cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma evolution induced by long nanosecond laser pulse ablation: Time-resolved measurement and physics-based modeling

Extensive research has been performed in literature for the plasma induced by nanosecond (ns) laser ablation of metal targets. However, most of the previous investigations employ relatively short ns laser pulses (duration less than ∼50 ns). The study employing relatively long ns laser pulses on the order of ∼100 ns is much less. This kind of plasma has been studied in this work through ns time-resolved observation using an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera, which is coupled with a microscope tube for a high spatial resolution. The study shows that the plasma radiation intensity is not spatially uniform. Instead, high-radiation-intensity (HRI) regions have been observed right above the target surface and behind the plasma expanding front. The HRI region right above the target surface disappears after the completion of the laser pulse. This kind of experimental observation has been rarely reported in literature. To fundamentally understand the observed plasma evolution, a physics-based model has been developed, where the heat transfer equation is solved for the target condensed phase, while the two-dimensional axisymmetric gas dynamic equations are solved for the plasma (ionized target vapor) and ambient air region. The governing equations for the gaseous phase and the target condensed phase are related through the Knudsen layer relation. The simulation results are well consistent with the experimental observations. The simulations show that the region right above the target surface and the region behind the plasma expanding front both have relatively high temperatures and densities. However, for the former region, the temperature and the density drop very quickly after the end of the laser pulse. The study provides very useful information for a good understanding of the dynamic temporal evolution and the spatial distribution of long ns laser-induced plasma properties from metal targets.
Spacecraft Configuration Design

The spacecraft environment and its effect on design are discussed. Crew volume allowance in spacecraft is contrasted with passenger volume allowance on commercial, business, and military aircraft. Vehicle mass characteristics as evidenced by the successful manned spacecraft and the resultant ballistic coefficient are explored. Human factors in spacecraft design are assessed, and the major areas of thermal control and management of the habitable volume are described. Environmental control and life support systems including heating, ventilating and air conditioning, air and water purification, waste management, fire and emergency control systems, and communications are illustrated. Basic structural design issues, spacecraft propulsion units, and spacecraft power systems are discussed.
Embryo implantation – coordination of maternal and embryonic adaptations

Viviparity is the process of a fertilized egg growing and developing within the mother (Amoroso, 1968). The process has inherent benefits, including a level of protection from predators and need-based delivery of nutrients. The oppor-tunity of the embryo to develop within the female reproductive tract is met with many challenges. These challenges are addressed with specializations within the embryo and uterus and an elaborate system of controls. Research has fo-cused on the female reproductive tract and its transformation into a safe haven facilitating embryonic and fetal devel-opment and on the extraembryonic specializations derived from the embryo. Collectively these events comprise em-bryo implantation. Coordination of parallel processes in maternal and embryonic compartments is a necessity. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Developmental Biology provides a forum for a talented group of experi-mentalists actively pursuing research addressing a range of scientific questions related to embryo implantation.
Demonstration of Rapid Pepsin-Hydrochloric Proteolysis in Vitro.:

Hydrolysis of the more complex protein molecule into simpler forms carried on with the aid of proteolytic enzymes ordinarily requires considerable time even at body temperature. Some time ago it was observed that the addition of a very small amount of solid pepsin to fibrin jelly causes an almost immediate solution of the fibrin at room temperature. The jelly was produced by treating 20 gm. of washed fibrin with 250 cc. of .04% hydrochloric acid. If the jelly is stirred or shaken after the addition of the pepsin, 5 minutes usually suffices to put the fibrin into solution. An observation on this point is recorded in literature but no definite data is given as to condition of the experiment, the speed of the solution or the nature of the end products.Recently the nature of the soluble protein products has been studied. Dr. Hektoen determined by means of an anti-fibrinogen serum that the soluble protein, resulting from this treatment, was immunologically different from fibrinogen. This result definitely elim...
The Dodge CSP-1 Continuous Sampling Plan Under Inspection Error1

Abstract This paper examines the results of Dodge's CSP-1 continuous sampling plan under inspection error. Both type I and II errors are explicitly included. Their effect on the average number of items inspected in a 100% screening sequence, average number of items passed during sampling inspection, average fraction of items inspected, proportion of items passed under sampling, and average outgoing quality are examined. Further, the relationships necessary to determine compensating sampling plans, considering inspection error, which yield the desired actual AOQL, are developed. Use of the compensating plan method is illustrated through an example.
Guerrillas and Elections: An Institutionalist Perspective on the Costs of Conflict and Competition

