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Nonwoven fibrous mats of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends were successfully prepared through the electrospinning technique using a mixed solvent system of isopropyl alcohol and water. The influence of TPS on the morphology and structure of the fibrous mats was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The addition of TPS to EVOH resulted in beaded electrospun fibers. The SEM images revealed decreasing average width of the blend fibers and increasing quantity of beads with an increased TPS content. EVOH/TPS fibers mats irradiated under ultraviolet light using sodium benzoate as a photosensitizer were also prepared. The size and number of beads were diminished in the photocrosslinked EVOH/TPS fiber mats. The as-spun and crosslinked EVOH/TPS fiber mats exhibit a superior fluid uptake ability (with 20 wt% of TPS) and superior barrier properties (with 20 and 40 wt% of TPS) in comparison to those observed in neat electrospun EVOH mats. These properties are of particular interest for use in dressing materials for the medical industry and for use in multilayer plastic fuel tanks for the automotive industry, respectively., INTRODUCTION Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers are a family of semicrystalline random copolymers that are easy to process and present both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics due to the presence of alcohol [...]

Current therapies for medulloblastoma, a highly malignant childhood brain tumour, impose debilitating effects on the developing child, and highlight the need for molecularly targeted treatments with reduced toxicity. Previous studies have been unable to identify the full spectrum of driver genes and molecular processes that operate in medulloblastoma subgroups. Here we analyse the somatic landscape across 491 sequenced medulloblastoma samples and the molecular heterogeneity among 1,256 epigenetically analysed cases, and identify subgroup-specific driver alterations that include previously undiscovered actionable targets. Driver mutations were confidently assigned to most patients belonging to Group 3 and Group 4 medulloblastoma subgroups, greatly enhancing previous knowledge. New molecular subtypes were differentially enriched for specific driver events, including hotspot in-frame insertions that target KBTBD4 and enhancer hijacking events that activate PRDM6. Thus, the application of integrative genomics to an extensive cohort of clinical samples derived from a single childhood cancer entity revealed a series of cancer genes and biologically relevant subtype diversity that represent attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with medulloblastoma., Author(s): Paul A. Northcott [1, 2]; Ivo Buchhalter [3, 4, 5]; A. Sorana Morrissy [6]; Volker Hovestadt [7]; Joachim Weischenfeldt [8]; Tobias Ehrenberger [9]; Susanne Grbner [1, 10]; Maia Segura-Wang [...]

Purpose The glycocalyx is a glycoprotein-polysaccaride layer covering the endothelium luminal surface, and plays a key regulatory role in several endothelial functions. Lung ischemia reperfusion (IR) is a clinical entity that occurs in everyday thoracic surgery and causes glycocalix destruction and a florid local and systemic immune response. Moreover, sevoflurane is able to modulate the inflammatory response triggered by IR lung injury. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of sevoflurane on the pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx in an in-vivo lung autotransplant model in pigs. Methods Sixteen Large White pigs underwent pneumonectomy plus lung autotransplant. They were divided into two groups depending on the hypnotic agent received (propofol or anesthetic preconditioning with sevoflurane). Glycocalyx components (syndecan-1 and heparan sulphate), cathepsin B, chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-1, and MIP-2) and adhesion molecules (VCAM and ICAM-1) were measured at four different timepoints using porcine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results There were no differences between groups in weight or in surgical and one-lung ventilation time. Greater glycocalyx destruction and higher chemokine and adhesion molecule expression were observed in the group that did not receive sevoflurane. Heparan sulphate and serum syndecan levels were higher in the propofol group (P < 0.0001) after reperfusion, as was cathepsin B activity (P < 0.015). MCP-1, MIP-1, MIP-2, VCAM, and ICAM-1 levels were also higher in the propofol group (P < 0.006). Conclusion Sevoflurane preconditioning protects pulmonary glycocalyx and reduces expression of leukocyte chemokines in an in-vivo model of pulmonary IR., Author(s): Javier Casanova[sup.1] , Carlos Simon[sup.2] , Elena Vara[sup.3] , Guillermo Sanchez[sup.1] , Lisa Rancan[sup.3] , Selma Abubakra[sup.1] , Alberto Calvo[sup.3] , Francisco Jose Gonzalez[sup.1] , Ignacio Garutti[sup.1] Author Affiliations: [...]

