cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global mixed-asset diversification

The concept of “one world” continues to gain acceptance. Regarding investment decisions, the attraction of foreign assets appears more compelling than ever. This is particularly evident from recent worldwide political and economic developments and from the rapidly expanding options for investing around the globe. Alternatives for international investment include, among other choices, a wide array of foreign government bills, notes and bonds, corporate bonds, common stocks and real estate. Additionally, a U.S. investor has the option of investing in foreign assets through American Depository Receipts (ADR’s) and mutual funds which specialize in international investments. Also available on U.S. stock exchanges, are a proliferating number of closed-end country funds and a limited, but growing number of select foreign corporate stocks. It has even been suggested that an investor could capture a portion of the international investment action by investing in the stocks of U.S. multinational corporations, such as Coca Cola, Merck and others who derive a significant proportion of their revenues and profits from international operations. Since the 196Os, academicians have strongly advocated international investment citing, in particular, the positive diversification gains to be achieved through the transnational allocation of one’s investment funds. Grubel [B] was the first to observe that portfolio risk reduction was possible through foreign diversification. Adler and Dumas [l], Errunza and Senbet [6] and others suggested that such diversification benefits could be indirectly achieved through investing in the equities of Multinational Corporations. It was Solnik [16] who conceptualized this diversification phenomenon as a reduction in national systematic risk. In essence, the argument is that there are limits to the investor’s ability to increase return for a given level of risk or, alternatively, to lower risk for a given level of return if investors restrict their diversification activities to home country assets. Returns on purely domestic investments are dependent, in varying degrees, on the given country’s economy. The economies of different coun-
Effect of Photoperiod on Gonadal Maintenance and Development in the Marsh Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris)

Reproductive responsiveness to photoperiod was examined in adult and prepubertal rice rats. In Experiment 1, adult males on 16L:8D and 14L:10D maintained testicular size, while exposure to 12L:12D and 10L:14D resulted in testicular regression, followed by spontaneous testicular recrudescence. Adult females (Experiment 2) on long photoperiods had larger uterine and ovarian weights at most times examined and maintained vaginal patency compared to females on short photoperiods. Reproductive development of male rice rats (Experiment 3) was stimulated on 16L:8D and 14L:10D with rapid testicular development occurring by 12 weeks of age, while in males reared on 12L:12D and 10L:14D reproductive development proceeded slowly and was completed at approximately 26 weeks of age. Females on 16L:8D and 14L:10D experienced rapid uterine development compared to those on 12L:12D and 10L:14D. Ovarian weights on 14L:10D were significantly greater than ovarian weights on 12L:12D. Finally, vaginal patency was attained more rapidly on 16L:8D than on 14L:10D and was markedly inhibited on 12L:12D and 10L:14D. These data show that reproduction in adult male and female rice rats is regulated, at least in part, by photoperiod and that reproductive development in juveniles is also under photoperiodic control.
Editorial comment: ABJS Carl T. Brighton Workshop on Implant Wear and Tribocorrosion of Total Joint Replacements.

The Carl T. Brighton Workshop on Implant Wear and Tribocorrosion of Total Joint Replacements was held on November 21 to 23, 2013 in Tampa, FL USA under the auspices of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons® and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®. Overall, the workshop provided cause for optimism that the current challenges in total joint replacement will be surmounted by ongoing research, innovation and continued outcome studies and national registry data. Total joint replacement has demonstrated great success in relieving pain and improving function for many millions of patients. However, open questions and challenges remain in terms of defining appropriate patient selection and surgical technique, as well as in identifying the best bearing surfaces and implant designs, especially for younger more active patients. The workshop assembled an expert group of clinicians, biologists, bioengineers, and material scientists, and tasked the participants with formulating answers to a number of key questions on implant wear and tribocorrosion. These questions were introduced by one or two experts with overview lectures, which were then followed by an open discussion. Finally, formal written answers to the questions were finalized in breakout sessions in which the appropriate expert group (Clinical, Biological, Biomechanical/Materials Science) vetted and revised a manuscript draft written by the lecturers. These were presented in a final session during which expert groups further refined their answers, highlighted deficiencies in our knowledge base, and provided suggestions for future research. While most participants were seasoned laboratory and clinician scientists, the workshop also invited three young investigators whose attendance was supported by the Hip and Knee Societies, and they participated in every element of the process. This special issue of CORR® summarizes the main findings from this workshop. Subjects highlighted include longer-term studies on the use of crosslinked polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) and metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings, focusing on both successes and new problems encountered. Indeed, much of the workshop centered on issues related to surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of MoM bearings and implants with multiple modular junctions. Other bearing couples and implant designs were also discussed in detail. For example, the use of crosslinked polyethylene has substantially decreased the incidence of wear and periprosthetic osteolysis, but some imperfectly placed implants with thin polyethylene have fractured. Hard-on-hard bearings such as MoM and CoC must be aligned with great precision, or wear will be accelerated, with potentially serious adverse consequences. We are grateful to the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons® for sponsoring this Carl T. Brighton Workshop on Implant Wear and Tribocorrosion of Total Joint Replacements, and we are proud to share the manuscripts it produced in CORR®.
Approximations of stand water use versus evapotranspiration from three mangrove forests in southwest Florida, USA.

