bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Meal Size and Food Energy Density on Feeding Entrainment in Goldfish
Authors: Sánchez-Vázquez F. J. , Aranda A. , Madrid J. A.
Published: April 2009

The synchronizing stimulus, its transduction site, and the afferent pathways responsible for feeding entrainment remain unknown. In fish, the role of the diet in the development of feeding anticipatory activity (FAA) is not well understood and fundamental questions on the mechanisms of feeding entrainment, such as the meal characteristics required to develop FAA, remain unexplored. To test the entraining properties of daily meals with different sizes and energy densities, activity rhythms were studied after a 12-h shift of the feeding cycle in individual goldfish under constant light. In the 1st experiment, the energy content of a control diet (16.7 kJ/g) was diluted by replacing 50% (8.3 kJ/g) or 90% (1.7 kJ/g) of the diet with cellulose. However, the number of days required to stabilize FAA after the shift did not differ statistically between diets. In the 2nd experiment, meal size was modified by reducing the daily feeding ration to 0.5% and 0.1% b.wt.d-1. In this case, differences in the entraining properties of the two feeding rations appeared because goldfish fed at 0.1% b.wt.d-1resynchronized faster than those fed at 0.5% b.wt.d-1. These results revealed that the dilution of the dietary energy up to 1.7 kJ/g had no significant effect on the entraining properties of the feeding-entrainable oscillator (FEO), whereas the reduction of the meal size to 0.1% b.wt.d-1 provoked a faster resynchronization after shifting the daily meal cycle. Taken together, these results suggest that gut distension may be involved in feeding entrainment, as a reduction in meal size but not in the amount of dietary energy supplied significantly shortened the time required for resynchronization and highlighted the different synchronizing properties of meal size and energy density as zeitgebers for the FEO.
Scheduled Voluntary Wheel Running Activity Modulates Free-Running Circadian Body Temperature Rhythms in Octodon degus
Authors: Kas Martien J. H. , Edgar Dale M.
Published: April 2009

Entrainment of the circadian pacemaker to nonphotic stimuli, such as scheduled wheel-running activity, is well characterized in nocturnal rodents, but little is known about activity-dependent entrainment in diurnal or crepuscular species. In the present study, effects of scheduled voluntary wheel-running activity on circadian timekeeping were investigated in Octodon degus,a hystricomorph rodent that exhibits robust crepuscular patterns of wakefulness. When housed in constant darkness, O. degus exhibited circadian rhythms in wheel-running activity and body temperature (Tb) with an average period length ([.tau]) of 23.39 ± 0.11 h. When wheel running was restricted to a fixed 2-h schedule every 24 h, [.tau] increased on average 0.39 ± 0.09 h but did not result in steady-state entrainment. Instead, relative coordination between the fixed running schedule and circadian timing was observed. [.tau] was greatest when scheduled wheel running occurred at CT 20.5 (0.4 h greater than DD baseline [.tau]). Scheduled running activity also influenced Tb waveform symmetry, reflecting concomitant changes in the circadian activity-rest ratio ([.alpha]:[.rho]). Aftereffects of the scheduled wheel-running paradigm were also observed. In 2 animals, [.tau] lengthened from 23.20 and 23.80 h to 24.14 and 24.15 h, respectively, and remained relatively stable for approximately 1 month during the wheel schedule. Although behavioral activity appears to be a weak zeitgeber in this species, these data suggest that nonphotic stimuli can phase delay the circadian pacemaker in O. degusat similar times of the day as in nocturnal hamsters and mice, and in humans.
Circadian Photoreception in Drosophila: Functions of Cryptochrome in Peripheral and Central Clocks
Authors: Ivanchenko Maria , Stanewsky Ralf , Giebultowicz Jadwiga M.
Published: April 2009

