cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who Isn’t Using Patient Portals And Why? Evidence And Implications From A National Sample Of US Adults

Patient portals that provide secure online access to medical record information and provider communication can improve health care. Yet new technologies can exacerbate existing disparities. We analyzed information about 2,325 insured respondents to the nationally representative 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey to examine characteristics of portal nonusers and reasons for nonuse. Sixty-three percent reported not using a portal during the prior year. In multivariable analysis, we found that nonusers were more likely to be male, be on Medicaid, lack a regular provider, and have less than a college education, compared to users. Similar disparities existed in who reported being offered access to a portal, with nonwhites also less likely to report being offered access. Reasons for nonuse included the desire to speak directly to providers and privacy concerns, both of which require recognition of the important role of provider communication and patient-provider relationships.
FAT or FiTT: Are Anvil Clouds or the Tropopause Temperature Invariant?

Author(s): Seeley, JT; Jeevanjee, N; Romps, DM | Abstract: The Fixed Anvil Temperature (FAT) hypothesis proposes that upper tropospheric cloud fraction peaks at a special isotherm that is independent of surface temperature. It has been argued that a FAT should result from simple ingredients: Clausius-Clapeyron, longwave emission from water vapor, and tropospheric energy and mass balance. Here the first cloud-resolving simulations of radiative-convective equilibrium designed to contain only these basic ingredients are presented. This setup does not produce a FAT: the anvil temperature varies by about 40% of the surface temperature range. However, the tropopause temperature varies by only 4% of the surface temperature range, which supports the existence of a Fixed Tropopause Temperature (FiTT). In full-complexity radiative-convective equilibrium simulations, the spread in anvil temperature is smaller by about a factor of 2, but the tropopause temperature remains more invariant than the anvil temperature by an order of magnitude. In other words, our simulations have a FiTT, not a FAT.
RECIPES FOR ADULT LEARNING: INNOVATIONS IN TEACHING GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY: Session 302

Abstract Recent data estimate the number of US residents age 65 or older to be roughly 40 million, accounting for 13% of the population. It is projected that the elderly will comprise more than 20% of the national population by 2050 (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Statistic 2012, APA Textbook on Geriatric Psychiatry). This ballooning population of older persons will generate increased demand for health care and social resources, with an urgent need for affordable, and accessible, mental health services. The aging brain is susceptible to a number of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and dementia, all adversely affecting quality of life and functional ability of an older person. Alzheimer's Disease alone accounts for 50-70% of all cases of dementia and currently affects ∼5.7 million in the US. As the U.S. population ages, these rates are expected to increase, placing extraordinary demands on systems of care. By 2050, costs related to caring for those living with dementia are projected to top 1 trillion dollars, translating to a greater than 300% increase in Medicare cost (Alzheimer's Facts and Figures, 2018). Given these trends, the public health demand for geriatric psychiatry education is critical. Health care systems need skilled geriatric psychiatrists to advise and assist in the care of a burgeoning older population, many with concomitant mental health issues (IOM report: “In Whose Hands”). Active learning approaches to the assimilation of knowledge are replacing more passive, lecture based approaches across the medical education system. Knowledge and experience in these novel techniques will impact Geriatric Psychiatric education and prepare the next generation of clinical educators. Learning should occur across the spectrum of training, beginning with student physicians in medical school. Given that the number of new geriatric psychiatrists graduating from fellowships each year is approximately 1 per US state, society will be best served by the training of clinical providers as early as possible. This session will provide a foundation for developing innovative attitudinal, knowledge, and skills based learning opportunities.
Using Clinical Balance Tests to Assess Fall Risk among Established Unilateral Lower Limb Prosthesis Users: Cutoff Scores and Associated Validity Indices.

