cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-Morbid Liver Dysfunction Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Partial and Generalized Status Epilepticus (P03.138)

OBJECTIVE: This case-control study examines whether co-morbid hepatic, renal and/or cardiac dysfunction may contribute to outcomes in status epilepticus. BACKGROUND: Although hepatic and renal failure are known to be associated with increased risk of isolated seizure activity, the prognostic relationship of these co-morbidities with partial or generalized status epilepticus has not been clearly established in the literature. DESIGN/METHODS: Electronic medical records (EMR) and EEG recordings on 710 patients undergoing continuous EEG monitoring at The Methodist Hospital from January 2008 through January 2012 were reviewed and selected on the basis of having either partial or generalized status epilepticus by EEG criteria, ICD-9 codes, and EMR review to determine co-morbid illness. Prognosis at the time of discharge was classified with the Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Category (CPC), dividing performance into five subsets, ranging from category 1: conscious and alert with normal cognitive function; to 5: certified brain death or death by traditional criteria. These CPC scores were compared with the control population (status epilepticus patients without concomitant organ dysfunction) using the Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical significance of ordinal data. RESULTS: 51 patients were noted to be in partial status epilepticus, and 8 others developed generalized non-convulsive status epilepticus. Hepatic dysfunction in 7 patients (with and without renal insufficiency) correlated with poorer outcomes compared to controls. (median CPC = 5 (IQR: 5,5), mean = 4.71, compared with median CPC in controls = 2 (IQR: 2,3), mean = 2.38. [H=12.396, 1 d.f, P=0.00043, OR=34.8]). Subgroups with renal insufficiency (p=0.075) and/or heart failure (p=0.492) failed to achieve statistical significance (defined as p CONCLUSIONS: Cirrhosis and the hepatorenal syndrome correlate with poorer outcomes and death in status epilepticus patients. Disclosure: Dr. Clark has nothing to disclose. Dr. Verma has received personal compensation for activities with UCB Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., and Pfizer Inc. Dr. Verma has received research support from Pfizer Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., and UCB Pharma. Dr. Kawai has nothing to disclose.
HIF-1α is required for disturbed flow-induced metabolic reprogramming in human and porcine vascular endothelium

Hemodynamic forces regulate vascular functions. Disturbed flow (DF) occurs in arterial bifurcations and curvatures, activates endothelial cells (ECs), and results in vascular inflammation and ultimately atherosclerosis. However, how DF alters EC metabolism, and whether resulting metabolic changes induce EC activation, is unknown. Using transcriptomics and bioenergetic analysis, we discovered that DF induces glycolysis and reduces mitochondrial respiratory capacity in human aortic ECs. DF-induced metabolic reprogramming required hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), downstream of NAD(P)H oxidase-4 (NOX4)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). HIF-1α increased glycolytic enzymes and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 (PDK-1), which reduces mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Swine aortic arch endothelia exhibited elevated ROS, NOX4, HIF-1α, and glycolytic enzyme and PDK1 expression, suggesting that DF leads to metabolic reprogramming in vivo. Inhibition of glycolysis reduced inflammation suggesting a causal relationship between flow-induced metabolic changes and EC activation. These findings highlight a previously uncharacterized role for flow-induced metabolic reprogramming and inflammation in ECs.
Arcadia Medical Center (a): Emergency Department Crowding

Arcadia Medical Center's newly appointed medical director of operations for the department of emergency medicine has noticed a gradual increase in the length of time it takes for patients to be seen and their care completed. He frequently examines patients who are waiting in their stretchers in hallways in an effort to expedite patient care. It is becoming increasingly difficult to maneuver through the overcrowded emergency department to perform routine patient care activities. Having considered how to improve the crowding issue, the medical director of operations has created a team to analyze the situation and make recommendations to implement change. Excerpt UVA-OM-1468 Rev. Oct. 21, 2019 Arcadia Medical Center: Emergency Department Crowding (A) Early for the meeting, Dr. Marc Schuler sat in a conference room at Arcadia Medical Center (AMC) and stared at a thick file containing his recent notes about the current state of the emergency department (ED). Schuler was AMC's newly appointed medical director of operations for the department of emergency medicine. During the 10 years he had been working at AMC, Schuler had noticed a gradual increase in the length of time it took to see patients and complete their care. He frequently examined patients waiting in their stretchers in hallways in an effort to expedite patient care. The overcrowded ED at AMC looked more like an early–20th century infirmary than a state-of-the-art ED. It was becoming increasingly difficult to maneuver through the ED to perform routine patient-care activities. This was not how he had envisioned practicing medicine in 2008. After having considered how to improve the crowding issue, Schuler had decided his first task was to create a team. Given the complex nature of implementing change in the department, he would need the help of the nursing staff and the support of the hospital administration and the academic chair of the emergency medicine department. Cindy Locker, the ED nurse manager, had observed her nursing staff becoming increasingly stressed and overwhelmed by the patient volume, the lack of communication in the ED, and the amount of time patients waited to receive care. When Schuler had asked Locker to lead the team, she had agreed. Schuler and Locker had already selected five people for the ED crowding team. Schuler still needed to pick another physician, and Locker had to choose another nurse. They had also contacted the quality improvement (QI) office to ask for a staff member to assist in the technical aspects of the data analysis. . . .
Highly efficient GaN HEMTs transformer-less single-phase inverter for grid-tied fuel cell

