Modification of the LEP electrostatic separator systems for operation with bunch trains

To meet the LEP2 luminosity requirements for W-pair production, it is planned to operate LEP with Bunch Trains from 1995 onwards. This new mode of operation entails significant modification both to the existing separator hardware and its control system. The changes have been implemented so as to provide maximum flexibility for the realisation of the Bunch Train scheme, and also make a return to operation with Pretzel separation possible during 1995. Two LEP Interaction Points (IP) were equipped with new separators in late 1994, enabling first tests with the collision of one train of four e+ bunches with one train of e- bunches. During the 1994/95 shutdown, four separators have been installed in the two remaining experimental IPs, and eight separators in the non-experimental IP have been displaced to new positions. Details are given of optics requirements for the separator installations, the polarity of the closed orbit separator bumps, system modifications, and performance considerations. Results are presented of investigations into the effects of separator polarity on High Voltage performance and on the commissioning of the new hardware systems during tests of the Bunch Train scheme in 1994

Association of pulse pressure with death, myocardial infarction, and stroke among cardiovascular outcome trial participants

Background: Prior evidence demonstrates that pulse pressure (PP), a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, is an independent risk factor for mortality and major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the association of PP with death, myocardial infarction, and stroke among participants enrolled in large CV outcome clinical trials and determine if this association was impacted by pre-existing CV disease, or specific CV risk factors. Methods: A total of 65,382 individuals, ages 19 to 98 years, that were enrolled in one of five CV outcome trials were analyzed. Baseline demographics, history, blood pressures, and medications were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to explore temporal patterns, risks, and adjusted survival rates. Results: Mean baseline PP was 52 ± 12 mmHg. For every 10 mmHg increase in PP, there was an increased risk of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction (hazard ratio (HR) 1.11, 95 % CI 1.08 to 1.14, p < 0.001). Similarly, a PP ≥ 60 mmHg demonstrated an HR of 1.27 (95 % CI 1.19 to 1.36, p < 0.001) compared with PP < 60 mmHg. A similar association existed for all subgroups analyzed except for participants with a history of stroke where increasing PP did not increase risk (HR 1.02, 95 % CI 0.95 to 1.10, p = 0.53). PP was a better predictor of adverse outcomes when compared to both systolic and diastolic blood pressures using the AIC and C-index. Conclusions: Among participants enrolled in CV outcome trials, baseline PP is associated with increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke for those with pre-existing CV disease and risk factors with the exception of a prior history of stroke

Interview with history teachers at the Schools History Project Conference, 4 July 2009

Four teachers attending the Schools History Project Conference in 2009 accepted an invitation to have their discussion recorded for the History in Education Project. The question under discussion is 'Is history better taught today than when you were at school?' For one of the teachers, the recollection of school was not too far distant - she had been taught the National Curriculum and was now teaching it herself. For others, the comparison was over a longer time period, with the opportunity to reflect on changes over their careers as well as the contrast between now and then. Issues discussed include changes in the style of teaching, the impact of technology and the shift from factual narrative to examining evidence, as well the deeper question as to what makes 'better' history teaching at any time. Discussion hosted by Nicola Sheldo