cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tighter Analysis of Alternating Stochastic Gradient Method for Stochastic Nested Problems

Stochastic nested optimization, including stochastic compositional, min-max and bilevel optimization, is gaining popularity in many machine learning applications. While the three problems share the nested structure, existing works often treat them separately, and thus develop problem-specific algorithms and their analyses. Among various exciting developments, simple SGD-type updates (potentially on multiple variables) are still prevalent in solving this class of nested problems, but they are believed to have slower convergence rate compared to that of the non-nested problems. This paper unifies several SGD-type updates for stochastic nested problems into a single SGD approach that we term ALternating Stochastic gradient dEscenT (ALSET) method. By leveraging the hidden smoothness of the problem, this paper presents a tighter analysis of ALSET for stochastic nested problems. Under the new analysis, to achieve an $\epsilon$-stationary point of the nested problem, it requires ${\cal O}(\epsilon^{-2})$ samples. Under certain regularity conditions, applying our results to stochastic compositional, min-max and reinforcement learning problems either improves or matches the best-known sample complexity in the respective cases. Our results explain why simple SGD-type algorithms in stochastic nested problems all work very well in practice without the need for further modifications.
Myological reconstruction of the pelvic girdle and hind limb of the giant titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur Dreadnoughtus schrani

Osteological correlates preserve more readily than their soft tissue counterparts in the fossil record; therefore, they can more often provide insight into the soft tissue anatomy of the organism. These insights can in turn elucidate the biology of these extinct organisms. In this study, we reconstruct the pelvic girdle and hind limb musculature of the giant titanosaurian sauropod Dreadnoughtus schrani based on observations of osteological correlates and Extant Phylogenetic Bracket comparisons. Recovered fossils of Dreadnoughtus exhibit remarkably well-preserved, well-developed, and extensive muscle scars. Furthermore, this taxon is significantly larger bodied than any titanosaurian for which a myological reconstruction has previously been performed, rendering this contribution highly informative for the group. All 20 of the muscles investigated in this study are sufficiently well supported to enable reconstruction of at least one division, including reconstruction of the M. ischiocaudalis for the first time in a sauropod dinosaur. In total, 34 osteological correlates were identified on the pelvic girdle and hind limb remains of Dreadnoughtus, allowing the reconstruction of 14 muscles on the basis of Level I or Level II inferences (i.e., not Level I' or Level II' inferences). Comparisons among titanosaurians suggest widespread myological variation, yet potential phylogenetic and other paleobiologic patterns are often obscured by fragmentary preservation, infrequent myological studies, and lack of consensus on the phylogenetic placement of many taxa. However, a ventrolateral accessory process is present on the preacetabular lobe of the ilium in all of the largest titanosauriforms that preserve this skeletal element, suggesting that the presence of this process (representing the origin of the M. puboischiofemoralis internus part II) may be associated with extreme body size. By identifying such myological patterns among titanosauriforms, we can begin to address specific evolutionary and biomechanical questions related to their skeletal anatomy, how they were capable of leaving wide-gauge trackways, and resulting locomotor attributes unique to this clade.
Special Policies for Transgender Minors on Campus

A growing number of minors identify as transgender and nonbinary, raising unique legal and policy questions that don’t apply to adult college students.
Culturally Diverse Middle School Students’ Perceptions of a Social and Emotional Learning and Mindfulness School Counseling Intervention

Minoritized students in Title 1 schools face myriad oppressive forces that can negatively affect their academic and social-emotional development. It is imperative that interventions delivered in sc...
Exeunt the Kit-Cats, Pursued by Pope, Reviewed by Johnson

The two great literary events of 1721 were the death of Matthew Prior and the publication of the Works of Joseph Addison, the beloved public figure who had died in 1719. These events are representa...
Effect of Patient Positioning on Liver Size Estimation

Technetium sulfur colloid imaging is widely regarded as a simple, accurate technique for the evaluation of liver size. Although numerous strategies have been proposed for standardizing measurements, none has considered the possibility of a variation depending on whether the patient is imaged erect or recumbent. We imaged several patients in both positions and observed an apparent increase in the vertical length of the liver from supine to upright. We confirmed this by demonstrating a significant increase in the vertical length of both the right and left lobes in a majority of 55 patients imaged in both positions.
Reliability of the Scales in the NC1172 Complex Nature of Saving Data Set

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of scales measuring the psychological aspects of savings behavior. The data set titled The Complex Nature of Saving: Psychological and Economic Factors was collected under the sponsorship of the North Central (NC) 1172 multistate research program. Researchers from 12 universities developed the questionnaire for the study. The sample consisted of low-to-moderate-income consumers with a respondent (or spouse or partner of the respondent) between the ages of 24 and 66. The scales included in this study consist of Rook & Fisher (1995) Impulsivity Scale and three sub-scales (distrust, anxiety, and bargain-conscious) from the revised Yamauchi & Templer (1982) money attitudes scale by Roberts & Sepulveda (1999). Other scales that were included are the Richins & Dawson (1992) materialism scale, Sherer et al. (1982) Self-efficacy Scale, and Grable & Joo (2004) financial risk-tolerance scale. Also, these data were used to develop a Financial Management Behavior Score. Based on data from this sample, the results show that the modified scales work as well as the original scales.
Regulation of IκB kinase (IKK) complex by IKKγ-dependent phosphorylation of the T-loop and C terminus of IKKβ

