cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring Psychological Insulin Resistance Barriers to Insulin Use

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes that contribute to psychological insulin resistance (PIR) in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes and to identify predictors of PIR. Methods A prospective study using 2 self-report surveys and incorporating demographic and health variables was conducted to determine the prevalence of PIR among a sample of 100 adult, insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes at an outpatient diabetes center in a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Results Thirty-three percent of patients with type 2 diabetes were unwilling to take insulin. The most commonly expressed negative attitudes were concern regarding hypoglycemia, permanent need for insulin therapy, less flexibility, and feelings of failure. Less than 40% expressed fear of self-injection or thought that injections were painful. However, compared with willing subjects, unwilling subjects were more likely to fear injections and thought injections would be painful, life would be less flexible, and taking insulin meant health would deteriorate (P <.005 for all comparisons). Poorer general health and higher depression scores also correlated with PIR. Conclusions The results of the surveys, which were generally consistent, identified several remediable misconceptions regarding insulin therapy and suggest targets for educational interventions.
Subgrouping conduct disorder by psychiatric family history.

The family history of psychiatric disorders, and clinical arid demographic characteristics of boys with pervasive aggressive conduct disorder (PACD) were compared to (hose of boys with situations! aggressive conduct disorder and controls. Boys with PACD came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, had an earlier age of onset, and higher rates of hyperactivity and inattention than boys in the other two groups. Their mothers abused drugs more often than those of boys in the other two groups, while their fathers had more frequent antisocial behavior. Alcohol abuse was more prevalent among fathers of both conduct disorder groups, compared to the fathers of controls.
A new Senecio (Compositae) from California

Senecio ganderi is described as new from San Diego County, California. It is referable to theAurei species-group and is distinguished by its orange-yellow corollas, cordate to subcordate basal leaves, and its restriction to chaparral and recently burned areas.
From molecular imaging to systems diagnostics: Time for another paradigm shift?

The term "Molecular Imaging" has hit the consciousness of radiologists only in the past decade although many of the concepts that molecular imaging encompasses has been practiced in biomedical imaging, especially in nuclear medicine, for many decades. Many new imaging techniques have allowed us to interrogate biologic events at the cellular and molecular level in vivo in four dimensions but the challenge now is to translate these techniques into clinical practice in a way that will enable us to revolutionize healthcare delivery. The purpose of this article is to introduce the term "Systems Diagnostics" and examine how radiologists can become translators of disparate sources of information into medical decisions and therapeutic actions.
Effect of phorbol esters and diacylglycerols on calcium transport by human platelet membranes

The effects of phorbol esters and diacylglycerols on Ca2+ transport in isolated human platelet membranes were determined. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated Ca2+-ATPase activity in crude and purified internal platelet membranes approximately 2-fold with half-maximal stimulation occurring at 10 nM. Dilauroylglycerol also stimulated Ca2+-ATPase activity half-maximally at a concentration of 7.5 μM, but dioctanoylglycerol was without effect at up to 30 μM. PMA also inhibited Ca2+ uptake when added before or after commencement of ATP-dependent transport. PMA (25 nM) doubled the rate of Ca2+ efflux from passively loaded membranes in the absence of ATP. No protein kinase C activity was detected in crude or purified membranes by histone phosphorylation or endogenous protein phosphorylation assays. These results suggest that PMA and dilauroylglycerol stimulate Ca2+-ATPase activity and inhibit ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport by increasing the permeability of the membranes to Ca2+.
Pediatric cardiovascular intensive care: Myocardial perfusion

Abstract The heart in a person at rest has a high oxygen consumption that must be met by a high blood flow; during exercise or stress, oxygen consumption rises and flow must increase in proportion to avoid myocardial ischemia. At normal perfusing pressures, basal left ventricular flows can increase about 4-fold with maximal vasodilatation, that is, there is a large coronary flow reserve. This reserve can be reduced if basal flow is increased, for example, by tachycardia, anemia, catecholamines, hypoxemia and abnormal hemoglobins. It can also be decreased if maximal flow is reduced by disease of large or small coronary arteries, tachycardia, hypertrophy, or polycythemia. With abolition of coronary flow reserve, myocardial ischemia occurs. These changes occur predominantly in the subendocardium, and are usually patchy unless there is acute near total prolonged ischemia. Other causes of reduced subendocardial perfusion are a raised ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increased contractility. The immature heart may be at a particular disadvantage in terms of coronary reserve because of its high basal coronary flows.
Mechanical properties of porous-matrix ceramic composites

The use of porous matrices to enable damage tolerance in ceramic composites has emerged as a new paradigm in high performance materials. This paradigm obviates the need for fiber coatings for the purpose of crack deflection, thereby providing opportunities for lower cost manufacturing relative to that of conventional coated-fiber systems. Furthermore, upon selection of all-oxide constituents, the prospect for meeting the long-term durability requirements of high-temperature components for future gas turbine engine technologies becomes realizable. This article reviews the mechanical properties of this class of all-oxide composite, The properties of interest include the in-plane strength and notch-sensitivity subject to both fiber- and matrix-dominated loadings, and interlaminar strength. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the porous matrix in each of these properties. Finally, the issue of the stability of the matrix microstructure following prolonged exposure at elevated temperature is addressed and its role in maintaining desirable mechanical properties is demonstrated.
Formation and Reaction of Coniferyl Alcohol During Alkaline Pulping