Transformer-less inverters are the most efficient approach to utilize renewable energy sources for grid tied applications. In this paper, a grid-tied fuel cell transformer-less single-phase inverter equipped with GaN HEMTs is proposed. The new topology is derived from conventional H5 inverter. The benefits of using GaN HEMTs are to enable the system to switch at high frequency, which will reduce the size, volume and cost of the system. Moreover, inverter control is designed and proposed to supply real power to the grid and to work as DSTATCOM to mitigate any voltage sag and compensate reactive power in the system. A comparison of the performance of the proposed inverter with Si IGBT and GaN HEMTs was presented to analyze the benefits of using WBG devices. The switching strategy of the new topology creates a new current path which reduces the conduction losses significantly. The analysis of the proposed system was carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK and PSIM and the results show that the proposed controller improves voltage stability, power quality, mitigates voltage sag and compensates reactive power. Accordingly, the results prove the effectiveness of the system for grid-tied applications.
Performance enhancement of eight bolt extended end-plate moment connections under simulated seismic loading

Abstract Extended end-plate (EEP) moment resisting connections provide the advantage of eliminating field welding and by virtue of this, facilitate fast field erection of building frames. The eight bolt stiffened (8ES) EEP connection is one of the prequalified moment connections in the AISC 358 standard for special moment frames (SMFs) in seismic regions. In this connection, a stiffener plate is welded between the end plate and the beam flanges to strengthen the extended portion of the end plate. This stiffener reduces prying action and more uniformly distributes flange forces among the bolt group. In experimental studies, the 8ES connection has shown ductile response to simulated seismic loading with test specimens typically failing due to beam buckling and gradual strength degradation. However, cracks initiating at the toe of the stiffener leading to brittle fracture of the beam flange has also been observed due to the high stress concentration in this region. The study reported herein proposes an eight-bolt EEP connection in which the end plate stiffener is removed and the bolt arrangement is modified to promote uniform distribution of flange forces among the bolt group. The proposed connection was developed through detailed finite element analysis in which various bolt arrangements for stiffened and unstiffened eight-bolt EEP connections were considered. The proposed connection displayed reduced beam flange stress and strain concentrations, delayed or reduced rate of strength degradation from local buckling and more uniform distribution of bolt forces when compared to the alternatives. Furthermore, when compared to the currently prequalified 8ES connection, despite requiring thicker end plates, the proposed connection is anticipated to result in cost savings from the removal of the end plate stiffener. Future analytical and experimental needs for further development of the proposed connection are discussed.
Are We Appropriately Compensated by Relative Value Units for Primary vs Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Relative value units (RVUs) are used to evaluate the effort required for providing a service to patients in order to determine compensation. Thus, more complicated cases, like revision arthroplasty cases, should yield a greater compensation. However, there are limited data comparing RVUs to the time required to complete the service. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the (1) mean RVUs, (2) mean operative times, and (3) mean RVU/minute between primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) and (4) perform an individualized idealized surgeon annual cost difference analysis. Methods A total of 103,702 patients who underwent primary (current procedural terminology code 27130) and 7273 patients who underwent revision THA (current procedural terminology code 27134) were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Mean RVUs, operative times (minutes), and RVU/minute were calculated and compared using Student t-test. Dollar amount per minute, per case, per day, and year was calculated to find an individualized idealized surgeon annual cost difference. Results The mean RVU was 21.24 ± 0.53 (range, 20.72-21.79) for primary and 30.27 ± 0.03 (range, 30.13-30.28) for revision THA (P Conclusion Maximizing the RVU/minute provides the greatest “hourly rate.” The RVU/minute for primary (0.260) being significantly greater than revision THA (0.249) and an annualized $113,052.28 cost difference reveal that although revision THAs are more complex cases requiring longer operative time, greater technical skill, and aftercare, compensation per time is not greater.
Acetyl phosphate as a substrate for the calcium ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Acetyl phosphate is hydrolyzed by the calcium ATPase of leaky sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from rabbit skeletal muscle with Km = 6.5 mM and kcat = 7.9 s-1 in the presence of 100 microM calcium (180 mM K+, 5 mM MgSO4, pH 7.0, 25 degrees C). In the absence of calcium, hydrolysis is 6% of the calcium-dependent rate at low and 24% at saturating concentrations of acetyl phosphate. Values of K0.5 for calcium are 3.5 and 2.2 microM (n = 1.6) in the presence of 1 and 50 mM acetyl phosphate, respectively; inhibition by calcium follows K0.5 = 1.6 mM (n approximately 1.1) with 50 mM acetyl phosphate and K0.5 = 0.5 mM (n approximately 1.3) with 1.5 mM ATP. The calcium-dependent rate of phosphoenzyme formation from acetyl phosphate is consistent with Km = 43 mM and kf = 32 s-1 at saturation; decomposition of the phosphoenzyme occurs with kt = 16 s-1. The maximum fraction of phosphoenzyme formed in the steady state at saturating acetyl phosphate concentrations is 43-46%. These results are consistent with kc congruent to 30 s-1 for binding of Ca2+ to E at saturating [Ca2+], to give cE.Ca2, in the absence of activation by ATP. Phosphoenzyme formed from ATP and from acetyl phosphate shows the same biphasic reaction with ADP, rate constants for decomposition that are the same within experimental error, and similar or identical activation of decomposition by ATP. It is concluded that the reaction pathways for acetyl phosphate and ATP in the presence of Ca2+ are the same, with the exception of calcium binding and phosphorylation; an alternative, faster route that avoids the kc step is available in the presence of ATP. The existence of three different regions of dependence on ATP concentration for steady state turnover is confirmed; activation of hydrolysis at high ATP concentrations involves an ATP-induced increase in kt.
How Do African Farm Households Respond to Changes in Current and Past Weather Patterns? A Structural Panel Data Analysis from Malawi