Abstract Leaves from mangrove forests are often considered efficient in the use of water during photosynthesis, but less is known about whole-tree and stand-level water use strategies. Are mangrove forests as conservative in water use as experimental studies on seedlings imply? Here, we apply a simple model to estimate stand water use (S), determine the contribution of S to evapotranspiration (ET), and approximate the distribution of S versus ET over annual cycles for three mangrove forests in southwest Florida, USA. The value of S ranged from 350 to 511 mm year−1 for two mangrove forests in Rookery Bay to 872 mm year−1 for a mangrove forest along the Shark River in Everglades National Park. This represents 34–49% of ET for Rookery Bay mangroves, a rather conservative rate of S, and 63–66% of ET for the Shark River mangroves, a less conservative rate of S. However, variability in estimates of S in mangroves is high enough to require additional study on the spatial changes related to forest structural shifts, different tidal regimes, and variable site-specific salinity concentrations in multiple mangrove forests before a true account of water use conservation strategies can be understood at the landscape scale. Evidence does suggest that large, well-developed mangrove forests have the potential to contribute considerably to the ET balance; however, regionally most mangrove forests are much smaller in stature in Florida and likely contribute less to regional water losses through stand-level transpiration.
Impacts of Brazil's Madeira River Dams: Unlearned lessons for hydroelectric development in Amazonia

The Santo Antonio and Jirau dams, under construction on the Madeira River, will have significant impacts, including flooding in Bolivia due to the Jirau reservoir's backwater stretch. The reservoirs eliminate natural ecosystems, and the dams block fish migration affecting both biodiversity and commercial production, especially of the giant catfish of the Madeira River that are important resources in Bolivia and Peru as well as Brazil. Changes in flooding regimes in downstream varzea (floodplain) lakes will also affect fisheries. Mercury methylation and greenhouse-gas emissions are additional problems. The reservoirs form part of a planned series of waterways that, if completed, would open large areas in Bolivian Amazonia to soybeans, thus stimulating deforestation. The dams have significant social impacts, including displacing riverside population and eliminating livelihoods from fishing. Despite the technical staff responsible for environmental licensing having submitted a formal opinion considering these concerns to be exceedingly serious and insufficiently studied to authorize dam construction, political appointees approved the licenses. The Madeira Dams offer important lessons for environmental control in Brazil and in many other countries facing similar challenges.
Stability of sodium and potassium complexes of valinomycin

Abstract Stability constants of sodium and potassium complexes of valinomycin in some alcohols and water—organic solvent mixtures have been determined by titration, using circular dichroism to monitor complex formation. Constants range from 10 1 to 10 6 M −1 . Stability of the potassium and sodium complexes increases with decreasing dielectric constant, but the ratio of the constants remains about 10 3 –10 4 . As others have shown, a similar selectivity for K + is observed in a number of other types of measurements involving valinomycin. These include the permeability and conductance ratios which characterize the selectivity of cation transport through membranes and the ratio of salt extraction equilibrium constants. On the basis of data presented here, and elsewhere, it is suggested that conformational constraints within the depsipeptide part of the complexes aid ion selectivity and that differences in cation solvation and carbonyl ligand binding energies make an important, roughly equal, contribution.
Comparative sedimentology of shelf carbonates of the middle ordovician St. Paul group, central appalachians

