cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generierung von Sätzen

Obwohl Bildgebungsverfahren und elektrophysiologische Methoden eine genauere Bestimmung der mit der Satzverarbeitung verbundenen neuronalen Korrelate ermoglichen, gibt es methodologische Probleme, die bei der Interpretation von Studienergebnissen zu berucksichtigen sind. Einige kritische Faktoren beziehen sich auf die zu prufende Satzstruktur und auf die Anforderungen der Aufgabenstellung. Zudem spielen bei der Satzverarbeitung Funktionen des Arbeitsspeichers eine wichtige Rolle. Schlieslich gibt es auch kritische Argumente gegen die statistische Analyse der mit Bildgebungsverfahren gewonnenen Daten. Wir konnen jedoch feststellen, dass insbesondere das Broca-Areal (BA 44, 45), der linke supplementar-motorische Cortex und der pramotorische Cortex bei der komplexen Satzverarbeitung beteiligt sind. Diese mentalen Berechnungen involvieren ebenso die Verarbeitung von syntaktischen Dependenzen. Die Ergebnisse zur komplexen syntaktischen Verarbeitung sind mit den Daten kompatibel, die zeigen, dass Arbeitsspeicherfunktionen, einschlieslich Rehearsal- Prozessen, verschiedene Regionen im prafrontalen Cortex aktivieren. Die Interpretation von Satzbedeutungen scheint demgegenuber insbesondere den linken (aber manchmal auch den rechten) Gyrus temporalis superior und den Gyrus temporalis medius sowie die parietalen Regionen, einschlieslich des Gyrus angularis, zu involvieren.
Tunable Exchange Bias Effects

Extrinsic control mechanisms of the interface magnetization in exchange bias heterostructures are reviewed. Experimental progress in the realization of adjustable exchange bias is discussed with special emphasis on electrically tunable exchange bias fields in magnetic thin film heterostructures. Current experimental attempts and concepts of electrically controlled exchange bias exploit magnetic bilayer structures where a ferromagnetic top electrode is in close proximity of magnetoelectric antiferromagnets, multiferroic pinning layers, or piezoelectric thin films. Various experimental approaches are introduced and the potential use of electrically controlled exchange bias in spintronic applications is briefly outlined. In addition, isothermal magnetic field tuning of exchange bias fields and extrinsically tailored exchange bias training effects are reported. The latter have been studied in a variety of systems ranging from conventional antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic bilayers and core–shell nanoparticles to all ferromagnetic heterostructures where soft and hard ferromagnetic thin films are exchange coupled across a non-magnetic spacer. Such ferromagnetic bilayers show remarkable analogies to conventional exchange bias systems. At the same time they have the experimental advantage to provide direct access to the magnetic state of the pinning layer by simple magnetometry. A large number of exchange-coupled magnetic systems with qualitative differences in materials composition and coupling share a common physical principle that gives rise to training or aging phenomena in a unifying framework. Deviations from the equilibrium spin configuration of the pinning layer generate a force that drives the system back toward equilibrium. The initial nonequilibrium states can be tuned by temperature and applied set fields providing control over various characteristics of the training effect ranging from enhancement to complete quenching.
Reliability Assurance of Aircraft Structures

Airworthiness certification requirements recently adopted by the U. S. Air Force rely heavily on damage tolerance to assure in-service reliability of airframes. FAA requirements are currently undergoing revision, and will also depend on damage tolerance characteristics of airframe structures. Two major impacts of these developments are evident. First, designers and operators will pay more attention to fatigue crack propagation rates and progressive deterioration of residual static strength than heretofore, and secondly, inspection will be an integral and acknowledged feature of continued reliability in service.
Packing of discrete and irregular particles

Abstract A new conditional modeling along with a level-set method that can produce high quality and large packs of irregular particles is proposed. First, an initial pack of particles is generated statistically using the particles provided through an X-ray image. Then, the mismatch locations, wherein an error map identifies the particles manifest unrealistic shapes, are detected. Next, a level-set algorithm is applied to refine the defected particles using the statistical distributions extracted from the actual particles. The generated packs are statistically and physically (i.e. flow modeling) compared with the original particles and they all represent an excellent agreement.
Some Topological Questions Related to Open Mapping and Closed Graph Theorems

Publisher Summary Two topological theorems, by Kelley (K) and Weston (W), and many of the open mapping and closed graph theorems of topological algebra present interesting similarities and differences that suggest some questions that may be of interest to general topologists. This chapter discusses whether theorem K hold for an X complete in a more general sense? Is there a non-uniform version of the theorem? Such would be desirable because to apply theorem K, the space X usually needs to be complete with respect to some right- or left-invariant pseudo-metric; thus, Brown's latest version of the open mapping theorem is derivable from Weston's work and easily from Theorem W when X is metrically complete but not from theorem K as far as the present knowledge is concerned.
Teachers’ ethics : education international and the forging of professional unity

