cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preface to the National Lawyers Guild Review, 68-3

Introduces: 1. Promises and Challenges: The Tunisian Revolution of 2010-2011 by Delegation of Attorneys to Tunisia from: National Lawyers Guild (US), Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers (UK), and Mazlumder (Turkey). 2. Brief of Amicus Curiae in Support of Ward Churchill by Cheri J. Deatsch & Heidi Boghosian. 3. Book Review: Breeding Ground: Afghanistan and the Origins of Islamist Terrorism by Marjorie Cohn.
TUNGSTEN OXIDES AND BRONZES: SYNTHESIS, DIFFUSION AND REACTIVITY

The tungsten oxides and bronzes have been extensively studied since their discovery in the last century, because of their brilliant colors and high electrical conductivity. More recently the driving interest resulted from their potential use in electrochromic displays and other electrochemical systems. Their crystalline structures are generally based on the corner sharing of WO6 octahedra giving tunnels of variable size and shape leading to exciting intercalation chemistry. These structures readily undergo redox reactions, and in the last quarter century these reactions have often involved soft chemistry. Most recently hydrothermal techniques have been used to prepare new sodium tungstates with the hexagonal tungsten bronze and the pyrochlore structures. The phase formed is a function of the pH of the reaction medium. The pyrochlore phase readily undergoes ion-exchange with a wide range of monovalent cations giving the compounds, MxW2O6+x/2 · yH2O; the value of y is strongly dependent on the identity of the cation, M. WO3 with the pyrochlore structure could be formed from the hydronium and ammonium complexes. Lithium can be readily intercalated either chemically and electrochemically into both these phases, just as in the previously-known bronze phases. Surprisingly more lithium is incorporated in most cases in the hexagonal than in the pyrochlore phase. The ions in the pyrochlore structure show rapid ionic mobility, with the hydronium ion showing the greatest mobility.
Ratio limit theorems

In this section we apply the Laplace transform to some instances of the first entrance formulas (Theorem 11.8) to obtain analytical results which extend those of §§ I.9–10.
What predicts successful nonoperative management with botulinum toxin for anal fissure

Abstract Background Botulinum toxin has been established as a non-surgical alternative for chronic anal fissures. There is a paucity of data regarding which patients benefit most from this intervention. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from all cases of chronic anal fissures treated with botulinum toxin over seven years to identify predictors of success. Non-responders were defined as any subsequent surgery or reporting satisfaction as poor or fair. Results: Of 91 patients, 60% (n = 55) were responders and 26% (n = 25) underwent subsequent surgery. There were significantly more females among responders (78% vs. 55%, p = 0.02). A higher body mass index tended towards significance among non-responders (30 ± 7 vs. 27 ± 6, p = 0.08). High satisfaction at the first visit was associated with no subsequent surgery (18% vs. 45%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Botulinum toxin can be successfully used to treat anal fissures in a majority of patients. Primary predictors of success were female sex, satisfaction at the first post-procedure visit and there was a tendency towards a lower body mass index.
Chapter 16 – Van der Waals area and volume—Inorganic compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the results of the van der Waals area and volume for inorganic compounds in tabular format. The tabulation is arranged by alphabetical order such as Ag, Al, Ar, and Zr to provide ease of use in quickly locating the data by using the chemical formula. The compound name and chemical abstracts registry number (CAS No) are also provided in columns. Values for the van der Waals area and volume are given in the adjacent columns. In preparing the tabulation, a literature search is conducted to identify data source publications. Both experimental values for the property under consideration and parameter values for estimation of the property are included in the source publications. The publications are screened, and copies of appropriate data are made. These data are keyed into the computer to provide a database of values for compounds. Upon completion of data collection, estimation of values for the remaining compounds is performed. The compilations of Daubert and Danner and Yaws are used extensively. The van der Waals area and volume involve the surface area and volume of an atom and may be ascertained from bond distances, contact distances, and shapes of atoms and methods of calculation are described by Bondi.
Self-healing polymers

Self-healing is the capability of a material to recover from physical damage. Both physical and chemical approaches have been used to construct self-healing polymers. These include diffusion and flow, shape-memory effects, heterogeneous self-healing systems, covalent-bond reformation and reshuffling, dynamics of supramolecular chemistry or combinations thereof. In this Review, we discuss the similarities and differences between approaches to achieve self-healing in synthetic polymers, where possible placing this discussion in the context of biological systems. In particular, we highlight the role of thermal transitions, network heterogeneities, localized chemical reactions enabling the reconstruction of damage and physical reshuffling. We also discuss energetic and length-scale considerations, as well as scientific and technological challenges and opportunities. Self-healable polymers are materials that recover after physical damage. In this Review, we discuss the physical and chemical approaches to make self-healing polymers, with a focus on similarities with biological systems.
Position-dependent neutron detection efficiency loss in 3He gas proportional counters

