cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rehvana's 'negritudism' or Mat(h)ildana's metissage-marronnage in Suzanne Dracius' L'autre qui danse and "L'ame soeur"

Martinican female writer Suzanne Dracius published her first novel L'autre// qui danse in 1989. Rehvana, the protagonist suffers from a "mal-etre du metissage", which means that she is unable to come to terms with her mixed biological and cultural inheritance. Therefore, the main theme is identity, which is articulated within a dual paradigm that consists in juxtaposing the psychological natures of two female characters, Rehvana and Matildana, to represent two dissimilar identity concepts. On the one hand, Rehvana promotes a corrupted notion of "Negritude" while Matildana extols "metissage-marronnage". This term is chosen by Suzanne Dracius to render her own concept of identity that she asserts even more in "L'ame soeur", a short story published in 2003 and, which is in fact the continuation of L'autre qui danse . In this paper I argue that although Dracius' "metissage-marronnage" innovatively includes the Martinican diaspora into the identity quest, her concept is very similar to existing ones such as "Antillanite" and "Creolite".
Topic detection and tracking: event-based information organization

Topic Detection and Tracking: Event-based Information Organization brings together in one place state-of-the-art research in Topic Detection and Tracking (TDT). This collection of technical papers from leading researchers in the field not only provides several chapters devoted to the research program and its evaluation paradigm, but also presents the most current research results and describes some of the remaining open challenges. Topic Detection and Tracking: Event-based Information Organization is an excellent reference for researchers and practitioners in a variety of fields related to TDT, including information retrieval, automatic speech recognition, machine learning, and information extraction
Wind energy: Trends and enabling technologies

Abstract Development of alternative energy sources has become a necessity as fossil energy resources are declining. At the same time, energy demand is rapidly increasing, putting the world on the verge of a global energy crisis. Moreover, the extensive use of conventional energy sources is polluting the environment and causing global warming. On the other hand, wind and other renewable energy sources are viable and clean alternatives to fossil fuels. Low operating cost and extensive availability make wind one of the most advantageous and effective renewable energy sources. This paper provides an exposure to the necessity for deployment of renewable energy sources and the worldwide installed capacity of wind power as well as a review of various wind technologies in conjunction with their applications and devices of operation. Furthermore, this paper discusses the cost of electric generation in wind power plants as well as the economic and environmental policies that advocate the installation of wind energy systems.
Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Communities and Enzymatic Activities Vary across an Ecotone between a Forest and Field

Extracellular enzymes degrade macromolecules into soluble substrates and are important for nutrient cycling in soils, where microorganisms, such as ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, produce these enzymes to obtain nutrients. Ecotones between forests and fields represent intriguing arenas for examining the effect of the environment on ECM community structure and enzyme activity because tree maturity, ECM composition, and environmental variables may all be changing simultaneously. We studied the composition and enzymatic activity of ECM associated with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) across an ecotone between a forest where P. taeda is established and an old field where P. taeda saplings had been growing for <5 years. ECM community and environmental characteristics influenced enzyme activity in the field, indicating that controls on enzyme activity may be intricately linked to the ECM community, but this was not true in the forest. Members of the Russulaceae were associated with increased phenol oxidase activity and decreased peroxidase activity in the field. Members of the Atheliaceae were particularly susceptible to changes in their abiotic environment, but this did not mediate differences in enzyme activity. These results emphasize the complex nature of factors that dictate the distribution of ECM and activity of their enzymes across a habitat boundary.
Biophysical Properties of Australia Antigen

Abstract Biophysical studies with Australia complement-fixing (CF) antigen showed it to be a particle with a buoyant density of 1.20 g/cm3 in CsCl, a sedimentation coefficient of 110, and an average diameter of 25 nm. The CF antigen was not inactivated by ether, 1% deoxycholate, 1% Tween 80 or overnight heating at 56 C. The antigen was unstable when treated with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. A procedure is described for the isolation and partial purification of Australia antigen from serum by using isopycnic banding and rate separation techniques. Treatment of the 1.20 g/cm3 Australia antigen with 1% Tween 80 yielded a minor peak of CF activity with a buoyant density of 1.39 g/cm3 in CsCl.
Targeted therapy for lung cancer: present and future

Recent advances in methods of genomic profiling have accelerated our understanding of the biology of oncologic diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that both histology and molecular signature have prognostic and predictive value. Advances in molecular characterization of solid tumors have made individualized approaches feasible. Personalized chemotherapy and targeted biological therapy based on tumor’s individual biologic and molecular profile can optimize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Molecular testing for activating mutations is routinely performed for several disease subtypes, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, melanoma and hematological malignancies including CML. For instance, alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) domain and echinoderm microtubule associated protein-like 4- anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) translocation are routinely used to guide therapeutic decisions for advanced NSCLC. Several new treatments targeting EGFR family members, novel EML4-ALK inhibitors and MEK inhibitors are currently in clinical development. Availability of targeted therapies makes it easier to integrate early palliative and supportive care in the management of patients with advanced malignancies. This review summarizes recent advances in use of targeted therapy, with a focus on NSCLC and a special emphasis on investigational strategies for individualized treatment, especially in patients with metastatic disease.
Stimulation of DNA synthesis in mammalian cell cultures by receptor-destroying enzyme and neuraminidase.