Abstract The mechanistic relationship of phosphorylation of the C terminus of IKKβ with phosphorylation of its T-loop kinase domain within the IKK complex remained unclear. We investigated the regulatory role of the serine cluster residing immediately adjacent to the HLH domain and of the serines in the NEMO/IKKγ-binding domain (NBD/γBD) in the C-terminal portion of IKKβ in MEFs deficient in IKKβ and IKKα and in yeast reconstitution system. We show that phosphorylation events at the C terminus of IKKβ can be divided into autophosphorylation of the serine cluster adjacent to the HLH domain and phosphorylation of the NBD/γBD. Autophosphorylation of the serine cluster occurs immediately after IKK activation and requires IKKγ. In MEFs, this autophosphorylation does not have the down-regulatory function on the IKK complex that was previously described (1). On the other hand, phosphorylation of the NBD/γBD regulates IKKγ-dependent phosphorylation of the T-loop activation domain in IKKβ and, hence, IKK complex activation. Our study suggests that, within the IKK complex, modulation of the NBD/γBD by IKKγ is upstream to the T-loop phosphorylation.
Characterization of the Association of Nitrate Reductase with Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Root Membranes

The nature of the association between nitrate reductase (NR) and membranes was examined. Nitrate reductase activity (NRA) associated with the microsomal fraction of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots amounted to 0.6 to 0.8% of soluble NRA following sonication in the presence of 250 mM KI and repeated osmotic shock. This treatment removed all contaminating soluble NRA from microsomes of uninduced barley roots that had been homogenized in a soluble extract from roots of NO3(-)-induced plants. On continuous sucrose gradients, NRA co-migrated specifically with VO4(-)-sensitive ATPase activity, a plasma membrane (PM) marker; activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, assayed as cytosolic marker, co-migrated with NRA. Microsomal NRA was absent in barley deficient in soluble NR. Perturbation and trypsinolysis experiments with PM vesicles isolated by aqueous two-phase partitioning indicated that NR is associated with the periphery of the cytoplasmic face of the bilayer. These results demonstrate that PM and soluble NRs are essentially the same protein but that the membrane-associated form is tightly bound. Although it is possible that PM-associated NR exists in vivo, unequivocal evidence for this has yet to be shown. However, PM NR is definitely present in vitro.
Fabrication and Microstructural Development of Ag-Clad TlBa2Ca2Cu3Ox Tapes

One of the most successful fabrication techniques for high-Tc superconductors is the powder-in-tube method, which consists of packing superconductor powder into a silver tube and mechanically deforming the composite into a tape. Microstructural development and critical current density (Jc) have been explored extensively for Y−, Bi−, and Tl− based superconductors. Early studies on YBa2Cu3O7 have shown that Je is limited by weak links that restrict current transport across grain boundaries.1 Low Jc (600 A/cm2 at 77 K) has been attributed to inadequate grain alignment which results in weak-link behavior.2
Asymmetric resumption, extension, and the derivation of Hawaiian VSO

This paper analyzes a heretofore undocumented asymmetry in the distribution of resumptive pronouns in the Ni’ihau dialect of Hawaiian, with resumption occurring in object and adjunct-initial word orders, but not in subject-initial orders. While the observed pattern is not predicted by current theories of syntax which allow movement operations that do not target the root (e.g. Chomsky 2008), the asymmetry may be explained by analyses in which the Extension Condition (Chomsky 1995) is strictly maintained.
Role for macrophages and thymus-derived lymphocytes in cholera toxin-induced immunosuppression.

The exo-enterotoxin derived from Vibrio cholerae bacilli has marked immunomodulating activities, both in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, the mechanism whereby cholera toxin depresses the antibody-forming ability of murine splenocytes was investigated by in vitro reconstitution experiments. Spleen cells derived from mice treated with cholera toxin 2 days earlier were markedly deficient in their ability to respond to sheep erythrocytes upon challenge immunization in vitro. Addition of graded numbers of normal spleen cells to spleen cell cultures from toxin-treated mice partially restored the antibody response. Adherent splenocyte populations were even more effective in restoring antibody formation. Normal peritoneal exudate cells rich in macrophages were also capable of restoring the antibody-forming ability of toxin-pretreated splenocytes. Furthermore, thymus (T)-derived spleen cells from normal mice, as well as sheep erythrocyte “educated” T cells, were capable of restoring antibody formation to normal levels. The importance of T lymphocytes in restoring immune competence of spleen cell cultures from toxin-treated mice was shown by additional experiments in which T-depleted cell preparations were found to be ineffective in restoring antibody activity. These studies point to macrophages and T-derived lymphocytes as a major target for cholera toxin-induced immunosuppression.
Adaptive state estimation using dynamic recurrent neural networks

