cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is present in adult mouse taste cells with synapses

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the members of the nerve growth factor family of neurotrophins, is expressed in developing gustatory papillae and is thought to be the neurotrophin that supports gustatory innervation during development. BDNF expression does not cease after development but continues in some taste cells of adult mice. To determine which types of taste cells produce BDNF, we undertook an immunohistochemical study of taste cells in BDNFLacZ gene targeted “knock-in” adult mice. In these mice, β-galactosidase (β-gal) immunoreactivity is an indicator of cells that produce BDNF transcripts. In the tongues of adult BDNFLacZ mice, β-gal (BDNF) is present in long slender taste cells, as well as pyriform taste cells. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling experiments in BDNFLacZ mice indicate that BDNF is not present in taste cells that are younger than 3 days postmitotic. BDNF mainly colocalizes with markers of type II and type III taste cells: ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase (PGP 9.5), serotonin (5-HT), neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), synaptic associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), and to a lesser extent with α-gustducin. β-Gal immunoreactivity is not associated with blood group H antigen, a marker of type I taste cells. We conclude that BDNF is absent from basal cells and type I (blood group H antigen immunoreactive) taste cells but is present in differentiated type II and type III taste cells. The presence of SNAP-25 in BDNF-expressing cells suggests a role for BDNF in synaptic formation and transmission. J. Comp. Neurol. 459:15–24, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Community-based harm reduction substance abuse treatment with methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men

Harm reduction approaches endeavor to assist individuals with avoiding the most detrimental consequences of risk taking behaviors, but limited research has documented the outcomes of harm reduction substance abuse treatment. In total, 211 methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men (MSM) enrolled in two outcome studies of substance abuse treatment programs that were implementing an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention (i.e., the Matrix Model) from a harm reduction perspective. Study 1 (N = 123) examined changes in self-reported substance use, Addiction Severity Index (ASI) composite scores, and HIV care indicators over a 12-month follow-up. Study 2 (N = 88) assessed changes in substance use, sexual risk taking, and HIV care indicators over a 6-month follow-up. Participants in study 1 reported reductions in cocaine/crack use as well as decreases in the ASI drug and employment composite scores. Among HIV-positive participants in study 1 (n = 75), 47 % initiated or consistently utilized anti-retroviral therapy and this was paralleled by significant increases in self-reported undetectable HIV viral load. Study 2 participants reported reductions in methamphetamine use, erectile dysfunction medication use in combination with other substances, and sexual risk-taking behavior while using methamphetamine. Participants in both studies reported concurrent increases in marijuana use. Taken together, these studies are among the first to observe that clients may reduce stimulant use and concomitant sexual risk-taking behavior during harm reduction substance abuse treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the differential effectiveness of harm reduction and abstinence-based approaches to substance abuse treatment.
Impedance measurements on a spiral-wound nickel/metal hydride cell cycled in a simulated low earth orbit

A spiral-wound size C cell was cycled at 25 C in a low earth orbit (LEO) regime at 50 percent depth of discharge (DOD) with approximately five percent over-charge. The nominal capacity was 3.5 AH. The cell was cycled for 2000 cycles. Capacity checks and impedance measurements over the complete range of state of charge were made upon receipt and after 500, 1000, and 2000 cycles. The capacity of the cell was essentially unchanged until after the impedance measurements at 2000 cycles. Only small changes in the impedance parameters were observed, but there was somewhat more scatter in the data after 2000 cycles. When the cell was returned to LEO cycling after 2000 cycles, only 38 percent of the capacity could be obtained. It is believed that the cell failed because of an equipment failure at the end of the final impedance measurements which allowed an over-discharge.
Student Experiences with Diversity at Liberal Arts Colleges: Another Claim for Distinctiveness

(2006). Student Experiences with Diversity at Liberal Arts Colleges: Another Claim for Distinctiveness. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 77, Moving Into the Next 75 Years, pp. 169-192.
Nonlinear shear-layer instability waves

The effects of critical-layer nonlinearity on spatially growing instability waves on shear layers between parallel streams are discussed. In the two-dimensional incompressible case, the flow in the critical layer is governed by a nonequilibrium (‘unsteady’) nonlinear vorticity equation. The initial exponential growth of the instability wave is converted into algebraic growth during the streamwise ‘aging’ of the critical layer into a quasi-equilibrium state. A uniformly valid composite formula for the instability wave amplitude, accounting for both nonparallel and nonlinear effects, is shown to be in good agreement with available experimental results. Nonlinear effects occur at smaller amplitudes for the three-dimensional and supersonic cases than in the two-dimensional incompressible case. The instability-wave amplitude evolution is then described by one integro-differential equation with a cubic-type nonlinearity, whose inviscid solution always end in a singularity at finite downstream distance.
Domestic Influences on International Trade Policy: Factor Mobility in the United States, 1963 to 1992