Abstract The formation and subsequent disappearance of coniferyl alcohol during kraft and soda-AQ (anthraquinone) pulping of western hemlock wood meal have been studied under isothermal condition. At 140°C, the amount of coniferyl alcohol generated increases to a sharp maximum (0.4% of total lignin in kraft and 1.9% in soda-AQ pulping) and then declines rapidly to low values. It was found that the disappearance of coniferyl alcohol was mainly due to condensation with other components of dissolved lignin. Nearly identical activation energies, 125 kJ mole−1 for kraft and 128 kJ mole−1 for soda-AQ pulping, were derived from the initial rates of coniferyl alcohol formation, conforming closely with the value 121 kJ mole−1 for the cleavage of phenolic β-ether model compounds in the kraft process.
Research into rare diseases of childhood.

The acceleration of clinical trials studying rare diseases over the past 3 decades has occurred largely because of the Orphan Drug Act, which was enacted in 1983 as a result of patient advocacy groups working with congressional sponsors.1 This act facilitated the development and commercialization of products (drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic agents) to treat populations with rare diseases, defined as those affecting fewer than 200 000 US residents, or those without reasonable expectation that drug development costs will be recoverable by US sales. The act has resulted in more than 3900 orphan product designation requests to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the approval of more than 450 products to treat approximately 250 rare disorders, of which approximately one-quarter in the past decade have been for pediatric diseases.2,3
Ab initio studies of H chemisorption on C(100) surface

Ab initio CI theory is used to study the chemisorption of hydrogen on the C(100) surface. A three-layer cluster which consists of 19 carbon atoms and 30 hydrogen saturators is used to simulate the major features of surface reconstruction. The chemisorption of H atoms changes the surface reconstruction, shifting the dimer length from 1.51 A in an H-free surface to 1.68 and 1.70 A for a dimer bonded with one and two H atoms, respectively. The C-H bond energy is calculated to be 3.87 eV for the chemisorption of the first H atom and 4.14 eV for the chemisorption of the second H atom, including the corrections of zero-point vibrational energies. The C-C dimer bond energy in the monohydride phase is computed to be 1.21 eV. In forming the dihydride phase, the chemisorption of additional H atoms destroys surface dimers and changes the reconstructed 2 × 1 surface to a structure for which the interactions between surface CH2 groups are repulsive.
Mineralogy and petrology of Al-rich objects and amoeboid olivine aggregates in the CH carbonaceous chondrite North West Africa 739

Abstract The aluminum-rich (>10 wt% Al2O3) objects in the CH carbonaceous chondrite North West Africa (NWA) 739 include Ca,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs), Al-rich chondrules, and isolated mineral grains (spinel, plagioclase, glass). Based on the major mineralogy, 54 refractory inclusions found in about 1 cm2 polished section of NWA 739 can be divided into hibonite-rich (16%), grossite-rich (26%), melilite-rich (28%), spinel-pyroxene-rich (16%) CAIs, and amoeboid olivine aggregates, (AOA's, 17%). Most CAIs are rounded, 25–185 μm (average=70 μm) in apparent diameter, contain abundant, tiny perovskite grains, and typically surrounded by a single- or double-layered rim composed of melilite and/or Al-diopside; occasionally, layers of spinel+hibonite and forsterite are observed. The AOAs are irregularly shaped, 100–250 μm (average=175 μm) in size, and consist of forsterite, Fe,Ni-metal, and CAIs composed of Al-diopside, anorthite, and minor spinel. One AOA contains compact, rounded melilite-spinel-perovskite CAIs and low-Ca pyroxene replacing forsterite. The Al-rich (>10 wt% bulk Al2O3) chondrules are divided into Al-diopside-rich and plagioclase-rich. The Al-diopside-rich chondrules, 50–310 μm (average=165 μm) in apparent diameter, consist of Al-diopside, skeletal forsterite, spinel, ±Al-rich low-Ca pyroxene, and ±mesostasis. The plagioclase-rich chondrules, 120–455 μm (average=285 μm) in apparent diameter, are composed of low-Ca and high-Ca pyroxenes, forsterite, anorthitic plagioclase, Fe,Ni-metal nodules, and mesostasis. The isolated spinel occurs as coarse, 50–125 μm in size, subhedral grains, which are probably the fragments of Al-diopside chondrules. The isolated plagioclase grains are too coarse (60–120 μm) to have been produced by disintegration of chondrules or CAIs; they range in composition from nearly pure anorthite to nearly pure albite; their origin is unclear. The Al-rich objects show no evidence for Fe-alkali metasomatic or aqueous alteration; the only exception is an Al-rich chondrule fragment with anorthite replaced by nepheline. They are texturally and mineralogically similar to those in other CH chondrites studied (Acfer 182, ALH85085, PAT91467, NWA 770), but are distinct from the Al-rich objects in other chondrite groups (CM, CO, CR, CV). The CH CAIs are dominated by very refractory minerals, such as hibonite, grossite, perovskite and gehlenitic melilite, and appear to have experienced very low degrees of high-temperature alteration reactions. These include replacement of grossite by melilite, of melilite by anorthite, diopside, and spinel, and of forsterite by low-Ca pyroxene. Only a few CAIs show evidence for melting and multilayered Wark-Lovering rims. These observations may suggest that CH CAIs experienced rather simple formation history and escaped extensive recycling. In order to preserve the high-temperature mineral assemblages, they must have been efficiently isolated from the hot nebular region, like some chondrules and the zoned Fe,Ni-metal grains in CH chondrites.
Benzyloxybenzylammonium chlorides: Simple amine salts that display anticonvulsant activity