The estimation of states from input and output measurements using linear state-space models has been widely studied. In particular, the Kalman filtering algorithm has found many applications, such as time-series forecasting, control, parameter estimation, and fault diagnosis. In this paper we propose a new method for adaptive state estimation using feedforward and recurrent neural networks and, in particular, for state filtering that is applicable to general nonlinear systems. The developed method has been applied to the problem of estimating the parameters of an electromechanical system consisting of a DC motor and a centrifugal pump with the associated pumping system. Finally, the proposed algorithm is used in estimating the states and a critical parameter of a complex process system, namely a heat exchanger.
Oral melanocytic nevi: a clinicopathologic study of 100 cases.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histopathologic features of oral melanocytic nevi (OMN). Study Design One hundred cases of OMN were retrieved from the files of two oral pathology services, and the data were analyzed with regard to histologic type and clinical features. Results Intramucosal nevus was the most common type (61%), followed by common blue nevus (23%), compound nevus (7%), and junctional nevus (3%). Combined nevus and cellular blue nevus were rare (2% each). The hard palate was the most commonly affected site (33%), followed by the buccal mucosa (18%), vermilion border of the lip (18%), and gingiva (15%). An interesting case of intramucosal nevus with lipomatosus-like changes and neurotization and two cases of oral dysplastic nevus are also reported. Conclusions Intramucosal and common blue nevi are the most common types of OMN. Dysplastic nevus, which is recognized as a marker for melanoma in the skin, can rarely involve the oral cavity. Accordingly, dentists, especially oral and maxillofacial pathologists, should become familiar with the clinical and histopathologic features of this entity.
Revitalizing American Cities, edited by Susan M. Wachter and Kimberly A. Zeuli

Since the end of World War II, many northern and mid-western American cities have been challenged by the loss of manufacturing and related industries to the south and overseas related to economic r...
An experimental validation of mathematical simulation of human thermoregulation

Abstract An experimental validation of Stolwijk's mathematical model of thermoregulation is presented. Although the model seems to be accepted widely, very little experimental data for validation exists in the open literature. Experimental data for transient conditions of rectal, head skin, trunk skin, arm skin, leg skin, mean skin and mean body temperature as well as cardiac output and evaporative heat loss under heat stress are presented and compared with simulation output for the model. In general, the predictions of the model are good; the difference between experimental data and the model averaged 0.2°C for mean body temperature. A version of Stolwijk's thermoregulatory model is described briefly. The controller equations are given as well as a short discussion of the rationale for each. Tables give coefficients for the controller equations, and, for the 25 compartments, heat capacitance, thermal conductance, basal metabolic heat production, basal evaporative heat loss, and basal effective blood flow.
Direct determination of organic sulphur in raw and chemically desulphurized coals

Abstract An electron beam technique has been developed for the direct determination of organic sulphur in coal, using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis system with quantitative data reduction capabilities. The direct measurement of organic sulphur is performed on a number of particles of the maceral vitrinite, previously located within the mounted coal sample by reflected light microscopy. The particles are first examined by SEM at ≈5000 × magnification to allow proper identification of most mineral inclusions and to avoid these areas during analysis. The X-rays generated from an area 3 μm in diameter are monitored quantitatively by EDX for sulphur and iron, as well as for calcium, aluminium and silicon. After ensuring that no other elements, indicating mineral matter, are present at the point of analysis, the sulphur value obtained is taken as a measure of the organic sulphur in coal. The results obtained by this technique also allow estimation of the intra- and inter-particle variation in the organic sulphur level. Statistical methods can be used to construct confidence bands about the mean sulphur levels and estimate standard deviations within and between particles. This permits evaluation of the precision of the analysis on a sample-by-sample basis and provides a measure of the heterogeneity of the coal. The SEM-EDX method has been applied to a large number of raw coals and coals chemically desulphurized by the Ames, PETC and Ledgemont oxydesulphurization processes, as well as the molten caustic (Gravimelt) process of TRW Systems Inc. The results of this direct technique agree fairly well with those of the ASTM procedure, for both raw and chemically processed coals, although for the latter the SEM values often show less desulphurization than the ASTM values.
The simian varicella virus uracil DNA glycosylase and dUTPase genes are expressed in vivo, but are non-essential for replication in cell culture