Background Clinicians are routinely required to make decisions about fall risk among lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users. These decisions can be guided by standardized clinical balance tests but require population- and test-specific cutoff scores and validity indices to categorize individuals as probable fallers or nonfallers on the basis of test performance. Despite the importance of cutoff scores and validity indices to clinical interpretation of clinical balance test scores, they are rarely reported for LLP users. In their absence, clinicians cannot use results from clinical balance tests to assess the likelihood of a fall by any one patient. Objective Derive cutoff scores, and associated validity indices, for clinical balance tests administered to established unilateral LLP users. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Outpatient clinic and research laboratory. Participants Established ambulatory unilateral transtibial and transfemoral prosthesis users (n = 40). Intervention Not applicable. Main outcome measure(s) Optimal cutoff scores and related validity indices (ie, area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios) were computed for five balance tests, the activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC), timed up and go (TUG), four square step test (FSST), Berg balance scale (BBS), and narrowing-beam walking test (NBWT). Results Cutoff scores were identified for the NBWT (≤.43/1.0), TUG (≥8.17 seconds], FSST (≥8.49 seconds), BBS (≤50.5/56), and ABC (≤80.2/100). Validity indices (ie, area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios) for the NBWT, TUG, and FSST had greater diagnostic accuracy and provided more information about the probability of a fall than those for the BBS or ABC. Conclusion Performance above or below identified cutoff scores for the NBWT, FSST, and TUG provides information about potentially important shifts in the probability of falling among established unilateral LLP users. These results can serve as initial benchmarks to reduce uncertainty surrounding fall risk assessment in established unilateral LLP users but require future prospective evaluation. Level of evidence III.
BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF STORAGE AND RELEASE OF BIOGENIC AMINES FROM SYMPATHETIC NERVES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the biochemical aspects of storage and release of biogenic amines from sympathetic nerves. The metabolic fate of intravenously administered norepinephrine appears to depend on the extent of tissue binding. Norepinephrine which is destroyed immediately intravenous administration is metabolized predominantly by O-methylation, presumably in the liver and kidney. The labeled catecholamine bound in the nerve endings and slowly released is destroyed mainly by deamination. Following administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, norepinephrine in brain increases and is followed by the accumulation of normetanephrine. The observations suggested that MAO is close to the site of norepinephrine synthesis, and that the rise in normetanephrine indicates overflow of free catecholamine, with consequent excitation. Direct evidence for this hypothesis has been obtained in vivo and in the isolated perfused rat heart. Ten hours after intravenous administration of norepinephrine-H3 to a rat, urinary excretion of radioactivity decreases in a single exponential phase.
Task repertoires of hygienic workers reveal a link between specialized necrophoric behaviors in honey bees

The ecological success of social insects is often attributed to their complex social organization and division of labor. Much previous work has investigated the extent to which individual workers within colonies specialize on certain tasks, which presumably increases colony efficiency. Fewer studies have investigated the extent to which individual biases for multiple related tasks adaptively shape division of labor. Here, we focus on honey bee (Apis mellifera) workers that perform hygienic behavior, the detection and removal of diseased larvae in order to reduce pathogen transmission within the hive. We individually marked workers observed performing this rare task and tracked their behavior over three days to fully characterize their task repertoires. We then compared the task repertoires of workers who specialized on hygienic behavior to generalist workers who occasionally perform hygienic behavior to identify additional task biases in hygienic specialists. We show that workers specialized in hygienic behavior are much more likely to also specialize in removing dead adult bodies from the hive, a task that is also associated with colony defense against disease. Our results demonstrate that individual specialization in one task can predict specialization in another related task. We argue these associations represent a type of specialization in multiple tasks that may be an important aspect of how insect colonies adaptively allocate their workers. Any animal group that divides up work among individuals faces the challenge of figuring out the best way to allocate workers towards certain tasks. One mechanism by which large groups can increase their efficiency is by utilizing specialized workers dedicated to a single task. However, it has also been suggested that if multiple tasks require similar skills or are spatially associated with one another, then group efficiency can be further increased by using the same set of workers to perform those tasks as well. Here, we show that honey bee workers specialized in removing dead larvae from the brood zone of the hive are much more likely than bees of the same age to also specialize in removing dead adults from the bottom of the hive. We suggest that this task association has implications for colony fitness and exemplifies an understudied component of how social insect colonies allocate their workers.
Structure-Property Effects in the Generation of Transient Aqueous Benzoic Acid Anhydrides by Carbodiimide Fuels.

The design of dissipative systems, which operate out-of-equilibrium by consuming chemical fuels, is challenging. As yet, there are few examples of privileged fuel chemistries that can be broadly applied in abiotic systems in the same way that ATP hydrolysis is exploited throughout biochemistry. The key issue is that designing nonequilibrium systems is inherently about balancing the relative rates of coupled reactions. The use of carbodiimides as fuels to generate transient aqueous carboxylic anhydrides has recently been used in examples of new nonequilibrium materials and supramolecular assemblies. Here, we explore the kinetics of formation and decomposition of a series of benzoic anhydrides generated from the corresponding acids and EDC under typical conditions (EDC = N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride). The reactions can be described by a simple mechanism that merges known behavior for the two processes independently. Structure–property effects in these systems are dominated by...
An Integrated, Optofluidic System With Aligned Optical Waveguides, Microlenses, and Coupling Prisms for Fluorescence Sensing

