cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Personalized Image Recommendation

We have developed a novel system to support personalized image recommendation via exploratory search from large-scale collections of weakly-tagged Flickr images. First, topic network is automatically generated to index and summarize large-scale collections of Flickr images at a semantic level. Hyperbolic visualization is used to allow users to navigate and explore the topic network interactively, so that they can gain insights of large-scale Flickr image collections at the first glance, build up their mental query models quickly and specify their queries more precisely by selecting the visible image topics directly. Second, the most representative images are automatically recommended according to their representativeness for a given topic and they are visualized according to their inherent visual similarity contexts, so that users can assess the diverse visual similarity contexts between the images interactively and evaluate the relevance between the recommended images and their real query intentions effectively. Our experiments on large-scale weakly-tagged Flickr image collections have obtained very positive results.
Censored probit models do not fail randomly

Abstract Values of the true correlation up to ±0.9 in a censored probit model do not lead to random failure owing to limit values of the estimated correlation, but a Monte Carlo study reveals other biases in estimating censored probit models.
Meta-level control through fault detection and diagnosis

Control strategies in most complex problem-solving systems, though highly parameterized, are not adaptive to the characteristics of the particular task being solved. If the characteristics of the task are atypical, a fixed control strategy may cause incorrect or inefficient processing. We present an approach for adapting the control strategy by introducing a meta-level control component into the problem-solving architecture. This meta-level control component is based on the paradigm of Fault Detection/Diagnosis. Our presentation will concentrate on modeling the problem-solving system and on the inference techniques necessary to use this model for diagnosis. We feel that meta-level control based on the Fault Detection/Diagnosis paradigm represents a new approach to introducing more sophisticated control into a problem-solving system.
Theory of proton hyperfine interactions in bacterial photosynthetic systems. Bacteriopheophytin cation and anion.

Abstract The electronic structures of the cation and anion of bacteriopheophytin a monomer are investigated by the self-consistent charge extended Huckel procedure including both π and σ electrons in the molecule. The calculated electron distributions are tested by comparison of the predicted hyperfine fields at proton sites with experimental data in both the ions and most important, by their ability to explain the observed trend in the hyperfine fields in going from the cation bacteriopheophytin + a to the anion, a trend that is similar in many respects to the corresponding observed trend for the bacteriochlorophyll a cation and anion. Good agreement is obtained with experiment both for the absolute values of the observed proton hyperfine fields in both bacteriopheophytin a cation and anion as well as the ratio of the corresponding fields for the two systems. In particular, our calculated electron distributions in the two molecules lead, for the cation, to substantially different proton hyperfine fields for the two methyl groups attached to rings I and III, while for the anion, the corresponding fields are much closer to each other, a trend in good agreement with recent data. Also explained are the features of larger methine hyperfine constants in the anion as compared to the cation and the reverse trend for the protons in rings II and IV. Other features of the calculated electron distributions in the cation and anion are discussed and compared with each other. Possible additional measurements in the two systems that could provide further tests of the theoretically obtained electron distribution will be pointed out.
Distributed multiple access in multichannel cognitive radio networks via potential games

Cognitive Radio (CR) approaches constitute one of the most promising ways to solve the inefficiency of the static spectrum allocation procedures. Distributed and self-enforcing methods for multiple access/allocation have also become increasingly attractive for their scalability and robustness. In the light of this reality, we present in this work a game-based distributed algorithm for the multiple access of secondary users (SUs) in a multichannel CR environment. The main idea behind our method is to provide means for SUs to independently select a set of secondary channels to use for transmission, while achieving close-to-optimal equilibrium performance in a Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise-Ratio (SINR) regime. Additionally, we analytically derive explicit performance bounds on the optimality and the convergence speed of the proposed algorithm. We corroborate the efficacy of our multiple access algorithm as well as the main conclusions on the optimality/convergence speed tradeoff through numerical results.
THz generation due to charge oscillations in quantum wells

Summary form only given. A few mechanisms have been identified for the terahertz generation from bulk and quantum-well semiconductors using an intense femtosecond optical pulse. These mechanisms include: carrier transport, bulk optical rectification, and field induced optical rectification effects. In this talk, the above mechanisms will be discussed with emphasis on the charge oscillations in quantum well structures.
Bringing creative web 2.0 programming into CS1: conference workshop

Improving recruitment and retention depends on linking activities to real-world contexts that illustrate the social and societal impact of computer science. The sleek interaction and underlying technologies that define Web 2.0 applications offer a unique opportunity to teach CS concepts in a real-world context. Learn how students can create engaging Web 2.0 applications using simple Java programming and basic XHTML, without learning JavaScript or AJAX. See a full set of CS1 assignments leveraging this strategy. See how students can write a personal "Facebook-lite" they can show to friends. Play with live demos yourself. Leave with new assignment ideas.
The (0001) surfaces of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals are preferentially activated for water oxidation by Ni doping