Abstract Neurotropic herpesviruses express viral deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) and uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) enzymes which may reduce uracil misincorporation into viral DNA, particularly in neurons of infected ganglia. The simian varicella virus (SVV) dUTPase (ORF 8) and UDG (ORF 59) share 37.7% and 53.9% amino acid identity, respectively, with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) homologs. Infectious SVV mutants defective in either dUTPase (SVV-dUTPase − ) or UDG (SVV-UDG − ) activity or both (SVV-dUTPase − /UDG − ) were constructed using recA assisted restriction endonuclease cleavage (RARE) and a cosmid recombination system. Loss of viral dUTPase and UDG enzymatic activity was confirmed in CV-1 cells infected with the SVV mutants. The SVV-dUTPase − , SVV-UDG − , and SVV-dUTPase − /UDG − mutants replicated as efficiently as wild-type SVV in cell culture. SVV dUTPase and UDG expression was detected in tissues derived from acutely infected animals, but not in tissues derived from latently infected animals. Further studies will evaluate the pathogenesis of SVV dUTPase and UDG mutants and their potential as varicella vaccines.
Phosphoproteins of spring viremia of carp virus.

Abstract Tryptic peptide analyses of the structural polypeptides of Spring Viremia of Carp virus (SVCV) have established that its two principal species of virion phosphoprotein (NS1, NS2) are related to each other. The NS polypeptides can be distinguished by tryptic peptide analyses from the other major structural polypeptides of SVCV, namely L, G, N, and M. Limited proteolysis of these two viral NS polypeptides, labeled in vitro by [γ- 32 P]ATP in reactions catalyzed by the virion protein kinase, or in vivo , have shown that the labeled oligopeptides derived from them can be differentiated from each other, suggesting that they differ with respect to their phosphorylation sites. For both in vitro -and in vivo -labeled NS1 and NS2 species the major phosphorylated amino acid is phosphoserine.
Application of a simple binary mixing model to the reconstruction of lead pollution sources in two Mississippi River floodplain lakes

A simple binary mixing model is used to determine the isotopic ratios of lead (Pb) pollution sources to a lake located near a smelter closed because of excessive Pb aerosols (Horseshoe Lake Madison County, Illinois, USA). As a control, we also examine a relatively unpolluted lake in a rural area of Southern Illinois (Horseshoe Lake Alexander County). Sediment cores were taken from both lakes and analyzed for Pb and Pb isotopes by ICP-MS. The mixing model shows that Madison County Horseshoe Lake had 3 different sources of Pb in its history. The first source is sediment from the Mississippi River with an intermediate 206Pb/207Pb ratio (1.223 ± 0.009) which dominates inputs in pre-settlement times. From 1750 to 1933, the source of pollution Pb has the high 206Pb/207Pb ratio (1.256 ± 0.005) characteristic of ore from the southeast Missouri Pb mines. The most recently deposited pollution Pb comes from a source with a low 206Pb/207Pb ratio (1.202 ± 0.005). This source is similar in isotopic composition to pollution Pb found by several other investigators in the Eastern US and probably represents the mixture of ores used in modern industrial processes. It is unclear from the isotopic composition whether this source at Horseshoe Lake is the local Pb smelter or vehicle exhaust. The sediment core from Horseshoe Lake, Alexander County, shows a less variable isotopic composition. The binary mixing model showed a source composition of 1.225 ± 0.003 before 1850 and 1.231 ± 0.003 after this date. The change does not indicate a pollution source, but may be a shift in the sources of natural sediment with slightly different isotopic ratios to the lake. Our results show the value of simple binary mixing models to reconstruct the isotopic composition of Pb sources to lakes.
Money, barter, and convergence to the competitive allocation: Menger's problem☆

Abstract This paper explores the propensity of a bilateral exchange economy to get stuck away from the competitive allocation even when the competitive prices have been established. This is Menger's Problem. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a Menger Problem are found to relate to the presence of corner solutions. When money is introduced, convergence can be established.
Secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis: case report and review of 22 cases

A 51-year-old immunosuppressed man presented with ulcerations of the abdominal wall. Biopsy of the ulcer margin was necessary for the diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis. Since a variety of opportunistic organisms can present with non-specific cutaneous lesions, these infections must be ruled out by tissue diagnosis of all immunosuppressed patients. A review of 22 additional cases is included together with electron microscopic findings.
Increased expression of VE-cadherin correlates temporally with differentiation of a restrictive endothelial barrier during normal angiogenesis in vivo.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal expression of VE- and N-cadherins within the angiogenic chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Whether their relative patterns of expression changed in conjunction with abrupt differentiation of the restrictive CAM endothelial barrier between days 4.5 and 5.0 of the 21 day gestation was evaluated. Immunoblots against VE-cadherin depicted an increase of VE-cadherin expression between days 4.5 and 5.0, but no change in expression was detected between days 5.0 and 6.0. N-cadherin expression, on the other hand, remained uniform from day 4.5 to day 6.0. Immunogold-labeled anti-VE-cadherin was found exclusively on the CAM endothelium, and principally along the lateral inter-endothelial junctions. Hence, VE-cadherin expression by the angiogenic endothelium was similar to that of adult endothelium. That VE-cadherin expression by the CAM endothelium was increased between days 4.5 and 5.0 serves to suggest a temporal correlation with the ontogeny of restrictive barrier function in angiogenic endothelium in vivo.
Transforming Growth Factor-α in Carcinogen- Induced F344 Rat Hepatic Foci