Abstract Several antiepileptic drugs exert their activities by inhibiting Na+ currents. Recent studies demonstrated that compounds containing a biaryl-linked motif (Ar-X-Ar′) modulate Na+ currents. We, and others, have reported that compounds with an embedded benzyloxyphenyl unit (ArOCH2Ar′, OCH2 = X) exhibit potent anticonvulsant activities. Here, we show that benzyloxybenzylammonium chlorides (+H3NCH2C6H4OCH2Ar′ Cl−) displayed notable activities in animal seizure models. Electrophysiological studies of 4-(2′-trifluoromethoxybenzyloxy)benzylammonium chloride (9) using embryonic cortical neurons demonstrated that 9 promoted both fast and slow inactivation of Na+ channels. These findings suggest that the potent anticonvulsant activities of the earlier compounds were due, in part, to the benzyloxyphenyl motif and provide support for the use of the biaryl-linked pharmacophore in future drug design efforts.
An Unholy Alliance: Rethinking Collaboration Involving Student Affairs and Faith-Based Student Organizations

This essay, based on an ethnographic study of a collegiate evangelical student organization residing on a public university, explores the estrangement involving this organization and the larger university. The author explores the optimal relationship between evangelical student organizations and public universities. The essay concludes with recommendations centering on ways to rethink student affairs and faith-based student organizations’ alliances.
A filtered simulated annealing strategy for discrete optimization of 3D steel frameworks

A new strategy is presented for discrete optimization problems. This strategy is called the “filtered simulated annealing strategy”. It includes a filter size which may be adjusted by the user. A coarse filter size results in an unfiltered simulated annealing strategy which is quite robust in obtaining the global optimum provided enough cycles are executed. A fine filter size blocks many candidate designs which are viewed as having little potential, and produces good designs quickly. The strategy is applied to a realistic 3D steel frame test problem. Extensive results are presented and the performance of the strategy is analysed for parameter sensitivity. The performance is also compared to that of the well-known branch and bound strategy.
The insanity defense, innocent threats, and limited alternatives

(1987). The insanity defense, innocent threats, and limited alternatives. Criminal Justice Ethics: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 61-76.
A study of the mechanism of lysine-sensitive aspartokinase control by lysine

The control of a single step in a biosynthetic pathway common to several essential metabolites has been demonstrated to involve specific multiple control sites, either on different enzymes catalyzing the same reaction (1–4), or on the same enzyme resulting in a concerted or cooperative regulation by the controlling metabolites (5,6). The conversion of aspartic acid to β-aspartyl phosphate (which is essential for the biosynthesis of lysine, threonine and other metabolites) has been shown to be catalyzed by two enzymes, one sensitive to lysine and the other to threonine, in Escherichiacoli Hfr C (1). Recently, it has been shown that the lysine-sensitive aspartokinase of E.coli is subject to cooperative inhibitory effects exerted by lysine in combination with other amino acids including leucine (7). In the present investigation, it has been found that the aspartokinase of E.coli 9723 is primarily lysine-sensitive, and leucine exerts a synergistic effect in augmenting lysine control of enzyme activity. The dual sites of action of lysine and leucine do not appreciably affect the binding sites of the substrates aspartic acid and adenosine triphosphate; however, the inhibition resulting from either lysine or leucine or a combination of both is competitively reversed by either magnesium or manganese ions.
Cultivating creativity in diverse teams

Diverse groups of individuals, with their confluence of ideas and perspectives, hold great potential for creativity. But cultural differences often create problems that make it difficult for such groups to work together on a creative task. Little is understood about how to harness this creative potential. I conducted a laboratory study with 14 groups comprised of individuals from various nationalities to investigate the roles of cultural dimensions and diversity along those dimensions in the creative process and on the product. While overall diversity had a negative net effect on outcomes, I found a significant relationship between a task-orientation that embraces conflict and a positive product outcome. There were also several areas in which diversity was problematic due to diverse processes and work styles. I highlight some of the ways teams can be constructed and managed to promote good conflict and embrace diverse perspectives while limiting other issues created by diversity.
Effects of System Dynamics on Friction-Induced Oscillations

