cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Heliospheric x-ray Emissions Associated with Charge Transfer of the Solar Wind with Interstellar Neutrals

A simple model has been developed that demonstrates that heliospheric X-ray emission can account for about 25%–50% of observed soft X-ray background intensities. Similar to cometary soft X-ray emission, these X-rays are thought to be produced in the heliosphere due to charge transfer collisions between heavy solar wind ions and interstellar neutrals. A more complex model has now been developed to take into account temporal and spatial variations of the solar wind and interstellar neutrals. Measured time histories of the solar wind proton flux are used in the model and the results are compared with the ‘long-term enhancements’ in the soft X-ray background measured by ROSAT for the same time period.
Administrative Leadership in Times of a Global Health Crisis: Voices and Images From the Field

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic took the world into crisis. We saw the virus alter a multitude of spheres worldwide, including our healthcare, economies, politics, social processes, and education. In fact, the impact of COVID-19 on educational administration took our leaders into forced emergency measures. Our study aims to better understand the experiences of educational administrators under crisis to ascertain what might be learned on how educational institutions may better respond to crisis in the future. These stories were collected from educational leaders, both from K-12 and higher education, throughout the United States. In brief, this article is framed in the theory and literature associated with the complexity of leading in times of crisis. We explore the resiliency of leadership forged in crisis (Hutson and Johnson 2016; Koehn 2019) and the rethinking of administrative (Sergiovanni 1994; Stefkovich and Begley) as administration as a caring (Noddings 2002; Smylie, Murphy, and Louis 2016) and trustful acts (Kutsyuruba and Walker 2015; Wahlstrom and Louis 2008). Our research began as a standard phenomenological interview study, but transitions into a two-round project, where after the first interview, participants were invited to share some images that typify and speak to the experiences being educational administrators during this time. We are engaging in sensitive topics that are on-going and changing. Moreover, throughout, we are asking for images that speak to their experiences. Across both K-12 and higher education, our results indicated varied responses, from immediate to delayed administrative action. However, albeit they looked contextually different, there are clear indications the participants valued continuous, transparent communication, authentic caring, trust, and agency. In our discussion, we elaborate on the distinction between what the institutional response was as compared to what was valued by our educational leaders. Finally, as a contribution to the field, we seek to provide guidance for future administrators in crisis based on our own experiences and the recommendations provided by our educational leaders. Keywords: COVID-19, educational administration, crisis leadership, caring leadership, trust in leadership, phenomenological interview study, photovoice
Working While in School: Analysis of Aviation Students and Employment

College costs are rising faster than inflation; when coupled with rising flight training costs, students are paying a high price for their aviation education. This study analyzed the effect that working has on an aviation student. A survey of aviation students (n=793) suggests that by working more than 10 hours a week, a student’s GPA is likely to decrease. The study also revealed differences in the amount of time that students work when compared to year in school and receipt of financial aid. No variance was found between the different aviation majors and the amount of work reported. Students, faculty and administrators in aviation programs need to understand the overall effects of students’ working while pursuing an aviation degree.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in pancreatic cancer: A review of the literature

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is a well-documented complication of chronic pancreatitis; however, study results of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in pancreatic cancer are less consistent. This applies for patients who are treated non-surgically and those who undergo curative pancreatic cancer resection. This review article summarizes relevant studies addressing pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in pancreatic cancer, with particular differentiation between non-surgically and surgically treated patients, as well as between the different surgeries. We also summarize studies addressing pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in pancreatic cancer.
Autotrophic and Heterotrophic Metabolism of Hydrogenomonas I. Growth Yields and Patterns Under Dual Substrate Conditions

Auxotrophic mutants of Hydrogenomonas eutropha and H. facilis requiring utilizable amino acids were employed to demonstrate the simultaneous utilization of H2 and an organic substrate for growth. The ratio of the cell yields under dual substrate conditions compared to heterotrophic conditions indicated the relative contributions of the autotrophic and heterotrophic systems to the growth of the organism. Wildtype H. eutropha grown under simultaneous conditions exhibited a dicyclic growth pattern, the first cycle representing either heterotrophic or simultaneous growth and the second cycle representing autotrophic growth. The duration of the changeover period was either very short with no plateau or long with a plateau up to 8 hr, depending upon the organic substrate. The growth rate under simultaneous conditions with some organic substrates was faster than either the autotrophic or heterotrophic rate, but was not the sum of the two rates. The data suggest that, in the presence of both organic and inorganic substrates, heterotrophic metabolism functions normally but autotrophic metabolism is partially repressed.
Steam Turbine-Generator Operating and Maintenance Methods of the Southern California Edison Company [includes discussion]

This paper provides selected information related to the operation and maintenance of steam turbine generators, as practiced on the Southern California Edison Company system. The methods outlined are the result of years of progressive development and necessarily reflect the predominant characteristics of the system which they serve. Certain of these characteristics will be outlined as the basis for a better understanding of the existing operating methods.
Solar spin-down and neutrino fluxes.