The constituent influences on congressional voting patterns for trade policy have long been an important field of study. A central theoretical component (explicitly or implicitly) of all these studies is the level of factor mobility that defines which constituent coalitions will form and how they will be affected. Yet the recent literature offers contradictory evidence on the current level of factor mobility. Using an original data set of economic demographics of House districts and the roll call votes of U.S. House members on trade policies from 1963 to 1992, I argue that factor mobility was relatively low in the 1960s and 1970s but was rising. The relative level of factor mobility, then, reached a pivot point in the late 1970s and was subsequently relatively high in the 1980s and 1990s. I check the robustness of these results on the expected strength of the political parties in supplying these policies and the effects of divided government.I would like to thank Oksan Bayulgen, Sam Best, Mark Boyer, Stephen Bronars, Walter Dean Burnham, Virginia Hettinger, Alan Kessler, Peter Kingstone, Tse-Min Lin, Robert Moser, Phil Paolino, Dennis Plane, Howard Reiter, Brian Roberts, Ken Scheve, Lyle Scruggs, Mathieu Turgeon, the editor of IO, and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions. Any errors that remain are, of course, my own.
Changes in Chicken Muscle Proteins During Aseptic Storage at Above-Freezing Temperatures

SUMMARY Analysis of chicken muscle proteins of 10-week-, 4-month-, and 8-month-old birds, stored under aseptic conditions at 0, 2, and 5°C, showed quantitative changes in the total extractable, myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic, and non-protein-nitrogen fractions during 7 weeks storage. Changes were small in the stroma-protein fraction, actomyosin fraction, and the myosin-adenosinetriphos-phatase activity of the actomyosin fraction. The myosin fraction increased during storage except in breast muscle of 10-week-old birds. The sarcoplasmic-protein fraction decreased in the leg muscle of 10-week-old birds and the breast muscle of 4- and 8-month-old birds, but not in the breast muscle of 10-week-old birds. The non-protein-nitrogen fraction and the amount of protein-breakdown products increased in both breast and leg meat, irrespective of bird age. Proteolysis increased with storage time and temperature. The significance of proteolytic changes in quality deterioration is discussed, and the results are compared with those previously obtained for storage at below-freezing temperatures.
Visual field effects and short-term memory for verbal material

Abstract The role of memory in the usual right visual field superiority for verbal material reported with normal subjects was investigated. Nonsense words were presented vertically in either the left or right visual field. The exposure duration, which was individually determined for each subject to produce about 75% correct responses, ranged from 5 to 25 msec. After a delay of 0, 5, or 10 sec the subject decided whether or not a nonsense word exposed in central vision was the same as the stimulus word. With males, the results suggested that the right visual field superiority represents left hemisphere specialization for retention of verbal material and hemispheric equality in reception. With females no visual field superiority was found perhaps indicating that both hemispheres receive and retain verbal information equally well. The findings support the concept of less-complete lateralization of linguistic and spatial functions in females.
Insulin-like growth factor I receptor signaling and nuclear translocation of insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2.

The insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) can translocate to the nuclei and nucleoli of several types of cells. Nuclear translocation can be induced by an activated insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR), and by certain oncogenes, such as the Simian virus 40 T antigen and v-src. We have asked whether IRS-2 could also translocate to the nuclei. In addition, we have studied the effects of functional mutations in the IGF-IR on nuclear translocation of IRS proteins. IRS-2 translocates to the nuclei of mouse embryo fibroblasts expressing the IGF-IR, but, at variance with IRS-1, does not translocate in cells expressing the Simian virus 40 T antigen. Mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the IGF-IR abrogate translocation of the IRS proteins. Other mutations in the IGF-IR, which do not interfere with its mitogenicity but inhibit its transforming capacity, result in a decrease in translocation, especially to the nucleoli. Nuclear IRS-1 and IRS-2 interact with the upstream binding factor, which is a key...
RADIOSENSITIVITY AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TUMOURS. XI. THE EFFECTS OF X-IRRADIATION ON INTRACELLULAR DISTRIBUTION OF CATALASE.