Abstract In many mechanical systems, friction is the primary source of oscillations, often leading to unstable behavior of system components. In some cases, it is the non-linear nature of the friction force that causes a non-linear response of the system. In others, however, regardless of the type of friction force, the coupling between the modes of a system can be the primary reason for its non-linear behavior. In this paper, a simple model is given to demonstrate the stability characteristics of a mass with two degrees of freedom, excited by a steady friction force. The mass is compressed against a frictional surface by a combination of linear and torsional springs, similar to a brush held against a commutator in electric motors. System equations are developed using a constant friction coefficient. Results are obtained by observing the motion of the mass in the phase space.
Localized versus generalist phenotypes in a broadly distributed tropical mammal: How is intraspecific variation distributed across disparate environments?

The extent of phenotypic differentiation in response to local environmental conditions is a key component of species adaptation and persistence. Understanding the structuring of phenotypic diversity in response to local environmental pressures can provide important insights into species evolutionary dynamics and responses to environmental change. This work examines the influence of steep environmental gradients on intraspecific phenotypic variation and tests two hypotheses about how the tropical soft grass mouse, Akodon mollis (Cricetidae, Rodentia), contends with the disparate environmental conditions encompassed by its broad distribution. Specifically, we test if the species expresses a geographically unstructured, or generalist, phenotype throughout its range or if it shows geographically localized morphological differentiation across disparate environments. Using geometric morphometric and ecomorphological analyses of skull shape variation we found that despite distinct environmental conditions, geographically structured morphological variation is limited, with the notable exception of a distinct morphological disjunction at the high-elevation forest-grassland transition in the southern portion of A. mollis distribution. Based on genetic analyses, geographic isolation alone does not explain this localized phenotype, given that similar levels of genetic differentiation were also observed among individuals inhabiting other ecosystems that are nonetheless not distinct morphologically. Instead of phenotypic specialization across environments in these tropical mountains, there was limited differentiation of skull shape and size across the broad range of A. mollis, with the exception of individuals from the puna, the highest-elevation ecosystem. The high morphological variance among individuals, together with a weak association with local environmental conditions, not only highlights the flexibility of A. mollis’ skull, but also highlights the need for further study to understand what maintains the observed morphological patterns. The work also indicates that mechanisms other than processes linked to local ecological specialization as a driver of diversification may contribute to the high diversity of this tropical region.
Native and introduced range surveys for egg parasitoids of Agrilus auroguttatus, an invasive pest of native oaks in California.

The invasive goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has caused extensive mortality to indigenous oaks in southern California. This woodborer is native to southern Arizona where low population densities may, in part, be due to the presence of co-evolved natural enemies. Surveys were conducted in Arizona and California from June to August 2013 by deploying sentinel egg masses in an attempt to attract, collect and identify potential egg parasitoids of this beetle that could be used for a classical biological control programme in California. In total, 18,052 A. auroguttatus eggs were deployed throughout the native and introduced range. Parasitoids did not attack any eggs deployed in Arizona or California. The inability to detect egg parasitoids could be explained by the following: (1) host-specific egg parasitoids of A. auroguttatus do not exist, (2) surveying time did not coincide with peak activity of egg parasitoids or (3) surveying methods were insufficient at det...
A Terrain Relative Navigation sensor enabled by multi-core processing

Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) provides accurate position estimates to spacecraft for precision planetary landing and autonomous primitive body exploration. A bolt-on instrument that provides the sensing and computing required for TRN will result in more accurate and robust position estimates and will simplify TRN validation. Multi-core processors provide the significant computational capability required for TRN, are straightforward to program and are being developed for space applications. We have implemented two versions of TRN on a multi-core processor and tested them in a laboratory setting. For primitive-body navigation we have demonstrated 4 second TRN updates with accuracies on order 1% of altitude. For a Mars landing application we have shown two second updates while taking out kilometer scale position uncertainties.
Estrogen increases the expression of uterine protein kinase C isozymes in a tissue specific manner.