Receptor-destroying enzyme (RDE) and purified neuraminidase (V. cholerae) were added in varying concentrations to cultures of L929 fibro-blasts, HeLa cells and FL amnion cells. After 96 hours incubation at 36oC, RDE was found to enhance the growth of L929 fibroblasts and FL amnion cells, as measured spectrophotometrically by total DNA synthesis. Neuraminidase was found to stimulate growth in the three cell lines, using the same method of DNA determination. Neuraminidase, moreover, significantly increased the mitotic indices of the three cell lines after 72 hours incubation.
Making sense of complex data using interactive data visualization

Abstract An important role for accountants today is to provide decision support to senior management by assisting them in the analysis of large, complex data sets. Interactive data visualization (IDV) facilitates this process by allowing users to navigate, select, and display data via an easy-to-use interface often used as a component of data analytics. Given the increasing popularity of IDV as a tool for making sense of complex data, it is important that accountants become familiar with and learn how to use this technology. This case provides a hands-on opportunity to organize complex accounting data to create IDVs for decision makers to use. Further, the case enables students to understand the potential impact of IDVs on preparers and users of accounting information. Students will assume the role of a division controller in a hypothetical company and create an IDV to assist the chief executive officer (CEO) in decision making.
Tuning periodicity of polymer-decorated carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the most extensively investigated nanomaterials. Patterning soft matter such as liquid crystals and polymers on CNTs could potentially enable various applications for CNTs. We have demonstrated that controlled polymer crystallization using CNTs as the 1D nucleation sites can lead to periodically functionalized CNTs. Here we show that selected crystalline block copolymers can be periodically decorated along CNTs. This facile technique opens a gateway to periodic patterning on 1-D nanomaterials.
Selecting an appropriate multimedia authoring language

Multimedia is the integration of sound, pictures, videos, and text in such a way that users can navigate, explore, investigate, and create. The essence of multimedia computer-based training (CBT) is the use of conditional branching. Five multimedia authoring programs were compared: Multimedia Toolbook CBT, Director, Authorware Professional, IconAuthor, Action!, Quest, and Supercard. Comparisons include such factors as initial cost, distribution costs, platform, metaphor and logic, strengths, and support. The most critical factors, and their order of importance, in selecting an authoring language are delivery platform, level of interactivity required, need for database connectivity, the kind of support available, and the metaphor. We chose Multimedia Toolbook CBT for our use because of the availability of outside support, low cost, platform, the book metaphor, and similarity to other familiar languages (HyperCard and BASIC).
Abstract 3781: Pharmacokinetics of endoxifen and tamoxifen in female mice: Implications for comparativein vivoactivity studies

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: In tamoxifen (TAM) treated patients, both CYP2D6 metabolism and low steady state concentrations of endoxifen (END), the active metabolite of TAM, have been associated with a higher risk of recurrence (Madlensky L, Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011; 89(5):718-25). END drug development is ongoing at Mayo and NCI, and our previous data demonstrated that 1) END had high oral bioavailability in mice and yielded plasma concentrations and total exposure 20-fold greater as compared to an equivalent oral dose of TAM (MM Ames et al, Cancer Res 2011;70(8 Suppl 1):Abstract nr 3603) and 2) END is superior to TAM in both HER2 (Reinicke AACR 2011) and aromatase expressing (Goetz, SABC 2011) MCF-7 xenograft models. While subcutaneous (SQ) TAM is used by most researchers to study and develop models of TAM resistance, little is known about 1) whether murine and human TAM pharmacokinetics are comparable and 2) whether the route of administration affects concentrations of the active metabolites. Therefore, we conducted murine pharmacokinetic studies evaluating both the oral and SQ administration of TAM and END. Results: Following administration of TAM, concentrations of the active metabolites (END and 4-hydroxy TAM [4HT]) were therapeutic (Cmax- END 35.9 nM, 4HT 62.8 nM) only after a 0.5 mg oral dose of TAM. In contrast, following all doses of SQ TAM, concentrations of the active metabolites (END and 4HT) were sub-therapeutic (Cmax- END 5.2 nM; 4HT 18.7 nM). In contrast to humans, the Cmax of N-desmethyl TAM, the most abundant human TAM metabolite, was 80 nM) were detected in plasma at every dose and both dosing routes. Comparable END and TAM plasma concentrations were achieved with a 0.0625 mg SQ END and a 0.5 mg SQ TAM, respectively. Conclusions: Our data strongly suggest that SQ dosing of TAM results in non-therapeutic concentrations of the active hydroxylated metabolites, and may be a simple pharmacokinetic factor influencing response and resistance in a murine in vivo xenograft model. Given the nonlinear pharmacokinetics and differences in metabolism, the dose and route of END must be carefully selected for comparative studies with TAM. These data support the ongoing human studies designed to bypass the need for TAM metabolism by the direct administration of END. Supported by the Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center Grant (CA15083) and the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE (CA 116201; MMA, JMR, MPG). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3781. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3781
Cognitive effects of exogenous melatonin administration in elderly persons: a pilot study