Abstract Observations of present-day environments are commonly used to aid in the interpretation of ancient sedimentary sequences. This approach is used to determine the paleoclimate and depositional processes operating during formation of the limestones and dolostones of the lower Middle Ordovician St. Paul Group (Row Park and New Market Formations) of Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, a 200 m thick carbonate platform deposit. Within the group, six facies defined by suites of sedimentary structures, faunal assemblages, and early diagenetic features are arranged in a large-scale regressive-transgressive sequence. These consist of: Facies I—lower burrowed, peloidal facies; Facies II—burrowed, skeletal facies; Facies III—lower laminated, peloidal facies; Facies IV—stromatolitic, peloidal facies; Facies V—upper laminated, peloidal facies; and Facies VI—upper burrowed, peloidal facies. A comparison of the St. Paul Group deposits with those of the modern peritidal carbonate environments of Shark Bay, Western Australia, the Abu Dhabi and Trucial Coast areas of the Persian Gulf, and Andros Island and the Great Bahama Bank reveals (1) an overall similarity in features between the St. Paul Group and the sediments of Andros Island and the Great Bahama Bank and (2) a dissimilarity between those two deposits and the sediments of Shark Bay, Western Australia and shoreline areas of the Persian Gulf. For example, the supratidal zones of the latter two typically contain evaporite minerals (e.g., gypsum and anhydrite) whereas the supratidal deposits of Andros Island and the St. Paul Group are freshwater algal marsh and lake sediments. The subtidal deposits of Shark Bay and the Persian Gulf generally are mechanically layered skeletal sand; the subtidal deposits of the Great Bahama Bank and the St. Paul Group are bioturbated peloidal micrites. The St. Paul Group and the Great Bahama Bank deposits are similar on a facies scale down to fine details observed microscopically. Bahamian modern analogs of the facies of the St. Paul Group are: for Facies I—shallow restricted bank and subtidal pond environments; for Facies II—a “normal” marine subtidal environment similar to the shoals which rim parts of the Great Bahama Bank; for Facies III and V—tidal channel, levee, pond, and marsh subenvironments of the channeled-belt environment (Hardie and Garrett, 1977); for Facies IV—levee, marsh, and freshwater-lake subenvironments of the interior of Andros Island; and for the Facies VI—a semirestricted subtidal-bank environment. Based on the features of the St. Paul Group, and by analogy with modern deposits, the St. Paul Group was deposited in a “low-energy”, rainy environment where deposition was controlled by storm processes. Many facies display penecontemporaneous marine cements and dissolution features.
Identified Particle Spectra and Jet Interactions with the Medium

Through a combination of detector upgrades and advancements in analysis techniques, physicist at RHIC are extending their ability to identify particles at high p T . With these new capabilities some outstanding questions are being addressed: particularly regarding baryon production. Here I present an overview of new data on identified particle elliptic flow ( v 2 ) , identified particle p T spectra and identified hadron-hadron correlations. The observed phenomena provide insights into hard parton interactions with the bulk matter created in heavy-ion collisions and the relevant degrees-of-freedom during its early stages.
Spectral/hp Methods for Viscous Compressible Flows on Unstructured 2D Meshes

In this paper we describe the foundation of a spectral/hp method suitable for simulating viscous compressible flows with shocks on standard unstructured meshes. It is based on a discontinuous Galerkin formulation for the hyperbolic contributions combined with a mixed Galerkin formulation for the diffusive contributions. High-order accuracy is achieved by using a recently developed hierarchical spectral basis. This basis is formed by combining Jacobi polynomials of high-order weights written in a new coordinate system that retains a tensor product property and accurate numerical quadrature. The formulation is conservative, and monotonicity is enforced by high-order limiters and by appropriately lowering the basis order around discontinuities. Convergence results are shown for benchmark solutions of the advection, Euler, and Navier?Stokes equations that demonstrate exponential convergence of the new method. Flow simulations for subsonic and supersonic flows are also presented that demonstrate discretization flexibility usingh?ptype refinement. Unlike other high-order methods the new method uses standard finite volume meshes consisting of arbitrary triangulizations.
Coronas and iridescence in mountain wave clouds.

We use Fraunhofer diffraction theory and meterological data to determine the nature of cloud-particle distributions and the mean particle sizes required for interpreting photographs of coronas and iridescence in mountain wave clouds. Traditional descriptions of coronas and iridescence usually explain these optical phenomena as diffraction by droplets of liquid water. Our analysis shows that the photographed displays have mean particle sizes from 7.6 to 24.3 μm, with over half the cases requiring diffraction by small (∼20 μm) quasispherical ice particles rather than liquid water droplets. Previous documentation of coronas produced by ice particles are limited to observations in cirrus clouds that appear to be composed of small ice crystals, whereas our observations suggest that coronas and iridescence quite often can be created by tiny quasispherical ice particles that might be unique to mountain wave clouds. Furthermore, we see that the dominant colors in mountain wave-cloud coronas are red and blue, rather than the traditionally described red and green.
Reactive lymphocytes and intussusception in childhood

The peripheral blood smears of 15 infants with idiopathic intussusception and 23 controls with acute gastroenteritis were examined. We found an increased absolute number of reactive lymphocytes in the infants with intussusception compared to the controls (0.14×109/1 +/− 0.08 and 0.07×109/l +/− 0.07, respectively). This finding could reflect the irritation and enlargement of the intestinal lymphatic system that is believed to act as the lead point in idiopathic intussusception. Another explanation could be adenovirus infection, often associated with idiopathic intussusception, which is known to provoke morphologic changes in lymphocytes. These changes in the peripheral blood smear are mainly of pathogenetic interest and do not have a significant diagnostic impact in infants presenting with the typical clinical picture. However, in a child with suspected intussusception lacking typical clinical signs, the finding of reactive lymphocytes will recommend careful supervision.
Femoral component revision using an uncemented, proximally coated, long-stem prosthesis