In Drosophila melanogaster, disruption of night by even short light exposures results in degradation of the clock protein TIMELESS (TIM), leading to shifts in the fly molecular and behavioral rhythms. Several lines of evidence indicate that light entrainment of the brain clock involves the blue-light photoreceptor cryptochrome (CRY). In cryptochrome-depleted Drosophila ( cry b), the entrainment of the brain clock by short light pulses is impaired but the clock is still entrainable by light-dark cycles, probably due to light input from the visual system. Whether cryptochrome and visual transduction pathways play a role in entrainment of noninnervated, directly photosensitive peripheral clocks is not known and the subject of this study. The authors monitored levels of the clock protein TIM in the lateral neurons (LNs) of larval brains and in the renal Malpighian tubules (MTs) of flies mutant for the cryptochromegene ( cry b) and in mutants that lack signaling from the visual photopigments ( norpA P41). In cry bflies, light applied during the dark period failed to induce degradation of TIM both in MTs and in LNs, yet attenuated cycling of TIM was observed in both tissues in LD. This cycling was abolished in LNs, but persisted in MTs, of norpA P41; cry b double mutants. Furthermore, the activity of the tim gene in the MTs of cry b flies, reported by luciferase, seemed stimulated by lights-on and suppressed by lights-off, suggesting that the absence of functional cryptochrome uncovered an additional light-sensitive pathway synchronizing the expression of TIM in this tissue. In constant darkness, cycling of TIM was abolished in MTs; however, it persisted in LNs of cry b flies. The authors conclude that cryptochrome is involved in TIM-mediated entrainment of both central LN and peripheral MT clocks. Cryptochrome is also an indispensable component of the endogenous clock mechanism in the examined peripheral tissue, but not in the brain. Thus, although neural and epithelial cells share the core clock mechanism, some clock components and light-entrainment pathways appear to have tissue-specific roles.
Phase Response Relationships between Light Pulses and the Melatonin Rhythm in Rats
Authors: Stepien Jacqueline M. , Kennaway David J.
Published: April 2009

There is some controversy whether phase response curves constructed from studies conducted after acute release into constant darkness (Type II) or after prolonged constant darkness are comparable. This study investigated the effects of brief low-intensity light pulses on the onset of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin excretion in rats 48 to 60 h after lights off and after 14 days of continuous darkness. In the former condition, maximum phase delays occurred between 4 and 6 h after expected lights off, but no phase advances were observed within 2 days of the presentation of the stimulus. When the times of the pulses were plotted in relation to the individual onsets, peak light-induced phase delays occurred 0 to 2 h after melatonin onset. After 14 days in continuous darkness, the peak phase delays also occurred 0 to 2 h after melatonin onset and were slightly but significantly smaller. No significant phase advances were observed. In a separate small series of experiments, the temperature rhythm of rats was shown to be delayed by a comparable degree to that of melatonin by light pulses 2 and 4 h after expected lights off under the Type II conditions. It is concluded that PRC conducted under Type I and Type II conditions is comparable.
Alteration of Internal Circadian Phase Relationships after Morning versus Evening Carbohydrate-Rich Meals in Humans
Authors: Kräuchi Kurt , Cajochen Christian , Werth Esther , Wirz-Justice Anna
Published: April 2009

The effects of a single morning and evening carbohydrate-rich meal for 3 consecutive days on circadian phase of core body temperature (CBT), heart rate, and salivary melatonin rhythms were compared under controlled constant routine conditions. In 10 healthy young men entrained to a natural light-dark cycle with regular sleep timing, CBT and heart rate were significantly elevated for approximately 8 h after the last evening carbohydrate-rich meal (EM), and nocturnal melatonin secretion (as measured by salivary melatonin and urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin levels) was reduced, compared to the morning carbohydraterich meal (MM) condition. Thus, circadian phase could not be measured until the following day due to this acute masking effect. The day after the last meal intervention, MM showed a significant advanced circadian phase position in CBT (+59 ± 12 min) and heart rate (+43 ± 18 min) compared to EM. However, dim-light melatonin onset was not significantly changed (+15 ± 13 min). The results are discussed with respect to central (light-entrainable) and peripheral (foodentrainable) oscillators. Food may be a zeitgeber in humans for the food-entrainable peripheral oscillators, but melatonin data do not support such a conclusion for the light-entrainable oscillator in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Genetic Risk Factors for Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children: A Possible MTHFR and eNOS Gene-Gene Interplay?
Authors: Djordjevic Valentina , Stankovic Marija , Brankovic-Sreckovic Vesna , Rakicevic Ljiljana , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: April 2009

In order to investigate the influence of genetic factors in childhood stroke, we compared the distributions of mutations/ polymorphisms affecting hemostasis and/or endothelial function (factor V [FV] Leiden, factor II [FII] G20210A, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] C677T, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] insertion/deletion [ID], and endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS] G894T) among children with stroke and controls. A total number of 26 children with arterial ischemic stroke and a control group of 50 healthy children were included in the study. No statistically significant differences in allelic and genotypic distribution were detected in comparisons between groups. However, when combined genotypes were analyzed, statistical significance was observed for the association of MTHFR CT and eNOS TT gene variants. The results of our study suggest that this genotype combination represents a risk factor of 7.2 (P = .017) for arterial ischemic stroke in children.
The Effect of ICU Physician Staffing and Hospital Volume on Outcomes After Hepatic Resection
Authors: Dimick Justin B. , Pronovost Peter J. , Lipsett Pamela A.
Published: April 2009

