cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Luminosity Optimization with Offset, Crossing Angle, and Distortion

In a linear collider, sources of beam jitter due to kicker noise, quadrupole vibration and long-range transverse wakefields will lead to beam offsets and tilts at the Intersection Point (IP). In addition, sources of emittance dilution such as short-range transverse wakefields or dispersive errors will lead to internal beam distortions. When the IP disruption parameter is large, these beam imperfections will be amplified by a single bunch kink instability which will lead to luminosity loss. In this paper, we study the luminosity loss and then the optimization required to partially cancel the luminosity loss both analytically and with direct simulation.
Α genetic fusion construct between the tetanus toxin C fragment and the lysosomal acid hydrolase β‐glucuronidase expresses a bifunctional protein with enhanced secretion and neuronal uptake

The neurotropic atoxic fragment of tetanus toxin has been used as a carrier for transporting macromolecules into neurons but all studies to date have tested cytosolic proteins. In this study we investigated the effect of a genetic addition of the tetanus toxin C fragment sequence to a lysosomal enzyme which contains a signal sequence for insertion into the membrane-bound compartment and must be extensively modified in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi to attain functionality. In-frame fusion constructs between the atoxic C fragment and β-glucuronidase were compared with the wild-type enzyme for: (i) enzymatic activity; (ii) heat stability; (iii) pH dependence; (iv) specific activity; (v) apparent molecular mass and (vi) receptor-mediated uptake by fibroblasts and neurons. The modified proteins had biochemical properties similar to wild-type enzyme but exhibited different enzyme secretion profiles. Addition of the secreted fusion enzyme to cultures of primary neurons showed significantly increased neuronal uptake of the modified protein compared with the wild-type, demonstrating the bifunctionality of the chimeric molecule.
On to the ‘rough ground’: introducing doctoral students to philosophical perspectives on knowledge

Doctoral programmes in nursing are charged with developing the next generation of nurse scholars, scientists, and healthcare leaders. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorses the inclusion of philosophy of science content in research-focused doctoral programmes. Because a philosophy course circumscribed to the natural or social sciences does not address the broad forms of knowledge that are relevant to nursing practice, we have developed and co-taught a course on the philosophy of knowledge that introduces students to competing claims regarding the nature of knowledge, truth, and rationality. In addressing broad themes related to science and knowledge of the body, health and illness, and ethics, the course equips students to tread the rough and shifting ground of nursing scholarship and practice. Providing doctoral students with this philosophical footing is intended to give future scholars, researchers, and healthcare leaders the intellectual skills to critically reflect on knowledge claims, to challenge the hegemony of science, and to recognize the disciplinary forms of knowledge that are left out or trivialized. Our pedagogical approach to knowledge development does not denigrate scientific knowledge, but elevates forms of inquiry and notions of clinical knowledge that are too often marginalized in doctoral education and the academy in general.
Maintenance Energy Requirement and Net Energetic Efficiency in Mice with a Major Gene for Rapid Postweaning Gain

Previous research in this laboratory demonstrated the existence of a major gene (hg), expressed as a homozygous recessive, which increases postweaning growth by 60% in C57Bl/6 mice (line Ch) compared to the same genetic stock without the major gene (line CH). The effect of the hg gene on the maintenance energy requirement and net energetic efficiency of mice between 21 and 42 d of age was examined in a comparative slaughter experiment. Regressions of changes in body energy per kilogram0.75 on metabolizable energy intake per kilogram0.75 indicated that the maintenance energy requirements averaged 164 kcal/(kg0.75 X d) and 155 kcal/(kg0.75 X d) for lines CH and Ch, respectively. Net efficiency of energy utilization was 38.5 and 49.5% for lines CH and Ch, respectively. Ad libitum-fed mice of line Ch gained 46% more total body energy per unit of metabolic body weight (kilogram0.75) than ad libitum-fed mice from line CH while their energy intake per kilogram0.75 was equal. It was estimated that the decreased maintenance energy requirement and increased net energetic efficiency accounted for approximately 25 and 75%, respectively, of the increased energy gain of ad libitum-fed mice of line Ch as compared to CH. The increased energy gain of line Ch was largely (78%) due to an increase fat energy deposition. Regressions of fat energy gain per kilogram0.75 on metabolizable energy intake per kilogram0.75 indicated that the increased fat energy gain was due to an increased efficiency of fat deposition and/or an increased proportion of metabolizable energy available for gain used for fat gain.
The effect of altered neuronal activity on the development of layers in the lateral geniculate nucleus

