cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cancellation control law for lateral-directional dynamics of a supermaneuverable aircraft

Cancellation control laws are designed which reduce the high levels of lateral acceleration encountered during aggressive rolling maneuvers executed at high angle of attack. Two independent problem are examined. One is to reduce lateral acceleration at the mass center, while the other focuses on lateral acceleration at the pilot's station, located 7.0 m forward of the mass center. Both of these problems are challenging and somewhat different in their limitations. In each case the design is based on a linearization of the lateral-directional dynamics about a high angle of attack condition. The controllers incorporate dynamic inversion inner loops to provide control of stability-axis roll- and yaw-rates and then employ cancellation filters in both feed-forward and feed-back signal paths. The relative simplicity of the control laws should allow nonlinear generalizations to be devised. Although it is shown that lateral acceleration can be reduced substantially by such control laws, this is at the cost of slowed roll response, poor dutch-roll damping or a combination of the two.
Submillimeter Wave Low Temperature Admittance Of N-GaAs AND InP Diode Structures Using Transport Analysis

Numerical simulation results for n+nn+ GaAs and InP diode structures in the 1-3 THz frequency range are presented. Cryogenic temperatures from 4 through about 77 K are examined to obtain the two-terminal admittance. Earlier work has suggested possible negative differential conductivity (NDC) at or below 4.2 K, but no consistent NDC above 77 K. Implications of the Monte Carlo data for generation of submillimeter waves at these intermediate temperatures is discussed.
Alprazolam, diazepam, yohimbine, clonidine: In vivo CA1, hippocampal norepinephrine and serotonin release profiles under chloral hydrate anesthesia

1. Although the GABA-A receptor complex has been the main focus of anti-anxiety therapy, the neural interaction in the septohippocampal circuit between GABA-A and the neurotransmitter, 5-HT, compels a study of the monoamine, 5-HT, in anxiety as well. 2. Neurochemistry for anxiety is also intimately involved with the neurotransmitter, NE. Indeed, 5-HT is a component of the dorsal ascending noradrenergic bundle and both neurotransmitters, NE and 5-HT, have been implicated in clinical depression. 3. In vivo microvoltammetric studies were performed using miniature carbon based sensors to detect NE release and concurrent 5-HT release, with 2 separate neural electrochemical signals, within CA1 region of hippocampus, in the chloral hydrate anesthetized rat. 4. Time course studies showed that both the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD), alprazolam, and the benzodiazepine (BZD), diazepam, decreased hippocampal NE release. 5. The in vivo and on line neurochemical profile of hippocampal 5-HT release for alprazolam differed from that of diazepam, i.e. alprazolam increased hippocampal 5-HT release, whereas diazepam decreased hippocampal 5-HT release. 6. Time course studies showed that the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine, an anxiogenic agent, increased both NE and 5-HT release in CA1 region of hippocampus; the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, clonidine, decreased NE release and increased 5-HT release in the same region. 7. Neither the profile for the TBZD, alprazolam, nor that of the BZD, diazepam, mimicked the neurochemical profile for the anxiogenic agent, yohimbine; the neurochemical profile for the TBZD, alprazolam, was similar to that of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, clonidine. 8. Interestingly, alprazolam's hippocampal 5-HT/NE interaction is similar to clonidine's 5-HT/NE action at alpha 2-adrenergic autoreceptors, resulting in enhanced 5-HT release. 9. Enhanced 5-HT release in hippocampus, exhibited by the atypical TBZD, alprazolam, and not by the typical BZD, diazepam, may be an underlying mechanism for the antidepressant activity exhibited by alprazolam.
Evaluation of a Standardized Micro-Vacuum Sampling Method for Collection of Surface Dust

A standardized procedure for collecting dust samples from surfaces using a micro-vacuum sampling technique was evaluated. Experiments were carried out to investigate the collection efficiency of the vacuum sampling method described in ASTM Standard D7144, “Standard Practice for Collection of Surface Dust by Micro-Vacuum Sampling for Subsequent Metals Determination.” Weighed masses (≈ 5, ≈ 10 and ≈ 25 mg) of three NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) were spiked onto surfaces of various substrates. The SRMs used were: (1) Powdered Lead-Based Paint; (2) Urban Particulate Matter; and (3) Trace Elements in Indoor Dust. Twelve different substrate materials were chosen to be representative of surfaces commonly encountered in occupational and/or indoor settings: (1) wood, (2) tile, (3) linoleum, (4) vinyl, (5) industrial carpet, (6) plush carpet, (7,8) concrete block (painted and unpainted), (9) car seat material, (10) denim, (11) steel, and (12) glass. Samples of SRMs originally spiked onto these surfaces w...
The protein encoded by the transforming gene of avian sarcoma virus (pp60src) and a homologous protein in normal cells (pp60proto-src) are associated with the plasma membrane.