Abstract Sixty-nine femoral component revisions with uncemented, metaphyseal-filling, proximally coated, chrome—cobalt, long-stem, curved prostheses were retrospectively reviewed 2 to 5 years after operation. The mean age of the patients was 62 years. The mean clinical follow-up period was 3 years, and the mean radiographic follow-up period was 2.8 years. Sixty-two hips underwent revision secondary to aseptic loosening after previous cemented total hip arthroplasty. Average preoperative Harris hip score was 51 points, which improved to 82 points. Complications included an intraoperative fracture in 45.9%. Repeat revision or component removal had been necessary in 6 patients (8.7%). An additional 14 patients (20%) had pain and radiographic evidence of subsidence. Overall 5-year survivorship free of moderate pain or revision was 82% for the entire group, but was 58% for the fracture subgroup at 4 years.
Melting in Two Dimensions is First Order: An Isothermal-Isobaric Monte Carlo Study

Isothermal-isobaric Monte Carlo computer experiments on melting in a two-dimensional Lennard-Jones system indicate that the transition is first order, in contrast to the two-stage, second-order melting behavior suggested as a possibility by Halperin and Nelson.
Surface properties and hysteresis of dipalmitoyllecithin in relation to the alveolar lining layer.

Abstract 1. 1. Investigations using surface pressure and surface potential measurements and observations of changes in the film state were undertaken to account for the factors which determine the surface properties and hysteresis of l -α-dipalmitoyllecithin films which have been reported to resemble lung extract films and to be mainly responsible for the capacity of the alveolar lining to maintain lung stability. 2. 2. When a film of l -α-dipalmitoyllecithin is compressed intermittently to an area short of film collapse, hysteresis increases with the extent of film compression and it is associated with parallel changes in surface pressure and surface potential and is reproducible in successive cycles. Lecithin films are in the liquid state below surface pressure of 35 dynes/cm, in the gel state between 35 and 40 dynes/cm and in the solid state above 40 dynes/cm. 3. 3. When compression is continued beyond film collapse (about 44 dynes/cm) surface pressure rises sharply unaccompanied by a parallel increase in surface potential. Here hysteresis results from film solidification and loss of material from the surface and probable entrance of saline solution into gaps in the film during expansion. 4. 4. Initially highly compressed lecithin films formed by adding large quantities to the surface exhibit an earlier onset of film solidification, and of displacement of material from the surface during compression, and therefore, a greater degree of hysteresis, than initially fully expanded films. 5. 5. If the alveolar lining layer responds to compression and expansion during respiration as a l -α-dipalmitoyllecithin film responds in a film balance, then it is stable during expiration only when surface tension is above 32−28 dynes/cm. Below this surface tension level, the lining layer would collapse and the material displaced would have to return to the alveolar surface or be replenished during inspiration to maintain a healthy alveolar lining layer. The studies reported herein indicate that lecithin displaced from the surface during compression is not restored during expansion.
Polyneuropathy After Mechanical Ventilation

To the Editor. —The article by Dr Leijten and colleagues 1 merits comment. The authors studied 50 patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days and reported a high incidence of what they define as critical illness polyneuropathy. However, it is likely that a subset of the patients they reported actually had acute quadriplegic myopathy, which is an increasingly recognized disorder that produces prolonged neuromuscular weakness in the intensive care unit and may be confused with critical illness polyneuropathy. Some of the reported patients received prolonged neuromuscular blockade (vecuronium up to 21 days) and a small number received prednisolone. Both drugs are linked with acute quadriplegic myopathy. 2 In two of nine postmortem studies, the authors report that myopathy was present that had not been detected by electromyography (EMG). One of the features of acute quadriplegic myopathy that has made it difficult to distinguish from neuropathy is the low
Chemical synthesis and biological activity of 3-deoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 an analog of 1α,25-(OH)2-D3, the active form of vitamin D3

The chemical synthesis of 3-deoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 from cholesterol is described. This steroid is a highly important analog of the hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; it is the only analog presently available for structure-function studies which lacks the 3β-hydroxyl but retains the key 1α-hydroxyl of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The new steroid is highly biologically active; it stimulated intestinal calcium absorption significantly more rapidly than vitamin D3 and as rapidly as 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
A high yield synthesis of C‐14‐ring‐labeled and C‐14‐methyl‐labeled N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosoaniline

A synthetic procedure for C-14-labeled N-methyl-N-nitrosoaniline is presented. Separate labeling of the methyl and phenyl side chains was achieved by using C-14-labeled methyl iodide and aniline, respectively. The overall yield of the four reactions was 62% and the final products were stable as stored and chemically and radiochemically pure.
Non-visual estimation of near space: a ratio scale.