Abstract The position-dependent neutron detection response of a 3He gas proportional counter (GPC) was characterized using a collimated (3-mm-wide), monoenergetic (0.05 eV) neutron beam. For neutrons incident on the GPC near the ends of the active region, the neutron capture peak broadens and the position shifts to lower pulse-height channels. This “edge effect” is due to lower gas gain within the decreasing electric field near the end of the active volume. For simple peak-region-summing analyses, the consequence is a loss of events that is equivalent to a 13% reduction in the active area of our GPC. Summing over all events above the triton wall-effect feature significantly reduces this efficiency loss. Whole-sensor illumination measurements simulated with Geant4 required a correction for the edge effect to accurately reproduce the shape and amplitude of the measurements. Once these corrections were applied, the Geant4 models reproduce the whole-sensor count rates to within 10%.
Trophic Ecology of Seahorse Key, Florida: A Unique Bird-Snake Interaction Network Analysis

In 2015 the entire breeding colony of nesting waterbirds on Seahorse Key (Florida, U.S.A.) unexpectedly abandoned the island and have not returned. These birds have a unique trophic relationship with a sympatric cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon conanti) population, as well as potentially important positions within the entire insular food web. Species-interaction network analysis was used to compare two trophic networks; pre- and post-abandonment. Trophic data were used to create a weighted adjacency matrix for each network and the resulting network metrics were compared using the network analysis software package UCINET and visualized using NetDraw. Results for the pre-abandonment network indicated a large, complex, diffuse network with low centrality and seven sub-networks. Several species of colonial nesting birds were identified as holding important positions within the network for resource transfer from marine and intertidal environments to terrestrial trophic guilds, particularly to the snakes. Post-abandonment analysis showed the network significantly fractured with the terrestrial trophic guild that includes the snakes being smaller, more isolated and potentially less stable.
Where crises converge: the affective register of displacement in Mexico City’s post-earthquake gentrification:

Affect theory suggests that imagining different futures for cities begins by feeling the present differently. This article considers the political potential of the affective register in the context...
The World of Neurosurgery Reimagined Post COVID-19: Crisis ↔ Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted neurosurgery in unforeseeable ways. Neurosurgical patient care, research, and education have undergone extraordinary modifications as medicine and mankind have adapted to overcome the challenges posed by this pandemic. Some changes will disappear as the situation slowly recovers to a prepandemic status quo. Others will remain: This pandemic has sparked some long-overdue systemic transformations across all levels of medicine, including in neurosurgery, that will be beneficial in the future. In this paper, we present some of the challenges faced across different levels of neurosurgical clinical care, research, and education, the changes that followed, and how some of these modifications have transformed into opportunities for improvement and growth in the future.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Discharge Timeliness and Documentation.

Introduction Discharge communication is critical for the continuity of patient care. However, discharge summaries are often not available in time for follow-up visits, and the content is inconsistent. We aimed to decrease the average time to discharge summary completion by 25%, reduce deficiencies (information errors) by 50%, and increase discharge summary template use to >80% in 6 months. Methods A pediatric interprofessional team used quality improvement methods to identify barriers and implement interventions, including discharge summary completion time expectation, electronic health record discharge summary template changes addressing gaps, and training. Notable changes to the template included embedded writing tips to guide writers and specific template choices for common diagnoses to standardize content. The primary outcome measure was the mean discharge summary completion time. Secondary measures were the percentage of discharge summaries with deficiencies and the rate of template use. Results After interventions, the mean discharge summary completion time decreased by 70% (from 71.5 to 21.8 hours). Discharge summary deficiencies decreased 44% (from 4.5% to 2.5%), and template use increased from 62% to 97%. Conclusion Quality improvement methods and a newly designed electronic health record-discharge summary template were used to dramatically improve discharge summary timeliness and standardize content to streamline continuity of care.
Impaired Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Function in Pediatric Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background. Fatigue is often the primary complaint of children with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGDI) and other chronic overlapping pain disorders (COPC). The basis for this symptom remains unknown. We evaluated mitochondrial function in the white blood cells of these patients. Methods. This prospective Children’s Wisconsin IRB approved study recruited subjects aging 10–18 years from pediatric neurogastroenterology clinics and healthy comparison subjects (HC). Environmental and oxidative stressors can damage the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The known low-grade inflammation in COPC could, therefore, impact the respiratory chain and theoretically account for the disabling fatigue so often voiced by patients. Mitochondrial energy generation can be easily measured in peripheral mononuclear cells (PMC) as a general marker by the Seahorse XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. We measured 5 parameters of oxygen consumption using this methodology: basal respiration (BR), ATP linked oxygen consumption (ATP-LC), maximal oxygen consumption rate (max R), spare respiratory capacity (SRC), and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), which reflect non-electron chain energy generation through glycolysis. In health, we expect high ATP linked respiration, high reserve capacity, low proton leak, and low non-mitochondrial respiration. In disease, the proton leak typically increases, ATP demand increases, and there is decreased reserve capacity with increased non-mitochondrial respiration. Findings and clinical data were compared to healthy control subjects using a Mann–Whitney test for skewed variables, Fisher’s exact test for dichotomous variables, and regression tree for association with functional outcome (functional disability inventory, FDI). Results. 19 HC and 31 COPC showed no statistically significant difference in age. FGID, orthostatic intolerance, migraine, sleep disturbance, and chronic fatigue were present in the majority of COPC subjects. BR, ECAR, and ATP-LC rates were lower in the COPC group. The low BR and ATP-LC suggest that mitochondria are stressed with decreased ability to produce ATP. Tree analysis selected SRC as the best predictor of functional disability: patients with SRC >150 had a greater FDI (more disability) compared to patients with SRC - value = 0.021. Conclusion. Subjects with COPC have reduced mitochondrial capacity to produce ATP. Predisposing genetic factors or reversible acquired changes may be responsible. A higher SRC best predicts disability. Since a higher SRC is typically associated with more mitochondrial reserve, the SRC may indicate an underutilized available energy supply related to inactivity, or a “brake” on mitochondrial function. Prospective longitudinal studies can likely discern whether these findings represent deconditioning, true mitochondrial dysfunction, or both.
Information Hiding in Product Development: the Design ChurnEffect

