cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic/Chemical Changes During Ground-Water Recharge by Injectiona

Ground-water recharge by injection of reclaimed water is a feasible method of improving ground-water quality in the shallow acquifer system in the Palo Alto Baylands along the San Francisco Bay. Ground water was initially more saline than sea water. Reclaimed water was injected at a rate of 10 gallons per minute from June 5, 1980, to July 1, 1980. At the completion of injection, water from an observation well 31 feet from the injection well was 98 percent injected water - in essence, fresh water. An abrupt rise in the water level in the injection well of about 1.5 feet during the initial injection test was the result of a 3.5 percent density difference between injected fresh water and saline ground water. The arrival of injected water at observation wells showed the same effect, allowing monitoring of chemical and hydraulic changes entirely through water-level data.
Where Is Your Arm? Variations in Proprioception Across Space and Tasks

The sense of limb position is crucial for movement control and environmental interactions. Our understanding of this fundamental proprioceptive process, however, is limited. For example, little is known about the accuracy of arm proprioception: Does it vary with changes in arm configuration, since some peripheral receptors are engaged only when joints move toward extreme angles? Are these variations consistent across different tasks? Does proprioceptive ability change depending on what we try to localize (e.g., fingertip position vs. elbow angle)? We used a robot exoskeleton to study proprioception in 14 arm configurations across three tasks, asking healthy subjects to 1) match a pointer to elbow angles after passive movements, 2) match a pointer to fingertip positions after passive movements, and 3) actively match their elbow angle to a pointer. Across all three tasks, subjects overestimated more extreme joint positions; this may be due to peripheral sensory signals biasing estimates as a safety mechanism to prevent injury. We also found that elbow angle estimates were more precise when used to judge fingertip position versus directly reported, suggesting that the brain has better access to limb endpoint position than joint angles. Finally, precision of elbow angle estimates improved in active versus passive movements, corroborating work showing that efference copies of motor commands and alpha-gamma motor neuron coactivation contribute to proprioceptive estimates. In sum, we have uncovered fundamental aspects of normal proprioceptive processing, demonstrating not only predictable biases that are dependent on joint configuration and independent of task but also improved precision when integrating information across joints.
Amplification by wave distortion in unstable combustors

Pressure wave distortion effects on combustor acoustic mode instability based on model with burning rate related to Reynolds number
Probabilities and utilities of fictional outcomes in Wason's four-card selection task

Four experiments are presented that show that selections in Wason's (1966) four-card selection task can be increased by increasing the probability that cards will yield important outcomes. Experiment 4 also shows that selections can be influenced by varying the utilities of possible outcomes. These results suggest that some important content effects in this task may not arise from inferential processes, and examples are given of how probabilities and utilities have been confounded with other manipulations in previous research. The recent trend towards content-dependent theories of reasoning may have arisen largely because theorists are attempting to construct models of inferential reasoning that can account for what are, in part, non-inferential phenomena. Content-independent inferential processes and content-independent choice processes may operate together to account for content effects in the selection task.
Short-cuts in issuance decisions and subsequent small firm performance

This paper examines the subsequent change in performance characteristics of companies that make security issuance choices consistent with “following the herd.” It extends the literature on decision heuristics (i.e., decision short-cuts) by exploring the outcome of mimicking behavior. Results suggest that firms that issue equity in an environment consistent with mimicking are associated with subsequent increased risk of bankruptcy relative to their non-mimicking counterparts. Moreover, the results also suggest that these mimicking actions are not associated with subsequent changes in profitability. This gives support to the argument that decision short-cuts produce suboptimal results. Moreover, the effect is concentrated in very small (i.e., micro-cap) companies, but not present for companies in larger size categories. Similar patterns for debt issuers who mimic competitors are not observed, which may reflect the greater scrutiny imposed by lenders and debt under-writers with regard to debt issuances.
Superior vena cava syndrome--a proposed classification system and algorithm for management.

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome has a characteristic and often striking clinical presentation, which can occasionally be life threatening. It is caused by obstruction of the SVC either by extrinsic compression or internal thrombus. Clinical signs include cyanosis, plethora, distention of subcutaneous vessels, and edema of the arms, head and neck. Edema may compromise the function of the larynx or pharynx, causing dyspnea, stridor, cough, hoarseness, and dysphagia. A more serious sequela is cerebral edema, causing headaches, confusion, and possibly coma. Cardiac output may be diminished transiently by acute SVC obstruction. However, within a few hours, the increased venous pressure forces blood through collaterals so that a steady state of blood return is once again achieved. Evidence of hemodynamic compromise is usually a result of mass effect on the heart itself rather than the SVC compression.1–5 Traditionally, SVC syndrome has been viewed as a relative emergency. However, a recent review of data6 reveals that in most instances the course is relatively benign, and in fact often improves without any active treatment.5 Which patients require urgent intervention and which patients require little specific treatment for SVC syndrome has not been well defined. There are no detailed guidelines addressing the management of SVC obstruction. Though a general recommendation supporting the consideration of radiotherapy and/or stent placement for symptomatic SVC obstruction from lung cancer has been made both by the American College of Chest Physicians and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, specific recommendations are currently lacking. Definition of the management is particularly important as the spectrum of possible interventions has increased, from radiotherapy and chemotherapy to thrombolytics and SVC stenting. Definition of a nuanced approach to patients with SVC syndrome has been hampered by lack of a method to describe variations in the presentation of such patients. The purpose of this article is to propose a classification scheme for patients with SVC obstruction according to the severity of symptoms. This in turn provides a basis for a treatment algorithm, matching different interventions with the severity of symptoms to define a rational framework of how to approach these patients.
Pressureless sintering of polycarbonate powder compacted at ambient temperature