The paper maintains that the current era, marked by a new global economy transforming economic and social development, has created the need for a reorganisation of teachers’ representation. This paper discusses a key development in teacher organisation, namely the emergence of Education International as a global hub for teacher unionism from across the world. This unique organisation, formulated in response to the emergence of global economies and supra-national figures, represents teachers’ response to globalised institutions and has instigated projects, such as the Professional Code of Ethics, which aim to create a sense of professional identity and unity amongst teachers. The organisation presents the political voice of teachers as a global collective that seeks to embed teachers’ interests in education reform and in the public debates concerning the direction of educational change in the era of globalisation. The paper concludes by outlining an ongoing issue that jeopardizes the collective voice of teachers and stresses how this needs to be further addressed in the ethical frameworks of what it means to be a teacher in the 21st century.
Hobbes on Resistance: The true liberties of subjects

The Hobbesian right of self-defense is, as has been demonstrated, far more intriguing and defensible than it initially appears; however, it represents only the very beginning of Hobbes's theory of resistance rights. Much of the substance of this theory actually lies in the rights that Hobbes derives from the original inalienable right of self-defense. He calls these corollaries the “true liberties of subjects,” which he defines as “the things which, though commanded by the sovereign, he [the subject] may nevertheless without injustice refuse to do.” There are references to these corollary rights throughout his texts, but the dedicated discussion of them is in Chapter 21 of Leviathan . The brief list of the corollaries is as follows: (1) Subjects have the right to resist physical harm and confinement. (2) Subjects are not obligated to incriminate themselves or certain others, including those whom they love or depend upon. (3) Subjects may have the right to disobey dishonorable or dangerous commands, including those requiring military service. Much commentary on Hobbes's political philosophy simply ignores his discussion of the true liberties of subjects. When it is addressed in detail, it is often denigrated. In a representative remark, Glenn Burgess refers to these corollary rights as “peripheral, of little practical political significance, perhaps even embarrassing logical implications of his own theory that Hobbes would have liked to sweep under the carpet.” Similarly, Kavka characterizes Hobbes's discussion as filled with “imprecise claims and weak arguments.”
Metalloregulators: Arbiters of Metal Sufficiency

Metal homeostasis relies on the ability of metalloregulatory proteins to coordinate the expression of transport and storage functions. Metalloregulatory proteins can be divided into two major groups: those that regulate the uptake of essential metals (the Fur, DtxR/MntR, and NikR families) and those that regulate metal efflux and detoxification mechanisms (the ArsR/SmtB and MerR families). Within each metalloregulator protein family, there is a tremendous diversity in metal selectivity and the corresponding biological responses. The availability of at least one protein structure from each family is beginning to provide insights into the origins of metal selectivity. Biochemical measurements of metal ion selectivity and affinity provide a window into the ambient metal ion conditions within the cytosol: metalloregulators that sense nutrient metals must be poised to bind the metal ion once the essential functional sites are saturated, but before adventitious associations begin to interfere with cellular function. Similarly, sensors of metal ion excess, whether for non-essential toxic metals or nutrient metals, must respond to metals, at levels below those that will inhibit or prevent cell growth, to activate appropriate defensive measures. Recent insights highlight the global nature of stress responses elicited by metal ion deficiency. In addition to the expected derepression of high affinity uptake systems, metal ion starvation leads to a large-scale remodeling of the proteome that includes: (i) metal-sparing, (ii) metal-substitution, and (iii) metal-mobilization responses.
Experimental models to study cholangiocyte biology.

Cholangiocytes-the epithelial cells which line the bile ducts-are increasingly recognized as important transporting epithelia actively involved in the absorption and secretion of water, ions, and solutes. This recognition is due in part to the recent development of new experimental models. New biologic concepts have emerged including the identification and topography of receptors and flux proteins on the apical and/or basolateral membrane which are involved in the molecular mechanisms of ductal bile secretion. Individually isolated and/or perfused bile duct units from livers of rats and mice serve as new, physiologically relevant in vitro models to study cholangiocyte transport. Biliary tree dimensions and novel insights into anatomic remodeling of proliferating bile ducts have emerged from three-dimensional reconstruction using CT scanning and sophisticated software. Moreover, new pathologic concepts have arisen regarding the interaction of cholangiocytes with pathogens such as Cryptosporidium parvum. These concepts and associated methodologies may provide the framework to develop new therapies for the cholangiopathies, a group of important hepatobiliary diseases in which cholangiocytes are the target cell.
Location-Based Social Networks: Users

In this chapter, we introduce and define the meaning of location-based social network (LBSN) and discuss the research philosophy behind LBSNs from the perspective of users and locations. Under the circumstances of trajectory-centric LBSN, we then explore two fundamental research points concerned with understanding users in terms of their locations. One is modeling the location history of an individual using the individual's trajectory data. The other is estimating the similarity between two different people according to their location histories. The inferred similarity represents the strength of connection between two users in a locationbased social network, and can enable friend recommendations and community discovery. The general approaches for evaluating these applications are also presented.
Diisopropylfluorophosphate Is Not a Specific Label for the Red Cell Membrane