Photoelectrochemical water oxidation on hematite has been extensively studied, yet the relationship between the various facets exposed, heteroatom doping, and associated electrocatalytic activity has not been adequately explored. Here, hematite nanocrystals were synthesized with continuous tuning of the aspect-ratio and fine control of the surface area ratio of the (0001) facet with respect to other surfaces. The samples were doped with nickel, which was confirmed using the combined results of HRTEM, SEM, XRD, Raman, BET, and XPS measurements. The surface area ratio of the hexagonal (0001) surface with respect to all surfaces was tuned from 98% to 30%. Ni doping was accomplished by diffusion of Ni clusters into the subsurface region, which forms a uniformly doped NixFe2−xO3 surface overlayer that improves the electrocatalytic activity of water oxidation. These results are discussed in the context of a theoretical prediction and subsequent surface science validation that Ni doping facilitates the water oxidation reaction on hematite (0001) surfaces. Electrochemical testing of water oxidation catalysis was carried out on doped and shape-controlled hematite nanocrystals. The enhancement of water oxidation activity by Ni-doping increased as the surface area ratio of the (0001) facet of hematite nanocrystals increased, consistent with the theoretical predictions and surface science studies.
Comment on: “Exposed-key weakness of αη” [Phys. Lett. A 370 (2007) 131]

We show that the insecurity claim of the αη cryptosystem made by C. Ahn and K. Birnbaum in [C. Ahn, K. Birnbaum, Phys. Lett. A 370 (2007) 131] under heterodyne attack is based on invalid extrapolations of Shannon's random cipher analysis and on an invalid statistical independence assumption. We show, both for standard ciphers and αη, that expressions of the kind given by Ahn and Birnbaum can at best be interpreted as security lower bounds.
Improving Service Coordination and Reducing Mental Health Disparities Through Adoption of Electronic Health Records.

Despite widespread support for removing barriers to the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in behavioral health care, adoption of EHRs in behavioral health settings lags behind adoption in other areas of health care. The authors discuss barriers to use of EHRs among behavioral health care practitioners, suggest solutions to overcome these barriers, and describe the potential benefits of EHRs to reduce behavioral health care disparities. Thoughtful and comprehensive strategies will be needed to design EHR systems that address concerns about policy, practice, costs, and stigma and that protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality. However, these goals must not detract from continuing to challenge the notion that behavioral health and general medical health should be treated as separate and distinct. Ultimately, utilization of EHRs among behavioral health care providers will improve the coordination of services and overall patient care, which is essential to reducing mental health disparities.
Examining the impact of the National Institutes of Health public access policy on the citation rates of journal articles

Purpose To examine whether National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded articles that were archived in PubMed Central (PMC) after the release of the 2008 NIH Public Access Policy show greater scholarly impact than comparable articles not archived in PMC. Methods A list of journals across several subject areas was developed from which to collect article citation data. Citation information and cited reference counts of the articles published in 2006 and 2009 from 122 journals were obtained from the Scopus database. The articles were separated into categories of NIH funded, non-NIH funded and whether they were deposited in PubMed Central. An analysis of citation data across a five-year timespan was performed on this set of articles. Results A total of 45,716 articles were examined, including 7,960 with NIH-funding. An analysis of the number of times these articles were cited found that NIH-funded 2006 articles in PMC were not cited significantly more than NIH-funded non-PMC articles. However, 2009 NIH funded articles in PMC were cited 26% more than 2009 NIH funded articles not in PMC, 5 years after publication. This result is highly significant even after controlling for journal (as a proxy of article quality and topic).
Language and Ethnicity: Are white people ethnic? Whiteness, dominance, and ethnicity

“[clear throat] Oh goodness! [clear throat]” “What's the matter, Chance?” “[clear throat] I don't know, Schuyler. [clear throat] I have a scratchy sensation I am not familiar with. [clear throat] I better schedule an MRI[clear throat].” (George Lopez doing “white” characters, Right Now Right Now , 2001) I discuss issues of racial identity, including what it means to be “white,” with my colleagues and students all the time. But my first experience with this particular concept outside the academic setting occurred when my husband and I were having dinner at a Mexican restaurant (a big chain type) near our home in Southern California. We got into a conversation with the waiter, who was European-American, on the topic of beers. My husband, for reasons known only to himself, asked, “What's the first beer you remember drinking?” The waiter answered, “Budweiser,” but he followed up with a comment that interested me. “You gotta understand,” he explained, “my family is all white people, you know? I don't mean to be racist or anything, but it's true. And that's what they drink: Budweiser, Miller Genuine Draft, or Coors.” Many things struck me about this response: his stereotyping of whites as a group, his apology and identification of the stereotype as potential racism, and his willingness to discuss issues about his family's construction of ethnicity with two total strangers.
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy - safety in a small-volume transplant center.