Settlements of guerrilla wars that lead to elections out of which rebels emerge as "relevant" parties may be understood as a product of calculations of the costs of continued conflict versus the costs of electoral competition for each side. The search for an electoral exit from the war may be spurred by an increase in the costs of conflict for one or both sides. Such an increase often stems from international pressures on the players. The costs of electoral competition may be lowered by institutional reforms, for it is the institutional parameters that shape the prospects for success in elections by the rebels as well as offer guarantees that neither side will dominate the other. Of cases of democratization, those that involve the cessation of armed revolutionary conflict appear especially vexing as well as theoretically challenging. Where a conflict has raged over the very nature of the state and fundamental ideological disputes and where many have died in battle, how can we expect an electoral settlement, in which rebels exchange their warmaking for votes? The task of this paper will be to seek understanding of the process by which former rebels become significant players within electoral institutions.
A Lead Poisoning Crisis Enters Its Second Century

The public health disaster in Flint, Michigan, represents the latest chapter in a long history of lead poisoning in the United States.
Death Condition Analysis of Entire Crowd in Wanzhou Region From 2004 to 2007

Objective To understand the death condition of entire crowd in Wanzhou region from 2004 to 2007.Methods Death cases were collected through national review investigation and death reporting system of conventional causes among entire crowd in points of national disease monitoring and coded according to the ICD-10.Various age groups population,the thick mortality rate and the standardized mortality rate were calculated by adopting the local and the national census result in 2000.Results The annual mortality rate of entire crowd in Wanzhou district was 608.55/100 000.The standardized mortality rate was 454.69/100 000.The masculine mortality rate was 700.35/100 000 and the feminine mortality rate was 512.08/100 000.The mortality rate of city crowd was 536.71/100 000 and which of rural crowd was 635.27/100 000.The tumor mortality rate of rural crowd(158.13/100 000) was lower than that of city crowd(172.24/ 100 000).The mortality rate of internal secretion metabolic disease in rural crowd(2.85/100 000) was lower than that in city crowd(11.90/ 100 000).The male and the female and the city and countryside first five causes of death were consistent with the total cause of death cis-position,which were circulation disease,tumor,respirat ory disease,damage and poison and digestion disease.The infectious disease death is the sixth death cause in the entire district and the countryside.During the four years,the death trends of tumor and endocrine metabolic disease were ascending.And the death trends of respiratory disease,infectious disease and parasitic disease were declining.The death of 0 year old group was of the newborn baby primarily.The death caused by damage and toxicant was the highest in the 1-39 years old group.The first death cause in the 40-69 years old group was the tumor and that in the over 70 years old and later group was circulation disease.Conclusion The mortality rate of rural crowd is higher than that of city crowd obviously.The mortality rates of chronic diseases such as tumor and endocrine metabolic disease appear in the ascending trends.The infectious disease death maintain at higher level.The related departments should take corresponding countermeasures and carry out prevention and control work.
Antibodies and Immunohistochemical Evaluation for the Diagnosis of Hematological Malignancies

The immunohistochemical evaluation of hematopoietic tissues has expanded our knowledge of both the function and pathological processes in a wide range of lymph nodal, extranodal tissues, and bone marrow. It is impossible to cover in detail the full range of immunohistochemical markers, which are available to study hematopoietic cells and their malignant counterparts. This chapter attempts to provide an overview of the antibodies, which are commonly used in studying the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues and to diagnose hematological disorders. In addition, an immunohistology-based diagnostic approach to identify specific neoplastic entities is described in some length.
Ophthalmic manifestations in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with cryptococcal meningitis

Objective Analysis ophthalmic manifestations in acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Methods Retrospective study. Forty AIDS patients (including 32 men and 8 women) with cryptococcal meningitis were studied. The age of the patients varied from 11 to 67 years, average on (38±12) years (mean±standard deviation). All the patients underwent detailed ocular examinations including corrected visual acuity, eye movement, intraocular pressure, slit lamp microscope, indirect ophthalmoscope and color fundus photography. The CD4+ T cell count was evaluated and Lumbar puncture was done to examine the cerebral spinal fluid(CSF). Eighteen patients were followed up for a period between 2weeks to 4years. Four patients died during hospitalization. The remaining 18 patients failed to be followed up due to moving away. Results Binocular diplopia were present in 3 patients. It showed Binocular or monocular abducens nerve palsy. Papilledema were found in 37 eyes of 19 cases. One person had unilateral papilledema. Among 19 cases, 24 eyes of 12 cases were accompanied with peripapillary hemorrhages and 7 cases of 13 eyes without peripapillary hemorrhages. Optic atrophy occurs in 6 cases of 12 eyes and multifocal choroiditis in 2 cases of 4 eyes. Twenty-seven eyes of 14 patients had normal fundus or cytomegalovirus retinitis(CMVR) only. Conclusions AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis merger may be accompanied by a variety of eye complications. Papilledema are the most common manifestations. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2015, 51:364-368) Key words: 【Key word】 Meningitis, cryptococcal; Acquired immunodeficiency sydrome; Papilledema; Optic atrophy; Cytomegalovirus retinitis
Evaluating and monitoring the adolescent with pulmonary function testing.