Solar spin down and neutrino fluxes, explaining inability to detect neutrinos from sun by central hydrogen abundance assumption
Incorporation of a realistic anesthesia simulator into an anesthesia clerkship

Following the opening of a dedicated anesthesia simulation center at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System in July 1995, we incorporated this realistic patient simulator into the current Stanford medical student clerkship in anesthesia. We report here our experiences with this course and on the response of our students to a simulation-based anesthesia education.
Effects of age and step length on joint kinetics during stepping task

Following a balance perturbation, a stepping response is commonly used to regain support, and the distance of the recovery step can vary. To date, no other studies have examined joint kinetics in young and old adults during increasing step distances, when participants are required to bring their rear foot forward. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine age-related differences in joint kinetics with increasing step distance. Twenty young and 20 old adults completed the study. Participants completed a step starting from double support, at an initial distance equal to the individual's average step length. The distance was increased by 10% body height until an unsuccessful attempt. A one-way, repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effects of age on joint kinetics during the maximum step distance. A two-way, repeated measures, mixed model ANOVA was used to determine the effects of age, step distance, and their interaction on joint kinetics during the first three step distances for all participants. Young adults completed a significantly longer step than old adults. During the maximum step, in general, kinetic measures were greater in the young than in the old. As step distance increased, all but one kinetic measure increased for both young and old adults. This study has shown the ability to discriminate between young and old adults, and could potentially be used in the future to distinguish between fallers and non-fallers.
The influence of carotid body chemoreceptors on expiratory muscle activity.

Abstract Respiratory muscle EMG responses to transient, specific carotid body excitation (NaCN, hypoxia) and inhibition (dopamine, hyperoxia) were studied in 7 unanesthetized standing dogs while intact ( N = 7) and during bilateral cold block of the vagi ( N = 3). In all dogs carotid body excitation augmented the EMG activities of both expiratory muscles (triangularis sterni, TS; transversus abdominis, TA) and the (inspiratory) crucal diaphragm (CR); carotid body inhibition significantly reduced phasic EMG activities in all muscles. With vagal blocckade the response of the TS to carotid body stimulation was increased; that of the TA was essentially unchanged from the intact state. In all dogs expiratory muscle recruitment in response to carotid body excitation/inhibition could either precede or follow that of the CR. We conclude that in response to specific, transient carotid body excitation or inhibition: (1) Changes in CR, TS and TA EMGs are qualitatively similar. (2) Vagal feedback is strongly inhibitory to TS and excitatory to TA. (3) Changes in expiratory muscle EMGs do not require preceding changes in the CR. Carotid body stimulation contributes significantly to the generation of phasic expiratory activity during eupnea.
Goodbye, Thank You, and Welcome

This issue marks a change in the Editorial Board of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes . We started our journey in September 2008 with an Editorial Board comprised of exceptional outcomes researchers. The board members provided us with guidance and support, and they contributed substantially as reviewers and guest editors. We depended on them and learned from them as the journal grew. With each year, the field of cardiovascular outcomes research has gained strength as increasing numbers of individuals contribute consequential scholarship in the service of helping patients and the public. This depth of talent makes available to us a broad range of experienced individuals from which we have drawn to create the new board. We sought to select those who were distinguished by their novel, impactful work, a generous …
Effects of Induced Pulsing Flow on Trickle-Bed Reactor Performance

The benefits of trickle-bed reactor operation under the induced pulsing flow regime are investigated using experiments and modeling. Under these conditions, by cycling the liquid feed, trickling and pulsing flow regimes can be made to alternate during the cycle period under time-averaged conditions corresponding to the trickling flow regime. For the hydrogenation of phenylacetylene over Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, experimental results obtained in a laboratory-scale reactor operating under mild gas-limiting conditions indicate better performance for steady flow, as opposed to induced pulsing flow. The model predictions compare well with the experimental data. Further, simulations of a trickle-bed reactor over a wide range of initial reactant concentrations and pressures predict up to 45% improvement in styrene selectivity for induced pulsing flow under liquid-limited conditions. The findings suggest that enhancements in reactor performance due to induced pulsing can be expected for liquid-limited systems, which g...
Comments on the bond strength measurements of Gupta and co-workers

