WMAP-Compliant Benchmark Surfaces for MSSM Higgs Bosons

We explore `benchmark surfaces' suitable for studying the phenomenology of Higgs bosons in the minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM), which are chosen so that the supersymmetric relic density is generally compatible with the range of cold dark matter density preferred by WMAP and other observations. These benchmark surfaces are specified assuming that gaugino masses m_{1/2}, soft trilinear supersymmetry-breaking parameters A_0 and the soft supersymmetry-breaking contributions m_0 to the squark and slepton masses are universal, but not those associated with the Higgs multiplets (the NUHM framework). The benchmark surfaces may be presented as M_A-tan_beta planes with fixed or systematically varying values of the other NUHM parameters, such as m_0, m_{1/2}, A_0 and the Higgs mixing parameter mu. We discuss the prospects for probing experimentally these benchmark surfaces at the Tevatron collider, the LHC, the ILC, in B physics and in direct dark-matter detection experiments. An Appendix documents developments in the FeynHiggs code that enable the user to explore for her/himself the WMAP-compliant benchmark surfaces.Comment: Minor corrections, references added. 43 pages, 10 figures. Version to appear in JHE

Flavor Changing Neutral Currents involving Heavy Quarks with Four Generations

We study various FCNC involving heavy quarks in the Standard Model (SM) with a sequential fourth generation. After imposing $B\to X_s\gamma$, $B\to X_sl^+l^-$ and $Z\to b\bar{b}$ constraints, we find ${\cal B}(Z\to s\bar{b}+\bar{s}b)$ can be enhanced by an order of magnitude to $10^{-7}$, while $t\to cZ, cH$ decays can reach $10^{-6}$, which are orders of magnitude higher than in SM. However,these rates are still not observable for the near future.With the era of LHC approaching, we focus on FCNC decays involving fourth generation $b^\prime$ and $t^\prime$ quarks. We calculate the rates for loop induced FCNC decays $b^\prime\to bZ, bH, bg, b\gamma$, as well as t^\prime\to tZ,\tH, tg, t\gamma. If $|V_{cb'}|$ is of order $|V_{cb}| \simeq 0.04$, tree level $b^\prime\to cW$ decay would dominate, posing a challenge since $b$-tagging is less effective. For $|V_{cb'}| \ll |V_{cb}|$, $b'\to tW$ would tend to dominate, while $b'\to t^\prime W^*$ could also open for heavier $b'$, leading to thepossibility of quadruple-$W$ signals via $b'\bar b'\to b\bar b W^+W^-W^+W^-$. The FCNC $b'\to bZ, bH$ decays could still dominate if $m_{b'}$ is just above 200 GeV. For the case of $t'$, ingeneral $t^\prime\to bW$ would be dominant, hence it behaves like a heavy top. For both $b'$ and $t'$, except for the intriguing light $b'$ case, FCNC decays are in the $10^{-4} -10^{-2}$ range, and are quite detectable at the LHC.For a possible future ILC, we find the associated production of FCNC $e^+e^-\to b\bar s$, $t\bar c$ are below sensitivity, while $e^+e^-\to b^\prime\bar b$ and$t^\prime\bar t$ can be better probed.Tevatron Run-II can still probe the lighter $b'$ or $t'$ scenario. LHC would either discover the fourth generation and measure the FCNC rates, or rule out the fourth generation conclusively.Comment: 31 pages, 15 eps figures, version to appear in JHE

Upper and Lower Limits on Neutralino WIMP Mass and Spin--Independent Scattering Cross Section, and Impact of New (g-2)_{mu} Measurement

We derive the allowed ranges of the spin--independent interaction cross section \sigsip for the elastic scattering of neutralinos on proton for wide ranges of parameters of the general Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. We investigate the effects of the lower limits on Higgs and superpartner masses from colliders, as well as the impact of constraints from \bsgamma and the new measurement of \gmtwo on the upper and lower limits on \sigsip. We further explore the impact of the neutralino relic density, including coannihilation, and of theoretical assumptions about the largest allowed values of the supersymmetric parameters. For $\mu>0$, requiring the latter to lie below 1\tev leads to \sigsip\gsim 10^{-11}\pb at \mchi\sim100\gev and \sigsip\gsim 10^{-8}\pb at \mchi\sim1\tev. When the supersymmetric parameters are allowed above 1\tev, for 440\gev \lsim \mchi\lsim 1020 \gev we derive a {\em parameter--independent lower limit} of \sigsip \gsim 2\times 10^{-12}\pb. (No similar lower limits can be set for $\mu<0$ nor for 1020\gev\lsim\mchi\lsim2.6\tev.) Requiring \abundchi<0.3 implies a {\em parameter--independent upper limit} \mchi\lsim2.6\tev. The new \epem--based measurement of $(g-2)_{\mu}$ restricts \mchi\lsim 350\gev at $1 \sigma$ CL and \mchi\lsim515\gev at $2 \sigma$ CL, and implies $\mu>0$. The largest allowed values of \sigsip have already become accessible to recent experimental searches.Comment: LaTeX, 17 pages, 9 eps figures. Version to appear in JHE