This article reviews pulmonary function tests (quantitative measurements of physiologic functioning of lungs, chest wall, and respiratory muscles) as valuable tools for the diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory disease in adolescents. Advances in technology have made pulmonary function testing more available and, for some tests, easier to perform. Pulmonary function evaluation is used for diagnosis of pulmonary disease. Testing will identify abnormal physiologic processes that result in obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease and, together with a complete history, physical examination, and other tests, help to determine the specific etiology. Pulmonary function measurement may be used to manage a patientis disease over time. Quantitative evaluation of the response to many specific therapies, such as asthma medications and environmental control, can only be achieved by measuring pulmonary function. Monitoring pulmonary toxicity of medications, such as chemotherapeutic agents, is also done by measuring pulmonary function. In many patients with chronic pulmonary disease, such as cystic fibrosis, the pulmonary function laboratory can be used to assess the patient's physiologic limitation.
Classification and techniques of en bloc venous reconstruction for pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background Surgical resection is the only cure for hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) malignancy. In the era of multidisciplinary approaches and neoadjuvant therapies for locally advanced, borderline resectable tumors, the feasibility and efficacy of en bloc vascular resection has been validated across multiple studies. However, the variability of venous anatomy within the perihepatic and peri-portal regions necessitates familiarity with alternative resection and reconstruction techniques appropriate to the specific region of tumor invasion.
A Tentative Plan for the Rational Sequencing of Overall Reform in China's Economic System

The authors review Chinese economic reform to date, and sketch a linked sequence of reforms stretching over the coming 20 years. They argue that the logical interrelations of a market system require that markets in China be developed in a particular order: first commodity markets, then loanable funds, then capital goods, and finally labor. In addition, they argue that legal reforms, and a revival of traditional Chinese cultural values, are essential for the success of market institutions in China. J. Comp. Econ., September, 1987, 11(3), pp. 490–502. Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; Union College, Schenectady, New York 12308.
Estimating and forecasting network traffic performance based on statistical patterns observed in SNMP data

With scientific data growing to unprecedented volumes and the needs to share such massive amounts of data by increasing numbers of geographically distributed collaborators, the best possible network performance is required for efficient data access. Estimating the network traffic performance for a given time window with a probabilistic tolerance enables better data routing and transfers that is particularly important for large scientific data movements, which can be found in almost every scientific domain. In this paper, we develop a network performance estimation model based on statistical time series approach, to improve the efficiency of network resource utilization and data transfer scheduling and management over networks. Seasonal adjustment procedures are developed for identification of the cycling period and patterns, seasonal adjustment and diagnostics. Compared to the traditional time series models, we show a better forecast performance in our seasonal adjustment model with narrow confidence intervals.
Gradient separation of oligosaccharides and suppressing anomeric mutarotation with enhanced-fluidity liquid hydrophilic interaction chromatography

Enhanced fluidity liquid chromatography using the hydrophilic interaction retention mechanism (EFLC-HILIC) is studied as an alternative separation mode for analyzing oligosaccharides and other sugars. These carbohydrates, which are important for the study of foods and biological systems, are difficult to comprehensively profile and either require a non-green, expensive solvent (i.e. acetonitrile) or derivatization of the analytes at the expense of time, sample loss, and loss of quantitative information. These difficulties arise from the diverse isomerism, mutarotation, and lack of a useable chromophore/fluorophore for spectroscopic detection. Enhanced fluidity liquid chromatography is an alternative separation method that involves the use of conventional polar solvents, such as methanol/water mixtures, as the primary mobile phase component and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) as the modifier in subcritical conditions. The addition of liquid CO2 enhances diffusivity and decreases viscosity while maintaining mixture polarity, which typically results in reduced time of analysis and higher efficiency. This work illustrates an optimized EFLC-HILIC separation of a test mixture of oligosaccharides and simple sugars with a resolution greater than 1.3 and an analysis time decrease of over 35% compared to a conventional HPLC HILIC-mode analysis using acetonitrile/water mobile phases.
U.S. State Copyright Laws: Challenge and Potential