Si~mmary.-A scale was constructed by the method of ratio production with a fractionation ratio of .5. 16 Ss were given 72 trials each on an apparatus designed to measure non-visual estimation of arm position in space. 18 stimulus angles each were presented to the right and left arms in both horizontal and vertical planes of body orientation. A scale of subjective non-visual space in kines was developed and a power function with an exponent of one fitted to the data. A second study was conducted to delimit the possibility of time estimation as a factor in the non-visual estimation of near space. 24 Ss were administered 36 trials for each of two methods of presentation of stimulus angles in a horizontal plane. For Method 1, the angle war given by moving S's extended arm along the perimeter of the apparatus. Method 2 involved moving the arm from flexion to extension to two different positions, thus describing an angle. Results showed the two response distributions to be similar, and it was concluded from both studies that there is a linear relationship between size of angle and fractionation mean judgments of the angle. The relationship becween the physical world of objects and events and the subjective impressions of these has long been a central concern of psychology. In particular, the scaling of such relationships has received a great deal of attention. Stevens and Galenter (1957) cite the development of scales for about 20 percepn~al continua. Ratio scaling methods, which attempt to assign numbers to subjective magnitudes in such a way rhat the numbers preserve information about ratios, have been developed and used successfully in scaling such psychological phenomena as loudness, brightness, weight, pitch, pain, and numerosity (Stevens, 1957). The form of such relationships as originally stated in the Weber-Fechner Law has been disputed by Stevens (1957) who has proposed a power law in replacement. The non-visoal perception of space by kinesthesis, or the perception of movement and joint position, has received limited atrention. In some of the very earliest work, Goldscheider (1898) found that Ss could detect in a single joint at the shoulder an angular movement as small as .2'. Bartley (1958) reports that in blind positioning movements there is a tendency to overestimate small spaces, that positioning movements are more accurate away from the body than toward it, that the smallest relative error and variability occur for distances within the range of 4 to 15 in., and chat accuracy is better below the shoulder than above or at shoulder level. In using blind positioning movements, Cohen (1958) found that Ss could duplicate a position of their extended arm to a mean accuracy of 3.3 cm. Along the same line, Cleghorn and Dorcus ( 1952 ) reported that the proximal joints are more sensitive to positioning than the distal ones.
Frictional response of bovine articular cartilage under creep loading following proteoglycan digestion with chondroitinase ABC.

The specific aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chondroitinase ABC treatment on the frictional response of bovine articular cartilage against glass, under creep loading. The hypothesis is that chondroitinase ABC treatment increases the friction coefficient of bovine articular cartilage under creep. Articular cartilage samples (n=12) harvested from two bovine knee joints (1–3 months-old) were divided into a control group (intact specimens) and a treated group (chondroitinase ABC digestion), and tested in unconfined compression with simultaneous continuous sliding (±4 mm at 1 mm/s) under a constant applied stress of 0.5 MPa, for 2,500 s. The time-dependent response of the friction coefficient was measured. With increasing duration of loading, treated samples exhibited a significantly higher friction coefficient than control samples as assessed by the equilibrium value (treated: μeq = 0.19 ± 0.02; control: μeq = 0.12 ± 0.03; p=0.002), though the coefficient achieved immediately upon loading did not increase significantly (treated: μmin = 0.0053 ± 0.0025; control: μmin = 0.037 ± 0.0013; p=0.19). Our results demonstrate that removal of the cartilage glycosaminoglycans using chondroitinase ABC significantly increases the overall time-dependent friction coefficient of articular cartilage. These findings strengthen the motivation for developing chondroprotective strategies by increasing cartilage chondroitin sulfate content in osteoarthritic joints.
Radiometric calibration stability and inter-calibration of solar-band instruments in orbit using the moon

With the increased emphasis on monitoring the Earth's climate from space, more stringent calibration requirements are being placed on the data products from remote sensing satellite instruments. Among these are stability over decade-length time scales and consistency across sensors and platforms. For radiometer instruments in the solar reflectance wavelength range (visible to shortwave infrared), maintaining calibration on orbit is difficult due to the lack of absolute radiometric standards suitable for fight use. The Moon presents a luminous source that can be viewed by all instruments in Earth orbit. Considered as a solar diffuser, the lunar surface is exceedingly stable. The chief diffculty with using the Moon is the strong variations in the Moon's brightness with illumination and viewing geometry. This mandates the use of a photometric model to compare lunar observations, either over time by the same instrument or between instruments. The U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Arizona, under NASA sponsorship, has developed a model for the lunar spectral irradiance that explicitly accounts for the effects of phase, the lunar librations, and the lunar surface reflectance properties. The model predicts variations in the Moon's brightness with precision ~1% over a continuous phase range from eclipse to the quarter lunar phases. Given a time series of Moon observations taken by an instrument, the geometric prediction capability of the lunar irradiance model enables sensor calibration stability with sub-percent per year precision. Cross-calibration of instruments with similar passbands can be achieved with precision comparable to the model precision. Although the Moon observations used for intercomparison can be widely separated in phase angle and/or time, SeaWiFS and MODIS have acquired lunar views closely spaced in time. These data provide an example to assess inter-calibration biases between these two instruments.
Candidate anti-Aβ fluorene compounds selected from analogs of amyloid imaging agents

