shown that the measurement of the productivity of vascular hydrophytes by gas exchange methods is inaccurate due to the storage of gases within the leaves. Methods were developed for the study of turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum Konig, which allow: (a) the monitoring of the blade populations without disturbing the plant, and (b) the determination of leaf growth and net production of the blades, in addition to other biotic variables associated with the growth and development of the plant. The technique involves the marking of individual blades with a modified stapler, and the retrieval of the marked blades after a 2–3 week interval. The production measured is that which is readily available to the consumers of the Thalassia community.
Application of London-type dispersion corrections to the solid-state density functional theory simulation of the terahertz spectra of crystalline pharmaceuticals

The effects of applying an empirical dispersion correction to solid-state density functional theory methods were evaluated in the simulation of the crystal structure and low-frequency (10 to 90 cm−1) terahertz spectrum of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen. The naproxen molecular crystal is bound largely by weak London force interactions, as well as by more prominent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, and thus serves as a good model for the assessment of the pair-wise dispersion correction term in systems influenced by intermolecular interactions of various strengths. Modifications to the dispersion parameters were tested in both fully optimized unit cell dimensions and those determined by X-ray crystallography, with subsequent simulations of the THz spectrum being performed. Use of the unmodified PBE density functional leads to an unrealistic expansion of the unit cell volume and the poor representation of the THz spectrum. Inclusion of a modified dispersion correction enabled a high-quality simulation of the THz spectrum and crystal structure of naproxen to be achieved without the need for artificially constraining the unit cell dimensions.
The orphan receptor COUP-TFII regulates G2/M progression of breast cancer cells by modulating the expression/activity of p21(WAF1/CIP1), cyclin D1, and cdk2

The orphan receptors COUP-TFI and COUP-TFII play an important role in development and differentiation by activating specific genes and by modulating the activity of nuclear receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Previously, it was demonstrated that the expression and activity of ERalpha and RARs are lost or impaired in anti-estrogen-resistant breast cancers. Here we show that, similar to ERalpha and RARs, the expression of COUP-TFII but not COUP-TFI is reduced in approximately 30% of breast cancer cell lines. Introduction of COUP-TFII to MDA-MB-435 cells resulted in reduced growth and plating efficiency. Interestingly, COUP-TFII increased the expression of cyclin D1 and p21(WAF1/CIP1) in MDA-MB-435 cells. Although parental and COUP-TFII-transduced cells progressed through the G1-S phase at a similar rate, progression of COUP-TFII cells through the G2/M transition phase was delayed. The activity of cdk2 required for G2/M progression was reduced in COUP-TFII cells compared to parental cells. This property of COUP-TFII is distinct from that of ERalpha and RARs, which usually modulate the G1 phase of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, these results reveal an important physiological function of COUP-TFII, which correlates with its ability to induce gene expression rather than modulation of nuclear receptor activity.
CONTROL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL BURN WOUND SEPSIS BY TOPICAL APPLICATION OF SULFAMYLON COMPOUNDS

Discussion and Summary The successful control of burn wound sepsis by use of Sulfamylon burn cream has greatly altered the management of the burn wound and its prognosis. The character of the healing wound has altered, with persistence of eschar now seen, due to suppression of microbial debriding action. This problem has been resolved by discontinuing therapy and applying dressings if necessary to hasten eschar separation. The use of a water soluble base, which is 62% water, has resulted in a decrease in evaporative water loss, with a consequent reduction in the metabolic load on the patient. This is evident in the reduction of weight loss in the post-burn period. The control of local sepsis appears to add to this gain, since it too represents a decrease in metabolic demand. The survival of epithelial islands in deep dermal burns which had previously been converted to full-thickness injury by infection has resulted in healing of such injuries without resort to skin grafting. The hydrotherapy procedures permit a daily gentle debridement of matured eschar, and a consequent reduction in the frequency of surgical debridement has occurred. The reduction in the need for general anaesthetic has simplified wound management and minimized weight loss due to cancelled meals. The drug is simple to compound and to apply. Areas housing many burn patients are now odorless, in striking contrast to the environment previously existing. The elimination of burn wound sepsis has, however, increased the magnitude of other clinical problems in burn management. The most prominent of these are the pulmonary complications, specifically a diffuse pneumonia. This is not a hematogenous Pseudomonas pneumonia, which was formerly a common complication of burn wound sepsis, but a bronchopneumonia, often associated with patches of atalectasis. The mortality statistics show a consistent reduction of 50% in death rate; most of the change has occurred in burns of less than 50% of body surface. There has been no improvement in death rate of burns of over 60%, although the cause of death has changed from one of wound infection to pneumonia. Burn wound sepsis has been relegated to a minor role in burn mortality by the use of topical Sulfamylon therapy.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Disrupt-Then-Reframe Compliance Gaining Technique