We use three waves of nationally representative household-level panel data from Malawi to estimate a structural model characterizing the response of smallholder farm households to current and past weather patterns, and the subsequent impacts on household net income. We also quantify heterogeneity among households along the wealth spectrum regarding their ability to adapt to evolving weather patterns. This approach yields two key findings. First, adverse weather history prompts households to devote more time to maize cultivation on their own farms, to the detriment of other, possibly more remunerative income sources. Households also reduce application of productivity-enhancing inputs, such as fertilizer and improved maize varieties, in response to adverse weather history. Our results are robust to different clustering structures and falsification tests aimed at ruling out alternative explanations to observed trends. Second, we find that, by maintaining a more diversified income structure, wealthier households are better able to adapt to adverse weather history. Consequently, adverse changes in past weather may be regressive in nature, creating a “climate-induced” poverty trap that locks poor smallholder households into low-value maize cultivation from season to season. This finding suggests that developing more weather-resilient maize varieties and promoting smallholder livelihood diversification strategies may help mitigate the effects of adverse weather on the most vulnerable households.
The Circular Conversation Around Racism and the Actions Necessary for Racial Change

In an ever-changing, racially-charged society, topics of race and racism are frequently being broached in schools. However, reaching the desired racial change after engagement in these discussions ...
Antibody ligation of CD9 modifies production of myeloid cells in long- term cultures

The KMC8.8 monoclonal antibody was made by immunizing rats with the BMS2 stromal cell clone, and was selected for further study because of its ability to inhibit production of myeloid cells in Dexter cultures but not that of lymphoid cells in Whitlock-Witte cultures. The influence on myeloid progenitors might have been indirect, since the antibody did not prevent responsiveness to colony-stimulating factors in semisolid agar cultures. Furthermore, there was no inhibition, and some augmentation, of cell production when the antibody was added to established Dexter cultures. A cDNA clone that encoded the KMC8.8-recognized molecule was isolated by expression cloning and found to be identical in sequence to a previously published murine CD9 homologue. The antibody and cDNA clone were used to establish that CD9 is expressed by stromal cells, megakaryocytes, platelets, myeloid cells, and subpopulations of mature lymphocytes in mice. Treatment with the KMC8.8/CD9 antibody slightly augmented adhesion between myeloid cells and stromal cells, consistent with previous reports that this member of the tetraspan family of proteins can transmit proadhesive signals to human platelets and lymphoid cells. CD9 might participate in cell-cell interactions critical for correct orientation and movement of maturing myeloid cells in bone marrow.
Laboratory Experiments on the Interaction Between Surface Waves and Free Convection in Water

Laboratory experiments have been performed to explore the effects of interaction between surface waves and free convection. This work is an extension of an earlier set of experiments on high Rayleigh number (109) free convection in water. In particular the temperature drop across the thermal boundary for convection below a free upper surface was related to the net upward heat flux and a relation of the form $$ \text{N} = \text{AR}^{{\raise0.7ex\hbox{$\text{1}$} \!\mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\text{1} \text{3}}}\right.\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} \!\lower0.7ex\hbox{$\text{3}$}}} $$ (1) was found (Katsaros et al., 1977), where A is a constant.
PREMAT/POSTMAT : A COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