Execution of a complex product development project is facilitated through its decomposition into an interrelated set of localized development tasks. When a local task is completed, its output is integrated through an iterative cycle of system-wide integration activities. Integration is often accompanied by inadvertent information hiding due to the asynchronous information exchanges. We show that information hiding leads to persistent recurrence of problems (termed as the design churn effect) such that progress oscillates between being on schedule and falling behind. The oscillatory nature of the PD process confounds progress measurement and makes it difficult to judge whether the project is on schedule or slipping. We develop a dynamic model of work transformation to derive conditions under which churn is observed as an unintended consequence of information hiding due to local and system task decomposition. We illustrate these conditions with a case example from an automotive development project and discuss strategies to mitigate design churn.
The Listening Zone of Human Electrocorticographic Field Potential Recordings

Intracranial electroencephalographic (icEEG) recordings provide invaluable insights into neural dynamics in humans due to their unmatched spatiotemporal resolution. Yet, such recordings reflect the combined activity of multiple underlying generators, confounding the ability to resolve spatially distinct neural sources. To empirically quantify the listening zone of icEEG recordings, we computed the correlations between signals as a function of distance (expressed as full width at half maximum; FWHM) between 8,752 recording sites in 71 patients implanted with either subdural electrodes (SDE), stereo-encephalography electrodes (sEEG), or high-density sEEG electrodes. As expected, for both SDE and sEEG electrodes, higher frequency signals exhibited a sharper fall off relative to lower frequency signals. For broadband high gamma (BHG) activity, the mean FWHM of SDEs (6.6 {+/-} 2.5 mm) and sEEGs in gray matter (7.14 {+/-} 1.7 mm) was not significantly different, however the FWHM for low frequencies recorded by sEEGs was 2.45 mm smaller than SDEs. White matter sEEG electrodes showed much lower power for frequencies 17 to 200 Hz (q < 0.01) and a much broader decay (11.3 {+/-} 3.2 mm) than gray matter electrodes (7.14 {+/-} 1.7 mm). The use of a bipolar referencing scheme significantly lowered FWHM for sEEG electrodes, as compared with a white matter reference or a common average reference. These results outline the influence of array design, spectral bands, and referencing schema on local field potential recordings and source localization in icEEG recordings in humans. The metrics we derive have immediate relevance to the analysis and interpretation of both cognitive and epileptic data.
Data parallel switch-level simulation

Data-parallel simulation involves simulating the behavior of a circuit over a number of test sequences simultaneously. Compared to other parallel simulation techniques, data-parallel simulation requires less overhead for synchronization and communication, and it permits higher degrees of parallelism. Two data-parallel versions of the switch-level simulator COSMOS have been implemented. The first runs on conventional machines, exploiting the bit parallelism of machine-level logic operations. This version runs 20-30 times faster than sequential simulation on the same machine. The second runs on a massively parallel SIMD machine, with each processor simulating the circuit behavior for a single test sequence. A simulator running on a 32768-processor machine runs up to 33000 times faster than a sequential simulator on a workstation computer. >
Human Life Support During Interplanetary Travel and Domicile Part V: Mars Expedition Technology Trade Study for Solid Waste Management