An improved, laser-induced fluorescence-based micro-optical biosensor was designed and fabricated, with cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) optical waveguides, a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fluidic substrate with an array of microlenses, and a COC coupling prism integrated with the waveguide substrate or cover plate. The double-sided hot embossed fluidic substrate had sampling zone microchannels on the bottom and microlenses on the top. Dissolved COC injected into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) lost molds embedded the waveguides in the PMMA cover plate and formed the integrated coupling prism. The embedded COC waveguide was flycut down to $50~\mu \text{m}$ . The cover plate and shallow, 1:20 aspect ratio, microchannels were thermal fusion bonded using a pressure-assisted boiling point control system, without sagging. The large COC prism coupled better to the waveguide. The highest intensity evanescent excitation of the waveguide was obtained near the critical angle. The maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was 119 and the lowest detection limit was 7.34 $\times 10^{\mathbf {-20}}$ mol at a SNR of 2 for a $100~\mu \text{m}$ wide by $50~\mu \text{m}$ deep waveguide. The microlenses highly focused the fluorescent radiation in the sampling zone. The microfabricated waveguide enables rapid, low-cost detection of fluorescent samples with high SNR, a low detection limit, and high sampling efficiency. [2020-0067]
Collisional variant of CD8+ mycosis fungoides and indolent CD8+ lymphoid proliferation

Abstract: CD8+ lymphoid infiltrates of the skin are classified into different subtypes with variable prognoses and treatment options. Here, we present a patient with CD8+ mycosis fungoides who developed CD8+ indolent lymphoid proliferation in a background of conventional plaque stage CD8+ mycosis fungoides. The patient is a 42-year-old man who had long standing hypopigmented patches on the buttocks, back, and lower extremities that were compatible with CD8+ mycosis fungoides. He then developed a solitary indurated raised lesion on the thigh that was clinically disparate to those elsewhere on the skin. The biopsy showed a collision of CD8+ patch stage mycosis fungoides and indolent CD8+ lymphoid proliferation. Clonality studies on each atypical CD8+ component were not performed to prove or disprove a common T-cell clone. A common clone would indicate plasticity of a neoplastic CD8+ T-cell clone to eventuate into these two divergent patterns, a phenomenon that has been observed in other hematologic malignancies. We highlight the unique aspects of this case by analyzing histopathologic features in conjunction with comprehensive immunohistochemical staining.
An improved experimental pipeline for preparing circular ssDNA viruses for next-generation sequencing

We present an optimized protocol for enhanced amplification and enrichment of viral DNA for Next Generation Sequencing of begomovirus genomes. The rapid ability of these viruses to evolve threatens many crops and underscores the importance of using next generation sequencing efficiently to detect and understand the diversity of these viruses. We combined enhanced rolling circle amplification (RCA) with EquiPhi29 polymerase and size selection to generate a cost-effective, short-read sequencing method. This optimized protocol produced short-read sequencing with at least 50% of the reads mapping to the viral reference genome. We provide other insights into common misconceptions about RCA and lessons we have learned from sequencing single-stranded DNA viruses. Our protocol can be used to examine viral DNA as it moves through the entire pathosystem from host to vector, providing valuable information for viral DNA population studies, and would likely work well with other CRESS DNA viruses. HighlightsO_LIProtocol for short-read, high throughput sequencing of single-stranded DNA viruses using random primers C_LIO_LIComparison of the sequencing of total DNA versus size-selected DNA C_LIO_LIComparison of phi29 and Equiphi29 DNA polymerases for rolling circle amplification of viral single-stranded DNA genomes C_LI
Operationalizing the Population Health Framework: Clinical Characteristics, Social Context, and the Built Environment.

As a framework, population health emphasizes health outcomes for entire populations, the broad range of determinants of these outcomes, and the comparative effectiveness of medical and public healt...
“There’s A Little Bit of That Magic Where I’m Becoming Something Else”: LGBT+ Furry Identity Formation and Belonging Online

Active and open identi cation with animals and the creation of anthropomorphic (or zoomorphic) fursonas have become infamous on the internet, yet published research on the subculture is lacking. This ethnographic study explores this under - examined subculture by considering how individuals who identify as LGBT+ and as furry nd and experience community online in ways that contribute to feelings of belonging, inclusion, and overall well - being. Through a series of semi - structured interviews, it was found that participating LGBT+ furries experienced an increase in self - reported emotional well - being when allowed to engage with online furry fandom. Given that furry identity is inherently non - normative, the fandom becomes an accepting space for other non - normative identities, like LGBT+ identities. By creating accepting online communities, those without access to supportive communities in their o - line lives can learn about and explore non - normative identity without judgement. These spaces may allow for the accumulation of multiple non - normative identities, all of which are in relative harmony within online furry fandom, which serves as a “catch - all” identity. Existing within this space had positive a ects on the well - being of the participants.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Chronic inflammatory diseases including human immunodeficiency virus infection, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus predispose to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic inflammatory condition, and the United States has the highest prevalence worldwide. IBD has so far been overlooked as a contributor to the burden of ASCVD among young and middle-age adults, but meta-analyses of cohort studies suggest that IBD is an independent risk factor for ASCVD. This review discusses the epidemiological links between IBD and ASCVD and potential mechanisms underlying these associations. ASCVD risk management of patients with IBD is challenging because of their young age and the inability of current risk scores to fully capture their increased risk. The role of IBD in current primary prevention guidelines is evaluated, and strategies for enhanced ASCVD risk reduction in patients with IBD are outlined. Finally, the authors discuss knowledge gaps and future research directions in this innovative field.
Non-invasive continuous renal tissue oxygenation monitoring to identify preterm neonates at risk for acute kidney injury