When red cells were labeled either in vitro or in vivo with DF32P, the label was attached primarily at intracellular, not membrane, sites. Thus, despite the fact that it binds to and inactivates the red cell membrane enzyme, acetylcholinesterate, DF32P is not a specific label for the red cell membrane.
Constraints on Shear Velocities in Deep-Ocean Sediments as Determined from Deep-Tow Multichannel Seismic Data

A method is presented for constraining shear velocity estimates that is based on a frequency domain versus offset (or, equivalently, grazing angle). This technique emphasizes signal variability as a function of wavenumber and provides a means for estimating shear velocities when no shear phases or converted shear phases are observed. A model study demonstrates the technique, which is then applied to deep-tow multichannel data from the Bermuda Rise. These data support Poisson’s Ratios of >0.48 within the upper 50 m of sediments on the rise; however, the estimated Poisson’s Ratio for a turbidite stringer at ~20-m depth is ~0.46. Because the technique is compatible with marine multichannel seismic data, it provides a way to estimate the spatial variability of shear velocities at scales of ~20 m.
Assessing Noncognitive Aspects of School Readiness: The Predictive Validity of Brief Teacher Rating Scales of Social-Emotional Competence and Approaches to Learning.

Research Findings: Head Start teachers completed brief rating scales measuring the social–emotional competence and approaches to learning of preschool children (total N = 164; 14% Hispanic American...
Telling, Comforting, and Retaliating: The Roles of Moral Disengagement and Perception of Harm in Defending College-Aged Victims of Peer Victimization

Peer victimization is prevalent among college-aged students, yet no study to our knowledge has examined various strategies of defending peers from victimization among this population. This study investigated the associations between multiple defending strategies (i.e., direct, indirect, including prosocial and aggressive defending), how moral disengagement and perception of harm were associated with multiple defending strategies, and gender differences in these associations. Participants were 372 ethnically diverse college students (18–53 years old, M = 21.24, SD = 4.13; 76% women) from a medium-sized university who watched two short videos depicting events of peer victimization and answered questions about how they would respond. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the associations between key variables, and multi-group modeling was used to assess gender differences in defending responses predicted by moral disengagement and perception of harm. Results showed that college students used both prosocial and aggressive defending strategies. Moral disengagement and perception of harm were associated in generally expected ways with defending strategies, but the associations differed across victimization scenarios and participant gender. Interventions to encourage college students to defend should stress the use of prosocial rather than aggressive strategies and be tailored to differences in defending responses based on form of victimization.
Distributed dynamic coding for spatial working memory in hippocampal-prefrontal networks

Abstract Spatial working memory (SWM) is a central cognitive process during which the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) encode and maintain spatial information for subsequent decision-making. This occurs in the context of ongoing computations relating to spatial position, recall of long-term memory, attention, amongst many others. To establish how intermittently presented information is integrated with ongoing computations we recorded single units, in both hippocampus and PFC, in control rats and those with a brain malformation during performance of a SWM task. Neurons that encode intermittent task parameters are also well-modulated in time and incorporated into a functional network across regions. Our results implicate a model in which ongoing oscillatory coordination among neurons in the hippocampal-PFC network defines a functional network that is poised to receive sensory inputs that are then integrated and multiplexed as working memory. These dynamics are systematically altered in disease and may provide potential targets for stimulation-based therapies.
Utilization of a Dual Surveillance Program to Reduce Surgical-site Infections.

Background Surveillance plays a pivotal role in the surgical-site infections (SSIs) prevention through identifying infections, monitoring changes in infection rates, and evaluating the effectiveness of intervention strategies. Methods This retrospective study reviewed SSI surveillance systems implemented at the Children's National Health System in 3 phases between 2007 and 2016 including all surgical procedures. The targeted surveillance was conducted in cardiovascular, spinal fusion, and ventricular shunt surgeries and required an infection preventionist (IP) to review all procedures, to identify SSIs that meet the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network definition. SSIs in the remaining surgical procedures were identified through the review of positive microbiology reports daily and followed by full chart review if the specimen type and/or patient location were suggestive of a surgical history. Timely feedback of SSI to stakeholders was the primary mode of intervention, with additional interventions implemented for the 3 targeted surveillance procedures. Data collected between 2013 and 2016 were analyzed to account for a definition change in 2013. Results For the 3 targeted surveillance procedures, IP reviewed 2,255 procedures and identified 43 SSIs. For the remaining procedures, IPs identified 123 SSIs confirmed by one or more pathogens. The overall SSI rate had a 31% decrease. The cardiovascular and spinal fusion SSI rate had a 61% and 84% decrease, respectively. The ventricular shunt SSI rate increased 29% due to 2 episodes of recurrent infections in 2 patients. Conclusions It is prudent for hospitals to continue monitoring SSI by establishing surveillance programs with optimal approaches.
Impacts of Climate Changes on Elk Population Dynamics in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, U.S.A.