Validation of a Postoperative Delirium Prediction Model

Background and Hypothesis: A prediction model utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program risk calculator for serious complications (NSQIPSC) and measures of cognitive function has been demonstrated to predict postoperative delirium incidence and severity in patients after non-cardiac surgery. The next step is to test this model’s generalizability by validating in different patient populations and evaluating the robustness of the model with and without parameters of cognition. We hypothesized that the prediction model would still function in predicting postoperative delirium in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery. Experimental Design or Project Methods: A secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial involving 135 individuals who underwent major thoracic surgery from October 2013 to June 2015 was done. Delirium incidence and severity were tracked postoperatively through the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Delirium Rating Scale-R-98 (DRS), respectively. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess preoperative cognition. Linear regressions and specificity/sensitivity calculations were performed to evaluate the model. Results: One hundred and thirty-two patients with a mean age of 59±13 years, 33/132 CAM-ICU+, and a mean DRS peak of 3.12±3.43 were analyzed. Linear regression of NSQIP-SC scores moderately predicted delirium severity (P&lt;0.001, Adjusted R2: 0.28). Addition of a cognitive measure did not significantly improve the model (P&lt;0.001, Adjusted R2: 0.29). NSQIP-SC moderately predicted delirium incidence (sensitivity: 60.61%, specificity: 68.69%, AUROC: 0.73). Addition of a cognitive measure (sensitivity: 61.54%, specificity: 68.69%, AUROC: 0.73) did not significantly improve the model. Conclusion and Potential Impact: NSQIP-SC was a predictor variable for delirium incidence and severity. Addition of a cognitive measure did not have any appreciable effect on the prediction model. Further expanding the scope of the model can grant clinicians a tool to identify patients at risk for developing postoperative delirium

The International Collaboration of Pharmacy Journal Editors (ICPJE) formally constituted to foster quality around clinical and social pharmacy practice research publications.

The Granada statements were a result of the need to strengthen clinical, social, and administrative pharmacy practice as an area of knowledge that translates into practice, research, and policy. As a response, a group of clinical and social pharmacy practice journal editors launched an initiative in Granada in 2023, to discuss ways to improve the quality of publications in this area, which culminated in the Granada statements. Eighteen statements were developed, clustered into six main domains: (i) the appropriate use of terminology; (ii) developing impactful abstracts; (iii) having the required peer reviews; (iv) journal scattering; (v) more effective and wiser use of journal and article performance metrics; and (vi) authors' selection of the most appropriate pharmacy practice journal to submit their work. The full Granada statements have been published in 14 journals

The International Collaboration of Pharmacy Journal Editors (ICPJE) formally constituted to foster quality around clinical and social pharmacy practice research publications.

The Granada statements were a result of the need to strengthen clinical, social, and administrative pharmacy practice as an area of knowledge that translates into practice, research, and policy. As a response, a group of clinical and social pharmacy practice journal editors launched an initiative in Granada in 2023, to discuss ways to improve the quality of publications in this area, which culminated in the Granada statements. Eighteen statements were developed, clustered into six main domains: (i) the appropriate use of terminology; (ii) developing impactful abstracts; (iii) having the required peer reviews; (iv) journal scattering; (v) more effective and wiser use of journal and article performance metrics; and (vi) authors' selection of the most appropriate pharmacy practice journal to submit their work. The full Granada statements have been published in 14 journals

Investigation of demand response on Dutch network

This report looks into the network challenges that can be observed in simulation of dutch distributuin grid. The analysis has been performed in two different consideration, first considering network as it is currently. Thus, report analyses the relative critical nodes and suggest testing plan for INCREASE Project. Second, four different types of DR programs has been applied to the network. Preliminary simple DR approach is used to observe the change in network behavior. Lastly, the final conclusion are made

Energy Flexometer:an effective implementation of internet of things for market-based demand response in an energy management system

Market-based control mechanism (MCM) needs the IoT environment to fully explore flexibility potential from the end-users to offer to involved actors of the smart energy system. On the other hand, many IoT based energy management systems are already available to a market. This paper presents an approach to connect the current demand-driven (top-down) energy management system (EMS) with a market-driven (bottom-up) demand response program. To this end, this paper considers multi-agent system (MAS) to realize the approach and introduces the concept and standardize design of Energy Flexometer. It is described as an elemental agent of the approach. Proposed by authors Energy Flexometer consists of three different functional blocks, which are formulated as an IoT platform according to the LonWorks standard. Moreover, the paper also performs an evaluation study in order to validate the proposed concept and design.</p

Validation of a Postoperative Delirium Prediction Model

Background and Hypothesis: A prediction model utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program risk calculator for serious complications (NSQIPSC) and measures of cognitive function has been demonstrated to predict postoperative delirium incidence and severity in patients after non-cardiac surgery. The next step is to test this model’s generalizability by validating in different patient populations and evaluating the robustness of the model with and without parameters of cognition. We hypothesized that the prediction model would still function in predicting postoperative delirium in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery.&#x0D; Experimental Design or Project Methods: A secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial involving 135 individuals who underwent major thoracic surgery from October 2013 to June 2015 was done. Delirium incidence and severity were tracked postoperatively through the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Delirium Rating Scale-R-98 (DRS), respectively. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess preoperative cognition. Linear regressions and specificity/sensitivity calculations were performed to evaluate the model.&#x0D; Results: One hundred and thirty-two patients with a mean age of 59±13 years, 33/132 CAM-ICU+, and a mean DRS peak of 3.12±3.43 were analyzed. Linear regression of NSQIP-SC scores moderately predicted delirium severity (P&lt;0.001, Adjusted R2: 0.28). Addition of a cognitive measure did not significantly improve the model (P&lt;0.001, Adjusted R2: 0.29). NSQIP-SC moderately predicted delirium incidence (sensitivity: 60.61%, specificity: 68.69%, AUROC: 0.73). Addition of a cognitive measure (sensitivity: 61.54%, specificity: 68.69%, AUROC: 0.73) did not significantly improve the model. &#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impact: NSQIP-SC was a predictor variable for delirium incidence and severity. Addition of a cognitive measure did not have any appreciable effect on the prediction model. Further expanding the scope of the model can grant clinicians a tool to identify patients at risk for developing postoperative delirium.</jats:p