The disrupt-then-reframe compliance gaining technique (DTR; Davis & Knowles, 1999) uses confusing language and then follows it with an additional reason to comply. The effectiveness of the DTR was meta-analyzed by calculating the weighted mean correlation coefficient (r ¼.28) and the weighted mean odds ratio (OR ¼3.47). Using the DTR in a sales context versus a nonprofit context was a moderator of the technique’s effectiveness such that the DTR was more effective in the nonprofit context (r ¼.32, OR ¼4.14) than in the sales context (r ¼.20, OR ¼2.46). A trim and fill test (Duval & Tweedie, 2000a, 2000b) found no evidence of publication bias.
Selective extraction and enrichment of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters from fish oil by novel π-complexing sorbents

Abstract Novel π-complexing sorbents were prepared by covalently immobilizing ionic liquids (ILs) onto silica and then coating this silica-supported ILs with silver salts. These supported ILs exhibited a stronger ability to immobilize and retain silver salts on silica versus traditional π-complexing sorbents formed by direct anchoring of silver salts onto silica. These sorbents were successfully applied to extract and enrich polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (PUFAMEs) from fish oil with both high selectivity and high capacity. The enrichment of PUFAMEs was investigated using a simple three-step procedure consisting of (1) sorbent pretreatment, (2) sample extraction onto the sorbent and (3) stripping the sorbent by 1-hexene or by diethyl ether first then 1-hexene. The preparation and characterization of the silica-supported ionic liquid phase were reported here. The factors influencing extraction capacity and selectivity were also studied. These included screening of various sorbents and stripping solvents, extraction time, sorbent quantity, and the pretreatment solvent. Only 5 mg of the sorbent AgBF 4 /SiO 2 ·Im + ·PF 6 − completely adsorbed 0.33 mg of the PUFAME, methyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5) in 5 min from the feed mixture solution. The saturated extraction capacity for this 20:5 PUFAME by using this AgBF 4 /SiO 2 ·Im + ·PF 6 − was 120.0 mg/g as determined by its adsorption isotherm. After a consecutive two-step stripping by diethyl ether and then 1-hexene, the concentration of 20:5 increased from 7% in the feed stock solution to about 90% in the 1-hexene stripping solvent. After a total of six cycles, this sorbent still exhibited satisfactory reusability. The ability of this π-complexing sorbent to extract and enrich PUFAMEs from a cod liver oil matrix was also established.
Pancreatic structure and function in the immature reserpinized rat

Immature rats were reserpinized to determine whether the model used for adults may be suitable for the study of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency seen in infants with cystic fibrosis. Rats were reserpinized by injections either into pregnant dams or into newborn rats. The dose of reserpine used by others was lethal to immature rats, so lower doses were used. Pancreas from 1-day-old fetal-treated pups was hypoplastic, but concentration of chymotrypsinogen was elevated. At age 7 days hyperplasia was seen. When rats were reserpinized as neonates, hypoplasia and decrease in all parameters measured was observed at age 7 days. Progressive recovery occurred during the following 2 weeks in both groups. Electron microscopic study of the fetal-treated 24-hr-old pancreas revealed evidence of acinar cell degeneration with the presence of abnormal zymogen granules. At age 7 days the pancreas from neonatal-treated rat pups appeared to have a reduced number of granules. At ages 14 and 21 days the pancreas was similar to that seen at age 7 days except that the granules were larger and some acinar lumina were filled with a finely granular, homogeneously dense material. It is concluded that prenatal and neonatal reserpinization of rats induces changes in pancreas similar to those found in cystic fibrosis.
Discrimination of color and pattern novelty in one-month human infants