Changing climate may impact wildlife populations in national parks and conservation areas. We used logistic and non-linear matrix population models and 35 years of historic weather and population data to investigate the effects of climate on the population dynamics of elk in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, U.S.A. We then used climate scenarios derived from Hadley and Canadian Climate Center (CCC) global climate models to project the potential impact of future climate on the elk population. All models revealed density-dependent effects of population size on growth rates. The best approximating logistic population model suggested that high levels of summer precipitation accelerated elk population growth, but higher summer minimum temperatures slowed growth. The best approximating non-linear matrix model indicated that high mean winter minimum temperatures enhanced recruitment of juveniles, while high summer precipitation enhanced the survival of calves. Warmer winters and wetter summers predicted by the Hadley Model could increase the equilibrium population size of elk by about 100%. Warmer winters and drier summers predicted by the CCC Model couldraise the equilibrium population size of elk by about 50%. Managers of national parks have relied on effects of weather, particularly severe winters, to regulate populations of native ungulates and prevent harmful effects of overabundance. Our results suggest that these regulating effects of severe winter weather may weaken if climate changes occur as those that are widely predicted in most climate change scenarios.
The Effect of Holmium Laser Fiber Bending Radius on Power Delivery During Flexible Ureteroscopy

Introduction: Flexible ureteroscopy is a mainstay of upper urinary tract stone treatment. Holmium laser lithotripsy is a particularly common and notable technique for the dusting and fragmenting of...
The Notch Ligand Jagged1 is Required for the Formation, Maintenance, and Survival of Hensen Cells in the Mouse Cochlea

ABSTRACT During cochlear development, the Notch ligand JAGGED 1 (JAG1) plays an important role in the specification of the prosensory region, which gives rise to sound-sensing hair cells and neighboring supporting cells (SCs). While JAG1’s expression is maintained in SCs through adulthood, the function of JAG1 in SC development is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that JAG1 is essential for the formation and maintenance of Hensen cells (HeCs), a highly specialized SC-subtype located at the edge of the auditory epithelium. Deletion of Jag1 at the onset of differentiation, at stage E14.5, disrupted HeC formation. Similar loss of HeCs was observed when Jag1 was deleted at P0/P1 and fate-mapping analysis revealed that in the absence of Jag1 some HeCs die, but others convert into neighboring Claudius cells. In support of a role for JAG1 in cell survival, genes involved in mitochondrial function and protein synthesis were downregulated in P0 cochlea lacking Jag1.
Identification of nodulation-related genes in Medicago truncatula using genome-wide association studies and co-expression networks.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have proven to be a valuable approach for identifying genetic intervals associated with phenotypic variation in Medicago truncatula. These intervals can vary in size, depending on the historical local recombination. Typically, significant intervals span numerous gene models, limiting the ability to resolve high-confidence candidate genes underlying the trait of interest. Additional genomic data, including gene co-expression networks, can be combined with the genetic mapping information to successfully identify candidate genes. Co-expression network analysis provides information about the functional relationships of each gene through its similarity of expression patterns to other well-defined clusters of genes. In this study, we integrated data from GWAS and co-expression networks to pinpoint candidate genes that may be associated with nodule-related phenotypes in M. truncatula. We further investigated a subset of these genes and confirmed that several had existing evidence linking them nodulation, including MEDTR2G101090 (PEN3-like), a previously validated gene associated with nodule number.
Simulating Ultralight Dark Matter in Chapel

This talk summarizes the development of a Chapel astrophysics code to simulate the dynamics of ultralight dark matter. The talk has three broad goals - (i) to demonstrate that current versions of Chapel can achieve good performance and scalability for real-world workloads, (ii) to describe the experience of writing a research code in Chapel, and (iii) to highlight some of the simulation results we have achieved using this code. This project originated from a lightning talk at CHIUW 2019, and is a Chapel-centric update of results at PAW-ATM 2019.
Tour Design Using Resonant-Orbit Invariant Manifolds in Patched Circular Restricted Three-Body Problems

It is increasingly desirable to incorporate multibody effects in tour design early in the process to both discover new solutions and reduce the number and size of required maneuvers. Flybys have pr...
Fibrillar α-synuclein induces neurotoxic astrocyte activation via RIP kinase signaling and NF-κB