Solid-state processing of polymer powders through compaction and sintering has potential advantages over conventional polymer processing methods. However, pressureless sintering of compacted polymer powders has often been unsuccessful. In a previous paper (2), room temperature compaction of polycarbonate powder was studied to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that control polymer compaction. This paper focuses on the pressureless sintering of room temperature compacted polycarbonate powder. Thermomechanical analysis was used to characterize the dependence of dimensional recovery on time, temperature, and compaction pressure for compacts formed from both aged and unaged polycarbonate. It was found that all polycarbonate compacts exhibited irreversible expansion when heated to relatively low temperatures (∼ 50°C), with large-scale expansion occurring near its glass transition temperature. It was concluded that irreversible expansion of polymer compacts is driven by entropic factors. Therefore, parameters that affect the degree of particle deformation during compaction also affect the degree of dimensional recovery that occurs during pressureless sintering.
Quotation and reference accuracy of three nursing journals.

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of bibliographic citations in three widely circulated nursing journals, RN, Nursing Management, and Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship. Accurate citations facilitate retrieval of the cited documents and establish the judgment and credibility of authors. Design: Descriptive, comparative. Methods: A random sample of 60 references per journal published July 1995 to June 1996 was reviewed for citation and quotation accuracy. Errors were classified as major or minor. Data were analyzed using the SAS statistical package. Findings: Of the 180 references, 58 (32%) had citation errors, with 43 of 58 errors classified as major errors, which made retrieval of the cited work difficult; 72 of the 780 articles contained a major quotation error, including four instances where the content of the original article contradicted or was unrelated to the author's contention. Conclusions: The rate of citation and quotation errors in the three sampled nursing journals is comparable to rates previously reported for medical and nursing journals. Errors of citation and quotation diminish the value of published papers.
Age-related studies on the removal of 7-methylguanine from DNA of mouse kidney tissue following N-methyl-N-nitrosourea treatment

To investigate the effects of age on DNA repair of alkylation damage, C57BL/6NNia mice ranging from 9 months to 29 months of age were injected by the intraperitoneal route with single doses of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). The rates of removal of 7-methylguanine (m7Gua) in nuclear DNA from kidney were determined at various intervals from 1 to 288 h after injection of either 25 mg or 50 mg MNU per kg body weight. Reversed phase HPLC with electrochemical detection was used to monitor adduct disappearance from DNA hydrolysates. The kinetics of m7Gua removal from DNA were at least biphasic. Evidence was obtained that there was a rapid removal of m7Gua occurring in the first 24 h after MNU administration, followed by a slow phase of removal with a t1/2 greater than 150 h. We assume that these two phases of m7Gua removal correspond to active repair of DNA by N-alkylglycosylases and to passive elimination via spontaneous hydrolysis, respectively. Young and old kidney tissues all exhibited significant repair of m7Gua (55-73% of the induced adducts were removed in the first 24 h), but a substantial fraction of m7Gua was removed slowly, indicating that there are methylated bases which were refractory to repair processes. At both doses of MNU studied, old tissues showed active repair of m7Gua that, within the limits of detection, had similar initial rates of removal as young tissues. However, old kidney did not remove this adduct with the same overall efficiency as young kidney. Therefore, the amount of m7Gua in the repair-resistant fraction was greater in the senescent tissues. The biochemical mechanisms responsible for the less efficient DNA repair in senescent kidney are not known, but we suggest that such differences are due in part to structural alterations in the chromatin.
Admittance of a forward-biased P-N + junction diode

Numerical solutions of the basic semiconductor transport equations are used to analyze the ac behavior of a forward-biased diode.
Origin of life: Primordial soup that cooks itself.

