cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer—a contrast CT based method for surgical resectability evaluation

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal cancers, with frequent local therapy resistance and dismal 5-year survival rate. To date, surgical resection remains to be the only treatment option offering potential cure. Unfortunately, at diagnosis, the majority of patients demonstrate varying levels of vascular infiltration, which can contraindicate surgical resection. Patients unsuitable for immediate resection are further divided into locally advanced (LA) and borderline resectable (BR), with different treatment goals and therapeutic designs. Accurate definition of resectability is thus critical for PC patients, yet the existing methods to determine resectability rely on descriptive abutment to surrounding vessels rather than quantitative geometric characterization. Here, we aim to introduce a novel intra-subject object-space support-vector-machine (OsSVM) method to quantitatively characterize the degree of vascular involvement-the main factor determining the PC resectability. Intra-subject OsSVMs were applied on 107 contrast CT scans (56 LA, BR and 26 resectable (RE) PC cases) for optimized tumor-vessel separations. Nine metrics derived from OsSVM margins were calculated as indicators of the overall vascular infiltration. The combined sets of matrics selected by the elastic net yielded high classification capability between LA and BR (AUC = 0.95), as well as BR and RE (AUC = 0.98). The proposed OsSVM method may provide an improved quantitative imaging guideline to refine the PC resectability grading system.
Chapter 14 – Berry Contamination: Outbreaks and Contamination Issues

Berries are globally-sourced and highly-perishable produce items. They have been implicated internationally as vehicles for foodborne illness outbreaks primarily of viral and protozoan etiologies. Major illness outbreaks associated with berries are presented in detail with emphasis on potential contributing factors for pathogen transmission and persistence throughout production, processing, and retail handling of berries. Environmental exposures during growing, extensive handling of berries during harvest and throughout distribution, and berry surface characteristics render berries vulnerable to contamination. Strategies for removal and inactivation of pathogens are limited given the delicate nature of fresh berries and resistances of pathogens. The persistence of viruses, bacteria and protozoa through various intervention strategies, including disinfectant washes, thermal treatments, and emerging technologies, are also summarized. Adoption of practices to prevent contamination over reliance on postharvest pathogen removal is prudent.
Securing your Own Mask before Assisting Others: Effects of a Supervisor Training Intervention on Supervisors and Employees

Training interventions that target supervisors as a mechanism to initiate change in employee health, well-being, and work outcomes are increasingly common, but research has largely neglected to evaluate the impact that these interventions have on supervisors themselves. Relying on conservation of resources theory (Hobfoll 1989, 2001), this study sought to determine the effects that a supervisor-focused intervention had on supervisor and employee work, well-being, and safety outcomes. Participants included 192 U.S. Forest Service (USFS) workers (125 employees and 67 supervisors). Supervisors in the intervention group completed a computer-based training aimed at teaching behaviors that better support employees’ needs and subsequently tracked supportive behaviors for two weeks. Results showed that, for employees, the intervention led to significantly lower psychological distress and less concerns about forest safety. For supervisors, the intervention led to higher work-to-family conflict and lower organizational commitment. Furthermore, supervisor reports of job demands at baseline moderated the intervention’s effect on supervisor burnout, such that burnout was higher for those supervisors who reported lower job demands at baseline. Overall, consistent with previous research on supervisor training interventions, employees exhibited positive outcomes from the intervention. Detrimental effects of the intervention for supervisors may have been due to added responsibilities from participation in the training. Suggestions to mitigate potential detrimental effects of supervisor intervention participation are discussed.
Staying ‘in sync’ with others during COVID-19: Perceived positivity resonance mediates cross-sectional and longitudinal links between trait resilience and mental health

Shared positive emotions involving caring and synchrony – termed ‘positivity resonance’ – are associated with mental health. We hypothesized that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, individual differenc...
The role of housing market in the effectiveness of monetary policy over the Covid-19 era

Abstract The efficiency of monetary policy substantially depends on the phase of the housing cycle since house prices are important determinants of banks’ willingness to lend. This paper presents evidence on 31 countries which shows that over the pandemic Covid-19 period, in a regime of a strong housing market, the effects of a monetary expansion are smaller than in a regime of low house prices. The findings are important for central banks which have implemented easing monetary policies responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
How to Prevent Coups d’État: Counterbalancing and Regime Survival: by Erica De Bruin. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2020. 216 pp., $46.95 hardcover.