The main objective of this study was to examine the role of neural activity in the development of cell layers in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). We studied this relationship in postnatal tree shrews either by completely blocking retinal ganglion cell activity with TTX or by selectively blocking activity to the developing ON-center LGN layers (1 and 2) with 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB), using unilateral and bilateral eye injections. All manipulations were carried out from birth (P0), when no LGN cell layers are evident, to or past the point when layers are recognizable (i.e., 1-2 weeks). Nissl-stained and cytochrome oxidase (CO)-reacted material was examined for all cases. Our results show that in the absence of activity produced by bilateral TTX injections, interlaminar spaces between cell layers do begin to develop. Retinal afferents, which are segregated at birth, remain segregated, and differential CO staining between matched sets of LGN layers is evident. The normal pace of LGN development, however, is slowed significantly: LGN cells are smaller and interlaminar spaces are narrower than are seen in age-matched controls. Unilateral TTX injections produce similar, but more dramatic and asymmetric, effects on LGN cells, perhaps because cells are at a competitive disadvantage relative to their normally innervated counterparts in cortex. Combining unilateral eye enucleation at P0 with subsequent TTX treatment of the other eye clearly demonstrates that axons from the remaining eye are capable of producing their normal complement of LGN layers. The development of the LGN ON-center layers, 1 and 2, and the interlaminar space between them are more affected by TTX treatment than are the other layers. By contrast, APB eye injections do not selectively affect the development of the ON-center layers, but do result in some slowing of overall LGN development. Taken together, these results suggest that activity of retinal afferents is not essential for initiating interlaminar space formation, but is important for the normal pace of maturation of LGN cell layers.
Resonance in piezoelectric vibrators

The electrical behavior of a piezoelectric vibrator leads to criteria by which to describe onset and extent of the resonance region. The equi-immittance point is convenient for delimiting the resonance range and assesses the validity of circle representations. A list of characteristic frequencies is given with determining equations.
The Effects of Body Weight, Dietary Fat, and Feed Withdrawal Rate on the Performance of Broiler Breeders

Abstract This research was conducted to determine how different dietary and management systems might benefit hatching egg production for flocks with pullets having different BW. The heavy BW pullets produced 3 more eggs than the light BW group before peak because the heavy BW breeder group produced the first egg and reached 50% production 4 to 5 d earlier. However, the light BW breeders produced an equal number of eggs and gained more weight with a higher percentage of carcass crude protein compared with the heavy and medium BW breeders during the experimental period from 20 to 65 wk of age. Feeding high-fat diets to all BW groups of breeders during the 20- to 65-wk period resulted in more weight gain, larger eggs, and 2.5% more carcass fat than feeding low-fat diets, although the breeders were fed equal calories and amino acids each day. Breeders provided a weekly slow feed withdrawal program after peak production with feed being reduced by 0.16 g/d per breeder gained more weight and produced heavier eggs from 30 to 65 wk of age compared with breeders on a faster feed withdrawal program. The breeders provided the faster feed withdrawal program had feed reduced by 0.64 g/d per breeder for wk 1, 0.33 g/d per breeder for wk 2 and 3, and 0.16 g/d per breeder thereafter. The feed withdrawal programs were stopped when breeders were fed 396 kcal of ME/d per hen. The breeder hens that had feed reduced at a faster rate consumed 5.7 g less feed per egg.
Description of M 1 Transitions in Deformed Even-Even Nuclei with the Interacting Boson Approximation

Empirical values of $\frac{E2}{M1}$ mixing ratios in even-even deformed nuclei are compared with the predictions of the interacting-boson-approximation (IBA) model. It is shown that the IBA results are equivalent to those obtained from a geometrical approach, and also lead to certain unique predictions concerning the relative magnitudes and signs of the $\ensuremath{\delta}(\frac{E2}{M1})$ values. The application of the IBA $M1$ operator in other regions is also discussed.
Acoustic study of the critical phenomena in FeF2 near the Néel temperature

Abstract Acoustic attenuation and velocity of sound measurements were made in FeF 2 near the Neel temperature, T N . The anomalous part of the attenuation coefficient α for longitudinal waves obeyed the power-law formula, α ∼ ω n | T − T N | − η , where ω is the angular frequency of the sound. The Neel temperature was found to be (78·26±0·01)°K. It was determined for [110] longitudinal waves, n = 2·0±0·1 and η = 0·76±0·07 for T > T N while for T T N η = 0·49±0·06. In the case of [001] longitudinal waves, n = 2·0±0·1 and η = 0·78±0·06 for N > T N while η 0·52±0·06 for T T N . The anomalous part of the sound velocity, − ΔV , obeyed the same power-law formula, − ΔV ∼ ω m | T − T N | − ζ . For both directions of sound propagation, m = 0·0±0·1, ζ = 0·20±0·01 for T > T N , and m = 0·0±0·1, ζ = 0·05±0·01 for T T N . Transverse waves did not show an anomaly near the Neel temperature either in attenuation or velocity, indicating that the single-ion coupling mechanism for the spin-phonon interaction is much less effective than the volume-magnetostrictive coupling in this material. Finally, the relative values of the spatial derivatives of the exchange interaction were obtained from the anisotropy of the sound velocity anomalies.
Mutagenic effects of tumorigenic neutron radiation