Abstract Oncogenesis by avian sarcoma virus is attributable to a single viral gene (src) which encodes a phosphoprotein (pp60src) with the enzymatic activity of a protein kinase. A closely related protein, pp60proto-src, occurs in uninfected cells from a wide variety of vertebrate species and is presumed to be the product of a cellular gene that served as progenitor for src. We explored the location of these proteins within the cell by using immunoprecipitation to analyze subcellular fractions prepared from avian sarcoma virus-transformed rat and chicken cells and from uninfected rat cells. We found that both pp60src and pp60proto-src were associated with the plasma membrane as active protein kinases and could be recovered efficiently only by disrupting the membranes with nonionic detergent. Our findings, in conjunction with those of other investigators, indicate that both proteins are embedded in the membrane by means of a hydrophobic domain(s); available evidence indicates that pp60src is not exposed on the surface of the cell but is accessible at the cytoplasmic aspect of the plasma membrane. These conclusions lend credence to two current speculations. First, pp60src and pp60proto-src may have similar or even identical functions. Second, neoplastic transformation may originate from derangements in the plasma membrane or its affiliated structures.
The effect of cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs on feelings of energy and fatigue: a meta-analysis of research from 1945 to 2005

BackgroundPhysical activity is a healthful behavior that has promise for combating feelings of low energy and fatigue. Despite evidence suggesting that fatigue is a prodromal symptom of major cardi...
Activities and relative affinities of divalent metals in unmodified and phosphorothioate-substituted hammerhead ribozymes.

Abstract The roles of metals in the phosphodiester bond cleavage reaction performed by the hammerhead ribozyme are under investigation. In this study, the apparent affinities and the abilities of several different metals to support ribozyme activity are reported. The relative affinities of divalent cations for the hammerhead ribozyme are determined by measuring their ability to release bound Mn 2+ . The EPR-detected Mn 2+ competition studies give an order of apparent affinity of Mn 2+ ∼ Co 2+ ∼ Zn 2+ >Cd 2+ ≫Mg 2+ . This ordering generally follows the trend of maximum rates of cleavage determined at pH 7.0, 0.1 M NaCl, and saturating metal concentrations, of Mn 2+ >Co 2+ >Cd 2+ >Mg 2+ . The maximum rate is observed for Mn 2+ under these conditions and may be related to the high affinity, low p K a and low Δ H hyd of this ion. Substitution of phosphorothioates 5′ to each of the nine adenosines in the enzyme strand yields a change in the Mn 2+ binding properties of the hammerhead complex. In the phosphorothioate-substituted hammerhead complex, eight to nine Mn 2+ bind in two types of classes: ‘type 1’ ( n =1±0.3, K d =1.1±1 μM) and weaker ‘type 2’ ( n =7.7±0.3, K d =125±27 μM). The multiple phosphorothioate substitutions result in the loss of two to three of the higher affinity sites observed in the unmodified ribozyme. Metal competition studies with the phosphorothioate-substituted ribozyme indicate that the relative affinities of the metals are Cd 2+ >Zn 2+ >Co 2+ , Mg 2+ with the number of Mn 2+ displaced and apparent affinity of the thiophilic Cd 2+ most affected by the phosphorothioate substitutions.
Isotopic character and origin of brine leaks in the Avery Island salt mine, south Louisiana, U.S.A.

Twelve brine leaks in the Avery Island salt mine have the isotopic signature of meteoric waters and are isotopically similar to shallow wells around the salt dome. The mine leaks are interpreted as meteoric waters which have penetrated the salt. One leak at the 275 m (∼ 900 ft.) level is drastically enriched in 18O relative to the other waters. This water is similar to 18O-rich waters in other Gulf (of Mexico) coast salt domes and is interpreted as formation water which became incorporated in the salt during diapiric rise of the dome. While water encounterd in other salt domes is primarily formation water, the water encountered in the Avery Island salt is primarily meteoric. This may be related to the shallow depth of the mine, close proximity of the salt top to the surface, absence of caprock, and/or duration and technique of mining.
UVk-mappings on homology manifolds

We prove a strong controlled generalization of a theorem of Bestvina and Walsh, which states that a (k+1)–connected map from a topological n–manifold to a polyhedron, 2k+3≤n, is homotopic to a UVk–map, that is, a surjection whose point preimages are, in some sense, k–connected. One consequence of our main result is that a compact ENR homology n–manifold, n≥5, having the disjoint disks property satisfies the linear UV⌊(n−3)∕2⌋–approximation property for maps to compact ANRs. The method of proof is general enough to show that any compact ENR satisfying the disjoint (k+1)–disks property has the linear UVk–approximation property.
Temperature distributions in normal and neoplastic tissues during hyperthermia: lumped parameter analysis☆