With copyright law in the United States lying primarily in the realm of federal law, the laws of the U.S. states concerning copyright do not typically attract significant attention from scholars, practitioners, and policy makers. Some recent events have drawn attention to state copyright laws – for example, litigation against a satellite radio provider for infringement of state common-law public performance rights in pre-1972 sound recordings. However, in general, state copyright laws remain largely in the shadow of federal copyright law, and state law is typically not viewed as a particularly useful vehicle for pursuing the policies that copyright law should support. Yet, when used effectively, state copyright law, together with state law in other areas such as contract, tax, employment, and environmental law, may assist states in promoting state interests in innovation and creativity. This article explores the limits of state law concerning copyright and uses four copyright-related statutes of the State of Nevada to analyze problems that arise in current state copyright law. State legislatures should not only remedy the problems in state copyright law but should revise state laws to best benefit states’ interests in innovation policies, taking into account developments in intellectual property law. The article reviews some of the developments that should be on the radar of state legislators as they revise their states’ copyright laws.
Effect of Intensive Versus Standard Blood Pressure Treatment According to Baseline Prediabetes Status: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the effects of intensive ( RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of SPRINT. SPRINT participants were categorized by prediabetes status, defined as baseline fasting serum glucose ≥100 mg/dL versus those with normoglycemia (fasting serum glucose RESULTS Among 9,361 participants randomized (age 67.9 ± 9.4 years; 35.5% female), 3,898 and 5,425 had baseline prediabetes and normoglycemia, respectively. After a median follow-up of 3.26 years, the hazard ratio for the primary outcome was 0.69 (95% CI 0.53, 0.89) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.66, 1.03) among those with prediabetes and normoglycemia, respectively (P value for interaction 0.30). For all-cause mortality, the hazard ratio with intensive SBP treatment was 0.77 (95% CI 0.55, 1.06) for prediabetes and 0.71 (95% CI 0.54, 0.94) for normoglycemia (P value for interaction 0.74). Effects of intensive versus standard SBP treatment on prespecified renal outcomes and serious adverse events were similar for prediabetes and normoglycemia (all interaction P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In SPRINT, the beneficial effects of intensive SBP treatment were similar among those with prediabetes and fasting normoglycemia.
Interactions of Verkade’s Superbase with Strong Lewis Acids: From Labile Mono- and Binuclear Lewis Acid–Base Complexes to Phosphenium Cations

A series of mono- and binuclear Lewis acid–base complexes of the formulas N[CH2CH2N(Pri)]3P→LA [LA = BH3 (8), Ga(C6F5)3 (10), GaCl3 (11)], LA←N[CH2CH2N(Pri)]3P [LA = Al(C6F5)3 (6a), AlMe3 (6b), AlEt3 (6c), AlBui3 (6d), BF3 (13)], and LA←N[CH2CH2N(Pri)]3P→LA [Lewis acid (LA) = Al(C6F5)3 (7a), AlMe3 (7b), AlEt3 (7c), AlBui3 (7d), AlCl3 (7e), BH3 (9)] were generated from reactions of Verkade’s base, N[CH2CH2N(Pri)]3P (1), with various boron-, aluminum-, and gallium-containing Lewis acids, and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. {N[CH2CH2N(Pri)]3P→C7H7}[BF4] (5) was synthesized via the treatment of 1 with [C7H7][BF4]. The reaction of 1 with B(C6F5)3, followed by the addition of [Ph3C]2[B12Cl12], gave rise to the rearranged borate salt [PN4C9H17(Pri)2][B12Cl12] (3), while treating 1 with [Ph3C]2[B12Cl12] exclusively afforded {N[CH2CH2N(Pri)]3PH}2[B12Cl12] (4). Reactions of 1 with 2 equiv of GaCl3 and BF3, respectively, afforded the novel phosphenium gallate and borate salts 12a, 12b, and 15. The so...
De-implementation: A concept analysis.

Aim The purpose of this concept analysis is to explore the meaning of de-implementation and provide a definition that can be used by researchers and clinicians to facilitate evidence-based practice. Background De-implementation is a relatively unknown process overshadowed by the novelty of introducing new ideas and techniques into practice. Few studies have addressed the challenge of de-implementation and the cognitive processes involved when terminating harmful or unnecessary practices. Also, confusion exists regarding the myriad of terms used to describe de-implementation processes. Design Walker and Avant's method (2011) for describing concepts was used to clarify de-implementation. Data source A database search limited to academic journals yielded 281 publications representing basic research, study protocols, and editorials/commentaries from implementation science experts. After applying exclusion criterion of English language only and eliminating overlap between databases, 41 articles were selected for review. Review methods Literature review and synthesis provided a concept analysis and a distinct definition of de-implementation. Results De-implementation was defined as the process of identifying and removing harmful, non-cost-effective, or ineffective practices based on tradition and without adequate scientific support. Conclusions The analysis provided further refinement of de-implementation as a significant concept for ongoing theory development in implementation science and clinical practice.
ISCR annual report FY 1998