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an emerging tool to identify signs of inadequate tissue oxygenation in preterm neonates with acute kidney injury (AKI). Previous studies have shown a correlation between low renal tissue oxygenation (RrSO2) in the first 24 hours of age and the later development of AKI. In this prospective clinical trial, NIRS monitoring was used to identify changes in RrSO2 in comparison to traditional AKI markers, serum creatinine (SCr), and urine output (UOP). We enrolled 35 preterm neonates born less than 32 weeks’ gestation and applied neonatal NIRS sensors at less than 48 hours of age. Neonates underwent 7 days of continuous monitoring. Renal and demographic information were collected for the first 7 days of age. AKI was determined by the modified neonatal Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition including UOP. Three patients experienced AKI, all based on both SCr and UOP criteria. Each neonate with AKI had decreases in RrSO2 over 48 hours prior to changes in SCr and UOP. Patients with AKI had lower median RrSO2 values compared to patients without AKI over the first week of age, (32.4% vs. 60%, p < 0.001). RrSO2 monitoring identified preterm neonates at risk for AKI. NIRS detected a decline in RrSO2 prior to changes in SCr and UOP and was significantly lower in patients with AKI compared to those without AKI. Further studies are needed to evaluate the ability of RrSO2 monitoring to detect signs of kidney stress prior to the diagnosis of AKI.
Computed Tomography Angiography Prediction of Successful Trasnscatheter Embolization for Type II Endoleak of Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT) angiography before transarterial embolization (TAE) in predicting TAE’s technical success for type II endoleaks (T2ELs). Materials and Methods Fifty-eight patients (mean age, 74.4 years; range, 46–89 years) who underwent attempted TAE for T2EL from July 2014 to August 2019 and underwent CT angiography before the procedure were included. Each CT angiography result was assessed for a feeding artery that was traceable over its entire course from either the superior mesenteric artery or the internal iliac artery to the endoleak cavity. TAE was performed using coils and was considered technically successful if embolization of the endoleak cavity and feeding artery was performed. The technical success rates were compared between patients with and without traceable feeding arteries. Results A fully traceable feeding artery supplying 75% (44/59) of endoleaks in the cohort was identified. TAE was technically successful in 95% (42/44) of these cases but only in 13% (2/15) of the cases without a fully traceable feeding artery (P Conclusions The traceability of a feeding artery over its entire course to an endoleak cavity using CT angiography was associated with TAE’s technical success. Lumbar feeding arteries were less likely to be fully traceable. TAE’s high failure rate when the feeding artery was not fully traceable suggests that translumbar embolization can be considered as an initial approach for theses patients.
Evaluation of a Simulation Training Program for New Child Protection Investigators: A Survey of Investigators in the Field

Abstract A new movement has developed to provide simulation training to child protection professionals to prepare them to work with families around child safety and well-being. This article reports on a survey of child protection investigators in Illinois that was conducted as part of a program evaluation of a prominent simulation training program, the Child Protection Training Academy. Simulation-trained investigators continued to value their simulation training months to years later, rated their certification training more highly than investigators without simulation training, and reported less difficulty developing the skills of evidence-based documentation and testifying in court.
Business Valuation Software: A Blueprint for Reliability

Two conditions are necessary for reliable valuation: (i) value produced by the discounted cash flow approach must be identical to value produced by the residual income approach; and (ii) the value of the firm must be equal to the combined value of its debt and equity securities. Based on these conditions we propose a series of logical and user-interface guidelines for designing reliable business valuation software. We suggest that the AICPA include these or similar guidelines for reliability in their proposed (3/30/05) standards for business valuation.
Supporting context-aware interaction in dynamic multi-agent systems

The increasing ubiquity of mobile computing devices has made mobile ad hoc networks an everyday occurrence. Applications in these networks are commonly structured as a logical network of mobile agents that coordinate with each other to achieve their goals. In these highly dynamic multi-agent systems, the multitude of devices provides a varied and rapidly changing context in which agents must learn to operate. Successful end-user applications will not only learn to handle dynamic conditions, but will take advantage of the wide variety of available information and resources. Any environment that supports agents and their interactions must facilitate flexible communication mechanisms. Such protocols for enabling an application agent's task of gathering contextual information must function in a timely and adaptive fashion. This paper presents a protocol for mediating these context-based interactions among mobile agents. We present an implementation and show how it facilitates information exchange among mobile application agents. We also provide an analysis of the tradeoffs between consistency and range of context definitions in highly dynamic ad hoc networks.
A NUDGE TO MEDIATE: HOW ADJUSTMENTS IN CHOICE ARCHITECTURE CAN LEAD TO BETTER DISPUTE RESOLUTION DECISIONS