Outcomes following complex surgical procedures vary between medical centers. High-volume providers demonstrate superior outcomes to low-volume centers. We hypothesize that differences in intensive care unit (ICU) physician staffing are associated with outcomes following hepatic resection. Data on ICU staffing was obtained from a questionnaire and linked to clinical and economic data from the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) for all adult patients who had hepatectomy ( n = 569) in the state of Maryland from 1994 to 1998. Multivariate regression with hierarchical modeling was used to determine the association between in-hospital mortality, length of stay, postoperative complications, and health care costs with daily rounds by an ICU physician after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. The crude in-hospital mortality rate was 1.5% in hospitals that have daily rounds by an ICU physician versus 7.8% in hospitals that did not ( p = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, adjusting for case mix and hospital and surgeon volume, lack of daily rounds by an ICU physician was associated with a fourfold increased in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-10.2]. In addition, reintubation (OR 16.2; 95% CI 3.8-67.0), pulmonary insufficiency (OR 8.0; 95% CI 1.8-35.0), pneumonia (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.2-11.3), and acute renal failure (OR 9.3; 95% CI 1.2-74) were more frequent without daily rounds by an ICU physician. Low-volume hospitals had a 21% (95% CI 2-44%; p = 0.03) increased length of stay and a 22% increased total hospital cost (95% CI 1-48%; p = 0.04) compared with high-volume hospitals. Both daily rounds by an ICU physician and high hospital volume are associated with improved outcomes after hepatic resection. Patients undergoing high-risk surgery should seek referral to centers with both daily rounds by an ICU physician and extensive experience with the operation.
Role of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Trauma Patients
Authors: Morris Christopher S.
Published: April 2009

Vascular and interventional radiology provides an important service in the diagnosis and management of the acute trauma patient. Historically angiography was used primarily as a diagnostic tool for both vascular and solid organ injuries. However, with technological advances, such as the advent of stents, stent grafts, newer embolization materials and sophisticated delivery devices, micro-catheters, and steerable guide wires, vascular and interventional radiology can now offer definitive treatment in selected cases. Transcatheter embolization can effectively treat acute hemorrhage and is useful in locations that are difficult to access surgically, or when surgical disruption of fascial planes, which may eliminate a tamponade effect, is less desirable. Stents and stent grafts have been used to preserve, rather than sacrifice, an injured blood vessel. In splenic, hepatic, and renal trauma, a trend in nonoperative management has been developed by traumatologists. Transcatheter embolization can increase the success rate of nonoperative management in selected injuries. In general, despite the injury grade, if evidence of ongoing hemorrhage is present, angiography and transcatheter embolization should be considered. Peripheral vascular injuries can be treated with transcatheter embolization or stents and stent grafts. Transcatheter embolization in trauma was first applied to bleeding associated with pelvic fractures and dislocations, and continues to be an important treatment option. Carotid and vertebral artery injuries can now be repaired using stents or stent grafts, although the experience of this treatment strategy is somewhat limited. Likewise, acute traumatic aortic injury has been successfully treated with stent grafts in small series. Conventional catheter thoracic aortography is now used as an adjunctive diagnostic test for indeterminate or questionable findings on noninvasive imaging studies, primarily computed tomography scans of the chest. In summary, vascular and interventional radiology maintains an important role in the diagnosis and management of acute vascular and solid organ injury. The following review illustrates its current status in acute trauma.
The Effect of Liposome-Encapsulated PGE1 on Systemic Oxygen Delivery and Consumption in Patients With the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Heard Stephen O. , Longtine Karen , Smyrnios Nicholas , Puyana Juan Carlos
Published: April 2009

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of liposome-encapsulated prostaglandin E1(PGE1) on oxygen delivery and consumption and hemodynamics in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS and pulmonary artery catheters who were in the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled within 24 hours of diagnosis. Treatment consisted of either liposomal PGE1or placebo every 6 hours in a dose-escalating fashion for up to 7 days. Cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), oxygen delivery (D2) and consumption (VO2), and oxygen extraction ratio were determined every morning before and after the dose of study drug using arterial and mixed venous blood gases and standard formulas. No significant differences in any of the variables were observed over time or between groups. Liposomal PGE1administered in this fashion does not alter hemodynamic parameters or oxygen transport variables in patients with ARDS.
Increased Oxidants and Reduced Antioxidants in Irradiated Parenteral Nutrition Solutions May Contribute to the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Richards Guy A. , White Hayden , Grimmer Heidi , Ramoroka Caiphus , Channa Kalavati , Hopley Mark , Fickl Heidi , Gulumian Mary
Published: April 2009

