cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is the myofibrillarlytic myocyte a forme fruste apoptotic myocyte

Background Myofibrillarlytic (MFL) cells are commonly observed in subendocardial myocardium in myocardial infarction. Because ischemic damage to myocytes is also known to induce apoptosis, we evaluated the prevalence of apoptosis in MFL cells in nine ischemic cardiomyopathic hearts explanted during transplantation. Methods Myocytes with partial or complete clearing of cytoplasm, observed commonly in the subendocardium, were recognized as MFL cells. Prevalence of apoptosis was defined by TUNEL and ISOL staining and further characterized by immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3, Bcl2, BCL-X L , Bax, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67. Results Of 4131 MFL cells examined, 1305 (32%) possessed nuclei in a given histologic section; 1140 (88%) of the nucleated myocardial cells were TUNEL positive. Of 842 cells with normal appearance, 257 (31%) cells demonstrated nuclei in the given histologic section. TUNEL staining was observed in 5 (1.9%) in these control areas. All MFL cells stained positive for caspase 3. The antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl2 and BCL-X L , demonstrated intense upregulation within and surrounding MFL cells, whereas pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression was only seen at control level. The MFL cells had Ki67 negative and PCNA positive nuclei. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that the majority of MFL cells are apoptotic and are associated with upregulation of caspase 3. Simultaneous upregulation of Bcl2 represents a survival effort in these myocytes. This is consistent with the review of the literature that MFL cells are viable, persist in myocardium for long time and may be functionally reversible. Evidence for concurrent apoptosis and survival instinct represent a conceptual paradox and suggests that myocytes undergoing apoptosis should be amenable to reconstitution of function.
Body self-image and homosexuality

Adult males (N = 56) who differed in sexual orientation and preference were administered a self-report inventory that concerned their memory of the adolescent period of life. Six factors were assessed: Body self-concept, body weight problems, sports activities, parental relationships, interpersonal self-concept, and general self-concept. The results showed that homosexual males reported that they were significantly less adjusted during adolescence than heterosexual males.
E-Mail Concerns and Obstacles for Local Elected Officials

Abstract E-mail provides many benefits to local elected officials, but its usefulness is limited by certain problems and concerns. Using a survey of 184 elected city and county representatives, this paper discusses the main issues identified by local officials as areas where improvement is desired in e-mail communication. ‘Spam’ is the most frequently cited problem. Complaints also arise regarding the volume, content, clarity, and tone of e-mail correspondence. Concerns about e-mail privacy, ‘public record,’ and open meetings limit e-mail communication. Substantive limitations and procedural constraints may present more formidable obstacles than technological shortcomings.
Nonapoptotic and Extracellular Activity of Granzyme B Mediates Resistance to Regulatory T Cell (Treg) Suppression by HLA-DR−CD25hiCD127lo Tregs in Multiple Sclerosis and in Response to IL-6

In autoimmune patients, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are increasingly found to be unable to suppress patient-derived T cells, an outcome referred to as Treg resistance. In this study, we show that CD4 T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis resist suppression by patient-derived or healthy donor-derived ex vivo Tregs. Importantly, we report that granzyme B (GzmB) contributes to this Treg resistance via a novel, apoptosis-independent mechanism. We show that memory CD4(+)CD127(lo)FOXP3(+) Treg subsets do not express GzmB, whereas activated, nonregulatory CD4 T cells isolated from patients with multiple sclerosis express higher levels of GzmB than do cells from healthy donors. In contrast to the intracellular GzmB that mediates apoptosis, GzmB can be found in extracellular fluids where it is hypothesized to regulate other cellular processes. In this study, we show that providing extracellular GzmB strongly inhibits Treg suppression, without altering Treg viability. However, when GzmB and GzmB-specific inhibitor are both provided to the cocultures, Treg suppression occurs. Thus, these data suggest that a novel activity of extracellular GzmB is to regulate Treg suppression. Additionally, we find that the suppression-abrogating cytokine IL-6 augments GzmB expression by human CD4 T cells, and it inhibits Treg suppression via this nonapoptotic GzmB-mediated mechanism. Lastly, in examining the mechanism whereby GzmB inhibits Treg function, we show that extracellular GzmB reduces Treg expression of CD39 and programmed death ligand 1. Collectively, these data indicate that extracellular GzmB plays an unexpected, nonapoptotic role in regulating Treg suppression and suggest that inactivation of specifically the extracellular activity of GzmB may be an efficacious therapeutic in autoimmunity.
Hodgkin's disease in the very young