A fraction of thymic lymphomas induced by high LET neutron radiation contains activating mutations (single-base substitutions) in the ras genes. To determine whether such mutations are the result of the interaction of high LET radiation with cellular DNA, we have utilized an in vitro model system to screen and isolate neutron-radiation-induced mutants. With that aim, we irradiated the PL6I hamster cell line with 0.4 MeV neutrons. This cell line contains linked copies of the gpt and neor genes, which permits selection for large or small alterations, depending on the selection imposed. Mutants selected for large alterations represented 98.2% of the total. When selection for small mutations was imposed, 9 clones grew. The molecular and biochemical analysis of these clones revealed that 5 of them had identifiable mutations in the gpt gene, consisting of small insertions and deletions, but no single-base substitutions were detected. This represents the first sequence characterization of neutron-induced mutants. The results obtained are consistent with the notion that the ras point mutations identified in the neutron-induced tumors are most likely detected due to the strong selective advantage that they confer to the host cell, but they probably arose during tumor evolution, since they represent a negligible proportion of the total number of alterations induced by neutron radiation. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Modulus of Fibroblast-Populated Collagen Gels is not Determined by Final Collagen and Cell Concentration: Experiments and an Inclusion-Based Model

The fibroblast-populated collagen lattice is an attractive model tissue for in vitro studies of cell behavior and as the basis for bioartificial tissues. In spite of its simplicity-containing only collagen and cells-the system is surprisingly difficult to describe mechanically because of the ability of the cells to remodel the matrix, including compaction at short times and synthesis and/or degradation (and cell proliferation) at longer times. The objectives of this work were to measure the equilibrium modulus of fibroblast-populated gels with different collagen and cell concentrations, and to use that characterization as the basis for a theoretical model that could be used to predict gel mechanics based on conditions. Although many observations were as expected (e.g., the gel compacts more when there are more cells in it, and the gel is stiffer when there is more collagen in it), an unexpected result arose: the final modulus of the gel was not dependent solely on the final composition. Even if it compacted more than a gel that was originally at a high collagen concentration, a gel that started at a low collagen concentration remained less stiff than the higher-concentration gel. In light of these results and experimental studies by others, we propose a model in which the gel compaction is not homogeneous but consists instead of extreme densification near the cells in an otherwise unchanged matrix. By treating the dense regions as spherical inclusions, we used classical composite material theory to develop an expression for the modulus of a compacted gel based on the initial collagen density and the final inclusion (i.e., cell) density. The new model fit the data for moderately compacted gels well but broke down, as expected, for larger volume fractions at which the underlying model assumptions did not apply.
Streaming web services for 3D portal applications

3D Portal application is a multi-user Virtual Environment that creates its content from distributed 3D components. The users can explore the shared virtual space and interact with the virtual objects contributed from various providers. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is often used for the distributed Web applications as well as some real-time distributed simulations. SOA has its advantages in service integration and data interoperation based on the underlying Web services technology. However, the request-response communication style of the service invocation sets up a real-time performance barrier for the distributed 3D applications using SOA. We introduce a framework for real-time 3D portal applications using SOA. The proposed framework introduces additional streaming channels in the scene aggregation and uses profiles to coordinate the application integration. Both MPEG-4 and X3D are used as the standards for the 3D content delivery and presentation. We discuss the performance challenges based on the experiment results from a pilot study. Considering the performance impact of SOA, we suggest a set of applications that fit the proposed framework.
Undersea connectivity with optical communications

This presentation will address the scope of performance possible for undersea optical communications and to highlight the significant component parameters essential for a variety of different undersea scenarios.
The use of spiral plating and microscopic colony counting for the rapid quantitation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

Aims: To evaluate a spiral plating and microscopic colony counting technique to hasten the quantitation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Methods and Results: Broth and milk cultures of M. paratuberculosis were spirally plated onto Middlebrook agar plates and microscopically counted at 8 and 14 days of incubation. The same plates were recounted at 27–28 days of incubation when grossly visible colonies were present. The results were statistically compared with no difference in CFU ml−1 derived from the shorter vs longer incubation times. Other mycobacteria isolates were also plated and microscopically examined and found to be easily distinguishable from M. paratuberculosis. Conclusions: Microscopic quantitation of spirally plated M. paratuberculosis cultures can be achieved within 8–14 days of plate incubation and compare favourably to counts derived after prolonged incubations. Significance and Impact of the Study: The technique could greatly hasten the quantitation of viable M. paratuberculosis.
Quasi-stereoscopic imaging of the solar X-ray corona