Abstract 1. 1.|Thermal behaviour of normal and neoplastic tissues of a rat is modelled by a set of simultaneous first-order linear ordinary differential equations. This model successfully describes the available data during normothermia and whole-body hyperthermia. 2. 2.|Model simultations suggest that tumour temperature can be changed by variations in tumour blood flow; however, large modifications of blood flow are necessary to obtain appreciable changes. 3. 3.|Numerical simulations are carried out to compare the following modes of inducing hyperthermia: whole-body and localized hyperthermia by microwave diathermy, and hyperthermia due to regional perfusion with pre-heated blood. Hyperthermia due to blood convection is suggested to be the most efficient of the three modes of hypthermia studied.
A robustness approach to international sourcing

An important advantage of the use of international sourcing networks (i.e. selection of suppliers in various countries to support the demands of the firm's international factory network) is the resulting hedging power against real exchange rate changes in the international environment. Due to the uncertainty of future real exchange rate changes, the international manager wants to develop a sourcing network that is relatively insensitive (i.e. robust) to the potential changes of the macroeconomic parameters over a planning horizon. In our paper, we formally develop arobust approach to international sourcing. This approach develops the international supplier network in a way that adequately hedges the firm's performance against the worst contingency in terms of realizable real exchange rate shocks over a planning horizon. We present an algorithm to obtain theN best robust solutions (i.e. sourcing networks) to the international sourcing problem. Some computational results on the effectiveness of the approach are provided. We also demonstrate how the approach can be used to evaluate various sourcing strategies.
Listening Fidelity Development and Relationship to Receiver Apprehension and Locus of Control

Abstract This study explores a new concept, listening fidelity, and a procedure for measurement. Listening fidelity is conceptually defined as the degree of congruence between the cognitions of a listener and the cognitions of a source following a communication event. Operational measuring procedures were established with 162 participants. Individuals with high receiver apprehension scored lower on listening fidelity than did low receiver apprehensive participants. External locus of control participants did not score significantly lower on listening fidelity than internals. Receiver apprehension was correlated with locus of control. Improvement potential for normalizing the distribution of listening fidelity scores was discussed. These initial results were considered sufficient to serve as a foundation from which further development was merited.
Genomic imprinting of a placental lactogen gene in Peromyscus

The mammalian genome contains over 30 genes whose expression is dependent upon their parent-of-origin. Of these imprinted genes the majority are involved in regulating the rate of fetal growth. In this report we show that in the deer mouse Peromyscus the placental lactogen-1-variant (pPl1-v) gene is paternally expressed throughout fetal development, whereas the linked and closely related pPl1 gene is expressed in a biallelic manner. Neither the more distantly related pPl2A gene, nor the Mus Pl1 gene displays any preferential expression of the paternal allele, suggesting that the acquisition of imprinting of pPl1-v is a relatively recent event in evolution. Although pPl1 expression is temporally mis-regulated in the dysplastic placentae of hybrids between two Peromyscus species, its over-expression cannot account for the aberrant phenotypes of these placentae. We argue that the species-specific imprinting of pPl1-v, encoding a growth factor that regulates nutrient transfer from mothers to their offspring, is consistent with the parent-offspring conflict model that has been proposed to explain the evolution of genomic imprinting.
Fuzzy-set-based machine-cell formation in cellular manufacturing

In cellular manufacturing, manufacturing cells are designed based on the assumption that only one machine is used for a particular operation. However, there can be alternative machines to process an operation. In this article, a fuzzy-set-based machine-cell formation algorithm for cellular manufacturing is presented. The fuzzy logic is employed to express the degree of appropriateness when alternative machines are specified to process a part shape. For machine grouping, the similarity-coefficient-based approach is used. The algorithm produces efficient machine cells and part families, which maximize the similarity values. This algorithm can also be used when the intercellular movement costs should be minimized. A numerical example is given to illustrate this approach.
Limiting PGY 1 Residents to 16 Hours of Duty: Review and Report of a Workshop

Background In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) instituted limits on duty hours. Residents were restricted to working 80 hours/week and limited to 24 hours of continuous patient care. Effective July 2011, an additional restriction will be instituted for PGY 1 residents limiting continuous duty to 16 hours maximum. Objective Prospective evaluation of the impact of the upcoming work shift limitations for PGY 1 residents. Design/Setting/Participants Review of literature and discussions among program directors, program coordinators, and residents on the effects of prior limitations of duty hours, as a point of reference, to manage the changes of duty hours for PGY 1 residents during a workshop at the Association of Program Directors in Surgery Annual Meeting. Results Work-hour restrictions necessitate a change from the traditional 24-hour on-duty call schedule for PGY 1 residents. The benefits to patients of being treated by less tired doctors working in shifts may be offset by communication failures from poor handoffs, rendering the system prone to adverse events/near misses. With additional work-hour restrictions, it is imperative to anticipate problems and deal with them effectively. Continued reevaluation of the handoff system and efforts made to decrease the number of preventable adverse events that typically occur during periods of cross coverage should be undertaken. Labor costs to carry out these new restrictions are predictably high but can be made budget neutral if improvement in patient care leads to reduction in the costs of corrective actions. Conclusions Residency programs have adapted to the 2003 work-hour restrictions without apparent ill effect. We must study the effects of the July 2011 requirements prospectively as the traditional frontline physicians (PGY 1 residents) will no longer be available for 24-hour duty shifts.
Cholesterol biosynthesis in human lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes.