SummaryIntracellular distribution of catalase activity after x-irradiation was determined in two types of mouse mammary epithelial tumours, H and DBrB, in a spindle-cell tumour (DBAG) and in a plasma-cell tumour (Adj-PC-5). Livers and kidneys were used for comparison. Catalase activities were assayed from three sub-cellular fractions, mitochondrial, microsomal and cell-sap.A decrease in catalase activity in the mitochondrial fraction with a concomitant increase in the cell-sap fraction was noted after x-irradiation. The extent of the release of catalase activity from the mitochondrial to the cell-sap fraction differed between the various tissues. The greatest release after x-irradiation was noted in the epithelial tumour (H). This occurrence is obscured in the G and DBrB tumours due to the spontaneous release of this enzyme because of homogenization damage to the boundary membrane in which catalase is encased. It is inferred that the shift in catalase activity from the mitochondrial to the cell-sap fracti...
Community length of stay as a determinant of CMHC performance

This paper identifies the key organizational and environmental characteristics that affect the performance of community mental health centers (CMHCs). Performance is conceptualized on both effectiveness and efficiency dimensions. Community length of stay of clients was used as an effectiveness measure, and utilization of mandated CMHC services as an efficiency measure for the study of 40 community mental health care organizations. Results for community length of stay indicate that client age, median income of the community, rural location, management type and board composition all affect both community length of stay and utilization of day support services and residential services. Furthermore, the relationship between utilization and community length of stay is identified.
Purification of protein components of the clostridial glycine reductase system and characterization of protein A as a selenoprotein

Abstract A procedure for the isolation in nearly homogeneous form of protein A, a low molecular-weight, acidic, protein component of clostridial glycine reductase, is described. The yield of protein A is high only in early log phase cells of Clostridium sticklandii grown under standard laboratory conditions in a rich tryptone-yeast extract-distilled water medium but, when selenite (1 μ m ) is added, the levels of protein A remain high throughout the entire log phase of growth. Addition of 75 Se-labeled selenite to the culture medium results in the highly selective incorporation of radioactive selenium into protein A. The procedure for isolation of protein A results in about a 700-fold enrichment when extracts prepared from cells that actively catalyze glycine reduction are used. However, the catalytic activity of the purified protein varies considerably from preparation to preparation. The molecular weight of protein A, estimated by sucrose density-gradient centrifugation, is approximately 12,000. The other higher molecular-weight components of glycine reductase are associated with the membrane fraction of the cell and are released as soluble proteins by sonic disruption of the membrane. After purification by ion-exchange and molecular sieve chromatography, these components are separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography into two protein fractions both necessary for glycine reductase activity in protein A-supplemented assays. One of these fractions consists of a major protein component, protein B, also nearly homogeneous as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The other protein fraction still is heterogeneous.
A critical evaluation of the thermodynamic data for boron ions, ion pairs, complexes, and polyanions in aqueous solution at 298.15 K and 1 bar

Abstract Energy related industrial development, municipal waste treatment processes and some natural sources, contribute to B (being present) in the environment in elevated concentrations. Boron forms numerous aqueous ion pairs and complexes, some of which would not normally exist in significant concentrations under typical baseline environmental conditions. A complete understanding of the aqueous chemistry of B depends on an accurate evaluation of the thermodynamic data for these species. Equilibrium constants for 29 inorganic complexes, ion pairs, and polyanions of B have been critically evaluated. Apparent equilibrium constants have been extrapolated to zero ionic strength, and the selected thermodynamic values are tabulated. Gibbs free energies of formation for the aqueous species have been computed; these are presented with entropy and enthalpy values where available
Successes and failures in improving osteoporosis care after fragility fracture: Results of a multiple‐site clinical improvement project

Objective To improve osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment of fragility fracture patient populations because osteoporosis care is provided infrequently to those patients, leaving them vulnerable to further fractures and increasing debility. Methods Osteoporosis experts from 11 US health systems participated in a clinical improvement project based on previously described successful osteoporosis care process redesigns. Participants were taught rapid cycle process improvement methods that are widely used in clinical improvement projects, and were supported in their efforts by the program coordinator. Measures of successful process development included establishing reliable referral from orthopedic fracture care to osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment, nurse coordination and monitoring of osteoporosis care, and use of process management software for registering patients and organizing work. Results Four sites were able to establish these critical referral and osteoporosis management processes. Two sites were partially successful in increasing orthopedic referrals to consultative care, but otherwise continued traditional care processes. Five were unsuccessful due to inability to implement 1 or more of these key process improvements. Conclusion Reliable osteoporosis care for fracture patients is possible if traditional practice processes are replaced with more effective, well-recognized approaches to chronic disease management.
Properties of iodide-activated photosynthetic water-oxidizing complexes

Abstract Chloride, the anionic cofactor of photosynthetic water oxidation, can be replaced by iodide with only a moderate sacrifice of water oxidizing activity. Thermoluminescence studies on Photosystem II membranes with I -activated oxidizing complexes indicated that their S 2 and S 3 states had lower oxidation potentials than those of Cl − -activated systems, and that their S 2 state reverted to the S 1 condition more slowly. It was also determined that the functional I − was only very slowly displaced by excess free Cl − . The apparent immunity of activating I − against the oxidizing power of stored oxidants in the water oxidase might suggest that the anion exerted its effects from site quite distant from the charge-accumulating Mn-center. However, if we accept the concept that the anionic cofactor is ligated to Mn, we have to postulated that the Mn-cluster resides in an occluded hydrophobic pocket in which the oxidation of I − by the higher S-states is prevented due to kinetic constraints. These inferences are based on the properties of known Mn(III) complexes with iodide as a ligand.
Comparative study of the active and inactive forms of dinitrogenase reductase from Rhodospirillum rubrum