The first published three-dimensional images of the solar X-ray corona, obtained by means of solar rotational parallax, are presented in stereographic form. Image pairs approximately 12 hours apart during times of stable coronal conditions were selected from the digitized images obtained with theSkylab X-ray Spectrographic Telescope. The image resolution limit is approximately 10 arc sec. Many coronal structures not visible in the separate images are clearly observed when the image pairs are viewed stereoscopically. This method gives a preview of the potential resources for solar research and forecasting of solar-geomagnetic interactions that could be provided by stereoscopic observations of the Sun using a small group of spacecraft. The method is also applicable to other X-ray, ultraviolet, or other wavebands in which the corona has extended, transparent structure.
Preparation of Site-specific T=mCG cis-syn Cyclobutane Dimer-containing Template and Its Error-free Bypass by Yeast and Human Polymerase η

C-to-T mutations are a hallmark of UV light and, in humans, occur preferentially at methylated PymCG sites, which are also sites of preferential cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation. In response, cells have evolved DNA damage bypass polymerases, of which polymerase η (pol η) appears to be specifically adapted to synthesize past cis-syn CPDs. Although T=T CPDs are stable, CPDs containing C or 5-methylcytosine (mC) are not and spontaneously deaminate to U or T at pH 7 and 37 °C over a period of hours or days, making their preparation and study difficult. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that, depending on solvent polarity, a C or an mC in a CPD can adopt three tautomeric forms, one of which could code as T. Although many in vitro studies have established that synthesis past T or U in a CPD by pol η occurs in a highly error-free manner, the only in vitro evidence that synthesis past C or mC in a CPD also occurs in an error-free manner is for an mC in the 5′-position of an mC=T CPD. Herein, we describe the preparation and characterization of an oligodeoxynucleotide containing a CPD of a TmCG site, one of the major sites of C methylation and C-to-T mutations found in the p53 gene of basal and squamous cell cancers. We also demonstrate that both yeast and human pol η synthesize past the 3′-mC CPD in a >99% error-free manner, consistent with the highly water-exposed nature of the active site.
How to measure the relative afferent pupillary defect

Abstract The accurate measurement of pupillary defects is of value in following patients with optic nerve disease, as well as for comparing patients, groups, diseases and tests. The numerous problems encountered in measuring the pupil are considered, and a measurement technique using neutral density filters with the swinging light test is described and illustrated.
Insights on geologic and vegetative controls over hydrologic behavior of a large complex basin – Global Sensitivity Analysis of an integrated parallel hydrologic model

Summary This study demonstrated the first application of a GSA technique to a transient ISSHM–LSM application developed for a large-scale river basin. The Morris method was used to identify the spatially and temporally variable sensitivity amongst a large number of model parameters to provide insights on hydrologic processes dominating behavior in the basin and to identify a small subset of parameters that should be evaluated in subsequent, more computationally intensive quantitative GSA and parameter estimation techniques. Results showed that in the upper region of the basin, evapotranspiration (ET), total streamflow and peak streamflow were less sensitive to surficial aquifer system characteristics, but highly sensitive to the hydraulic conductivity of the confining unit separating the surficial aquifer and the regional aquifer system and leaf area index of near stream vegetation. In the lower region of the basin, hydraulic conductivity of the regional aquifer system was found to have a significant effect on ET, total stream flow, and groundwater contributions to streamflow while surface–groundwater dynamics during storm events was most sensitive to storage properties of the regional aquifer system. Peak streamflow in the lower basin was most sensitive to the hydraulic conductivity of the confining unit in the upper basin, and the Manning’s coefficient of upper basin streams, indicating that all peak storm flows originate in the upper basin. Throughout the basin ET was sensitive to soil/geologic properties and vegetation properties, with unsaturated zone processes and relevant parameters gaining importance in moisture limited conditions existing in the lower regions of the basin.
Pattern electroretinogram assessment during ibopamine test in ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE To determine the change in pattern electroretinogram (PERG) amplitude during the ibopamine test in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT). METHODS A total of 32 eyes (16 patients) with OHT (8 male, 8 female), mean age 54.19 years (range 22-76 years), mean baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) 23 ± 2 mm Hg, received a PERG assessment in both eyes every 5 minutes from baseline to 60 minutes. All the patients were pretreated by thymoxamine eyedrops to avoid the mydriatic effect of ibopamine. All the data were evaluated by descriptive statistics and paired t test. The results were considered with a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS All the patients enrolled matched the inclusion criteria and they did not have any local or systemic effects with the ibopamine test. The mean PERG amplitude decreased significantly from baseline after 45 minutes during the ibopamine test (paired t test = 0.05). The results were statistically not correlated with the positivity to the ibopamine test (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS These data stress that, even in presence of a moderate and transient IOP increase, inner retinal function of patients with OHT may be transiently affected.
Combined radiative and conductive heat transfer in two-dimensional emitting, absorbing and anisotropic scattering square media