Mediation often trumps adjudication. Various studies demonstrate that parties who resolve certain disputes via mediation are frequently better off financially and emotionally when compared to their adjudicating counterparts. This is old news. So if mediation is often superior to adjudication, why do parties by and large select adjudication over mediation? Advocates of mediation typically answer this question by asserting that the public suffers from imperfect information as to the benefits of mediation. This answer is premised on the well-trod assumption that people are rational utility maximizers. When rational utility maximizers get good information, they make good decisions. If disputing parties elect to adjudicate in a situation where mediation would have better suited their needs, they must have had suboptimal information about mediation and adjudication. Accordingly, the mediation movement has attempted to provide the public with better information about mediation’s virtues. But perhaps this is a doomed strategy. In their recent book, Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, behavioral economist Richard H. Thaler and regulation expert Cass R. Sunstein argue that individuals often make suboptimal decisions not because of suboptimal information, but because of irrational biases and cognitive errors. Employing an approach that seeks to honor both libertarian and paternalistic values, Thaler and Sunstein assert that the way to overcome decisional biases and errors is to alter the context in which choices are presented – the “choice architecture.” For example, people are much more likely to select a default method over an alternative that requires an affirmative step. Switching the default with the alternative is an example of choice architecture alteration. When policymakers adjust choice architecture, they “nudge” people away from suboptimal decisions caused by biases and errors while preserving the individual’s decisional autonomy. This paper suggests that parties in conflict suffer from irrational biases and cognitive errors when deciding between mediation and adjudication. An adjustment in choice architecture is therefore necessary to “nudge” disputing parties towards optimal decisions. Specifically, the paper will argue that mediation should be a default dispute resolution procedure for certain types of conflicts. When mediation replaces adjudication as the default dispute resolution method, parties will choose to mediate more often because they will be less susceptible to the irrational biases and cognitive errors which lead to suboptimal decisions to adjudicate instead of mediate. This “libertarian paternalist” solution is also uniquely suited to mediation because it will increase the use of mediation while preserving mediation’s core value of party self-determination. Disputing parties retain the choice between mediation and adjudication – only the context in which they make that choice changes.
Fast adiabatic qubit gates using only σ z control

A controlled-phase gate was demonstrated in superconducting Xmon transmon qubits with fidelity reaching 99.4%, relying on the adiabatic interaction between the $|11\ensuremath{\rangle}$ and $|02\ensuremath{\rangle}$ states. Here we explain the theoretical concepts behind this protocol, which achieves fast gate times with only ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{z}$ control of the Hamiltonian, based on a theory of nonlinear mapping of state errors to a power spectral density and use of optimal window functions. With a solution given in the Fourier basis, optimization is shown to be straightforward for practical cases of an arbitrary state change and finite bandwidth of control signals. We find that errors below ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ are readily achievable for realistic control wave forms.
Electron injection in III-nitride semiconductors

In this paper, it is found that electron injection into p-(Al)GaN-either from the electron beams of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) or from the application of an external voltage in a solid state device-increase the critical minority carrier diffusion length and lifetime. Consistent changes were observed in the material/sup ,/s optoelectronic properties, including photoresponse (2), and were attributed to charging of deep metastable Mg dopant related centers. The novel effects, induced by electron injection in III-Nitrides, and the ways to exploit them for tailoring the material/sup ,/s fundamental properties will be discussed. Application of the effects for performance improvement of photovoltaic UV detectors will be demonstrated.
Artificial Intelligence: A Knowledge-based Approach

* Comprehensive survey introduces all major areas of artificial intelligence; ideal for those with programming skill in one high level language.
State-specific electron transfer: Shake it off.