The spontaneous syntheses of some of life's building blocks from simple precursors have previously been demonstrated in isolation. Now it has been shown that they might all emerge from just one set of ingredients.
The Pantothenic Acid Requirement of Turkey Hens

Abstract EXPERIMENTS on the pantothenic acid requirement of poults with an extracted type of ration indicated that the need for optimum growth was definitely higher than for chicks (Lepkovsky et al., 1945). Later work with a heated diet showed that, when it was properly supplemented, it could be used satisfactorily for pantothenic acid studies (Kratzer and Williams, 1948) whereas the heated diet had proven unsatisfactory earlier (Jukes, 1938). Symptoms of a deficiency in poults were dermatitis, poor growth and high mortality. Work with chicken hens has demonstrated the need for pantothenic acid for hatchability and good liveability in chicks (Gillis et al., 1948). In the present study, the need for pantothenic acid in the diet of turkey breeder hens was investigated in experiments extending over three breeding seasons. EXPERIMENTAL The basal ration deficient in pantothenic acid contained the following: water-washed fishmeal, 13.0 g.; heated ground corn, 50.0 g.; heated ground wheat, …
Optical properties of aluminum oxide in the vacuum ultraviolet

Abstract Absorption data on anodized AL 2 O 3 , films are presented for incident photon energies from 5 to 18 eV. Transmittance and reflectance data on corundum (single crystal Al 2 O 3 ) are presented and analyzed to yield the optical constants, dielectric constants, and energy-loss functions over the energy range 8 to 28·5 eV. For the corundum, a Kramers-Kronig method of analysis is used which does not require extrapolation of the reflectance to energies above the limit of the experimental data. A discussion of errors is given. Interpretation of the data is in terms of excitons, interband transitions, and collective oscillations, with a comparison of the results for the anodized films and the single crystal Al 2 O 3 . Sum rules are discussed and used in explaining the closeness in energy of the maximum in the loss function- Im (ϵ) -1 and the calculated free electron plasma energy.
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide mRNA and Peptide Levels are Decreased in the Anterior Pituitary of the Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Transgenic Mouse

We recently reported that galanin gene expression is markedly increased in the hyperplastic anterior pituitary gland of the human growth hormone-releasing hormone (hGHRH) transgenic mouse. To determine if another pituitary peptide hormone with putative growth-promoting activity is similarly affected, or if this effect is specific to the peptide galanin, we examined vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis of male hGHRH transgenic and non-transgenic mice. The objectives were to: 1) assess VIP peptide concentrations, 2) estimate relative differences in VIP mRNA levels, 3) determine the effects of acute treatment with 17beta-estradiol on VIP peptide and mRNA levels, and 4) quantify the density of immunoreactive VIP pituitary cells by immunohistochemistry. Four to five month old male hGHRH transgenic mice and their non-transgenic siblings were identified by PCR. Immunoreactive VIP concentrations were decreased by 50% in the anterior pituitary glands of hGHRH transgenic mice as compared to non-transgenic siblings. In contrast, no differences in immunoreactive VIP concentrations were observed in the hypothalamus or frontal cerebral cortex of transgenic and non-transgenic mice. Treatment with 17beta-estradiol significantly increased VIP concentrations in the anterior pituitary gland of both transgenic and non-transgenic mice; however, VIP peptide concentrations in the anterior pituitary glands of hGHRH transgenic mice remained 50% lower. Relative differences in VIP mRNA levels were estimated by RT-PCR, and were found to be 2.5-fold higher in the anterior pituitary glands of non-transgenic mice. In contrast, no differences in VIP mRNA levels in the cerebral cortex were detected between transgenic and non-transgenic mice. Treatment with 17beta-estradiol increased VIP mRNA levels in the anterior pituitary, but not in the cerebral cortex. In concert with the changes in VIP peptide and mRNA, the density of immunoreactive VIP pituitary cells was decreased approximately 50% in hGHRH transgenic mice. In conclusion, unlike galanin gene expression, VIP peptide and mRNA levels are significantly decreased in the anterior pituitary gland of hGHRH transgenic mice. Moreover, these changes appear to be tissue-specific and are likely due, in part, to the decrease in the density of VIP-containing pituitary cells in the hyperplastic pituitary. Although the pituitary cell type(s) synthesizing VIP remains unclear, these data suggest that VIP in the anterior pituitary is not stimulating pituitary tumor development in hGHRH transgenic mice.
Granulocytosis-Promoting Extract of Mouse Tumor Tissue: Partial Purification

A granulocytosis-promoting extract of mouse tumor tissue was partially purified by differential precipitation with cold 20- to 30-percent ethanol at pH 6.5, "salting out" with 50- to 75-percent saturated ammonium sulfate, and filtration through Sephadex G-75 dextran gel. In intact mice, single doses of the extract (at least 12 micrograms per gram of body weight) induced up to a 30-fold increase in circulating granulocytes and a two- to threefold decrease in circulating mononuclear cells within 3 to 7 hours of intravenous injection.
Language-Appropriate Assessments for Determining Eligibility of English Language Learners for Special Education Services:

Appropriate assessment of English language learners with academic struggles remains problematic (Alvarez, 1991). The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic practices of a large cultura...
Opportunities to Emphasize Fisheries Concerns in Federal Agency Decision‐making: An Introduction

Abstract Many federal agencies engage in activities that can significantly affect fisheries habitat. Although laws such as the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) establish assorted federal natural resource policies by creating, defining, or regulating rights, no comprehensive law requires federal agencies to prevent threats to fish and fish habitat in their activities. However, procedural laws mandate that agencies consider effects on fisheries in the decision-making process prior to taking action. While some laws are purely procedural, many—such as the CWA and the ESA—have both substantive and procedural components. The federal agency decision-making process was standardized by the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (APA). Subsequently, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) compelled federal agencies to fully consider possible environmental consequences of their activities before taking action. A basic understanding of...
Temporal integration and temporal backward associations in human and nonhuman subjects.