This paper is concerned with a development of computational method for nonlinear mechanics of composite materials based on the homogenization method. In order to include the effect of perfect/partial debonding (or decohesion) along the interface of constituent of composites in the microstructure, Lene's approach is adopted in this article. Reliability analysis for finite element approximations is developed. Sensitivity analysis for the homogenized elasticity tensor and the residual stress is also derived to deal with error and uncertainty of measured values in laboratories. The homogenization method for linear elasticity is extended to the case of finite strain elastoplasticity in the present study using the rate formulation and the total Lagrangian approach in order to investigate microscale propagation of plasticity and instability of the microstructure.
Resilient Information Architecture Platform for Smart Systems (RIAPS): Case Study for Distributed Apparent Power Control

Maintaining voltage and frequency stability in an islanded microgrid is challenging, due to the low system inertia. In addition, islanded microgrids have limited generation capability, requiring that all DGs contribute proportionally to meet the system power consumption. This paper proposes a distributed control algorithm for optimal apparent power utilization in islanded microgrids. The developed algorithm improves system apparent power utilization by maintaining proportional power sharing among DGs. A decentralized platform called Resilient Information Architecture Platform for Smart Systems (RIAPS) is introduced that runs on processors embedded within the DGs. The proposed algorithm is fully implemented in RIAPS platform and validated on a real-time microgrid testbed.
Understanding Database Reconstruction Attacks on Public Data: These attacks on statistical databases are no longer a theoretical danger.

With the dramatic improvement in both computer speeds and the efficiency of SAT and other NP-hard solvers in the last decade, DRAs on statistical databases are no longer just a theoretical danger. The vast quantity of data products published by statistical agencies each year may give a determined attacker more than enough information to reconstruct some or all of a target database and breach the privacy of millions of people. Traditional disclosure-avoidance techniques are not designed to protect against this kind of attack.
Acute Noncardiac Organ Failure in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Cardiogenic Shock.

Abstract Background There are limited data on acute noncardiac multiorgan failure in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS). Objectives The authors sought to evaluate the 15-year national trends, resource utilization, and outcomes of single and multiple noncardiac organ failures in AMI-CS. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of AMI-CS using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2000 to 2014. Previously validated codes for respiratory, renal, hepatic, hematologic, and neurological failure were used to identify single or multiorgan (≥2 organ systems) noncardiac organ failure. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, temporal trends, and resource utilization. The effects of every additional organ failure on in-hospital mortality and resource utilization were assessed. Results In 444,253 AMI-CS admissions, noncardiac single or multiorgan failure was noted in 32.4% and 31.9%, respectively. Multiorgan failure was seen more commonly in admissions with non–ST-segment elevation AMI-CS, nonwhite race, and higher baseline comorbidity. There was a steady increase in the prevalence of single and multiorgan failure. Coronary angiography and revascularization were performed less commonly in multiorgan failure. Single-organ failure (odds ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.26 to 1.30) and multiorgan failure (odds ratio: 2.23; 95% confidence interval: 2.19 to 2.27) were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality, greater resource utilization, and fewer discharges to home. There was a stepwise increase in in-hospital mortality and resource utilization with each additional organ failure. Conclusions There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of multiorgan failure in AMI-CS. Presence of multiorgan failure was independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and greater resource utilization.
Carbon Dioxide Insertion into Bridging Iron Hydrides: Kinetic and Mechanistic Studies.

The reduction of CO2 to formic acid by transition metal hydrides is a potential pathway to access reactive C1 compounds. To date, no kinetic study has been reported for insertion of a bridging hydride in a weak-field ligated complex into CO2; such centers have relevance to metalloenzymes that catalyze this reaction. Herein, we report the kinetic study of the reaction of a tri(μ-hydride)triiron(II/II/II) cluster supported by a tris(β-diketimine) cyclophane (1) with CO2 monitored by 1H-NMR and temperature-controlled UV-vis spectroscopy. We found that 1 reacts with CO2 to traverse the reported monoformate (1-CO 2 ) and a diformate complex (1-2CO 2 ) at 298 K in toluene, and ultimately yields the triformate species (1-3CO 2 ) at elevated temperature. The second order rate constant, H/D kinetic isotope effect, ∆H ‡,and ∆S ‡for formation of 1-CO 2 were determined as 8.4(3)×10-4 M-1·s-1, 1.08(9), 11(1) kcal·mol-1, and -3(1)×10 cal·mol-1·K-1, respectively at 298 K. These parameters suggest that CO2 coordination to the iron centers does not coordinate prior to the rate controlling step whereas Fe-H bond cleavage does.
Effects of diffusion coefficients on reversal potentials in ionic channels