Abstract Visual discrimination of novel colors and patterns by one-month infants was studied in two experiments where visual reinforcers were presented contingent upon infants' rate of nonnutritive, high-amplitude sucking. Discrimination was measured by recovery of sucking to the presentation of novel visual reinforcing stimuli following decrements in sucking to familiar visual stimuli. In Expt 1, following decrement to familiar stimuli, independent groups received either a change in color, pattern, both color and pattern, or no stimulus change. Reliable recovery was demonstrated for the three stimulus novelty groups relative to the no-change control. Experiment 2, employing achromatic visual reinforcers also showed reliable recovery to pattern change relative to no-change controls. These findings with one-month infants indicate discrimination between familiar and novel visual reinforcers on the basis of color and pattern differences and an increase due to novelty in the reinforcing effectiveness of visual stimuli. Individual subject differences in response decrement magnitude during familiarization were positively correlated with amount of response recovery to novelty.
Context-aware ubiquitous musafir

Population using Mobile phones and Mobile applications is increasing every day. Emergence of Cloud Computing and advances in Wireless Communication technologies has changed the dynamics of mobile applications by providing Scalable On-Demand High Available Infrastructure at minimal cost with zero maintenance and empowered with faster data transfer. Enterprises have started to develop Cloud based mobile applications that can target their Customers who are on the move. This paper presents a Cloud based Context Aware mobile application that targets Travel, Healthcare, Education and Retail Enterprises and their Users. Machine Learning techniques such as Association rules were used to analyze the mobile end user data on the Cloud towards predicting the services preferred by the End User.
A comparison of non-business and business student test scores in basic

An experiment is described that analyzes differences in BASIC test scores between a group of 58 non-business and 104 business majors. All students were given four weeks of instruction in BASIC and took a common BASIC examination testing their knowledge of language rules and their ability to read programs.Analysis of multiple covariance was used to statistically adjust BASIC test scores for performance on a computer concepts examination and age. The results showed no significant difference between the scores of the non-business and business majors on the BASIC examination.These findings are important since they provide empirical evidence that the ability to understand programming language is independent of students' academic direction. Thus, the benefits of programming experience appear to be realizable for both business and non-business students.
Isoprostanes induce plasma extravasation in rat skin.

Isoprostane E2 (8-iso PGE) and isoprostane F2 alpha (8-iso PGF) contribute to numerous vascular, proinflammatory, and nociceptive functions. The underlying mechanisms for many of their actions are still under investigation. We examined the ability of isoprostanes to promote cutaneous inflammation using the Evan's blue dye method. Our data show that 4 micrograms subcutaneously (s.c.) injected 8-iso PGE or 8-iso PGF induced plasma extravasation in glabrous rat skin. Dye extravasation was also elicited in hairy skin after injections of 8-iso PGE, but not after 8-iso PGF. Isoprostane-evoked dye extravasation can be reduced by pretreatment with both the S+ and R- isomers of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibitor ibuprofen (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally), indicating perhaps a nonspecific inhibition; pretreatment with ketorolac (1 and 10 mg/kg i.v.) was without effect. Unlike isoprostane-induced cutaneous nociceptor sensitization, which is blocked in a stereospecific and dose-dependent manner by COX-inhibitors, the effect of these drugs on isoprostane-induced cutaneous plasma extravasation is less consistent. We conclude that at least a large component of the isoprostane effect on cutaneous plasma extravasation is COX-independent.
Comprehensive thermal aberration and distortion control of lithographic lenses for accurate overlay

Accurate overlay with high throughput is the key to success in multiple-patterning lithography. To achieve accurate overlay, the imaging system must control and minimize the thermal aberration and distortion. There are several sources of thermal aberration in an immersion lithography system: (1) reticle deformation by reticle heating; (2) air temperature fluctuation near the reticle; (3) thermal aberrations from the projection lens; and (4) immersion water temperature fluctuation. All aberrations and distortion are impacted by these sources and need to be minimized for accurate overlay. In this paper, we introduce our approach and technologies for the control of thermal aberrations.
Jaundice and Kernicterus in the Moderately Preterm Infant

