Cramming: The Effects of School Accountability on College-Bound Students

This paper is the first to explore the effects of school accountability systems on high-achieving students' long-term performance. Using exceptional data from a large highly-selective state university, we relate school accountability pressure in high school to a student's university-level grades and study habits. We exploit a change in the state's accountability system in 1999 that led to some schools becoming newlythreatened by accountability pressure and others becoming newly-unthreatened to identify the effects of accountability pressure. We find that an accountability system based on a low-level test of basic skills apparently led to generally reduced performance by high-achieving students, while an accountability system based on a more challenging criterion-referenced exam apparently led to improved performance in college on mathematics and other technical subjects. Both types of systems are associated with increased "cramming" by students in college. The results indicate that the nature of an accountability system can influence its effectiveness.

CHEMICALLY MODIFIED MONOLAYER SURFACES INFLUENCE VALVULAR INTERSTITIAL CELL ATTACHMENT AND DIFFERENTIATION FOR HEART VALVE TISSUE ENGINEERING

As a cell mediated-process, valvular heart disease (VHD) results in significant morbidity and mortality world-wide. In the US alone, valvular heart disease VHD is estimated to affect 2.5% of the population with a disproportionate impact on an increasing elderly populous. It is well understood that the primary driver for valvular calcification is the differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) into an osteoblastic-like phenotype. However, the factors leading to the onset of osteoblastic-like VICs (obVICs) and resulting calcification are not fully understood and a more complete characterization of VIC differentiation and phenotypic change is required before treatment of valve disease or growth of tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) can be realized. By investigating the microenvironmental cues at the cell-material interface, surface chemistry, protein adhesion, and integrin expression we have identified cell-material signaling that may be responsible for heart valve tissue calcification as well as healthy in vitro growth environments. These studies were then translated into a three-dimensional hydrogel system for the study of VICs in a more physically relevant cell culture system

A search for continuous fluorescence in reflection nebulae

Photometric and spectrophotometric observations were made of the reflection nebulae NGC1435, NGC2068, NGC7023, and IC1287 in an attempt to detect continuous fluorescence by dust grains. Several effects of importance for observations of such faint objects are discussed, including instrumental light scattering, a photographic effect, and a time delay effect which can occur if the illuminating star is a spectrum variable. It is found that continuous fluorescence by interstellar grains is not likely to exist and that it cannot account for more than 10 percent of the total surface brightness of these reflection nebulae. No evidence of diffuse interstellar features is found in the spectra of these nebulae

Is it Live or is it Internet? Experimental Estimates of the Effects of Online Instruction on Student Learning

This paper presents the first experimental evidence on the effects of live versus internet media of instruction. Students in a large introductory microeconomics course at a major research university were randomly assigned to live lectures versus watching these same lectures in an internet setting, where all other factors (e.g., instruction, supplemental materials) were the same. Counter to the conclusions drawn by a recent U.S. Department of Education meta-analysis of non-experimental analyses of internet instruction in higher education, we find modest evidence that live-only instruction dominates internet instruction. These results are particularly strong for Hispanic students, male students, and lower-achieving students. We also provide suggestions for future experimentation in other settings.

Understanding the Importance of Psychological Screenings for Patients Undergoing Elective, Invasive Cosmetic Surgery: A Literature Review

All over the United States (U.S.), men and women alike are undergoing elective, invasive cosmetic surgery. Research has found there is an increasing number of patients choosing cosmetic surgery in hopes of alleviating psychological disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and low self-esteem. The objective of this review is to analyze the literature available regarding cosmetic surgery and the psychological issues leading to the decision to undergo elective, invasive cosmetic surgery in order to understand and identify the possible benefits of psychological screenings. Information for this study was obtained from three electronic databases - Galileo, PubMed, and CINAHL. U.S. based studies published in peer-reviewed journals focusing on the psychological aspects of patients undergoing elective, invasive cosmetic surgery was assessed. This extensive search provided many articles to consider. A total of 22 articles was chosen to be used in this literature review. Cosmetic surgery is a growing industry. With me procedures being created, the features we perceive to be imperfect or undesirable can be corrected. Many people are now choosing surgery, often risky ones, to achieve the current, ever-changing “it” look. Researchers have found a clear, negative correlation between cosmetic surgery and mental health. In order to protect these patients, screenings need to be implemented to ensure that the patient has no underlying psychological condition that could be contra indicatory to surgery