Advances in scientific computing research have never been more vital to the core missions of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory than they are today. These advances are evolving so rapidly, and over such a broad front of computational science, that to remain on the leading edge, the Laboratory must collaborate with many academic centers of excellence. In FY 1998, ISCR dramatically expanded its interactions with academia through collaborations, visiting faculty, guests and a seminar series. The pages of this annual report summarize the activities of the 63 faculty members and 34 students who participated in ISCR collaborative activities during FY 1998. The 1998 ISCR call for proposals issued by the University Collaborative Research Program (UCRP) resulted in eight awards made by the University of California Office of the President to research teams at UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles, and UC Berkeley. These projects are noted. ISCR is now part of the Laboratory�s Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC). Many CASC scientists participate actively in ISCR�University collaborations, as noted. The eight collaborations shown represent innovative research efforts supported by ISCR in FY 1998. Abstracts discussing each of these collaborations begin on page 79. The Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative (ASCI) established Academic Strategic Alliances Program (ASAP) centers located at: Stanford University; California Institute of Technology; University of Chicago; University of Utah, Salt Lake; and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The ASCI Alliances strategy was established to enhance overall ASCI goals by establishing technical interactions between the Department of Energy, Defense Programs laboratories (Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories), and leading-edge research-and-development universities in the United States. ISCR has partnered with the LLNL ASCI Program Office to facilitate these collaborations. In FY 1998, ISCR hosted ASCI Alliances student guests who visited LLNL for collaborations during the summer months.
Numerical investigation of the impact of tailored driver gases and driver inserts on shock tube flows

Presented is a numerical study of the effects of imperfect driver gas tailoring and the use of a driver section insert on the flow field within the shock tube. Two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations of a shock tube are conducted with pure argon as the driven gas and four $$\hbox {He/N}_2$$ mixtures representing different tailoring conditions. The second part of the study investigates the use of a profiled driver insert with two $$\hbox {He/N}_2$$ driver gas mixtures to minimize the pressure rise in the test section such as that resulting from over-tailored driver mixtures. The chemical kinetic implications of imperfectly tailored driver gas mixtures on the interpretation of shock tube experiments are explored through simulations of propanol ignition with pressure and temperature changes prescribed based on the simulation results. The simulations show that imperfect tailoring toward under-tailored mixtures is more detrimental to kinetic studies in the post-reflected shock region than over-tailoring. The least compromising situation in test conditions is observed for a mildly over-tailored condition with 25% of nitrogen as opposed to the tailored value of 20%. The numerical results further show that the combination of the driver insert and slightly over-tailored driver mixture leads to longer test times. The study seeks to address problems of available test times and accuracy of shock tube reactor conditions that are crucial to the use of shock tube data for validation of chemical kinetic models.
Old narratives in new times: representations of North Korea and unification in South Korean social studies textbooks

Despite the increasing literature on textbook analysis in post-conflict societies, few studies have investigated textbooks in conflict-ridden areas where wars and armed conflicts are still ongoing....
Prognostic implication of KIT mutations in melanoma.

9049 Background: The natural history of BRAF and NRAS mutant (mut) melanoma (mel) has been described, but prognostic implications of KIT mut mel have not. Methods: We performed a single-center retr...
Global nurse/midwife workforce and reproductive health through social ecology lens.

OBJECTIVE To explore how community social ecology factors may be associated with country registered nurse/registered midwife (RN/RM) workforce supply and reproductive health globally. DESIGN A cross-sectional design using a social ecology framework was employed. SAMPLE Data were retrieved from publicly available websites for 107 countries. MEASUREMENTS Dependent variables included RN/RM density, maternal mortality ratios (MMR), and adolescent birth rates (ABR). Independent variables included gender inequality, region, country income classification, education, gross domestic product per capita, government expenditure of spending on education and health, life expectancy, percent of female seats in legislature, and labor force participation factors. RESULTS The best fit multivariable model of RN/RM density showed that after adjustment for region, country income and the GII, the percent of females with some secondary education explained most of variation in RN/RM density. The best fit models of MMR and ABR showed that gender inequality explained most of the variation. Other factors in the models were the percent of female seats in legislatures, region, country income class, and mean years of schooling. CONCLUSIONS Employing a social ecology model can useful in RN/RM workforce planning and development as countries seek multisectoral strategies for increasing the RN/RM supply and improving reproductive health outcomes.
Consumer Attitudes Toward Gender Binary Stereotypes and Androgynous Advertisements Based on Media Exposure