Abstract Purpose : A retrospective review of patients with Hodgkin's disease treated at Stanford University Medical Center was undertaken to determine if, within the pediatric population, children ≤ 10 years of age have a unique prognosis and response to treatment. Methods and Materials : Records of all patients treated for Hodgkin's disease at SUMC between 1961 and 1991 were reviewed. Results : Of 2238 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 91 (4%) were ≤ 10 years of age. There is a predominance of male patients (80%) and a higher percentage of mixed cellularity (33%) and lymphocyte predominance (13%) histologies among the very young patients compared to adolescents and adults. The 5 and 10-year survival is 94 ± 3% and 92 ± 3%, respectively, for children s 10 vs. 93 ± 2% and 86 ± 3% for adolescents and 84 ± 1% and 73 ± 1% for adults. Five and 10-year freedom from relapse is also higher in the youngest children (88 ± 4% and 85 ± 4%, respectively) compared to adolescents (78 ± 3% and 74 ± 3%, respectively) and adults (70 ± 1% and 67 ± 1%, respectively). Actuarial survival at 25 years for children ≤ 10 years is 78%, which is slightly better than for adolescents (67%) and significantly better than for adults (41%) (p = 0.001). Actuarial 25-year freedom from relapse is also significantly better for children ≤ 10 (78%) compared to adolescents (74% [p = 0.05]1) and adults (65% [p = 0.001]1). For all stages of disease, children ≤ 10 fare similarly to or slightly better than adolescents and substantially better than adults. For those with Stage I or II disease, survival at 5, 10, and 25 years is 98 ± 2%, 93 ± 4% and 73%, respectively, for children aged ≤ 10; 98 ± 1%, 91 ± 3%, and 79%, respectively, for adolescents and 89 ± 1%, 80 ± 1%, and 45%, respectively, for adults. The greatest difference between age groups is seen for Stage III and IV patients. Those aged ≤ 10 have an 89 ± 5% 5 and 10-year survival, and 89% actuarial 25-year survival compared to 87 ± 4%, 80 ± 5%, and 28%, respectively, for adolescents and 77 ± 2%, 64 ± 2%, and 41%, respectively, for adults. Of patients ≤ 10 years of age, 28 (31%) were treated with primary external beam radiotherapy, and 59 (65%) received combined modality therapy consisting of low-dose radiation and chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 11 years, freedom from relapse is 64% and survival 75% for the radiotherapy group, compared to 97% (p = 0.000) and 93% (p = 0.21) for those treated with combined modality therapy. Conclusion : Results indicate that young age is a favorable prognostic factor in Hodgkin's disease. Combined modality therapy has led to improved freedom from relapse and survival rates for all stages of disease and is currently the treatment of choice for the majority of very young children.
Management of disordered hemostasis and coagulation in patients with cirrhosis.

Introduction The coagulopathy of cirrhosis and portal hypertension is complicated and often challenging to predict. While patients with cirrhosis are clearly prone to bleed, there is often a concurrent paradoxical propensity toward thrombosis. A finely regulated balance between bleeding and thrombosis is maintained in the healthy individual. When vascular breach or injury occurs, the clotting system activates (Fig. 1). In cirrhosis, a more precarious balance exists with heightened sensitivity to exogenous factors. 7 This rebalanced system is maintained by compensatory mechanisms, such as elevated levels of procoagulant factors like von Willebrand factor, FVIII, and reduced levels of anticoagulant factors like protein C. Additionally, a fibrinolysis pathway (not shown) governs clot dissolution, which may be altered in cirrhosis. Factors like infection, renal dysfunction, and endothelial injury can alter this balance. Tests commonly used to predict bleeding such as the prothrombin time/international normalized ratio do not reliably predict bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis. Other, more global measures are currently under study and available in some centers (e.g., thromboelastography, thrombin generation assay), but there is no single test available today that can accurately predict bleeding or thrombosis tendency in patients with cirrhosis. Management of the bleeding cirrhosis patient is well studied with established clinical guidelines. Treating cirrhosis patients with thrombosis is less defined and clinicians must currently rely on expert recommendation, inference, and extrapolation from data in other patient populations. As our understanding of the intricacies of the coagulation system in cirrhosis develops, new tests and treatments for thrombosis and bleeding will likely emerge.
Direction of arrival estimation using Luneburg lens

In this paper, a 3-D Luneburg Lens is employed for direction finding application. Using the special property of a Luneburg lens that every point on the surface of the Lens is the focal point of a plane wave incident from the opposite side, a number of detectors are mounted around the surface of the lens to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) of a microwave signal. To demonstrate the proposed direction finding system, a Luneburg lens with five detectors mounted on its surface to receive the signal from −20° to 20° is measured at 5.6 GHz. The initial direction finding results using a correlation algorithm show that the estimated error is smaller than 2° within −15° to 15° incident angles.
A harmonic transition state theory model for defect initiation in crystals