In her book, How to Prevent Coups d’Etat: Counterbalancing and Regime Survival, Erica De Bruin provides a captivating and informative exploration of how leaders structure their “coercive institutio...
Regulatory Ritualism and Other Lessons from the Global Experience of Insider Trading Law

There is growing consensus that the insider-trading regime in the United States, the oldest in the world, is in need of reform. Indeed, three reform bills are currently before Congress, and one recently passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. As the U.S. considers paths to reforming its own insider trading laws, it would be remiss to ignore potential lessons from global experimentation and innovation, particularly in light of the fact that so many insider trading regimes have been recently adopted around the world. Any such comparative study should, however, be cautious in drawing its conclusions. Reformers should pay close attention to the political, social, and economic motivations that might explain the recent trend toward near-universal adoption of insider trading regulations around the globe. Evidence suggests that at least some countries have adopted their insider trading regimes ritualistically. Regulatory ritualism occurs where great attention is paid to the institutionalization of a regulatory regime without commitment to or acceptance of the normative goals that those institutions are designed to achieve. If countries' insider trading regimes are adopted only ritualistically (e.g., to receive geopolitical carrots or to avoid geopolitical sticks), then comparative analysis should account for the fact that these regimes may not reflect its citizens' (or markets') lived experience or normative commitments. This Article aids the effort of reforming our insider-trading laws here in the United States by considering lessons that can be learned from the global experience. Part I makes the case that the insider-trading regime in the U.S. is in need of reform. Part II charts the global rise of insider trading regulation in the twentieth century. Part III summarizes important features of representative regimes around the globe (e.g., in Japan, Europe, China, Russia, India, Canada, Australia, and Brazil). Part IV notes the trend toward universality in insider trading regulations and considers some of the moral and economic conclusions scholars and regulators have drawn from this trend. Part V identifies the problem of regulatory ritualism, and its implications for global enforcement and compliance. Part VI then turns to the constructive exercise of determining what can be learned from the global experience of regulating insider trading with an eye to reforming the American regime.
Accountability and police use of force: Interactive effects between minority representation and civilian review boards

I assess a contingency model of representative bureaucracy, suggesting the effect of minority representation, if any, on police use of force is likely to be stronger with external oversight of poli...
Evaluation of affine fiber kinematics in porcine tricuspid valve leaflets using polarized spatial frequency domain imaging and planar biaxial testing.

Abstract Collagen fibers are the primary load-bearing microstructural constituent of bodily soft tissues, and, when subjected to external loading, the collagen fibers reorient, uncrimp, and elongate. Specific to the atrioventricular heart valve leaflets, the collagen fiber kinematics form the basis of many constitutive models; however, some researchers claim that modeling the affine fiber kinematics (AFK) are sufficient for accurately predicting the macroscopic tissue deformations, while others state that modeling the non-affine kinematics (i.e., fiber uncrimping together with elastic elongation) is required. Experimental verification of the AFK theory has been previously performed for the mitral valve leaflets in the left-side heart; however, this same evaluation has yet to be performed for the morphologically distinct tricuspid valve (TV) leaflets in the right-side heart. In this work, we, for the first time, evaluated the AFK theory for the TV leaflets using an integrated biaxial testing-polarized spatial frequency domain imaging device to experimentally quantify the load-dependent collagen fiber reorientations for comparison to the AFK theory predictions. We found that the AFK theory generally underpredicted the fiber reorientations by 3.1°, on average, under the applied equibiaxial loading with greater disparity when the tissue was subjected to the applied non-equibiaxial loading. Furthermore, increased AFK errors were observed with increasing collagen fiber reorientations (Pearson coefficient r = - 0.36 , equibiaxial loading), suggesting the AFK theory is better suited for relatively smaller reorientations. Our findings suggest the AFK theory may require modification for more accurate predictions of the collagen fiber kinematics in the TV leaflets, which will be useful in refining modeling efforts for more accurate TV simulations.
Exploring standardized persons' expectations for practice-readiness among student pharmacists

Abstract Introduction Although patient expectations and preferences for healthcare selection have been described in the literature, there are no studies exploring what qualities and behaviors standardized persons (SPs) identify for the practice-ready pharmacist. This manuscript explores those qualities and behaviors within an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to determine SP interest in having the student as their pharmacy provider. Methods Using open-ended questions via a Qualtrics survey, SPs were asked to provide qualities and behaviors they associated with each of three practice-readiness rating levels. Using a constant comparative approach, the researchers coded the collected data over multiple stages to allow for authentic reflection and interpretation of the data. Coders used both inductive and deductive processes prior to establishing a unified understanding and corresponding codebook. Results A total of 55 SPs (61.1% response rate) participated in the survey, with the majority of participants working for the organization no more than two years (58.2%). Through the coding process, several major themes emerged across each of the three ratings including professionalism, patient-centered skills, communication, and preparation. Findings indicated the differences in ratings were influenced by the degree that students demonstrated each theme. Conclusions Overall, these findings provide a better understanding of the qualities and behaviors SPs associate with student pharmacists completing OSCEs acting as practicing pharmacists. However, additional research is needed to determine if the same qualities and behaviors would be viewed as essential with SPs at other academic institutions.
Decision Theory and Discourse Particles: A Case Study from a Large Japanese Sentiment Corpus

The distribution and use of the Japanese particle yo is examined using a large annotated sentiment corpus. The data is shown to support a decision-theoretic account of yo’s meaning (Davis, 2009). A decision-theoretic approach to the analysis of sentiment corpora is proposed, by which empirical predictions of decision-theoretic formal analyses can be tested using large sets of naturalistic data.
High-Performance Annular Fuel Reactor Physics and Fuel Management