Two experiments are reported that demonstrate temporal integration of independently acquired temporal relationships, including backward associations, in both human (Experiment 1) and nonhuman (rats, Experiment 2) subjects. The experiments were designed and analyzed in the framework of the temporal coding hypothesis (e.g., Matzel, Held, & Miller, 1988; Savastano & Miller, 1998) as a strategy toward illuminating the use of temporal information and assessing the existence of temporal backward associations. Both experiments provided evidence of retrieval of associations to an event that was expected to occur prior to the moment in time at which a stimulus was presented (i.e., backward associations). In addition, Experiment 1 constitutes the first controlled demonstration of temporal integration by human subjects.
Siderotic nodules in the cirrhotic liver at MR imaging with explant correlation: no increased frequency of dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for detection of siderotic nodules in patients with cirrhosis and whether the frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodules is greater if siderotic nodules are present. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging (1.5 T) was performed within 0–117 days (mean, 30 days) before liver transplantation in 77 patients. Two readers retrospectively evaluated gradient-echo (GRE) (echo time [TE], ≥9 and 4–5 msec) and turbo short inversion time inversion-recovery or T2-weighted images for low-signal-intensity nodules. Whole-explant pathologic correlation was available in every case. RESULTS: At explantation, 28 (36%) of 77 patients had HCC, 25 (32%) had dysplastic nodules, and nine (12%) had both; 35 (45%) patients had siderotic nodules. The sensitivity of GRE imaging with 9-msec or longer TE for the detection of siderotic nodules was 80% (28 of 35) but decreased to 31% (11 of 35) with 4–5-msec TE. Frequency of HCC was not significant...
Characterization of oxygen, carbon, and sulfur adlayers on W(211)

Abstract Adlayers of oxygen, carbon, and sulfur on W(211) have been characterized by LEED, AES, TPD, and CO adsorption. Oxygen initially adsorbs on the W(211) surface forming p(2 × 1)O and p(1 × 1)O structures. Atomic oxygen is the only desorption product from these surfaces. This initial adsorption selectively inhibits CO dissociation in the CO(β1) state. Increased oxidation leads to a p(1 × 1)O structure which totally inhibits CO dissociation. Volatile metal oxides desorb from the p(1 × 1)O surface at 1850 K. Oxidation of W(211) at 1200 K leads to reconstruction of the surface and formation of p(1 × n)O LEED patterns, 3 ⩽ n ⩽ 7. The reconstructed surface also inhibits CO dissociation and volatile metal oxides are observed to desorb at 1700 K, as well as at 1850 K. Carburization of the W(211) surface below 1000 K produced no ordered structures. Above 1000 K carburization produces a c(6 × 4)C which is suggested to result from a hexagonal tungsten carbide overlayer. CO dissociation is inhibited on the W(211)−c(6×4)C surface. Sulfur initially orders into a c(2 × 2)S structure on W(211). Increased coverage leads to a c(2×6)S structure and then a complex structure. Adsorbed sulfur reduces CO dissociation on W(211), but even at the highest sulfur coverages CO dissociation was observed. Sulfur was found to desorb as atomic S at 1850 K for sulfur coverages less than 7 6 monolayers. At higher sulfur coverages the dimer, S2, was observed to desorb at 1700 K in addition to atomic sulfur desorption.
Calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization: citrate inhibition of nucleation and growth steps

Abstract The inhibitory action of citrate on calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystallization has been examined in terms of nucleation and crystal growth kinetic properties. Lag-time data for the appearance of crystals and [14C] oxalate incorporation under crystal growth conditions allowed us to investigate the influence of citrate at physiological levels (3.5mM). Moreover, through the use of the EQUIL software, we formulated our solutions based on calculations of solute composition such that free calcium concentrations were the same in the absence and presence of this tricarboxylic acid. The presence of citrate had little effect on the apparent interfacial free energy as determined by nucleation kinetic studies, but total particle production was greater in the absence of citrate; this was evident from electron microscopy and was also indicated by corresponding values of pre-exponential terms of the Gibbs-Thomson equation. Crystal growth rates were lowered in the presence of citrate to 30% of the uninhibited value, and distinctive morphological habit modifications were also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Together, these findings suggest that citrate may influence COM crystallization at several stages, and we present a model for face-specific growth inhibition by citrate acting on the (010) COM crystal face.
The theory of optimum currency area revisited: Lessons from the euro/dollar competitive currency regimes