Background: There is limited evidence for a moderating role of both serotonin transporter (SERT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes on the risk for major depression (MD) developing after childhood maltreatment. However, research on this topic remains inconclusive, and there is a lack of data from longitudinal studies with large and representative population samples. Our study aimed to clarify whether, in the presence of previous childhood maltreatment, individuals carrying low functional alleles for both SERT 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms had a higher risk for MD. Methods: We explored 2- and 3-way gene (SERT and BDNF) x environment (childhood maltreatment) interactions in a large sample of Spanish adults who were followed up over a 3-year period and assessed in person for both DSM-IV MD and exposure to childhood maltreatment. Results: Our study included 2679 participants. Those with both the 5-HTTLPR s allele and the BDNF Met allele showed the highest risk of MD if they had previously experienced emotional (z = 2.08, p = 0.037), sexual (z = 2.19, p = 0.029) or any kind of childhood abuse (z = 2.37, p = 0.018). These 3-way interactions remained significant regardless of whether the 5-HTTLPR triallelic or the 5-HTTLPR biallelic polymorphisms were included in the analyses. Limitations: Retrospective assessment of childhood maltreatment may have resulted in a moderate degree of recall bias. Conclusion: Our results confirm that the risk of depression conferred by childhood maltreatment is modified by variation at both SERT and BDNF genes., Introduction Experiences of maltreatment during childhood are associated with mental health disorders, possibly as a consequence of the moderating effect of specific genes on the risk conferred by such early [...]

The Market and the Masses in Latin America: Policy Reform and Consumption in Liberalizing Economies. By Andy Baker. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Pp. xvii + 331. $90.00 cloth. [...]

To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.3982/ECTA8061 Byline: Francisco M. Gonzalez (*), Shouyong Shi (**) Keywords: Learning; wages; unemployment; directed search; monotone comparative statics Abstract: We examine the labor market effects of incomplete information about the workers' own job-finding process. Search outcomes convey valuable information, and learning from search generates endogenous heterogeneity in workers' beliefs about their job-finding probability. We characterize this process and analyze its interactions with job creation and wage determination. Our theory sheds new light on how unemployment can affect workers' labor market outcomes and wage determination, providing a rational explanation for discouragement as the consequence of negative search outcomes. In particular, longer unemployment durations are likely to be followed by lower reemployment wages because a worker's beliefs about his job-finding process deteriorate with unemployment duration. Moreover, our analysis provides a set of useful results on dynamic programming with optimal learning. Author Affiliation: (*)Dept. of Economics, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4;francisco.gonzalez@ucalgary.ca (**)Dept. of Economics, University of Toronto, 150 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3G7;shouyong@chass.utoronto.ca Article History: Manuscript received August, 2008; final revision received December, 2009.

"Given the rising tide of violence and the mounting evidence of drug-related corruption at all levels of government, it is probably fair to say that, so far, the cartels have managed to take the lead in a psychological war against the Mexican state."

The probability of failure of steel jacket platforms subjected to fatigue damage is computed by means of Monte Carlo simulations using limit state functions in which wave, wind, and deck loadings are expressed in terms of empirical functions of uncertain maximum wave height. Limit state functions associated with the base shear capacity of the jacket and the shear capacity of the deck legs were used. The sensitivity of the probability of failure to the coefficient of variation of resistance, of wave height, of resistance and loading biases, and to parameters in empirical loading functions, as well as the influence of the reserve strength ratio is analyzed using a simplified limit state function. Results from simulations are compared to those obtained with a formulation that relates the reserve strength ratio to the reliability index. An application to risk based inspection planning for extension of the service life of a platform is given. Keywords: structural reliability, jacket platform, fatigue damage, Monte Carlo simulation, pushover analysis, limit state functions, risk based inspection