A model has been developed for NASA to quantitatively compare and select life support systems and technology options. The model consists of a modular, top-down hierarchical breakdown of the life support system into subsystems, and further breakdown of subsystems into functional elements representing individual processing technologies. This paper includes the technology trades for a Mars mission, using solid waste treatment technologies to recover water from selected liquid and solid waste streams. Technologies include freeze drying, thermal drying, wet oxidation, combustion, and supercritical-water oxidation. The use of these technologies does not have any significant advantages with respect to weight; however, significant power penalties are incurred. A benefit is the ability to convert hazardous waste into a useful resource, namely water.
Collective Action in Organizations: Interaction and Engagement in an Era of Technological Change

Challenging the notion that digital media render traditional, formal organizations irrelevant, this book offers a new theory of collective action and organizing. Based on extensive surveys and interviews with members of three influential and distinctive organizations in the United States - The American Legion, AARP and MoveOn - the authors reconceptualize collective action as a phenomenon in which technology enhances people's ability to cross boundaries in order to interact with one another and engage with organizations. By developing a theory of Collective Action Space, Bimber, Flanagin and Stohl explore how people's attitudes, behaviors, motivations, goals and digital media use are related to their organizational involvement. They find that using technology does not necessarily make people more likely to act collectively, but contributes to a diversity of 'participatory styles', which hinge on people's interaction with one another and the extent to which they shape organizational agendas. In the digital media age, organizations do not simply recruit people into roles, they provide contexts in which people are able to construct their own collective experiences.
Composting process control based on interaction between microbial heat output and temperature.

Rational composting process control involves the interrelated factors of heat output, temperature, ventilation, and water removal. The heat is released microbially at the expense of organic material; temperature is an effect and, because it is a determinant of microbial activity, it is also a cause of heat output; ventilation supplies oxygen and removes heat, mainly through the vaporization of water; water removal results from heat removal. These relationships were implemented in a field-scale process of static-pile configuration, using a mixture of sewage sludge and wood chips. Heat removal was matched to heat output through a temperature feedback control system, thereby maintaining biologically favorable temperatures. The observations indicate that fundamentally there are two kinds of composting systems: those that are and those that are not temperature self-limiting. The self-limiting system reaches inhibitive temperatures (>60°C) which debilitate the microbial community, suppressing decomposition, heat output, and water removal. In contrast, non-self-limiting temperatures (
Biodegradation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in aqueous and soil systems.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was mineralized by microorganisms in aqueous and soil systems. Initial rates of mineralization (micrograms per milliliter per day) were calculated for a wide range of initial concentrations of NDMA (micrograms per milliliter to picograms per milliliter). Log-log plots of the data were fitted with both linear and nonlinear least-squares analyses; however, linear models provided better fits for the kinetic data in all cases. The slopes of the linear fits were not significantly different than 1.0 (P < 0.05); thus, first-order reaction kinetics were in effect over the range of concentrations tested, and saturation kinetics were not achieved. Rate constants (day/sup -1/) and total percent mineralized increased with decreasing initial concentrations of NDMA. Rates of mineralization were reduced in aqueous systems when supplemental carbon was available, whereas in soils, percentages of organic matter and supplemental carbon had little effect on rates of mineralization. Implications of these results for predictions of rates and threshold limits of mineralization activity in natural systems are discussed. A laboratory scale simulated trickling filter containing an activated charcoal bed provided a suitable environment for mineralization of NDMA at concentrations of 50 and 100 ..mu..g/ml on a continuous basis. NDMA was not toxic to natural populationsmore » of microorganisms at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml. Using high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with radioactivity detection. The authors identified formaldehyde and methylamine as intermediates produced during the biodegradation of NDMA.« less
Cereal grain production: Potential for Latin America

Abstract The authors analyse the potential for self-sufficiency in cereal grain production in six different Latin American countries. Based on the assumptions and empirical results of this study, most Latin American countries, with the likely exceptions of Argentina and Colombia, will find it virtually impossible to become selfsufficient in cereal grain production in the 1980s. However, increased investment in agricultural research and the expansion of fertilizer use can help thwart potential cereal grain deficits. Fertilizer and cereal grain imports will be required in most countries to help increase the available supply of cereal grain.
A comparative study of the myoelectric amplitude characteristics for weight-holding tasks.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of load, time, and gender on five amplitude measures of the myoelectric signal (MES) for 10 male and 10 female subjects engaged in upper extremity weight-holding tasks. The results indicated that: (1) measures of amplitude variability (e.g.: standard deviation) are more sensitive to changes in load and time than the full-wave rectified integral and root-mean square indices; (2) both load and time had a significant effect on MES indices, suggesting that amplitude measures may be used as a tool for evaluating the degree of muscular loading and fatigue; (3) females have higher muscular exertion values than males under the same experimental conditions, indicating that females are subjected to higher levels of stresses than males for the same amount of workload. The implications of the results are discussed.
Preface to the special section on data fusion: Architectures and issues