We outline here a model for the initiation of defects in crystals based upon harmonic transition state theory (hTST). This model combines a previously developed model for zero-temperature defect initiation with a multidimensional hTST model that is capable of accurately predicting the effects of temperature and loading rate upon defect initiation. The model has several features that set it apart from previous efforts along these lines, most notably a straightforward method of determining the energy barrier between adjacent equilibriumstatesthatdoesnotdependuponaprioriinformationconcerningthe natureofthedefect. Weapplythemodeltotwoexamples,triaxialstretchingofa perfectfcccrystalandnanoindentationofagoldsubstrate. Verygoodagreement is found between the predictions of the model and independent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Among other things, the model predicts a strong dependence of the defect initiation behavior upon the loading parameter. A very attractive feature of this model is that it is valid for arbitrarily slow loading rates, in particular loading rates achievable in the laboratory, and suffers from none of the limitations in this regard inherent in MD simulations. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Toward a restructuring of the foundations of fuzzy logic (FL)

The proposed restructuring of fuzzy logic (FL) is centred on two basic issues: (a) identification of the principal facets of FL and its core concepts; and (b) introduction of the concept of the generalization group and its employment for generation of rules of inference or, equivalently, rules of constraint propagation. The proposed restructuring has three objectives. First, to clarify and solidify the foundations of fuzzy logic; second to make more transparent the links between fuzzy logic and other methodologies; and third, to suggest alternative ways for further development of fuzzy logic and its applications.
Oral History and Hurricane Katrina: Reflections on Shouts and Silences

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, many oral historians throughout the nation began to consider the role their methodology could serve in documenting the storm and its aftermath. Interviewing so soon after such a traumatic event creates new considerations for oral history as an approach to recording experience. The problems and possibilities of oral history at such a moment initiated a vibrant discussion on H-Oralhist and at professional meetings in the fall of 2005. This article reflects on many of the topics raised in that dialogue, including issues of historical distance, objectivity, reflection, and emotional trauma. The piece also offers an early review of the work of the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at the University of Southern Mississippi to document the impact of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi.
Nuclear import of IκBα is accomplished by a Ran-independent transport pathway

The inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα) protein is able to shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. We have utilized a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches to provide mechanistic insight into nucleocytoplasmic shuttling by IκBα. IκBα contains multiple functional domains that contribute to shuttling of IκBα between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Nuclear import of IκBα is mediated by the central ankyrin repeat domain. Similar to previously described nuclear import pathways, nuclear import of IκBα is temperature and ATP dependent and is blocked by a dominant-negative mutant of importin β. However, in contrast to classical nuclear import pathways, nuclear import of IκBα is independent of soluble cytosolic factors and is not blocked by the dominant-negative RanQ69L protein. Nuclear export of IκBα is mediated by an N-terminal nuclear export sequence. Nuclear export of IκBα requires the CRM1 nuclear export receptor and is blocked by the dominant-negative RanQ69L protein. Our results are consistent with a model in which nuclear import of IκBα is mediated through direct interactions with components of the nuclear pore complex, while nuclear export of IκBα is mediated via a CRM1-dependent pathway.
CCR5 deficiency is not protective in the early stages of atherogenesis in apoe knockout mice

The accumulation of macrophages and T lymphocytes in vessel walls is a hallmark of atherogenesis. It has recently been demonstrated in mouse models of atherosclerosis that full disease potential is dependent on several regulators of leukocyte trafficking, including the chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CXCR2. A possible role for the chemokine receptor CCR5 in atherogenesis has been suggested by CCR5 expression on macrophages, T cells, coronary endothelial cells and aortic smooth muscle cells and by the presence of CCR5 ligands in atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, individuals who are naturally deficient in CCR5 were reported to be at reduced risk for severe coronary artery disease (CAD) and early myocardial infarction (MI). To investigate whether CCR5 is pro-atherogenic in mice, we generated CCR5-deficient mice and crossed them with atherosclerosis-prone apoE-deficient mice. Although CCR5-deficient mice exhibit defects in induced macrophage trafficking, mean atherosclerotic lesion area did not differ significantly between apoE-deficient mice and apoE/CCR5-deficient mice after 16 weeks on a diet of normal chow. Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) on RNA isolated from plaques from both apoE-deficient and apoE/CCR5-deficient animals showed strong signals for the macrophage marker F4/80 but no evidence for expression of prominent markers of T and B lymphocytes. These results indicate that the early stages of plaque formation in this model of lipid-mediated atherogenesis do not depend on CCR5.
Equilibrium structure of the plasma sheet boundary layer-lobe interface