Electron transfer is ubiquitous across both life and modern technologies, and thus being able to control it is an attractive goal. Now, targeted infrared excitation has been used to modulate the efficiency of electron transfer in a series of donor–bridge–acceptor molecules.
A comparison of two thin film scintillators for heavy ion measurement

A comparison has been made between two types of scintillators, NE-102, a commercial plastic scintillator, and paraterphenyl, a primary scintillator. The luminescence was measured by passing fission fragments through the films. The residual energy was then measured by stopping the particles in a surface barrier detector. The difference in surface barrier output with and without the thin film was a measure of the energy lost in the film, and, hence, film thickness. The results were analyzed for varying film thicknesses. The NE-102 films produced a greater specific luminescence (light output vs. energy loss). Possible explanations of this are self-absorption in the paraterphenyl, which is opaque. >
Could space be considered as the inertial rest frame

We take the postulate of Special Relativity, that the cosmic rules observable through physical phenomena, are the same for all stars in all galaxies. We have deliberately avoided using the phrase; “in all inertial frames of reference” to avoid conceptual mathematical debate in defining what such frames of references are [1-4]. Then, accepting the universal validity of light velocity defined by Maxwell’s wave equation, c 2 = 1 / (e 0 μ 0 ) ; we revive the old ether concept with physically descriptive phrase that space is a continuous Complex Tension Field (CTF). This is strengthened by the fact that all non-dissipative tension fields allow for perpetual propagation of waves when excited within its linear restoration capability. We accommodate the particles as localized self-phase-looped resonant oscillations of the same CTF; thus integrating particles as another kind of excited states of the same CTF [5]. Further, all tension fields allow co-propagation and cross-propagation of multiple waves (preservation of wave properties and the respective Poynting vectors) through the same physical volume (linear Superposition Principle) in the absence of perturbing resonant detectors within the volume of superposition. We have re-named this universal property of all waves as Non-Interaction of Waves [6,7]. Thus, Doppler shifted waves from different stars and galaxies can cross through each other unperturbed while bringing to us the signatures of the properties of their parent stars. Now, if these light signals are waving of CTF, the optical Doppler effects must also be, as for sound waves in air pressure tension field, discernable into two different frequency shifts: as due to (i) source velocity (distant stars) and (ii) detector velocity (that of the earth) [8,9]. In other words, we are proposing that CTF (modified old ether) is the stationary cosmic rest frame. Since we have been routinely assuming that quantum phenomena are same in all stars; we strengthen our position by analyzing the origin of absorption lines in distant stars as the same energy level transition phenomenon as we observe on earth and well-modeled by precision spectrometry and validated by QM formalism. The analysis also reveals that Cosmological (Hubble) Redshift cannot be due to optical Doppler Effect; since the Doppler Effect is determined by the velocities of the source-atoms within the star coronas. We have also proposed a satellite based one-way light propagation measurement; which could identify the absolute velocity of the satellite and validate that CTF is the stationary rest frame for our observable universe.
A Common Definition of European Money Market Funds: More Clarity or More Confusion?

Money market funds (MMFs) that started as a U.S. phenomenon in 1971, in nearly forty years have grown into a $5.8 trillion global industry. In the early 1980s the European investment management community adopted MMFs with certain variations to fit the local legislations and practices. The market dislocation of 2007–2009 exacerbated by the liquidity crisis that followed the bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers have led financial regulators in all major jurisdictions to review the existing policies. The European Union now is facing even greater challenges due to the fragmented nature of the local markets and the lack of regulatory consistency. The de Larosiere report published in February 2009 pointed out that an efficient Single Market should have a harmonized set of core rules. This article focuses on the recent initiative undertaken by the Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESRs) to follow up on the de Larosiere’s report recommendations in introducing a common definition for European MMFs. Section I of the article is an introduction into the past and the present of the MMF industry in the U.S. and Europe. Section II reviews existing definitions of MMFs. Section III analyses regulated elements of investment management and operational practices applicable to MMFs including risk-limiting provisions of the recent MMF Reform implemented by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While I support the CESRs’ efforts in introducing a common EU definition of MMFs, the diversities of the European financial markets call for a better delineation of seemingly homogenous investment schemes. The article concludes by re-emphasizing the importance of a consistent regulatory guidance for the creation of an efficient and transparent Single Market. The paper is an initial step in a much larger research project on comparative regulation of the global money markets and cash management. Even further, I study the impact of financial markets on law and regulation and vise versa regulatory response to market developments in the narrow focus of money market fund industry. The historical record supports the thesis that the law matters to the development of the transparent and efficient global financial markets. My approach is historical in orientation and starts with an attempt to define MMFs as a subject of regulation.
Masculine role adherence and outcomes among men with traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health problem disproportionately affecting men and is often associated with changes in masculine role functioning in life domains s...
Simultaneous spectral/spatial detection of edges for hyperspectral imagery: the HySPADE algorithm revisited