Abstract The pattern of protein kinase C isozyme expression in uterine smooth muscle and ventricular cardiac muscle was examined in ovariectomized rats pretreated with estradiol-17β alone or with estradiol-17β and progesterone. Protein kinase C isozyme expression was examined in membrane and cytosolic subcellular fractions by immunoblot analysis using antisera specific for α, γ, β1, β2, δ, e, ζ, and θ isozymes. All isozymes were detectable in positive control brain extracts. The predominant isozymes in the myometrium were δ and β2 while in the ventricle, β2 and ζ were the dominant forms. In unstimulated tissues, all isozymes except PKC-δ, were predominantly found in the cytosolic compartment. Both estrogen and progesterone increased membrane-associated isozyme expression 35–125% in uterine muscle. Neither estrogen nor progesterone treatment significantly affected protein kinase C expression in cardiac muscle. These data suggest that estradiol, which increases uterine muscle hypertrophy and contractility, may exert these effects by increasing membrane-associated protein kinase C expression in a tissue-specific manner.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Active Valve Pumping for High Flow Rate Applications

A new valve-only micropump structure for gas applications is proposed consisting of electrostatically actuated checkerboard microvalves with dual cavities. The valve-only multistage peristaltic design minimizes complexity and footprint of the device, which allows operation at high frequency, better sealing and efficient operation. A previously developed reduced order model is used to design and analyze the performance of the system. In this paper the effect of the cavity height on the performance and stability of this system is explored. The fabricated micropump produced a flow rate of 140 μl/min at 1 kHz operation despite the cavity and membrane resonance being > 20 kHz. Four micropumps having cavity heights of 45, 60, 90 and 120 μm are explored in the modeling efforts using sinusoidal waveforms. It is found that an optimum cavity height exists which maximizes pump performance. Decreasing the cavity height below this value increases acoustic pressure damping, which in turn increases instability of the system.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Ordering of interstitial nitrogen in vanadium

Abstract The crystal structure of precipitates occurring in dilute solutions (0–6 at.%) of nitrogen in vanadium has been identified from electron diffraction patterns. The stoichiometry of the precipitate is approximately that of V16N, this having been established by volume fraction measurements on aged samples. The structure consists of a base-centered orthorhombic array of nitrogen atoms which enclose a 4 × 4 × 1 array of b.c.t. vanadium atom unit cells, the complete assemblage constituting the superlattice unit cell. It is shown that the nitrogen atoms occupy the octahedral interstitial sites. A type of twinning in these alloys is identified, wherein the observed twin planes are twin planes for the nitrogen sublattice but are mirror planes, hence, not twin planes, for the vanadium atom sublattice. The twin planes of the vanadium sublattice, those across which the tetragonal axis changes orientation, were not observed in any of the precipitates.
Note on Critical Points and Betti Numbers

The number of van Hove critical points in the Brillouin zone of a crystal is at least equal to one of the Betti numbers defined in topology [1]. In this paper these numbers are shown to be equal to the binomial coefficients. Die Anzahl der van Hoveschen kritischen Punkte in der Brillouinzone eines Kristalls stimmt mit einer der Bettischen Zahlen uberein, die in der Topologie definiert sind [1]. In dieser Arbeit wird gezeigt, das diese Zahlen mit den Binomialkoeffizienten ubereinstimmen.
An improved method for the purification of the nucleic acids from small amounts of Escherichia coli.

Abstract An improved method for the rapid extraction and purification of the nucleic acids from small amounts of Escherichia coli is described. The method is applicable to multiple samples of about 5 × 108 cells each, and can be completed in about 4–6 hr. Recovery is on the order of 60%, there is little detectable degradation or selective loss of RNA, and virtually all of the cellular-derived carbon in the final preparation is nucleic acid.
Contaminated Rabbit Patellar Tendon Grafts In Vivo Analysis of Disinfecting Methods

In Part 1 of our study, 40 central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts were harvested from 20 adult California White rabbits under strict sterile conditions. Ten grafts were placed directly into a thioglycolate broth, incubated, and subcultured; no growth was noted in any specimen. The next 6 grafts were contaminated 20 seconds each with 2 different species of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Organisms were grown with cultures obtained from an operating room floor during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Marked growth of both species was noted in all 6 grafts within 24 hours. A subsequent 3 series of 8 grafts each were harvested sterilely, contaminated as described above, and soaked in 1 of 3 solutions 30 minutes before culture. Both 10% povidone-iodine and a triple-antibiotic solution (gentamicin, clindamycin, polymyxin) were 100% ineffective as both organisms grew; 4% chlorhexidine gluconate effectively decontaminated 8 grafts in all cases. Part 2 involved contamination of harvested grafts with 5 common, virulent organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. Elimination of all except Klebsiella pneumoniae was successful with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate alone for 8 grafts. Using a triple-antibiotic solution after chlorhexidine gluconate in 6 grafts eliminated this organism also.
Editorial: diamond and related nanomaterials for MEMS/NEMS applications