Observations are presented which show that plasma parameters vary on a scale length smaller than the ion gyroradius at the interface between the plasma sheet boundary layer and the lobe. The Vlasov equation is used to investigate the properties of such a boundary layer. The existence, at the interface, of a density gradient whose scale length is smaller than the ion gyroradius implies that an electrostatic potential (e ф ∼ 2 κTe, where e and Te are the charge and electron temperature, respectively) is established in order to maintain quasineutrality. Strongly sheared (scale lengths smaller than the ion gyroradius) perpendicular and parallel (to the ambient magnetic field) electron flows develop whose peak velocities are on the order of the electron thermal speed and which carry a net current. The free energy of the sheared flows can give rise to a broadband spectrum of electrostatic instabilities starting near the electron plasma frequency and extending below the lower hybrid frequency.
Attenuation constant of a coherent field in a dense distribution of particles

In a dense distribution of particles, the propagation characteristics of the coherent field are strongly affected by the pair-correlated distributions of scatterers. This paper presents an optical experimental study to show that, when the particle density is greater than about 0.1%, the attenuation constant departs markedly from the formula based on an uncorrected scatter assumption. It decreases sharply when ka < 1, whereas it shows a slight increase when ka ≫ 1. Experimental data are shown for the volume densities ranging from 10−3 to 40% and ka ranging from 0.529 to 82.793. Comparisons are given with some theoretical calculations.
Black blood late gadolinium enhancement using combined T2 magnetization preparation and inversion recovery

Background Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging allows assessment of focal scar [1]. An inversion recovery based sequence is commonly used to achieve suppression of healthy myocardium signal. However, the blood pool and subendocardial scar typically have similar signal, making it difficult to distinguish subendocardial scar. Several methods have been proposed to increase the blood-scar contrast including a double inversion technique [2], and T2-prepared (T2prep) sequences [3,4]. However, all these approaches suffer from either reduced SNR or reduced scar-myocardium contrast. In this work, we propose a novel pulse sequence that uses an optimized combination of an inversion pulse and a T2prep composite pulse to simultaneously null both the healthy myocardium and blood signals, producing a black-blood LGE (BB-LGE) image without losing significant scar-myocardium contrast. We also developed a quick navigation sequence, analogous to the Look-Locker, to help determine the ideal nulling time before imaging.
Treatment of obstructive nephroureteral clot with a rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy device

Thrombus within the renal collecting system and ureter after percutaneous intervention is usually self-limited, but when it is obstructive enough to produce anuria, it can cause deterioration of renal function. Herein a case of a patient with a transplant kidney in whom clot anuria developed after conversion of a nephroureteral stent to a nephrostomy catheter is presented. Internal urine drainage was restored with the use of a rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy device, with subsequent return of normal renal function.
The determinants of differential group evaluations in distinctiveness-based illusory correlations in stereotyping

A meta-analytic strategy was utilized to examine the determinants of differential group evaluations in the distinctiveness-based illusory correlation paradigm. Illusory correlations measured by the estimation task proved to be a much stronger predictor of differential group evaluations than illusory correlations measured by the assignment task. Moreover, differential group evaluations seemed more dependent upon affective responses than upon cognitive load. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications regarding the mechanism(s) underlying the illusory correlation effect.
Freire, Conscientization, and Adult Education

Paulo Freire, Brazilian educator, has elaborated an educational theory within the framework of a theory of radical social change and expressed in a literacy training program. A central concept is "conscientization," and development of critical consciousness through a process of reflection and action. Opposed to this "problem-posing" education, committed to personal and social liberation, is a "banking" education whose objective is domesti cation.Although American adult educators acknowledge the need for social change, their chief focus is on individual self-fulfillment. Predominantly a middle-class enterprise, adult education neither shares the perspectives nor serves the interests of "marginal" groups. Although its most obvious application may be with "oppressed" people, conscientization should have applicability to any education which includes as goals both democratization and radical social change.
Becoming an American Parent: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Strength in a New Immigrant Latino Community

One in five children living in the United States is an immigrant or a child of an immigrant, and 62% of these children are Latino. Through qualitative methods, this study identifies ways that Latino immigrant parents with adolescent children cope with their new environment and how that environment shapes their parenting practices. Two primary themes emerge: overcoming new challenges and finding new strengths. Immigrant parents discuss the challenges of overcoming fears of the unknown; navigating unfamiliar work, school, and neighborhood environments; encountering and confronting racism; and losing family connections and other forms of social capital. In response to these challenges, immigrant parents discuss developing bicultural coping skills, increasing parent–child communication, empathizing with and respecting their adolescent children, and fostering social supports. The results fit well with a risk and protective factor framework and provide a basis for improving policies and programs to support effective parenting in Latino immigrant families.
Thermal Inactivation of Avian Viral and Bacterial Pathogens in an Effluent Treatment System within a Biosafety Level 2 and 3 Enhanced Facility