Abstract Transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) is a positive growth regulator in epithelial cells, including hepatocytes. Overexpression of TGFα has been associated with increased growth and malignancy of end-stage cancers in humans and rodents. The overall aim of this study was to characterize TGFα staining in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic foci from male F344 rats with the hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) histological phenotype. The association between the individual focal DNA synthesis labeling index and the presence of TGFα was also examined. Hepatic foci were identified as eosinophilic, basophilic, clear cell, or mixed cell. Of these foci, 37.5% labeled positive for TGFα. There were distinct differences in the pattern of TGFα labeling between the different H and E histological phenotypes. Intense, uniform TGFα labeling was observed in eosinophilic foci. Basophilic foci labeled for TGFα diffusely uniform throughout the cytoplasm. In clear-cell foci, TGFα labeling occurred primarily along the periphery of the cell membrane. In mixed-cell foci, labeling occurred both along the periphery and diffusely throughout the cytoplasm. On those slides stained, glutathione-S-transferase (placental; GSTP) was detected in almost all eosinophilic and mixed-cell foci, whereas approximately half of the basophilic and clear-cell foci stained for GSTP. The presence of GSTP in a focus was not always associated with the presence of increased TGFα protein. All rat hepatic adenomas and the one carcinoma labeled positive for TGFα. Increased levels of TGFα protein were associated with increased DNA synthesis labeling index. The number of TGFα-positive foci with the highest DNA synthesis labeling indices were statistically higher than those with lower levels of DNA synthesis labeling. Although characteristic staining patterns for TGFα were associated with specific histological subtype, the role that TGFα plays in the progression of focal lesions to neoplasia requires further definition. High levels of TGFα protein appear to be acquired sometime during the hepatocarcinogenic process. It may be that early lesions that acquire high levels of TGFα are the ones to develop into hepatocellular carcinoma (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma is determined very early in the carcinogenic process). It is apparent that further work is needed to delineate the role of TGFα in both rodent and human hepatocarcinogenesis.
Merle ohlsen: A group leader

Abstract Merle Ohlsen was a leader in the development of group counseling. He contributed a dozen books and more than 100 articles to the professional literature and served in a number of offices within the counseling field. In this interview, Ohlsen addresses early developments in group counseling and changing standards of training and professional practice.
A computer analysis of reflex eyelid motion in normal subjects and in facial neuropathy

Abstract Objective . To demonstrate how computerized eyelid motion analysis can quantify the human reflex blink. Design . Seventeen normal subjects and 10 patients with unilateral facial nerve paralysis were analyzed. Background . Eyelid closure is currently evaluated by systems primarily designed to assess lower/midfacial movements. The methods are subjective, difficult to reproduce, and measure only volitional closure. Reflex closure is responsible for eye hydration, and its evaluation demands dynamic analysis. Methods . A 60Hz video camera incorporated into a helmet was used to analyze blinking. Reflective markers on the forehead and eyelids allowed for the dynamic measurement of the reflex blink. Eyelid displacement, velocity and acceleration were calculated. The degree of synchrony between bilateral blinks was also determined. Results . This study demonstrates that video motion analysis can describe normal and altered eyelid motions in a quantifiable manner. Conclusions . To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure dynamic reflex blinks. Eyelid closure may now be evaluated in kinematic terms. This technique could increase understanding of eyelid motion and permit more accurate evaluation of eyelid function. Dynamic eyelid evaluation has immediate applications in the treatment of facial palsy affecting the reflex blink. Relevance No method has been developed that objectively quantifies dynamic eyelid closure. Methods currently in use evaluate only volitional eyelid closure, and are based on direct and indirect observer assessments. These methods are subjective and are incapable of analyzing dynamic eyelid movements, which are critical to maintenance of corneal hydration and comfort. A system that quantifies eyelid kinematics can provide a functional analysis of blink disorders and an objective evaluation of their treatment(s).
Independence in Information Spaces

Three different types of interdependence between pieces of information, or "secrets", are discussed and compared. Two of them, functional dependence and nondeducibility, have been studied and axiomatized before. This article introduces a third type of interdependence and provides a complete and decidable axiomatization of this new relation.
Identification and quantitation of gentamicin in milk using HPLC separation and laser-based polarimetric detection

Abstract The combination of reverse phase, ion pair chromatography with laser-based polarimetric detection is shown to provide unique advantages when applied to the study of gentamicin analogs. The separation procedure can separate all four of the main gentamicin analogs in a single separation system. The mass detectability for gentamicin C1a is 35 ng with this system. More importantly, the polarimetric system responds directly to the gentamicin without derivatization and can provide specific rotation information on eluting species. Individual specific rotations have been measured for the four main gentamicin analogs and found to be significantly different. This result was not predicted considering the minor structural differences which differentiate these four species. The selectivity of polarimetric detection is found to be a distinct advantage in the analysis of gentamicin in milk. The total time per analysis with this system for a milk sample is less than 30 min.
Recent therapeutic advances in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