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2008.04.008 Byline: Francisco M. Gonzalez (a), Hugh M. Neary (b) Keywords: Second best; Optimal taxation; Growth; Insecure property; Conflict; Diversion Abstract: Social conflict and slow growth are features of many developing economies. This paper considers the role institutions of property rights and conflict management can play in both achieving prosperity and mitigating conflict in these economies. We study how introducing conflict over economic distribution into an otherwise standard model of growth can shape optimal (second-best) taxation policy when diversionary activities cannot be taxed. In this context, we find that the maximization of economic efficiency may call for a reduction in growth in order to mitigate the problem of diversion, even though the economy's growth is inefficiently slow in the absence of taxation. This is so when institutional quality is sufficiently poor, but not otherwise. The paper warns against the conventional justification of growth-promoting policies on efficiency grounds independently of institutions. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Economics, University of Calgary, Canada (b) Department of Economics, University of British Columbia, Canada Article History: Received 19 April 2007; Revised 29 February 2008; Accepted 7 April 2008 Article Note: (footnote) [star] A preliminary version of this paper was circulated under the title 'Optimal Growth Policy Under Privately Enforced Property Rights'. We thank Herschel Grossman, Dilip Mookerjee, Debraj Ray, Scott Taylor and conference participants at the 2004 SED meetings and the 2004 NEUDC meetings and the 2006 WZB Conference on Contests in Economics and Biology for helpful comments. The first author would like to acknowledge financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

To assess the hypothesis that gap junctions (GJs) participate on leukocyte-endothelium interactions in the inflammatory response, we compared leukocyte adhesion and transmigration elicited by cytokine stimulation in the presence or absence of GJ blockers in the hamster cheek pouch and also in the cremaster muscle of wild-type (WT) and endothelium-specific connexin 43 (Cx43) null mice ([Cx43e.sup.-/-]). In the cheek pouch, topical tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] (TNF-[alpha]; 150 ng/ml, 15 min) caused a sustained increment in the number of leukocytes adhered to venular endothelium (LAV) and located at perivenular regions (LPV). Superfusion with the GJ blockers 18-[alpha]-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA; 75 [micro]M) or 18-[beta]-glycyrrhetinic acid (50 [micro]M) abolished the TNF-[alpha]-induced increase in LAV and LPV; carbenoxolone (75 [micro]M) or oleamide (100 [micro]M) reduced LAV by 50 and 75%, respectively, and LPV to a lesser extent. None of these GJ blockers modified venular diameter, blood flow, or leukocyte rolling. In contrast, glycyrrhizin (75 [micro]M), a non-GJ blocker analog of AGA, was devoid of effect. Interestingly, when AGA was removed 90 min after TNF-[alpha] stimulation, LAV started to rise at a similar rate as in control. Conversely, application of AGA 90 rain after TNF-[alpha] reduced the number of previously adhered cells. In WT mice, intrascrotal injection of TNF-[alpha] (0.5 [micro]g/0.3 ml) increased LAV (fourfold) and LPV (threefold) compared with saline-injected controls. In contrast to the observations in WT animals, TNF-[alpha] stimulation did not increase LAV or LPV in [Cx43e.sup.-/-] mice. These results demonstrate an important role for GJ communication in leukocyte adhesion and transmigration during acute inflammation in vivo and further suggest that endothelial Cx43 is key in these processes. inflammation; tumor necrosis factor-[alpha]; endothelial-connexin 43 knockout mice; gap junction blockers

Three types of maize starch with different amounts of amylose and amylopectin were used to prepare plasticized starch/clay nanocomposite films by casting. Studies by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the intercalation/exfoliation of the plasticized starch molecules took place into the clay galleries for the three types of starch. However, the plasticized waxy starch molecules were the easiest of them all to be intercalated/exfoliated, which was reflected in the highest increment of the stress at peak of these nanocomposites. Moreover, the lowest water uptake was showed by the plasticized high-amylose starch/clay nanocomposites. It was concluded that varying contents of amylose and amylopectin influenced the formation of intercalated/exfoliated clay structures and also affected the interactions Of Clay with water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:1261-1267, 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers, INTRODUCTION Biodegradable polymers have become important materials tailored to new environmentally friendly products, especially in the packaging industry (1-3). Starch plays an important role in these polymers mainly because of [...]