Moderate preterm infants remain at increased risk for adverse outcomes, including acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE). Evidence-based guidelines for management of hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants less than 35 weeks' gestational age are not yet optimized. High concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin can cause permanent posticteric neurologic sequelae (kernicterus). Clinical manifestations of ABE in preterm infants are similar to, but often more subtle than, those of term infants. This review outlines clinical strategies to operationalize management of hyperbilirubinemia in moderately preterm infants to meet recently published consensus-based recommendations.
Medium–Long–Medium and Medium–Long–Long Chain Acyl Glycerols from Beef Tallow and Caprylic Acid

Beef tallow was fractionated either without or with solvent to obtain a highly eariched unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) fraction. Solvent fractionation at low temperature (-18 °C) successfully fractionated USFA-enriched triacylglycerol (TAG). The higher that the solute to solvent ratio was used for fractionation, the more weight yield of USFA-enriched TAG from the liquid fractions was recovered during the fractionation. USFA-enriched fraction was further esterified with lipase and medium chain fatty acid (caprylic acid). Through 2 nd -step transesterification. MLM (sn-1-medium-2-long-3-medium TAG) type of structured lipids (SL) was produced in volume. Isolated SL was characterized by reverse-phase HPLC, GC, and DSC. Synthesized SL in this study would be considered as a value added product from renewable animal fat for natritionally beneficial applications in food. Du suif de boeuf est fractionne avec ou sans solvant pour obtenir une fraction d'acides gras insatures hautement enrichie. La fraction enrichie en acides gras insatures est ensuite esterifiee avec une lipase et un acide gras a chaine moyenne (acide caprylique). Le lipide structure obtenu est isole du melange puis subit une deuxieme transesterification. Un triglyceride final contient un acide gras insature en position sn-2 et des acides gras de chaine moyenne aux positions sn-1 et sn-3.
Promoting School-Based Mental Health: Perspectives From School Practitioners

Research has clearly identified the negative impact that untreated mental health problems can have on students' school success. However, there is little research about specific resource needs from the perspective of the school practitioners who are working daily with these vulnerable youth. This small, qualitative study explored important resources needed for promoting mental health from the perspective of multidisciplinary school practitioners. Results provide valuable insight about critical school needs and existing resources that can guide the re-allocation of available assets and the development of new mental health interventions for schools. Implications for future practice, research, and policy are also discussed.
Complexity: A Frontier for Management Education:

This article critiques the mechanistic grounding of traditional management education and proposes complexity science as a fitting explanatory model for an age of complexity, contributing timely and important educational content and instructional processes to management education. It highlights some of those contributions and reviews instructional methods exemplifying key features of complex adaptive systems and suggesting the value in harnessing natural tendencies of systems by working in harmony with them. The article concludes with a consideration of issues facing teachers who contemplate teaching in accordance with the implications of complexity science.
PipeSynth: An Algorithm for Automated Topological and Parametric Design and Optimization of Pipe Networks

This paper describes a design automation approach that combines various optimization research and artificial intelligence methods for synthesizing fluid networks. Unlike traditional software tools available today, this approach does not rely on having any predefined network topology to design and optimize its networks. PipeSynth generates its designs by using only desired port locations, and the desired fluid properties at each of those ports. An ideal network is found by optimizing the number and connectivity of pipes and pipe fittings, the size and length of each pipe, and the size and orientation of each fitting. A Uniform-Cost-Search is used for topology optimization along with a combination of non-gradient based optimization methods for parametric optimization. PipeSynth demonstrates how advances in automated design can enable engineers to manage much more complex fluid network problems. PipeSynth uses a unique representation of fluid networks that synthesizes and optimizes networks one pipe at a time, in three-dimensional space. PipeSynth has successfully solved several problems containing multiple interlaced networks concurrently with multiple inputs and outputs. PipeSynth shows the power of automated design and optimization in producing solutions more effectively and efficiently than traditional design approaches.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Outcome of pregnancy in women with a history of vesico-ureteric reflux