Background/Objectives: To measure reactive oxidant production and the decline in antioxidant potential in commercially available, irradiated parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions and the effect that these have on oxidant production in patients in the intensive care unit. Subjects and Methods: Vitamin E and malondialdehyde in irradiated and nonirradiated commercially available, PN solutions were measured. The PBN (α-phenyl-n-test-butylnitrone (PBN) spin trap was used to measure free radicals and TEMPOL (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxy-piperidine-oxyl) was used to assess antioxidant capacity. The irradiated PN was administered (as per unit protocol) to 10 patients with gut failure and plasma and urinary isoprostanes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured 1 hour preadministration, at the time of, and 1 and 2 hours postadministration of PN. Results: Irradiation reduced vitamin E significantly (P < .0025). Malondialdehyde products were present in both samples, but more so in irradiated samples (P < .0001), as were free radicals measured by PBN spin trapping. Irradiated samples had a higher scavenging capacity of TEMPOL free radical due to depletion of antioxidants in irradiated samples. Urinary isoprostanes increased at time 2 by 6.3 units relative to time 0 and by 5.23 units relative to time 1(Friedman ANOVA: P < .01413). Conclusions: Lipid hydroperoxides are formed in PN solutions and increase further following irradiation. This is associated with a significant reduction in vitamin E and antioxidant potential. The increase in urinary isoprostanes indicates a potentially proinflammatory effect of irradiated PN.
Introduction
Authors: Saunders-Newton Desmond
Published: April 2009

This introduction attempts to convey a sense of the possible, or near possible, with respect to the cutting edge of computer-based methods supporting social science research and inquiry. In addition, it is also intended to reflect computationally inspired perspectives, metaphors, models, and theories that may affect society. To that end, this article, through the introduction of the authors who contributed to this volume, explores the role played by agency-level computational methods, as opposed to aggregate level, in reshaping the practice and use of social science/inquiry. Agency-focused methods as used in this introduction not only emphasize the action of agents within an artificial environ but also attempt to encompass approaches beyond the cellular automata methods typically associated with agent-based modeling environments.
The Taxation of Internet Commerce
Authors: Nesbary Dale
Published: April 2009

The courts have found that Internet commerce is similar to interstate commerce in that it is largely exempt from taxation. Nonetheless, many state governments are attempting to tax the Internet broadly, levying transactions that would otherwise be considered nontaxable under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and related interstate commerce statutes. This investigation assesses the current status of the taxation of Internet commerce and seeks to identify the factors that are associated with how states apply taxes to Internet commerce. Although a number of demographic, fiscal, and state organizational factors are associated with the application of taxes on Internet commerce, few of the relationships are strong enough to merit further attention. Moreover, recommendations are made to Congress, governors, and legislatures regarding how they may ensure that laws and programs designed to regulate the collection of Internet taxes are implemented in the fairest and least disruptive manner possible.
Multimedia
Authors: Ricketts Jennifer , Wolfe Frederick H. , Norvelle Eric , Carpenter Edwin H.
Published: April 2009

Interest in and delivery of distributed education has increased rapidly in the past decade. Technology brings the promise of creating superior learning environments relative to the traditional classroom as well as delivering these learning experiences to greater numbers and more diverse audiences. However, successful creation and delivery of distributed courses requires new dimensions in thought and creativity because a direct translation from classroom to computer will not enhance the learning experience. To make distributed education work, instructors have to rethink their role as teacher, and students must take charge of their own learning experience. Many accommodations must be made in distributed course creation to ensure a student-centered environment that overcomes the feeling of isolation. The authors discuss these themes in relation to their experiences in delivering an asynchronous distributed introductory course at the University of Arizona.
Political Science
Authors: Ball William J.
Published: April 2009

This article examines virtual conferencing as an alternative to the traditional academic conference. After defining terms and reviewing the purposes of academic conferences, the article looks at virtual conferencing in three ways. The first is the differences between virtual conferencing and traditional conferencing. The second is the primary trade-offs to be considered in planning a virtual conference. The third is a case study of the Teaching Politics Virtual Conference.
Psychology
Authors: Laszig Parfen
Published: April 2009

There is no question that the Internet as a zeitgeist phenomenon poses for psychoanalysts the question of individual access, be it in form of theoretic analysis or by direct use of this tool. In this illustrative search, the author describes specific resources systematically and offers some guidance for navigation for personal use of this medium. Following Goethe's dictum that a thing has to be found first of all if you would like to know where it is located, the author used web search engines and electronic access to libraries and databases to find associations, societies, institutes, discussion groups, electronic journals, and other resources. The article ends with a discussion of the capabilities and limitations of network supported searches.
Research Methodology
Authors: Witte James C. , Amoroso Lisa M. , Howard Philip E. N.
Published: April 2009