The conversation of sexuality as it pertains to gender equality has been growing in recent years. The current research takes a more focused look at the role of binary gender stereotypes and androgynous advertisements seen in a variety of media (TV, print, movies). Findings of this study indicated no significant relationship between exposure to media (TV, print, movies) and gender roles stereotypes. However, respondents did believe that media is skewed toward specific stereotypical gender roles, which in turn affects their knowledge and opinions on androgyny. The majority of respondents agreed (93%, n=139) that fashion advertisements market toward certain genders and are not gender-neutral. More than half of respondents (63%, n=94) believed that fashion advertisements influence their view on gender stereotypes. It is evident that it is more socially acceptable for female models to wear traditionally male clothing, but not for male models to wear traditionally female clothing.
Efficacy of cannabidiol in subjects with refractory epilepsy relative to concomitant use of clobazam.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of open-label, highly purified cannabidiol (CBD, Epidiolex®) in treating refractory epilepsy relative to the concomitant use of clobazam (CLB) as well as the clinical implications of changes in CLB and norclobazam (nCLB) levels. Methods Data were examined retrospectively, in patients who either used CBD with concomitant CLB or without concomitant CLB after two months of treatment with CBD and at the point of best seizure control within the first year of treatment with CBD. Responder rates (percentage of subjects with a 50 % or greater reduction in weekly seizures from their baseline) and mean reduction in weekly seizure frequency were calculated and compared between those who concomitantly used CLB and those who did not. The relationship between the change in CLB and nCLB levels and change in mean weekly seizure frequency was also investigated within the group of subjects using concomitant CLB and CBD. Results We analyzed data from 47 subjects between the ages of 2.5–51 years. There was no significant difference between the concomitant CLB (n = 32) and no concomitant CLB (n = 15) groups in terms of demographics (age (p = 0.4344), race (p = 1.0000), sex (p = 0.7507)) or most epilepsy characteristics (underlying condition (all p > 0.05), mean baseline seizure frequency (p = 0.6483)). There was only one significant difference between groups regarding seizure types (more subjects with epileptic spasms in concomitant CLB group (p = 0.0413)). Concomitant AED usage was not significantly different in the two groups (all p > 0.05). Mean reduction in weekly seizure frequency was greater at the best point of seizure control within the first year than at two months of treatment with CBD, regardless of concomitant CLB usage (all p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in reduction of mean weekly seizure frequency between those who took concomitant CLB and those who did not at either time point (all p > 0.05). There was a significantly greater responder rate for subjects taking CBD and CLB than those taking CBD without CLB only at the point of best seizure control within the first year of CBD treatment (p = 0.0240). There was no strong, significant correlation between change in nCLB or CLB levels and change in seizure frequency at either time point (all |p| Significance With or without concomitant CLB, CBD can be effective in reducing seizure frequency. Changes in nCLB and CLB levels do not have a clinically significant correlation with changes in weekly seizure frequency for those taking CBD with CLB.
Evidence regarding the domains of the CLASS PreK in Head Start classrooms

Abstract The standard scoring of the CLASS PreK produces three domain scores that are widely used in research, practice and policy. Despite these domains being based on developmental theory and research, limited empirical evidence exists for the three-domain structure as operationalized in the CLASS PreK. Using the 2009 and 2014 Head Start Family and Child Experiences Surveys (FACES), we estimated a series of exploratory and confirmatory bifactor and traditional factor analyses to produce evidence regarding this structure and possible alternatives in nationally representative samples of Head Start classrooms. Replicating and extending the small set of prior factor analytic studies, we found alternative factor structures fit equally well or better than the standard structure in both FACES 2009 and 2014 as well as problems with estimation and fit of a bifactor structure of general and specific factors proposed by the CLASS PreK developers. Across all domain structures, associations with children’s academic and social-emotional gains during the Head Start year were uniformly small and generally non-significant. Our findings encourage future refinements of the CLASS PreK and continued development of new measures to better operationalize its conceptually-motivated domains.
Daily Disinfection of the Hospital Room and Non-critical Items: Barriers and Practical Approaches

Daily disinfection of the hospital room and non-critical items is an important component of healthcare infection prevention. Barriers exist for heightened and reliable daily disinfection in the healthcare setting, and definitions are lacking for clean or acceptable levels of microbial burden on hospital surfaces. Current methods for manual, daily cleaning of patient rooms are likely suboptimal for bioburden reduction. The use of UV-C and HP vapor light for decontamination of HTS may reduce bioburden yet requires investment in both resources and deployment. Applying the principles of HFE to daily disinfection processes may improve reliability and reduce microbial surface burden. All disinfectants must be EPA-approved for low-level disinfection (LLD).No single method exists for accuately monitoring the adequacy of the cleaning process; strategies include observation and feedback, the use of ATP bioluminescence assays and flourescent markers, ultraviolet UV light along with formal process audits and feedback. Safety programs must be aware that not all EPA hospital disinfectants approved for LLD will disinfect select organisms such as C. difficile. Further studies are needed to define optimal daily disinfection strategies and to demonstrate the impact of environmental hygiene on patient-centered healthcare infection outcomes.
Entrepreneurship, Institutions, and Economic Growth