OBJECTIVES To review the evidence relating to the outcome of pregnancy in women with vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) or a previous history of VUR and to identify the factors contributing to morbidity in pregnancy, with particular emphasis on the role of renal scarring. METHODS Searches were carried out in Medline, Pubmed and MD Consult using various combinations of the keywords including: vesicoureteral reflux and pregnancy, maternal vesicoureteral reflux, vesicoureteral reflux in adulthood, reflux nephropathy and pregnancy. All data quoted in this review are from original articles. RESULTS The published studies showed that women with VUR that was not associated with renal scarring had no increase in the incidence of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia or fetal morbidity, regardless of whether their VUR was diagnosed in childhood or adulthood. However, women with VUR and normal kidneys did have higher incidence of urinary tract infection during pregnancy, which was not modified by ureteric re-implantation. Renal scarring was the primary risk factor for morbidity during pregnancy and this risk was independent of the presence or absence of VUR at the time of pregnancy. CONCLUSION The evidence does not support the practice of correcting low-grade VUR in girls with unscarred kidneys because this will reduce their risk of complications in pregnancy. The presence of renal scarring rather than the presence or absence of reflux is the principal determinant of morbidity during pregnancy.
Ruthenium-Catalyzed Metathesis Reactions of ortho- and meta-Dialkenyl-Carboranes: Efficient Ring-Closing and Acyclic Diene Polymerization Reactions

The ruthenium-catalyzed metathesis reactions of dialkenyl-substituted ortho- and meta-carboranes provide excellent routes to both cyclic-substituted o-carboranes and new types of main-chain m-carbo...
Between Confrontation and Accommodation: Military and Government Policy in Democratic Argentina*

After a prolonged period of authoritarian rule, the rebirth of democracy in Latin America has prompted a resurgent interest in civilian control of the armed forces. Few disagree that political leaders will be unable to consolidate their democratic gains without resolving ‘la cuestion militar’. Given the history of military political intervention in the region, scholars have long expressed scepticism over whether governments can ever fully subject the armed forces to their political will. Recently, the terms on which power has been transferred from military to civilian hands and developments subsequent to the transfer have prompted an even greater anxiety about the future of some of these new and fragile democracies.
Yellow nail syndrome: a case report and review of treatment options

Background and Aims Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder involving characteristic nail changes, lymphedema and chronic respiratory symptoms. Currently there is no definitive treatment and there have been no prospective randomised controlled trials evaluating the available options. In order to strengthen the literature on this topic, we present the case of a 67-year-old man with YNS and a detailed review of current treatment options. Methods We included 40 articles for the final review according to their relevance with the subject. Results Data for use of the commonly chosen therapies for YNS remains inconclusive, with small studies and case reports showing mixed results of efficacy. Conclusion Although the date indicates that it is reasonable to recommend a trial of conservative therapy including vitamin E, antibiotics and compression stockings before pursuing more aggressive or invasive modalities, larger scale studies are required to determine the true efficacy of all treatment options.
Human 14-3-3 gamma protein results in abnormal cell proliferation in the developing eye of Drosophila melanogaster

14-3-3 proteins are a family of adaptor proteins that participate in a wide variety of cellular processes. Recent evidence indicates that the expression levels of these proteins are elevated in some human tumors providing circumstantial evidence for their involvement in human cancers. However, the mechanism through which these proteins act in tumorigenesis is uncertain. To determine whether elevated levels of 14-3-3 proteins may perturb cell growth we overexpressed human 14-3-3 gamma (h14-3-3 gamma) in Drosophila larvae using the heat shock promoter or the GMR-Gal4 driver and then examined the effect that this had on cell proliferation in the eye imaginal discs of third instar larvae. We found that induction of h14-3-3 gamma resulted in the abnormal appearance of replicating cells in the differentiating proneural photoreceptor cells of eye imaginal discs where h14-3-3 gamma was driven by the heat shock promoter. Similarly, we found that driving h14-3-3 gamma expression specifically in developing eye discs with the GMR-Gal4 driver resulted in increased numbers of replicative cells following the morphogenetic furrow. Interestingly, we found that the effects of overexpressing h1433 gamma on eye development were increased in a genetic background where String (cdc25) function was compromised. Taken together our results indicate that h14-3-3 gamma can promote abnormal cell proliferation and may act through Cdc25. This has important implications for 14-3-3 gamma as an oncogene as it suggests that elevated levels of 14-3-3 may confer a growth advantage to cells that overexpress it.
Release of Frontalin by male Douglas-fir beetle