Avian influenza (AI) virus, avian paramyxovirus Type 1 (APMV-1 or NDV), reovirus, rotavirus, turkey astrovirus (TAst), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), Marek’s disease virus (MDV-1), avian parvovirus (ChPV), and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis are significant biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) or biosafety level 3 enhanced (BSL-3E) pathogens of poultry that are studied in veterinary medical research laboratories worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a moderate temperature, effluent decontamination system (EDS) to inactivate avian pathogens. First, the thermal inactivation processes for AI virus, APMV-1, reovirus, and rotaviruses were determined in phosphatebuffered saline (PBS) using in vitro assays from which thermal death rates (Dt) and changes in heat resistance (zD) of the AI virus and APMV-1 were determined at various time/temperature parameters. The PBS validation process demonstrated that 6 log10 reduction was achieved following heating at 82.2oC within 30 seconds for AI virus and APMV-1, 1.8 minutes for astrovirus, while reoviruses and rotaviruses were destroyed within 3 minutes. Second, to determine whether pathogens were adequately inactivated in a moderate temperature EDS system, vials containing avian viruses (5.1-11.1 log10 TCID, EID50/ml, or infectious particle/ml) and bacteria (9.1 log10 cfu/ml) were placed in the effluent tank and exposed to a standard cycle of 82.2oC for 6 hours. The EDS process totally inactivated enveloped and nonenveloped viruses with complete inactivation of greater than 5.1-11.1 log10 TCID/ml of specific pathogens. The data from the inactivation models and the EDS validation test showed that the 6 log10 reduction required for a sanitary assurance level of effluent was achieved with a significant margin of safety.
Intracorneal stromal hemorrhage in dogs and its associations with ocular and systemic disease: 39 cases.

Objective To describe clinical features of dogs diagnosed with stromal intracorneal hemorrhage (ICH). Animals studied Retrospective case series of 39 dogs (44 eyes) with ICH. Procedures Medical records of dogs evaluated by the Cornell University ophthalmology service were searched to identify animals with a clinical diagnosis of ICH between 2005 and 2014. Signalment and clinical details, including concurrent ocular disease, concurrent systemic disease, diagnostic tests performed, outcome of hemorrhage, presenting client complaint, and treatment, were recorded. Results Intracorneal hemorrhage was identified in 44 eyes of 39 dogs. The mean (±standard deviation) age of dogs was 11.5 years (±2.8 years). The Bichon Frise breed and older dogs were statistically over-represented relative to the entire ophthalmology service canine referral population during the same time period. Concurrent ocular disease was present in 40 eyes (91%) and included keratoconjunctivitis sicca, cataracts, and corneal ulcers. Twenty-three dogs (59%) suffered from concurrent systemic disease, most frequently diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, and systemic hypertension. Less commonly, life-threatening systemic conditions were identified in dogs with ICH including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, metastatic neoplasia, and sepsis. Intracorneal hemorrhage was found in all corneal locations, and corneal vascularization was present in each affected eye. Conclusions Intracorneal hemorrhage is an uncommon condition in dogs that occurs in association with corneal vascularization. The risk of ICH may be increased due to certain ocular and systemic diseases. Although uncommon, ICH may also be an ocular manifestation of severe immune-mediated, infectious, and neoplastic systemic diseases in dogs.
A real-time implementation of precise timestamp-free network synchronization

This paper describes a real-time implementation of precise synchronization between a master and slave node. The nodes were both implemented on separate Texas Instruments DSP boards with real-time software implemented in C. Timestamp-free synchronization is performed implicitly through the timing of the master node's responses to the slave node. The slave node tracks and predicts the master node's clock through precise time of arrival estimation and Kalman filtering of the estimates. Experimental results demonstrate the slave node is able to consistently predict the master node's clock offset to within a few nanoseconds over one second prediction intervals.
Laparoscopic sterilization. American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists 1991 membership survey.

1314 members of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists responded to a survey enumerating numbers and types of laparoscopic procedures performed in 1991. The survey is conducted every 3 years. Members reported 40337 laparoscopic sterilizations 66887 diagnostic laparoscopies and 8015 hysteroscopies. This is an increase in both types of laparoscopies compared with 1988. Most of the sterilizations were done by bipolar coagulation. The types of sterilization methods remained similar to those used in previous years. 79% used a closed abdominal approach. 78% always used general anesthesia while 1% always used local anesthesia. The complication rate for diagnostic laparoscopy was 4.9/1000 up from 3.1% found in the last 2 surveys. The rate of ectopic pregnancy among sterilization failures was 66% for bipolar and 68% for unipolar coagulation somewhat higher than that found for Pomeroy band and especially the clip method. 2 deaths were reported 1 for sterilization and 1 for diagnostic laparoscopy. Although these data are not randomized the consistency of the questions and the sampling base make them worthwhile.
Case Study of Parallel Bridges Affected by Liquefaction and Lateral Spreading