Compared to the traditional solid fuel pin, annular fuel with internal as well as external coolant flow increases the cooling surface by ∼50%, which allows a higher core power density. However, operating at high power density introduces challenges in the core physics design of burnable poison to suit the desired fuel cycle length. In this paper, both the fuel cycle length and the number of reload fresh fuel assemblies are assumed to remain the same as current industry practice (18-month cycle and three-batch fuel management), which in turn requires >5 wt% fuel enrichment for the 150% power core. Alternative fuel cycles are discussed. Pressurized water reactor cores with annular fuel are designed using the state-of-the-art Studsvik Scandpower core modeling package including CASMO-4, TABLES-3, and SIMULATE-3. Two power levels are considered for the core design based on annular fuel: 100 and 150% of the rated power. The reactivity feedback effects of the annular fuel are shown to be comparable to those ofsolid fuel. The 150% power core with annular fuel shows considerable resemblance to traditional high-energy cores.
Design and fabrication of curved silicon image planes for miniature monocentric imagers

We introduce the design and fabrication of a segmented, hemispherical silicon image plane for 10 mm-diameter spherical monocentric lens. In order to conform to the spherical focal plane of the lens, we create flexible gore patterns consisting of spring-connected silicon hexagons. Mechanical functionality is demonstrated by assembling 20 µm-thick, patterned silicon gores into a curved test fixture. We have also fabricated and tested a photodiode array in a CMOS compatible process. The hemispherical imager will enable a compact 160° field-of-view camera with a fill factor over 80% using a single spherical lens.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOCIAL NETWORK SITE (SNS) USE IN EDUCATION

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Google+, Myspace, LinkedIn and Twitter have now become commonplace in international virtual space. Approximately 75% of all online adults maintain at least one social network profile. As SNSs are becoming more ubiquitous, they are also becoming more sophisticated and many operate on a free service model based on advertizing revenues. Free services are obviously attractive to educational institutions in the developing world with small education budgets. With the exception of sites such as Edmodo, SNSs, however, are generally commercially driven and educational goals and purposes were not part of their original design: educational uses have generally been the result of the creative adaptation of SNSs by educators and application builders. Therefore some serious issues of data privacy, trust, and security have arisen since both the educational, medical, and medical education realms operate in the U.S. under strict data protection laws such as HITECH, HIPAA, FERPA, and COPPA. Potential educational advantages of SNSs are similar to general elearning benefits such as: anytime / anywhere instruction, lower cost for institutions, knowledge crowdsourcing, interconnectivity and facilitation of online collaborative work, peer-to-peer instruction, and the provision of virtual training scenarios (role-playing) not available or practical in the non-virtual world. However, the business models of many SNSs as essentially advertizing platforms and as a means of tracking online behaviors which can be monetized (with non-transparent policies of data collection and retention) raise some key concerns for educators.
CLINICAL EVALUATION IN LOCALIZING LEVEL OF OBSTRUCTION TO OUTFLOW FROM LEFT VENTRICLE, IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SYSTOLIC EJECTION CLICK.

Abstract Numerous reports have stated that clinical examination may be unreliable in identifying the level of obstruction in patients with obstruction to outflow from the left ventricle. In this report we have stressed the usefulness and importance of the routine clinical evaluation, with particular emphasis on the audible early systolic ejection click, in determining the level of left ventricular outflow obstruction. Forty-seven patients with congenital valvular aortic stenosis, supravalvular aortic stenosis, discrete subvalvular stenosis, muscular subvalvular stenosis and combinations of these proved by direct observation in all but 3 patients were evaluated. Since 1960, when physicians have listened for the early systolic ejection click specifically, it has been present in 13 of 13 patients with congenital valvular aortic stenosis; it was not heard in any of the remaining patients with obstruction at other levels. In many instances there was little difference in the clinical findings between subjects with valvular and those with discrete subvalvular aortic obstruction except for the ejection click. With increasing experience, it is suggested that in some cases the clinical evaluation will be sufficient for localizing the level of outflow obstruction from the left ventricle, and thus, in selected cases, catheterization may be unnecessary prior to corrective surgery.
Building drug delivery into tissue engineering design

The creation of efficient methods for manufacturing biotechnology drugs — many of which influence fundamental but complex cell behaviours, such as proliferation, migration and differentiation — is creating new opportunities for tissue repair. Many agents are potent and multifunctional; that is, they produce different effects within different tissues. Therefore, control of tissue concentration and spatial localization of delivery is essential for safety and effectiveness. Synthetic systems that can control agent delivery are particularly promising as materials for enhancing tissue regeneration. This review discusses the state of the art in controlled-release and microfluidic drug delivery technologies, and outlines their potential applications for tissue engineering.
Spontaneous polarization in dense hydrogen