Abstract The use of shock-induced spallation is emerging as a promising technique to determine bond strength at bi-material interfaces. With shock waves it is theoretically possible to apply the stress to an interface so rapidly that collective atomic bond separation occurs rather than nucleation and propagation of cracks. Gupta and co-workers have deduced from threshold spall experiments and finite element calculations, the bond strength of the interface between SiC and Si, and between SiC and various forms of carbon. A number of critical assumptions are used by the authors to arrive at their results, several of which can be examined by finite element calculations. We perform the necessary calculations and find the assumptions are incorrect, causing them to report bond strengths much higher than can be justified. Possible solutions to this problem are discussed.
Universal Tests for Detection of Input/Output Stuck-At and Bridging Faults

In this correspondence we present universal tests for detection of single and multiple stuck-at and bridging faults in combinational and sequential networks.
The Determination of the Free Energy of Formation of Binary Tellurides Using Lithium Coulometric Titration Techniques

The authors report low-temperature electrochemical coulometric titration technique using Li developed and used to determine the Gibbs free energies of formation of binary telluride compounds. The approach is based on the metal/lithium/tellurium phase diagram and relies upon the rapid diffusion of Li in these systems. The Gibbs free energy of formation of Li{sub 2}Te was determined by electrochemically titrating Li into pure Te until a two-phase Li{sub 2}Te/Te mixture was formed. A value of -82.1 plus or minus 0.3 kcal/mol was calculated. With this information, the Gibbs free energies of formation of HgTe, CdTe, and ZnTe were determined from the measured Li electrochemical potential found in appropriate metal/telluride/Li{sub 2}Te Gibbs tie triangle regions. ZnTe and CdTe and were investigated by depositing a large amount of Li on the sample in question and observing a constant potential region after lon annealing times. HgTe and Hg {sub 0.8}{center dot}{sub 0.2}Te were investigated by depositing a small amount of Li on the sample and observing the short time transient, with no plateau observed, but a characteristic kink potential. Suitable analysis of the potential-time response characteristics for these cases lead to values for the free energies of formation of CdTe and ZnTe and HgTemore » of {minus} 23.2 {plus minus} 0.6 and {minus} 26.4 {plus minus} 0.9 kcal/mol and {minus} 6.8 {plus minus} 111 kcal/mol, respectively, in good agreement with the information in the literature.« less
Poly(vinyl diphenylquinoline): A new pH-tunable light-emitting and charge-transport polymer synthesized by a simple modification of polystyrene

Electroactive and blue light-emitting poly(vinyl diphenylquinoline) (PVQ) was synthesized in nearly quantitative yield by a simple modification of polystyrene. The new polymer and its model compound 2,4-diphenylquinoline were characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR, photoluminescence spectroscopies, and thermal analysis. PVQ has a glass transition temperature of 185 °C, is soluble in many organic solvents, and is a weak base comparable in basicity to poly(vinylpyridine). It emits blue light in neutral solution and in thin solid films. In acidic solutions, PVQ exhibits a pH-tunable photoluminescence with emission maximum that varies from 486 nm (blue) to 529 nm (green). Intramolecular excimer emission was observed in acidic solutions but not in neutral solutions or thin films of the polymer. The dominant fluorescence lifetimes of the polymer were about 1.2−1.3 ns in thin films or neutral solutions and close to 20 ns in acidic solutions. The coupling of acid−base chemistry to light-emitting and optoelectronic proper...
Knots and Graphs I-Arc Graphs and Colorings

It is well-known that combinatorial knot theory is a graph theoretic way to approach the theory of knots, links, and their topology in three-dimensional space. The usual formulation of this theory via knot diagrams works with a formal system that is a mixture of diagrams and graphs. Our Ž purpose is to introduce a specific, clear and simple graph theoretic and . hence set-theoretic foundation for the theory of knot and link diagrams. In the course of our work, we introduce a very natural arc-graph associated with any knot or link diagram, and we show how these arc-graphs can be put to use in studying the algebraic invariants of knots such as the fundamental group, the quandle or the involutory quandle. By specializing Ž the quandle to the case of colorings with values in ZrnZ the integers . Ž . modulo n , we define a new invariant, the coloring number C K , for knots and links. There are two main variations of this coloring number, Ž . Ž . Ž . that we denote by C K and CM K . CM K is the least number of colors needed on a minimal diagram for K. We close with a discussion about this new invariant and conjectures related to it. Section 2 sets the background for knot and link diagrams, and defines Ž . the arc-graph A K of a diagram K. We then define admissible labellings Ž . G, L for plane 4-regular graphs G and show that such labelled graphs
Multi-color tunneling quantum dot infrared photodetectors operating at room temperature