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by death of midbrain dopamine neurons. The pathogenesis of PD is poorly understood, though misfolded and/or aggregated forms of the protein α-synuclein have been implicated in several neurodegenerative disease processes, including neuroinflammation and astrocyte activation. Astrocytes in the midbrain play complex roles during PD, initiating both harmful and protective processes that vary over the course of disease. However, despite their significant regulatory roles during neurodegeneration, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote pathogenic astrocyte activity remain mysterious. Here, we show that α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) induce pathogenic activation of human midbrain astrocytes, marked by inflammatory transcriptional responses, downregulation of phagocytic function, and conferral of neurotoxic activity. These effects required the necroptotic kinases RIPK1 and RIPK3, but were independent of MLKL and necroptosis. Instead, both transcriptional and functional markers of astrocyte activation occurred via RIPK-dependent activation of NF-κB signaling. Our study identifies a previously unknown function for α-synuclein in promoting neurotoxic astrocyte activation, as well as new cell death-independent roles for RIP kinase signaling in the regulation of glial cell biology and neuroinflammation. Together, these findings highlight previously unappreciated molecular mechanisms of pathologic astrocyte activation and neuronal cell death with implications for Parkinsonian neurodegeneration.
No vacation needed: an exploration on why American hospitality workers won’t use up their vacation days

This study seeks to uncover the factors that promote or inhibit American workers from using their paid vacation days. Five focus groups were conducted within three hospitality sectors (hotels, rest...
Effect of Lymphocyte Depletion in Post Heart Transplant Outcomes of Children with Protein Losing Enteropathy

Purpose Children with Fontan-related protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) demonstrate immunodeficiency due to lymphatic-intestinal losses of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. Use of lymphocyte depleting agents such as rabbit antithymocyte globulin (RATG) at time of orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) may result in excessive immunosuppression and post-transplant complications. Our aim was to compare post-transplant outcomes such as rejection, infections, and malignancies between PLE patients who received RATG for induction opposed to a RATG-sparing protocol. Methods Retrospective, single center study of pediatric OHT recipients with PLE transplanted from 1/2014 to 12/2019. Multi-organ transplant and heart re-transplant recipients were excluded. Data collected included: demographic variables, immunosuppression type and levels, immune cell function assays, CD3 levels, CMV and EBV viremia, clinical rejection/biopsy results, and diagnoses of malignancy. Minimum follow-up time included 6 months from time of OHT. Results Twelve patients were identified of whom 6 received RATG with a median dose of 7.4 (4.4-7.6) mg/kg total. Median age at the time of OHT was 12.5 (11.5-16.5) years. One RATG patient had clinical rejection requiring ECMO support. Otherwise, all biopsies were grade 0 except for one 2R/3A and one 1R/1A in the RATG group and two 1R/1A in the non-RATG group. One patient in each group experienced AMR warranting intervention. Infections were more frequent in the RATG group with 2 patients with low-grade CMV viremia despite adequate prophylaxis and 3 RATG patients with EBV viremia compared to 1 EBV viremia in non-RATG group. Two diagnoses of PTLD occurred during the follow-up period, both of whom were in the RATG group. Trends of immune cell function assays and CD3 counts for the two groups are shown in Fig. 1. Conclusion Based on this pilot study, induction with RATG in PLE pediatric OHT patients may predispose them to higher frequency of post-transplant complications.
Targeted Therapy for Chordoma: Key Molecular Signaling Pathways and the Role of Multimodal Therapy

Chordoma is a rare but devastating tumor that arises in the cranial skull base or spine. There are currently no US Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapies for chordoma, and little understanding of whether using more than one therapy has benefit over monotherapy. The objective of this study was to systematically review the current status of clinical trials completed for patients with chordoma to determine if multimodal therapy offers a benefit in progression-free survival over monomodal therapy. We performed a systematic review of the literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to review the available clinical trials of targeted therapy for chordoma. We compiled the clinical data to determine if there is a benefit of multimodal therapy over monotherapy. Our search resulted in 11 clinical trials including 270 patients with advanced chordoma who were treated with targeted therapies. The most commonly employed targeted therapies acted within the following pathways: platelet-derived growth factor receptor (187 patients), vascular endothelial growth factor (66 patients), and mammalian target of rapamycin (43 patients). Reported progression-free survival for included studies ranged from 2.5 to 58 months, with the longest progression-free survival in a trial that included a platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitor, nilotinib, and concurrent radiotherapy (58.2 months). There was a higher range of progression-free survival for trials treating patients with multimodal therapy (10.2–14 months vs 2.5–9.2 months, except for a monotherapy trial published in 2020 with a progression-free survival of 18 months), and those published in 2018 or later (14–58.2 months vs 2.5–10.2 months). Only 23% of patients with chordoma in published clinical trials have been treated with multimodal therapy. Progression-free survival may be enhanced by the use of targeted therapy with concurrent radiotherapy, use of multimodal therapy, and use of newer targeted therapy. Future clinical trials should consider use of concurrent radiotherapy and multimodal therapy for patients with advanced chordoma.
Fuzzy Multiple Attribute Decision Making (Fuzzy-MADM)

Ausgangspunkt ist ein konventionelles Problem aus dem Bereich des„multiple attribute decision making“ (MADM).
Reducing the Effect of Water on the Fatigue Properties of S-Glass Epoxy Composites