Sanguineous Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade in the Setting of Graves’ Disease: Report of a Case and Review of Previously Reported Cases

Introduction. Pericardial effusion in the setting of hyperthyroidism is rare. We present a patient with Graves’ disease who developed a sanguineous pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Case Description. A 76-year-old man presenting with fatigue was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and treated with methimazole. Two months later, he was hospitalized for uncontrolled atrial fibrillation. Electrocardiography showed diffuse low voltage and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate. Chest radiograph revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette and left-sided pleural effusion. Thyroid stimulating hormone was undetectable, and free thyroxine was elevated. Diltiazem and heparin were started, and methimazole was increased. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade physiology. Pericardiocentesis obtained 1,050 mL of sanguineous fluid. The patient progressed to thyroid storm, treated with propylthiouracil, potassium iodine, hydrocortisone, and cholestyramine. Cultures and cytology of the pericardial fluid were negative. Thyroid hormone markers progressively normalized, and he improved clinically and was discharged. Discussion. We found 10 previously reported cases of pericardial effusions in the setting of hyperthyroidism. Heparin use may have contributed to the sanguineous nature of our patient’s pericardial effusion, but other reported cases occurred without anticoagulation. Sanguineous and nonsanguineous pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade may be due to hyperthyroidism

Pancreatic Head Mass from Metastatic Meningeal Hemangiopericytoma

Purpose. To illustrate the propensity of meningeal hemangiopericytoma to spread extraneurally, as a distinction to the ordinary meningioma

Design for Transtibial Modifiable Socket for Immediate Postoperative Prosthesis

Amputations are long-standing surgical procedures that have been performed for centuries; however, very little attention and urgency have been given to immediate restoration of movement and return to a normal lifestyle. In many cases, the time between amputation and prosthetic fitting can pause recovery and development of new routines. To increase recovery, immediate postoperative prostheses (IPOPs) have been developed yet these are under-utilized because of concerns for wound healing and complications with vascular diseases. Subsequently, we designed a transtibial IPOP that utilizes an ergonomic modifiable socket that allows for examination, wound care, and in situ edema control. Additionally, the IPOP facilitates early weight bearing and protects the amputated limb from external trauma postoperatively. Our purpose is to introduce this technology and describe how its unique design will serve to provide potential benefits and positive effects on patients who have undergone amputations

Improvements in Raman Lidar Measurements Using New Interference Filter Technology

Narrow-band interference filters with improved transmission in the ultra-violet have been developed under NASA-funded research and used in the Raman Airborne Spectroscopic Lidar (RASL) in ground-based, upward-looking tests. Measurements were made of atmospheric water vapor, cirrus cloud optical properties and carbon dioxide that improve upon any previously demonstrated using Raman lidar. Daytime boundary and mixed layer profiling of water vapor mixing ratio up to an altitude of approximately 4 h is performed with less than 5% random error using temporal and spatial resolution of 2-minutes and 60 - 210, respectively. Daytime cirrus cloud optical depth and extinction-to-backscatter ratio measurements are made using 1 -minute average. Sufficient signal strength is demonstrated to permit the simultaneous profiling of carbon dioxide and water vapor mixing ratio into the free troposphere during the nighttime. A description of the filter technology developments is provided followed by examples of the improved Raman lidar measurements

Recent Decisions

Admiralty--Workmen\u27s Compensation--Receipt of Benefits under State Workmen\u27s Compensation Act containing Exclusive Remedy Provision does not Bar Subsequent Action against Employer for Unseaworthiness Patricia D. Owen ====================== Common Market--Council Regulations--Regulation Stake Precedence over Provisions of Member States\u27 Constitutions Jeffery R. Rush ===================== Discovery--Aid to Foreign or International Tribunals--United States Courts can Compel Testimony only on Behalf of Foreign or International Tribunals Empowered to make Binding Adjudications Frank R. Krok ===================== Extradition--Statute of Limitations--mere Absence is not Equivalent to Fleeing from Justice under 18 U.S.C. § 3290 Paul P. Sanford ===================== International Court of Justice--Procedure Temporary Relief in the Form of Interim Measures Granted on Prima Facie Evidence of Jurisdiction and Jurisdiction of the Merits Found on Basis of Prior Agreement to Compulsory I.C.J. Jurisdiction Edward N. Perry ==================== Jurisdiction--NATO--North Atlantic Treaty Organization status of Forces Agreement not an Exclusive Remedy for Member of United States Force or Civilian Component Edward A. Betancour