Objective Given that circadian rhythm disruption is associated with impairments in cognitive performance similar to those found in age-related cognitive decline, the authors investigated whether exogenous melatonin administration would improve cognitive functioning in healthy elderly subjects. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study assigned 26 healthy elderly subjects to receive either melatonin 1 mg or placebo nightly for 4 weeks. Participants completed a sleep questionnaire and a battery of cognitive tests at baseline and at 4 weeks. Results Melatonin administration improved reported morning “restedness” and sleep latency after nocturnal awakening, and also improved scores on the California Verbal Learning Test–interference subtest. Conclusions Melatonin administration at a dose of 1 mg nightly may be effective in improving certain aspects of cognitive functioning and subjective reports of sleep quality in elderly subjects. It may prove to be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of age-related cognitive decline.
Resampling methods for evaluating classification accuracy of wildlife habitat models

Predictive models of wildlife-habitat relationships often have been developed without being tested The apparent classification accuracy of such models can be optimistically biased and misleading. Data resampling methods exist that yield a more realistic estimate of model classification accuracy These methods are simple and require no new sample data. We illustrate these methods (cross-validation, jackknife resampling, and bootstrap resampling) with computer simulation to demonstrate the increase in precision of the estimate. The bootstrap method is then applied to field data as a technique for model comparison We recommend that biologists use some resampling procedure to evaluate wildlife habitat models prior to field evaluation.
Reaction of Water with Ce-Au(111) and CeOx/Au(111) Surfaces: Photoemission and STM Studies

This article reports photoemission and STM studies for the adsorption and dissociation of water on CeAu(1 1 1) alloys and CeO{sub x}/Au(1 1 1) surfaces. In general, the adsorption of water at 300 K on disordered Ce Au(1 1 1) alloys led to OH bond breaking and the formation of Ce(OH){sub x} species. Heating to 500 600 K induced the decomposition or disproportionation of the adsorbed OH groups, with the evolution of H{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O into gas phase and the formation of Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3} islands on the gold substrate. The intrinsic Ce {leftrightarrow} H{sub 2}O interactions were explored by depositing Ce atoms on water multilayers supported on Au(1 1 1). After adsorbing Ce on ice layers at 100 K, the admetal was oxidized immediately to yield Ce{sup 3+}. Heating to room temperature produced finger-like islands of Ce(OH){sub x} on the gold substrate. The hydroxyl groups dissociated upon additional heating to 500-600 K, leaving Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles over the surface. On these systems, water was not able to fully oxidize Ce into CeO{sub 2} under UHV conditions. A complete Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3} {yields} CeO{sub 2} transformation was seen upon reaction with O{sub 2}. The particles of CeO{submore » 2} dispersed on Au(1 1 1) did not interact with water at 300 K or higher temperatures. In this respect, they exhibited the same reactivity as does a periodic CeO{sub 2}(1 1 1) surface. On the other hand, the Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Au(1 1 1) and CeO{sub 2-x}/Au(1 1 1) surfaces readily dissociated H{sub 2}O at 300 500 K. These systems showed an interesting reactivity for H{sub 2}O decomposition. Water decomposed into OH groups on Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Au(1 1 1) or CeO{sub 2-x}/Au(1 1 1) without completely oxidizing Cd{sup 3+} into Ce{sup 4+}. Annealing over 500 K removed the hydroxyl groups leaving behind CeO{sub 2=x}/Au(1 1 1) surfaces. In other words, the activity of CeO{sub x}/Au(1 1 1) for water dissociation can be easily recovered. The behavior of gold ceria catalysts during the water gas shift reaction is discussed in light of these results.« less
Preventing the crankshaft phenomenon by combining anterior fusion with posterior instrumentation : does it work?

Study Design. Fourteen skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis (Group I) were retrospectively studied to determine if the crankshaft phenomenon was prevented by combining anterior spinal fusion with posterior instrumentation and fusion. They were compared with 12 similar patients who underwent posterior procedures only (Group II). Objectives. To determine whether the addition of anterior spinal fusion was beneficial in preventing progressive spinal deformity in the very young patient. Summary of Background Data. The crankshaft phenomenon had been well documented in young patients undergoing posterior fusion only. No previous study compared the results of a similar group of patients some of whom underwent combined anterior and posterior fusion and the others who underwent posterior fusion only. Methods. Patients who were Risser 0 and had open triradiate cartilages at surgery were evaluated for curve correction, correction loss, changes in rib vertebral angle differences, rotational changes, and spinal balance. Crankshaft was defined as a progression in curve magnitude greater than 10° and accompanied by an increase in rib vertebral angle difference greater than 10°. In Group I, age at surgery averaged 10.7 years, and follow-up averaged 37 months. In Group II, age at surgery averaged 11.0 years, and follow-up averaged 64 months. Results. Group I : Thoracic curve correction averaged 77% after surgery and 68% at follow-up. At follow-up, two patients had curves progress more than 10°, and three patients had an increase in rib vertebral angle difference of 10° or more, but none of the patients had these changes simultaneously. Group II : During the course of follow-up, five of the 12 patients had progressive changes of 10° or more in curve size and rib vertebral angle difference. Four other patients had an increase exceeding 10° in one of the two categories. Conclusions. In skeletally immature children (open triradiate cartilage and Risser 0) with idiopathic scoliosis, the addition of anterior spinal fusion to posterior instrumentation and fusion is helpful in preventing the crankshaft phenomenon.
Binding of diphenylhydantoin to brain protein.