William Stohl received a BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1973, a MD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977 and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. After completing his internship and residency in internal medicine, he joined the laboratory of the late Henry Kunkel at the Rockefeller University in 1982. It was there that Dr Stohl began his investigative career focused on B cells, with an emphasis on their dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In 1986, Dr Stohl joined the faculty in the Division of Rheumatology (Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA) where he has remained throughout his professional career, rising to the Chief of the Division in 2007. For the past 11 years, the major focus of Dr Stohl’s investigations has been B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS, also known as BAFF), its role in SLE pathogenesis and its therapeutic neutralization. Dr Stohl maintains an active laboratory that studies BLyS in SLE mice an...
The molecular dynamics of the β-spiral of the polypentapeptide of elastin in “state III” with 2.9 pentamers per turn

Abstract In vacuo molecular dynamics simulation using the CHARMm program was carried out on a putative structure (“state III ”) of the repeating pentapeptide, (VPGVG), of elastin at two different extensions. “State III ” is the proposed structure for the experimental state III which develops after prolonged heating at temperatures greater than 60 °C. “State III ” is a helix, called a β-spiral, with 2.9 pentamer units per turn in which the type II β-turns fan outward in propeller fashion and the Val 4 side chains turn inward displacing the former intra-spiral water and increasing the intramolecular hydrophobic interactions. The fluctuations in backbone dihedral angles for this “state III ” are found to be smaller for the structure on extension. These results are compared with previous calculations on the proposed structure for the physiological state, state II , in which the β-turns function as spacers between turns of the dynamic β-spiral and in which there is much water within the β-spiral. The magnitude of dihedral angle damping upon elongation of “state III ” is, however, much smaller than that calculated from the β-spiral structure for state II . The computational result is consistent with the experimental observations of shrinking and expulsion of water and of loss of elastic modulus on heating above 60 °C. The implications of this modelling of state III and state II on the damping of internal chain dynamics on extension are discussed with regard to the source of entropic elasticity.
Deformation fields around stable growing crack tips in aluminum

Abstract We investigated the three dimensional (3-D) deformation field around crack tips under stable growth in three different aluminum alloys with different hardening indices ( n = 3,3.5,7.7 ) using a new experimental technique combining in-plane Moire and a laser projected grating method. Through optical spatial filtering, contours of displacement components along x , y and z directions can be generated separately. Strain distributions are then calculated from the displacement information. The experimentally obtained singularity fields are compared with theoretical singularity form proposed by Gao, Hwang and Dai of mode I stable crack growth for strain hardening materials. And we map the region wherein the theory and experiment are in fairly good agreement. The experimentally obtained GHD singularity fields are larger than the fracture process zone and the finite strain zone around the crack tip. They increase as the load increases and the material hardening exponent decreases.
High resolution coherent three dimensional spectroscopy of NO2

Expansion from coherent 2D spectroscopy to coherent 3D spectroscopy can provide significant advantages when studying molecules that have heavily perturbed energy levels. This paper illustrates such advantages by demonstrating how high resolution coherent 3D (HRC3D) spectroscopy can be used to study a portion of the visible spectrum of nitrogen dioxide. High resolution coherent 2D spectra usually contain rotational and vibrational patterns that are easy to analyze, but severe congestion and complexity preclude its effective use for many parts of the NO2 spectrum. HRC3D spectroscopy appears to be much more effective; multidimensional rotational and vibrational patterns produced by this new technique are easy to identify even in the presence of strong perturbations. A method for assigning peaks, which is based upon analyzing the resulting multidimensional patterns, has been developed. The higher level of multidimensionality is useful for reducing uncertainty in peak assignments, improving spectral resolution, providing simultaneous information on multiple levels and states, and predicting, verifying, and categorizing peaks.
Long Range Order in Random Anisotropy Magnets

High temperature series for the magnetic susceptibility, χ, of random anisotropy axis models in the limit of infinite anisotropy are presented, for two choices of the number of spin components, m. For m=2, we find Tc=1.78 J on the simple cubic lattice, and on the face‐centered cubic lattice we find Tc=4.29 J. There is no divergence of χ at finite temperature for m=3 on either lattice. For the four‐dimensional hypercubic lattice, we find finite temperature divergences of χ for both m=2 and m=3.
A phase field model with electric current

Abstract A diffuse interface model is presented for the solidification or melting of a pure single crystal that includes the effect of an applied electric current. A coupled set of differential equations modelling the evolution of the phase, the temperature and the current density are derived by applying principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. An asymptotic analysis shows that as the diffuse interfacial region tends to zero thickness, classical results are recovered. For this model classical results mean that Joule heating and the Thomson effect in the bulk phases and the Peltier effect at the interface are included. A one-dimensional numerical solution is presented and compared to an analytical solution verifying the model and asymptotic analysis. This phase field model is relevant for solid–liquid phase changes occurring in pure metallic and semi-conductor materials.
Interfacial patterns during plane front alloy solidification