Abstract As a response to the strong interest and activities in the intelligent control community, this special section on Multisensor Fusion and Integration is intended to introduce to control engineers and researchers, an emerging new technology, multisensor data fusion. Growing out of military applications, the technology has become one of the promising new fields with diversified potential in many commercial and industrial applications such as robotics, automated manufacturing, remote sensing, image processing, and signal processing. It is a timely answer to the call to provide an overall perspective on the technology. The objective of this preface is to present a brief review of some of the well-known data fusion architectures, to identify some important issues in sensor fusion that create confusion in both the research and the applications communities, and finally to provide an overview of the papers contributed for this special section.
Intracellular location of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase. I. Spinach and tobacco leaves

Abstract The intracellular location of nitrate and nitrite reductase was determined by extraction and isolation of organelles from spinach and tobacco leaves using sucrose based extraction media and isopycnic sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Nitrite reductase was located in the chloroplasts and nitrate reductase in the cytosol. With certain extraction media, nitrate reductase was found to be associated with all organelles but especially with the broken chloroplasts. This scattered and variable distribution was attributed to indiscriminate adsorption of nitrate reductase by all organelles, since bovine serum albumin eliminated this phenomenon. A low activity of nitrate reductase in crude homogenates or the supernatant fraction of tobacco leaves was due to a heat-stable, small molecular weight inhibitor. Neither soluble or insoluble polyvinylpyrollidone nor sulfhydryl reagents protected nitrate reductase from the inhibitor.
Physical Activity and Colorectal Cancer

Physical activity has been shown to reduce risk of colon cancer. Some studies have shown site-specific associations while others have not. The inverse association between physical activity and colon cancer is consistent although only 7 of 13 studies that have collected both colon and rectal cancer data in the same manner report reduced risk for rectal cancer; four of these studies detected statistically significant inverse associations. The frequency, duration and intensity of activity are important components of a public health message to reduce risk of colon cancer through performance of physical activity. However, difficulties in estimating the exact amount of activity needed and frequency and intensity of activity result in only crude estimates of dose needed for a protective effect. Much of the literature suggest that more intense activity is needed to reduce colon cancer risk and that somewhere between 3.5 and 4 hours of vigorous activity per week may be needed to optimise protection. Several biological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the association between physical activity and colon cancer; many of these mechanisms also support the observation that intense activities are most protective. Biological mechanisms include: physical activity increasing gut motility; enhancing the immune system; decreasing insulin and insulin-like growth factor levels; decreasing obesity; enhancing free radical scavenger systems; and influencing prostaglandin levels. The evidence taken together provides strong support for lack of physical activity being causally related to colon cancer. It has been estimated that 12-14% of colon cancer could be attributed to lack of frequent involvement in vigorous physical activity.
Sign of equilibrium Hall conductivity in strongly correlated systems.

We consider the equilibrium current circulating in a cylindrical geometry, perpendicular to applied magnetic and electric fields in a strongly correlated system. We show that the sign of this current is determined by the derivative of the kinetic energy with respect to the chemical potential. We present exact numerical results from diagonalization of finite clusters to support our arguments. In the case of the Hubbard model with strong on-site repulsion the sign of the equilibrium Hall conductivity is electronlike for a small number of particles and holelike close to half filling.
Double electron excitation in atomic Xe.

An x-ray-absorption experiment on atomic Xe shows a clear evidence of the electron shakeup (off) from the ``valence'' shells when an L-shell electron is excited. A \ensuremath{\Delta} self-consistent-field (\ensuremath{\Delta}SCF) calculation in the dipole approximation was performed based on a local-exchange potential and the sudden approximation. The experimental results show that the model is qualitatively and semiquantitatively correct. Double electron excitations exhaust almost all of the multielectron oscillation strength, which is about 20% of the total. The lowest-lying shake-up channel was found in the calculation to contain more than 70% of the total double excitation strength, which is a significant overestimate compared to the experiment. The energy dependence of the overlap integral ${\mathit{S}}^{2}$ in the \ensuremath{\Delta}SCF approximation is presented. Finally, an effect is noted that depends on the symmetry of the initial state being excited and is not explained by the \ensuremath{\Delta}SCF theory. There is a difference between the ${\mathit{L}}_{\mathrm{I}}$ and ${\mathit{L}}_{\mathrm{II}}$,${\mathit{L}}_{\mathrm{III}}$ edges in the change in slope of the absorption curve in passing through the three identified two-electron excitations. This suggests that there is a quantum interference between the one- and two-electron excitations not accounted for by the theory.
N-hydroxy-monomethoxy-4-aminoazobenzenes: a computational study