Abstract Quantum dot structures designed for multi-color infrared detection and high temperature (or room temperature) operation are demonstrated. A novel approach, tunneling quantum dot (T-QD), was successfully demonstrated with a detector that can be operated at room temperature due to the reduction of the dark current by blocking barriers incorporated into the structure. Photoexcited carriers are selectively collected from InGaAs quantum dots by resonant tunneling, while the dark current is blocked by AlGaAs/InGaAs tunneling barriers placed in the structure. A two-color tunneling-quantum dot infrared photodetector (T-QDIP) with photoresponse peaks at 6 μm and 17 μm operating at room temperature will be discussed. Furthermore, the idea can be used to develop terahertz T-QD detectors operating at high temperatures. Successful results obtained for a T-QDIP designed for THz operations are presented. Another approach, bi-layer quantum dot, uses two layers of InAs quantum dots (QDs) with different sizes separated by a thin GaAs layer. The detector response was observed at three distinct wavelengths in short-, mid-, and far-infrared regions (5.6, 8.0, and 23.0 μm). Based on theoretical calculations, photoluminescence and infrared spectral measurements, the 5.6 and 23.0 μm peaks are connected to the states in smaller QDs in the structure. The narrow peaks emphasize the uniform size distribution of QDs grown by molecular beam epitaxy. These detectors can be employed in numerous applications such as environmental monitoring, spectroscopy, medical diagnosis, battlefield-imaging, space astronomy applications, mine detection, and remote-sensing.
LYMPHOCYTIC INTRACYTOPLASMIC INCLUSIONS IN INFANTS WITH A VARIANT OF SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENCY (SCID)

SCID as a genetic disease ia inherited either as an autosomal or a sex-linked recessive with an incidence of 1:2,000,000 or 1:10,000, respectively. Over a six year period, we have identified 8 infants from a single ethnic group with a SCID rate greater than 1:3500. Three infants were born during a recent 3 month period, only one with a family history of SCID. In addition to a high group frequency and unusual clustering of cases, this SCID syndrome variant included a failure to clear OX174 from the blood, an absence of a common HLA type or a history of consanguinity. By electron microscopy, a large percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes contained cytoplasmic inclusions classified as parallel tubular arrays (PTAs), occurring in both E and EAC rosetting cells. The average number of inclusions was 15 times greater in these infants (range 13-53%) than in lymphocytes from age matched control infants (range 0-7%). Similar inclusions in as high a number have been described in Hodgkin's disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections, diseases which also have occurred in clusters. No evidence for EBV was determined serologically in any infant or in 2 of 3 mothers. In one infant successfully transplanted, PTAs have decreased in number. Explanations possible for the PTAs and the SCID variant are: 1) PTAs are abnormal metabolic organelles; or 2) are viral inclusions associated with SCID; or 3) are specific acquired virus.
Instructional Technology: The Research Field.

Two aspects of the context for research in instructional technology are described—innovations in media technology, and educational requirements. A good deal of education, the survival part, appears to be acquired byincidental learning, and a number of prospects are discussed for research in that area, while more traditional learning research onintentional learning is currently conducted in the framework of cognitive information processing. An important concept to denote what is learned is theschema, and a number of possibilities are described for schema-based research on learning from text.
Inductive load instability in magnetic amplifiers

LIMITATIONS in the design of high-performance magnetic amplifiers have often been attributed to imperfections in the magnetic amplifier core and rectifier characteristics. Yet, in some instances, the useful operation of the magnetic amplifier has been the result of the existence of these same so-called imperfections. Evaluation and understanding of the parameters of the material imperfections can point the way toward utilization of the characteristics that have been regarded as the limiting factors in the amplifier performance. As an example, rectifier capacitance and leakage current tend to reduce over-all amplifier gain. At the same time, inductive loading of some circuits creates additional positive feedback and instability. By adjusting the negative feedback caused by rectifier leakage current and capacitance, these inductively loaded circuits can be made to give stable high-gain performance.
An agroclimatic procedure and survey of the pineapple production potential of Colombia

Abstract A procedure was developed to evaluate temperature and rainfall relative to suitability for producing pineapple for processing. Comparisons of 54 locations in Colombia with 17 different pineapple producing areas throughout the world show numerous locations in Colombia have climates that compare favorably with highly successful producing areas.
A quantum mechanical model of gate leakage current for scaled NMOS transistors with ultra-thin High-K dielectrics and metal gate electrodes

This paper develops a quantum mechanical model for gate leakage current in scaled high-K metal-gate,NMOS transistors by considering both DT and TAT in low gate voltage regions,which can also be applied to other dual dielectric layer systems. The tunneling current is very sensitive to the low dielectric constant layer thickness. The proper control of the interfacial layer is important to continue CMOS device scaling.
Use of Health Services by African-American Children With Asthma on Medicaid