Abstract Several properties of the inactive and active forms of dinitrogenase reductase from Rhodospirillum rubrum were compared. The presence of the modifying group has little effect on the affinities of the MgATP binding sites of the reductase, or on the accessibility of the Fe4S4 center to iron chelators. Inactive dinitrogenase reductase neither supports measurable C2H2 reduction nor inhibits C2H2 reduction by active nitrogenase. The inactive reductase cannot transfer electrons rapidly to active reductase, but appears to be in equilibrium with dithionite. Inactive reductase has an unusual interaction with dinitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii, and this decreases the ability of an excess of the dinitrogenase to inhibit reactions involving active Rhodospirillum dinitrogenase reductase.
Using VPN technology to remove physical barriers in linux lab experiments

The ability for students to perform computer laboratory experiments has traditionally been limited to a physical environment. Because of this restriction, lab experiments could be performed only during formal lab hours or open lab time. There are a number of negative consequences resulting from physical barriers, including administrative issues involving lab equipment and room support costs, and site access on weekends and after-hours. Student limitations involve inflexible lab room schedules, sometimes insufficient equipment, and possible late-night safety concerns.Recently we adopted an open source VPN solution that uses Openswan and the IPSec sub-system. This open source technology allows student computers to connect to the private lab LAN and perform experiments from home or the dorm, at any time of the day, night, or weekend. Based on student feedback and improved technologies, the solution was enhanced, expanded, and made more flexible. A locally developed and copyrighted software application, code name BroadReach, simplifies student VPN configuration and management of the VPN Gateway to the secure LAN and is discussed in this paper. Issues related to IPSec are identified and both industry and local solutions are presented. Finally, the future migration of a DE classroom into a single computer using Virtualization techniques is outlined.
Calpain 10 Homology Modeling with CYGAK and Increased Lipophilicity Leads to Greater Potency and Efficacy in Cells

Calpain 10 is a ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial and cytosolic Ca2+-regulated cysteine protease in which overexpression or knockdown leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. We previo...
Effects of spectral resolution on the determination of glucose in a simulated biological matrix by Fourier transform near infrared spectrometry

The effects of spectral resolution on the performance of partial least-squares (PLS) calibration models were studied in the context of an analysis for physiological levels of glucose by Fourier transform near infrared (NIR) spectrometry in the combination region of 5000 to 4000 cm−1. Employing a simulated biological matrix of varying levels of triacetin and bovine serum albumin in phosphate buffer, two spectral data sets were evaluated. Single-sided interferograms consisting of 16,384 points collected over a 15,801 cm−1 bandwidth were Fourier processed to yield spectra with a nominal 2 cm−1 point spacing. These interferograms were then progressively truncated before Fourier processing to form sets of spectra with reduced resolution. The lower-resolution spectra were also computed with varying levels of zero-filling to evaluate the effects of spectral dimensionality on the PLS models. Across the levels of resolution and zero-filling, 21 parallel groups of spectra were computed with each of the two data set...
Causality of the nonequilibrium correlation functions.

It is shown that the correct lowest-order two-particle correlation function solution to the Bogoliubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon hierarchy is given via a Green's function whose Fourier transform satisfies the analyticity requirements for causality. The Bogoliubov adiabatic approximation is shown to imply a solution which is acausal. Extension to the s-particle correlation function is discussed.
The Role of Stress on the Shape of the Amorphous-Crystalline Interface and Mask-Edge Defect Formation in Ion-Implanted Silicon

Stress is known to affect the regrowth velocities during recrystallization of an amorphous layer. This study investigates how the stress from patterned structures alters regrowth and in turn affects defect formation. Prior to patterning, 80A SiO2 and 1540A of silicon nitride were deposited on a 200 mm [001] silicon wafer. A 40keV Si+ amorphizing implant at a dose of 1×1015 atoms/cm2 was then performed into the patterned wafer. The regrowth of the amorphous layer along the mask edge was studied by partially recrystallizing the layer for various times at 550°C both with the mask present and after etching off the oxide and nitride pads. A significant number of cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) samples were prepared and imaged. It was found that the stress from the patterned structures enhances the vertical and lateral regrowth velocities, as well as alters the shape of the amorphous-crystalline interface during regrowth. Previous studies have shown that uniaxial tensile stress increases the regrowth velocity. Simulations show that the region of interest in these samples is under tensile stresses, suggesting that this type of stress should accelerate the regrowth velocity. In addition dislocation half loops are observed to form along the mask edge for certain structures. The nucleation of these defects is suppressed by the presence of the film. The relationship between the stress from the patterned structures, the regrowth of the amorphous layer, and the formation of dislocation half-loops along the mask edge will be discussed.
Recent ceramic analysis: 2. Composition, production, and theory