Abstract The binding of radioactive diphenylhydantoin (DPH- 14 C) to brain homogenates and isolated subcellular fractions of brain has been evaluated. Homogenates of mouse brain diluted to various concentrations were incubated with DPH- 14 C and subjected to an ultrafiltration procedure to evaluate tissue binding. The percentage of bound drug was related to the tissue concentration of the homogenate. Subcellular fractions of brain were isolated and incubated in a similar manner and DPH binding was directly related to protein content of each fraction. Fractions subjected to sonication bound DPH to the same extent as intact fractions. Studies in vivo and in vitro of DPH- 14 C binding to brain which was subjected to subsequent fractionation revealed a differential distribution. There was no significant difference in the distribution pattern at 2 or 14 hr and the patterns in vitro were similar. It is concluded that DPH- 14 C is reversibly bound to brain components and that binding capacity is directly related to protein content.
Mechanism of transluminal angioplasty.

Abstract Experimental studies of transluminal angioplasty in atherosclerotic animal models as well as in human postmortem arteries all have shown that splitting of the atheromatous plaque occurs during angioplasty. Histologic sections of human arteries that were studied after successful angioplasty done in vivo also have shown splitting of the atheromatous plaque. The split may extend down to the internal elastic membrane. As the angioplasty balloon becomes fully inflated, the elastic media and adventitia stretch to conform to the outer diameter of the expanded balloon. Damage to medial cells may occur and may be important in keeping the artery dilated after the balloon is deflated and withdrawn. The “healing” process of the atheromatous plaque after angioplasty is poorly understood. Whether there is metabolic dissolution of atheromatous material or whether there is fibrous retraction of the atheromatous plaque against the dilated arterial wall is not known. Further studies are needed to elucidate the late changes after angioplasty.
Photolysis of Ketene at 193 nm and the Rate Constant for H + HCCO at 297 K

The 193 nm photolysis of ketene was studied by measuring the amount of atomic hydrogen produced when very dilute ketene/Ar and ketene/H2 mixtures were irradiated by a single pulse from an ArF excimer laser. Absolute concentrations of atomic hydrogen were monitored over a time interval of 0−2.5 ms by using Lyman-α atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy (ARAS). Four different photodissociation channels of ketene were identified: H2CCO + hν gives (a) CH2(3B1) + CO; (b) CH2(1A1) + CO; (c) HCCO + H; and (d) C2O(b1Σ+) + H2. The quantum yields for each channel were measured as φa = 0.628, φb = 0.193, φc= 0.107, and φd = 0.072, respectively. To explore the secondary chemistry that occurred when using higher pressure H2CCO/Ar mixtures, a mechanism was constructed that used well-documented reactions and, for most processes, rate constants that had already been accurately determined. Modeling studies using this mechanism showed the [H] profile to be determined largely by the rate of the reaction H + HCCO → CH2 + ...
Chromosome Segregation: Learning to let go

To ensure accurate chromosome segregation, cohesion between sister chromatids must be released in a controlled manner during mitosis. A new study reveals how distinct centromere populations of the cohesin protector Sgo1 are regulated by microtubule attachments, cyclin-dependent kinases, and the kinetochore kinase Bub1.
Opioid activity of synthetic and naturally occurring enkephalin peptides.

Abstract Analogs of methionine—enkephalin were synthesized, with alterations made at the N -terminus or at the C-terminus. Alterations at only the N -terminus increased in vitro stability of peptides when they were incubated in homogenates. Injection of peptides intracerebrally indicated that an analog with the addition of a D-alanine at the C-terminus produced potent analgesia and had a longer duration of action than methionine-enkephalin, suggesting that peptidase hydrolysis at the N -terminus may not be the only important mechanism of inactivation.
Signal distortion from microelectrodes in clinical EEG acquisition systems