Objective. —To determine whether African-American children with asthma use more emergency department (ED) and inpatient medical services and fewer preventive services than white children with similar insurance coverage and family income. Design. —Historical cohort study using Medicaid claims data. Setting. —Aid to Families With Dependent Children enrollees aged 3 through 17 years in the Seattle-Tacoma, Wash, metropolitan area. Patients. —All 576 African-American children and 1369 white children receiving services for asthma between June 1988 and December 1992. Main Outcome Measures. —Utilization of asthma services (ED, inpatient, office visits, and pharmacy) and well-child services and associated Medicaid reimbursements. Results. —African-American children were more likely than white children to make ED visits or to be hospitalized for asthma; adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34 to 2.15) and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.96), respectively. African-American children were less likely to have made an office visit for asthma; the adjusted OR was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.85). The two groups were similarly likely to have filled a prescription for an asthma medication and to have made a well-child visit. Per capita payments for asthma services were 24% higher for African-American children: $436 vs $350 per child-year. Conclusions. —Higher use of ED and inpatient services for asthma among African-American children using Medicaid (compared with white children) cannot be fully explained by poverty or inadequate health insurance. Furthermore, these children appear to make disproportionately few office visits for asthma, suggesting suboptimal use of preventive services for asthma. In contrast, the comparable use of well-child visits in the two groups suggests the problem may not be in access to care in general, but there may be specific problems in the successful management of chronic diseases such as asthma among African-American children. (JAMA. 1995;274:469-473)
Effect of propylthiouracil feeding on glycogen metabolism and malic enzyme in the liver of the chick (Gallus domesticus).

Abstract 1. 1. A significant increase in liver glycogen took place 3 days after beginning the feeding of a diet containing propylthiouracil (PTU) while a significant increase in liver weight occurred after 4 days. 2. 2. Glucose-6-phosphatase was decreased after 3 days and malic enzyme after 5 days of feeding the PTU diet. 3. 3. Phosphorylase, phosphoglucomutase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase were higher in PTU-fed birds compared to control birds. 4. 4. There was a return to normal in all indices when PTU was removed from the diets of the chicks. Three enzymes changed away from the normal values temporarily before returning to normal. These changes were faster than the changes in the birds when PTU was introduced into the diet. 5. 5. A latent period of 24 hr was observed before the activities of phosphorylase, phosphoglucosamine and glucose-6-phosphatase showed indications of rising after the birds were returned to a PTU-free diet. 6. 6. Glucose-6-phosphatase seems to be the limiting enzyme in glycogenolysis in PTU-fed chicks.
Children's reactions to the threat of nuclear plant accidents

In the wake of Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident, questionnaire and interview responses of children in elementary and secondary schools revealed their perceptions of the dangers entailed in the continued use of nuclear reactors. Results are compared with a parallel study conducted close to 20 years ago, and implications for mental health are examined.
Aromatic Fumaronitrile Core-Based Donor-Linker-Acceptor-Linker-Donor (D-π-A-π-D) Compounds: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties

A new class of aromatic fumaronitrile core-based compounds with different donors and linkers has been synthesized and well characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 have indole and 2-phenylindole groups as electron donors, respectively. Compounds 3 and 4 have a diphenylamino group as the electron donor, and compound 5 has a 3,6-di-tert-butylcarbazole group as an electron donor. These compounds absorb in the blue-to-green region and emit in the blue-to-red region depending on the electron donor, linker, and solvents. The quantum yields of fluorescence of these compounds in solution are measured and found to be moderate, but in solid states, they are high. These compounds display strong emission solvatochromism that is reflected by a large shift in their fluorescence emission maxima on changing the solvents. This change is accompanied by a successive decrease in fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence lifetimes of these compounds are measured in different solvent and found to vary from <1 to 7 ns. Optical switching...
A biotinylated MutS fusion protein and its use in a rapid mutation screening technique

The Escherichia coli DNA mismatch repair protein, MutS, binds single base pair mismatches and short deletions in vivo and in vitro. To adapt this protein for mutation detection, a fusion protein of E. coli MutS with a biotinylated peptide domain has been constructed (MutSb). The biotinylation tag facilitates MutS detection and binding by avidin without significantly altering the DNA mismatch binding properties of MutS in vitro. We describe a novel and rapid mutation detection method with MutSb using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads and demonstrate that MutSb can also be used to remove mismatch containing DNA fragments from a mixture of DNA fragments in solution.
Sneed on Rawls's theory of social institutions: Some comments

I am the last person to defend John Rawls's ethical theory.1 Indeed, I have tried to show that his theory is entirely unacceptable both on moral and on logical grounds primarily because it is based on the maximin principle, which is a highly irrational and morally highly objectionable decision rule [see Harsanyi, 1975]. But I want to express my disagreement with Professor Sneed's recent criticism of Rawls's theory [Sneed, 1976]. In particular, I want to express my very strong disagreement with his contention that social institutions have no moral force, and do not create any moral obligation in us to obey the institutional rules produced by these institutions. I also want to point out some technical mistakes in Sneed's statements about game theory.
Growth and characterization of InGaAs quantum dots on metamorphic GaAsP templates by molecular beam epitaxy