The phenomenon of electrification is the accumulation of electric charge in a material. Polymers may become electrified when subjected to intense friction during their processing or under working conditions and the accumulated electric charge may change their adhesion and friction properties. In this work, a study of the influence of molecular weight and chain mobility on the electrification of linear low-density polyethylenes under continuous extrusion is presented. The use of different die materials, polymer processing additives, as well as slip and no slip flow conditions allowed the identification of two different mechanisms for electric charge generation in the melts; namely, the stripping of an electrical double layer acting in the absence of slip, and dynamic frictional electrification, or tribocharging acting under strong slip conditions. The magnitude of the electric charge was found to increase with polymer molecular weight and die length, and exhibited a local maximum as a function of the average velocity of the melt in both cases. The height of the maximum increased along with the molecular mobility. The experimental results were compared with the numerical solution of the equation of continuity for charge transport and it is shown that it does not describe the experimental results because it does not consider the additional mechanism of charge generation introduced by strong slip at the die wall. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:386-394, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers, INTRODUCTION The phenomenon of electrification is the accumulation of electric charge in a material. The electric charge on a polymeric surface is usually removed by the air with the help [...]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jet.2005.07.011 Byline: Francisco M. Gonzalez Abstract: This paper shows how the interaction between conflict and growth can give rise to a nonmonotone relationship between property rights and social welfare. This interaction is illustrated in a model of endogenous growth in which equilibrium diversion of resources is the cost of securing effective property rights. A symmetric equilibrium allocation associated with more secure property rights and faster growth can be Pareto dominated by one associated with poorer property rights and slower growth. Faster growth can exacerbate the problem of diversion whenever property rights are sufficiently poor. These results call for caution before a society decides to pursue economic growth independently of the institutional structure of property rights. Furthermore, if this structure is inappropriate piecemeal reform might not be in the interest of society, and a substantial reform might be necessary if it is to be welfare-improving. Author Affiliation: Department of Economics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4 Article History: Received 21 August 2003; Revised 15 July 2005

A considerable number of nonlinear industrial loads employ three-phase inductive filters to reduce their peak currents and mitigate the conduction of harmonic currents into the supply system. In modeling and analysis of this kind of filter, the fact that--for reasons of economy--they consist of a single block where the three electrical phases share the same magnetic core instead of having three single-phase reactors is often overlooked. Since the three windings are coiled in the same plane, the central magnetic limb of the core has a lower magnetic reluctance than do the lateral limbs. Moreover, this undesired effect is increased by the existence of internal magnetic couplings. The above phenomenon, which might, at first sight, be considered negligible, will become noticeable in real electrical facilities because of the particular operating conditions of three-phase inductive filters. The aim of this paper is, thus, to present a new model for three-limb core three-phase inductive filters that includes all the above parasitic effects and to describe its practical application in order to assess the magnitude of the errors produced by traditional models when estimating real filter behavior. Index Terms--Filter modeling, inductive filter, pulsewidth modulation (PWM) adjustable speed drives (ASDs), structural asymmetry, voltage unbalance.

The statistical analysis of the management of family-owned businesses in Denmark, to determine the impact of family characteristics on firm performance and the trends of succession planning in family-owned businesses, is presented.

A study of fertilization in dung beetle Onthophagus reveals that greater fertilization success was achieved by males with shorter sperm. This supports the theory that sperm competition favors evolution of large numbers of tiny sperm.

According to Heidegger's own testimony, his 1940 essay, 'Plato's Doctrine of Truth' is derived from a course he first delivered in 1931/32. Yet, while an interpretation of the Theaetetus is central to the argument in 1931/32, this dialogue is not so much as mentioned in the 1940 essay. The reason is that Heidegger's own careful and insightful reading of the Theaetetus simply does not support his thesis regarding Plato's 'doctrine of truth.' But then the real interest of this reading is that it affords the opportunity for pursuing a genuine dialogue between Heidegger and Plato that was too abruptly discontinued