This is the second of two articles reviewing the burgeoning literature on recent ceramic analysis. The first (Journal of Archaeological Research, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1996) (pp. 133–163) surveyed functional and stylistic analyses and pottery origins. This article reviews compositional investigations and studies of pottery production, both of which have flourished in a period of heightened examination of specific techniques, assumptions, and concepts, such as standardization. In addition, researchers are exploring new analytical methods as well as approaches to “ceramic theory.” The review closes with a series of observations and critiques of current directions.
A note on finite temperature Thomas-Fermi, Hartree-Fock-Slater calculations

Abstract A simple technique which enables one to use zero-temperature theory and zero-temperature computer codes for certain types of finite temperature problems is presented.
Inventing America: Spanish Historiography and the Formation of Eurocentrism

its privileging of Shakespeare's plays as a sort of apolitical high art, the book's view of Elizabethan culture is somewhat out of place within current critical debates, especially those dealing with popular culture and the place of carnivalesque traditions within it. Yet Laroque reminds us, compellingly, how pervasive and multifaceted those traditions were. Although his argument is, in some respects, disappointing, as a source-book Shakespeare's Festive World is invaluable.
Preoperative irradiation for head and neck cancer: A prospective study

A prospective clinical trial of preoperative irradiation for Stage II, III, and IV squamous carcinoma of the head and neck was initiated at the Medical College of Virginia in January, 1969. In patients receiving preoperative therapy, treatment was calculated to give a midline total dose of 1,400 rads in two equal fractions delivered 24 and 48 hours prior to the surgical procedure for oral cavity, oropharyngeal, or pharyngeal cancer. The surgical procedure in all instances consisted of wide resection of the primary lesion in continuity with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. By December 31, 1972 there were 143 patients entered into this study with followup periods ranging from 6 to 54 months. The morbidity, mortality, and survival characteristics of the preoperative irradiation and “surgery only” groups are essentially the same. No significant difference in local recurrence rate has been observed between the two groups. Although the different anatomical sites cannot be individually examined at this time, it is considered that no major change in clinical course will result from this type and dosage of preoperative irradiation to Stages II, III, and IV squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and pharynx.
Foam mechanics: spontaneous rupture of thinning liquid films with Plateau borders

Spontaneous film rupture from van der Waals instability is investigated in two dimensions. The focus is on pure liquids with clean interfaces. This case is applicable to metallic foams for which surfactants are not available. There are important implications in aqueous foams as well, but the main differences are noted. A thin liquid film between adjacent bubbles in a foam has finite length, curved boundaries (Plateau borders) and a drainage flow from capillary suction that causes it to thin. A full linear stability analysis of this thinning film shows that rupture occurs once the film has thinned to ‘tens’ of nanometres, whereas for a quiescent film with a constant and uniform thickness, rupture occurs when the thickness is ‘hundreds’ of nanometres. Plateau borders and flow are both found to contribute to the stabilization. The drainage flow leads to several distinct qualitative features as well. In particular, unstable disturbances are advected by the flow to the edges of the thin film. As a result, the edges of the film close to the Plateau borders appear more susceptible to rupture than the centre of the film.
Toward a Broader Definition of Evidence-Informed Practice: Intersubjective Evidence

Evidence-informed practice is highly valued in social work today. There are several forms of evidence-informed practice, including the use of practice-based evidence. To date, the literature on pra...
The Politics of Aircraft: Building an American Military Industry

In this analysis of the early American aircraft industry, historian Jacob Vander Meulen argues that the industry's domination by Congress and military was wasteful, at odds with technological imperatives, and unfair to manufacturers and workers. Congress used its powers of appropriation and contracting to organize the industry, Vander Meulen writes, to determine market size and business distribution among competing firms, and to define competition itself. (For example, manufacturers were denied property rights to their own aircraft designs). Guided by a vision of antitrust and of aeronautics as a "democratic technology", Congress intended to preserve competition, equal access to federal contracts, and entrepreneurial opportunity in the aircraft industry. Despite its good intentions, Congress created a crippling business environment - a situation that nearly proved fatal to an industry driven by costly, complex, and relentless technological change. To gain the broadest views of the industry, Vander Meulen integrates the perspectives of business history, military history, labour history, the history of technology and the history of the state. He documents the early development of companies such as Lockheed, Boeing, Douglas, Martin, Grumman, Curtiss-Wright and Pratt & Whitney and surveys their technology, their production techniques, their labour relations and their relations with the army and navy. He also identifies both the social and the industrial bases of airpower and comments on the implications of the industry's experiences for contemporary military industrial relations.
DE LA SURÉVALUATION DU DOLLAR CANADIEN