An epoxy resin composed of N,N-diglycidyl tribromoaniline (DGTBA) crosslinked with metaphenyline diamine (MPDA) has proven to be far superior to standard epoxy systems in reducing the effect of long-term water immersion on the fatigue life of epoxy-S glass composites. The results of experiments indicate up to a 20 to 30 percent improvement in fatigue life retention for the DGTBA/MPDA-S glass system over conventional bisphenol-A based epoxy-S glass systems. Copolymers of DGTBA and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) containing over 50 percent DGTBA have essentially the same fatigue properties as those with pure DGTBA matrices. Copolymer results are explained in terms of a simple relationship between matrix water absorption and composite fatigue life.
802.11b wireless LAN enhancement using space-time transmitter beamforming

This paper proposes a method to increase network throughput of the IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN via space-time beamforming at the access point (AP). The physical layer (PHY) design of the mobiles, which are assumed to have single element antennas, is not altered. Based on the Lagrange multiplier interpretation in E. Visotsky et al. (May 1999) of the iterative solution proposed by Rashid-Farrokhi et al. for optimal transmitter beamforming of phase modulated signals (F. Rashid-Farrokhi et al., Oct 1998), a simpler algorithm is obtained by separating the update of the feasible Lagrange multipliers and the corresponding optimal downlink transmit power vector. The algorithm is extended and applied to complementary code keying (CCK), where the information is carried by both phase and (nearly) orthogonal modulation.
The History of Women's Jury Service in Washington

From 1883 to 1887, women in the Washington territory served as jurors just as they do today. But unlike today, their presence was a source of great legal and social contention. Critics claimed that allowing women to serve as public decision-makers in the state's courts was a misguided experiment that violated the laws of nature, and would lead to dire consequences for family and society. A backlash followed that removed women from juries. This article describes the decade-long tug of war between the Washington legislature and the Washington Supreme Court over the related questions of women's right to vote and their right to serve on juries. The ability of women to serve on juries was twice upheld by the Supreme Court in 1884, but it was stricken down in 1887 in a decision that also led to disenfranchisement. The legislature responded with a new bill to re-enfranchise women in 1888, but this was invalidated later that same year. The state constitution was ultimately amended in 1910 to extend the vote to women, ten years before a similar amendment was made to the U.S. constitution. Suffrage did not immediately translate into equal jury service for Washington women, as various provisions led to women being chronically underrepresented on juries for much of the twentieth century. A sex-neutral jury service statute was finally adopted in 1967.
Development and Initial Testing of a Multimedia Program for Computer-Assisted Cognitive Therapy

A multimedia program for computer-assisted psychotherapy has been developed to help patients learn cognitive therapy skills. The program is designed to provide psychoeducation, teach self-help methods, and give information to clinicians on the patient's progress in using the software. Multimedia technology is utilized to engage users in the learning process and to make the program accessible for persons who do not have computer or keyboard skills. A preliminary study with 96 subjects who used the software along with treatment as usual found that 75 (78.1%) completed the entire program. Users indicated a high rate of acceptance of this form of computer-assisted therapy, and mean scores on a measure of cognitive therapy knowledge were significantly improved.
Is there a “best time” for postpartum vaginal hysterectomy?

Abstract A retrospective study of patients having vaginal hysterectomy and colporrhaphy between comparable groups operated upon less than 3 months, 3 to 6 months, or greater than 6 months post partum revealed no significant difference in morbidity or complication rate. All groups were of comparable age, parity, and race. Hospital stay and anesthesia time were not significantly different. Estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, and hematocrit change did not differ among the groups. The morbidity rate was high but similar in all groups. No correlation in complication or transfusion rate could be made with the phase of the menstrual cycle in any patient group. The literature is reviewed, and explanations for high morbidity and complication rates are offered.
Development of brazing interconnection to low thermal expansion glass-ceramics for high performance multichip packaging

The development of brazing interconnection technology to low thermal expansion glass-ceramics is discussed in detail. A two-paste thick-film metallization system which acts not only as a chemical barrier to the braze alloy, but also as a high-ductility stress cushion to reduce joining stresses on the glass-ceramic was developed along with a braze alloy paste with enhanced ductility and wettability. Results of studies on joining Kovar, Invar, and Platinite-2 (with temperature coefficient of expansion (TCE) ranging from 1.5 to 5.5 ppm//spl deg/C) to low TCE glass-ceramics are presented. Attention is given to the development of process and design guidelines which were driven by the stringent demand on limiting the total stress so that the combined stresses generated from thick-film metallization, braze joint, and adhesion strength do not exceed the fracture strength of the glass-ceramic. Process conditions that allow the post thin-film multilayer metallization of the cofired glass-ceramic, thus combining the capabilities of both MCM-C's and MCM-D's for high-performance multichip packaging, was developed. Thermal cycling reliability data for two multichip modules (MCMs) with brazed pins, leads, and large windowframe are also discussed. >
Acid-base and electrolyte management in continuous renal replacement therapy.