Diamond materials offer great potential for electronic and biomedical application. Properties like very high stiffness, thermal conductivity, optical transparency range, chemical stability and erosion resistance for the diamond based materials extend their applicability for several aspects of science and technology. Nanostructures of diamond materials have extraordinary multifunctional properties such as high thermal conductivity and a Youngs modulus value close to the one for single crystal diamond. Controlled nucleation and growth of nanocrystalline diamond along with their applicability for MEMS and NEMS structures are useful of future generation sensor platforms. Researchers around the world have been putting their efforts to achieve high precision in the direction of fabricating the devices based on diamond materials. Nanomanufacturing of such devices requires the controlled design of nanoscale diamond structures. This issue covers various topics related to carbon-based nanomaterials. The first article by Hanada et al. reports deposition process of ultrananocrystalline diamond films. Authors have demonstrated application of pulse laser deposition for diamond growth. The second article (by Ohmagari et al.) in this issue is about atomic bonding configuration of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)/hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C: H) films, where authors have used near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The third article (by Teng et al.) is about structural transformation upon nitrogen doping of ultrananocrystalline diamond films. Tanaka et al. report high-resolutionmagnetic force microscopy using carbon nanotube probes in the fourth article of this issue. In the fifth article, Tung et al. report fabrication of carbon nanotubes STM tips by liquid catalyst-assisted microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. In a similar type of study, Sakamoto et al. (the sixth article) report fabrication of Pd-filled carbon nanotubes for SPM applications. In the seventh article (by Katzenmeyer et al.), the authors report Poly (hydridocarbyne) as highly processable insulating polymer precursor to micro/nanostructures and graphite conductors. In the concluding article, I. Chasiotis and K. N. Jonnalagadda report strength and fracture resistance of amorphous diamond-like carbon films for MEMS applications.
Signature of helium segregation in hydrogen-helium mixtures

The conductivity and reflectivity of mixtures of hydrogen and helium under high pressure are calculated using first-principles molecular dynamics and the Kubo-Greenwood formula. Hydrogen-helium mixtures have been predicted to undergo demixing below a certain critical temperature. The impact of phase segregation of helium on the optical properties of the mixtures is explored. The change in reflectivity upon demixing is found to vary with frequency with larger variation at higher frequency.
Mesomorphic Properties of 4-[3′,4′,5′-tri(p-n−Dodecyloxybenzyloxy)]-Benzoyloxy-4‴-p-n−Dodecyloxybenzyloxybiphenyl

Abstract The diester was resynthesized to study its reported thermotropic biaxial nematic (Nb ) phase. A slightly different synthesis route using a monoprotected biphenol was used. All intermediates, as well as the final diester, were thoroughly characterized by high resolution NMR and in some cases elemental analysis to be certain that the product isolated had the correct structure. Mesomorphic properties were determined by both hot-stage polarizing microscopy and DSC. An I−nematic-smectic C sequence was observed rather than the Nb and Nu phases reported earlier. X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of a nematic above a smectic C phase.
Separation and identification of sympathomimetic amines by gas-liquid chromatography.

A number of commonly used sympathomimetic amines have been subjected to gas chromatographic analysis on low-loaded columns. With the exception of certain isomers, most compounds can be separated on a column of silicone rubber SE-30. Many of the amines investigated react with ketones and the products produce sharp, symmetrical peaks on the gas chromatogram. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine can be separated and identified on the basis of the difference in the rate of reaction with acetone. Monohydroxyphenols show strong adsorptive effects as the free bases but can readily be gas chromatographed as the acetone derivatives. The dihydroxyphenols are converted to the triacetyl derivatives which are treated with hexamethyldisilazane prior to the gas chromatographic analysis.
LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY, EX VIVO EXCISION AND AUTOTRANSPLANTATION FOR COMPLEX RENAL TUMORS

Purpose: In many patients partial nephrectomy is the preferred alternative to radical nephrectomy for upper urinary tract cancers. We describe the use of laparoscopic nephrectomy, ex vivo excision and reconstruction, and autotransplantation to expand the realm of minimally invasive, nephron sparing surgery to the most complex renal tumors. Materials and Methods: In our cohort undergoing renal surgery 2 patients had a solitary kidney with renal tumors not considered amenable to in situ partial nephrectomy. After transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy ex vivo tumor excision and renorrhaphy were performed. The kidney was transplanted to the ipsilateral iliac vessels through the Gibson extraction incision. Results: Indications for surgery were high grade urothelial carcinoma within a caliceal diverticulum and a central 5 cm renal cell carcinoma. Mean nephrectomy, cold ischemic and transplantation times were 4.5, 2 and 3.7 hours, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Hospitalization was 12 and 6 days, respectively. At 20 and 12 months of followup each patient remained off dialysis without evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Despite experience with conventional nephron sparing surgery some cases may be more appropriate for ex vivo excision and reconstruction. In these situations the minimally invasive approach provides a kidney suitable for renal autotransplantation, while simultaneously decreasing patient morbidity. This novel approach to complex renal tumors is feasible when one applies principles of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and possesses experience with renal transplantation.
Synthesis and structure of [(η5-C5Me5)WCl2(μ-H)]2. A dinuclear tungsten hydride with a double bond formed from the reaction of BH3THF with (η5-C5Me5)WCl4