Abstract Combined thermal radiation and conduction in two-dimensional emitting, absorbing and anisotropic scattering square media is studied by solving numerically the exact integral and differential equations. The product integration method is applied for discretizing the radiative transport equations of integral form. For comparison, the zonal method is also used for radiation in some cases. In solving the resulting nonlinear equations, Chen's method is applied and improved. Comparison shows excellent agreement between the results given by the product integration method and the zonal method. The improved Chen's method is found to be efficient. Influences of various radiation-conduction parameter, optical thickness, scattering parameters and wall emissivity on heat transfer and temperature distribution are discussed.
Assessing contaminant-removal conditions and plume persistence through analysis of data from long-term pump-and-treat operations

Historical groundwater-withdrawal and contaminant-concentration data collected from long-term pump-and-treat operations were analyzed and used to examine contaminant mass discharge (CMD) and mass-removal behavior for multiple sites. Differences in behavior were observed, and these differences were consistent with the nature of contaminant distributions and subsurface properties of the sites. For example, while CMD exhibited a relatively rapid decline during the initial stage of operation for all three sites, the rate of decline varied. The greatest rate was observed for the PGN site, whereas the lowest rate was observed for the MOT site. In addition, the MOT site exhibited the lowest relative reduction in CMD. These results are consistent with the actuality that the MOT site likely contains the greatest proportion of poorly accessible contaminant mass, given that it comprises a combined alluvium and fractured-bedrock system in which solvent and dissolved mass are present directly in the bedrock. The relative contributions of the source zones versus the plumes to total CMD were determined. Constrained contaminant mass removal was observed to influence the plumes for all three sites, and was attributed to a combination of uncontrolled (or imperfectly controlled) sources, back diffusion, and well-field hydraulics. The results presented herein illustrate that detailed analysis of operational pump-and-treat data can be a cost-effective method for providing value-added characterization of contaminated sites.
Resolution of LPS-induced airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia is independent of IL-18

The resolution of inflammatory responses in the lung has not been described in detail and the role of specific cytokines influencing the resolution process is largely unknown. The present study was designed to describe the resolution of inflammation from 3 h through 90 d following an acute injury by a single intratracheal instillation of F344/N rats with LPS. We documented the inflammatory cell types and cytokines found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and epithelial changes in the axial airway and investigated whether IL-18 may play a role in the resolution process by reducing its levels with anti-IL-18 antibodies. Three major stages of inflammation and resolution were observed in the BALF during the resolution. The first stage was characterized by PMNs that increased over 3 h to 1 d and decreased to background levels by d 6–8. The second stage of inflammation was characterized by macrophage influx reaching maximum numbers at d 6 and decreasing to background levels by d 40. A third stage of inflammation was observed for lymphocytes which were elevated over d 3–6. Interestingly, IL-18 and IL-9 levels in the BALF showed a cyclic pattern with peak levels at d 4, 8, and 16 while decreasing to background levels at d 1–2, 6, and 12. Depletion of IL-18 caused decreased PMN numbers at d 2, but no changes in inflammatory cell number or type at later time points. These data suggest that IL-18 plays a role in enhancing the LPS-induced neutrophilic inflammation of the lung, but does not affect the resolution of inflammation.
The effect of discussing pain on patient-physician communication in a low-income, black, primary care patient population.

Abstract Patients and physicians report that discussions about pain are frequently frustrating and unproductive. However, the relationship between discussions about pain and patient-physician communication is poorly understood. We analyzed 133 video-recorded visits and patient self-report data collected at a clinic providing primary care to a low-income, black patient population. We used "thin slice" methods to rate two or three 30-second video segments from each visit on variables related to patient and physician affect (ie, displayed emotion) and patient-physician rapport. Discussions about pain were associated with a .32 increase in patient unease ( P P = .004; standardized coefficients) compared to discussions about other topics during the same visit. Discussions about pain were not significantly associated with patient-physician rapport, physician unease, or physician positive engagement. Patient pain severity was significantly associated with greater physician and patient unease ( P = .01), but not with other variables. Findings suggest that primary care patients, but not their physicians, display significantly greater emotional intensity during discussions about pain compared to discussions about other topics. Perspective This study used direct observation of video-recorded primary care visits to show that discussions about pain are associated with heightened displays of both positive and negative patient emotions. These displays of emotion could potentially influence pain-related outcomes.
Molybdenum-strontium multilayer mirrors for the 8-12-nm extreme-ultraviolet wavelength region.