The Survey2000 Project is the largest and most comprehensive Internet-based social science survey to date. Along with generating interesting data about geographic mobility, feelings of community, and culinary, literary, and musical tastes, the experience of operating a survey with Internet tools has set into sharp relief important methodological issues of sample size, representation, and generalization. The authors argue that Internet-based survey research can yield meaningfully comparable data about both Internet users and larger populations.
Teaching Computers to Watch Television
Authors: Evans William
Published: April 2009

This article reviews computer science perspectives on video processing and explores the ways in which automated video analysis can be employed in social scientific studies of film and television content.
Authenticity and Prevalence of Third Camps in the Abortion Debate
Authors: Platt Rowen R.
Published: April 2009

Gestation is the calendar of pregnancy. Some abortion debaters keep one foot in pro-choice and the other in pro-life camp, depending on gestation. Their literature is often subjectively labeled pro-life or pro-choice. However, they trade off gestations pro-choice for gestations pro-life. Therefore, labeling a body of literature as this third camp is objective. If other trade-offs besides those calendar-based are sparse, then the objective labeling of a percentage of a body of literature as third camp implies the objective labeling of the remaining percentage as authentic pro-life or authentic pro-choice, because Pr(camp|labeled camp) = 1 - Pr(third camp|labeled camp). This study applied the method to Web samples. The data support the hypothesis that specific gestations are mentioned or implied in this literature more frequently than can be explained by a debate for which every gestation yields as many timeline keywords as one would expect without third camp.
What Users Want From a Tool for Analyzing and Documenting Electronic Questionnaires
Authors: Kelly Maureen
Published: April 2009

National statistical institutes, research institutes, and commercial marketing research organizations are making an increased use of computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) systems for collecting survey data. The growing possibilities of computer hardware and software have made it possible to develop very large and complex electronic questionnaires. In consequence, it has become more and more difficult for developers, interviewers, supervisors, and managers to keep control of the content and structure of CAI instruments. The TADEQ project proposes to develop a flexible tool for documenting and analyzing electronic questionnaires. As a documentation tool, it must be able to produce a human-readable presentation of the electronic questionnaire. This article will describe the first stage of the project: the user consultation and translation of the results into a user requirement to serve as a basis for the remainder of the project.
The Current Situation and Prospect of Chinese Information Resources on the Web
Authors: Qi Yanli
Published: April 2009

This article introduces the brief history of the Internet in China and the current situation of Chinese information resources on the Web and issues the measurements of exploitation and utilization of Chinese resources, such as improving the government, publishing, and enterprise information on the Web.
Analysis of Internet Users’ Level of Online Privacy Concerns
Authors: O’Neil Dara
Published: April 2009

As the Internet permeates almost every aspect of our daily lives, some argue that the benefits of its use are diminished by threats to personal privacy. Privacy concern is a desire to keep personal information out of the hands of others. Online privacy is becoming an increasingly important policy issue as consumer groups rally to protect what they perceive to be basic privacy rights whereas others argue for freedom of information. This article presents an overview of the literature on privacy studies and examines survey results relating to Internet users’ demographic characteristics using data from 1998 online Internet surveys conducted at the Graphics, Visualization, and Usability Center at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Results indicate that there are small differences among degrees of Internet privacy concerns across groups divided by sex, education level, income level, and race, with all groups preferring privacy to convenience.
E-Governance and Smart Communities
Authors: Coe Amanda , Paquet Gilles , Roy Jeffrey
Published: April 2009

The new information and communications technologies (NICT) and globalization have brought forth a period of great change. Globalization has triggered more intense economic and political interdependencies and has challenged fundamental assumptions about sovereignty and the role of the nation-state. As networks increasingly take hold and reshape the way people live, communicate, and work, the question of what kind of governance people will need in the new millennium is raised. Some elements of answers have been put forward under the general rubric of e-governance. It suggests a more community-based model of governance with greater connectivity being facilitated by new technology. Application of NICT locally leads to economic, social, and political transformations encapsulated by the new smart community movement. This article provides some preliminary mapping of how the collective intelligence of the communities would operate and how the new governance structures would work.
Issues in Computer Dissemination of Undergraduate Research
Authors: Cronk Brian C.
Published: April 2009

A pressing issue for many undergraduate instructors in the social sciences is the dissemination of their students’ work. Although students at many institutions in many disciplines perform original research in the process of learning research skills and being socialized into their professions, these research projects, unfortunately, are often performed and presented in isolation (from the rest of the college, as well as the rest of the world). The National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse provides a means for student papers to gain national (international) exposure through an automated submission process. Although all sponsored manuscripts are accepted, the quality of submissions is controlled through a faculty sponsorship mechanism. In addition, a mechanism for review of submitted manuscripts and the nomination of manuscripts as outstanding is integrated into the clearinghouse.
An Assessment of the Generalizability of Internet Surveys
Authors: Best Samuel J. , Krueger Brian , Hubbard Clark , Smith Andrew
Published: April 2009