More than six decades have passed since Wigner and Huntington1 proposed that hydrogen might form a solid metallic phase at high density with characteristics similar to the alkali metals. This possibility has been investigated using the diamond-anvil cell to compress the crystalline state of molecular hydrogen2, but there is still no definitive evidence for a dense, low-temperature metallic state. Below 140 K, solid hydrogen undergoes a transition at about 1.5 million atmospheres between two orientationally ordered states. The intermolecular vibrational mode (the vibron) shifts to a lower frequency at this transition3,4, and becomes strongly infrared-active5. So far as is known, hydrogen remains in this phase to the highest pressures yet reached. Here we report first-principles calculations of the structure of this phase using electronic density-functional theory. We find that it develops a spontaneous polarization at around ninefold compression relative to the volume at 1 atmosphere and that there is a corresponding movement of proton pairs away from their ideal lattice sites. Such behaviour can explain why the vibron becomes infrared-active, and rationalizes the direction and mass-dependence (in experiments on deuterium) of the shift of the vibron frequency. In the polarized state, the previously decreasing bandgap widens again, and so its appearance might delay the transition to the elusive metallic state.
Technological Devices in the Archives: A Policy Analysis

Doing research in the archive is the cornerstone of humanities scholarship. Various archives institute policies regarding the use of technological devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras in their reading rooms. Such policies directly affect the scholars as the devices mediate the nature of their interaction with the source materials in terms of capturing, organizing, note taking, and record keeping for future use of found materials. In this paper, we present our analysis of the policies of thirty archives regarding the use of technology in their reading rooms. This policy analysis, along with data from interviews of scholars and archivists, is intended to serve as a basis for developing mobile applications for assisting scholars in their research activities. In this paper we introduce an early prototype of such a mobile applicationAMTracker.
Factor XI deficiency: genetic and clinical studies of a single kindred.

A four-generation 25-member kindred with Factor XI:C deficiency is reported. Factor XI:C levels in heterorygotes varied from 15 to 58%, suggesting that Factor XI:C values for homozygote determination should be less than 15%. The frequency of bleeding was not correlated with Factor XI:C levels in this range. Individuals with joint pain had significantly lower Factor XI:C levels than members without joint pain and pain occurred more frequently in frequent bleeders. Lod scores showed no close genetic linkage of Factor XI:C deficiency with blood group MNSs (chromosome 4), complement components Bf and C4B (chromosome 6), or blood group P.
Cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C, and concurrent radiation therapy with and without esophogectomy for esophageal carcinoma.

Twenty-nine patients with carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (1000 mg/m2/d as a continuous intravenous [IV] infusion on days 1 through 4), cisplatin (100 mg/m2 IV on day 1), mitomycin C (10 mg/m2 IV on day 1), and concurrent radiation therapy (4500 cGy/4.5 wk). If no disease progression was observed, operable patients underwent surgery 4 to 6 weeks after completion of radiation therapy. A thoracotomy with a gastric pull-through operation was performed in the first six patients. Subsequently, a transhiatal (“blunt'” esophagectomy was used. Twenty-five patients had squamous cell histology and four had adenocarcinoma. Of 25 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, 13 underwent esophagectomy. The clinical complete response rate was 61% (eight of 13 patients), with a pathologic complete remission documented in five of 13 patients (38%). The overall local tumor sterilization rate was 53% (seven of 13 patients). In the 12 patients who did not undergo surgery after chemoradiotherapy, four had a complete clinical response (33%) and five had a partial response (41%). Symptoms or signs of local disease recurrence or stricture were noticed in ten of 12 patients who did not undergo surgery (83%), compared with 28% of patients who underwent surgery. The median survival time of the group receiving surgery was 10 months, compared with 5 months for those who did not undergo operation (P = 0.027). Patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy had shorter postoperative hospital stays and fewer serious complications, compared with patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy. The use of chemoradiotherapy and transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma should be evaluated using alternative sequences of treatment (e.g., postoperative therapy) to reduce toxicity while maintaining local control of disease.
Prediction of cross-term coefficients in binary diffusion: Diffusion in zeolite

A theoretical framework is derived for predicting the cross-term phenomenological coefficients, Lij, from the main-term coefficients, Lii and Ljj, resulting in , where − 1 ⩽ λ ⩽ + 1. For diffusion in zeolite, a theory is given for predicting λ, which requires equilibrium adsorption information of the gas mixture. For Langmuirian gases following ideal adsorbed solution behavior, i.e. with no lateral interactions, λ = + 1 for co-diffusion and λ = −1 for counter-diffusion. Since the Fickian diffusivities (Dtii and Dij) can be related to the L coefficients (based on certain assumptions), it is possible to use the theory to predict all multicomponent Fickian diffusivities from the single-component Fickian diffusivities. Results are also reported for thirteen series of binary diffusion experiments of CO2/C2H6 in 4A zeolite using the differential adsorption bed technique. Reasonable agreements are obtained between the experimental data and theoretical predictions. For both counter- and co-diffusion, the multicomponent effects are most pronounced for the fast-diffusing component. The multicomponent effects are to enhance both fluxes in co-diffusion and to reduce both fluxes in most cases of counter-diffusion.
Mitigation of nonlinearities in optical transmission systems