AbstractTwo parallel adjacent river-crossing bridges performed differently in response to strong shaking (peak ground acceleration ∼0.27 g) and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading during the 2010 M 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake. A railroad bridge span collapsed, whereas the adjacent highway bridge survived, with one support pier near the river having modest flexural cracking of cover concrete and a second settling approximately 50 cm. Cone penetration and geophysical test results are presented along with geotechnical and structural conditions evaluated from design documents. This investigation employed an equivalent-static beam-on-nonlinear-Winkler foundation analysis to accurately predict observed responses when liquefaction-compatible inertia demands were represented as spectral displacements that account for resistance from other bridge components. Pier columns for the surviving bridge effectively resisted lateral-spreading demands in part because of restraint provided by the superstructure. Coll...
Test of a Reinforced Concrete Flat Plate

The behavior of a flat plate, the first of the five test structures built and tested in the course of an investigation of multiple-panel reinforced concrete floor slabs, is described and analyzed. The test structure, which comprised nine 5-ft square panels, was designed essentially on the basis of the ACI Building Code. Test data included deflections at 33 locations, reinforcement strains at 294 locations, and all three components of each of the column reactions. Comparisons of the moments measured in the critical sections of the test structure with the ACI design moments indicated that the total extent of flexural reinforcement provided by the design method in the entire structure was not deficient but that the distribution specified was inefficient. The overall behavior of the test structure was satisfactory at all levels of loading as was the measured over-all load factor of 2.3. However, collapse was caused by punching through of one of the interior columns. The flexural strength of the slab was higher than the load that could be transmitted from the slab to the interior columns.
Learning and retention in cats with lesions in reticular formation

Cats with lesions in the reticular formation at the level of the superior colliculus and red nucleus learned conditioned avoidance responses and visual discriminations as well as normal cats. In cats with preoperative training, the midbrain surgery had little or no effect on postoperative performance. Cats with lesions in the midline nuclei of the dorsal thalamus exhibited a postoperative loss of a previously learned visual discrimination and required more trials to relearn. All cats had normal electrocorticogram (ECG) (awake and sleep), and exhibited normal conditioned ECG potentials.
MODE OF POLLINATION AND FLORAL SEXUALITY IN THALICTRUM.

Since Sprengel's (1793) classic investigation of pollination mechanisms, much work has been done on plant breeding systems and the evolution of floral habitat. An early review of floral structure and its relationship to several pollinators was given by Knuth (1906). Recently, much of the work has focused on particular floral adaptations for pollination by different animal agents (Van der Pijl, 1960, 1961) and other evolutionary effects which have been produced in various floral groups (Baker and Hurd, 1968; Leppik, 1968). Most of the work in plant breeding systems has been concerned with the evolution of their different morphological and physiological characteristics (Lewis, 1941; Lewis and Crowe, 1956; Crowe, 1964), isolating mechanisms in insect pollination (Grant, 1949), and the consequences of and causative factors involved in inbreeding and outbreeding (Fryxell, 1957; Heslop-Harrison, 1964). Several authors (Altenburg, 1934; Stebbins, 1951; Leppik, 1964; Baker and Hurd, 1968) have noted the existence of a correlation between diclinous flowers and wind pollination. However, the causal factors of such a correlation are still undetermined. An understanding of the genus Thalictrum, because it has species of various sexual types, some of which are reported to be anemophilous, some entomophilous, and some both (Clapham et al., 1962; Kerner and Oliver, 1902), should shed light on this subject. This prompted the present study which consists of two parts: the first a study of pollination systems and pollen grains of local species, and the second a
Development of a Biological Phosphate Fertilizer to Improve Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Production in Mali

Abstract Tilemsi Rock phosphate Tilemsi (TRP), is a good and inexpensive alternative to imported phosphate fertilizers. Thiobacillus thioparus, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Thiobacillus ferooxidans, are known for their ability to oxidize soil sulfur and sulfides and influence the solubilization of inorganic phosphates. These bacteria have also a good potential to improve plant growth. In order to improve wheat response to fertilization with TRP, we describe in this work, the isolation from agricultural soils and the selection of different Thiobacillus strains with high TRP-solubilizing activities. Initially, 91 acidifying bacteria were selected, but after 10 subcultures on agar and in liquid media, only four bacteria were chosen for their strong P-solubilizing activities. No Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, was isolated from tested agricultural soils. A significant correlation was observed between acid production by isolated strains and phosphate solubilization. In a field trial in Koygour (Dire), wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Tetra) was inoculated with selected strains of Thiobacillus and fertilized with the TRP or diammonium phosphate (DAP). The growth and yield parameters measured were the plant the tillers per plant, panicles per plant, percentage of fertile tillers (number of tillers with panicles/total number of tillers), panicle length, grain per panicle, grain yield calculated at 13% moisture, and 1000 grain weight. Yield increase relative to control and yield relative efficiency were also calculated. BioTRP1, with yield of 2840 kg/ha grain, increased grains and straw yield at 45.64 and 73.81%, respectively with the highest relative yield efficiency. BioTRP1 is the only treatment not significantly different from the Di-ammonium phosphate. At harvest, average number of tillers was 18 for treatment 5 and a bit lower for di-ammonium phosphate with 17.8. Percentage of fertile tillers was 92% and 90% for the di-ammonium phosphate and the BioTRP1 treatments respectively. Panicle length was more than double for di-ammonium phosphate and BioTRP treatments compared to control. The number of grains/panicle was also highest for di-ammonium phosphate and BioTRP1 with 54 and 51 grains/panicle respectively. The di-ammonium phosphate, the BioTRP1 and control were significantly different and showed the maximums and minimum weights of 28; 27 and 20 g for 1000 grains of wheat. BioTRP2 and BioTRP3, formulated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans AHB411 and Thiobacillus thiooxidans AHB417, also caused yield increases of 33.33 and 11.97% respectively. The choice of Thiobacillus thiooxidans AHB 436, and the formulation of BioPNT will be discussed
Extensive amplification of bcr/abl fusion genes clustered on three marker chromosomes in human leukemic cell line K-562