Riley J, Troxel S, Wakefield M, Ross G, Weinstein S. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy – safety in a small-volume transplant center. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 429–432. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: Laparoscopy is a standard surgical option for live donor nephrectomy (LDN) at the majority of transplant centers. Equivalent graft survival with shorter convalescence has been reported by several large volume centers. With the arrival of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon in 2002, we began to offer laparoscopic LDN at our institution. We report our experience as a large volume laparoscopic surgery program but a low volume transplant center. Methods: A retrospective review of the previous 34 LDN (17 open, 17 laparoscopic) performed at the University of Missouri were included. A single laparoscopic surgeon performed all laparoscopic procedures. Hand assisted laparoscopy was performed in 15 and standard laparoscopy with a pfannenstiel incision in two. Open procedures were performed through anterior subcostal or flank incision. A single surgeon performed all open procedures. Results: There was no statistical difference in age, body mass index or American Society of Anesthesiologies Score between the two groups. Mean operative time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 229 minutes, 324 cc and 2.2 days respectively in the laparoscopic group compared to 202 minutes, 440 cc and five days for the open group. Average warm ischemia time was 179 seconds. Recipient creatinine for the two groups at one week, one month and one year was not statistically significantly different. Each group had one graft loss due to medication noncompliance. Conclusion: For small transplant centers with an advanced laparoscopic program, laparoscopic LDN is a safe procedure with comparable outcomes to major transplant centers.
Review of LASHIPA: History of Large Scale Resource Exploitation in Polar Areas , edited by Louwrens Hacquebord

This collection of papers reflects the results of two separate but related research projects: the International Polar Year (IPY) project History of Large Scale Resource Exploitation in Polar Areas (LASHIPA) and a European Science Foundation Collaborative Research (EUROCORES) 2006—10 BOREAS project entitled Colony, Empire, Environment: a Comparative International History of Twentieth Century Arctic Science (CEE). The collected papers were given at a workshop in St. Petersburg, Russia, in November 2009, where most of the participants were doctoral students gathered to offer the results of their research for the first time. (Published: 11 March 2013) Citation: Polar Research 2013, 32 , 20610, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v32i0.20610
Mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2)–Aluminum Phosphate (AlPO4), Oxide, Fibrous Monolithic Composites

Mullite–AlPO4 fibrous monolithic composites were fabricated by a co-extrusion technique using ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as a binder. Processing routes such as mixing formulation, extrusion sequence, binder removal cycle, pressing, and sintering procedures are described. An effort to make tougher composites was conducted by modifying the microstructures of the composites. Different kinds of monolithic composites were fabricated by changing the number of filaments, and the composition and thickness of interphase layers, and their microstructural and mechanical properties were characterized. To make the interphase more porous and to facilitate debonding and fiber pullout in the composite, graphite was added as a fugitive “space filler” into the interphase material and then removed. A fibrous monolithic composite with a sintered interphase thickness of 5–10 μm and an interphase composition of 50 vol% graphite and 50 vol% AlPO4 had a three-point bend strength and a work of fracture of 129 ± 2 MPa and 0.86 ± 0.05 kJ/m2, respectively. This corresponded to 42% of the strength but 162% of the work of fracture when compared with the values for a single-phase mullite. Two-layer, mixed 50% two-layer:50% three-layer, and three-layer fibrous monoliths were fabricated and their microstructural and mechanical properties were studied. The difference in the sintering behaviors of the two-layer and three-layer composites is described.
Analytical treatment of the role of surface oxide layers in the sintering of metals

The role played by a surface oxide layer in the kinetics of sintering of metallic particles is analysed quantitatively. Application of the analysis to metals with thermodynamically stable oxides gave results which are consistent with experimental observations. The presence of oxides which tend to dissolve in the metal at the sintering temperatures gives rise to an incubation period before the onset of sintering. Comparison with experimental results indicates that the oxide dissolution process is kinetically controlled at the oxide-metal interface.
Safety of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are relatively contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for fear of disease aggravation. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have fewer GI side effects than traditional NSAIDs in unselected patients. We report the safety of these agents in patients with IBD. METHODS: Patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or pouchitis who used celecoxib or rofecoxib were identified from computerized prescription records. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Concomitant medications, past NSAID use, indication for cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, dose, and duration were obtained. IBD disease activity before cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor use was graded using a modified disease activity index. Change in disease activity was graded as improved, no change, or worsened. Patients were contacted to provide data not found in the charts. The proportion of patients receiving cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors who experienced exacerbation of IBD was determined. RESULTS: Eleven patients were treated with celecoxib (median dose = 200 mg/day), and 16 patients were treated with rofecoxib (median dose = 25 mg/day). Median duration of therapy was 9 months (range = 1 wk-22 months). The drug was beneficial in 14 patients, of partial benefit in eight, and of no benefit in five. Two patients (7.4%) (95% CI = 2–23%) had aggravations of IBD. Three patients (11%) had other adverse events (renal insufficiency, rash, and asymptomatic colonic ulceration). All adverse events were reversible. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may be safe and beneficial in most patients with IBD. A placebo-controlled trial to confirm these preliminary observations is needed.
The tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome.