Nonlinear compensation with digital back-propagation can improve Q-factor by more than 1dB, proven by experiments. Simplification of propagation model is the key to suppress circuit size, whereas straight-forward implementation reaches 30-times larger than linear equalizers.
α,β-Unsaturated α′-Halomethylsulfones: Prepackaged Ramberg–Bäcklund Reagents for Tandem Synthetic Processes

Abstract The synthesis and reactions of several α,β-unsaturated chloromethyl sulfones are presented, for example [(chloromethyl) sulfonyl]-1,3-propadiene, [(chloromethyl) sulfonyl]ethene, [(dichloromethyl)sulfonyl]ethene and (E,Z)-1,2-bis[(chloromethyl)sulfonyl]ethene. These compounds serve as “prepackaged” Ramberg–Backlund reagents, which, following an appropriate first step, such as Diels–Alder addition, react with a base, giving Ramberg–Backlund products.
THE POSSIBLE OCCURRENCE OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROORGANISMS IN DEEP‐SEA SEDIMENTS OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC1,2,3

SUMMARY An assemblage of 12 diatom species and other photosynthetic microorganisms associated with red clay sediments collected from a depth of 6150 m in the North Atlantic was observed to bloom in Antarctic bottom water when exposed to sunlight at sea surface temperature. Although no growth could be detected over the first 3 days of the experiment, nitrate was nearly completely stripped from the water. The maximum growth rate of 4.7 doubling/day was reached between days 4 and 5. Most of the diatom species have been described as littoral or coastal forms, and it is suggested that these organisms are transported to depth by fecal material, turbidity currents, or a combination of the two.
Metal–dihydrogen and σ-bond coordination: the consummate extension of the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model for metal–olefin π bonding

Abstract There is a marvelous analogy between the metal–olefin π bonding model first brought to light by Dewar 50 years ago and that of σ-bond coordination discovered by us 17 years ago. In some ways it is surprising that 33 years elapsed between the two parallel bonding situations. However this difference pales in comparison to that between the actual synthesis of the first olefin complex, Zeise's salt in 1837, and the first recognized dihydrogen complex nearly 150 years later. This article delineates the principles of σ-bond coordination and activation inspired by the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model and illuminates the often-spectacular interplay between theory and experiment in this field. Aside from HH bond coordination and activation towards cleavage, the structure and bonding principles apply to SiH, CH, and virtually any two-electron XH or XY bond. Metal d to σ* XH backdonation is the key to stabilizing σ-bond coordination and is also crucial to homolytic cleavage (oxidation addition). There are some differences in bonding depending on X, and, in the case of BH bond coordination, in metal–borane complexes, backdonation to boron p orbitals occurs. For electrophilic complexes, particularly cationic systems with minimal backdonation, heterolytic cleavage of XH is common and is a key reaction in industrial and biological catalysis. Thus there are two separate pathways for σ-bond activation that directly depend on the electronics of the metal σ-ligand bonding.
Using expired air carbon monoxide to determine smoking status during pregnancy: preliminary identification of an appropriately sensitive and specific cut-point.

Abstract Background Measurement of carbon monoxide in expired air samples (ECO) is a non-invasive, cost-effective biochemical marker for smoking. Cut points of 6 ppm–10 ppm have been established, though appropriate cut-points for pregnant woman have been debated due to metabolic changes. This study assessed whether an ECO cut-point identifying at least 90% of pregnant smokers, and misidentifying fewer than 10% of non-smokers, could be established. Methods Pregnant women (N = 167) completed a validated self-report smoking assessment, a urine drug screen for cotinine (UDS), and provided an expired air sample twice during pregnancy. Results Half of women reported non-smoking status early (51%) and late (53%) in pregnancy, confirmed by UDS. Using a traditional 8 ppm + cut-point for the early pregnancy reading, only 1% of non-smokers were incorrectly identified as smokers, but only 56% of all smokers, and 67% who smoked 5 + cigarettes in the previous 24 h, were identified. However, at 4 ppm +, only 8% of non-smokers were misclassified as smokers, and 90% of all smokers and 96% who smoked 5 + cigarettes in the previous 24 h were identified. False positives were explained by heavy second hand smoke exposure and marijuana use. Results were similar for late pregnancy ECO, with ROC analysis revealing an area under the curve of .95 for early pregnancy, and .94 for late pregnancy readings. Conclusions A lower 4 ppm ECO cut-point may be necessary to identify pregnant smokers using expired air samples, and this cut-point appears valid throughout pregnancy. Work is ongoing to validate findings in larger samples, but it appears if an appropriate cut-point is used, ECO is a valid method for determining smoking status in pregnancy.
Coherence and Coreference

Coherence in conversations and in texts can be partially characterized by a set of coherence relations, motivated ultimately by the speaker's or writer's need to be understood. In this paper, formal definitions are given for several coherence relations, based on the operations of an inference system; that is, the relations between successive portions of a discourse are characterized in terms of the inferences that can be drawn from each. In analyzing a discourse, it is frequently the case that we would recognize it as coherent, in that it would satisfy the formal definition of some coherence relation, if only we could assume certain noun phrases to be coreferential. In such cases, we will simply assume the identity of the entities referred to, in what might be called a “petty conversational implicature,” thereby solving the coherence and coreference problems simultaneously. Three examples of different kinds of reference problems are presented. In each, it is shown how the coherence of the discourse can be recognized, and how the reference problems are solved, almost as a by-product, by means of these petty conversational implicatures.
Comparative effects of corticosteroids on host resistance to infection in relation to chemical structure.