This study questions the assumption that entrepreneurship unequivocally leads to economic growth. Using insights from institutional theory and development economics, we reevaluate entrepreneurship’s contribution towards economic growth. Our study uses Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data for a panel of 83 countries from 2002 to 2014 and highlights several important findings. First, our evidence suggests that entrepreneurship encourages economic growth but not in developing countries. Second, we find that a country’s institutional environment - measured by GEM’s Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions (EFCs) - contributes to economic growth in more developed countries but not in developing countries. Lastly, we find that opportunity-motivated entrepreneurship encourages economic growth in developed countries, while necessity-motivated entrepreneurship discourages economic growth in developing countries. These findings have important policy implications. Namely, our evidence contradicts policy proposals that suggest entrepreneurship and the adoption of pro-market institutions that support it will encourage economic growth in developing countries. Our evidence suggests these policy proposals are unlikely to generate the desired economic growth.
Predicting high‐frequency variation in stream solute concentrations with water quality sensors and machine learning

Stream solute monitoring has produced many insights into ecosystem and Earth system functions. Although new sensors have provided novel information about the fine‐scale temporal variation of some stream water solutes, we lack adequate sensor technology to gain the same insights for many other solutes. We used two machine learning algorithms – Support Vector Machine and Random Forest – to predict concentrations at 15‐min resolution for 10 solutes, of which eight lack specific sensors. The algorithms were trained with data from intensive stream sensing and manual stream sampling (weekly) for four full years in a hydrologic reference stream within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, USA. The Random Forest algorithm was slightly better at predicting solute concentrations than the Support Vector Machine algorithm (Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiencies ranged from 0.35 to 0.78 for Random Forest compared to 0.29 to 0.79 for Support Vector Machine). Solute predictions were most sensitive to the removal of fluorescent dissolved organic matter, pH and specific conductance as independent variables for both algorithms, and least sensitive to dissolved oxygen and turbidity. The predicted concentrations of calcium and monomeric aluminium were used to estimate catchment solute yield, which changed most dramatically for aluminium because it concentrates with stream discharge. These results show great promise for using a combined approach of stream sensing and intensive stream discrete sampling to build information about the high‐frequency variation of solutes for which an appropriate sensor or proxy is not available.
The Role of Intraoperative Urinary Catheters on Postoperative Urinary Retention after Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Multi-Hospital Retrospective Study on 9,580 Patients.

Background: Urinary catheters (UC) are used by some surgeons during total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This studyinvestigated the impact of intraoperative urinary catheters on postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following TJAcases.Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study across 11 medical centers on 9,580 TJA patients. Visitsto urgent care or the emergency department within 7 and 30 postoperative days were reviewed. Medical recordsover a 12-month period for all patients older than 18 years old were used to gather demographic and surgicaldata as well as the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). Chi-squared tests (RStudio) were used to determinestatistical significance against P-Values (P) < 0.05.Results: 13 (0.14%) patients returned within 7 days for POUR. POUR was more common in males [10 (0.3%) vs.3 (0.1%) females, (P = 0.01)]. There was no difference in POUR when comparing total hip and knee arthroplastyprocedures [0.16% vs. 0.12%, (P = 0.60)]. Of all operations, 25% had intraoperative UC use. There was no differencein POUR between the UC and no UC groups [0.21 vs. 0.11%, (P = 0.26)]. However, there was an increase in UTIin UC vs. no UC use within 7 postoperative days [0.92 vs. 0.43%, (P = 0.005)] and 30 postoperative days [2.60 vs.1.50 %, (P < 0.001)].Conclusion: In our study, there was no difference in POUR rates between the intraoperative UC vs. no UC groups.Therefore, the use of intraoperative UC may not decrease the rate of POUR following TJA procedures. Additionally,UTI risk was higher in the UC group which may be attributable to other factors, especially when comparing femalevs. male patients.Level of evidence: II
Bankruptcy, Bailout, or Bust: Early Corporate Responses to the Business and Financial Challenges of COVID-19

As the nation grapples with the profound human tragedy of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), U.S. companies are feeling the business and economic impacts of a global public health crisis. The travel industry has experienced massive declines in passenger volume. Hospitals and medical service providers have endured steep revenue losses. With government officials recommending social distancing measures, businesses large and small that rely on foot traffic and in-person activities have suffered major financial setbacks. Meanwhile, wage reductions and job losses have caused sharp declines in consumer spending. Just as every economic crisis is unique, so, too, is each firm. As corporate managers consider options such as participating in a bailout program, pursuing capital market transactions, or even filing for bankruptcy, their decisions are constrained by the firm’s overall financial condition and existing legal commitments. To make the best policy decisions, lawmakers should continue to consider the important economic and political dimensions of governmental responses to severe economic crises. But their policy choices—particularly those that are based on assumptions about the way corporations respond to various incentives or disincentives—must also be guided by a clear understanding of the way firms actually approach decisions of this sort. In this issue of Bankruptcy Law Letter, we will gain a deeper appreciation of the firm-level decision making process by considering how companies in the cruise, airline, healthcare, and consumer sectors have recently adjusted their finances in response to COVID-19.
Thermal fault detection and localization framework for large format batteries