SUMMARY A family with the tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome was studied. One child, the proband, manifested the complete triad of the syndrome with fine, sparse, slow-growing hair, pear-shaped nose, and abnormal fingers. Cone-shaped epiphyses were observed radiographically in the child, in both parents, and in two of three remaining children.
Cat-scratch disease.

1. Robin English, MD* 1. *Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, La After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the etiology and epidemiology of cat-scratch disease. 2. Recognize the clinical presentation of cat-scratch disease in immunocompetent patients, including chronic lymphadenopathy and numerous atypical manifestations. 3. Know the various laboratory tests that can aid in the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease. 4. Discuss the therapies that may be useful in the management of cat-scratch disease, realizing that the disease generally is a self-limited infection that resolves without antibiotics. 5. Know the conditions that immunocompromised patients can develop after infection with Bartonella henselae or B quintana. Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a common infection in children. Immunocompetent children who are affected typically have a self-limited course, but immunocompromised patients can develop serious systemic disease following infection. Although antibiotic treatment often is prescribed, very little evidence of its effectiveness in controlled trials has been published in the literature. The most common clinical feature of CSD is regional lymphadenopathy, but reports of other clinical manifestations associated with this infection are increasing. A 7-year-old boy presents in January with a daily fever to 103°F (39.5°C) for 3 weeks. He initially complained of sore throat and diffuse abdominal pain followed by right hip, right leg, and back pain. During this illness, he had received brief courses of amoxicillin-clavulanate and azithromycin without relief of symptoms. His past medical history is noncontributory. He has one cat at home. His physical examination findings are within normal limits. He has no tenderness of the extremities or back and no lymphadenopathy. A complete blood count, purified protein derivative skin test, lactate dehydrogenase level, and uric acid value are normal. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 95 mm/hr, and the C-reactive protein is 2.7 mg/L. A bone scan shows increased uptake in the right eighth rib, the right ilium, and the T9 vertebral body. He is hospitalized with …
Muscle Relaxants and Antispasticity Agents

Muscle relaxants make up a heterogeneous group of agents and can have a clinically significant role in the treatment of chronic muscle pain. These medications are not without possible serious side effects; hence, care should be taken in deciding on their appropriateness and ongoing monitoring performed, if prescribed.
NF-κB activates Bcl-2 expression in t (14 ; 18) lymphoma cells

The t(14;18) translocation, which is characteristic of follicular lymphoma, results in the overexpression of the bcl-2 gene dependent upon regulatory elements within the bcl-2 5′ flanking region and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene enhancers. Conflicting evidence exists on the effects of NF-κB expression on Bcl-2 levels in different cell types. Lymphoma cells with the t(14;18) translocation show high levels of nuclear NF-κB proteins. We observed decreased levels of endogenous Bcl-2 when the IκBα-super-repressor was expressed in a t(14;18) cell line. Deletion analysis of the bcl-2 promoter indicated that the repressive effect of the IκBα-super-repressor occurred through a region that contained no NF-κB consensus sequences. This highly active region contained a c-AMP response element (CRE) and several Sp1 binding sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays with antibodies specific for the NF-κB and CREB/ATF family members, as well as Sp1, resulted in the isolation of this IκBα-super-repressor responsive region of the bcl-2 promoter. Mutation of the CRE and the two Sp1 sites in different combinations in bcl-2 reporter constructs resulted in the loss of bcl-2 promoter repression by the IκBα-super-repressor. We therefore conclude that the activation of bcl-2 by NF-κB in t(14;18) lymphoma cells is mediated through the CRE and Sp1 binding sites.
Test system for trapping and resistively cooling H+ to cryogenic temperatures☆

Abstract A 4 K Penning trap is described which is suitable for demonstration of resistive cooling of protons or antiprotons in the LANL antigravity experiment. High circuit Q's (600–20000) are achieved and normal-mode trap resonances are driven and detected in the process of optimizing system performance. Most recent results are discussed.
Ferritin excretion and iron balance in humans