In a comparative study concerning the effect of corticosteroids on host resistance to infections, five compounds were found to decrease host resistance, while three did not have this property, although all eight compounds were highly antiinflammatory. The compounds capable of decreasing host resistance were (I) hydrocortisone acetate; (III) 9α-fluoro, 16α-methylprednisolone acetate; (IV) 9α-fluoro, 16α-hydroxyprednisolone; (V) 9α-fluoro, 16α-hydroxyprednisolone, 16α–17α-acetonide; and (VII) 9α-fluoro, 16α-hydroxypredmsolone, 16α-, 17α-acetonide, 21 disodium phosphate. Following a single injection of 10 mg of any of these compounds, latent corynebacterial infection was provoked into active pseudotuberculosis. Also, mice injected with these corticosteroids were more susceptible to infection with Corynebacterium kutscheri, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Listeria monocytogenes. These same corticosteroids inhibited the ability of mouse peritoneal macrophages to spread on glass surfaces. The three compounds incapable of decreasing host resistance, although highly antiinflammatory, were: (II) 6α-methylprednisolone, 21 sodium hemisuccinate: (VI) 9α-fluoro, 16α-hydroxyprednisolone, 16α-, 17α-acetonide, 21 hemisuccinate; and (VIII) 9α-fluoro, 16α-hydroxyprednisolone, 16, 21 dihemisuccinate. These three compounds were also unable to inhibit the spreading of macrophages on glass. The importance of succinate group bound to the corticosteroid molecule as hemisuccinate is emphasized since it is seen that the infection-provoking property can be dissociated from the antiinflammatory property. This finding may be of practical consequence in selecting a corticosteroid for treatment in disease, and also shows that one cannot use, indifferently, corticosteroids only on the basis of their common antiinflammatory property.
A supplement to Leopoldt's theory of genera in abelian number fields

Abstract Whereas in the classical theory of genera in quadratic number fields the genera are characterized explicitly by the so-called genera characters, Leopoldt in his generalization to arbitrary abelian number fields has given no analogue to this explicit characterization. The subsequent supplementary note fills this gap.
Nurses' knowledge and attitudes about antibiotic therapy in critical care.

Abstract To assess critical care nurses’ knowledge about antibiotic use in critical care settings, and attitudes concerning the role of the nurse in monitoring response to and appropriate use of antibiotic therapy. Method : 90 critical care nurses from 6 adult critical care units at a 780-bed academic, health sciences centre, completed an investigator-developed survey about their knowledge of antibiotic use and their attitudes concerning the role of the nurse. Results : The majority of respondents worked full time (83%) and were BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) prepared (62%), with an average of 9 years’ nursing experience and 7 years’ experience in intensive care. Using a 100-mm visual analog scale, mean scores on knowledge and comfort with: (1) interpreting culture and sensitivity; (2) white blood cell (WBC) data; and (3) discussing results and therapy with physicians were all less than 50 mm. However, the mean score for nurses’ belief of responsibility related to this collaborative role was 76. A knowledge quiz of lab interpretation and antibiotic therapy revealed a mean score of 53.8%. Beliefs about roles were correlated with comfort in discussing therapies with physicians rather than with knowledge. Although nurses value the collaborative surveillance role, they may lack the knowledge and confidence to enact it.
Myelographic evidence for nerve root enlargement in a case of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

The myelographic findings of enlarged nerve roots in a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is found to be identical to those of Hypertrophic Interstitial Neuritis and Neurofibromatosis. The hypetrophy of the roots may represent a single response to different noxious stimuli. Clinical and laboratory differentiation are given for the diseases.
Phase solubility diagrams of cocrystals are explained by solubility product and solution complexation

The purpose of this work was to develop a mathematical model that describes the solubility of cocrystals by taking into consideration the equilibria between cocrystal, cocrystal components, and solution complexes. These models are applied to the phase diagrams of carbamazepine/nicotinamide (CBZ/NCT) cocrystal in organic solvents. The CBZ/NCT (1:1) cocrystal solubility was measured by suspending cocrystal in solutions of varying nicotinamide concentrations in ethanol, 2-propanol, or ethyl acetate. Results show that the solubility of the cocrystal decreases with increasing nicotinamide concentration. Mathematical models demonstrate that (1) the solubility of a cocrystal AB is described by the solubility product of cocrystal components and by solution complexation constants, (2) these equilibrium constants can be determined from solubility methods, and (3) graphical representation of the cocrystal solubility dependence on ligand concentration will serve as a diagnostic tool for the stoichiometry of solution ...
Derivation of the Lippmann-Schwinger N-body equations from the time-independent Schrodinger equation