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by depositions of β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates as amyloid in the brain. To facilitate diagnosis of AD by radioligand imaging, several highly specific small-molecule amyloid ligands have been developed. Because amyloid ligands display excellent pharmacokinetics properties and brain bioavailability, and because we have previously shown that some amyloid ligands bind the highly neurotoxic Aβ oligomers (AβO) with high affinities, they may also be valuable candidates for anti-Aβ therapies. Here we identified two fluorene compounds from libraries of amyloid ligands, initially based on their ability to block cell death secondary to intracellular AβO. We found that the lead fluorenes were able to reduce the amyloid burden including the levels of AβO in cultured neurons and in 5xFAD mice. To explain these in vitro and in vivo effects, we found that the lead fluorenes bind and destabilize AβO as shown by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy studies, and block the harmful AβO-synapse interaction. These fluorenes and future derivatives, therefore, have a potential use in AD therapy and research.
Psoriasis treatment in the United States at the end of the 20th century.

Background Psoriasis presents many management complexities. A cornerstone of therapy has been topical corticosteroids, although over the past 10 years there have been many additions to the medication armamentarium. Furthermore, various combination regimens and approaches have been advocated. Objective We sought to characterize various patterns of psoriasis health care delivery and the changes associated with these patterns from 1990 to 2001. Methods Visits for psoriasis were identified using National Ambulatory Medical Care survey data, a representative survey of visits to physician offices in the United States. We determined basic demographic characteristics, specialty of the physician provider and medications listed at these visits over the 1990–2001 interval. Results There were more than 13.5 million visits for psoriasis during the 12-year study period. Dermatologists were responsible for the majority of the visits over the study interval (82%) although there was an overall decline in the proportion of psoriasis visits to dermatologists. As a category, the most common medications used for psoriasis were topical steroids. Topical calcipotriene was the single-most listed medication. There was no observed use of noncorticosteroid topical agents at visits to nondermatologists. Non-dermatologists were as likely as dermatologists to list a systemic medication at a visit as well as use a systemic as monotherapy. Discussion In conclusion, the primary topical therapies for psoriasis remain clobetasol and calcipotriene. The decreasing role of dermatologists in the treatment of psoriasis is probably a complex issue, but may relate in part to the difficulty of obtaining access to dermatology care.
Assessing the Prognostic Implications of Myocardial Perfusion Studies: Identification of Patients at Risk vs Patients who May Benefit from Intervention?

Stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has a well-established role in improving risk stratification. Recent analyses, compared with older data, suggest that the yield of stress MPI has decreased. In part, this trend relates to testing patients with heterogeneous, but improved, risk factor modification. In this setting, positron emission tomography with myocardial flow reserve enhances risk stratification as it reflects the end result of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have also emphasized the clinical impact of incremental risk stratification by assessing net reclassification improvement (NRI). Previous retrospective studies have favored an ischemic threshold to select patients that benefit from revascularization, but this finding has not been corroborated in randomized trials. However, no large randomized trial has directly tested a strategy of revascularization for patients with at least a moderate amount of ischemia at risk. Unfortunately, even when faced with a significantly abnormal MPI result, subsequent action is too often absent.
Microscopic analysis of macroscopic transport properties of single natural fractures using graph theory algorithms

Given an aperture distribution for a single fracture, a graph theory model has been employed to simulate the transport properties of the fracture. In the processes of imbibition and drainage, the connectivity of each phase at a particular capillary pressure can be sought out by the priority-first search algorithm of graph theory. Then, the flow path in each phase can be identified, and flow equations can be established and solved in an optimal manner. It was observed that in a simulated rough fracture, a few flow “channels” can dominate the permeability of the whole system.
A member of the frizzled protein family mediating axis induction by Wnt- 5A

In Xenopus laevis embryos, the Wingless/Wnt-1 subclass of Wnt molecules induces axis duplication, whereas the Wnt-5A subclass does not. This difference could be explained by distinct signal transduction pathways or by a lack of one or more Wnt-5A receptors during axis formation. Wnt-5A induced axis duplication and an ectopic Spemann organizer in the presence of hFz5, a member of the Frizzled family of seven-transmembrane receptors. Wnt-5A/hFz5 signaling was antagonized by glycogen synthase kinase-3 and by the amino-terminal ectodomain of hFz5. These results identify hFz5 as a receptor for Wnt-5A.
Aristotle's doctrine of the mean: Implications for rhetorical style

(1970). Aristotle's doctrine of the mean: Implications for rhetorical style. Western Speech: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 115-121.
Evaluating the efficacy of a new flossing aid