Many centers are now using high-density microelectrodes during traditional intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) both for research and clinical purposes. These microelectrodes are FDA-approved and integrate into clinical EEG acquisition systems. However, the electrical characteristics of these electrodes are poorly described and clinical systems were not designed to use them; thus, it is possible that this shift into clinical practice could have unintended consequences. In this study, we characterized the impedance of over 100 commercial macro- and microelectrodes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine how electrode properties could affect signal acquisition and interpretation. The EIS data were combined with the published specifications of several commercial EEG systems to design digital filters that mimic the behavior of the electrodes and amplifiers. These filters were used to analyze simulated brain signals that contain a mixture of characteristic features commonly observed in iEEG. Each output was then processed with several common quantitative EEG measurements. Our results show that traditional macroelectrodes had low impedances and produced negligible distortion of the original signal. Brain tissue and electrical wiring also had negligible filtering effects. However, microelectrode impedances were much higher and more variable than the macroelectrodes. When connected to clinical amplifiers, higher impedance electrodes produced considerable distortion of the signal at low frequencies (<60 Hz), which caused significant changes in amplitude, phase, variance and spectral band power. In contrast, there were only minimal changes to the signal content for frequencies above 100 Hz. In order to minimize distortion with microelectrodes, we determined that an acquisition system should have an input impedance of at least 1 GΩ, which is much higher than most clinical systems. These results show that it is critical to account for variations in impedance when analyzing EEG from different-sized electrodes. Data from microelectrodes may yield misleading results unless recorded with high-impedance amplifiers.
Determination of Magnetic Anisotropy Distribution and Anisotropy Constant of Manganese Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles

SQUID magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopy has been combined to quantitatively characterize the superparamagnetic relaxation of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles with a mean size of 7.4 nm. The key parameter for understanding and controlling the superparamagnetic properties of nanoparticles, the anisotropy constant K has been determined as 0.056 J/cm3 for this nanoparticulate sample, which is more than 20 times higher than bulk MnFe2O4 materials. The large enhancement of magnetic anisotropy in these nanoparticles suggests the possibility of strong interactions between the magnetic core and shell of the nanoparticles. The quantitative characterization of the 7.4 nm MnFe2O4 nanoparticles also shows the preexponential factor τ0 as 0.95 × 10-10 s. This τ0 value is in a good agreement with the theoretical value. Such an agreement is possibly as the result of minimal interparticle interaction in MnFe2O4 nanoparticulate sample.
REFLECTIONS ON PROTESTANTISM AND MODERN CHINA: PROBLEMS OF PERIODIZATION

This essay takes an unconventional approach to periodizing modern China’s Christian history. It clearly identifies the three elements to be discussed—the Chinese state, the foreign missionaries, and the Chinese Christians—and draws preliminary conclusions as to their relative importance.
Should the term “thought disorder” be revised?

Abstract The term “thought disorder” is widely used in American and British psychiatry to describe the cognitive and linguistic abnormalities which occur in schizophrenia. Both the term itself and the emphasis on its importance in the diagnosis of schizophrenia derive from Bleuler, who regarded it as pathognomonic.1 During more recent years some investigators have questioned both its value and its specificity.2–6 Diagnostic systems have been developed which emphasize the importance of other symptoms, such as specific types of delusions and hallucinations or poor premorbid personality and social adjustment.7–10 Further, various types of thought disorder have also been observed in other illnesses, such as mania or depression.11–13 Yet another objection to the term thought disorder, perhaps even more salient and compelling than those mentioned, is that the term has come to be used so broadly and imprecisely that it has become nearly meaningless. Wittgenstein has warned us that we cannot assume that because there is only one word, there is only one thing. The single term thought disorder has grown pregnant with a variety of meanings over the years. If the language of medicine and science relied on connotative richness and ambiguity, the value of the term would be thereby increased. Since science and medicine instead demand denotative sparseness and precision, the term has in fact become prostituted. Current usage of the term “thought disorder” varies so widely that it may mean anything from delusional thinking to memory impairment to a cognitive set predisposing to low self-esteem. A reevaluation of the terminology used to describe the psychopathology of cognition and self-espression is long overdue.
Community Level Socio‐Economic Impacts of Electronic Commerce

As electronic commerce grows, an important socio-economic side effect will be increased competition with the traditional businesses in any given local community. Our research suggests that local merchants typically go online in order to better access distant markets, but are often unprepared to cater to remote customers and hence do not fare well. In this paper, we suggest that it is important to consider now how electronic commerce may influence the health of local economies. Despite the rhetoric that electronic commerce is free from the constraints of geography, we argue that there are good reasons to reconsider the role of physical location in making e-commerce policies. We show that using transaction cost and competitive advantage approaches, supplemented by perspectives from research on social networks and trust, it is possible to develop locally sensitive Web strategies for businesses in a given community. We highlight generic strategies that local businesses can use to leverage their physical presence in a market with electronic commerce in order to better compete with distant Web-based companies.
Amphoteric hydrogel capsules : Multiple encapsulation and release routes