The work discussed here focuses on the integration of InGaAs Stranski-Krastanov type quantum dots within a GaAsP metamorphic photovoltaic material matrix via molecular beam epitaxy. Two basic parameters, growth rate and substrate temperature, were studied to determine the nucleation behavior on the GaAsP surface, followed by exploratory growths of encapsulated quantum dot multilayer structures on both tensile (GaAs y P 1−y /GaAs) and compressive (GaAs y P 1−y /Si) graded buffers. X-ray diffraction measurements show the presence of satellite peaks due to the superlattice-like periodic structures, indicating sharp, uniform interfaces. Photoluminescence spectra reveal quantum confinement of the InGaAs quantum dots, with 400 meV blue-shifted emission and 52 meV peak width at 20 K.
Biological contamination of insulin pens in a hospital setting.

Purpose Biological contamination of insulin pens in a hospital setting was studied. Methods This prospective study, conducted at two hospitals within a multihospital system, examined 125 insulin pens that had been returned to the inpatient pharmacies after patient discharge and were refrigerated for up to 48 hours before laboratory testing. Insulin was removed from the 125 pens and examined microscopically for the presence of nucleated cells and red blood cells (RBCs). Positive samples were examined by a pathologist to determine the cell types present. An immunochromatographic assay was used to determine the presence of free hemoglobin in the insulin. The 10 control samples were negative on microscopic examination. Results Out of 125 insulin pens, 7 (5.6%) tested positive for cells or hemoglobin. Microscopic examination revealed six positive samples containing a total of nine cells, including macrophages, squamous cells, and an RBC. The sample containing the RBC was not the same sample that tested positive for hemoglobin. Based on findings of intact cells and hemoglobin in insulin pens after administration, the potential exists for transmission of infectious agents from patient to patient if a single pen cartridge is used to administer insulin to multiple patients, even if a new needle is used for each individual. Conclusion Examination of 125 insulin pens used in hospitals revealed hemoglobin in 1 pen and at least one cell in another 6 pens. The nine detected cells consisted of four squamous epithelial cells, four macrophages, and one RBC.
Simulation Training Impacts Student Confidence and Knowledge for Breast and Pelvic Examination

Standardized patients/trained gynecological teaching associates (GTAs) assist with medical student training for breast and pelvic examination. We evaluated how a structured simulation-based workshop affected medical students’ subsequent interactions with GTAs. This study was conducted in two parts. First, second-year medical students volunteered for a simulation-based workshop prior to GTA sessions. Students completed pre- and postsimulation workshop questionnaires assessing their experience, knowledge, and confidence with breast and pelvic examination. GTA assessments of simulation workshop participants (G1) and nonparticipants (G2) were compared. Second, the simulation workshop was integrated into the medical student curriculum. All students completed the pre- and postsimulation workshop questionnaires; GTAs assessed student performance. In the pilot year, workshop participants (G1, n = 43) showed significant improvement in self-assessment of knowledge (P < 0.0001), preparation (P < 0.0001), and confidence level (P < 0.0001). The GTAs reported better performance for the breast (P = 0.63) and pelvic exam (P = 0.24) by G1 students than G2 (G2, n = 79). The following year, significant improvement in skills (P < 0.001) and confidence level (P < 0.001) was noted comparing the pre- to postsimulation workshop questionnaires. Per GTA evaluations, the workshop remained effective even when administered to the whole class. Simulation-based workshops significantly improve medical students’ skills, knowledge, and confidence for breast and pelvic examinations.
Artificial Selection for Developmental Rates in Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Its Implications on the Design of Feeding Studies

The understanding of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), physiology has frequently suffered from discrepancies between different studies. One potential source of error is the assumption that laboratory colonies are sufficiently representative of wild populations that their biological parameters can be generalized. This is unlikely to be valid if the phenotype in question exhibits extensive genetic variation in the natural population, in which case laboratory lines can only be expected to contain a subset of the relevant genotypes. Here, I investigated whether this is a concern for experiments measuring larval developmental rate, a parameter frequently used to assess the relative resistance of different plant lines to fall armyworm herbivory. To estimate the genetic variation in this phenotype a simple selection experiment was performed to determine whether significantly different developmental rates could be isolated from inbred laboratory colonies representing the fall armyworm subgroup (rice-strain) that is the primary pest of pasture grasses. The results indicate that a strong genetic component influences larval development. Therefore, the average larval duration of the test population for a given treatment will depend on its genotypic composition that could vary significantly with different colonies. The implications of these findings on designing and evaluating feeding studies for fall armyworm are discussed.
Fractal dimension analysis of the cortical ribbon in mild Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Fractal analysis methods are used to quantify the complexity of the human cerebral cortex. Many recent studies have focused on high resolution three-dimensional reconstructions of either the outer (pial) surface of the brain or the junction between the gray and white matter, but ignore the structure between these surfaces. This study uses a new method to incorporate the entire cortical thickness. Data were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Neuroimaging Initiative database (Control N = 35, Mild AD N = 35). Image segmentation was performed using a semi-automated analysis program. The fractal dimension of three cortical models (the pial surface, gray/white surface and entire cortical ribbon) were calculated using a custom cube-counting triangle-intersection algorithm. The fractal dimension of the cortical ribbon showed highly significant differences between control and AD subjects (p 0.55, p
Analytical affinity chromatography in studies of molecular recognition in biology: a review.