Abstract The reaction of limited quantities of BH3THF with Cp*WCl4, Cp*=η5-C5Me5, leads to the formation of [Cp*WCl2(μ-H)]2 and BH2Cl in good yield. Structural characterization by spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques reveals the presence of two Cp*WCl2 fragments in a transoid arrangement connected by a formal WW double bond (dWW=2.5150(5) A) bridged by two hydrogen atoms. Reaction of [Cp*WCl2(μ-H)]2 with additional BH3THF leads ultimately to Cp*2W2B5H9, thereby providing information on the role of [Cp*WCl2(μ-H)]2 as an intermediate in the formation of Cp*2W2B5H9 from the reaction of Cp*WCl4 with an excess of BH3THF.
Targeting the MAPK–RAS–RAF signaling pathway in cancer therapy

Introduction: The MAPK pathway comprises several key signaling components and phosphorylation events that play a role in tumorigenesis. These activated kinases transmit extracellular signals that regulate cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and migration functions. Alteration of the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK–MAPK (RAS–MAPK) pathway has been reported in human cancer as a result of abnormal activation of receptor tyrosine kinases or gain-of-function mutations mainly in the RAS or RAF genes. These pathways are considered potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Recently, several small-molecule inhibitors targeting this pathway have been developed and are currently being tested in clinical trials. Areas covered: The biological role of the RAS–MAPK pathway, the consequence of its disregulation and the development of small-molecule inhibitors. The rationale for targeting the RAS–MAPK pathway and the application and the results of various inhibitory molecules as anticancer agents in clinical ...
Thickness-dependent tunability for Ti-doped K(Ta,Nb)O3 thin films

In this study, the thickness dependence of tunability in Ti-doped K(Ta,Nb)O3 thin films is reported. The films were grown using pulsed laser deposition. Doping with Ti reduces losses via acceptor doping. Measurements of interdigitated electrode devices using K(Ta,Nb)O3 films of varying thickness was used to extract the intrinsic thickness dependence of dielectric response. An intrinsic tunability of 11% at 40 kV/cm is determined for epitaxial films on (001) MgO. The intrinsic tunability is suppressed for films less than 100 nm, suggesting the onset of size effects in the nonlinear dielectric response.
Modulation of a voltage-gated Na+ channel by sevoflurane involves multiple sites and distinct mechanisms

Halogenated inhaled general anesthetic agents modulate voltage-gated ion channels, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not understood. Many general anesthetic agents regulate voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channels, including the commonly used drug sevoflurane. Here, we investigated the putative binding sites and molecular mechanisms of sevoflurane action on the bacterial NaV channel NaChBac by using a combination of molecular dynamics simulation, electrophysiology, and kinetic analysis. Structural modeling revealed multiple sevoflurane interaction sites possibly associated with NaChBac modulation. Electrophysiologically, sevoflurane favors activation and inactivation at low concentrations (0.2 mM), and additionally accelerates current decay at high concentrations (2 mM). Explaining these observations, kinetic modeling suggests concurrent destabilization of closed states and low-affinity open channel block. We propose that the multiple effects of sevoflurane on NaChBac result from simultaneous interactions at multiple sites with distinct affinities. This multiple-site, multiple-mode hypothesis offers a framework to study the structural basis of general anesthetic action.
Exchange-correlation functional for atoms and molecules

Formally exact formulas are generated for the exchange-correlation energy of an electronic system, of X\ensuremath{\alpha} type, of Wigner-like form, and gradient-corrected versions of each. Parameters in the several alternative formulas are determined by least-squares fitting of the actual exchange-correlation energies for ten atoms, from He to Ar.
Simulation of the POLAR‐observed Geomagnetic Ion Energy Spectrometer

[1] Observations by polar-orbiting spacecraft of outward streaming ionospheric O+ ions in the polar cap magnetosphere often show decreasing field-aligned streaming energy with antisunward distance from their apparent dayside source, the Cleft Ion Fountain (CIF). In this paper we use the UT Arlington Dynamic Fluid-Kinetic (DyFK) ionospheric plasma transport model to simulate the transport of CIF generated ions along convecting magnetic flux tubes. We compare these simulations to observations by the Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiments (TIDE) on board the Polar spacecraft, for periods when the Polar orbit was aligned parallel to the noon-midnight direction. When the Polar spacecraft traversed from high altitudes on the dayside to lower altitudes on the nightside, the peak O+ streaming energy decreased from above 100 eV to below 5 eV. For the case in which the Polar satellite traveled from the nightside higher altitude to the dayside lower altitude, the O+ energy remained relatively stable, ranging between 20 eV and about 50 eV. Using the DyFK model, we simulate the ionospheric plasma transport and, in particular, the energy spectrometer effects under the geophysical circumstances of the observations, and compare the simulated and observed streaming energies. The results show that the simulated O+-streaming energy variations in the noon-midnight direction were in reasonable agreement with those of the Polar/TIDE observations, independent of whether Polar was moving sunward or antisunward, for realistic choices of geophysical parameters. The altitude and the distance to the CIF are the two primary O+ parameters influencing the O+ energy spectrometer variations, with the antisunward distance from the CIF being the principal controlling parameter.
The Probability Perturbation Method: A New Look at Bayesian Inverse Modeling