The Internet has become an increasingly popular form of data collection because it permits complex questionnaires to be administered more quickly, flexibly, and inexpensively than conventional survey methods. However, the Internet is restricted to individuals with access to computer networks. Thus, causal inferences to the general population from analyses of Internet samples necessarily rest on two untested assumptions: (a) that the decision-making processes of Internet users are similar to those used by the general population, and (b) that representative samples of Internet users can be drawn. The authors provide mixed support for these assumptions. They find that current Internet sampling techniques only permit the generation of diverse, not representative, samples. However, comparing samples drawn simultaneously using the Internet and probabilistic telephone methods, the authors demonstrate that the psychological mechanisms underlying common political decisions do not differ between Internet users and the population. They discuss the implications of these findings for future survey research.
A Framework for Developing Spreadsheet Applications in Economics
Authors: Cahill Miles B. , Kosicki George
Published: April 2009

This article presents a framework for thinking about the different types of spreadsheet modeling applications available for teaching economics. Spreadsheet applications are categorized by the degree to which students are involved in the spreadsheet’s construction and the degree to which students are involved in the mathematics of the model. Examples of applications from each category call attention to the high degree of flexibility that instructors have in designing spreadsheet applications and suggest alternative ways that the instructor can tailor applications to fit his or her specific instructional style and setting. Although the costs associated with developing spreadsheet applications are significant, the authors believe that the costs are manageable, even for instructors who are new to spreadsheets. They conclude that the advantages imparted to students by carefully tailored spreadsheet applications are significant, and they hope to encourage the development and use of such applications.
The CodeRead System
Authors: Perrin Andrew J.
Published: April 2009

Most social science research uses data that originate, in one form or another, as written or spoken text. Quantitative researchers code these data very strictly, categorizing answers to questions into fixed groups. In contrast, qualitative researchers typically code free-form text by marking it up according to a set of ideas about the nature and content of the text. This article suggests the use of some elementary techniques from the field of statistical natural language processing to partially automate the process of coding large quantities of free-form textual data. The article presents CodeRead, a set of tools that implement these techniques. The system’s principal innovation is its ability to generate coding rules from a precoded sample of text. This capacity allows for the analysis of much longer textual data than was previously practical. It also insures that the rules used for coding such data are specific and uniformly applied.
The Impacts of Emoticons on Message Interpretation in Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Walther Joseph B. , D’Addario Kyle P.
Published: April 2009

Emoticons are graphic representations of facial expressions that many e-mail users embed in their messages. These symbols are widely known and commonly recognized among computer-mediated communication (CMC) users, and they are described by most observers as substituting for the nonverbal cues that are missing from CMC in comparison to face-to-face communication. Their empirical impacts, however, are undocumented. An experiment sought to determine the effects of three common emoticons on message interpretations. Hypotheses drawn from literature on nonverbal communication reflect several plausible relationships between emoticons and verbal messages. The results indicate that emoticons’ contributions were outweighed by verbal content, but a negativity effect appeared such that any negative message aspect—verbal or graphic—shifts message interpretation in the direction of the negative element.
Going Beyond the Code
Authors: Mason Bruce , Dicks Bella
Published: April 2009

New developments in multimedia and hypermedia technology have raised important questions for the conduct and dissemination of sociological research. Attention has traditionally focused on uses of new media for teaching, but their application to research is now also becoming clearer. There has been particular interest—although little practical work so far—on how ethnographers might use hypermedia in planning, design, analysis, and presentation of ethnographic work. This article offers findings from the authors’ current ESRC project, which examines the appropriateness of hypermedia for the production of ethnography. The theoretical and methodological implications for sociological knowledge of this new technology are discussed. The authors also address arguments about the potential for transforming the production of sociological knowledge through granting equal weight to the audio-visual plane of meaning as that given to the verbal and situate their discussion within debates over new forms of reading and authoring offered to sociology through electronic media.
Designing a Strategy for Reducing “No Opinion” Responses in Web-Based Surveys
Authors: Derouvray Cristel , Couper Mick P.
Published: April 2009

This article explores alternative designs for uncertain responses (i.e., “don’t know” or “no opinion” options) in a Web survey. In mail or other paper-based self-administered surveys, designers are forced to choose whether or not to provide an explicit uncertain response option. In interviewer-administered surveys, implicit uncertain responses are possible even when uncertain response options are not initially provided to a respondent; that is, when such a response is volunteered, it is accepted, often after an additional attempt to elicit a more definitive answer. Interactive Web-based surveys permit a design similar to interviewer-administered surveys. In an experiment, the authors examine several alternative design approaches to reducing the number of uncertain responses in a Web survey.
Characteristics of the Discussion in Online and Face-to-Face Focus Groups
Authors: Schneider Sid J. , Kerwin Jeffrey , Frechtling Joy , Vivari Benjamin A.
Published: April 2009