In this work, the dependence of reversal potentials and zero-current fluxes on diffusion coefficients are examined for ionic flows through membrane channels. The study is conducted for the setup of a simple structure defined by the profile of permanent charges with two mobile ion species, one positively charged (cation) and one negatively charged (anion). Numerical observations are obtained from analytical results established using geometric singular perturbation analysis of classical Poisson-Nernst-Planck models. For 1:1 ionic mixtures with arbitrary diffusion coefficients, Mofidi and Liu [arXiv:1909.01192] conducted a rigorous mathematical analysis and derived an equation for reversal potentials that, in its particular case, can be compared to Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. We summarize and extend these results with numerical observations for biological relevant situations. The numerical investigations on profiles of the electrochemical potentials, ion concentrations, and electrical potential across ion channels are also presented for the zero-current case. Moreover, the behavior of current and fluxes with respect to voltages and permanent charges are investigated. In the opinion of the authors, many results in the paper are not intuitive, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to see all cases without investigations of this type.
Persistent Data Storage

Two persistent data storage technologies—XML and relational databases—are introduced in this chapter. The digital library data models from Chap. 30 are used to illustrate how each of these technologies would store this data. Java and Python code examples introduce the basic mechanisms used by XML and relational databases.
Deriving consistent ocean biological and biogeochemical products from multiple satellite ocean color sensors

A methodology is developed for deriving consistent ocean biological and biogeochemical products from multiple satellite ocean color sensors that have slightly different sensor spectral characteristics. Specifically, the required coefficients for algorithm modifications are obtained using the hyperspectral in situ optical measurements from the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) in the water off Hawaii. It is demonstrated that using the proposed approach for modifying ocean biological and biogeochemical algorithms, satellite-derived ocean property data over the global open ocean are consistent from multiple satellite sensors, although their corresponding sensor-measured normalized water-leaving radiance spectra nLw(λ) are different. Therefore, the proposed approach allows satellite-derived ocean biological and biogeochemical products to be consistent and can therefore be routinely merged from various satellite ocean color sensors. The proposed approach can be applied to any satellite algorithms that use the input of sensor-measured nLw(λ) spectra.
Preparing hospitals for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Interview with Edward Jasper by Mike Gregg, Editor (1) Could you please briefly introduce yourself and explain what your role is at Jefferson Health? I am an Emergency Medicine physician and medica...
Chapter 2 – Flames

Publisher Summary The topics introduced in this chapter cover a small portion of flame studies that have been accomplished in the past. Some interpretations given here are the author's view and subject to further discussion. The intention of the author is to discuss the fundamentals of combustion and to stimulate readers to think scientifically when they deal with forest fire problems. References are provided for readers who are interested in advancing their understanding in flames and combustion. This chapter intends to help ecologists, forest fire researchers, and fire-fighting strategists understand some of the fundamental aspects of combustion and think scientifically about their forest fire problems. As with any discipline, the best approach to understanding forest fires is to grasp the fundamentals—in this case, the structure and behavior of flames. Explanation and discussion are based on the physical and chemical aspects of combustion, with little emphasis on strict mathematical treatment of equations. The chapter addresses the basic knowledge on the structure of diffusion flames and scaling laws, premixed flames, ignition, diffusion flame extinguishment, spreading flames, and the mechanism of diffusion flame anchoring. Some general background in combustion research is introduced at the beginning of the chapter.
Cannabis use and bariatric surgery psychology practice: survey and insights

Abstract Background Cannabis is second only to alcohol as a substance of abuse and dependence in the United States. While there is extensive research examining alcohol use and bariatric surgery, there is currently little research and there are no published guidelines specific to cannabis use and bariatric surgery. Objectives To identify major themes and general guidelines applied by bariatric surgery psychology clinicians. Setting This practice survey was disseminated to bariatric surgery psychologists at various U.S. academic medical centers, hospitals, and private practices. Methods An electronic, 35-question survey was sent to 47 bariatric surgery psychologists to collect information on current clinical practice guidelines regarding cannabis use before and after bariatric surgery. Results The survey questionnaire was completed by 34 (72.34%) bariatric surgery psychologists. The major identified themes included: (1) the lack of a standardized assessment of cannabis use; (2) a requirement for 3 months of abstinence from cannabis before bariatric surgery; (3) recommended lifetime abstinence from cannabis after bariatric surgery; and (4) discussion of cannabis use risks following bariatric surgery, including appetite stimulation, addiction potential, and possible negative impacts on judgment. Conclusion Cannabis use will likely further increase in the United States. This survey highlighted common bariatric surgery psychology practices in the absence of extensive research and published guidelines. These findings suggest a preliminary framework with which to address cannabis use in patients seeking bariatric surgery. It is recommended that professional organizations and societies build on these initial survey findings to develop guidelines for more consistent, evidence-based practice regarding cannabis use and bariatric surgery.
Regulation Design in Insurance Markets