Abstract Lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes were separated by counter-flow centrifugation from the blood of normal individuals and were incubated in full serum medium or lipid-depleted medium. The monocytes incorporated about five times more [2- 14 C]acetate into sterols than did the lymphocytes in full serum medium and approximately twenty times more than the lymphocytes in lipid-depleted medium. The granulocytes were unable to synthesize sterols from either [2- 14 C]acetate or [2- 14 C]mevalonate, but they were able to use these substrates for the synthesis of squalene and demonstrated approximately a two fold increase in the incorporation of [2- 14 C]acetate (but not [2- 14 C]mevalonate) into squalene when incubated in the lipid-depleted medium as compared to the full serum medium.
Multiple comparisons with a control under heteroscedasticity

This article investigates three procedures on the multiple comparisons with a control in the presence of unequal error variances. The advantages of the proposed methods are illustrated through two examples. The performance of the proposed methods and other alternative methods is compared by simulation studies. The results show that the typical methods assuming equal variance will have inflated error rate and may lead to erroneous inference when the equal variance assumption fails. In addition, the simulation study shows that the proposed approaches always control the family-wise error rate at a specified nominal level α, while some established methods are liberal and have inflated error rate in some scenarios.
Local food festivals in Northeast Iowa communities: A visitor and economic impact study

A way to enhance the benefits of tourism is to expand the economic linkages by increasing the amount of local food used in the industry. In this respect, rural communities are using food festivals to promote local commodities. This study, utilizing a questionnaire-based survey, analyses travel motivations of visitors and assesses the economic impact of 11 community-based food festivals in Northeast Iowa (from May to October 2005). IMPLAN Input–Output Model was utilized to assess the economic impact of these local food festivals. The total economic impact of visitors (n = 22,806) in local food festivals in terms of sales is almost $2.6 million; in terms of personal income is $1.4 million; and in terms of employment is 51 jobs. The study also found that festival participants were middle aged, college graduates, affluent, and day trippers. They were primarily motivated to specifically attend the festivals, which they learned about primarily by word of mouth. Festivals visitor spending patterns were similar b...
Effect of MIR604 Transgenic Maize at Different Stages of Development on Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in a Central Missouri Field Environment

The establishment and survival of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, was evaluated on transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner maize, Zea mays L., expressing the mCry3A protein (MIR604) and non-Bt maize with the same genetic background (isoline maize) at different stages of development in 2007 and 2008. Overall, western corn rootworm larval recovery, root damage, and adult emergence were significantly higher on isoline maize compared with MIR604. The number of larvae and adults collected from MIR604 did not significantly differ among egg hatch dates from each maize developmental stage evaluated in either year. In 2007, damage to isoline maize roots was lower than expected and never exceeded 0.24 nodes of damage. In 2008, over 0.60 nodes of damage occurred on isoline maize roots. The mean weight and head capsule width of larvae and adults recovered from MIR604 and isoline maize were generally not significantly different. Results are discussed in relation to insect resistance management of western corn rootworm.
The In Vitro Growth and Serial Passage of RA 27/3 Rubella Vaccine Virus in Cord Blood Mononuclear Leukocytes from Normal Babies

ABSTRACT: Because of our inability to isolate rubella virus from peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic symptoms after rubella immunization we performed a series of experiments with cord blood mononuclear cells (CBL) to determine whether and to what extent these cells supported the growth of rubella virus in vitro. CBL were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin for 48-72 h, washed, and inoculated with 1000 tissue culture 50% infection dose of rubella vims and placed in RPMI 1640 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum and IL-2. Approximately every 9 d the volume was halved, and new CBL were added. Aliquots at 2-to 9-d intervals were obtained and quantitatively cultured in African green monkey tissue culture. Rubella virus growth was determined by echovirus 11 challenge. Controls consisted of rubella virus in RPMI 1640 medium. Rubella virus persisted in CBL culture longer than in control medium in seven of 11 experiments, and in three instances there was evidence of productive infection.
Design and Characterization of X-Ray Multilayer Analyzers for the 50-1000 eV Region.