Abstract An investigation is made of the development of hexagonal cells on an initially planar interface of solid growing uniformly into the liquid phase during the unidirectional solidification of a dilute binary alloy. The model employed postulates three-dimensional diffusion of solute and heat under the simplifying assumptions that there is no convection in the liquid phase, no solute diffusion in the solid phase, both these phases are infinite in extent, latent heat is negligible, and the thermal fields satisfy Laplace's equation in each phase. A nonlinear stability analysis is performed analogous to that originally developed for the study of Benard convection cells. The main results of this analysis are that, for a fixed value of the liquid temperature gradient, the structure of the planar interface evolves from nodes (circular depressions) to bands (elongated cells) to dome-shaped hexagonal cells as the solidification speed is increased. These results, which can only be obtained provided the variation of interfacial surface free energy with solute concentration is taken into account, are in excellent agreement with the experimental observations of Morris and Winegard [8, 9] in regard to interface morphologies and solute segregation under their solidification conditions.
Analysis of Maintenance Policies for Inductive Loop Detection Systems

Maintaining inductive loop detection (ILD) systems in good conditions is a requirement for systems to perform the functions for which they are designed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the typical maintenance policies for ILD so that guidance regarding appropriate maintenance policies could be developed. To address the interaction between the maintenance activities and deterioration of the system components, a microscopic simulation model was developed. Three maintenance policies and two ILD systems with different system compositions were evaluated based on system performance measures such as system availability, costs, working load between crews, and the ratio between cost and availability. The relationships of these system performance measures were compared with maintenance crew size. The results indicated that the characteristics of deterioration and the composition of system components play a major role in determining optimal maintenance policies. The simulation results implied that different maintenance policies should be adopted for the two ILD systems for which different system compositions were simulated in this study.
Ageing and dopamine uptake by subcellular fractions of the C57BL/6J male mouse brain.

Summary The uptake of dopamine (DA) by synaptosomes from the hypothalamus and striatum was reduced in healthy ageing mice at DA concentrations below 10−7M. Kinetic analysis indicates that ageing increases the Km of high affinity DA uptake processes by about 35%, but does not alter Vmax. l -Tyrosine and serotonin uptake at low concentrations was unaltered by ageing in the striatum and hypothalamus; no changes of l -norepinephrine uptake were found in the hypothalamus. We conclude that ageing may selectively affect DA uptake processes by neuronal membranes.
Integrated Perimeter Security System

The protection of critical infrastructure is a growing concern within the transportation industry. Raytheon is developing a system architecture and design for a perimeter security system that specifically addresses this issue for large facilities such as airports, seaports and rail facilities. The architecture uses the DoD's Architecture Framework guidelines. It employs a multi-sensor approach, including ground surveillance radars and cameras, to detect, assess and track perimeter incursions. It is designed to operate 24/7 in all weather conditions. A command and control center provides timely and accurate situational awareness to facility security personnel responsible for monitoring and managing incidents. Mobile communications also provide situational awareness to first responders in the field. The architecture supports integration with existing security systems, such as access control and closed circuit television, to centralize security monitoring for the entire facility. This architecture is the basis for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Perimeter Intrusion Detection System for four airports, including John F. Kennedy International. Raytheon's system engineering process as applied to the perimeter security application is described, with focus on the key early process phases of threat analysis, operational concept generation, system requirements analysis, and system architecture and design development. Key technical parameters, including probability of detection and nuisance alarm rate, that drive the system design and cost are also discussed. Raytheon has found that the quality of the system engineering effort directly determines the quality of the resulting system and its ability to satisfy the customer's mission needs.
Stimulatory Effects of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 on Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Bone marrow stroma contains multipotential mesenchymal progenitor cells which can differentiate into osteoblastic cells; we refer to these cells as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) have been implicated in the osteogenic regulatory process by virtue of their mitogenic and differentiation activities, respectively. This study examines and compares the effects of bFGF and BMP-2 on dexamethasone (Dex)-dependent in vitro osteogenic differentiation of rat marrow-derived MSCs. A 6-day exposure to bFGF markedly stimulated cell growth and induced osteoblastic differentiation as shown by osteocalcin mRNA expression (day 14), bone nodule formation (day 18), and calcium deposition (day 18). These results indicate that bFGF enhances both mitogenic activity and osteogenic development of Dex-treated marrow MSCs. In contrast, BMP-2 did not induce osteogenesis as strongly as bFGF. Thus, exposure to BMP-2 slightly increased bone nodule number and calcium content compared with the control. Exposure of MSCs to both BMP-2 and bFGF induced expression of osteocalcin mRNA and mineralizing bone-like nodules as early as day 11 and resulted in enhancement of bone formation more markedly than either factor alone. Consistent with these results, porous calcium phosphate ceramic cubes implanted in vivo, which were loaded with MSCs pre-exposed to both bFGF and BMP-2, showed higher histologic score for bone formation than those with MSCs pre-exposed to either bFGF or BMP-2 alone. These data indicate that combined treatment with bFGF and BMP-2 synergistically enhances the osteogenic potency of bFGF in rat marrow MSC culture.
Evidence that hydraulic conductance limits photosynthesis in old Pinus ponderosa trees.