Regulators often impose rules that constrain the behavior of market participants. We study the design of regulatory policy in an insurance market as an optimal delegation problem. A regulator restricts the menus of contracts an informed firm is permitted to offer, the firm offers a permitted menu to each consumer, and consumers choose contracts from offered menus. Under an ordering on consumer types and firm information, the regulator can fully leverage the firm's information by forcing the firm to offer specified additional options on each menu. Several extensions illustrate the applicability of our framework.
Salaries, Plea Rates, and the Career Objectives of Federal Prosecutors

We examine the relation between local labor markets and the behavior of federal prosecutors. Empirical evidence is provided that assistant U.S. attorneys in districts with high private salaries are more likely to take a case to trial, compared to assistants in districts with low private salaries. We explain this finding as follows. In high salary districts, government salaries are not competitive relative to the private sector. As a result, positions of federal prosecutors are sought by individuals who want the trial experience needed to secure desired private sector employment. The following additional evidence is provided to further support this explanation. First, the turnover of assistant U.S. attorneys is higher in high-private-salary districts than in low-private-salary districts. Second, individuals who leave their employment as assistant U.S. attorneys are of higher quality in districts with higher private lawyer salaries. Third, assistant U.S. attorneys with more trial experience are more likely to take positions in large private law firms.
Dual-time point PET imaging: Improving predictive value of determining malignancy from benign

606 Objectives: Benign inflammatory lung nodule or radiation and chemotherapy induced inflammatory changes present a diagnostic challenge to clinician during the management of cancer. To evaluate a predictive value of determing malignancy by using dual-time point FDG PET imaging in the patient with pulmonary lesions/abnormality during the initial staging and restaging a lung cancer Methods: A total of 38 lung lesions were evaluated by using dual-time point PET imaging. FDG PET scan was obtained at 60 min and 120 min after the injection of 10-15 mCI of FDG. SUV values on the initial uptake (IU) and delayed uptake (DU) and % change in SUV between two-time point were calculated. Clinical outcome was obtained by biopsy, or follow-up. Results: Twenty lesions were ultimately found to be a malignant. The mean SUV value at IU was 4.3 (95% CI: 3.4 to 5.2) and mean DU was 5 (95% CI: 3.9-6.0). Benign inflammatory changes were noted in 18 lesions: the mean IU was 2.7(95% CI: 1.4-3.8) and DU was 2.1 (95% CI:1.5-2.8). Benign lesions tends to decrease SUV an average change of 8% (95% CI: -19% to +2%) whereas a malignant lesion increases SUV value an average change 15% (95% CI: 5.9-21%). Applying a conventional SUV of 2.5 for malignancy on IU yielded sensitivity, and specificity, PPV and NPV of 90%, 67%, 75% and 86%. ROC analysis showed that applying SUV criterion of greater 3 on DU or greater than 0% change if SUV is less than 3 showed sensitivity and specificity, PPV and NPV of 85%, 83%, 85% and 83%. Conclusions: Dual-time point PET imaging by adding the delayed PET imaging at 2 hr post injection improves specificity from 67% to 83% and positive predictive value from 75% to 85% for differentiating benign from malignant lesions.
Expansion of Free Jet Into Vacuum And Impingement At A Normally Set Plate

This paper presents exact solutions for two closely related problems of high speed collisionless gaseous jet from a circular exit: expanding into vacuum, and impingement at a normally set circular plate with diffuse or specular reflections. One fundamental relation of geometry locations and velocity directions is utilized in this study and it plays a crucial role. Complete results include flowfield properties, such as density, velocity, temperature and pressure, and impingement surface properties, coefficients of pressure, shear stress and heat flux. The final results include complex but accurate integrations involving geometry and specific speed ratio. Several numerical simulations with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method validate these analytical results.
A note on calculating expected shortfall for discrete time stochastic volatility models

In this paper we consider the problem of estimating expected shortfall (ES) for discrete time stochastic volatility (SV) models. Specifically, we develop Monte Carlo methods to evaluate ES for a variety of commonly used SV models. This includes both models where the innovations are independent of the volatility and where there is dependence. This dependence aims to capture the well-known leverage effect. The performance of our Monte Carlo methods is analyzed through simulations and empirical analyses of four major US indices.
Large and moderate deviations for a discrete-time marked Hawkes process.