Abstract Structures and electronic properties of the N-hydroxy metabolites (N–OH–OMe–AAB) of the monomethoxy-4-aminoazobenzene dyes (OMe–AAB) have been calculated using density functional theory with a basis set that includes polarization functions on all the atoms. Positional isomers with the methoxy group ortho to the hydroxyamino group (N–OH–3(5)-OMe–AAB) are found to be lower in energy than isomers with the methoxy group meta to the hydroxyamino group (N–OH–2(6)-OMe–AAB). The geometrical parameters of the phenyl rings for the corresponding isomers of OMe–AAB and N-OH–OMe–AAB are very similar. The length of the C–NHOH bond, however, is significantly longer than the length of the C–NH2 bond. The energies of the frontier orbitals are more negative for each of the positional isomers of N–OH-OMe-AAB than for the corresponding isomer of OMe–AAB. In particular, the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital decreases a few kcal/mol for each isomer, suggesting that these N-hydroxy metabolites are slightly more electrophilic.
An examination of the structure of governance in California school districts before and after Proposition 13

This paper explores the structure of governance in California school districts. Two alter- native models are considered, the decisive voter (benevolent dictator) model and a model that al- lows for rent-seeking behavior on the part of district decision makers. A formal test between these two models is proposed and implemented. The decisive voter model is found wanting as an expla- nation of school district decision making both before and after the passage of Proposition 13. There is, however, some evidence that the constraints imposed on some districts by Proposition 13 have forced decision makers to act in a manner more consistent with the preferences of their constituents.
Ice ages and orbital variations: Some simple theory and modeling

Abstract Possible physical mechanisms relating orbital-element variations (i.e., the “Milankovitch mechanism” of insolation regime changes) to Quaternary glacial/interglacial transitions are explored quantitatively. These include the seasonal cycle of albedo and the zonal distribution of thermal inertia. These mechanisms can interact with the perturbations to zonal average and seasonal average insolation caused by orbital-element variations to cause a global annual temperature residual, even though such variations can cause only a negligible change in global annual insolation. Numerical model experiments with a zonal energy balance model show that the relative interactions between insolation regime changes and seasonally and latitudinally varying albedo and latitudinally varying thermal inertia are roughly of comparable magnitude. Encouraging agreements between model experiments and data are evident, but these (and others') simulations are still a long way away from providing a satisfying explanation of the physical processes that could fully explain the apparent connections between orbital-element variations and Quaternary glaciations. It seems likely that no single physical process can be identified as predominate, and rather, the hypothesized physical connection between insolation regime changes and glacial/interglacial transitions will have to be built on the interactions of a number of processes on both short and long time scales.
Formation of Isopycnic Phases in H2O/CO2/Ethoxylated Alcohol Surfactant Mixtures

Ternary mixtures of H2O and CO2 with ethoxylated alcohol (CiEj) surfactants can form three coexisting liquid phases at conditions where two of the phases have the same density (isopycnic phases). Isopycnic phase behavior has been observed for mixtures containing the surfactants C8E5, C10E6, and C12E6, but not for those mixtures containing either C4E1 or C8E3. Pressure−temperature (PT) projections for this isopycnic three-phase equilibrium were determined for H2O/CO2/C8E5 and H2O/CO2/C10E6 mixtures at temperatures from approximately 25 to 33 °C and pressures between 90 and 350 bar. Conditions for density-matched phases were measured by observing an inversion of the two liquid phases of interest as a function of pressure at constant temperature. For the H2O/CO2/C8E5 mixtures, the isopycnic pressure at 30.0 °C was also determined by measuring densities of these two phases with increasing pressure across the inversion. This pressure was found to be in very good agreement with the value obtained by observing t...
A primitive immunoligic marker of intrauterine virus infection

Retrospective and prospective studies of the human have suggested that intrauterine mumps virus infection evokes an incomplete immunologic response of delayed hypersensitivity, without humoral antibody. Experimental infection of the subhuman primate during the first third of pregnancy also leads to the development of only cellular immunity in the infant offspring. The significance of delayed hypersensitivity as an immunologic marker of fetal infection is strengthened by the observation of an anamnestic neutralizing antibody response in 2 of 4 infant monkeys following a second skin test. Repeated skin testing of 5 seronegative adult monkeys failed to induce a primary antibody response. Intrauterine mumps virus infection illustrates the phylogenic and ontogenic concept that cellular immunity is the most primitive immunologic response. Experimental infection of 9 monkeys between the 25th–40th day of gestation, with subsequent cesarean section after 1, 2 and 3 weeks, has demonstrated that virus multiplies in the young fetus for only 1 week. Fetal interferon response does not occur, so the termination of viral replication seems to result from transplacental distribution of abundant 7S maternal neutralizing antibody. This conclusion is supported by the restrictive effect of antibody on mumps virus replication in vitro. Thus, the immature fetus confronts minimal antigenic mass and accrues immunopoietic instruction for only the more primitive response of delayed hypersensitivity.
Learning in the development of infant locomotion