The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of a new flossing aid (Flosser) with finger flossing on preventing plaque and gingival inflammation. 35 adults who did not use dental floss routinely were assigned randomly to one of 2 treatment groups (Flosser or finger flossing) in a 2-period, single-blind crossover study. After prophylaxis, subjects were instructed to use the flossing aid or finger floss 1 x per day and to continue brushing for 30 days. Gingival inflammation (GI & BPI) and plaque (PI) were assessed prior to the prophylaxis and at 30 days. After a 30 day "washout" period, subjects were again reassessed for gingival inflammation and plaque, given a prophylaxis, assigned the opposite treatment (2nd treatment period) that they received the first treatment period, and assessed (GI, BPI & PI) after 30 days. Comparing the mean difference of the 30-day buccal interproximal scores between the treatment groups (flossing aid scores minus finger flossing scores) showed that the mean differences with 95% CI were: -0.013 +/- 0.067 [GI], -0.017 +/- 0.044 [BP] and 0.019 +/- 0.014 [PI]. No statistically significant differences from zero (0.05 alpha) were observed using the t-test. There was a high level of compliance (90%) with the prescribed regiment, and subjects preferred (56%) the flossing aid slightly over finger flossing. Even though there were no statistically or clinically significant differences in gingivitis and plaque scores between the 2 flossing groups, the positive inclination for the flossing aid makes it a desirable addition to the armamentarium of preventive dentistry.
Catheter Ablation of Accessory Pathways

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a highly effective, curative treatment for arrhythmias related to accessory atrioventricular connections. Compared with medical therapy, ablation is more definitive, is more cost-effective, and is associated with a lower risk of proarrhythmia. This article updates the reader on the current indications, techniques, and innovations related to ablation of accessory pathways using radiofrequency energy.
Adolescents with Severe Disabilities: Family, School, and Community Integration.

Results of a study focusing on family, school, and community integration are provided herein. The study was comprised of 151 parents of adolescents with severe disabilities who completed written measures and responded to interview questions about their children and families. Results indicated that the adolescents primarily participated in family and home activities, with less frequent participation in school and community functions. Families were concerned with planning for future vocational and independent living experiences for their adolescent children, although more than half of the parents reported that obtaining a job and living outside the home in the future would be unlikely. The results of regression analyses indicated that both child characteristics and family variables play a predominant role in predicting an adolescent's level of integration in home and community, with only child characteristics predicting school integration.
Structural basis for the spectroscopy and photophysics of solution-aggregated conjugated polymers

Abstract We present fluorescence spectra, quantum yields and structural data from 1 H NMR studies on solutions of a di-alkoxy substituted pentamer of p -phenylenevinylene (5PV) and the corresponding polymer poly-( p -phenylenevinylene) (PPV). We vary the solvent quality continuously using miscible good and poor solvents to study the effects of polymer aggregation as is relevant to properties of films and of the concentrated solutions from which films are formed. We observe a large drop in quantum yield with reduced solvent quality that we attribute to formation of interchain excitations with negligible luminescence when the polymer aggregates. Concomitant with the drop in fluorescence, we observe a red shift in the spectra. The NMR data suggest the red shift is due to an increase in the steric hindrance of the backbone motion that leads to an increase in effective conjugation length. In each material, our data can be described as a linear combination of only two species with distinct spectroscopy and quantum yield, an isolated and aggregated form of the polymer. Studies of the properties of mixtures of the pentamer and polymer demonstrate conclusively that these species mix and that the spectroscopic changes are due to aggregation and not conformational changes of single chains. They also provide insight into recent results from electroluminescent devices based on analogous conjugated polymer blends.
THE DEMAND FOR EXCESS RESERVES, LIABILITY MANAGEMENT, AND THE MONEY SUPPLY PROCESS

Commercial bank behavior is not adequately dealt with in existing macro models of the financial sector. The central role of a demand for excess reserves (or free reserves) function in models of the money supply process is particularly suspect. In this paper, it is argued that changes in commercial bank behavior induced by alterations in economic and financial conditions and various banking regulations, along with the central bank's approach to policy, have combined to alter the excess reserve function and the relationship between bank reserves and the money supply. Empirical work presented suggests that the “demand” for excess reserves has indeed undergone structural change. Thus, the study indicates that conventional approaches to commercial bank behavior and the demand for excess reserves need to be reworked.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: CT manifestations in 50 cases

Malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and usually fatal neoplasm that is associated with asbestos exposure, is being encountered with increasing frequency. Pretreatment CT findings from 50 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma are illustrated. Pleural thickening was found in 46 (92%) of the 50 patients, thickening of the pleural surfaces of the interlobar fissures in 43 (86%), pleural calcifications in 10 (20%), and pleural effusions in 37 (74%). The volume of the involved hemithorax varied appreciably. Contractions of the involved hemithorax was noted in 21 (42%) of 50 patients and contralateral mediastinal shift in seven (14%). Disease beyond the parietal pleura was found in the chest wall (nine patients), mediastinum, lymph nodes, and diaphragm.
Quantitative Comparison of Microtexture in Near-Alpha Titanium Measured by Ultrasonic Scattering and Electron Backscatter Diffraction