The Hawkes process is a simple point process with wide applications in finance, social networks, criminology, seismology, and many other fields. The Hawkes process is defined for continuous-time setting. However, data is also recorded in a discrete-time scheme. In this paper, we study a discrete-time marked Hawkes process first proposed in (Xu et al., 2020), which is appealing for applications. In particular, we study large and moderate deviations for the model.
Dissolution and functionalization of celluloses using 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquid

Abstract As one of the prime candidates to achieve green processing of celluloses, ionic liquids (ILs) attract great attention. In this study, 9 non-reactive and reactive 1,3,4-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazolium ILs with varied substituted groups and counteranions were designed to explore their properties as solvents and monomers for cellulose dissolution and functionalization. The nature of counteranions determined their thermal stability and cellulose solubility, but in opposite effects. Within our investigation, 1,4-dibutyl-3-methyl-1,2,3-triazolium acetate ([Bu2Tr][OAc]) IL showed the highest cellulose solubility at 15.7 wt% (40.1 g of cellulose in 1 mole of IL). The homogeneous solution was applied for subsequent cellulose functionalization reactions, while the IL solvents after reactions could be recycled with retained efficiency. A polymerizable 1,2,3-triazolium-based IL carrying a C4-vinyl group was used for the first time to prepare hybrid celluloses with grafted polytriazoliums, which showed a combination of cellulose and poly(ionic liquid)s in one polymer with enhanced interface compatibility and colloidal stability.
Performance Enhancements with Cortical Negative Slow Potential Shifts in Monkey and Human

The aim of our research during the past decades has been the specification of cognitive functions in circumscribed segments of the monkey’s cerebral cortex. Among the several methods that we have employed is the recording of cortical event-related potentials during the monkey’s performance of a spatial delayed response (DR) task. This technique permits the identification of several component potentials during limited epochs of the DR trial and, with systematic variations of task parameters, specification of the functional significance of each component in relation to the several task demands. The results, as presented here, revealed a surface-negative slow potential (SP) wave from the prefrontal area during the early intratrial delay period that was related to the level of correct DR performance. Our interpretation of this finding, that prefrontal cortex functions in motor programming for spatial responses (Stamm, 1979), seemed to have solved the “riddle of the frontal lobes.”
The Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS) and policy research At NIAAA.

Public policies have the potential to prevent the adverse consequences of alcohol consumption on a larger scale than any other category of interventions. However, measuring the effects of specific policies on alcohol-related behaviors and health outcomes is difficult and presents a variety of daunting challenges. One important challenge stems from the nonexperimental nature of most policy research, which makes it difficult to distinguish between causal relationships and noncausal associations. Another key challenge arises from the complexity of alcohol-related behaviors and outcomes and the wide range of potential effects that specific policy interventions may have on different groups and actors in various contexts. A third important challenge involves the difficulty in accurately characterizing the policies to be studied, which can be attributed largely to the arcane legal framework of statutes and regulations in which policies are created. This challenge is magnified by the enormous variety of alcohol-related public policies that have been adopted at all levels of government and the myriad variations in specific provisions that are embedded in the laws and regulations. Valid analysis of policy effects depends on surmounting all of these challenges and accurately characterizing policies and discerning the true causal effects of those policies on well-specified outcomes of interest. The Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS) (http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov) was created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as a tool to facilitate research on the effects and effectiveness of alcohol-related public policies by providing authoritative, detailed, and comparable information on alcohol-related policies at the State and Federal levels in the United States. APIS data is based on primary legal research on the statutes and regulations through which policies are established. APIS provides detailed coverage for 35 specific policy topics organized in eight categories:
Division polynomials with galois group su3(3):2 ≌ g2(2)

We use a rigidity argument to prove the existence of two related degree twenty-eight covers of the projective plane with Galois group SU3(3).2 = G2(2). Constructing corresponding two-parameter polynomials directly from the defining group-theoretic data seems beyond feasablity. Instead we provide two independent constructions of these polynomials, one from 3-division points on covers of the projective line studied by Deligne and Mostow, and one from 2-division points of genus three curves studied by Shioda. We explain how one of the covers also arises as a 2-division polynomial for a family of G2 motives in the classification of Dettweiler and Reiter. We conclude by specializing our two covers to get interesting three-point covers and number fields which would be hard to construct directly.
Creativity, general creative abilities, and the creative individual

Creativity is one of the vaguest, most ambiguous, and most confused terms in psychology and education today. This is particularly unfortunate because "teaching for creativity" has become one of the latest and most flourishing fads and catchphrases on the current educational scene. Partly because of the conceptual confusion surrounding this term, many otherwise hardheaded educators have adopted highly unrealistic educational objectives regarding the nurturance of creativity, and many otherwise well-trained educational and school psychologists have deluded themselves into believing that they are able to identify pupils with unusual potentialities for creativity-
Quantization = Geometry + Probability

If the symplectic geometry of classical mechanics is supplemented by a suitable Riemannian geometry, it becomes possible to define Brownian motion on the classical phase space. It is shown that the integral of a phase factor involving the classical action over a pinned Wiener measure leads, in the limit of diverging diffusion constant, to an intrinsic, coordinate-free characterization of the quantization process for various kinematical operator choices. Natural extensions of this geometric-probabilistic quantization procedure to the case of fields yield proposals for (i) a quantization scheme for a scalar field in an arbitrary background metric, and (ii) a quantization scheme for the gravitational field fully respecting the positivity of the three metric.
CW optical parametric oscillators: 25 years young