Infants master crawling and walking in an environment filled with varied and unfamiliar surfaces. At the same time, infants' bodies and skills continually change. The changing demands of everyday locomotion require infants to adapt locomotion to the properties of the terrain and to their own physical abilities. This Monograph examines how infants acquire adaptive locomotion in a novel task--going up and down slopes. Infants were tested longitudinally from their first week of crawling until several weeks after they began walking. Everyday locomotor experience played a central role in adaptive responding. Over weeks of crawling, infants' judgments became increasingly accurate, and exploration became increasingly efficient. There was no transfer over the transition from crawling to walking. Instead, infants learned, all over again, how to cope with slopes from an upright position. Findings indicate that learning generalized from everyday experience traveling over flat surfaces at home but that learning was specific to infants' typical method of locomotion and vantage point. Moreover, learning was not the result of simple associations between a particular locomotor response and a particular slope. Rather, infants learned to gauge their abilities on-line as they encountered each hill at the start of the trial. Change in locomotor responses and exploratory movements revealed a process of differentiation and selection spurred by changes in infants' everyday experience, body dimensions, and locomotor proficiency on flat ground.
Structural polypeptides of primate derived type C RNA tumor viruses.

Abstract Proteins of gibbon ape lymphosarcoma virus (GaLV) and woolly monkey sarcoma virus, type 1, together with its associated virus ( SSV-1 SSAV-1 ) were analyzed by guanidine-agarose chromatography and the separation patterns were compared with those of mouse and feline type C viruses. GaLV contained five major proteins, including two glycoproteins, whereas lower mammalian viruses contained six major proteins, including two glycoproteins. The molecular weights of the five GaLV proteins closely resembled the molecular weights of the five equivalent lower mammalian viral proteins. SSV-1 SSAV-1 showed a separation pattern similar to GaLV except it contained a low but detectable amount of an additional glycoprotein. Both GaLV and SSV-1 SSAV-1 were deficient in a protein of molecular weight about 15,000 daltons which is found in all known type C viruses of avian, reptilian and lower mammalian species.
Predicting Kindergarten Peer Social Status From Toddler and Preschool Problem Behavior

The aim of this study was to investigate the toddler and preschool predictors of early peer social preference. Behavioral and social functioning were examined in a sample of children across the toddler and preschool years from parent and teacher observations. Kindergarten social behavior and peer social preference were assessed in the children's kindergarten classrooms using standard sociometric techniques. Results indicated that parent report of toddler externalizing behavior and teacher report of preschool problem behavior, as indexed by aggressive behavior, social skills, and emotional regulation, were predictive of peer liking in kindergarten. However, this relation was mediated by specific behaviors evidenced in the kindergarten classroom. For boys, overt aggression mediated these relations. For girls, sharing and engaging in sneaky behavior in kindergarten mediated the relation between preschool problem behaviors and peer status. These results indicate that specific behaviors displayed in the peer group account for the relation between early problem behavior and peer status. Moreover, these data point to the importance of considering gender when examining developmental trajectories and outcomes.
LHRH-systems in the brain of the golden hamster

Vibra tome sections of male hamster brains were treated immunohistochemically with LHRH antiserum, and the anatomical distribution of LHRH immunoreactive cells and nerve fibers was assessed. LHRH-cell bodies are found in the ventral hypothalamus that includes its preoptic, anterior and central parts, in the septum, the olfactory tubercle, the main and accessory olfactory bulb, and the prepiriform cortex. In addition, extracerebral LHRH-neurons and ganglia exist in LHRH-positive nerves at the ventromedial surface of the olfactory tubercle and bulb as well as in olfactory nerves. Dense networks of LHRH-immunoreactive fibers are found in all regions where LHRH-cell bodies exist. Intraseptal connections reach the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, the subfornical organ, and the lateral ventricle. Dorsolateral projections from the septum can be traced via the fimbria hippocampi and alveus to the ventral hippocampus, via the stria terminalis to the amygdala and piriform cortex. Ventrolateral projections extend from the level of the olfactory tubercle and preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area via the ventral amygdalofugal pathway to the prepiriform and piriform cortex as well as the amygdala. Dorsal supracallosal projections via the stria longitudinalis are seen in the induseum griseum and the cingulate cortex. Caudal efferents reach the habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, midbrain raphe, and central gray of the rostral fourth ventricle via the stria medullaris and fasciculus retroflexus and by a ventral projection via the periventricular and subventricular hypothalamus. A major portion of this ventrocaudal projection gives rise to a dense network in the median eminence. Anatomical relationships of LHRH-fibers to certain regions of the inner ventricular and outer brain surface are noted.
Cyclic Performance of Precast Concrete Segmental Bridge Columns: Simplified Analytical and Finite Element Studies

The cyclic performance of an unbonded precast concrete segmental bridge column system is examined in this paper. This system uses unbonded posttensioning to enhance the self-centering capability and mild steel reinforcement extended across the segment joints to enhance the energy dissipation capability. A simplified analytical method for the system under lateral load is established, and the simplified analytical results are compared with those obtained from the three-dimensional (3-D) finite element method (FEM). On the basis of the simplified analytical method, suggestions are made about both the height of the column to which the mild steel should be continued from the foundation and the limitation of the steel ratio to minimize residual displacement. With the steel ratio varied, the correlation between the energy dissipation capability and the self-centering capability of this system is investigated by means of the 3-D FEM. From simulation results, it was found that both the energy dissipation and the r...
Abnormal movement of the arytenoid region during exercise presenting as exercise-induced asthma in an adolescent athlete.