The Lippmann-Schwinger N-body equations are ordinarily derived from time dependent scattering theory. Derivations from time independent scattering theory by means of Green's theorem have also been given. Both derivations are based on unproven assumptions. We present a new derivation based on different assumptions which we believe to be more plausible. Our derivation is particularly simple and provides a new insight into the nature of the Lippmann identity.
Solid-State 93Nb, 19F, and 113Cd Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Niobium Oxyfluorides: Characterization of Local Distortions and Oxygen/Fluorine Ordering

The local structures and oxygen/fluorine ordering of Cdpy 4 NbOF 5 (py = C 5 H 5 N) and [pyH] 2 [Cdpy 4 (NbOF 5 ) 2 ] have been investigated with 1 9 F, 1 1 3 Cd, and 9 3 Nb solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The 9 3 Nb magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra acquired at an ultrahigh magnetic field strength (19.6 T) and at ultrahigh spinning speeds (∼43 kHz) of both compounds are dominated not only by the quadrupolar interaction but also by the chemical shielding (CS) interaction, consistent with highly asymmetric environments for niobium. A methodology is presented to extract the nuclear quadrupole coupling constant C Q , the asymmetry parameter η, and the isotropic chemical shift δ i s o in the presence of a large chemical shift anisotropy (CSA). The CS tensor was then obtained from the simulations of the 9 3 Nb (I = 9/2) static NMR spectrum. The separations between the centerband of the central transition and sidebands of the ′ 3/2 ↔ ′ 5/2 satellite transition in the 9 3 Nb MAS NMR spectra are sensitive to the value of C Q ( 9 3 Nb), while the line shapes are mainly determined by η and the relative orientation between the electric field gradient (EFG) and CS tensors. Thus, simulations of the MAS NMR spectra provided additional constraints on the fitting of all these parameters. The 9 3 Nb MAS NMR spectra acquired at lower field and lower spinning speeds, where the spinning sidebands are not separated from the centerband, were also reproduced in the simulations. The following parameters were determined for the two compounds at room temperature: C Q = 36.0(5)/33.2(5) MHz, η = 0.50(5)/0.40(5), δ i s o ( 9 3 Nb) = -1310(10)/-1320(10) ppm, Ω = 1000(20)/1100(20) ppm, K = 1.00(5)/0.8(1), a = 0(20)°/ 60(20)°, β = 0(2)°/5(2)°, y = 0(20)°/0(20)° for Cdpy4NbOF5/[pyH] 2 [Cdpy 4 (NbOF 5 ) 2 ], respectively. A very distorted multiplet in the solid-state 1 9 F MAS NMR spectra was observed, which arises from J-coupling [ 1 J( 9 3 Nb, 1 9 F) = 362(2) and 350(5) Hz, for Cdpy 4 NbOF 5 and [pyH] 2 [Cdpy 4 (NbOF 5 ) 2 ], respectively] and residual dipolar coupling between the 1 9 F and 9 3 Nb nuclei. Only one 1 1 3 Cd NMR resonance is observed for Cdpy 4 -NbOF 5 , which, together with the 1 9 F NMR, suggests that the O-substitution is not random. On the basis of the 1 1 3 cd NMR, the NbOF 5 octahedra are most likely oriented in opposite directions in different chains so as to allow the acentric NbOF 5 octahedra to occupy a center of inversion in the crystal structure of this compound determined by X-ray diffraction (the "interchain" cancellation mechanism proposed by Heier et al., in J. Solid State Chem. 1997, 133, 576-579).
Impact of quantitative fetal fibronectin (FFN) change on efficacy of antibiotic vs. placebo treatment of asymptomatic FFN positive women to prevent subsequent preterm birth (PB)

ANTIBIOTIC VS. PLACEBO TREATMENT OF ASYMPTOMATIC FFN POSITIVE WOMEN TO PREVENT SUBSEQUENT PRETERM BIRTH (PB) MONIQUE LIN (F), for the NICHD MFMU Network, Bethesda, Maryland OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether change in quantitative FFN concentration following antibiotic or placebo treatment of asymptomatic FFN positive women is related to subsequent PB !37 wks. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a multicenter double blinded, placebo-controlled study of antibiotic therapy for asymptomatic women with a positive cervicovaginal FFN (R50 ng/mL) between 21-25 wks. Women were randomized to either metronidazole 250 mg tid C erythromycin 250 mg qid for 10 days or identical placebos. Quantitative FFN was assessed at baseline and 2 weeks after treatment. Preto post-treatment FFN changes (DFFN) were categorized as: 1) no change or increasing, 2) decreasing with persistent positive FFN at follow-up, and 3) decreasing with follow-up negative FFN. Primary study outcome was PB !37 wks. RESULTS: Of the 715 women enrolled, 591 had quantitative FFN values preand post-treatment and outcomes available. Race, gestational age, randomization to follow-up interval, pre-treatment FFN concentration, and BV status were similar between groups. A similar proportion of women were FFN positive at follow-up in the antibiotic group (22.5%) compared with placebo group (16.6%, p=0.07). Irrespective of treatment, rate of PB !37 wks was significantly associated with DFFN with the highest rate noted in women with no change or increased FFN (TABLE). Within each DFFN category, incidence of PB!37 wks between the two treatment groups was not significantly different (TABLE).
Awakened apparel: embedded soft actuators for expressive fashion and functional garments