Abstract This paper presents an analytic paradigm of the euro/dollar competitive currency regimes and relates it to the concept of optimum currency area. It is argued that the competitive value of a currency in the global market depends on the shares of world output and trade it represents. In the post-WWII decades the dollar was the king as it represented competitively very large shares of world output and trade, no other currency regime coming close to it. With the progression of the European Union, leading to Europeanization of Europe, one common economic unit with its well-defined micro-and-macro economic parameters has been placed on the continental geographic unit of Europe. Of course, only 12 of the original 15 EU member economies have voluntarily surrendered their monetary sovereignty to become members of the euro regime. The 3 out-members and the 10 new members have yet to join the euro club. We begin our study with the EU-12 who have adopted euro as their common currency under one common central bank, The European Central Bank (ECB), and extend our analysis to the EU-15 and the EU-25. The euro has progressively become a global currency as its shares of world output and trade have become competitively large. Thus, the euro/dollar competitive currency regimes present a choice of optimum currency areas for the global economy. The concept of geo-economics has replaced the Cold War concept of geo-politics. The European Union is based on the principle of competition and the euro/dollar competitive currency regimes will contribute to the optimization of economic gains for all micro units – households as well as business units – in the two currency regimes and also in the rest of the world.
The case for entrepreneurship in R&D in the pharmaceutical industry

A lack of entrepreneurial behaviour has often been highlighted as a contributor to the decline in the research and development (R&D) productivity of the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we present an assessment of entrepreneurship in the industry, based on interviews with 26 former and current leaders of R&D departments at major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Factors are highlighted that could be important in promoting entrepreneurial behaviour, which might serve as a catalyst for revitalizing R&D productivity.
Supramolecular nanovalves controlled by proton abstraction and competitive binding

A functional integrated nanosystem for trapping and releasing molecules under deliberate control is prepared. The openings to nanosized pores in silica particles are regulated by gatekeeper supermolecules that are controlled by pH stimulation and competitive binding. Controlled release of fluorescent probe molecules is demonstrated using (i) organic bases, (ii) fluorodialkylammonium ions, and (iii) metal ions as actuators. The rate of the release of the probe molecules depends on the size of the base, the dimension of the probe molecules, and the binding affinity of the metal/fluorodialkylammonium cations employed.
Dielectric properties and energy storage performance of CCTO/polycarbonate composites: influence of CCTO synthesis route

This work explores the effect of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) synthetic route on CCTO/polycarbonate (PC) composite microstructure, low-field dielectric properties (eeff and tan δ), and high-field polarization behavior. CCTO was synthesized via the traditional solid-state route and a wet chemical sol–gel route. PXRD, FE-SEM and BET analysis results show that sol–gel CCTO particles are 20 times smaller and have 20 times more surface area per gram than solid-state CCTO particles. Solution-blended 20 vol% sol–gel CCTO/PC composites have up to 12 times higher eeff values than PC. Surprisingly, the permittivity enhancement due to the smaller sol–gel CCTO particles is not much more than that found using the larger solid-state CCTO particles. Sol–gel CCTO/PC composites show higher dielectric loss and specific conductivity than solid-state CCTO/PC composites, probably due to the presence of polyethylene glycol added as a dispersant in sol–gel CCTO synthesis. The CCTO introduces ferroelectric behavior to the composites, including significant remanent polarization, hysteresis, and energy dissipation. The stored and recovered energy densities in CCTO/PC are up to five times higher than PC at the same applied electric field, but the percentage energy loss reaches 70 %. CCTO/PC composites also have greatly reduced breakdown field strength compared to PC, so the composites’ maximum stored energy density is much less than that of PC. Thus CCTO/PC composites are promising for applications requiring high eeff values at low field strengths, but not as dielectrics for high density, pulse power energy storage.
Conjunctival instillation of retinal antigens induces tolerance Does it invoke mucosal tolerance mediated via conjunctiva associated lymphoid tissues (CALT)

Conjunctiva associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) is histologically very similar to other mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) like gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), and forms an integral part of the mucosal immune system. Several studies have shown that antigens encountered by GALT and BALT, induce a state of tolerance rather than sensitization. This MALT induced suppression of immune responses against antigen is manifest in both the humoral and cell mediated components of the immune system. The phenomenon of mucosa induced tolerance to a variety of antigens, including retinal antigens, has been well documented with regard to GALT and BALT. However, similar information concerning CALT is not available. In this preliminary study, using retinal antigens and the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model, we were able to demonstrate that antigen specific tolerance to two retinal antigens, S-antigen and interphotoreceptor retinol-binding protein (IRBP), co...
The effects of spending on test pass rates: evidence from Michigan

Abstract This study uses data on standardized test scores from 1992 through 1998 at Michigan schools to determine the effects of spending on student performance. The years in the data set straddle 1994, when Michigan dramatically changed the way that K-12 schools are funded, and moved toward equalization of spending across schools. Focusing on pass rates for a fourth-grade math tests (the most complete and consistent data available for Michigan), I find that increases in spending have nontrivial, statistically significant effects on math test pass rates, and the effects are largest for schools with initially poor performance.
Generalized L-statistics: Correction to the Form of the Asymptotic Variance Presented by Helmers et al. (1990)

We show that the asymptotic variance of a “generalized L-statistic” is a function of the difference between the conditional and unconditional cumulative distribution functions of the kernel used to form the statistic.
Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis After Surgical or Nonsurgical Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Systematic Review