Abstract This report describes a synthesis of more than 10 years of this program's development and application of multilayer analyzers for absolute Bragg spectrometry in the low-energy x-ray region of 50–1000 eV. Multilayers, defined here as systems of periodic layered structures parallel to the analyzer surface, have been applied principally in the diagnostics and application of the new, intense sources of synchrotron and high-temperature plasma x radiation. Detailed absolute reflectivity characterizations are presented for selected examples of these multilayers which have been semiempirically determined for mica, potassium acid phthalate, and the fabricated Langmuir-Blodgett and sputtered multilayer analyzers with d -spacings in the 10–200 A range. Design requirements for absolute spectrometry are established. Efficient analytical multilayer reflectivity models are derived and parameterized (based upon a modification of the Darwin-Prins model for the low-energy x-ray region), including, for the sputtered multilayers, parameters for denning interface structure. The dependence of the reflectivity characteristics, high-order Bragg diffraction suppression, and overall efficiency upon the model parameters is analyzed. A special spectrograph and procedure for the absolute measurement of the relevant reflectivity characteristics are described. Detailed measurements and semiempirical characterizations are presented. Programs for small laboratory computers have been developed that allow rapid and flexible spectral analysis, transforming measured spectra to absolute spectra.
Optimism and Cardiovascular Health: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Objectives We examined the cross-sectional association between optimism and cardiovascular health (CVH). Methods We used data collected from adults aged 52-84 who participated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) (n=5,134) during the first follow-up visit (2002-2004). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations of optimism with ideal and intermediate CVH (with reference being poor CVH), after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and psychological ill-being. Results Participants in the highest quartile of optimism were more likely to have intermediate [OR=1.51:95%CI=1.25,1.82] and ideal [OR=1.92:95%CI=1.30,2.85] CVH when compared to the least optimistic group. Individual CVH metrics of diet, physical activity, BMI, smoking, blood sugar and total cholesterol contributed to the overall association. Conclusions We offer evidence for a cross-sectional association between optimism and CVH.
Concurrent programming in an upper level operating systems course

Since 1983, we have been covering concurrent programming as a central feature of a senior-level course in operating systems. This paper describes the content of that course, the mechanism used to implement concurrency, and the programming projects which provide students with practical experience in concurrency.
The Plight of Personality Disorders in the DSM-5

This article provides a brief history of the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, and how it relates to the proposed fifth edition to be published in 2013. Of particular emphasis is Axis II and how this axis is likely to be restructured. The reconceptualization of the nosology for personality disorders has been controversial since the publication of the DSM-III-R (Wilson, 1993). In both the clinical and academic communities, ongoing debate about diagnostic classification of personality disorders has been common. One recurrent theme among the deliberations on diagnosis and personality disorder focuses on the question of whether distinct (categorical) diagnoses exist or whether diagnoses are dimensionally related to each other in some empirically determined way. The proposed changes for Axis II in the DSM-5 are likely to bridge the gap between these two arguments by revamping the overall criteria and discarding the three currently used diagnostic clusters. The resulting nosology proposes six personality disorders with common factors in Criteria A and Criteria B. However, a major concern and a continuing problem not likely to be resolved in this edition is the symptom resemblance of borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. This article suggests some ways the revised DSM might affect mental health nursing practice.
Long-Pulse Induction Acceleration of Heavy Ions

A long-pulse induction acceleration unit has been installed in the high-current Cs+ beam line at LBL and has accelerated heavy ions. A maximum energy gain of 250 keV for 1.5 ?s is possible. The unit comprises 12 independent modules which may be used to synthesize a variety of waveforms by varying the triggering times of the low voltage trigger generators.
Women's knowledge about breast cancer. Dimensions of knowledge and scale development.

Evidence suggests that knowledge about breast cancer may influence secondary prevention, care-seeking behavior, and participation in treatment decision-making. Yet few standardized measures of breast cancer knowledge are in existence. Using factor analysis, this paper describes the structure of women's knowledge about breast cancer and uses that structure to develop a measurement scale. Principal axis factoring and varimax rotation yielded a nine factor solution, which accounted for 59.3% of the common variance. Interpretation of the conceptual structure of these factors suggests that knowledge is organized around breast cancer treatment, misconceptions, risk factors, symptoms, menstruation, and prevalence. Considering only those items with factor loadings of .35 and greater, and including only those factors containing three or more items, a 16-item scale, which included four factor-based subscales covering knowledge about breast cancer treatment, misconceptions, risks, and symptoms was developed. Internal consistency reliability of the total scale and of the four subscales was high (alphas = .76-.95). Using chi square analysis, it was found that levels of knowledge on the total scale and on the treatment and symptom subscales are associated with age, education, income, and history of breast cancer. Knowledge on the misconceptions subscale was associated with age, education, and income. Knowledge on the risks subscale was associated with age and education. Issues of reliability and validity of the scale as well as directions for future research in this area are discussed.
MUPPETS: multi-user programming pedagogy for enhancing traditional study