Le dollar canadien est presentement (en 1990) surevalue. Les autorites canadiennes devraient le laisser se deprecier promptement a un niveau de 0,78 a 0,80 $EU, puis s’engager fermement a le maintenir dans cet intervalle. La position qui est ainsi defendue s’appuie en general sur la theorie et l’histoire monetaires contemporaines, et en particulier sur une critique des arguments specifiques de la Banque du Canada en faveur du regime actuel des taux de change flexibles.
Internet and face‐to‐face communication: Not functional alternatives

This study is a preliminary investigation of computer‐mediated communication (CMC) as a functional alternative to face‐to‐face communication. We examined the relationships between motives for using the Internet as a CMC channel and motives for face‐to‐face interactions as well as the influence of locus of control and communication apprehension as antecedents of face‐to‐face and mediated interactions. We surveyed a sample (N=132) of Internet users and tested the hypothesis that no differences exist between CMC and interpersonal communication motives (i.e., that they would be functional alternatives). We also used MANOVA and ANOVA procedures to see if main and interaction effects existed for high and low locus of control and high and low CMC apprehension respondents on interpersonal and media motives. Results indicated CMC Apprehension main effect differences for communication motives, and that use of the Internet as a communication channel is not perceived as a functional alternative to face‐to‐face commun...
Growth laws for channel networks incised by groundwater flow

Groundwater seepage is expected to affect channel features, but its role remains controversial. Two linear response relationships that describe channel evolution from groundwater flux are sufficient to characterize seepage-driven channel networks, linking the dynamics of channel growth to channel morphology. The re-emergence of groundwater at the surface shapes the Earth’s topography through a process known as seepage erosion1,2,3,4,5. In combination with flow over land6, seepage erosion contributes to the initiation and growth of channel networks1,2,3,4,5. Seepage processes have also been invoked in the formation of enigmatic amphitheatre-headed channel networks on both Earth7,8,9,10,11 and Mars12,13,14. However, the role of seepage in producing such channels remains controversial11,15,16. One proposed growth law for channel development suggests that the velocity at which channel heads advance is proportional to the flux of groundwater to the heads17. Here we use field observations and physical theory to show that this simple model, combined with a second linear response that relates channel branching to the total groundwater flux to the network, is sufficient to characterize key aspects of the growth and form of a kilometre-scale seepage-driven channel network in Florida18. We find that the dynamics for the advance of channel heads are reversible, which allows us to estimate the age of the channel network and reconstruct the history of its growth. Our theory also predicts the evolution of the characteristic length scale between channels19, thereby linking network growth dynamics to geometric form.
Hypergraph-based Dynamic Load Balancing for Adaptive Scientific Computations

Adaptive scientific computations require that periodic repartitioning (load balancing) occur dynamically to maintain load balance. Hypergraph partitioning is a successful model for minimizing communication volume in scientific computations, and partitioning software for the static case is widely available. In this paper, we present a new hypergraph model for the dynamic case, where we minimize the sum of communication in the application plus the migration cost to move data, thereby reducing total execution time. The new model can be solved using hypergraph partitioning with faced vertices. We describe an implementation of a parallel multilevel repartitioning algorithm within the Zoltan load-balancing toolkit, which to our knowledge is the first code for dynamic load balancing based on hypergraph partitioning. Finally, we present experimental results that demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on a Linux cluster with up to 64 processors. Our new algorithm compares favorably to the widely used ParMETIS partitioning software in terms of quality, and would have reduced total execution time in most of our test cases.
Competitive Advantage in Alliance Constellations