Frontalin was identified by coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry from volatilt substances released by male Dendroctonus pseudotsugae. The relative quantity was comparable to that of 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (3,2-MCH, formerly called MCH) and les; than that of 3-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-one (3,3-MCH), which were released at the same time. Zusammenfassung Uber die Freigabe des Pheromons Frontalin durch die Mannchen des Douglasien-Borkenkafers Das aggregative Pheromon Frontalin wurde durch Gaschromatographie sowie auch Massenspektometrie von fluchtigen Substanzen, die von Mannchen des Douglasien-Borkenkafers abgegeben werden, identifiziert. Die relative Menge des Frontalin war mit der Menge des anti-attraktiven Pheromons 3-Methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (3,2 MCH, fruher MCH genannt) vergleichbar, jedoch kleiner als die Menge des Isomers 3-Methylcyclohex-3-en-1-one, die gleichzeitig abgegeben wurde. Auf das komplizierte chemische Verhalten der Mannchen wird hingewiesen.
The power of dynamic reconfiguration

Summary form only given. Advances in semiconductor technology have led to many devices in which the computing devices can be configured as the computation proceeds. Field Programmable Gate Arrays is a typical commercially available configurable device. Such configurability offers several opportunities to speed-up computations. However, algorithmic innovations are needed to exploit such features to obtain fast parallel solutions. This talk will introduce and illustrate algorithmic configurable computing and contrast it with traditional approach based on logic synthesis. This talk will begin with the theoretical foundations of such computations by introducing the Reconfigurable Mesh model that was defined by USC researchers and others several years ago. Dynamic reconfiguration, in which the connections are changed as the computation proceeds is a powerful mechanism to achieve fast parallel solutions. We will illustrate the power of dynamic reconfiguration using this abstract model and show how scalable and portable solutions can be designed using currently available devices which offer limited configurability. These ideas will be illustrated by a number of examples from the USC MAARC project.
B cell maturation antigen, the receptor for a proliferation-inducing ligand and B cell-activating factor of the TNF family, induces antigen presentation in B cells.

B cell maturation Ag (BCMA), a member of the TNFR superfamily expressed on B cells, binds to a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) but the specific B cell responses regulated by BCMA remain unclear. This study demonstrates that ligation of A20 B cells transfected with BCMA induces the expression of CD40, CD80/B7-1, CD86/B7-2, MHC class II, and CD54/ICAM-1, which subsequently enhances the presentation of OVA peptide Ag to DO11.10 T cells. BCMA expression in murine splenic B cells can be induced with IL-4 and IL-6, allowing subsequent treatment with APRIL or agonist anti-BCMA to similarly induce Ag presentation. A comparative analysis of hybrid receptors of TNFR2 fused to the cytoplasmic domains of APRIL/BAFF receptors found that only BCMA, but not transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor or BAFF-R, is capable of activating Ag presentation. Although all three receptors can trigger NF-κB signaling, only BCMA activates the JNK pathway conferring on BCMA the specific ability to activate this Ag presentation response.
Scalable High‐fidelity Growth of Semiconductor Nanorod Arrays with Controlled Geometry for Photovoltaic Devices Using Block Copolymers

Controlled density semiconducting oxide arrays are highly desirable for matching nanometer length scales specific to emerging applications. This work demonstrates a facile one-step method for templating hydrothermal growth which provides arrays with high-fidelity tuning of nanorod spacing and diameter. This solution-based method leverages the selective swelling of block copolymer micelle templates, which can be rationally designed by tuning molecular weight and volume fraction.
Response of Building Adjacent to Stiff Excavation Support System in Soft Clay

A three-story school supported by shallow foundations was affected by an adjacent 12.2-m-deep excavation in soft clay in which the excavation support system was a 0.9-m-wide secant pile wall braced by both cross-lot struts and tiebacks. The school is a reinforced concrete frame structure with exterior reinforced concrete foundation walls. This paper summarizes the conditions at the site and presents correlations among construction activities, measured deformations and distortions, and attendant damage in the school. The lateral ground movements associated with the excavation were monitored with four inclinometers placed around the school. The building movements were monitored with optical survey points established on interior columns, exterior walls and on the roof, and with tiltmeters installed on the exterior foundation walls. The damage to the school mainly consisted of 300 to 500-mm-long hairline cracks in nonload bearing walls. Only a few cracks had widths greater than 6 mm. The school deformed such that the portion closest to the excavation sagged and the remainder hogged. Damage was first observed in the area of sagging when angular distortions reached 1/940 and the excavation was approximately 5.5-m deep. Angular distortions as large as 1/300 were observed at the end of the project. The data suggest that angular distortions had to be less than 1/1000 to preclude any damage to the school.
Estimating the Predictive Value Of a Diagnostic Test How To Prevent Misleading or Confusing Results