Continuous renal replacement techniques are often utilized to manage acid-base and electrolyte problems in the critically ill patient. These techniques have an inherent capacity to manipulate the plasma composition and can be utilized efficiently to maintain homeostasis and metabolic control. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these techniques also permits wide variation in their use and can result in complications if they are not used appropriately. In most instances complications can be prevented by recognition of the operating principles and careful attention to detail. This article provides an overview of the principles of acid-base and electrolyte management with continuous renal replacement therapy.
Evaluation of a Recording Continuous Cloud Nucleus Counter

Abstract For certain field and laboratory investigations, it would he useful to have apparatus capable of yielding a continuous, instantaneously recorded measurement of the concentration of cloud nuclei. A description of such a device is given, in which some of the problems of static diffusion chambers have, been mitigated. It is shown that clear plateaus exist in the deduced cloud nucleus concentration when plotted against the time the sample spends in the chamber, or against size of droplets detected, or sample flow rate. Transient supersaturations have been eliminated and the sample has been confined to a zone of precisely known supersaturation. It is shown that depletion of supersaturation by growing droplets does not occur for count rates as high as 1500 nuclei sec−1.
Compatibility drives female preference and reproductive success in the monogamous California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) more strongly than male testosterone measures

Abstract Female assessment of male attractiveness and how preferred qualities impact reproductive success is central to the study of mate choice. Male attractiveness may depend on traits beneficial to the reproductive success (RS) of any female, termed ‘universal quality’, and/or on behavioral and biological interactions between potential mates that reflect ‘compatibility’. The steroid hormone testosterone (T) often underlies male attractiveness in rodents and is associated with enhanced paternal care in the monogamous and biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). We hypothesized that (1) T-characteristics are universally attractive to female California mice and that (2) if reproductive success is higher for females mated with preferred males, then females mated with males preferred by other females will also have higher reproductive success. Alternatively, we speculated that pair compatibility, based on emergent pair qualities, is important for a species with coordinated offspring care. We assessed individual T-characteristics in three ways: (1) T-response to GnRH challenges (2) baseline T-level and (3) T-response to a female. Testosterone-response did not predict female preference, but females spent more time investigating males with higher baseline T (accounting for only 9.6% of the variation in investigation time). None of the T-measures was associated with RS. Females paired with males they preferred produced litters more quickly and had higher RS than females paired with their non-preferred males. Naive females who did not undergo preference tests had equivalent RS regardless of whether their mate was preferred or non-preferred by another female. These data suggest that higher male T elicits investigation, but female preference in the California mouse is more strongly linked with compatibility because individual preference was a better predictor of RS than any T measure.
An incompleteness problem in Harsanyi's general theory of games and certain related theories of non-cooperative games

The theory of games recently proposed by John C. Harsanyi in ‘A General Theory of Rational Behavior in Game Situations’, (Econometrica, Vol. 34, No. 3) has one anomalous feature, viz., that it generates for a special class of non-cooperative games solutions which are not equilibrium points. It is argued that this feature of the theory turns on an argument concerning the instability of weak equilibrium points, and that this argument, in turn, involves appeal to an unrestricted version of a postulate subsequently included in the theory in restricted form. It is then shown that if this line of reasoning is permitted, then one must, by parity of reasoning, permit another instability argument. But, if both of these instability arguments are permitted in the construction of the theory, the resultant theory must be incomplete, in the sense that there will be simple non-cooperative games for which such a theory cannot yield solutions. This result is then generalized and shown to be endemic to all theories which have made the equilibrium condition central to the treatment of non-cooperative games. Some suggestions are then offered concerning how this incompleteness problem can be resolved, and what one might expect concerning the postulate structure and implications of a theory of games which embodies the revisions necessitated by a resolution of this problem.
Effect of Ultra-High Temperature Steam Injection Processing and Aseptic Storage on Labile Water-Soluble Vitamins in Milk

Abstract Whole milk standardized to 3.25% fat and 12,00% total solids was processed by UHT steam injection and aseptically packaged by a Tetra Pak AB3-250 into paper-foil laminate flexible containers with a gas barrier sealing strip to prevent gas exchange. Treatment involved heating normal and deaerated raw milk to 149°C for 3.4s and 138°C for 20.3s. Samples were stored at 24°C. Raw milk and two samples from each treatment were analyzed for vitamins B 2 , B 6 , B 12 , C, and folic acid at intervals of 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 20 wk. The effects of thermal treatments and deaeration were negligible. The UHT processing for both thermal treatments and normal and deaerated milk averaged the following losses: 32.5% vitamin C, 17.9% vitamin B 12 , 12.5% folic acid, 3.4% vitamin B 6 , and 2.6% vitamin B 2 . Storage at room temperature for 20 wk resulted in a 100% loss of vitamin B 12 , 96% vitamin B 6 , 85% vitamin C, 32% folic acid, and negligible change for vitamin B 2 .
Fluoride activates diradylglycerol and Superoxide generation in human neutrophils via PLD/PA phosphohydrolase‐dependent and ‐independent pathways