What determines the success of a firm competing as part of an alliance constellation? Is it the strategy and structure of the constellation? Or the capabilities of the firm and its partners? Or the actions of rival constellations? Or perhaps the actions of the firm’s own partners? The answer is: all of the above. But that is not a satisfying answer. It leaves us without a framework for analysis and management. In search of a framework, we might turn to traditional models of strategy and organization. But there we find mostly models predicated on the firm as the unit of competition; the notion of a firm competing within and as part of a larger constellation is rarely addressed (Ghemawat et al., 1999; Saloner et al., 2001). Yet this kind of competition is becoming increasingly important, as alliances have spread in many businesses. The competitive game in these businesses is often transformed from firm versus firm to group versus group. Recent examples of this pattern can be found in airlines, automobiles, telecommunications, and computers (Nohria and Garcia-Pont, 1992; GomesCasseres, 1996; Suen, 2002). When this happens, what determines the total profits of an alliance constellation? And given those profits, what determines the share that any member of the group can appropriate? Any theory of competitive advantage in constellations must address these questions. Luckily, the elements of such a theory are emerging, as I will show below. Even so, we do not yet have an explicit, comprehensive framework to tie together these pieces. The two most important elements, in my view, are: first, the nature of the groupbased advantages that shape constellation success; and second, the forces that determine the claim of a firm on its group. Together these elements determine the competitive advantage of firms in a constellation. This essay intends to spark debate on these issues and SO! is an ideal place to do so. The questions I ask do not fall neatly in the field of strategy nor in that of organization: they require the integration of perspectives from both fields. An alliance constellation is a particular kind of organization created to pursue a particular kind of strategy; the results thus depend on the design of both aspects and on the interaction between them. In this context, and probably in many others, it is limiting to think about strategy without thinking about organization, and the reverse. In the spirit of Strategic Organization, I STRATEGIC ORGANIZATION Vol 1(3): 327–335 PAGE PROOFS, JUNE 2003; TO BE PUBLISHED AUGUST 2003 1476-1270[200308];1:3;327–335;035288 Copyright ©2003 Sage Publications (London,Thousand Oaks, CA and New Delhi) www.sagepublications.com
Student success seminars: A school level freshman intervention program

Student retention has been an ongoing problem over the past decade especially in science and engineering programs. Intervention techniques vary from tutoring to mentoring led by either peers or faculty. When students start college, it is often assumed that they have all the necessary skills in order to succeed and cope with university life. In reality, students are hardly ever taught the basic survival skills needed to be successful in college. These include topics like how to study, how to take notes, and how to manage time between school obligations and social ones. This paper discusses the results of a three semester long experience of conducting student success seminars for incoming freshmen at the school level in the authors' school of science and technology. This program is a required portion of the university orientation course that every student is obligated to attend university wide. The uniqueness of this program is that it is conducted at the school level to ensure unity and uniformity throughout the school. The paper will present results of program impact for current and past seminar attendees through surveys and review and analysis of enrolled students' learning styles that relates to their success in science and technology.
Evaluation of the AMPLATZER vascular plug for embolization of peripheral vascular malformations associated with congenital heart disease

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the recently FDA-approved AMPLATZER® Vascular Plug in the embolization of vascular lesions associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). Background: Fistulas and arteriovenous malformations have been occluded using various devices. The AMPLATZER Vascular Plug is a self-expandable, cylindrical device, used for embolization in the peripheral vasculature. Methods: A total of 84 vessels in 52 patients with CHD from 11 centers were occluded with 89 AMPLATZER Vascular Plugs, delivered through a coronary guide catheter in various vascular sites, including collaterals, pulmonary arterio-venous and coronary artery fistulas, transhepatic tracts, central shunts, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and excluded hepatic vein. Complete vessel occlusion was demonstrated within 10 min in 94% of patients. Results: There was no device embolization, vascular disruption, or procedure-related complication. One vascular plug implanted in a large type C PDA required surgical removal followed by PDA ligation, after 5 weeks from successful implant because of significant residual flow through the device. Conclusions: The AMPLATZER Vascular Plug is an effective transcatheter occlusion device in the embolization of a wide variety of vascular lesions associated with CHD. Based on our early experience, caution should be used when considering the Vascular Plug as a closure device for large PDA. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Association of a Novel PDZ Domain-containing Peripheral Golgi Protein with the Q-SNARE (Q-solubleN-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive Fusion Protein (NSF) Attachment Protein Receptor) Protein Syntaxin 6

PDZ domains are involved in the scaffolding and assembly of multi-protein complexes at various subcellular sites. We describe here the isolation and characterization of a novel PDZ domain-containing protein that localizes to the Golgi apparatus. Using an in silico cloning approach, we have identified and isolated a cDNA encoding a ubiquitously expressed 59-kDa protein that we call FIG. It is composed of two coiled coil regions, a leucine zipper, and a single PDZ domain. Cytological studies using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that FIG is a peripheral protein that uses one of its coiled coil domains to localize to the Golgi apparatus. To ascertain the modalities of this Golgi localization, the same coiled coil region was tested for its ability to interact with a panel of coiled coil domain-containing integral membrane Golgi proteins. Using a series of GST fusion protein binding assays, co-immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we show that FIG specifically binds to the coiled coil domain-containing Q-SNARE (Q-soluble NSF attachment protein receptor) protein syntaxin 6 both in vitro and in vivo. The structural features of FIG and its interaction with a SNARE protein suggest that FIG may play a role in membrane vesicle trafficking. This is the first example of a PDZ domain-containing peripheral protein that localizes to the Golgi through a coiled coil-mediated interaction with a resident membrane protein. Our results broaden the scope of PDZ domain-mediated functions.
A Comparison of Preservice Teachers' Mathematics Anxiety before and after a Methods Class Emphasizing Manipulatives.