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we were able to demonstrate 22-24-fold amplification of the bcr/abl fusion gene in the human leukemic cell line K-562. About 60% of the amplified sequences are localized to a large acrocentric marker chromosome, with another 30% clustered on a small acrocentric chromosome. In addition to these two masked Ph chromosomes, the remaining bcr/abl fusion genes are located on a der(2) distal to band q33. G- and C-banding analysis revealed similar unique banding patterns in both masked Ph chromosomes and suggests that amplification occurred by tandem duplication of the bcr/abl fusion site. Because the number of bcr/abl fusion genes may be increasing over time, it is critical that researchers using K-562 cells should be aware of this extensive amplification.
The structure of a linear transformation II

In this chapter we conclude our analysis of the structure of a linear transformation J : V → V . We derive our deepest structural results, the rational canonical form of J and, when V is a vector space over an algebraically closed field F, the Jordan canonical form of J . Recall our metaphor of coordinates as giving a language in which to describe linear transformations. A basis B of V in which [ J ] B is in canonical form is a “right” language to describe the linear transformation J . This is especially true for the Jordan canonical form, which is intimately related to eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and generalized eigenvectors. The importance of the Jordan canonical form of J cannot be overemphasized. Every structural fact about a linear transformation is encoded in its Jordan canonical form. We not only show the existence of the Jordan canonical form, but also derive an algorithm for finding the Jordan canonical form of J as well as finding a Jordan basis of V , assuming we can factor the characteristic polynomial C J (x) . (Of course, there is no algorithm for factoring polynomials, as we know from Galois theory.) We have arranged our exposition in what we think is the clearest way, getting to the simplest (but still important) results as quickly as possible in the preceding chapter, and saving the deepest results for this chapter. However, this is not the logically most economical way.
Experimental study of autoignition characteristics of Jet-A surrogates and their validation in a motored engine and a constant-volume combustion chamber

Abstract The current study presents an experimental validation of jet aviation fuel surrogates formulated using a surrogate model-optimizer. Two surrogate fuel mixtures are used to emulate a practical Jet-A (POSF 4658) considering a series of physical and chemical processes in diesel engines. The surrogate mixtures consist of: n-dodecane/isocetane/methylcyclohexane (MCH)/toluene 0.3844/0.1484/0.2336/0.2336 on a molar basis (referred to as UM I), and n-dodecane/isocetane/decalin/toluene 0.2897/0.1424/0.3188/0.2491 on a molar basis (referred to as UM II). In the present study, a modified Cooperative Fuels Research (CFR) Octane Rating engine and an optically accessible, constant-volume spray combustion chamber are employed to investigate how the chemical and physical properties of these jet fuel surrogate mixtures affect the fundamental ignition behavior as compared to the targeted full boiling range Jet-A fuel (POSF 4658). The observations of ignition behavior include critical compression ratio and critical equivalence ratio, and % low temperature heat release, which are assessed using the motored engine (CFR), while physical and chemical ignition delays are measured using a modified Cetane Rating (CID 510) instrument under a wide range of air temperatures and oxygen dilution levels. The measured derived cetane number (DCN) for UM I shows a reasonably good match with the practical Jet-A fuel (POSF 4658), while gas-phase oxidation behavior is less, well-matched in the modified CFR engine. In contrast, although the measured DCN of UM II revealed a lower value than the estimated value using a surrogate optimizer, the ignition behavior is relatively well match with that of the target Jet-A in the modified CFR engine. The similarities in physical and chemical ignition delays as compared with the target Jet-A support the effectiveness of the UM II surrogate, while in contrast, the UM I surrogate only matched the chemical ignition delay. This is attributed to the importance of the surrogate component decalin, which improved the physical properties as compared to MCH, while the other three components were the same for the two surrogates.
Functional diversity of catch mitigates negative effects of temperature variability on fisheries yields