Ultrasonic backscattering and attenuation data were collected and processed using recently developed theoretical models to estimate the directionally dependent, volume-averaged size, and morphology of microtextured regions (MTRs) in a near-α Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V bar. The sample was also interrogated with electron backscatter diffraction from which MTR sizes were obtained by either manual segmentation and linear intercept analysis or fitting the spatial autocorrelation of similarly oriented c-axes to the geometrical autocorrelation function used in the scattering model. The results of the ultrasonic inversion were in good agreement with the EBSD measurements for the radial direction but were off by a factor of ~2.45 for the longitudinal direction. Reasons for the discrepancy were discussed and strategies to improve the agreement were made.
Prevention and reversal by cocaine esterase of cocaine-induced cardiovascular effects in rats.

Abstract The present study is the first to utilize bacterial cocaine esterase (CocE) to increase elimination of a lethal dose of cocaine and evaluate its cardioprotective effects. Rats received one of 5 treatments: CocE 1 min after saline; CocE 1 min after a lethal i.p. dose of cocaine; saline 1 min after a lethal i.p. dose of cocaine; CocE immediately after observing a cocaine-induced convulsion; and CocE 1 min after observing a cocaine-induced convulsion. Measures were taken of ECG, blood pressure, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). The specificity of CocE against cocaine was determined by evaluating its actions against the cocaine analogue, WIN-35,065-2, which lacks an ester attack point for CocE. In addition, CocE's effects were compared with those of midazolam, a benzodiazepine often used to manage cocaine overdose. Whereas CocE alone had negligible cardiovascular effects, it blocked or reversed cocaine-induced QRS complex widening, increased QTc interval, ST elevation, bradycardia, and hypertension. When administered 1 min after cocaine, CocE inhibited myocardial damage; however, administered 1 min after a cocaine-induced convulsion (approximately 40 s before cocaine-induced death), CocE did not block cTnI release, but did restore cardiac function. Midazolam blocked convulsions, but exhibited inadequate protection against cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity. The majority of rats given cocaine plus midazolam died. CocE did not prevent the lethal cardiovascular effects of WIN-35,065-2. In all likelihood, CocE rapidly and specifically reduced the body burden of cocaine and inhibited or reversed the cardiovascular consequences of high-dose cocaine. These results support CocE as a potential therapeutic avenue in cocaine overdose.
The fundamental aspects and applications of Agilent HPLC‐Chip

It has been over 3 years since the first publication of the polymer microfluidic HPLC-Chip technology and more than 1 year since this technology became commercially available. Here, we summarize the design principle and fabrication processes of the Agilent HPLC-Chip and review the applications published so far.
Effect of dietary fibers on the enzymatic digestion of casein

Abstract Pectin (P), guar gum (G) and wheat bran (WB) all caused small reductions (≤15%) in the digestion of casein by trypsin and chymotrypsin. Lignin (L) and cocoa fiber caused reductions of more than 30% for both enzymes. Lower shaker speeds during digestion further reduced activity of chymotrypsin for P and G but had no effect for WB and L. Casein digestion, as measured by a multi-enzyme assay, was reduced by 5–10% when each fiber was used at a level of 1%; cocoa fiber and lignin had the most effect. The results support the concept that dietary fibers contribute to lower protein utilization in animals by decreasing intestinal proteolysis.
There is not any specific brain area for writing: From cave-paintings to computers

In this paper it is pointed out that human brain adaptation was accomplished to survive in certain living conditions that existed long before classical civilizations did. It is argued that there is no brain area specialized for writing, but rather that writing relies on some basic abilities that existed long before writing was invented. Pre‐writing was initially a visuoconstructive and ideomotor ability, and only later did it become the language‐related ability of writing. It is also emphasized that most of the neuropsychological syndromes, including agraphia, were described during the late 19th and early 20th century, but living conditions have changed dramatically during the last 100 years. Writing no longer means only using pencil and paper, but using computer word processing programs. Writing using paper and pencil does not require the same cognitive, motor, and spatial tasks as those required when using a computer keyboard. Although the conceptual knowledge of written language can be the same, the mo...
The Effect of Online Homework Due Dates on College Student Achievement in Elementary Algebra

This quasi-experimental study examined the use of online homework in a college elementary algebra course to determine if homework due dates made a difference in students’ mathematics achievement as measured by unit tests and an end of course final exam. The extent to which homework was completed and possible gender differences in performance were also investigated. Participants in this study were students (n = 58) enrolled in three sections of the course during fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. The control group consisted of students who had all unit homework due the night before the unit test, and the study group had homework due throughout the unit testing period. Results of a two-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in test grades between the two groups and an unpaired t-test showed no significant differences in final exam grades. Additionally, gender appeared to have no significant effect on academic performance either.