Focus groups are widely used in qualitative research. Recently, focus groups that are held online have become increasingly popular despite the objection by some researchers that the Internet is a poor medium for focus group research. The present study was conducted to reveal differences in the characteristics of focus group discussions in the online and face-to-face formats. Participants in 4 online focus groups and 4 face-to-face focus groups discussed their opinions about several health-related Web sites. Statistical analysis of the transcripts suggested that online participants tended to contribute shorter comments and were more likely to say just a few words of agreement. In the online focus groups, participation levels tended to be more uniform; in the face-to-face groups, some participants tended to contribute a disproportionately large number of words, whereas other participants were relatively silent. The results suggest different roles for online and face-to-face focus groups in qualitative research.
Computer Simulation in Sociology
Authors: Moretti Sabrina
Published: April 2009

Computer simulation is spreading in the field of scientific research. In sociology, too, there are important applications. Some different techniques of simulation have developed: system dynamics, multiagent systems, cellular automata, and genetic algorithms. This article analyzes how each type of technique has been applied in sociology and how it is strictly linked to theoretical propositions that characterize each sociological approach. The introduction of computer simulation poses a question: Which contribution does it bring to the process of sociological research? This article aims to answer that question by examining the functions that simulation can carry out in the studies of sociologists.
An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Frequency and Duration of Messaging on Impression Development in Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Liu Yuliang , Ginther Dean , Zelhart Paul
Published: April 2009

This experimental study indicates that computer-mediated communication (CMC) is a viable mode of social-emotion-oriented communication. In this study, the effects of frequency and duration of messaging on impression development in CMC were investigated. Undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to each of the four experimental groups. For a period of 2 weeks, participants monitored discussion lists that differed in relation to the frequency and duration of messaging in asynchronous CMC environments. ANOVA results indicated that duration and frequency had significant main effects on impression development in asynchronous CMC environments. No interaction effects were found. The results of this study support the social-emotion-oriented model in CMC.
Social Capital and the Equalizing Potential of the Internet
Authors: Pruijt Hans
Published: April 2009

Internet communication tends to complement real-world interaction; it does not destroy (public good) social capital. The Internet can support and enhance communities that to some extent depend on face-to-face interaction. Taking the online communication of computer professionals as a model, this article seeks to demonstrate the power of virtual communities. Examples are the development of Linux and users’ reactions to a bug in the Pentium processor. Online communication, facilitated by personal home pages and search engines, offers isolated workers opportunities for increasing their private good social capital as well. On the level of infrastructure, key characteristics of the Internet match those of social capital: the network aspect itself, cooperation, voluntary work, giving, standards of social behavior, and the fact that it is not designed. Downsides of the Internet also correspond to downsides of social capital. Realizing the equalizing potential of the Internet in terms of social capital requires action.
Computer Modeling and the Politics of Greenhouse Gas Policy in Australia
Authors: Henman Paul
Published: April 2009

Computer modeling technologies have increasingly become part of the conduct of science, public policy making, and the practice of politics. Their contribution to the world can be understood as intellectual, scientific, forecasting, governmental, truth production, and political technologies. This article focuses on the ways in which computer modeling has reconfigured the world of politics as illustrated in a case study of the use of economic modeling in the politics of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions policy. From 1997, the Australian government pursued a policy of increased greenhouse gas emissions supported by computer modeling that forecast significant negative economic impacts on the Australian economy if emissions were reduced. These modeling results were publicly contested. The case study illustrates how computer models can be used in politics to construct a partisan point of view. It is argued that despite differences in the political use of computer models, their growing complexity constrains the capacity for the conduct of democratic politics.
Collective Action in the Age of the Internet
Authors: Postmes Tom , Brunsting Suzanne
Published: April 2009

This article examines how the Internet transforms collective action. Current practices on the web bear witness to thriving collective action ranging from persuasive to confrontational, individual to collective, undertakings. Even more influential than direct calls for action is the indirect mobilizing influence of the Internet’s powers of mass communication, which is boosted by an antiauthoritarian ideology on the web. Theoretically, collective action through the otherwise socially isolating computer is possible because people rely on internalized group memberships and social identities to achieve social involvement. Empirical evidence from an online survey among environmental activists and nonactivists confirms that online action is considered an equivalent alternative to offline action by activists and nonactivists alike. However, the Internet may slightly alter the motives underlying collective action and thereby alter the nature of collective action and social movements. Perhaps more fundamental is the reverse influence that successful collective action will have on the nature and function of the Internet.
GIS and Redistricting
Authors: Eagles Munroe , Katz Richard S. , Mark David
Published: April 2009