Objective: To determine if surgical or nonsurgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament rupture affects the prevalence of posttraumatic tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). Data Sources: Studies ...
Clusters as Ligands. 5. Tricobalt Cluster Alkoxycarboxylates of Titanium and Zirconium Exhibiting Novel Structures and Properties

The protonolysis of group 4 M(IV)(OR)4, M = Ti, Zr, organic alkyl- or aryloxides with the cluster acid (CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2H) leads to a series of novel tricobalt cluster M(IV) alkoxy- or aryloxycarboxylates, most of which contain bridging oxo ligands. The compounds, which are isolated in good yield as crystalline substances and characterized spectroscopically as well as crystallographically, are Zr2(μ-OCH(CH3)2)2(OCH(CH3)2)2{μ-(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}2{(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}2, 1; Ti4(μ3-O)4(OR)4{μ-(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}4, 2 (R = CH(CH3)2, 2a; (CH2)3CH3, 2b; C6H5,2c; 2,6-(CH3)2-C6H3, 2d); Ti6(μ3-O)4(μ-OCH2CH3)4(OCH2CH3)8{μ-(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}4, 3; and [Ti6(μ3-O)2(μ-O)2(μ-OCH(CH3)2)2(OCH(CH3)2)2(1,2-O2C6H4)4{μ-(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}4], 4. Further, the mixed-metal derivatives [Ti2Co2{(OCH2)3CCH3}2(OCH(CH3)2)2{μ-(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}4], 5, and [{Co3Ti(OCH3)6(HOCH3)(THF){μ-(CO)9Co3(μ3-CCO2)}3}2(O2CCO2)]·2HOCH3·2THF,6, in which the Co(II) ions are derived from in situ tricobalt cluster degradation, are characterized in similar fashion....
The activity coefficient of oxygen in binary liquid metal alloys

The Wagner model with one energy parameter,h, for describing the effect of alloying elements on the activity coefficients of nonmetallic solutes in liquid metals is extended to have two energy parameters,h 1andh 2. The validity of both the Wagner one-parameter equation and the newly derived two-parameter equation is tested using data available in the literature for twelve ternary metal-oxygen systems. In order to have consistent thermodynamic data, all the relevant binary, as well as the twelve ternary metal-oxygen systems are evaluated using the same thermodynamic values for the reference materials which were used in carrying out the experimental measurements. It is found that the twoparameter equation is capable of quantitatively accounting for the compositional dependences of the activity coefficients of oxygen in all twelve ternary systems while the Wagner one-parameter equation is not. A correlation between the Wagner parameter,h, and the thermodynamic properties of the respective binary metal-oxygen and binary metals systems is found, from which the value of this parameter may be predicted without referring to any ternary data. Accordingly, the two-parameter equation is more useful in evaluating ternary experimental data while the Wagner one-parameter equation in connection with the correlation betweenh and binary data is capable of predicting ternary data without any experimental investigation in the ternary region. Based on the one-parameter and the two-parameter equations, theoretical equations for the first-order and second-order free energy interaction parameters,(∈ 0 j )sand(ρ 0 j )s, are derived in terms of the model parameters. The values of(∈ 0 j )s and(ρ 0 j )s for all the systems are derived and are found to vary linearly with the reciprocal of temperature. Furthermore, linear relationships between these two interaction parameters and their slopes with 1/T are found, from which the temperature dependence of the interaction parameters may be estimated in the absence of experimental data.
Neonatal handling, behaviour and reproduction in Orange‐winged amazons and Cockatiels

Studies of reproductive management of captive Orange-winged amazons Amazona amazonica and Cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus show that early behavioural experiences, specifically being handled by humans during the nestling stage, can influence not only tameness but also immune status and, in Cockatiels, adult reproductive performance. Behavioural studies also show that inactivity characterizes much of the time budget (c. 75–90%) of ♂ and ♀ members of breeding pairs of wild-caught Orange-winged amazons under typical captive conditions, even though serum sex-steroid levels change dramatically during the course of a reproductive cycle. Other studies show that operant behaviour techniques can be used in monogamous parrots to study the reinforcing efficacy of visual access to conspecifics.
Role of type 1 fimbriae and mannose in the development of Escherichia coli K12 biofilm: from initial cell adhesion to biofilm formation

The influence of type 1 fimbriae, mannose-sensitive structures, on biofilm development and maturation has been examined by the use of three isogenic Escherichia coli K12 strains: wild type, fimbriated, and non-fimbriated. Experiments with the three strains were done in minimal medium or Luria–Bertani broth supplemented with different concentrations of d-mannose. The investigation consisted of: (1) characterizing the bacterial surface of the three strains with respect to hydrophilicity and surface charge, (2) investigating the effect of type 1 fimbriae on bacterial adhesion rate and reversibility of initial adhesion on glass surfaces, and (3) verifying the role of type 1 fimbriae and exopolysaccharides (EPS) in biofilm maturation. The results suggest that type 1 fimbriae are not required for the initial bacterial adhesion on glass surfaces as the non-fimbriated cells had higher adhesion rates and irreversible deposition. Type 1 fimbriae, however, are critical for subsequent biofilm development. It was hypo...
Single-Molecule Investigation of the Intraflagellar Transport of Membrane Signaling Proteins