A 16-year-old female basketball player presented with a 2½-year history of exercise-induced severe dyspnea, stridor, and mild wheezing that did not respond to prophylactic treatment with β-agonists and cromolyn. Spirometric data at rest were normal, but flow-volume loops during exercise suggested a variable extrathoracic obstruction. Laryngoscopic evaluation while the patient was riding an exercise bicycle demonstrated an abnormal motion of the arytenoid region causing obstruction of the airway during inspiration. The vocal cords moved normally. This patient demonstrates the capacity of supraglottic tissue to obstruct the airway during exercise as a cause for exercise-induced dyspnea and stridor. Patients with this disorder may be misdiagnosed as having exercise-induced asthma.
Why convene rater teams: An investigation of the benefits of anticipated discussion, consensus, and rater motivation

This study explores the importance of anticipated group discussion, the consensus decision rule, and rater motivation in determining how well rater teams identify ratee behaviors, i.e., behavioral accuracy. Results, based on 382 raters in 111 teams, suggest that the anticipation of group discussion can improve behavioral accuracy, but it appears that the benefits of discussion-only teams are limited to this anticipation effect. Furthermore, it also appears that rater motivation plays an important role in this type of team. Rater teams required to reach consensus, however, appear to show improved behavioral accuracy, regardless of whether raters can anticipate the consensus discussion and regardless of rater motivation levels. Implications, especially for assessment centers, are discussed.
Dopaminergic agonist properties of ephedrine--theoretical implications.

Reports of ephedrine-induced psychoses resembling amphetamine psychosis prompted studies of this classic sympathomimetic agent in systems that indicate central dopaminergic actions. Ephedrine induced dose-related stereotyped behavior in rats. This behavior was antagonized by haloperidol, but not by α-or β-adrenergic blockers.
A feasibility study on mean areal rainfall estimation and hydrologic response in the Blue Nile region using METEOSAT images

Abstract The feasibility of using a bi-spectral frequency analysis method to estimate daily mean areal precipitation (MAP) from 3-hourly METEOSAT visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) images over the Blue Nile river catchment (about 35–40° East Longitude and 8–12° North Latitude) in support of hydrologic studies is explored. The data record used spans the period 14 July 14 August 1995. At first, the study addresses the spatiotemporal variability of the satellite images, the determination of the relationship between topography and satellite data and the inference of MAP from satellite images using the bi-spectral method and a multi-variate regression. Validation of the estimated MAPs is carried out with data from a sparse raingauge network in the region. These estimates are next used in a sensitivity study to determine the dependence of the Blue Nile region hydrologic response on the type of precipitation forcing (raingauge-based vs. satellite-based estimates). A conceptual semi-distributed hydrologic model is used to simulate hydrologic processes pertaining to soil water and channel routing with a 1×1° resolution. Principal conclusions of this initial sensitivity study are: (a) use of the bi-spectral method, complemented with an appropriate multi-variate regression formulation, improves MAP estimates during the aforementioned time interval substantially, for daily rainfall rates greater than about 7 mm day −1 ; (b) aggregate hydrologic response of the Blue Nile region is very sensitive to the type of precipitation forcing used; and (c) substantial spatial variability of the sensitivity of hydrologic response to the type of precipitation forcing exists in the region. The use of satellite-derived MAP estimates is recommended together with recalibration of hydrologic models using spatially variable parameter values, and analysis of uncertainty propagation through model components and for various sub-catchments.
System-level process-driven variability analysis for single and multiple voltage-frequency island systems

The problem of determining bounds for application completion times running on generic systems comprised of single or multiple voltage-frequency islands (VFIs) with arbitrary topologies is addressed in the context of manufacturing-driven variability. The approach provides an exact solution for the system-level timing yield in single clock, single voltage (SSV) and VFI systems with an underlying tree-based topology, and a tight upper bound for generic, non-tree based topologies. The results show that: (a) timing yield for overall source-to- sink completion time for generic systems can be modeled in an exact manner for both SSV and VFI systems; and (b) multiple VFI, latency-constrained systems can achieve 11--90% higher timing yield than their SSV counterparts. The results are proven formally and supported by experimental results on two embedded applications, namely software defined radio and MPEG2 encoder.