CW doubly resonant oscillators have demonstrated thresholds of less than 1 mW, 80% conversion efficiency, and single mode operation with linewidths of less than 1 kHz. CW operation has recently been extended to singly resonant parametric oscillators with greater than 1 W of output in a single frequency. >
Activation of HIV in Human Skin by Ultraviolet B Radiation and its Inhibition by NFκB Blocking Agents

Abstract To determine whether ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation leads to activation of HIV in human skin, we conducted prospective and controlled studies in two academic medical centers in Texas from July 1995 to April 1999. HIV-positive patients with UV-treatable skin diseases were enrolled at each center, 18 subjects at one and 16 at the other. In one center, specimens from lesional and nonlesional skin biopsies were taken before and after sham- or UVB-irradiation administered in vivo or in vitro. In the other center, UVB phototherapy was administered three times weekly and specimens from skin biopsies were taken before and after 2 weeks (six treatments). Cutaneous HIV load was assessed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in situ hybridization. UVB irradiation led to a 6–10-fold increase in the number of HIV in skin. To ascertain a role for nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in UVB-inducible HIV activation, two types of blockers, NFκB oligon...
Plant‐mediated effects of host plant density on a specialist herbivore of Solanum carolinense

Host plant density can affect insect herbivore oviposition behaviour, which can, in turn, affect both plant and herbivore populations. Because clear generalisations about density effects on oviposition remain elusive, a better understanding of underlying mechanisms is needed. One such mechanism is plant-mediated effects (i.e. changes in plant traits with density), which are often suggested but rarely isolated experimentally. In an experiment directly manipulating host plant density (Solanum carolinense) in the field, oviposition by a specialist herbivore (Leptinotarsa juncta) declined as plant density increased. A greenhouse cage experiment isolated the effects of plant-mediated traits by removing neighbour plants before introducing L. juncta females. Oviposition declined as host plant density increased, supporting the importance of plant-mediated effects in this system. To determine whether food quality contributed to plant-mediated effects, larval growth rates were measured on leaves from both field- and greenhouse-grown plants. In both the field and the greenhouse experiments, larval growth rate was not significantly affected by plant density. It is concluded that plant-mediated effects contribute to, but do not completely explain, the strong influence of density on oviposition in the field experiment. These results suggest that considering plant-mediated effects may help to explain variability in herbivore responses to plant density.
Coherent combined intersubband-cyclotron resonances

Summary form only given. In two-dimensional (2D) electron systems, tilted magnetic fields lead to subband-Landau-level coupling and associated excitations of mixed character referred to as combined intersubband-cyclotron resonances. These hybrid modes have been extensively studied using infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Recently, the observation of coherent intersubband charge-density oscillations generated by ultrafast optical pulses was reported in a high mobility 2D electron gas. Here, we present results in the presence of a tilted magnetic field revealing coherent intersubband-cyclotron coupled oscillations. Our sample is a one-sided modulation-doped GaAs-AlGaAs single quantum-well.
Review of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Patterns of Use

The creation of new cancer immunotherapies represents 1 of the most exciting advances taking place this decade. Although clinical studies continue to indicate improvement in clinical outcomes, the speed of its diffusion into actual practice is not known. It is important to understand practice variation in the use of recommended immunotherapies as new and more effective immunotherapies are developed. Additionally, as the field continues to grow, immunotherapy will encounter new barriers that will hinder its rapid adoption into clinical practice. This review aims to present a brief summary of the mechanisms and uses of antibody-based immunotherapies used to treat lymphoma and to present available practice variation data, including factors associated with variation. Review of the available data implicated patient characteristics and health care systems as being associated with practice variation; however, in several instances, ease of use, cost, toxicity, and physician knowledge contributed to variation, regardless of efficacy. As new immunotherapies are developed, these factors must be considered to increase the rapid diffusion of effective immunotherapies into wide clinical use.
LUMINESCENCE STUDIES OF LANTHANIDE OXIDES. I. THERMAL AND HYDRATION EFFECTS ON THE METAL ION SITE SYMMETRY IN EUROPIUM OXIDE CATALYSTS

Abstract High-resolution luminescence spectroscopy has been used to study the site symmetry of Eu(III) ions in Eu 2 O 3 prepared under conditions suitable for catalytic use. It was found that the Eu(III) site symmetry was a sensitive function of the pretreatment procedure, and it proved possible to determine the number of spectroscopically nonequivalent Eu(III) ions in the oxide material from an analysis of the fine structure within the emission bands. The site symmetry is altered primarily by thermal effects, and hydration of the oxide is not found to induce large changes in site symmetry.