Mo–Sr multilayer mirrors were successfully deposited by dc-magnetron sputtering and characterized in situ with synchrotron radiation. Normal-incidence (3.6°) reflectance of 23.0% at 8.8 nm, 40.8% at 9.4 nm, and 48.3% at 10.5 nm were measured before the samples were exposed to air. After exposure, as a result of the reactivity of Sr with oxygen and water vapor, the reflectance of these multilayers decreased rapidly. Attempts to use thin layers of C to passivate the surface of these Mo–Sr multilayers were unsuccessful.
A program for EPR powder spectrum simulation

Abstract A program to compute powder EPR spectra for noncoincident tensors has been written. The spin Hamiltonian used includes anisotropic g, A, D, and Q tensors, isotropic nuclear Zeeman term, fourth- and sixth-order terms in S and first-order anisotropic ligand hyperfine terms. All terms except the ligand hyperfine terms are treated exactly. Data can be saved and reused if the program runs out of time. An efficient method is used for the variation of the orientation of the magnetic field, and for locating resonance fields.
Initial Evidence on the Influence of College Student Engagement on Early Career Earnings

Using data from three waves of longitudinal surveys of the 2001 freshman cohort of the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program, this study examined linkages between student engagement in college activities and early career earnings in the labor market. The results indicated that social engagement was positively related to early career earnings of college graduates while academic engagement was not. When considering students who majored in STEM fields versus those in non-STEM fields, results showed academic engagement to be positively related to early career earnings for non-STEM students but slightly negatively related to earnings in the labor market for STEM students. Social engagement was positive for graduates in the STEM fields but not significant for non-STEM students. Altogether, results show a complex relationship between student engagement and early career earnings. Implications for research and institutional policy are discussed.
The contribution of fetal drug exposure to temperament: potential teratogenic effects on neuropsychiatric risk.

Background: Preliminary evidence indicates that fetal drug exposure may be associated with alterations in temperament. However, studies often do not dissociate the potential effects of drug exposure from other perinatal or environmental factors that could influence temperament phenotypes. Methods: High risk children (n = 120) were followed from birth to 6 months of age to determine the effects of fetal drug exposure on temperament, after controlling for the child's gender, gestational age, medical morbidity, ethnicity, and maltreatment as well as the mother's stress, income adequacy, and quality of caregiving. Methods included medical chart review, questionnaires, and videotapes of mother–child interaction. Results: Preliminary analyses indicated that fetal drug exposure was associated with both distractibility and intensity of children's responses to the environment at 6 months of age. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, drug exposure accounted for 12% of the variance in distractibility but was not a significant predictor in the regression model for intensity. Conclusions: Findings suggest that drug-exposed children may experience difficulty sustaining their focus of attention and be more easily distracted by environmental stimuli than non-drug-exposed children. Results converge with previous research to implicate cortical hyperarousal, stemming from teratogenic effects on the dopaminergic system during fetal development.
Electron-cyclotron maser instability driven by a loss-cone distribution

It is shown that the electron-cyclotron maser instabilities may readily be excited in a plasma with a loss-cone distribution when the electron temperature exceeds a few tens of kiloelectronvolts. The growth rate is typically a few percent of the electron-cyclotron frequency. The appearance of the instability can be avoided by proper control of the plasma density.
Multiple bilateral recurrent neurofibromas of the lungs.

A 58-year-old man was admitted with severe dyspnea on mild exertion. Multiple masses in both lungs were revealed on thoracic X-ray (Fig. 1a) and were confirmed on CT-scan (Fig. 1b). From the history of the patient, a bilateral resection of pulmonary neurofibromas 15 years ago was reported. VonReclinghausen disease did not exist. Rethoracotomies were performed, first from the right side and 3 months later contralaterally. Five neurofibromas were removed from the right lung, all of them with enucleation (Fig. 2) and three from the left lung, two of them with enucleation, and the other one with segmentectomy of the lingula. Postoperative course was uneventful, dyspnea was totally recessed, and the patient is doing well out of recurrence 2 years after the left thoracotomy. European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 24 (2003) 826 www.elsevier.com/locate/ejcts
Electron Microscopic Observations of Human Chromosomes isolated by Micrurgy