In contrast to the rapid, ethanol-inhibited superoxide generation by the receptor-linked agonist formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), fluoride-activated superoxide generation occurs after a prolonged lag, and as shown herein is relatively ethanol-insensitive. We have investigated fluoride-activation of diradylglycerol generation and phospholipase D activity. Fluoride induces a very large increase in diradylglycerol mass (both 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and 1-O-alkyl,2-acylglycerol (EAG)), with kinetics similar to superoxide generation. Unlike fMLP-activated diglyceride generation which is completely inhibited by ethanol, that produced by fluoride is only partially (30%) blocked. When the phosphatidylcholine pool is 3H-prelabeled, fluoride activates both [3H]phosphatidic acid (PA) and [3H]diglyceride generation with similar kinetics. Partial inhibition of the production of these species by ethanol was seen, coincident with the appearance of [3H]phosphatidylethanol, indicating phospholipase D-dependent transphosphatidylation had occurred. The data are consistent with the fluoride activation of PA and diglyceride generation by both phospholipase D-dependent and -independent (presumably phospholipase C) mechanisms.
Inhibitory receptor signaling destabilizes immunological synapse formation in primary NK cells.

Upon engagement of their cognate class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ligands, receptors containing immunotyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) transduce signals that block cytolytic and inflammatory responses. In this manner, ITIM-coupled receptors play a crucial role in maintaining natural killer (NK) cell tolerance toward normal, healthy tissue. A number of studies, mostly using immortalized NK cell lines, have demonstrated that ITIM signaling functions by disrupting the cytolytic immunological synapse formed between an NK cell and its target. However, more recent imaging experiments using primary NK cells have suggested that inhibitory receptor engagement does not antagonize contact formation, casting doubt on the hypothesis that ITIM signals destabilize the synapse. To resolve this issue, we analyzed primary NK cell activation and contact formation on supported lipid bilayers containing controlled combinations of activating and inhibitory ligands. Under these conditions, we observed that ITIM signaling clearly inhibited adhesion, cell arrest, and calcium influx, three hallmarks of synapse formation. These results are consistent with previous reports showing that inhibitory receptors deliver a “reverse stop” signal, and confirm that ITIM signaling functions at least in part by destabilizing cytolytic synapse formation.
Somatic Correlates of Adrenergic Activity during Aggression in the Lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Abstract Aggressive interactions in Anolis carolinensis result in increased circulating levels of epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) and conspicuous color changes. This activation of the adrenergic component of an acute stress response is externally represented by the darkening of the postorbital eyespot of A. carolinensis. In adult males, this site darkens in response to stressful physical stimulation (trauma, passive restraint) or psychological stimuli, most notably the sight of an aggressively intruding conspecific. Aggressive male A. carolinensis exhibit postorbital eyespot darkening; animals that have a longer latency to expression of this eyespot and those that never show this response were defeated in agonistic interactions. Also, during agonistic interactions, subjects that subsequently win are the first to display eyespot darkening. Plasma catecholamine levels are significantly elevated within 30 see in both combatants. At 30 sec following the determination of the outcome, winning male lizards have plasma NE levels which are higher than those of losers. Castration, however, significantly increases the latency to eyespot darkening and extends its duration. Testosterone levels may therefore enhance the onset of Epi-mediated eyespot darkening as well as other aspects of the endocrine stress response. Elevated androgen levels and more rapid activation of acute catecholamine response increases the likelihood of becoming socially dominant.
Another elementary approach to the theorems of landau, montel, picard and schottky

The purpose of this note is to make better known a simple approach to the theorems of the title by using elementary ideas from differential geometry.
Tissue- and development-specific expression of HBGF-1 mRNA

The gene for heparin-binding growth factor-1 (HBGF-1) encodes a 15.5–18 kDa polypeptide that affects the proliferation and differentiation of a broad range of mammalian cells and is widely distributed among normal adult tissues. In this study, we show that normal tissues of the adult rat express HBGF-1 transcripts in one of three patterns: a 4.4 kb mRNA was the predominant HBGF-1 transcript in brain, heart and lung; a 1.4 kb mRNA was the predominant transcript in the liver; approximately equal levels of the 1.4 and 4.4 kb mRNAs were found in the kidney. HBGF-1 expression was localized in two tissues: central nervous system expression of HBGF-1 was significantly higher in the brain stem compared to the cerebrum and cerebellum; renal expression of HBGF-1 was significantly higher in the medulla compared to the cortex. Analysis of the postnatal changes in HBGF-1 expression using the newborn rat kidney revealed that the level of HBGF-1 mRNA is low at birth and does not rise to adult levels until the seventh postnatal day. These findings demonstrate that HBGF-1 expression is specific for tissue type and stage of development.