This paper highlights the procedure followed in order to establish an effective on-line and off line water wash program on a fleet of 36 small industrial turbines. To determine the efficacy of water washing, a program of tests under controlled conditions was organized. With proper condition monitoring techniques, a set of tests were developed in order to identify the proper water wash frequency and the dissolving agent used to water wash. The goal of the water wash program is to maximize turbine power, and efficiency, while minimizing maintenance labor, and material. The gas turbine compressor isentropic efficiency, the overall heat rate, and the overall thermal efficiency were used to compare the tests and evaluate the performance of different water wash frequencies and solvents. 8760 points defined each test as the data were taken over a 1 yr time period, at a 1 h interval. [DOI: 10.1115/1.2181180]

The topological structure and basic approaches for parameter estimation for a new hybrid transformer model are presented in Part I of this two-paper set. Part II deals with the model benchmarking and also discusses additional methods for parameter estimation based on laboratory measurements. The simulation results confirm the validity of the model for the low- and medium-frequency range. Index Terms--Duality, Electromagentic Transients Program (EMTP), transformer models, transient simulations.

A new topologically correct hybrid transformer model is developed for low and midfrequency transient simulations. Power transformers have a conceptually simple design, but behaviors can be very complex. The selection of the most suitable representation for a given behavior depends on the type of transformer to be simulated, the frequency range, and other factors, such as the internal design of the transformer and available parameters or design data. Here, a modular model suitable for frequencies up to 3-5 kHz is developed, utilizing a duality-based lumped-parameter saturable core, matrix descriptions of leakage and capacitive effects, and frequency-dependent coil resistance. Implementation and testing of this model was done for 15-kVA 208[DELTA]-120Y 3-legged and 150-kVA 12,470Y-208Y 5-legged transformers. The basis and development of the model is presented, along with a discussion of necessary parameters and the approaches for obtaining them. Index Terms--Duality, Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP), transformer models, transient simulations.

Chief executive officer successions are analyzed to determine if kin-related successions are less effective than unrelated ones. Using this data, nepotism is shown to have undesirable effects on corporate settings compared with non-relative successions.

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the dimensions underlying the instructional media preferences of learners and their relationships with their learning styles and motivational strategies. The sample is composed of 182 students in their first year of teaching college at the University of Valencia. The learning style was evaluated by the Inventory of Learning Processes and the motivational orientation by the Motivated Strategies Learning Questionnaire, while the instructional media preferences were evaluated on a scale specifically designed for this study. The results highlighted the unsuitability of classifications based on the physical and technological components of the media, pointing out the need to consider the cognitive and semiotic aspects of sign processes (code-related aspects) and the intentionality of the sign processes (sociological aspects). On the other hand, results indicate a relationship between elaborative processing and visual-active and technological-autonomous media, and the existence of differential profiles between the media preferences and the motivational orientations of the learners. Key words: Instructional media preferences, learning styles, motivational orientation, One of the essential questions in all instructional design is to decide on the most appropriate media to facilitate student learning. Numerous studies have been developed in our country during [...]

She's stretched out on her back on the bed and I know she's having a lousy day. She has the complexion of a fresh apple. Sometimes I keep this to [...]

Decimal reduction time (time to inactivate 90% of the population) (D) values of Bacillus anthracis spores in milk ranged from 3.4 to 16.7 h at 72 degree Celsius and from 1.6 to 3.3 s at 112 degree Celsius. The calculated increase of temperature needed to reduce the D value by 90% varied from 8.7 to 11.0 degree Celsius, and the Arrhenius activation energies ranged from 227.4 to 291.3 kJ/mol.

Several designs for Fresnel zone plate lenses (FZPLs) to be used in conjunction with antenna-coupled infrared detectors have been fabricated and tested. The designs comprise square and circular FZPLs with different numbers of Fresnel zones working in transmissive or reflective modes designed to focus infrared energy on a square-spiral antenna connected to a microbolometer. A 163x maximum increase in response was obtained from a 15-zone circular FZPL in the transmissive mode. Sensor measurements of normalized detectivity D* resulted in a 2.67x increase with FZPLs compared with measurements made of square-spiral antennas without FZPLs. The experimental results are discussed and compared with values obtained from theoretical calculations. OCIS codes: 040.3060, 230.3990.