THE elucidation of the structure of the human chromosome is of basic biological importance. A more detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in utilization, duplication, and transferral of genetic information requires a concept of the physical manner in which this information exists during these three processes. To this end a number of models of chromosome structure have been proposed. These models have been based largely on light microscopic observations and electron micrographs of fragments of chromosomes of various plants and animals1,2. So far, none of these models has been universally accepted as being representative of the human chromosome.
Gonadal Vein Tumor Thrombus in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Although renal vein invasion and/or inferior vena cava extension occurs in 4%-10% of patients with renal cell carcinoma, involvement of the gonadal vein is uncommon. We present a case of a patient with unresectable metastatic renal cell carcinoma invading the gonadal vein, who was initially treated with targeted molecular therapy.
Retrospective Analysis of a Pediatric Vascular Access Program and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract Background The specialty of pediatric vascular access has grown rapidly during the past 5 years across the United States. The majority of children's hospitals have nurse-led vascular access teams that are providing comprehensive services, including the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters. A children's hospital in the southeastern United States conducted an Internal Review Board approved, retrospective analysis of 669 patients who had a peripherally inserted central catheter placed. Objective The objective was to have a better understanding of the program and clinical outcomes as well as identify areas for improvement. Methods A data collection tool was developed to review the medical records of patients receiving a peripherally inserted central catheter from January 2009 through June 2011. Variables of interest included patient age, admitting diagnosis, intended therapy, procedure location, sedation type and usage, procedure success, insertion attempts, vessel selected, catheter size and type, catheter tip location, reason for discontinuation, and infection. The data was collected and analyzed by a nurse researcher from the University of South Florida. Results Using the Modified Seldinger Technique and ultrasound, the team inserted a full line of polyurethane catheters, including computed tomography-injectable catheters, with an insertion success rate of 94%. We identified a significant reduction in our hospital's infection rate—from 9.12 per 1,000 catheter line days to 2.0 per 1,000 catheter line days—during the first year and a half of the program. The use of sedation and anesthesia was significantly reduced, with 49% of patients receiving an oral anxiolytic dose of midazolam and the integration of certified child life specialists into the procedure. Conclusions Pediatric vascular access is a rapidly growing specialty in nursing. Nurse-led vascular access teams have become commonplace in children's hospitals throughout the United States. Although the specialty has grown rapidly during the past 5 years, there is a need for data sharing to contribute to the knowledge base of pediatric vascular access.
Basic studies of deactivation of hydrotreating catalysts with anthracene

Abstract A sulfided commercial Ni-Mo-P/alumina catalyst was coked in an autoclave reactor at 375°C with solutions of anthracene in mineral oil to give catalysts containing 2–12% C. After extraction and resulfiding, physical properties and catalytic activities using a mixture of model compounds were measured. It was found that the coke was evenly distributed throughout the catalyst particles. All physical properties decreased with increasing coke content. Only a small fraction of pores was blocked by coke. Diffusivity measurements indicated internal pore mouths were constricted by coke. Catalytic activities for hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrogenation (HYD) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) all decreased with increasing coke content, but not to the same extent, the order of deactivation being: HDS > HYD > HDN. The results are interpreted in terms of a porewedge model of coke deposits.
Facilitating Perinatal Grieving Between the Mother the Father

Society often expects mothers and fathers to share equally in the perinatal grief process because the child was a common bond between them. Unfortunately, in perinatal grief, this is not always the case. The mother and the father can experience incongruent grieving and use discordant coping mechanisms. It is important to evaluate these differences to facilitate communication between the distraught parents. Improved communication can in turn facilitate the grieving process.
ELECTRON-IMPACT INDUCED FRAGMENTATION OF 3-HYDROXY QUINAZOLINE-2,4(1H,3H)DIONE, PYRIDOPYRIMIDINE-2,4(1H,3H)DIONES, LUMAZINE AND ALLOXAZINE

Electron-bombardment of the N-3-hydroxy derivatives of the above-mentioned condensed uracils revealed that the major fragmentations involved the heterocyclic ring. The most intense ion proved to be the M-32 ion which was created by the loss of the NHOH radical from the molecular ion. Mechanisms for this transition are presented. Other fragmentations common to these systems are discussed and compared with those reported for the corresponding N-3 deoxy analogs of the title compounds. The mass spectral fragmentations of the O-methyl-, N-methyl- and O,N-dimethyl derivatives of 3-hydroxyquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)dione were analyzed and were consistent with those expected from these structures. Electron bombardment of the 3-benzenesulfonyloxy derivatives of the title compounds resulted primarily in the scission of the sulfonate group in preference to that of the heterocyclic dione ring. These sulfonates also showed ions which indicated that a Lossen rearrangement had taken place in the mass spectrometer.
Aerodynamic modeling of the Canadian Very Large Optical Telescope

A variety of aerodynamic studies are ongoing to assist in the development of an integrated model for the Canadian Very Large Optical Telescope (VLOT). The purpose of these studies is to investigate the characteristics of wind loading on VLOT and to produce preliminary data for input into the VLOT integrated model. We describe these various aerodynamic studies, which include analytical and statistical approximations, computational fluid dynamics analyses and wind tunnel testing. Next, we present the methods developed for coupling the wind loads into the structural dynamics module within the VLOT integrated model. Preliminary results from the computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel studies are presented. Finally, the future plans for expanded studies and characterization of primary mirror seeing and dome seeing are outlined.
Implementation of a web-based medication tracking system in a large academic medical center.