The diagnostic process consists of a series of steps in which the estimated probability of particular disease is increased or decreased until either treatment can be instituted or the diagnosis excluded. The history and physical exam play an important role. If a therapeutic decision cannot confidently be made on clinical grounds alone, a diagnostic test may confirm or exclude a diagnosis or clearly indicate the need for further testing. An inappropriately chosen test or misinterpreted test result, however, may mislead the clinician and possibly harm the patient or simply be wasteful. Estimating the predictive values of a diagnostic test will help to avoid these pitfalls. This article shows the clinician a simplified way to do this.
Discrete-time Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process in a stationary dynamic environment

AbstractWe study the stationary solution to the recursion Xn+1=γ Xn+ξn , where γ ∈ (0,1) is a constant and ξn are Gaussian variables with random parameters. Specifically, we assume that ξn=µn+σ nen, where (en)n∈ℤ is an i.i.d. sequence of standard normal variables and (µn, σn)n∈ℤ is a stationary and ergodic process independent of (en)n∈ℤ, which serves as an exogenous dynamic environment for the model. We describe basic features of the stationary solution as a mixture of Gaussian random series, its asymptotic behavior when γ→1, and obtain limit theorems for its extreme values and partial sums.
Accumulation of Substrates of the Anaphase-Promoting Complex (APC) during Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated with the Phosphorylation of Cdh1 and the Dissociation and Relocalization of APC Subunits

Cell cycle dysregulation upon human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of human fibroblasts is associated with the inactivation of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase, and accumulation of its substrates. Here, we have further elucidated the mechanism(s) by which HCMV-induced inactivation of the APC occurs. Our results show that Cdh1 accumulates in a phosphorylated form that may prevent its association with and activation of the APC. The accumulation of Cdh1, but not its phosphorylation, appears to be cyclin-dependent kinase dependent. The lack of an association of exogenously added Cdh1 with the APC from infected cells indicates that the core APC also may be impaired. This is further supported by an examination of the localization and composition of the APC. Coimmunoprecipitation studies show that both Cdh1 and the subunit APC1 become dissociated from the complex. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrates that as the infection progresses, several subunits redistribute to the cytoplasm, while APC1 remains nuclear. Dissociation of the core complex itself would account for not only the observed inactivity but also its inability to bind to Cdh1. Taken together, these results illustrate that HCMV has adopted multiple mechanisms to inactivate the APC, which underscores its importance for a productive infection.
Conformational study of synthetic Δ4-uronate monosaccharides and glycosaminoglycan-derived disaccharides

Abstract Sixteen Δ 4 -uronate monosaccharides were chemically synthesized. Their carboxy group was protected as a methyl or benzyl ester, the anomeric hydroxyl group as a benzyl glycoside and the 2 and 3 hydroxyl groups were protected with different substitution patterns as both ester and ether derivatives. Disaccharides containing Δ 4 -uronates were prepared from heparin using heparin lyases. Their carboxy group was unprotected or protected as a benzyl ester and the two hydroxyls in the uronate moiety were free, as O -sulfo derivatives or acylated. The conformation of these unsaturated uronate monosaccharide and disaccharide residues was studied using 1 H NMR by examining interproton vicinal coupling constants. The Δ 4 -uronate residue adopted either the 2 H 1 or the 1 H 2 conformations. The equilibrium between these two conformers was shown to be controlled by substitution pattern.
Myeloma and Macroglobulinemia: What Are the Criteria for Diagnosis?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is much more common than either multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Since individuals with MGUS do not need treatment but only monitoring, it is important to distinguish this group from those with progressive plasma cell disorders. Criteria for diagnosis of myeloma and macroglobulinemia and laboratory pitfalls related to meeting these criteria are discussed. The importance of using the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in determining the magnitude of the monoclonal immunoglobulin component and the need for accurate quantification and characterization of urine protein are emphasized. Uniform definitions and consensus on diagnostic standards are becoming increasingly necessary if more effective and less toxic therapeutic approaches for patients with myeloma and macroglobulinemia are to be applied in an optimal manner.