Under normal circumstances, most of the lumenal iron taken into the intestinal mucosal cell is stored within the cell as ferritin and subsequently is lost in the faeces when the cell exfoliates at the end of its lifespan. To evaluate whether faecal iron proteins reflect mucosal cell iron as well as whole body iron and to examine further the kinetics of gastrointestinal iron transport, faecal H-rich and L-rich ferritin were measured in normal subjects and patients with iron deficiency and genetic haemochromatosis. In normal and iron-deficient subjects, the concentration of L-rich but not H-rich faecal ferritin correlated closely with body iron status. In genetic haemochromatosis, the faecal L-rich and H-rich ferritin concentrations were lower than expected for their body iron status. The administration of oral iron to normal subjects led to a rise in L-rich ferritin. Administration of oral or parenteral iron to patients with iron deficiency led to a prompt rise in both forms of faecal ferritin, although the relative increase of L-rich ferritin was greater than that of H-rich ferritin with oral iron administration. Faecal ferritin correlated closely with iron stores in normals and patients with iron deficiency but faecal ferritin levels were lower than expected in genetic haemochromatosis, similar to that previously noted in the duodenal mucosal cells of these patients.
The relation between the intensity of excitation and the number of neurones traversed

In previous formulations the assumption has been made that the intensity of excitation or inhibition varies with distance. In this paper the simple case of a series of identical neurones is treated. The development shows five possible relations. In future theoretical formulations it is no longer necessary to postulate arbitrary relations in case any of the derived forms can be used.
Hotel discount strategies on consumer responses: the role of involvement

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of hotel discount strategies on consumers’ emotional and behavioral responses in the presence of differential levels of involvement in discount acquisition. Design/methodology/approach – Discount strategies and the high- and low-involvement variables were fully cross-examined, yielding a 2 × 2 factorial quasi experimental design. In all, 120 surveys were collected, and multivariate analysis of variance was used for data analysis. Findings – The results suggest that fenced discounts that require consumers to accept restrictions to receive a discount generated more positive emotion and stronger behavioral intention. Moreover, an interaction effect was found between consumer’s involvement and discounts on emotional and behavioral responses toward discount-acquiring experience. Highly involved consumers resulted in more positive emotional and stronger behavioral responses (e.g. pride, gratitude, word-of-mouth and retention) from obtaining a fenced discount that ...
Developmental expression and CORT‐regulation of TGF‐β and EGF receptor mRNA during mouse palatal morphogenesis: Correlation between CORT‐induced cleft palate and TGF‐β2 mRNA expression

Glucocorticoids (CORT) have been shown to induce cleft palate in mice. Although the pathogenetic pathway of CORT-induced cleft palate has been investigated for several decades, the molecular details remain to be elucidated. Since growth factors have been shown to regulate palate morphogenesis, and the expression of several growth factors or their receptors, e.g. TGF-beta, EGF receptor (EGF-R), are known to be modulated by CORT, we postulate that CORT modulation of growth factor (or receptor) gene expression is a key mechanism involved in CORT-induced cleft palate. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the steady-state levels (Northern and RNase protection) and developmental expression (in situ hybridization) of four CORT-responsive genes--TGF-Beta 1, TGF- beta 2, TGF-beta 3, and EGF receptor (EGF-R)--in developing mouse palates in the presence or absence of exogenous CORT. Pregnant B10.A dams were injected on day 12 of gestation with CORT or sham-injected and embryonic palates were collected at 1, 2, and 3 days postinjection (E13-E15). During mouse palate development, significant increases in TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 mRNA levels, as well as significant decrease in TGF-beta 2 mRNA levels, are detected; no significant difference in EGF-R transcript level is observed with progressive development. In CORT-exposed palates, we demonstrate no significant differences in the direction or magnitude of change with time in TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 3, and EGF-R mRNA levels compared to controls. However, CORT delays by 1 day the down-regulation of palatal TGF-beta 2 transcript normally seen on day 14 of gestation. TGF-beta 2 is known to inhibit cell proliferation. The level of TGF-beta 2 mRNA, the only isoform primarily expressed in the palatal mesenchyme, significantly decreases with progressive palatal development; this down-regulation of TGF-beta 2 expression is associated with increased mesenchymal cell proliferation and palatal shelf growth. CORT, at a critical stage of palatogenesis, induces a delay in the normal down-regulation of TGF-beta 2 gene expression. Given that CORT is known to inhibit mesenchymal cell proliferation and palatal shelf growth, we conclude that the CORT-induced delay in the normal down-regulation of TGF-beta 2 gene expression is probably key event in the pathogenesis of CORT-induced cleft palate.
Effect of Rape Victim's Attractiveness in a Jury Simulation