In the past decade, cilia/flagella have come to be known as essential sensory organelles for cells. These cilia/flagella perform their sensory function via signaling pathways that include flagellar membrane signaling proteins and intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery comprised of IFT particles and BBSome particles. While the membrane signaling proteins are responsible for collecting information regarding a cell's environment, the IFT machinery has been implicated in effecting the delivery of this information through the translocation and proper positioning of the signaling proteins along the flagellar body. Unfortunately, current understanding of this intraflagellar translocation and positioning is limited to rough measurements of average IFT speeds with little regard for speed fluctuations and the causes thereof. Further, the equally important diffusive motion of signaling proteins in the flagellar membrane has been largely ignored. As such, we use single-molecule fluorescence imaging methods to study the intraflagellar motion of BBS4-GFP, IFT20-GFP, and Pkd2-GFP, a transmembrane signaling protein, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. (i) In the flagellar entry region, we have found that Pkd2 largely performs Brownian diffusion, implicating lateral membrane diffusion as a primary flagellar entry mechanism. (ii) In the flagellar body, we have found that IFT trains exhibit speed changes of approximately ± 400 nm/s, which we interpret as events of dropping off or picking up membrane signaling proteins. Futhermore, we have observed the average speed of an IFT train with a BBSome attached to be 300 nm/s slower than the speed of a train without a BBSome, indicating that the BBSome carries at least one membrane signaling protein. (iii) Finally, at the flagellar tip, BBSomes remain bound to their associated membrane signaling proteins, diffusing in the membrane at the tip for an average of two seconds before undergoing retrograde IFT.
Development of a quantitative antigen-specific cell-based ELISA for the 7G7/B6 monoclonal antibody directed toward IL-2Rα

Interleukin-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha, CD25) has been identified as a valuable target for immunotherapy. The 7G7/B6 monoclonal antibody, a mouse IgG2a kappa, recognizes an epitope of the IL-2Ralpha peptide, other than that identified by anti-Tac. This antibody is currently being explored for potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Here, we show a cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CbELISA) method for quantitative measurement of the binding activity of the 7G7/B6 antibody to the Kit-225-iG3 cell line expressing IL-2Ralpha antigen on the cell surface. The cell- and antigen-specificity of the assay was established using specific cell lines and irrelevant control antibodies. Satisfactory binding curves were demonstrated with Kit-225-iG3 cells grown between 3 and 25 passages in culture and at seed densities of 2 x 10(5)-4 x 10(6) cells/well. The assay shows reproducible dose-response curves in the concentration range of 10-1000 ng/ml. The assay validation data presented here indicate that this CbELISA assay is quantitative, reproducible, robust, precise, and can be used to test the biological activity, lot to lot comparison, and stability of 7G7/B6 monoclonal antibody.
Detection of sinusoidal amplitude modulation at unexpected rates

The detectability of sinusoidal amplitude modulation at unexpected modulation rates was assessed using a probe-signal method. With this method, three listeners were led to expect a target modulation rate (4, 32, or 256 Hz) by presenting the signal most often at that rate, and sensitivity to modulation at six other unexpected rates between 4 and 256 Hz was measured via occasionally presented probe modulation rates. The modulation phase was random on each two-interval forced-choice trial and the overall level of the 500-ms broadband carrier was randomly varied between 55 and 75 dB SPL across intervals. The modulation depth at each rate was set so that the modulation was detected on about 90% of the trials when only that rate was presented. Performance at the unexpected rates depended upon the target rate. For the 4-Hz target, modulation at all rates was detected on about 80% of the trials. For the 32- and 256-Hz targets, unexpected modulation rates of 16 Hz and above were detected on 80%–90% of the trials, but modulation rates below 16 Hz were detected nearly at chance. The influence of expectation of modulation rate on the detection of sinusoidal amplitude modulation is not readily predicted by current models of modulation detection.
Leading partnerships: Competencies for collaboration

One strategy used with increasing frequency to meet the needs of multiple constituencies is partnerships and forms of organizational collaboration, consortia, and networks. This chapter explores the kinds of skills and thinking required of community college leaders to engage in effective partnerships.
Enhancing school asthma action plans: qualitative results from southeast Minnesota beacon stakeholder groups.