We show that chemical cross-linking of hydrogen-bonded poly(methacrylic acid)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PMAA/PVPON) capsules deposited onto silica core with ethylenediamine (EDA) followed by core dissolution and pH-triggered removal of PVPON produces amphoteric hydrogel hollow capsules, whose walls are composed of cross-linked PMAA and contain amino groups provided by the cross-linker. The capsules exhibit highly reversible swelling at acidic and basic pH values due to excess positive and negative charges in the capsule wall and are of minimum size at pH 5.5. Apart from covalent cross-linking, the hydrogel capsule wall is also stitched through ionic pairing in a wide interval of pH. At pH 5−6, where carboxylic acid groups are protonated, the capsule wall expands (and hydrogel capsules increase in size) in salt solutions as a result of dissociation of ionic cross-links. In contrast, at pH > 6 and pH < 5, where hydrogel wall acquires charge, salt results in the hydrogel contraction and in a decrease of capsul...
A philosophical view of research in music education

In this paper, four interrelated questions are addressed: What counts as research? What are some present challenges to music education research? What should be the relationship between theory and empirical data? What ought to be the distinctive features of music education research? The purpose is to elucidate how philosophical inquiry can be useful in music education scholarship in conceptualising and clarifying the nature of the field and challenging preconceived assumptions about the nature of music education research.
Shear-peel bond strength of orthodontic primers in wet conditions.

Structured Abstract Authors – Kula KS, Nash TD, Purk JH Objective – The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether a hydrophilic primer (TransbondTM MIP, [MIP]) produces a significant difference in shear/peel bond strength compared with a traditional hydrophobic primer (TransbondTM XT, [XT]) in wet (W) or dry (D) conditions and if there is a difference in the site of bond failure. Design – A randomized blinded in vitro design. Setting and Sample Population – The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Forty extracted human premolars were divided into four test groups (n = 10 each): MIP-dry conditions (MIPD), MIP-wet conditions (MIPW), XT-dry (XTD) and XT-wet (XTW). Experimental Variable – Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the teeth according to the manufacturer's directions except XTW and MIPW were exposed to moisture. Outcome Measure – Shear/peel test 24 h after bonding using an Instron at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min and the adhesive remnant index to determine the site of bond failure. Results – The bond strengths (X ± SD) in MPa were XTD = 8.3 ± 2.3; XTW = 0.8 ± 0.7; MIPD = 7.5 ± 1.8 and MIPW = 7.9 ± 1.7. The shear/peel bond strengths were significantly different: XTD = MIPD = MIPW > XTW (p ≤ 0.01; two-way ANOVA; Tukey HSD). The ARI scores were also significantly different: XTD = MIPD = MIPW > XTW (p ≤ 0.01; Chi-square). Conclusions – Orthodontists who suspect moisture contamination should use a hydrophilic primer during bonding procedures to maintain shear/peel bond strength.
Schedule-induced drinking following omission of reinforcement in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract Schedule-induced drinking in rhesus monkeys was studied with a variable second-order schedule, which consisted of FI 1-min components with 80% of the intervals being randomly reinforced. Schedule-induced drinking was found to occur after delivery of a food pellet and, also, after presentation of a stimulus which had previously been paired with food delivery. It was concluded that schedule-induced drinking is not just simply a post-prandial behavior.
Novel mechanisms for activated protein C cytoprotective activities involving noncanonical activation of protease-activated receptor 3.

The direct cytoprotective activities of activated protein C (APC) on cells convey therapeutic, relevant, beneficial effects in injury and disease models in vivo and require the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1). Thrombin also activates PAR1, but its effects on cells contrast APC’s cytoprotective effects. To gain insights into mechanisms for these contrasting cellular effects, protease activated receptor 3 (PAR3) activation by APC and thrombin was studied. APC cleaved PAR3 on transfected and endothelial cells in the presence of EPCR. Remarkably, APC cleaved a synthetic PAR3 N-terminal peptide at Arg41, whereas thrombin cleaved at Lys38. On cells, APC failed to cleave R41Q-PAR3, whereas K38Q-PAR3 was still cleaved by APC but not by thrombin. PAR3 tethered-ligand peptides beginning at amino acid 42, but not those beginning at amino acid 39, conveyed endothelial barrier-protective effects. In vivo, the APC-derived PAR3 tethered-ligand peptide, but not the thrombin-derived PAR3 peptide, blunted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced vascular permeability. These data indicate that PAR3 cleavage by APC at Arg41 can initiate distinctive APC-like cytoprotective effects. These novel insights help explain the differentiation of APC’s cytoprotective versus thrombin’s proinflammatory effects on cells and suggest a unique contributory role for PAR3 in the complex mechanisms underlying APC cytoprotective effects.
Papago Indian admixture and mating patterns in a mining town: A genetic cauldron