Abstract Measuring macromolecular and cellular interactions remains central to the study of recognition in biology and its application in biotechnology. Analytical affinity chromatography provides a versatile methodology to detect and quantitate such interactions. Both zonal and frontal elution approaches have been developed, essentially in parallel, for analytical affinity chromatography. A close quantitative relatedness of chromatographically obtained equilibrium constants and analogous constants determined fully in solution has been found for a growing number of proteins. This consistently observed correlation has formed the basis for extending theoretical treatments in order to evaluate not only monovalent molecular systems of varying types but also multivalently interacting macromolecules, including those which exhibit cooperativity, The potential to measure chemical rate constants by affinity chromatography also has been recognized, and experimental tests of the available theory are being made. As a micromethod, the quantitative use of affinity chromatography has important applicability for biochemical analysis of an increasing array of biologically active molecules being discovered and isolated but available in only relatively small amounts. Analytical affinity chromatography thus provides a means to use matrix-mobile interactant systems to study mechanisms of biomolecular interactions and therein to attain an understanding of such interactions which often is not easily achieved by solution methods alone.
High-resolution mapping of a 130-kb core region of the MYCN amplicon in neuroblastomas

The MYCN proto-oncogene is amplified in 25% of neuroblastomas, and amplification is strongly correlated with advanced disease stage and with rapid tumor progression. We have generated a high-resolution restriction map of nearly 500 kb spanning the MYCN locus by subcloning yeast artificial chromosomes into cosmids. Cosmids plus additional amplified probes were hybridized to DNA from 33 MYCN amplified neuroblastomas, and we determined that the amplicons range from 350 kb to over 1 Mb. Deletions and rearrangements of the MYCN amplicon occurred less frequently in primary tumors than in cell lines. We have defined a 130-kb region that was amplified in 32 of 33 tumors. One additional tumor deleted 65 kb of this region from its amplicon, while amplifying a large amount of flanking DNA. The only CpG island found in this region was within the MYCN gene. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that, despite the large size of most amplicons, the core domain that is consistently amplified in neuroblastomas probably contains little more than the MYCN gene.
Long–short versus long-only commodity funds

Commodity investments have gained considerable interest over the past decade. For traditionally diversified investors, an allocation to a fund that invests exclusively in commodity markets offers n...
Effect of Re substitution on the defect structure, and superconducting properties of (Hg1−xRex)Ba2Can−1CunO2n+2+δ (n = 2, 3, 4)

We have investigated the structure, and superconducting properties of a series of Re substituted HgBa{sub 2}Ca{sub n-1}Cu{sub n}O{sub 2n+2+{delta}} (n = 2, 3, 4) samples by neutron powder diffraction, AC susceptibility, and magnetization measurements. Re atoms substitute at the Hg site and alter the defect structure of the host layer by pulling in four new oxygen atoms at (x x 0) to form an octahedron around Re. Re substitution makes it easier to synthesize the different members of the series; in particular (Hg,Re)-1234 which forms readily with Re concentrations x {ge} 0.2. {Tc} values of the as-prepared samples are 108, 132, and 122 K for the n = 2, 3 and 4 members, respectively. Magnetization measurements show a small enhancement of H{sub irr} with increasing Re-content at low temperatures. No significant enhancement at higher temperatures (T> 70 K) is observed.
The Teaching and Learning of High Performance Computing

Under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Combined Research-Curriculum Development (CRCD) program a new curriculum in high performance computing has been introduced at Penn State. Also, a new graduate minor in high performance computing has been established. The minor will be available to students in all colleges including Engineering, Science, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Arts and Architecture, and Business. Several new courses have been developed at both the senior undergraduate and graduate levels. This curriculum development activity has also had an impact on other courses in engineering and science. In this paper we describe some of the innovative features of the new courses including the development of web-based materials, the use of high-technology classrooms, and the use of computational laboratory instruction in the course work. Two different configurations of Unix-based classrooms have been set up and their system administration, hardware, and software are described. Both faculty and research staff have been involved in the development of coursework and facilities. The importance and benefits of such collaborations are discussed. We have also conducted assessment activities, some of which are described.
Self-aligned complementary GaAs MISFETs using a low-temperature-grown GaAs gate insulator