We tested the hypotheses that hydraulic conductance is lower in old (about 250 years old and 30 m tall) compared to young (about 40 years old and 10 m tall) Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. trees and that lower hydraulic conductance of old trees limits their photosynthesis. Hydraulic conductance at the end of summer 1995, calculated from leaf water potential and leaf gas exchange measurements on one-year-old needles, was 44% lower in old trees compared to young trees growing in a mixed age-class stand on the east slope of the Oregon Cascades. Whole-tree sapflow per unit leaf area averaged 53% lower in old trees compared to young trees and mean hydraulic conductance calculated from sapflow and water potential data was 63% lower in old trees than in young trees. For the entire summer, stomatal conductance (g s ) and assimilation (A) declined more steeply with air saturation deficit (D) in old trees than in young trees. For both old and young trees, mean g s and A were approximately 32 and 21% lower, respectively, at typical midday D values (2.5-3.0 kPa). We hypothesized that if hydraulic conductance limits g s and A, then increasing or decreasing the leaf specific conductance of a branch will result in proportional changes in the responses of g s and A with D. Removal of 50% of the foliage from a set of experimental branches on old trees caused g s and A to decline less steeply with D in early summer, but values were not significantly different from control values in late summer. Cutting transverse notches in branches on young trees had no effect on the responses of g s and A with D. Leaf nitrogen content and photosynthetic capacity were similar suggesting that differences in g s and A between old and young trees were not caused by differences in photosynthetic capacity.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Abstract Prostate cancer is among the most common solid malignancies. A number of treatment alternatives exist for localized prostate cancer, including observation, prostatectomy, brachytherapy, and externalbeam radiation therapy (EBRT). External-beam radiation therapy has changed dramatically during the past several years. Older techniques paved the way for 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (CRT), which in turn facilitated the introduction of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The prostate has served as a model disease site for the implementation of IMRT. As indicated by a growing body of experience, IMRT for prostate cancer represents a major technologic and clinical advance for radiation therapy. In this article, a review is provided of the evolution of EBRT leading to IMRT, the unique features making the prostate an ideal disease site for employing IMRT, the details of the clinical implementation of prostate IMRT and supporting technologic advancements, and the currently reported clinical outcomes of IMRT in prostate cancer. In addition, future directions of prostate IMRT, both technologic and clinical, are discussed.
New variables for gravity: Inclusion of matter.

The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of general relativity in terms of soldering forms and self-dual connections are extended to include matter sources and the cosmological constant. For matter sources we consider minimally coupled Klein-Gordon fields, complex- and Grassmann-valued Dirac fields, and Yang-Mills fields. Somewhat surprisingly, in spite of the derivative coupling in the spin-half fields, the use of only the self-dual part of the connection as a basic variable does not lead to spurious equations or inconsistencies. Furthermore, as in the source-free case considered earlier, all equations of the theory are polynomial in terms of these variables. Therefore, the framework has several potential applications especially to the nonperturbative canonical quantization program.
Early in Reperfusion Following Myocardial Ischemia, Leukocyte Activation Is Necessary for Venular Adhesion But Not Capillary Retention

Objective: The pathobiology of leukocyte sequestration in the coronary microcircu-lation following ischemia is unclear. We examined the location(s) and persistence of leukocyte sequestration of unactivated and preactivated blood in the coronary microcirculation early during reperfusion following ischemia.Methods: Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of 37°C, no-flow ischemia. Hearts were initially reperfused with diluted whole blood containing fluorescent leukocytes (DWB*). At 5, 20, and 35 min of reperfusion (R), the deposition of leukocytes in the coronary capillaries and venules was observed directly using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Four groups were studied: a nonischemic control group (Gr I), and postischemic groups reperfused with DWB* treated with vehicle (Gr II) or preactivated with 10−8 M N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylala-nine (fMLP) (Gr III) or 10−6 M fMLP (Gr IV).Results: At R5, postischemic reperfusion with unactivated blood caused a significant trapping of leukocytes in coron...
Ultrasound-guided central venous access.

Central venous catheterization is a critical component of management for the critically ill patient in the operating room and intensive care unit. When using ultrasound techniques for central venous access, access is achieved with fewer attempts, a reduced incidence of carotid artery punctures or ‘hits’, an increased success rate, and a decreased duration of procedure compared to the traditional landmark approach.