Problems of delineation of population units and sub-units and the poor fit of genetic models make populations with high mobility and low stability difficult to analyze by present means. Examination of three processes—in-migration, admixture, and dispersal—as well as the mate selection factors involved in out-mating and changing population boundaries are suggested as alternate procedures in these cases. The Papago Indian community of Ajo, Arizona, is characterized by historical instability, an in-migration rate of 72.3%, a dispersal rate of 20.6%, and an admixture rate of 36.7%. Inmigrant parents continue to come from all parts of the reservation, reservation ties are strong, and families often fragmented between reservation and Ajo homes. For these and other reasons the community cannot be delineated as a population unit nor incorporated into models of subdivided populations. Ajo's function as a cauldron in which genes are mixed and from which they are scattered is evident in sharp increases in the percentage of mixed Papagos among residents and out-migrants. Among the latter more than twice as many mixed Papago leave Ajo as entered in the parental generation. Mate selection factors possibly involved in admixture are considered.
CO2 and avian eggshell formation at high altitude

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that altitude-induced hypocapnia in hens reduces eggshell conductance to water vapor (G H 2 O ). Seven laying hens ( Gallus domesticus ) native to 1200 m were chronically exposed to high altitude (3800 m), and then to high altitude with sufficient inspired CO 2 to relieve hypocapnia (3800 m + CO 2 ). Egg G H 2 O was measured gravimetrically, shell thickness was measured with a micrometer, and aggregate pore area was calculated from measured values using Fick's law. Comparing results at 1200 m ( n = 118) and 3800 m ( n = 102), G H 2 O was reduced from 13.9 ± 0.2 to 12.6 ± 0.2 mg/(d·Torr) (mean ± SE), shell thickness was reduced from 0.297 ± 0.003 mm to 0.287 ± 0.03 mm, and calculated aggregate pore area per egg was reduced from 1.97 ± 0.03 mm 2 to 1.72 ± 0.03 mm 2 . When hypocapnia was relieved at 3800 m + CO 2 ( n = 82), G H 2 O was reduced even further to 11.1 ± 0.2 mg/(d·Torr), shell thickness increased to 0.305 ± 0.003 mm, and aggregate pore area was reduced 1.61 ± 0.03 mm 2 . Based on these results we reject our hypothesis. We conclude that hypocapnia is responsible for thin eggshells at altitude. Other physiological stimuli must cause the reductions in eggshell G H 2 O and pore area.
Postconditioning in Reperfusion Injury: A Status Report

Early reperfusion after an organ ischemia is essential to salvage tissue from eventual death. However, abundant evidence suggests that reperfusion also elicits pathophysiological changes responsible for additional tissue injury after restoration of blood flow. Postconditioning (Postcon) defined as rapid sequential intermittent interruption of blood flow applied during early moments of reperfusion has successfully shown to attenuate organ injury, including the heart, spinal cord, brain, kidney, liver, muscle, lung and intestines in the experimental setting. Clinical trials have also revealed the beneficial effect of Postcon on myocardial infarction in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Although there are some controversial issues regarding the efficacy of protection with Postcon in different animal models with comorbities, most preclinical studies have shown that Postcon is a potent intervention to reduce organ necrosis and apoptosis. Remote or pharmacological Postcon has emerged as alternatives in amelioration of cardiac reperfusion injury. This article will primarily discuss the existing literature regarding protection of Postcon on the heart, but there is a potential for future research into other organ systems to identify beneficial effects of Postcon on tissue reperfusion injury, particularly in patients undergoing surgical revascularization.
Estimating the Poverty Impacts of a Prospective Doha Development Agenda

This paper summarises the findings from a major international research project on the poverty impacts of a potential Doha Development Agenda. It draws on an intensive analysis of the DDA Framework Agreement and associated scenarios. The implications for world markets are established using a global modelling framework, the outputs of which form the basis for a dozen country case studies of the national poverty impacts of the DDA scenarios. Liberalisation targets under the DDA have to be quite ambitious if the round is to have a measurable impact on poverty. We expect the near-term poverty impacts to be mixed; some countries experience small poverty increases and others more substantial poverty declines. On balance, poverty is reduced under the core DDA scenario, and this reduction is more pronounced in the longer run. Deeper cuts in developing country tariffs are found to make the DDA more poverty friendly. It is also clear that, in order to generate significant poverty reductions in the near term, complementary domestic reforms are required to enable households to take advantage of the new market opportunities. Over the long run, sustained poverty reduction depends on stimulating economic growth, which suggests that trade reforms must go beyond tariffs and subsidies, also addressing barriers to services trade and investment.
Wing/Wall Aerodynamic Interactions in Free Flying, Maneuvering MAVs

Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) surveillance in the urban environment involves many aerodynamic hazards such as flying in close proximity to walls. The aerodynamic interactions between a maneuvering MAV's wingtip vortex and its proximity to a building wall could potentially affect the MAV's flight controls. The present study investigates the magnitude of this interaction using a fixed wing MAV vehicle in free flight particle image velocimetry (PIV) and wind tunnel testing. Elliptical instabilities in the wingtip vortex near the wall are discovered in the PIV testing while the wind tunnel results show an increase in aircraft lift coefficient near the wall. In extremely close proximity to the wall, it induces a slight rolling moment on the airplane. A MAV may need to anticipate this behavior and adjust its flight controls to successfully complete its mission in an urban environment.
Robust quantification of contrast agent (CA) concentration with magnetic field correlation (MFC) imaging