Through capitalizing on research in the areas of gaming and virtual community social psychology, RIT is engaged in a project to develop a Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE) entitled "The Multi-User Programming Pedagogy for Enhancing Traditional Study" (MUPPETS). The MUPPETS system will be aimed specifically at engaging upper-division students in the education of lower-division students through their first-year programming core. The authors have built upon existing research and technical developments in the field to design and construct a CVE and supporting infrastructure that allows students to write very simple Java code similar to, and constructed around the same pedagogical issues as, code written in a more traditional course of first year study. As part of the MUPPETS system, however, this code can now control objects in a shared virtual world very much like an online massively-multiplayer game that many prospective students are already familiar with. Upper level students also populate the system in a structure of their own, and this population will be aimed at encouraging and rewarding student engagement and peer knowledge-transmission.The use of the freshman year to provide a programming core is not unique to Information Technology programs, and is in fact implemented (and also problematic) at most institutions with programs in computing. It is the opinion of the authors that while there is moderate success in many of these programs, there is a rapidly occurring shift in the overall student population such that students are no longer as interested or engaged in their coursework as they were in previous years, and this apathy can be seen in spectacular fashion during the first year programming core. This is attributed to the fact that unlike the applications that many students are motivated to build, the first year experience is often centered on non-visual applications, and/or problems that hold no particular interest for first-year students.(This is largely because first-year classes cannot move beyond basic techniques, since the population is just beginning to master programming techniques.) Because universities around the world are currently faced with the issue of how best to engage students in programming coursework, this study, once conducted, should be interesting to a large number of institutions at several academic levels. This paper focuses on the first year of development of the MUPPETS system, and presents tentative results based on trials conducted in first-year programming courses at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Interaction of the BAK Homodimer with the Membrane

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis is an essential biological process in embryogenesis or in the maintenance of homeostasis in higher eukaryotes. In the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways, the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins BAK and BAX, upon activation by death signals, are believed to form large oligomeric pores via homodimer formation in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Through these pores of an unknown structure, many apoptotic factors are released from the intermembrane space into the cytoplasm, where they initiate the cascade of events that lead to cell death. We have determined the topographic locations of the residues in the helices α4, α5 and α6 of BAK in the BAK oligomeric pore using the site-directed spin labeling method and/or the IASD (4-acetamido-4′-((iodoacetyl)amino)stilbene-2,2′disulfonic acid) labeling approach. Accessibility parameters of oxygen and NiEDDA to residues in helix α5 showed that the helix is exposed to the membrane on one side, with the opposite side in tertiary contact. The IASD labeling pattern in helix α5 also revealed the same. These results were consistent with the predictions by the BAX ‘BH3-in-groove homodimer’, a recently reported X-ray crystallographic structure of a dimer of a truncated BAX consisting of helices α2-α5. The membrane immersion-depths of selected residues in helices α4 and α5 indicated that the adsorption of the BAK ‘BH3-in-groove homodimer' to the membrane surface is mediated by the hydrophobic surface of the homodimer. The helix α6 was also adsorbed to the membrane surface, with its N-terminus deeper than the C-terminus. In summary, the data suggest that BAK proteins form a lipidic pore, unlike the channel forming domains of certain bacterial toxins such as diphtheria toxin or colicin molecules. The results provide further insights into the mechanism of formation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pores by BAX or BAK.
Highlights of Fall Meeting 2011

Every December for the past 44 years, something special has happened in the world of Earth and space science: AGU's Fall Meeting. This special pullout section ofEos offers highlights of the 2011 Fall Meeting in a format structured to echo AGU's Strategic Plan. Scientific Leadership and Collaboration were at an all-time high: For the first time in Fall Meeting history, attendance passed the 20,000 mark—20,890 to be exact. Attendees hailed from 96 countries; 30% were students.
Nocardial Brain Abscess: Treatment Strategies and Factors Influencing Outcome

The successful management of nocardial brain abscess remains problematic. The authors report 11 cases of nocardial brain abscess treated between 1971 and 1993 and review 120 cases reported since 1950. The clinical findings included focal deficits in 55 patients (42%), nonfocal findings in 36 (27%), and seizures in 39 (30%). Extraneural nocardiae were present in 66% of the cases; pulmonary (38%) and cutaneous/subcutaneous (20%) locations were the most frequent. The abscesses were single in 54% of the patients, multiple in 38%, and of unknown number in 8%. Forty-four of 131 patients (34%) were immunocompromised; since 1975, 18 of 40 immunocompromised patients (45%) were transplant recipients and six (15%) had human immunodeficiency virus. The mortality rate was 24% after initial craniotomy and excision (11/45), 50% after aspiration/drainage (17/34), and 30% after nonoperative therapy (7/23); 29 cases (22%) were diagnosed at autopsy. The mortality rate was 33% in patients with single abscesses and 66% in those with multiple abscesses (P < 0.0003). There was no difference in the mortality rates of immunocompromised and nonimmunocompromised patients treated before computed tomography (CT) was available; since the advent of CT, however, the mortality rate has been significantly higher in immunocompromised patients (55% vs. 20%, P < 0.05). Although the mortality rate for nocardial brain abscesses has dropped almost 50% since the advent of CT, it has remained virtually unchanged in immunocompromised patients and is three times higher than that of other bacterial brain abscesses (30% vs. 10%). The authors recommend image-directed stereotactic aspiration for diagnosis; however, craniotomy and total excision are necessary in most cases, because nocardial abscesses are usually multiloculated. Patients with minimal neurological deficits or small abscesses may be treated initially with antibiotics alone. Sulfonamides, alone or in combination with trimethoprim, are most effective and should be continued for at least 1 year. Minocycline, imipenem, or aminoglycoside in combination with a third-generation cephalosporin may be used with reasonably good success as second-line agents in cases of allergy or nonresponsiveness to sulfa agents.
The role of grandparents in preventing aggressive and other externalizing behavior problems in children from rural, methamphetamine-involved families