Temperature variation within a year can impact biological processes driving population abundances. The implications for the ecosystem services these populations provide, including food production from marine fisheries, are poorly understood. Whether and how temperature variability impacts fishery yields may depend on the number of harvested species and differences in their responses to varying temperatures. Drawing from previous theoretical and empirical studies, we predict that greater temperature variability within years will reduce yields, but harvesting a larger number of species, especially a more functionally diverse set, will decrease this impact. Using a global marine fisheries dataset, we find that within-year temperature variability reduces yields, but current levels of functional diversity (FD) of targeted species, measured using traits related to species' responses to temperature, largely offset this effect. Globally, high FD of catch could avoid annual losses in yield of 6.8% relative to projections if FD were degraded to the lowest level observed in the data. By contrast, species richness in the catch and in the ecosystem did not provide a similar mitigating effect. This work provides novel empirical evidence that short-term temperature variability can negatively impact the provisioning of ecosystem services, but that FD can buffer these negative impacts.
Racial Discrimination and Statistical Discrimination: MLB Rookie Card Values and Performance Uncertainty

Objective While previous studies document racial discrimination in Major League Baseball, few have considered statistical discrimination, and how racial bias may spill over into related markets. Investigating rookie card (RC) values at their initial release, we exploit the role of information uncertainty to separately identify the influence of racial discrimination and statistical discrimination. Methods Using ordinary least squares (OLS) and Tobit models, we examine 6,026 cards released from 1986 to 1993. After documenting race-based differentials in MLB achievement, we explore the determinants of prices in certain and uncertain environments. Results RCs of black players carry a 14–20 percent premium at their initial release. Race does not influence card values once careers are finished. Finally, given comparable career performance, prices for black players decline significantly more over time. Collectively, this suggests statistical discrimination influences consumers in this market. Conclusion Racial discrimination in an upstream market can lead to spillover effects on related downstream markets.
The Number of Professionally Certified Accounting Experts on Audit Committees and Confidence in Earnings: A Study of Retail Investors’ Perceptions

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the composition of a company’s audit committee affects decisions by retail (non-institutional) investors. We examine if these investors’ confidence in reported earnings is affected by the number of committee experts under the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s original, more restrictive definition of an expert (accountants and auditors), the expanded definition, or those who do not qualify under either definition. A sample of AAII (American Association of Independent Investors) members responded to an Internet-based questionnaire and assessed their confidence in the earnings quality of a hypothetical company, contingent on the financial expertise represented in the committee. Results suggest that as the number of Certified Public Accountants (experts under the more restrictive definition) on an audit committee increases, there is a general tendency for confidence in earnings to increase also. The statistical significance of this trend however is illuminated by both demographic and behavioral characteristics of the investors.
Electrical stimulation and gene-based neuromodulation for control of medically-refractory epilepsy

The failure of available antiepileptic medications to adequately control seizures in a substantial number of patients underscores the need to develop novel epilepsy therapies. Recent advancements in technology and the success of neuromodulation in treating a variety of neurological disorders have spurred interest in exploring promising therapeutic alternatives, such as electrical stimulation and gene-based synaptic control. A variety of different stimulation approaches to seizure control targeting structures in the central or peripheral nervous system have been investigated. Most studies have been based on uncontrolled observations and empirical stimulation protocols. Today the vagus nerve stimulator is the only FDA approved adjunctive treatment for epilepsy that utilizes electrical stimulation. Other potential strategies including direct stimulation of the epileptogenic cortex and deep brain stimulation of various targets are currently under investigation. Chronically implanted devices for electrical stimulation have a variety of limitations. First, they are susceptible to malfunction and infection. Second, most systems require battery replacement. Finally, electrical stimulation is incapable of manipulating neuronal function in a transmitter specific fashion. Gene delivery to epileptogenic targets or targets implicated in regulating seizure threshold has been investigated as an alternative means of neuromodulation in animal models. In summary, positive preliminary results and the lack of alternative treatment options provide the impetus for further exploration of electrical stimulation and gene-based therapies in pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Various specific targets and approaches to modulating their activity have been investigated in human studies.
Role of Statistics in Achieving Global Consistency of Tolerances

This paper proposes and defends a thesis that global consistency of tolerances is achievable only by consistent use of statistics across specification, production, and inspection. It starts with a global view of variation in a product of an engineering enterprise, embodied in two major axioms: imprecision in manufacturing and uncertainty in measurements. It traces the successful evolution of statistical practices in production and inspection to deal with these variations. Finally, designer specified tolerances are brought into the global picture. Challenges that still lie ahead are summarized at the end.