The evolving technology known as geographic information systems (GIS) and the changing political environment have transformed the way in which electoral maps are drawn. In particular, technological advances have enabled electoral cartographers to consider a wider variety of information and to produce maps that optimize various desired features more efficiently than ever before. By the same token, amendments to the Voting Rights Act (1965, 1982) and a number of subsequent court decisions have complicated the process in a number of ways. This brief overview provides a general introduction to these issues and discusses the contribution of the three articles that follow. It concludes that the next round of redistricting, following the 2000 census, will be an exciting and contentious project.
Analyzing Hazardous Waste Facility Location by Racial Composition of Census Tract With LandView III
Authors: Garson G. David
Published: April 2009

This article provides a brief tutorial of LandView III, the PC Windows geographic information system software from the Census Bureau, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal agencies.
Examining the Discourse About the Transfer of GIS Technology to Traditionally Non-Western Societies
Authors: Kyem Peter A. Kwaku
Published: April 2009

The advent of geographic information system (GIS) technology and its adoption outside Western industrialized nations have inspired a great deal of debate about the possible impact of the technology on traditions of people in non-Western societies. Citing adverse impacts and without much appreciation for the socioeconomic realities driving the need for change, some critics advocate an end to the transfer of GIS into developing countries. It is apparent that concerns for inappropriate uses of the technology have overshadowed the need for investigation into factors that necessitate the transfer of GIS into developing countries. This article reviews the GIS transfer controversy and argues that a surer way to protect institutions and minimize the harmful impact of GIS is for people to learn to be skilful in the development and applications of the technology.
Using the Web in the Classroom
Authors: Kuechler Manfred
Published: April 2009

Providing additional channels for intraclass communication, offering a much easier and convenient way in which to access information and materials traditionally available in academic libraries, and allowing students to engage in primary (not necessarily quantitative) research or active learning are the three major interrelated yet distinct ways in which to use the Web in the undergraduate classroom. The first two ways are relevant for any course on any topic; employing the Web as a tool for gathering mostly textual information is particularly promising for many courses in the social sciences. For all three uses of the Web, specific advice for instructors as to available sources and modes of use is given. Didactic and technical challenges are discussed in the context of the college at large and of support and resources provided by computer services and the library. Special consideration is given to the situation at large public urban institutions of higher learning.
Computers in the Undergraduate Classroom
Authors: Brent Edward
Published: April 2009

College administrators around the world are embracing the use of computer technology in the classroom; strongly encouraging faculty to incorporate these new technologies into their teaching; and redirecting institutional resources to provide digital classrooms, student computer labs, fiber-optic backbones, and Internet access. Yet, our understanding of what is required to successfully incorporate computers into teaching and learning is surprisingly unreflective. This article examines the effective use of computers in the classroom based on the needs and desires of multiple interest groups—students, instructors, support staff, administrators, software developers, publishers, and faculty colleagues. Issues and trends are examined for each group. Positive trends include improved software, enhanced facilities, and broader participation of faculty. Worrisome trends include widespread reallocation of resources from traditional academic activities and the all-too-common chewing up and spitting out of promising young faculty who learn too late the risks of being innovative in the classroom.
Implementing Technical Innovations in the Curriculum
Authors: Lackie Paula
Published: April 2009

This is the second in a pair of articles originally written for the Computing in the Social Sciences conferences in 1997 and 1998. The first, “The Paradox of Paperless Classes,” examined our sometimes surprising experience in implementing a paperless class format (with a focus on courses that use a campuswide network to facilitate the electronic “handing in” and return of student work). The present article specifically addresses the utility of a dialogue between technical support staff and faculty interested in using computer technologies in their classes. The introduction of computing technologies into the classroom, often apparently simple on the surface, can actually increase the variables in the teaching environment an order of magnitude beyond what any otherwise prepared professor might expect. Maintaining clear lines of communication between faculty and technical support staff before and during a course is essential for the mitigation of problems as they arise in the process of a course. Debriefing after the course will help with all subsequent courses.
Teaching Strategy and Assignment Design
Authors: Shackelford Jean , Thompson Dot S. , James Mary Beth
Published: April 2009

As students increasingly use Internet technology to access information, new educational issues and opportunities arise. This article examines ways in which instructors and teaching professionals might work with students in guiding their research to establish “good practices” in both citing and using resources. The authors report on the process of crafting, administering, and assessing an assignment that might serve as a model for research-based papers and projects in a variety of disciplines. This assignment employs active learning strategies to encourage students to become better editors and critics as well as to teach them skills that they will be able to employ as this technology changes and others emerge.