The changes in levels of mathematics anxiety among future teachers in two different mathematics materials and methods classes were investigated. The changes were a function of using: (a) Bruner's framework of developing conceptual knowledge before procedural knowledge, and (b) manipulatives to make mathematics concepts more concrete. The sample included 87 preservice teachers enrolled in mathematics methods courses. Two strategies were used to gather data both at the beginning and ending of each quarter. First, future teachers completed 98-item, Likert-type questionnaires. Second, some of the factors that influence the levels of mathematics anxiety were determined through the use of questionnaire-guided narrative interviews. Multivariate analysis of variance was employed as the quantitative measure for comparing mathematics anxiety both at the beginning and ending of the quarter. Data revealed a statistically significant reduction of mathematics anxiety levels (p < .05). Tukey's HSD was used to determine that a significant difference in mathematics anxiety levels occurred between the classes in the fall and winter quarters. Results of the study have implications for teacher education programs concerning the measurement of mathematics anxiety levels among future teachers and the determination of specific contexts in which that anxiety can be interpreted and reduced.
Laser Atmospheric Wind Velocity Measurements

The value and use of wind field measurements in environmental and Earth system science is discussed as an introduction. A brief overview or remote sensing techniques which can be used for wind field measurements is then included to provide a context for evaluating the particular characteristics of Doppler lidar which enhance wind measurement capability. These techniques include cloud-track winds measurements, aerosol or water vapor pattern correlation techniques, various limb sounders, and Doppler radar. Principles of Doppler lidar are then introduced, along with a discussion of the means of providing a backscatter signal which can be used to detect wind velocity. The discussion of Doppler lidar principles and techniques distinguishes coherent and incoherent (direct detection) lidar. For each of these two classes of Doppler lidar, SNR expressions are developed, and the rationale behind choice of wavelengths and laser technology is discussed. Examples of Doppler lidar use in field measurements are cited, and several design considerations for future use of this technique to measure global wind fields are presented.
The effective industry advisory board in engineering education - a model and case study

The use of voluntary advisory boards to give aid and advice is almost universal in engineering education programs. As part of a larger study on the effectiveness of industry advisory boards, a model of advisory board effectiveness was developed based on the literature on organizational effectiveness. This model incorporates four dimensions of board structure and operation: human relations, internal processes, rational goals, and open systems. A case study based on observations and interviews was conducted in an engineering school whose advisory board relationship was highly regarded. The case study examined board objectives, makeup, and overall effectiveness. The board was seen as highly engaged and effective, and has made significant contributions in curriculum and financial development and in overall support of the program. The case study traced current effectiveness back to a transition in board operation which occurred several years ago. Strong school leadership who believe in the advisory board process, senior board membership with a commitment to the program, a process in which advisory board input is taken seriously, and explicit and well focused fund raising expectations were seen as key components of this effective advisory board relationship.
Altered transit and bacterial overgrowth in the cystic fibrosis mouse small intestine

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may play an important role in the gastrointestinal complications of cystic fibrosis (CF). This work explored two potential factors in development of SIB...
Multiscale thermopiezoelectric analysis of laminated plates with integrated piezoelectric fiber composites

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive multiscale analysis of laminated plates with integrated piezoelectric fiber composite actuators. A detailed framework based on the asymptotic expansion homogenization method is developed to couple the microscale and macroscale field variables. The microscale fluctuations in temperature, mechanical displacement and electric potential are related to the macroscale temperature change, mechanical strain and electric fields through 43 distinct characteristic functions. The local thermal, mechanical and charge equilibrium equations yield a system of partial differential equations for the characteristic functions that are solved using standard finite element techniques. The homogenized thermoelectroelastic properties of a representative material element are computed using the characteristic functions and the constituent material properties. The Eshelby–Stroh formalism is used to analytically solve the three-dimensional macroscopic equilibrium equations for thick and thin laminated piezoelectric plates with arbitrary boundary conditions at the edges. Interscale transfer operators emerging from the asymptotic expansion homogenization method relate the macroscale fields to the microscale heat flux, stress and electric displacement in the individual fibers and matrix. The present multiscale analysis procedure is demonstrated by considering two model problems. In the first problem, a simply-supported sandwich plate consisting of a piezoceramic fiber composite shear actuator embedded between two graphite/epoxy layers is studied. The second problem concerns a simply-supported graphite/epoxy substrate with piezoceramic fiber composite extension actuators attached to its top and bottom surfaces. In both model problems, the responses of the laminated plates under thermal and electrical loading conditions are examined. Results are presented for the homogenized material properties, macroscale deformation, macroscale average stresses and microscale stress distributions.