Abstract Safety against thermal failures is crucial in battery systems. Real-time thermal diagnostics can be a key enabler of such safer batteries. Thermal fault diagnostics in large format pouch or prismatic cells pose additional challenges compared to cylindrical cells. These challenges arise from the fact that the temperature distribution in large format cells is at least two-dimensional in nature (along length and breadth) while such distribution can be reasonably approximated in one dimension (along radial direction) in cylindrical cells. This difference makes the placement of temperature sensor(s) non-trivial and the design of detection algorithm challenging. In this work, we address these issues by proposing a framework that (i) optimizes the sensor locations to improve detectability and isolability of thermal faults, and (ii) designs a filtering scheme for fault detection and localization based on a two dimensional thermal model. The proposed framework is illustrated by experimental and simulation studies on a commercial battery cell.
Role of professional education of operation management in the era of globalization.

Professional education is very important for every important for every country.in this regard the the role of professional education is very important.
The International Tax Regime at 100: Reflections on the OECD's BEPS Project

This essay will consider the outcome of Pillars One and Two in light of the history of international taxation since the foundation of the international tax regime in 1923. Specifically, it will consider how Pillar One fits with efforts to redefine the source of active income in light of the digital revolution, and the ways in which Pillar Two implements the single tax principle, which can be traced back to the first model treaty from 1927. Both of those ideas were already articulated and developed in my own early writing on international taxation from the 1990s, when the Internet was in its infancy.
Neurotransmitter Regulation of Basal Ganglia Gene Expression

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the data implicating numerous neuro- transmitter systems in the regulation of gene expression in the basal ganglia, with a major focus on the regulation of gene expression in the striatum. It examined the gene expression in other basal ganglia nuclei, example, regulation of gene expression in the globus pallidus (GP) and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (VTA). The chapter focuses on the dorsal striatum because it is the area in which the vast majority of studies have been conducted to date and in which there are neurotransmitter systems. Increases in neuropeptide expression may be suggestive of changes in the functional activity of particular neurons/nuclei in the basal ganglia or the role of basal ganglia nuclei in particular behaviors or pathologies. However, there are examples of instances in which there is a mismatch between the gene expression changes in and the electrophysiological activity/functional output of the neurons or nuclei in question or lack of correlation between gene expression in a brain region and a particular behavior being examined, despite there being a general increase in gene expression in that part of the brain. The chapter concludes that conclusively establishing the functional significance of the changes in gene expression that have been observed to date in the basal ganglia undoubtedly will be the challenge for the coming years in this field.
Anomalously fast convergence of India and Eurasia caused by double subduction

Prior to collision with Eurasia, the Indian Plate rapidly accelerated northwards. Numerical simulations show that the combined pull of two slabs in two parallel, north-dipping subduction systems could have caused this pulse of rapid movement.
Steroid-cell surface interactions in the induction of meiotic maturation in amphibian oocytes: method for and effect of local application of progesterone.

The involvement of steroid-cell surface interactions, in the induction of oocyte maturation, was investigated. A simple in vitro method was developed for the application of steroids or other substances to isolated portions of the surface of individual amphibian ovarian follicles or oocytes. The technique involved placing follicles in conical tubes between two reservoirs containing culture media. With the use of dye or radioactive tracer studies, the extent of exchange between reservoirs could be monitored and the proportion of the surface treated could be calculated. Follicular oocytes remained viable and underwent nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation while maintained in conical tubes after a short exposure to progesterone over their total surface. Restriction of the percentage of the oocyte surface exposed to progesterone markedly reduced the incidence of meiotic maturation. Reduced responsiveness to locally applied progesterone occurred even in the presence of elevated steroid concentrations. The results suggest that the amount of follicle surface exposed to steroid is an important determinant in initiation of nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions associated with the meiotic maturation process. The procedures and results described should provide a new approach to investigating regional differences in oocyte and follicle surfaces and to studying their differentiation.
Growth and genetic stability of the ts 1 mutant of respiratory syncytial virus at restrictive temperatures

Abstract An in vitro study was performed to define in greater detail those factors which favored the growth of the ts-1 mutant of respiratory syncytial virus under restrictive conditions and the emergence of genetically altered virus with decreased temperature sensitivity. Replication of ts-1 occurred at each of the restrictive temperatures of 37, 38, and 39 C, even through plaque formation was not observed. The level of virus growth under restrictive conditions was inversely related to the incubation temperature and directly related to the multiplicity of infection. These relationships appeared to reflect the effect of restrictive temperature in reducing the quantity of virus produced and released from an infected cell. Under restrictive conditions the production of genetically altered virus which exhibited reduced temperature sensitivity was directly related to the multiplicity of infection and inversely related to temperature. Production of genetically altered virus was not observed under permissive conditions.