The hyperspectral/spatial detection of edges (HySPADE) algorithm, originally published in 2004 [1], has been modified and applied to a wider diversity of hyperspectral imagery (HSI) data. As originally described in [1], HySPADE operates by converting the naturally two-dimensional edge detection process based on traditional image analysis methods into a series of one-dimensional edge detections based on spectral angle. The HySPADE algorithm: i) utilizes spectral signature information to identify edges; ii) requires only the spectral information of the HSI scene data and does not require a spectral library nor spectral matching against a library; iii) facilitates simultaneous use of all spectral information; iv) does not require endmember or training data selection; v) generates multiple, independent data points for statistical analysis of detected edges; vi) is robust in the presence of noise; and vii) may be applied to radiance, reflectance, and emissivity data--though it is applied to radiance and reflectance spectra (and their principal components transformation) in this report. HySPADE has recently been modified to use Euclidean distance values as an alternative to spectral angle. It has also been modified to use an N x N-pixel sliding window in contrast to the 2004 version which operated only on spatial subset image chips. HySPADE results are compared to those obtained using traditional (Roberts and Sobel) edge-detection methods. Spectral angle and Euclidean distance HySPADE results are superior to those obtained using the traditional edge detection methods; the best results are obtained by applying HySPADE to the first few, information-containing bands of principal components transformed data (both radiance and reflectance). However, in practice, both the Euclidean distance and spectral angle versions of HySPADE should be applied and their results compared. HySPADE results are shown; extensions of the HySPADE concept are discussed as are applications for HySPADE in HSI analysis and exploitation.
Type-Specific Regulation of Adenylyl Cyclase by G Protein βγ Subunits

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) dissociate into guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-bound alpha subunits and a complex of beta and gamma subunits after interaction with receptors. The GTP-alpha subunit complex activates appropriate effectors, such as adenylyl cyclase, retinal phosphodiesterase, phospholipase C, and ion channels. G protein beta gamma subunits have been found to have regulatory effects on certain types of adenylyl cyclase. In the presence of Gs alpha, the alpha subunit of the G protein that activates adenylyl cyclase, one form of adenylyl cyclase was inhibited by beta gamma, some forms were activated by beta gamma, and some forms were not affected by beta gamma. These interactions suggest mechanisms for communication between distinct signal-transducing pathways.
Flasque sheaves on posets and Cohen-Macaulay unions of regular varieties

The goal of this paper is to find new examples of Cohen-Macaulay (and non-Cohen-Macaulay) rings among the coordinate rings of the unions of regular varieties. The Cohen-Macaulayness as well as other properties (seminormality, Buchsbaumness, etc.) was studied extensively for twodimensional varieties [Z, 5, 111. However, for larger dimensions not much was known besides the Reisner Theorem [lo] which gives an equivalent combinatorial condition for the coordinate ring of the unions of “coordinate” linear subspaces (Stanley-Reisner or face rings [ 123) to be Cohen-Macaulay. The method used in this paper is to represent a ring as the section ring of a sheaf on a poset and then to apply Theorem 6.4 of [ 131. More precisely, for a finite set Q of alline regular varieties we consider the poset X(a) of all intersections of elements of 0 and the sheaf &‘(a) on X(o) of the coordinate rings of these intersections. The restriction of regular functions defines a monomorphism p from the coordinate ring R of U,,, u to the section ring S of d(c). The above-mentioned result form [13] can be applied to R only if the two following restrictive conditions hold:
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands in neural development

Receptor tyrosine kinases play important roles in many developmental phenomena, including the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases are the Eph receptors, which are widely expressed in the nervous system. With the recent identification of several Eph ligands, it has become evident that Eph receptors and their ligands are involved in the guidance of retinal axons and in the process of hindbrain segmentation.
Effect of solvent on the exchange of ethylene for propylene on cis-PtCl2(C3H6)(TPPTS), TPPTS = P(m-C6H4SO3Na)3

To further understand the effect of water as a solvent in organometallic reactions, the lability of η2-alkenes coordinated to platinum(II) phosphine complexes has been studied in water and chloroform as a comparison of solvent effects on the exchange kinetics and alkene complex stability. 1H NMR techniques with both deuterated chloroform and a deuterium oxide/deuterated methanol mixture as solvent systems were used at temperatures as low as −50°C. Reaction of cis-PtCl2L(η2-C3H6) [L = PPh3 (triphenylphosphine) (1a), TPPTS (tris(m-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine) 1b] with ethylene to form cis-PtCl2L(η2-C2H4) (2 a, b) was observed with dependence on the rate by starting platinum complex and ethylene. The role of water on this reaction, as well as its effect on the equilibrium, will be discussed. The equilibrium constant shows preference for coordination of ethylene and the temperature dependence indicates the reaction is entropy controlled.
Mammographic screening: no reliable supporting evidence?