The present study tested the hypothesis that a rape victim's physical attractiveness would differentially influence the decisions of simulated jurors. The implications of previous research on this premise were two-fold: (1) greater attractiveness would provide an attractive victim with greater advantages or (2) greater attractiveness would serve to the victim's disadvantage. Assessment of victim credibility and re sponsibility concerning the incident was not influenced by victim attrac tiveness. Punishment of the assailant, however, was affected by attrac tiveness with a longer sentence given when an attractive woman was con cerned. Sex bias was noted only in assessment of guilt and sentencing with females tending to convict more often while males provided longer sentences.
Myasthenia gravis presenting as weakness after magnesium administration

We studied a patient with no prior history of neuromuscular disease who became virtually quadriplegic after parenteral magnesium administration for preeclampsia. The serum magnesium concentration was 3.0 mEq/L, which is usually well tolerated. The magnesium was stopped and she recovered over a few days. While she was weak, 2-Hz repetitive stimulation revealed a decrement without significant facilitation at rapid rates or after exercise, suggesting postsynaptic neuromuscular blockade. After her strength returned, repetitive stimulation was normal, but single fiber EMG revealed increased jitter and blocking. Her acetylcholine receptor antibody level was markedly elevated. Although paralysis after magnesium administration has been described in patients with known myasthenia gravis, it has not previously been reported to be the initial or only manifestation of the disease. Patients who are unusually sensitive to the neuromuscular effects of magnesium should be suspected of having an underlying disorder of neuromuscular transmission.
Research output at US economics departments

Using curricula vitae and EconLit, we examine the publication records of nearly 2000 academic economists. We consider the probationary period and the years between tenure and promotion to professor. Faculty tenured at top programmes average 3.44 articles in top-ten journals (and 8.75 total articles). The quality of faculty members' publications decreases with programme ranking; the quantity of publications does not differ much among top-100 programmes. Those promoted to professor generate fewer top-ten and total articles. There is some evidence that females produce fewer top-ten and total journal articles than males at many programmes.
A new semiautomatic method for quantitative static and dynamic bone histology

A new semiautomatic technique combining advantages of the manual and fully automatic methods is described for obtaining quantitative static and dynamic histologic data of bone. The hardware consists of a photomicroscope, digitizing platen, digitizer, plotter/printer, floppy disc drive, and computer. The microscope is equipped with a drawing tube through which the image of the digitizing platen is projected over the optical field. The investigator selects and traces all histologic structures to be measured by moving a cursor on the digitizing platen which is visible by its projection over the histologic field. The results on accuracy and static and dynamic precision of this method show that static and dynamic parameters of bone are obtained with a degree of error (less than 20%) well within the acceptable range for biologic measurements. Comparison of this method with the grid technique according to Merz and Schenck showed that for almost all micromorphometric parameters comparable absolute data are obtained. Due to the higher precision of our method, however, the number of optical fields evaluated in obtaining these comparable data could be reduced to 25% of the number of fields evaluated by the Merz and Schenck technique. The time requirements for quantitative evaluation of a histologic slide of bone by our technique are 40-50 min; 20-25 min is needed for quantitative evaluation of osteocytes.
Rater Motivation in the Performance Appraisal Context: A Theoretical Framework

Although researchers have indicated the potential importance of rater motivation for understanding and improving performance appraisal processes, little empirical research or conceptual writing has addressed this topic. The purpose of this paper is to offer a model of the antecedents and outcomes of appraiser motivation, and suggest hypotheses for research. Researchers are encouraged to conduct further research on this important issue.
Inhibition of vascular cell growth by X-ray irradiation: comparison with gamma radiation and mechanism of action.

Abstract Purpose: Catheter-based delivery of gamma and beta radiation effectively inhibits restenosis. Major disadvantages of these radioisotopes include continuous emission; excessive depth of penetration, creating safety hazards (gamma); and inadequate penetration, limiting effectiveness (beta). Low-voltage X-rays have a distinct potential advantage, because the source is active only when current is applied, and depth of penetration is voltage dependent. This study was performed to determine if low-voltage X-rays inhibit smooth muscle and adventitial cell growth in vitro and to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in this cellular response. Methods and Results: Vascular cells in culture were exposed to low-voltage X-ray radiation and analyzed for their subsequent ability to proliferate. X-ray irradiation caused a dose-dependent inhibition in proliferation, similar to the effect seen with equivalent doses of gamma radiation. The radiation-induced inhibition of proliferation did not appear to be related to apoptosis, but rather to delayed progression through the cell cycle, because a 65% increase in the proportion of cells in S phase was seen 24–96 h after X-ray exposure compared to control. Expression of p53, a cell cycle transcriptional activator, and p21, a cell cycle inhibitor, were significantly elevated after exposure to low-voltage X-rays, providing a potential mechanism for this delay. Conclusions: Low-voltage X-rays can effectively inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle and adventitial cells. This inhibition is apparently due to a delay in progression through the cell cycle, which is mediated by increases in the levels of cell cycle inhibitors.
Enantioselective synthesis of (-)-basiliskamide A.