BACKGROUND This study explores ways southeast Minnesota schools currently address asthma problems, identifies areas for improvement, and assesses the potential value of asthma action plans (AAPs) in schools. METHODS Focus groups were used to query stakeholder groups on asthma care in schools. Groups were held separately for elementary school personnel, parents of elementary school children with asthma, and health professionals (N = 103). Transcripts were analyzed by hand and by using NVivo 9 software. RESULTS Overall 103 stakeholders participated in focus groups. Major themes were (1) Communication; no uniform way of exchanging information between schools and health professionals. (2) Asthma Control Continuum; students require individualized instructions and information related to their asthma care. (3) Policy/Protocol; school staff roles and rules vary and are unclear. (4) Self-Reliance; older children self-manage their asthma and are unknown until they need emergent support. Solution recommended included AAPs used systematically with a method to communicate back from schools to physicians and parents. CONCLUSIONS The AAP may solve several of the school's concerns regarding their ability to provide asthma support in school. However, the AAP must reach the school, and that is currently not happening. In addition, schools would like tools and systems to assess asthma control and share information back with parents and physicians.
Conservative management of cervical ectopic pregnancy: utility of uterine artery embolization

Objective To evaluate the use of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in conjunction with methotrexate in the conservative treatment of cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP). Design Case series. Setting Tertiary-care university hospital. Patient(s) Cases of CEP treated at Hutzel Women's Hospital between January 1997 and December 2008. Intervention(s) Multidose methotrexate treatment with or without UAE and intra-amniotic potassium chloride injection (KCl). Main Outcome Measure(s) Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level, vaginal bleeding, length of hospital stay, and future fecundity. Result(s) A retrospective analysis of 15 patients with CEP treated conservatively using methotrexate with leucovorin rescue (MTx/Leu) alone (group 1, five cases), with UAE as an adjunctive therapy (group 2, six cases), or also having received intra-amniotic KCl before UAE (group 3, four cases) is reported. There was no significant difference in age, parity, or gestational age among treatment groups. The median β-hCG level on presentation was 9,606 mIU/mL for group 1, 26,516 mIU/mL for group 2, and 130,464 mIU/mL for group 3. The difference was found to be statistically significant. No patients developed complications from UAE. Of the 10 patients who underwent UAE, 2 subsequently had confirmed viable pregnancies. Conclusion(s) Uterine artery embolization with methotrexate is an option for minimally invasive intervention in the treatment of CEP.
Test of the applicability of the two-step model to the emission of Sc fragments in the interaction of /sup 238/U with 400 GeV protons

Differential ranges of $^{44}\mathrm{Sc}^{m}$, $^{46}\mathrm{Sc}$, $^{47}\mathrm{Sc}$, and $^{48}\mathrm{Sc}$ emitted at 17\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 163\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the beam in the interaction of $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ with 400 GeV protons have been measured. The mean kinetic energies of the fragments decrease from 54.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0 MeV at 17\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 42.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7 MeV at 163\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. From this shift, the mean velocity of the emitting nucleus $〈{v}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}〉$ is obtained as 0.10 ${(\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{A})}^{\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}$. The angular distribution of Sc fragments in a system moving with this velocity is found to be asymmetric about 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with more fragments emitted at backward than at forward angles ($\frac{F}{B}\ensuremath{\sim}0.8$). The implications of this result for the reaction mechanism are considered.
Discontinuous deformation gradients in the finite twisting of an incompressible elastic tube

It is known that the type of the system of partial differential equations governing finite elastostatics can change from elliptic to non-elliptic at sufficiently large deformations for certain materials. This introduces the possibility that the elastostatic field may exhibit certain discontinuities. Some aspects of the general theory associated with these issues were examined in a recent series of studies by Knowles and Sternberg. In this paper we illustrate the occurrence of elastostatic fields with discontinuous deformation gradients in a physical problem. The body is assumed to be composed of a material which belongs to a particular class of isotropic, incompressible, elastic materials which allow for a loss of ellipticity. It is shown that no solution which is smooth in the classical sense exists to this problem for certain ranges of the applied loading. Next, we admit solutions involving elastostatic shocks into the discussion and find that the problem may then be solved completely. When this is done, however, there results a lack of uniqueness of solutions to the boundary-value problem. In order to resolve this non-uniqueness, the dissipativity and stability of the solutions are investigated.
Origin of the exceptional negative thermal expansion in metal-organic framework-5 Zn 4 O ( 1 , 4 − benzenedicarboxylate ) 3

Metal organic framework-5 (MOF-5) was recently suggested to possess an exceptionally large negative thermal-expansion coefficient. Our direct experimental measurement of the thermal expansion of MOF-5 using neutron powder diffraction, in the temperature range of 4 to 600 K, shows that the linear thermal-expansion coefficient is $\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{-}16\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}\text{ }{\text{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. To understand the origin of this large negative thermal-expansion behavior, we performed first-principles lattice dynamics calculations. The calculated thermal-expansion coefficients within quasiharmonic approximation agree well with the experimental data. We found that almost all low-frequency lattice vibrational modes (below $\ensuremath{\sim}23\text{ }\text{meV}$) involve the motion of the benzene rings and the ${\text{ZnO}}_{4}$ clusters as rigid units and the carboxyl groups as bridges. These so-called ``rigid-unit modes'' exhibit various degrees of phonon softening (i.e., the vibrational energy decreases with contracting crystal lattice) and thus are directly responsible for the large negative thermal expansion in MOF-5. Initial efforts were made to observe the phonon softening experimentally.