Summary Much confusion is being generated by the conclusion of a recent review that "there is no reliable evidence that screening for breast cancer reduces mortality." In that review, however, there was no appreciation of the appropriate mortality-related measure of screening's usefulness; and correspondingly, there was no estimation of the magnitude of this measure. We take this measure to be the proportional reduction in case-fatality rate, and studied its magnitude on the basis of the only valid and otherwise suitable trial. We found reliable evidence of fatality reduction, apparently substantial in magnitude.
Barium iodide single-crystal scintillator detectors

We find that the high-Z crystal Barium Iodide is readily growable by the Bridgman growth technique and is less prone to crack compared to Lanthanum Halides. We have grown Barium Iodide crystals: undoped, doped with Ce{sup 3+}, and doped with Eu{sup 2+}. Radioluminescence spectra and time-resolved decay were measured. BaI{sub 2}(Eu) exhibits luminescence from both Eu{sup 2+} at 420 nm ({approx}450 ns decay), and a broad band at 550 nm ({approx}3 {micro}s decay) that we assign to a trapped exciton. The 550 nm luminescence decreases relative to the Eu{sup 2+} luminescence when the Barium Iodide is zone refined prior to crystal growth. We also describe the performance of BaI{sub 2}(Eu) crystals in experimental scintillator detectors.
A hostility measure for use in family contexts

A modification of the Gottschalk-Gleser standardized instructions for eliciting speech samples was developed and tested in ongoing family studies. This modification, the Wynne-Gift technique, allows the interviewer to focus on the speaker's relationships with various family members. The usefulness and validity of the approach was assessed in a study of differences in attitudes toward the husband of 10 separated or divorced women as compared to the attitudes of 11 married women. Significant differences were found in the expected direction between mean hostility outward scores as well as hostility toward the spouse or ex-spouse of these two groups of women. The range of applications of this modification of eliciting speech samples is discussed.
Canine cataplexy is preferentially controlled by adrenergic mechanisms: evidence using monoamine selective uptake inhibitors and release enhancers

Narcolepsy is currently treated with anti-depressants to control REM-related symptoms such as cataplexy and with amphetamine-like stimulants for the management of sleepiness. Both stimulant and antidepressant drugs presynaptically enhance monoaminergic transmission but both classes of compounds lack pharmacological specificity. In order to determine which monoamine is selectively involved in the therapeutic effect of these compounds, we examined the effects of selective monoamine uptake inhibitors and release enhancers on cataplexy using a canine model of the human disorder. A total of 14 compounds acting on the adrenergic (desipramine, nisoxetine, nortriptyline, tomoxetine, viloxazine), serotoninergic (fenfluramine, fluoxetine, indalpine, paroxetine, zimelidine) and dopaminergic (amfonelic acid, amineptine, bupropion, GBR 12909) systems were tested. Some additional compounds interesting clinically but with less pharmacological selectivity, i.e., cocaine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, nomifensine and pemoline, were also included in the study. All compounds affecting noradrenergic transmission completely suppressed canine cataplexy at low doses in all dogs tested, whereas compounds which predominantly modified serotoninergic and dopaminergic transmission were either inactive or partially active at high doses. Our results demonstrate the preferential involvement of adrenergic systems in the control of cataplexy and, presumably, REM sleep atonia. Our findings also demonstrate that canine narcolepsy is a useful tool in assessing the pharmacological specificity of antidepressant drugs.
Implementation of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a continuous emissions monitor for toxic metals

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been considered for some time as a potential CEM method for toxic metals. Recently, improvements in sampling methodology and signal processing have allowed LIBS to achieve detection limits below the proposed MACT limits for 5 out of 6 of the RCRA metals. This paper discusses performance improved by nearly 2 orders of magnitude of this in situ monitoring technique following implementation of conditional analysis. Results from trial burns at two incinerators and at a DoD contained burn facility are highlighted. At the incinerators, implementation of conditional analysis yielded much lower detection limits than previously reported using the LIBS technique. At the contained burn facility, reproducible, transient Pb measurements were recorded in real-time for concentration values that varied by more than two orders of magnitude. Method detection limits of between 2 and 100 μg/dscm are reported for toxic metals Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb.
Mode coupling in a Penning trap: π pulses and a classical avoided crossing

An inhomogeneous radiofrequency electric field can couple the cyclotron and axial modes of a single ion in a Penning trap. The classical equations of motion are the same as those of a driven quantum-mechanical two-level system. We discuss an analog of the \ensuremath{\pi} pulse, which can exchange mode actions, and an analog of the avoided crossing. Experimental illustrations are presented.
Rationalism and reality

In their discussion of the relation between biological and cultural evolution, Lumsden & Wilson (I 985; cited below as L&W) restate an argument that they previously published in a pair of books and two articles, as augmented by some five articles (including one in this journal) authored by the nominal senior author of the present iteration. My comment here will focus on four questions. The first of these reflects a relatively novel (for L&W) emphasis in their present paper: this I discuss in the section ‘Reality’ immediately below. The other questions are not novel at all, constituting recurrent issues raised by L&W, but regarding which they have demonstrated thus far no ability to learn from previous critiques: these are discussed in the sections ‘Emotion’, ‘Epigenesis’, and ‘Evidence’.