Preventive interventions are urgently needed for children from rural, methamphetamine-involved families, who are at risk for the development of aggressive and other externalizing behavioral problems. This mixed method study explored naturally occurring sources of protection and considers the implications for targeted interventions. Participants were 41 children aged six to 14 years from rural families involved with methamphetamine and the public child welfare system, their primary caregivers, and 19 parents recovering from methamphetamine addiction. When invited during semi-structured interviews to talk about their families, 48% of children spontaneously described socially and emotionally supportive relationships with healthy grandparents. Children's reports of support from grandparents were associated with lower scores on CBCL Social Problems, [t(37)= 2.23, p Language: en
Improving the efficiency of survey research in postoperative patients

Abstract Study Objective : To increase the contact rate with eligible patients for quality assurance/ improvement surveys by modifying survey rounds to accommodate the schedules of individual nursing units. Design : Two-phase, interventional time series study. Setting : Postoperative inpatients at a university hospital. Patients : 498 adult postoperative inpatients who remained hospitalized during the second postoperative day. Interventions : Between the first and second measurement periods, efforts were made to learn the schedule of each nursing unit and to improve the efficiency of survey rounds so that a larger proportion of patients could be contacted. Measurements and Main Results : The contact rate for eligible patients was improved from 66% to 80% ( p vs. 12%, p vs. 4%, p Conclusion : Strategies individualized to patient care units can improve the efficiency and credibility of inpatient survey research. We describe the strategies most helpful in improving the efficiency of survey rounds at one medical center.
Application of the fast field program to the prediction of average noise levels around sources

Abstract The prediction of yearly average sound levels around sources is presently performed by empirical methods that are not sensitive to local climatological and ground conditions. In this paper a computationally efficient method is developed for using the fast field program to produce yearly average sound level predictions. The method can also be used to investigate the variation of average level with different ground conditions, and with varying climatological conditions.
Quintuplets of orthoprojectors associated by a linear relation

We consider the equation α1 P 1 + α2 P 2 + … α n P n = I over orthoprojectors P 1, … ,P n in a Hilbert space. We show that the set of real parameters (α1, … α n ) for which there exists a solution of this equation in orthoprojectors contains an open set from ℝ5.
A continuous longitudinal control signal for automated transportation systems via the low-frequency excitation of helical transmission lines

A method of generating continuous position information for use in the longitudinal control of automated ground transport systems is presented. The technique utilizes two specially excited four-wire helically wound transmission lines. The method of excitation, the signal detection, and processing schemes necessary to obtain the control signal, and the results of laboratory tests are presented. The technique should provide accurate, easily implementable, and environmentally impervious means of generating information for longitudinal control.
Effect of bar-code-assisted medication administration on medication error rates in an adult medical intensive care unit

Purpose. The effect of bar-code-assisted medication administration (BCMA) on the rate of medication errors in adult patients in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) was studied. Methods. Medication errors were identified in a community teaching hospital medical ICU using a direct observation technique whereby nurses were observed administering medications. Observations occurred for four consecutive 24-hour periods one month before and four months after the implementation of BCMA. Errors in the following categories were recorded: wrong drug, wrong administration time, wrong route, wrong dose, omission, administration of a drug with no order, and documentation error. Two evaluators reviewed all errors for accuracy. Medication error rates were calculated and compared by determining the number of medication errors identified per number of medications administered (observed) preimplementation and postimplementation of BCMA. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine significance. Results. A total of 1465 medication administrations were observed (775 preimplementation and 690 postimplementation) for 92 patients (45 preimplementation and 47 postimplementation). The medication error rate was reduced by 56% after the implementation of BCMA (19.7% versus 8.7% , p < 0.001). This benefit was related to a reduction associated with errors of wrong administration time. Wrong administration time errors decreased from 18.8% during preimplementation to 7.5% postimplementation ( p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other error types. Conclusion. The implementation of BCMA significantly reduced the number of wrong administration time errors in an adult medical ICU.
Using epitope-aequorin conjugate recognition in immunoassays for complex proteins.