Basiliskamide A is an antifungal polyketide natural product isolated by Andersen and co-workers from a Bacillus laterosporus isolate, PNG-276. A nine-step enantioselective synthesis of (−)-basiliskamide A is reported, starting from commercially available β-hydroxy ester 7. The synthesis features a highly diastereoselective mismatched double asymmetric δ-stannylallylboration reaction of aldehyde 5 with the bifunctional allylborane reagent 4.
Update on brain tumor imaging.

Brain tumor imaging has evolved from a strictly morphologybased discipline to one that encompasses function, physiology, and anatomy, enabled by advances in imaging and computer technology. This review outlines the current imaging standard for patients with brain tumors and summarizes the latest advances in physiology-based imaging methods that complement traditional brain tumor imaging protocol. Emphasis is placed on the strengths and limitations of the current imaging standards and on an overview of several advanced imaging methods, including diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Basic physical principles behind each imaging method are briefly presented, along with a more in-depth discussion of the clinical applications and potential pitfalls of each technique.
Murine models for experimental therapy of pediatric solid tumors with poor prognosis

Novel therapeutic strategies are required for pediatric solid tumors with poor prognosis such as metastasizing neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. A prerequisite for the development of such new therapies is the availability of murine models. To be useful for therapeutic studies, these models should not only recapitulate the genetic alterations characteristic of the human disease but should also mimic the metastatic process and the response to current therapy, both of which ultimately determine the fate of children with these tumors. This review scrutinizes the utility of existing murine models of neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma for investigating novel therapies. Much experience has been gained with both syngeneic and xenogeneic transplantable models of these tumors, while transgenic and knockout mice are just beginning to be available for therapeutic investigations. Modeling the genetic aberrations characterizing these tumors may provide faithful models for therapeutic studies in the future.
Coculture of in vitro fertilized bovine embryos with oviductal epithelial cells originating from different stages of the estrous cycle.

Abstract bovine embryos derived from in vitro fertilization procedures were cocultured in vitro with oviductal cells obtained from heifers between d 4 and 6 or d 14 and 16 of the estrous cycle. In addition, proteins secreted by oviductal cells isolated between d 4 and 6 or d 14 and 16 of the cycle were monitored. Embryos (2- to 4-cell) were incubated in Tissue Culture Medium-199 with 10% fetal bovine serum with or without oviductal cells at 39°C for 10 d following in vitro insemination. There were more morulae, blastocysts, and hatched blastocysts following coculture with oviductal cells than with culture in medium alone. However, no differences were noted in embryo development following coculture with oviductal cells obtained between d 4 and 6 or d 14 and 16 of the estrous cycle. Also, no differences were detected in the amount of [ 35 S]methionine-labeled proteins secreted by oviductal cells isolated from different days of the estrous cycle. These results indicate that oviductal epithelial cells isolated from early and late luteal phases of the estrous cycle will effectively support early embryonic development following prolonged in vitro culture.
Availability of acute care surgeons improves outcomes in patients requiring emergent colon surgery.

Abstract Background The need for emergent colon surgery is a common cause of severe sepsis/septic shock and mortality among surgical patients. We wanted to benchmark our outcomes against those of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). We hypothesized that having acute care surgeons to provide comprehensive perioperative care and rapid source control surgery would improve outcome. Methods We queried the 2005 to 2007 NSQIP dataset and our prospective database for patients with severe sepsis/septic shock requiring emergency colon surgery. Demographics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, sepsis source, and hospital mortality data were obtained for all patients. Results Both cohorts were similar with regard to age and sex. The overall mortality rate for patients in our dataset was 28.3% compared with 40.1% in the NSQIP dataset ( P = .06). The average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score for our patients was 31 ± 8.2 with a predicted mortality rate of 73% ( P Conclusions Patients with severe sepsis/septic shock requiring emergent colon surgery have a high mortality rate. Delivery of comprehensive emergency surgical care by acute care surgeons appears to improve survival.
The Rotational Spectrum of Iodine Dioxide, OIO

The rotational spectrum of the OIO radical has been observed for the first time. Spectra of both the ground and first two excited bending vibrational states have been analyzed. Rotational, centrifugal distortion, fine, and hyperfine constants have been derived. These constants have been used to determine the molecular structure, harmonic force field, and electron distribution. The OIO molecular parameters are compared with those of OClO and OBrO.
The renewal of civic education in France and in America: Comparative perspectives