Modern high-energy physics and astrophysics strip detectors have increased channel density to levels at which their connection with readout electronics has become very complex due to high pad pitch. Also, direct wire bonding is prevented by the fact that typically detector's pad pitch and electronics' pad pitch do not match. A high-pitch metal-on-glass technology is presented, that allows pad pitch adaptation between detectors and readout electronics. It consists of high-density metal lines on top of an insulating glass substrate. A photoresist layer is deposited covering the metal tracks for passivation and protection The technology is tested for conductivity, bondability, bonding pull force, peel off, and radiation hardness, and it is an established technology in the clean room of the CNM Institute in Barcelona. This technology has been chosen by the ATLAS Collaboration for the pad pitch adapters (PPA) of the SCT Endcap Modules, by a Compton camera project, and by other HEP groups for interconnection between detectors and readout electronics. Index Terms--Hybrid integrated circuit bonding, Hybrid integrated circuit interconnections, integrated circuit bonding, integrated circuit metallization, interconnections, microstrip, radiation detectors, thin film circuit fabrication.

The influence of informational spillovers on the entrepreneur's incentive to undertake reversible investment opportunities is considered. It is shown how investment activity can be driven by the influence that the prospect of social learning has on the option value of investment. In this context, episodes of high investment activity result from a speculative motive, and the expected short-run profitability of new investment opportunities may inadequately reflect the entrepreneurs' incentive to invest.

The research looks at how random investment decisions can affect analysis of aggregate investments.

The authors play a Stackelberg game with government auctions and private agents bidding. Accepting the government announcements as fact results in better outcomes for both the private sector and the government, in contrast to earlier economic research.

Heidegger's critique of Plato's dialectic is discussed. Topics include Heidegger's critique of dialectic in the 1920s, the phenomenological background of Heidegger's critique of Plato's dialectic, the inconsistency and untenableness of Heidegger's critique, and Heidegger's unfulfilled wish of 'reading Plato anew.'

Background: Psychiatric case registers have been acknowledged as a valuable source of data, a long time ago. However, a growing interest exists in data on service utilization by patients belonging to groups with a related diagnosis to enable adequate planning of health resources. Aims: The aims of the Andalusian Case Register for Schizophrenia are to determine the prevalence of schizophrenia of those cared for by the public network of mental health services and to describe their pattern of care. Methods: Cases included on the Register are those persons resident in South Granada area with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related disorders. The agencies which sent the information to the Register are all the mental health facilities in the catchment area. Conclusions: The Register is a flexible instrument to use for epidemiological research and mental health care planning.

The relationship between dialectic and hermeneutics in the phenomenology of Martin Heidegger is discussed. Topics include Heidegger's critique of dialectic in the 1919/20 course 'Grundprobleme der Phanomenologie,' his later dissociation of phenomenology from dialectic, and the non-dialogical nature of Heidegger's hermeneutics.

Research has been conducted on the tetradeca-antennated C-6-branched mannopyranosyl and glucopyrannosyl cyclomalto-heptaose derivatives. The inclusion behavior and concanavalin A binding properties of these derivatives have been investigated via the isothermal titration microcalorimetry and enzyme-linked lectin assay and the results are presented.

A new study provides an incomplete projection algorithm for application in image recovery.

Synthesis of homogeneous hepta-antennated C-6 branched sialosyl cyclomaltoheptose derivatives were performed in good yields and the compounds were fully characterized. The preparation of such multivalent sialosidea with potential biorecognizable properties contributes to expand the existing array of such glycoforms.

The author objects to what he regards as an unnecessarily personal attack provoked by his review of Nehamas's book on philosophers. The author maintains he did not approach Socrates with self-confidence and dogmatism and that he continues to believe the best life is the examined life.

Research demonstrates a selective monoalkylation of the smaller rim of the calixarenes to derive monoalkynyl- and monoallylcalix[n]arene(n = 4,6), which can be used for preparing bis-calix[4]-arenes by oxidative coupling of alkynes and intermolecular methathesis.