Each morning we select an outfit meant to suit our mood and our plans. What if our clothes could seamlessly morph with us as our attitudes and activities change throughout the day? We created Awakened Apparel; one of the first shape-changing fashions to employ pneumatically actuated origami. Our prototype draws from diverse disciplines including soft robotics and fashion to present a design vision that advances the growing field of dynamic interactive garments. We explore technical and fabrication approaches for shape-changing technology held close to the body and identify areas for further innovation.
Identification of a mucin layerin the urinary bladder

Abstract Objectives. The specific goal of this study was to establish a simple histochemicaltechnique by which the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) lining in the rabbit bladder can be routinely identified. Methods. Rabbit bladder tissues were fixed in zinc formal, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF), 20% NBF, 40% NBF, 2% calcium acetate in 10% NBF, 2% sodium acetate in 10% NBF, 1 % cetylpyridinium chloride in 10% NBF, 80% alcohol, histochoice, and 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer. The following histochemical staining was used: mucicarmine/metanil yellow, colloidal iron, deamination followed by colloidal iron, periodic acid-Schiff, saponification followed by colloidal iron, Alcian blue (AB) at variable pH values, combined aldehyde-fuchsin/AB, performic acid/AB, AB/Alcian yellow, high temperature (60°C) methylation/saponification/AB, and AB/nuclear fast red at pH 5.8 with critical electrolyte concentrations with or without deamination. Results. AB with sodium acetate buffer at pH 5.8 containing 0.6 M or 0.8 M magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) showed a well-defined thin GAG lining on the surface of the urothelium, whereas histochemical staining used by previous investigators showed only patchy distribution. There was no observable difference due to the gender, fixative, or region of the bladder from which the tissue was obtained. Conclusions. A very thin lining of GAG exists in the rabbit bladder which can be localized by AB in sodium acetate buffer at pH 5.8 containing 0.6 M or 0.8 M MgC1 2 but not by conventional histochemical techniques. This method now can be applied to answer many questions regarding urothelial function.
What’s a Dog Story Worth?

Journalists consider the importance of events and the audience’s interest in them when deciding on which events to report. Events most likely to be reported are those that are both important and can capture the audience’s interest. In turn, the public is most likely to become aware of important news when some aspect of the story piques their interest. We suggest an efficacious means of drawing public attention to important news stories: dogs. Examining the national news agenda of 10 regional newspapers relative to that of the New York Times, we evaluated the effect of having a dog in a news event on the likelihood that the event is reported in regional newspapers. The “dog effect” is approximately equivalent to the effect of whether a story warrants front- or back-page national news coverage in the New York Times. Thus, we conclude that dogs are an important factor in news decisions.
Activation of the normal and hypertrophied human right ventricle

Abstract From the above observations, we have concluded that the sequence of activation of the normal human right ventricle is similar to that which has been studied in considerably more detail in the normal dog. In patients with right ventricular hypertrophy there is a delay of epicardial breakthrough over the entire free wall of the right ventricle. The degree of epicardial delay can be accounted for by an increase in right ventricular thickness without postulating altered spread in the underlying Purkinje network. The sequence of right ventricular epicardial activation, in the presence of right ventricular hypertrophy, appears to be influenced importantly by whether the hypertrophy is symmetric or asymmetric. With increasing degrees of right ventricular hypertrophy, activity in the right ventricular free wall contributes to the late or terminal portions of the QRS complex. The region of the right ventricle which contributes activity to the terminal portions of the QRS complex was different in the three forms of hypertrophy which were examined in this study.
Identification of photosynthesis-light models for aquatic systems II. Application to a macrophyte dominated stream

Abstract The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used with stream oxygen data to identify photosynthesis-light (P-I) models for a Danish river. A detailed account is given of the procedures for establishing operating conditions for the EKF. The utility of the innovations based criteria for model discrimination using data from a natural system is demonstrated. Eight P-I models are examined using twelve sets of data. None of the models are accepted as strictly adequate. A posteriori analysis of the models' failures indicated: (a) linear models of the P-I relationship are inadequate for this river; photosaturation was a necessary characteristic of P-I models; (b) static P-I models are inadequate for this river; all models were improved by allowing temporal variation of the photosynthetic parameters. The paper presents a particular example of the general usefulness of recursive analysis techniques applied to a time series of environmental data to test hypotheses concerning the structure of a natural system. Unlike bulk data estimation techniques, these recursive time series procedures provide objective a priori criteria of model adequacy and explicitly recognize uncertainty in the system and observations.