Purpose Pharmacy workflow efficiencies achieved through the use of an electronic medication-tracking system are described. Methods Medication dispensing turnaround times at the inpatient pharmacy of a large hospital were evaluated before and after transition from manual medication tracking to a Web-based tracking process involving sequential bar-code scanning and real-time monitoring of medication status. The transition was carried out in three phases: (1) a workflow analysis, including the identification of optimal points for medication scanning with hand-held wireless devices, (2) the phased implementation of an automated solution and associated hardware at a central dispensing pharmacy and three satellite locations, and (3) postimplementation data collection to evaluate the impact of the new tracking system and areas for improvement. Results Relative to the manual tracking method, electronic medication tracking allowed the capture of far more data points, enabling the pharmacy team to delineate the time required for each step of the medication dispensing process and to identify the steps most likely to involve delays. A comparison of baseline and postimplementation data showed substantial reductions in overall medication turnaround times with the use of the Web-based tracking system (time reductions of 45% and 22% at the central and satellite sites, respectively). In addition to more accurate projections and documentation of turnaround times, the Web-based tracking system has facilitated quality-improvement initiatives. Conclusion Implementation of an electronic tracking system for monitoring the delivery of medications provided a comprehensive mechanism for calculating turnaround times and allowed the pharmacy to identify bottlenecks within the medication distribution system. Altering processes removed these bottlenecks and decreased delivery turnaround times.
Chest computed tomography display preferences. Survey of thoracic radiologists

Rationale and objectives The authors conducted a survey of dedicated thoracic radiologists and tabulated their preferences for reconstruction algorithm, display, and photography of computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest. Methods Data were derived from a mail survey of 343 active members of the Society of Thoracic Radiology and based on a set of 20 questions about the display and photography of chest CT scans. The response rate was 35.4%. Results There were 119 usable replies from 31 states and 8 countries. Although there was considerable variation, the questionnaire indicates that the "typical" dedicated thoracic radiologist, regardless of practice setting, uses a standard reconstruction algorithm for chest CT and prints images on a laser imager using the "sharp" setting with a 12-on-1 format. Window settings for evaluating the lung are window-width 1500 HU and window-level -600 HU. Window settings for evaluating the mediastinum are window-width 350 HU and window-level 40 HU. Conclusions Although there is wide variation in the preferences used to display and photograph chest CT scans, most thoracic radiologists have similar display preferences.
Simulated violent conflict and war: implications for ethnic conflict in post-cold war Europe

This article addresses the author’s Genesis of War project, which includes use of the PRISONER’S DILEMMA SIMULATION (PDS) and one major finding generated by it; namely, that over time, conflict comes to be characterized, more and more, by self-stimulating/selfperpetuating processes. This finding has influenced the development of a generic theory of violent conflict and war, whose implications for the apparently self-stimulating/self-perpetuating ethnic warfare in former Yugoslavia are examined. The article concludes with a discussion of a possible role for simulation as an aid to policy makers concerned with the wars in former Yugoslavia and elsewhere.
Web-based remote machine control system in Java

Rapidly evolving information technology, especially World Wide Web (WWW), brought many innovative changes to people's lives and businesses. Information technology not only influences people's daily lives and business but also impacts on manufacturing. As computers become powerful and affordable, factories introduced computers to their shop floor to integrate manufacturing since 1980's. Because manufacturing industries tend to acquire world-wide manufacturing facilities, it got difficult to set up, control, maintain, and optimize to facilitate manufacturing resources on global sites. However, little work has been done in the area of global manufacturing until recently. A Web-Based Machine Control System (WMCS), which controls remote manufacturing resources using a general-purpose web browser has been implemented at Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) laboratory of Northeastern University. This research presents a framework and Java implementation of WMCS for Manufacturing. The general-purpose web browser has been used as a front-end interface to interact with WMCS through HTTP (Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol) protocol.
Hyperproinsulinaemia and risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in women.

Aims Our objective was to examine prospectively the associations between fasting plasma proinsulin and the proinsulin/insulin ratio and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in women. Subjects and methods We designed a nested case-control study within the Nurses’ Health Study, a cohort of 121 700 US women aged 30–55 years at study inception in 1976. Fasting plasma proinsulin, specific insulin and C-peptide levels were determined in 183 women with a new diagnosis of diabetes made after blood sampling between 1989 and 1990, and 369 control subjects without diabetes. Results After adjustment for age, body mass index, family history of diabetes and other potential confounders, including HbA1c, the odds ratios for diabetes associated with increasing quartiles of proinsulin were 1.00, 0.85, 2.49 and 5.73 (P for trend: < 0.001). Proinsulin remained significantly associated with diabetes risk after adjusting for C-peptide and specific insulin (multivariate odds ratios for quartiles: 1.00, 0.78, 1.94, 3.69; P for trend = 0.001). In addition, the proinsulin/insulin ratio was significantly associated with diabetes risk, controlling in multivariate analysis for C-peptide (odds ratios for extreme quartiles: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.14–5.41; P for trend = 0.005). Conclusions These data suggest that proinsulin and the proinsulin/insulin ratio are strong independent predictors of diabetes risk, after adjustment for obesity and other potential confounders.