Abstract Recombinant techniques are used to fuse biologically important molecules or peptides to the N-terminus of the photoprotein aequorin such that the binding characteristics of the molecule and the bioluminescent activity of aequorin are retained. This work demonstrates that the peptide region of a bulky protein can be used to develop an assay for the protein. A heterogeneous competitive binding assay was first developed for HPC4 epitope, the binding region of protein C, using HPC4–apoaequorin conjugate. It was observed that the binding of HPC4 epitope to its monoclonal antibody and the bioluminescence properties of aequorin were retained in the fusion protein. The same strategy and the same fusion protein were used to develop the assay for protein C. This project could potentially be a model for large biomolecules utilizing only the binding region of the protein in the labeled analyte. Also, this assay can be used in clinical diagnostics for the quantitative detection of protein C.
Rho kinase–dependent CCL20 induced by dynamic compression of human chondrocytes

Objective Mechanical stimulation of cartilage affects tissue homeostasis and chondrocyte function. The chondrocyte phenotype is dependent on cell shape, which is largely determined by the actin cytoskeleton. Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton results from Rho GTPase activation. The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of both actin and Rho in mechanotransduction in chondrocytes. Methods We embedded human articular chondrocytes in 2 × 6–mm agarose discs at 5 × 106 cells/ml and subjected the discs to unconfined dynamic compression at 0.5 Hz. By comparing samples with and without dynamic compression, we identified Rho activation according to the GTP-bound active RhoA measured in cell lysates. We identified rearrangements in filamentous actin structures using fluorescence-labeled phalloidin and confocal microscopy of fixed samples. We identified altered gene expression using TaqMan quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. We tested for a requirement for Rho signaling by performing the dynamic compression in the presence of Rho kinase inhibitors. Results RhoA activation occurred within 5–10 minutes of dynamic compression. Rho kinase–dependent actin reorganization occurred within 20 minutes after application of dynamic compression and was apparent as “punctate” F-actin structures that were visible under confocal microscopy. We identified early-phase mechanoresponsive genes (CCL20 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) that were highly up-regulated within 1 hour of dynamic compression in a Rho kinase–dependent and actin-dependent manner. Conclusion Together, these results are the first demonstration that the Rho–Rho kinase pathway and actin cytoskeletal reorganization are required for changes in the expression of genes involved in human chondrocyte mechanotransduction.
Pharmaceutical and biotechnological aerosols for cystic fibrosis therapy.

This review addresses different aerosol therapies used to treat the underlying cause and symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF) during the past two decades. A summary of the current methods of aerosol delivery and suggestions that may improve the efficacy of the current treatments are provided.
Phase Equilibria in Cryogenic Mixtures: Part II

The problem to be discussed is that of solid-liquid equilibria in multi-component systems. It is of major importance in selecting a proper range of temperatures in designing the flow system, as well as achieving a required refrigeration effect, for certain types of cryocoolers. These results represent the continuation of the discussion presented at the 7th International Cryocooler Conference (17–19 November 1992). Present emphasis is on various ways of formulating the problem so that a set of non-linear algebraic equations is produced. Computer solutions are obtained by utilizing a combination of existing programs and some additional ones which were developed by the author. A modified form of the Newton-Raphson method is the essential technique which is used. The primary thrust of the presentation is to make comparisons with existing experimental results and to present a guide for the selection of some combinations of materials in order to achieve desired results. The analysis is limited to the following pure components: methane, ethane, propane, neon and nitrogen. The results include the small effects of solid-vapor and liquid vapor equilibria. Two, three, four and five component systems are discussed. All relevant equations are documented and results are presented in tables; graphs, when helpful, are given.
A multiple-input SEPIC with a bi-directional input for modular distributed generation and energy storage integration

This paper improves the design of a previously proposed multiple-input SEPIC by providing bi-directional power flow capabilities in order to integrate energy storage devices with distributed generation sources. In this work an ultra-capacitor bank is considered as the multiple-input SEPIC energy storage input and auxiliary power source. When the main source generates enough power to regulate the output voltage by itself, energy is stored in the ultra-capacitor bank in order to provide auxiliary power for periods when the main generation source is insufficient. The proposed converter is described by its fundamental equations in both charging and discharging modes. Analysis evaluation through simulation and hardware experiments is also performed.
Optimal Quantum Source Coding With Quantum Side Information at the Encoder and Decoder

Consider many instances of an arbitrary quadripartite pure state of four quantum systems ABCD. Alice holds the AC part of each state, Bob holds B, while R represents all other parties correlated with ABC . Alice is required to redistribute the C systems to Bob while asymptotically preserving the overall purity. We prove that this is possible using Q qubits of communication and E ebits of shared entanglement between Alice and Bob, provided that Q ges 1/2I(C; D|B) and Q + E ges H(C|B), proving the optimality of the Luo-Devetak outer bound. The optimal qubit rate provides the first known operational interpretation of quantum conditional mutual information. We also show how our protocol leads to a fully operational proof of strong subaddivity and uncover a general organizing principle, in analogy to thermodynamics, that underlies the optimal rates.