Building of models in the Earth Sciences often requires the solution of an inverse problem: some unknown model parameters need to be calibrated with actual measurements. In most cases, the set of measurements cannot completely and uniquely determine the model parameters; hence multiple models can describe the same data set. Bayesian inverse theory provides a framework for solving this problem. Bayesian methods rely on the fact that the conditional probability of the model parameters given the data (the posterior) is proportional to the likelihood of observing the data and a prior belief expressed as a prior distribution of the model parameters. In case the prior distribution is not Gaussian and the relation between data and parameters (forward model) is strongly non-linear, one has to resort to iterative samplers, often Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, for generating samples that fit the data likelihood and reflect the prior model statistics. While theoretically sound, such methods can be slow to converge, and are often impractical when the forward model is CPU demanding. In this paper, we propose a new sampling method that allows to sample from a variety of priors and condition model parameters to a variety of data types. The method does not rely on the traditional Bayesian decomposition of posterior into likelihood and prior, instead it uses so-called pre-posterior distributions, i.e. the probability of the model parameters given some subset of the data. The use of pre-posterior allows to decompose the data into so-called, “easy data” (or linear data) and “difficult data” (or nonlinear data). The method relies on fast non-iterative sequential simulation to generate model realizations. The difficult data is matched by perturbing an initial realization using a perturbation mechanism termed “probability perturbation.” The probability perturbation method moves the initial guess closer to matching the difficult data, while maintaining the prior model statistics and the conditioning to the linear data. Several examples are used to illustrate the properties of this method.
Tremors: New Fiction by Iranian American Writers

Persis Karim is by now a field-defining anthologist of Iranian-American literature in all genres, by both well-established and rising authors. She compiled the first-ever collection of works by mem...
Photoinduced multielectron charge transfer in the polymetallic intervalent complex [(NC)5Fe-CN-Pt(NH3)4-NC-Fe(CN)5]4- and related species

Abstract The complex anion, [(NC) 5 Fe II CN-Pt IV (NH 3 ) 4 -NC-Fe II (CN) 5 ] 4− , is synthesized from the redox reaction of K 3 Fe(CN) 6 and Pt(NH 3 ) 4 (NO 3 ) 2 in aqueous solution. Irradiation of the intervalent (IT) absorption band of the complex effects a net two electron transfer, regenerating the molecules from which it was formed. The IT band energy can be modulated by changing the cyanometalate species employed or through the use of a noncoordinating solvent such as DMSO. The photochemistry of the polymeric “(-Fe-Pt-) n ” cyanide-bridged complex is also discussed.
Application of chemical transforms in synchem2, a computer program for organic synthesis route discovery

Abstract In SYNCHEM2 chemical transforms are described by patterns. These patterns can be applied either in the synthetic or the retrosynthetic (analytic) direction. Previously available algorithms permitted only single applications of these transforms. The aim of this study was to develop procedures for simultaneous multiple applications of a transform in either direction. Extreme combinatorial problems were encountered in formulating a rigorous solution to the problem. Heuristic processes were developed that mitigate the combinatorial explosion of redundant applications, apparently without affecting the completeness of the solution.
On the stability of Schwarzschild's triaxial galaxy model

The numerical model for a triaxial galaxy constructed by Schwartzschild (1979) has been tested by means of fully self-consistent three-dimensional n-body numerical experiments that use a representation of this model to start the integration. The integration, study models, initial load, and correcting potential of the experiment are detailed. Preliminary checks included density values, potential values, and integration in potential of an ideal model. The results showed some particle loss and no significant shape change. The model is rugged and robust, and no growing disturbances with growth rate in excess of 0.5 per crossing time could be detected. Runs were done at 50 percent excess halo and with tube orbits reversed.
Race, class and environmental justice:

The growth of the environmental justice movement in the US surprised even the most seasoned of policy-makers by its speed and the magnitude of its impact on US national policy (Russell, 1989; Inhaber, 1990; Grossman, 1991; Goldman, 1992). Responding to intense public pressure from environmental and civil rights activists for close to a decade, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established an Environmental Equity Workgroup in 1990. The workgroup had two primary tasks:1 to evaluate the evidence that racial minority and low-income groups bore a disproportionate burden of environmental risks; and2 to identify factors that contributed to different risk burdens and to suggest strategies for improvement.
The Cryptic Filtering House of an Invertebrate Larva

Planktonic larvae of the annelid Pectinaria californiensis construct and inhabit cryptic houses through which they filter seawater to concentrate food. Although filtering houses may be unique to pectinariid larvae, other transparent and ephemeral structures are secreted by the larvae of many marine invertebrates and may be involved in the performance of a variety of critical larval functions.
Response to Dr Ghirardello

We appreciate the writer's interest and comments regarding our study. As our paper explains, our study was designed to reflect the common clinical practice of treating hypotension with judicious fluid therapy, and then pressor therapy for the non-responders.1 Many questions still exist about the criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of hypotension (that is, different blood pressure charts and different choice of pressor agents).