Computer Assisted Learning for Fluid Mechanics. G.U. Aero Report 9616.

No abstract available

Coherent states \`a la Klauder-Perelomov for the P\"oschl-Teller potentials

In this paper we present a scheme for constructing the coherent states of Klauder-Perelomov's type for a particle which is trapped in P\"oschl-Teller potentials

Generalized Quantum Theory of Recollapsing Homogeneous Cosmologies

A sum-over-histories generalized quantum theory is developed for homogeneous minisuperspace type A Bianchi cosmological models, focussing on the particular example of the classically recollapsing Bianchi IX universe. The decoherence functional for such universes is exhibited. We show how the probabilities of decoherent sets of alternative, coarse-grained histories of these model universes can be calculated. We consider in particular the probabilities for classical evolution defined by a suitable coarse-graining. For a restricted class of initial conditions and coarse grainings we exhibit the approximate decoherence of alternative histories in which the universe behaves classically and those in which it does not. For these situations we show that the probability is near unity for the universe to recontract classically if it expands classically. We also determine the relative probabilities of quasi-classical trajectories for initial states of WKB form, recovering for such states a precise form of the familiar heuristic "J d\Sigma" rule of quantum cosmology, as well as a generalization of this rule to generic initial states.Comment: 41 pages, 4 eps figures, revtex 4. Modest revisions throughout. Physics unchanged. To appear in Phys. Rev.

Mutation update for the SATB2 gene

SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by alterations in the SATB2 gene. Here we present a review of published pathogenic variants in the SATB2 gene to date and report 38 novel alterations found in 57 additional previously unreported individuals. Overall, we present a compilation of 120 unique variants identified in 155 unrelated families ranging from single nucleotide coding variants to genomic rearrangements distributed throughout the entire coding region of SATB2. Single nucleotide variants predicted to result in the occurrence of a premature stop codon were the most commonly seen (51/120=42.5%) followed by missense variants (31/120=25.8%). We review the rather limited functional characterization of pathogenic variants and discuss current understanding of the consequences of the different molecular alterations. We present an expansive phenotypic review along with novel genotype-phenotype correlations. Lastly, we discuss current knowledge on animal models and present future prospects. This review should help provide better guidance for the care of individuals diagnosed with SAS

Supporting the millennium teacher: faculty development in the use of information and communications technologies

The UK government has established an Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) and will soon require that all professional teaching staff in Higher education (HE) achieve membership through either a portfolio or upon the successful completion of accredited courses. This development is driving a rapid expansion of coherent staff development programmes offering full recognition of the professional development staff undertake. The aim of this paper is to examine ongoing research which will inform future developments in faculty development in the use of communications and Information Technologies (C&IT) in teaching and learning. An analysis of responses to an accredited staff development programme is presented within the context of the shifting role of the university teacher. This study will be of interest to staff developers who wish to offer this form of support to faculty within their own institution

Two approaches to enable the sharing and reuse of resources across institutions

Over the past two years, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council has funded a programme of pioneering projects examining staff development in the use of communication and information technology for faculty in Higher Education. This study presents two diverse, yet related, projects which examine multi-institutional sharing and reuse of high quality staff development materials. One approach involves the adaptation of modular courses for institutional reuse. The other entails the development of an online resource base which facilitates the upload, storage, retrieval and reuse of granular materials. This presentation aims to describe the impact and discuss issues associated with the adoption of each of these strategies. It will be of particular interest to those involved in the implementation of networked learning in higher education, including staff developers and institutional managers

Web authoring: transferable skills for graduates of the future

At the University of Strathclyde, second-year students reading for the BA in International Business and Modern Languages are being supported in developing personal transferable skills in communication via the World Wide Web (WWW). The 'Webskills Initiative'immerses them in major aspects of Website creation, including writing, design, preparation of graphics and Web page authoring. The aim of this paper is to present the Webskills Initiative as a case study and to examine the reactions of students to the course. There is also an analysis of student attitudes to using the WWW as a medium for communication