GaAs complementary metal insulator semiconductor field effect transistors (MISFETs) with a low temperature grown GaAs gate insulator were fabricated using the same epitaxial layer structure. Self-aligned Si and Be implants were used for the source/drain region in n- and p-channel MISFETs, respectively. With a 1.5 µm gate length, the maximum drain current is 40 and 120 mA/mm for a normally-off n- and p-channel MISFET, respectively. It increases to 500 mA/mm for a normally-on n-channel device.
Ketone bodies as signaling metabolites

Traditionally, the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) has been looked upon as a carrier of energy from liver to peripheral tissues during fasting or exercise. However, βOHB also signals via extracellular receptors and acts as an endogenous inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs). These recent findings support a model in which βOHB functions to link the environment, in this case the diet, and gene expression via chromatin modifications. We review the regulation and functions of ketone bodies, the relationship between ketone bodies and calorie restriction, and the implications of HDAC inhibition by the ketone body βOHB in the modulation of metabolism and in diseases of aging.
Determination of the histamine sensitizing unitage of pertussis vaccine

Abstract The histamine sensitizing unitage (HSU) of the U.S. Standard Pertussis Vaccine Lot 6 was determined in relation to the Netherlands Reference Pertussis Vaccine 2 which had 1 HSU per protective unit. The same ratio was found for the U.S. Standard. Two other lots of plain pertussis vaccine had ratios of 1·8 and 2·4 HSU to 1 protective unit. The ratios between opacity units and protective units varied significantly whereas the ratios between opacity units and HSU were consistent. The application of the findings to the control of pertussis vaccine is discussed.
The hybrid application of an inductive learning method and a neural network for intelligent information retrieval

Abstract Traditional information retrieval systems based on Boolean logic suffer from two inherent problems: (1) inaccurate or incomplete query representation, and (2) inconsistent indexing. While many researchers have demonstrated that neural networks can solve the incomplete query problems for information retrieval, the inconsistent indexing problem still remains unsolved. In this paper, we present a hybrid methodology of integrating an inductive learning technique with a neural network (connectionist model) in order to solve both inconsistent indexing and incomplete query problems. Since an inductive learning technique has the ability to identify the most significant document index terms with various levels of relationship to their semantic significance, it provides a possible solution to the problem of inconsistent indexing. This paper reports the first phase of research that demonstrates how a neural network augmented by an inductive learning technique results in effective information retrieval performance in the areas that demand flexible inferencing and reasoning when incomplete queries and inconsistent indexing problems are present.
Overuse injuries in equestrian athletes

Some 30 million Americans are involved in equestrian sports. Although there is significant literature regarding catastrophic injury, there is very little literature that addresses overuse injury and its effect on rider and horse. As the horse and rider function as a unit, overuse injuries to the rider can affect the horse's training and responsiveness. Sports physicians treating riders should understand correct posture in the saddle and its alteration by muscular imbalance and injury. This review discusses common equestrian events, and common overuse injuries in recreational and competitive riders.
Pressure Effects on the Lamination of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

This paper presents the results of finite element simulations of the lamination process for the fabrication of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The simulations utilize mechanical properties of the individual layers of the OLED structures that are obtained using nanoindentation techniques. The simulations show that applied pressure can cause contact evolution and sink-in around dust particles that are interposed between the organic materials layers, or the organic/inorganic layers. The implications of the results are discussed for the fabrication of robust OLEDs.
Are Computational Transitions Sensitive to Semantics

The formal conception of computation (FCC) holds that computational processes are not sensitive to semantic properties. FCC is popular, but it faces well-known difficulties. Accordingly, authors such as Block and Peacocke pursue a ‘semantically-laden’ alternative, according to which computation can be sensitive to semantics. I argue that computation is insensitive to semantics within a wide range of computational systems, including any system with ‘derived’ rather than ‘original’ intentionality. FCC yields the correct verdict for these systems. I conclude that there is only one promising strategy for semantically-laden theorists: identify special computational systems that help generate their own semantic properties, and then show that computation within those systems is semantically-laden. Unfortunately, the few existing discussions that pursue this strategy are problematic.
Patterns of use of electronic books

In order to understand the patterns of use of electronic books, total netLibrary usage for one year for five academic institutions was collected. Ranked use by number of titles closely fit the power curve, a model known to describe modern developments such as airport hubs and Internet links. A chi-square test of independence compared subject use by library and showed a modest institutional effect. Subjects were ranked by popularity. Computers, technology, and specific sciences were more popular than traditional social sciences and humanities. Implications for acquisitions decisions are reviewed.