Abstract This article undertakes a comparative study of the renewal of civic education both in France and in America. It posits that the rising concern about the subject speaks to a broader interest for civic matters and citizenship. Civic education is in fact implicitly presented as the key solution to political apathy and disengagement of the youth and to the growing number of incivilities and violent actions at school. The article first shows that the teaching of civics clearly remains unsatisfactory in both countries. It then reviews the major arguments presented by those who call for a renewal of the field. Finally, it explains why all these expectations are too high and concludes that schools should not be considered as the only arena of political socialization.
Wavelength-coded Image transmission

Wavelength multiplexing can be used to transmit entire images or portions of images in parallel through optical fibers. In this method, each image pixel is illuminated with a different wavelength. The wavelength-coded picture information can then propagate in parallel through an optical fiber. The light emerging from the fiber is spatially rearranged in accordance with wavelength to assemble the output image. Three different systems will be de- scribed here which employ different sources, detectors, electronics, and multiplexing optics.
A General Theory on Stochastic Curtailment for Censored Survival Data

Abstract Stochastic curtailment is a valuable tool in monitoring long-term medical studies. Under this approach, one calculates the conditional power, which is the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis at the scheduled end of the study given the existing data at the interim analysis, along with certain speculation about the future data. The conditional power may be used to aid the decision to terminate a study prematurely or to extend a study beyond its originally planned duration. This article provides a formal and systematic investigation into the use of stochastic curtailment in the context of censored survival data. To enhance generality, we introduce a broad class of statistics that includes two-sample weighted log-rank statistics, as well as the partial likelihood score statistic for testing treatment difference with covariate adjustment under the proportional hazards model. We establish the weak convergence under both the null hypothesis and contiguous alternatives for this class of statisti...
Zoroaster: A multiprogramming system for psychological research

The development of a multiprogramming system for psychological research was undertaken on a PDP-9 computer with 8k memory. The needs of the users and the time demands on the computer raised several important questions: (1) Can a practical timesharing system be developed with only 8k memory? (2) Can critical timing functions be maintained? (3) Can easy access be provided (e.g., Fortran) to all experimental devices? (4) Can a system be designed which will take advantage of and be compatible with most of the standard DEC-provided software (e.g., Fortran compiler, loader)? The system was successfully developed by using a rapid within-core swapping technique, standard I/O routines, many general-purpose handlers and subroutines, and fully utilizing available core.
Biphasic moulting in Isopod Crustacea and the finding of an unusual mode of moulting in the antarctic genus Glyptonotus

Summary Moulting in Isopod Crustacea usually occurs in two phases and invariably the ecdysis of posterior half precedes the anterior. The hormonal control for regulating such a unique biphasic mode of moulting can only be explained by an effectively functional physiological mechanism probably involving circulatory inhibitions or restricted neurosecretive activities. This paper describes the observations made at McMurdo, Antarctica on an unusual single phase moulting in the endemic antarctic giant isopod Glyptonotus.
Cognition poised at the edge of chaos: A complex alternative to a symbolic mind

Abstract This paper explores a line of argument against the classical paradigm in cognitive science that is based upon properties of non‐linear dynamical systems, especially in their chaotic and near‐chaotic behavior. Systems of this kind are capable of generating information‐rich macro behavior that could be useful to cognition. I argue that a brain operating at the edge of chaos could generate high‐complexity cognition in this way. If this hypothesis is correct, then the symbolic processing methodology in cognitive science faces serious obstacles. A symbolic description of the mind will be extremely difficult, and even if it is achieved to some approximation, there will still be reasons for rejecting the hypothesis that the brain is in fact a symbolic processor.
The minimum wage, employment, and the AS-IF methodology: A forecasting approach to evaluating the minimum wage

Out-of-sample employment forecasts for 33 U.S. industries which are likely to be sensitive to the federal minimum wage are, more often than not, more accurate when information about the minimum wage is not taken into account. This is true even in instances where this information improves wage forecasts. When employment forecasts conditional on the minimum wage are better, the improvement is typically small. These results are invariant to the number of workers previously making less than the new minimum wage, and to the value of the minimum wage relative to industry average wages.
Electronic Portfolio Adoption for Teacher Education Candidates.

Programs of professional development for preservice teachers of young children in the United States attempt to align their program goals and candidate performances to The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI), and their particular state standards. In addition they attempt to teach candidates to be knowledgeable and reflective practitioners who use the best practices in their field. This article will address one university’s attempt to adopt this process and utilize electronic portfolios. The article will include examples of course objectives, standards, rubrics, and candidate performances interwoven through program matrices in order to insure the proper delivery of instruction while maintaining flexibility and creativity. It is hoped that the article will foster discussion about the strengths and challenges of accountability and academic freedom in preparing candidates in early childhood education.