Contrast-enhanced perfusion studies of the brain by means magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to estimate a number of important brain tissue parameters, including cerebral blood flow and volume. In order to calculate these parameters, the contrast agent (CA) concentration must first be estimated. This is usually accomplished by measurement of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rate with the assumption of a linear relationship between the rate and the CA concentration. However, such a linear relationship does not necessarily hold in biological tissues due to compartmentalization of the CA in either the intravascular or extracellular spaces. Here we propose an alternative MRI method of CA quantification based on measurement of the magnetic field correlation (MFC), which is theoretically predicted to have a robust quadratic dependence on the CA concentration even when the CA is compartmentalized. In this study, CA concentration estimation by means of MFC is shown to be more accurate than established methods based on relaxation rates in yeast cell suspensions.
Tensile impact strength method for epoxy resins of varied stoichiometry

Abstract The high-speed stress-strain method of polymer impact strength evaluation possesses the advantages of standard low-speed stress-strain measurements: ultimate stress, ultimate strain and the shape of the curve are obtained, test speed can be arbitrarily controlled, and the stress is homogeneous and uniaxial. Using updated electronics, we have applied the method to a series of epoxy resins of different molecular weight between crosslinks. The results are reproducible and precise. While they agree in form with Izod results in this instance, the mode of deformation is different and disparity is found for other systems, e.g. two-phase rubber-epoxy composites.
An analytical approach to the dynamic topology problem

Currently, it is possible to modify (say, hourly) the topology of a data communications network by adding or deleting network links and/or by increasing or decreasing bandwidth on existing links in response to changing traffic loads and/or projected network conditions. The intent of this paper is to study a Markov decision process (MDP) model of the dynamic topology problem (DTP), the problem of activating and/or deleting links, as a function of the current traffic in the network and of the most recent network topology design. We present a decomposition of this model and structural results for the decomposition. The decomposition and structural results enhance the tractability of procedures for determining optimal link control policies. A numerical example is used to illustrate these results.
Predicting electrical measurements by applying scatterometry to complex spacer structures

The comparison of scatterometry measurements of complex spacer structures to electrical test measurements is discussed. Details of the NFET and PFET structures are presented, along with a summary of the scatterometry models used to represent the structures. Before comparison data are shown, a methodology and set of metrics are presented that assist in the analysis and interpretation of comparison data. The methodology, called Prediction Analysis, has its roots in TMU analysis, where both measurements are subject to error. But in Prediction Analysis, an "apples-to-apples" comparison of the measurements is not the goal, and the measurements may be reported in different units. The goal of Prediction Analysis is to analyze the components of error in a correlation and use this analysis to predict a measurement based on the knowledge of another measurement, such that the predicted measurement is bounded. This method is used in this work to determine how well scatterometry measurements of certain parameters correlate to electrical measurements of gate resistance, gate Lpoly, and transistor current Ion. Clear correlations are demonstrated, and physical explanations that explain these correlations are presented. Due to the correlations, the scatterometry measurements can be used as a predictor of electrical performance significantly before the electrical test occurs. Because of this, scatterometry can be a reliable measurement technique for improving spacer controls and reducing the mean time to detect (MTTD) some profile abnormalities.
Oxygen Transport Kinetics in Infiltrated SOFCs Cathode by Electrical Conductivity Relaxation Technique

Infiltration has attracted increasing attention as an effective technique to modify SOFC cathodes to improve cell electrochemical performance while maintaining material compatibility and long-term stability. However, the infiltrated material's effect on oxygen transport is still not clear and detailed knowledge of the oxygen reduction reaction in infiltrated cathodes is lacking. In this work, the technique of electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR) is used to evaluate oxygen exchange in two common infiltrated materials, Ce{sub 0.8}Sm{sub 0.2}O{sub 1.9} and La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}CoO{sub 3-δ}. The ECR technique is also used to examine the transport processes in a composite material formed with a backbone of La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}Co{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 0.8}O{sub 3-δ} and possessing a thin, dense surface layer composed of the representative infiltrate material. Both the surface oxygen exchange process and the oxygen exchange coefficient at infiltrate/LSCF interface are reported. ECR testing results indicate that the application of infiltrate under certain oxygen partial pressure conditions produces a measureable increase in the fitted oxygen exchange parameter. It is presently only possible to generate hypotheses to explain the observation. However the correlation between improved electrochemical performance and increased oxygen transport measured by ECR is reliably demonstrated. The simple and inexpensive ECR technique is utilized as a directmore » method to optimize the selection of specific infiltrate/backbone material systems for superior performance.« less
The Food Price Problem

has serious implications for national economic policy, traditional agricultural policy, and the agricultural economics profession. Because of the importance and timeliness of the food price problem and related public policy issues, the editors have broken a long established tradition and solicited the following three papers. These were written as a critique and broadly based discussion of the 1973 Economic Report of the President and the Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers.