cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyamine Acetylation Modulates Polyamine Metabolic Flux, a Prelude to Broader Metabolic Consequences *

Abstract Recent studies suggest that overexpression of the polyamine-acetylating enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) significantly increases metabolic flux through the polyamine pathway. The concept derives from the observation that SSAT-induced acetylation of polyamines gives rise to a compensatory increase in biosynthesis and presumably to increased flow through the pathway. Despite the strength of this deduction, the existence of heightened polyamine flux has not yet been experimentally demonstrated. Here, we use the artificial polyamine precursor 4-fluoro-ornithine to measure polyamine flux by tracking fluorine unit permeation of polyamine pools in human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells. Conditional overexpression of SSAT was accompanied by a massive increase in intracellular and extracellular acetylated spermidine and by a 6-20-fold increase in biosynthetic enzyme activities. In the presence of 300 μm 4-fluoro-ornithine, SSAT overexpression led to the sequential appearance of fluorinated putrescine, spermidine, acetylated spermidine, and spermine. As fluorinated polyamines increased, endogenous polyamines decreased, so that the total polyamine pool size remained relatively constant. At 24 h, 56% of the spermine pool in the induced SSAT cells was fluorine-labeled compared with only 12% in uninduced cells. Thus, SSAT induction increased metabolic flux by ∼5-fold. Flux could be interrupted by inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis but not by inhibition of polyamine oxidation. Overall, the findings are consistent with a paradigm whereby flux is initiated by SSAT acetylation of spermine and particularly spermidine followed by a marked increase in key biosynthetic enzymes. The latter sustains the flux cycle by providing a constant supply of polyamines for subsequent acetylation by SSAT. The broader metabolic implications of this futile metabolic cycling are discussed in detail.
Phosphodiesterase 11 (PDE11): is it a player in human testicular function?

Editors Note: PDE11, the newest member of the PDE family of phosphodiesterases, has become the center of controversy. Four splice variants were recently identified, PDE11A1–4. Historical data have suggested that PDE11A3 is found in the testis while PDE11A4 is found in the prostate. The controversial issue is the inhibition of PDE11 by tadalafil. In the light of tadalafil's commercial success, its inhibition of PDE11A has been the subject of heated debate. A variety of published reports addressed this issue, suggesting that the target organ of tadalafil's inhibition, the testis, is not adversely affected. Daily tadalafil given to healthy volunteers did not alter semen analysis parameters or blood hormonal parameters, seemingly mitigating the clinical effect of the PDE11 inhibition. However, two recent papers published in this journal have added fuel to this proverbial fire. In this perspective, Sharron Francis, a noted PDE expert, and a co-author of one of the recent papers mentioned above, sheds further light on this contested topic.
Theoretical models of extrasolar giant planets

The recent discoveries of giant planets around nearby stars has galvanized the planetary science community, astronomers, and the public at large. Since direct detection is now feasible, and is suggested by the recent acquisition of G1229 B, it is crucial for the future of extrasolar planet searches that the fluxes, evolution, and physical structure of objects from Saturn's mass to 15 Juipter masses be theoretically investigated. We discuss our first attempts to explore the characteristics of extrasolar giant planets (EGPs), in aid of both NASA's and ESA's recent plans to search for such planets around nearby stars.
Decision making under uncertainty: Starr's Domain criterion

This paper examines a decision making under uncertainty criterion first introduced by Starr, which differs from the classical criteria. The rationale and properties of this criterion, called the Domain criterion, are discussed and compared with the traditional approaches of Wald, Hurwicz, Savage and Laplace. The computational complexity and usefulness of the criterion are discussed, as well as the underlying decision philosophy.
Clinical assessment of effects of botanical supplementation on cytochrome P450 phenotypes in the elderly: St John's wort, garlic oil, Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba.

Elderly patients are more likely to ingest prescription medications concurrently with botanical supplements, and may therefore be vulnerable to herb-drug interactions. Phytochemical-mediated modulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity may underlie many herb-drug interactions. Some evidence suggests that CYP activity may decrease in the elderly. If so, herb-mediated changes in CYP activity may take on greater clinical relevance in this population. In this study, single timepoint, phenotypic metabolic ratios were used to determine whether long-term supplementation of St John’s wort, garlic oil, Panax ginseng, and Ginkgo biloba affected CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4 activity in elderly subjects. Twelve healthy volunteers between the ages of 60 and 76 years (mean age 67 years) were randomly assigned to receive each botanical supplement for 28 days followed by a 30-day washout period. Probe drug cocktails of midazolam, caffeine, chlorzoxazone and debrisoquine were administered before and at the end of supplementation. Pre- and post-supplementation phenotypic ratios were determined for CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP2D6 using 1-hydroxymidazolam/midazolam serum ratios (1-hour), paraxanthine/caffeine serum ratios (6-hour), 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone/chlorzoxazone serum ratios (2-hour) and debrisoquine urinary recovery ratios (8-hour), respectively. The content of purported ‘active’ phytochemicals was determined for each supplement. Comparisons of pre- and post-St John’s wort phenotypic ratios revealed significant induction of CYP3A4 (≈140%) and CYP2E1 activity (≈28%). Garlic oil inhibited CYP2E1 activity by approximately 22%. P. ginseng inhibition of CYP2D6 was statistically significant, but the magnitude of the effect (≈7%) did not appear to be clinically relevant. None of the supplements tested in this study appeared to affect CYP1A2 activity. Elderly subjects, like their younger counterparts, are susceptible to herb-mediated changes in CYP activity, especially those involving St John’s wort. Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions stemming from alterations in CYP activity may adversely affect drug efficacy and/or toxicity. When compared with earlier studies that employed young subjects, the data suggest that some age-related changes in CYP responsivity to botanical supplementation may exist. Concomitant ingestion of botanical supplements with prescription medications, therefore, should be strongly discouraged in the elderly.
An open and shut case [computer graphics]

You press the button on your camera, the shutter opens, the film is exposed, the shutter closes, and you have a picture. If anything moved, including you, the image will show motion blur. When we create synthetic images with computer graphics, we have to account for motion blur for three reasons. First, we're used to it from physical motion pictures. Second, without motion blur a film can suffer from strobing, a psychophysical phenomenon. Third, without motion blur an object can alias in time. In a real camera, a mechanical device called the shutter controls the exposure of the film. The computer graphics literature includes many camera models, lenses, and even discussions of film and its simulation. Surprisingly, there is little discussion of simulating how a moving shutter actually exposes the film. The author finds it surprising because modeling the shutter mechanism is easy, and as shown in the article, very important to the rendered image. The following shutter types are modelled via computer graphics: instantaneous shutter; uniform shutter; focal plane shutter; interlaced shutter; leaf shutter; inverse leaf shutter; and clock shutter.
Ruptured aneurysm of the mitral valve in a Marfan-like syndrome

Abstract A patient with idiopathic dilatation of the ascending aorta and a ruptured true aneurysm of the mitral valve is presented. The histologic appearance of the valve as well as the course of clinical events suggests that the lesion of the mitral valve may be a consequence of a basic defect in connective tissue.
Silencing of endogenous IL-10 in human dendritic cells leads to the generation of an improved CTL response against human melanoma associated antigenic epitope, MART-127–35☆

Dendritic cells (DC) present antigenic epitopes to and activate T cells. They also polarize the ensuing T cell response to Th1 or Th2 type response, depending on their cytokine production profile. For example, IL-12 producing DC generate Th1 type T cell response whereas IL-10 producing DC is usually tolerogenic. Different strategies--such as the use of cytokines and anti-cytokine antibodies, dominant negative forms of protein, anti-sense RNA etc.--have been employed to influence the cytokine synthetic profile of DC as well as to make DC more immunogenic. Utilizing GFP expressing recombinant adenoviruses in association with lipid-mediated transfection of siRNA, we have silenced the endogenous IL-10 gene in DC. We show that IL-10 gene silenced DC produces more IL-12 and also generates a better cytolytic T cell response against the human melanoma associated epitope, MART-1(27-35), in vitro. We also show that the GFP expressing adenoviral vector can be used to optimize the parameters for siRNA delivery in primary cells and show that RNA interference methodology can efficiently knock down virus encoded genes transcribed at very high multiplicity of infection in DC.
Spiritual identity, stakeholder attributes, and family business workplace spirituality stakeholder salience

In this paper, we argue that the spiritual identity of members of a family business can positively or negatively impact the salience of stakeholders to the complex coalition of decision-makers that comprises managers in that business. Utilizing stakeholder salience theory and role theory, we examine the complex theoretical relationships among spiritual identity, stakeholder attributes, and family business stakeholder salience. This examination reveals the multidimensionality of workplace spirituality and the need for finer-grained distinctions in stakeholder attributes, to better represent the complexities inherent in a family business context. This article develops four propositions, through which we offer the following contributions to the literature on family business workplace spirituality: (1) new analysis frameworks for future use, (2) prototypical descriptions of stakeholder types and representative vignettes for making finer-grained distinctions, (3) multidimensional implications for exploring the...
Are verbs tensed or tenseless

We have seen that we cannot de-tense a sentence like (15) simply by changing its verb, since the tense of such a sentence is determined by a temporal adverb. More importantly, we have seen that de-tensing is a process of removing certain temporal restrictions from the truth-conditions of tensed sentences, and that tensed and tenseless forms of a verb do not differ in sense. Once we understand this, and once we realize that it is an historical accident that the tense of sentences in English if often indicated by means of the grammatical device of inflecting verbs, tensed verbs no longer seem to be the sort of item that needs to be purged from ordinary language in constructing its tenseless analogue. Indeed, although the distinction between tensed and tenseless verbs may still be of philosophic interest, this distinction hardly seems to deserve the pivotal role assigned to it in the literature.
Helping Families Find the Best Evidence: CAM Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger's Disorder

Dana Abbey Column Editor: Roxie L. Foster Family-Centered Care provides a forum for sharing information about basic components of caring for children and families, including respect, information sharing, collaboration, family-to-family support, and confidence building.
Friend spleen focus-forming virus transforms rodent fibroblasts in cooperation with a short form of the receptor tyrosine kinase Stk

Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV) causes rapid erythroleukemia in mice due to expression of its unique envelope glycoprotein, gp55. Erythroid cells expressing SFFV gp55 proliferate in the absence of their normal regulator erythropoietin (Epo) because of constitutive activation of Epo signal transduction pathways. Although SFFV infects many cell types, deregulation of cell growth occurs only when SFFV infects erythroid cells, suggesting that these cells express unique proteins that the virus requires to mediate its biological effects. Not only do erythroid cells express the Epo receptor (EpoR), but those from mice susceptible to SFFV-induced erythroleukemia also express a short form of the receptor tyrosine kinase Stk (sf-Stk). In erythroid cells, SFFV gp55 interacts with the EpoR complex and sf-Stk, leading to activation of the kinase and constitutive activation of signal transducing molecules. In this study, we demonstrate that SFFV gp55 can also deregulate the growth of nonerythroid cells when it is coexpressed with sf-Stk. Expression of SFFV gp55 in rodent fibroblasts engineered to express sf-Stk induced their transformation, as demonstrated by focus formation and anchorage-independent growth in vitro. This transformation by SFFV gp55 requires the kinase activity of sf-Stk and the presence of its extracellular domain but not expression of the EpoR or the tyrosine kinase Jak2, which is required for activation of signal transduction pathways through the EpoR. Thus, expression of SFFV gp55 in nonerythroid cells coexpressing sf-Stk results in their uncontrolled growth, demonstrating a previously unrecognized mechanism for retrovirus transformation of rodent fibroblasts and providing insight into SFFV-induced disease.
Positive psychologists on positive constructs.

McNulty and Fincham (February–March 2012) offered compelling evidence that constructs such as forgiveness and optimism can have both beneficial and adverse consequences, depending on the context. Their caution about labeling particular psychological processes as “positive” is timely and well-taken. I fear, however, that their article propagates a misunderstanding of positive psychology—namely, that positive psychologists believe that the constructs or processes they investigate are “good” and should be promoted. To the contrary, the great majority of positive psychological scientists (despite their infelicitous label) simply argue that such topics as optimism, well-being, and courage should be studied. Thereafter, they let the data speak for themselves. If optimism, happiness, kindness, or forgiveness have deleterious effects for certain individuals, under specific conditions, or when practiced or expressed in particular ways, then the results are all the more interesting, challenging common assumptions and calling for more research. As Schwartz and Sharpe (2010) eloquently argued in their book Practical Wisdom, no trait or virtue is inherently good, and wisdom is needed to determine the right way to act “in a particular circumstance, with a particular person, at a particular time” (pp. 5– 6). Research, like that of McNulty and Fincham and their colleagues, is needed too. REFERENCES
Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL2) is associated with prostatic growth dysregulation and benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation is commonly observed in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate tissue often contains increased inflammatory infiltrates, including T cells and macrophages. Cytokines are not only key mediators of inflammation but may also play important roles in the initiation and progression of BPH.
Low-damping picosecond coherent vibration of lithographically fabricated silver nanostructures

Femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy was used to investigate coherent phonons in a periodic array of silver nanoparticles embedded in a silica substrate. Small energy dissipation is observed compared to random nanoparticles in glass
Nutritional quality of deer browse in southern Appalachian clearcuts and mature forests

Abstract We assessed the nutritional quality of leafy browse of five deciduous woody species important to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimm.) during the spring and summer from recent clearcuts (cut 2 years or less previously) and adjacent mature forests (over 40 years old) in the southern Appalachian Mountains of northern Georgia, USA. Direct comparisons of browse grown in clearcuts and mature forests were made with four species. Overall, there were few differences in the nutritional quality between browse from clearcuts and mature forests. Observed levels of tannin astringency appear to have little effect in reducing digestible protein in browse. The lack of differences in nutritional quality of deer browse from clearcuts and mature forests suggests that ease of foraging owing to spatially concentrated resources may explain the disproportionately high use of clearcuts by deer in spring and summer in this region. Consequently, as managers evaluate the relationship of timber harvest to deer ecology and management in the southern Appalachians, primary consideration should be given to browse quantity, distribution, and species composition rather than qualitative changes resulting from cutting.
Prevalence of the Myosin‐Binding Protein C Mutation in Maine Coon Cats

Background: An autosomal dominant mutation has been identified in the myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene of Maine Coon cats. This mutation changes a conserved amino acid and computationally alters the protein conformation of this gene in Maine Coon cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The prevalence of this mutation is unknown. Objective: To determine the genetic prevalence of the MYBPC3 mutation in a large cohort of predominantly Maine Coon cats. Animals: Three thousand three hundred and ten DNA samples (blood or buccal swab) from cats. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory database at Washington State University for samples submitted for evaluation of the Maine Coon MYBPC3 mutation. The data were analyzed with respect to the breed of cat, mutation status (negative, heterozygous, homozygous), and geographic origin of the submission. Results: In the population of cats studied, Maine Coon cats accounted for 100% of all cats positive for the mutation, and the worldwide percentage of Maine Coon cats carrying the MYBPC3 mutation was 34%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The prevalence of the mutation (heterozygous or homozygous) was very similar among countries of submission, suggesting that the 34% mutation rate of the tested samples is a reasonable estimate of the true prevalence of the mutation within the breed. Because of the high prevalence of this mutation, a breeding recommendation to eliminate all cats with the mutation could have a substantial impact on the gene pool. Additional studies are indicated to explore the relationship between genotype and clinical outcome in affected cats.
Ocean zoning in the Northwest Atlantic

Abstract A workshop held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, brought together marine policy makers, resource users and experts to discuss spatial planning in the marine environment. Participants explored concepts of ocean zoning and learned from other jurisdictions and related integrated management initiatives. An ocean user perspectives panel featured plenary addresses on the significance of ocean zoning to various sectors. Discussions at the workshop emphasized the need for involving all key players and clearly defining terms used in the spatial planning process.
Earth science: Ocean circulation and rapid climate change.

High-resolution data on ocean circulation during the last glacial cycle suggest that the formation of North Atlantic Deep Water and associated heat transport may be more stable than previously thought. See Letter p.73
Assessment of internal orbital reconstructions for pure blowout fractures: cranial bone grafts versus titanium mesh.

Purpose: To assess the adequacy of internal orbital reconstruction in pure blowout fractures using either cranial bone grafts or titanium mesh implants. Patients and Methods: The preoperative and postoperative true coronal computed tomography (CT) scans of 58 patients with unilateral pure orbital blowout fractures were included in the study. Demographic data and measurements of the pretreatment size of the defects were tabulated. The accuracy of reconstruction was assessed subjectively by 1 surgeon by scoring the position of the implant/graft, repositioning of orbital soft tissues, and assessment of orbital volume using the uninjured side for comparison. The cross-sectional area of the anterior, middle, and posterior regions of the reconstructed defect was statistically compared with the same locations on the uninjured orbits by scanning the CT scans and calculating the number of pixels within the selected CT slices. A comparison of the accuracy of reconstructions for those reconstructed with cranial bone graft and those with titanium mesh was statistically performed using parametric (for subjective analyses) and nonparametric tests (for cross-sectional area data). Results: Thirty-eight cases were classified as fractures of the orbital floor, 4 as isolated medial wall fractures, and 16 as combined floor/medial wall fractures. There was a statistically significant difference in the surgeon's subjective ratings of adequacy of reconstructions between titanium mesh and bone-grafted groups. Orbits reconstructed with titanium mesh were more accurate than those reconstructed with bone (P <.001). Overall, there was no significant difference in cross-sectional areas between the reconstructed and uninjured orbits in the middle and posterior regions of the defects, but the anterior region showed significantly smaller cross-sectional areas in the reconstructed orbits (P <.001). Conclusions: Although there was great individual variability and both materials could be successfully used, the orbits reconstructed with titanium mesh showed better overall reconstructions than those reconstructed with bone grafts. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 61:442-453, 2003
Catalytic reactions of formate 4. A nitrite-promoted rhodium (III) catalyst for hydrogen generation from formic acid in aqueous solution☆

Abstract Rhodium (III) is an active homogeneous catalyst in the presence of NO2− for the decomposition of HCO2H to H2 and CO2 in aqueous solution at 90°C. Experiments at different Rh concentrations indicate that this reactions is approximately pseudo-first-order in [Rh] suggesting mononuclear nitrorhodium complexes as the catalytically active species. The is catalyst system is gradually deactivated by reducing the soluble rhodium (III) complexes to insoluble Rh metal. Ammonia is a minor byproduct of this reaction, apparently produced by the Rh-catalyzed HCO2H reduction of NO2− or NO3− produced by NO2− disproportionation. Addition of soluble Cu(II) to this reaction mixture increases drastically the NO/N2O ration arising from the HCO2H reduction of NO2−. Some noble metals other Rh also exhibit catalytic activity for formic acid decomposition in aqueous solution, particularly in the absence of NO2−. However, the catalytic activities of these other noble metals are considerably less than that of the NO2−-promoted Rh catalysic activities decreasing in the sequence Ir > Pd > Ru.
A multiple discriminant analysis of BHC commercial paper ratings

Abstract The finance literature contains many examples of attempts to classify bond issuers into agency rating categories and to identify the key variables that contribute to bond rating differences. This study extends the classification literature to include bank holding company (BHC) commercial paper issuers. A multiple discriminant model is developed that effectively classifies paper issuers into their respective Moody's rating groups. An additional discriminant model is derived that classifies these issuers into more detailed ‘market’ rating groups.
Improved pattern transfer in nanoimprint lithography at 30 nm half-pitch by substrate-surface functionalization

Resist detachment from the substrate during mold-substrate separation is one of the key challenges for nanoimprint lithography as the pitch of features decreases. We analyzed the problem by considering the surface and interfacial free energies of the initial state and the possible final states of the mold-polymer-substrate system and designed the chemistry of the system to provide the desired final state. We dramatically improved the resist adhesion to the substrate by assembling a monolayer of surface linker molecules on the substrate surface. A 37 nanowire pattern at 30 nm half-pitch was imprinted onto the surface-modified substrate.
Directed fluorescence sensor element for standoff detection of uranium in soil

Abstract A passive signal enhancement device for the standoff detection of uranium in soil was developed and tested. The device consists of a spherical ball lens half-coated with a polymer–silica gel composite. The nanoporous silica gel, when placed in contact with moist soil, absorbs water and dissolved uranyl ions and significantly enhances the fluorescence intensity of the uranyl. The ball lens focuses the UV excitation energy to the focal point of the lens located within the silica gel layer and directs the resulting fluorescence signal back towards the excitation source. Our results show that this ‘Directed Fluorescence’ (DF) device can be used to enhance the uranyl fluorescence signal intensity by more than 200 times. Consequently, the maximum standoff detection distance is increased by more than an order of magnitude.
Selection of the experimental conditions for white-light SRIXE measurements

Abstract Synchrotron-radiation-induced X-ray emission has enormous potential as a technique for trace-element analysis. To fully utilize the many advantages of SRIXE measurements, one must optimize the experimental conditions. In this paper the problems associated with the selection of experimental conditions are discussed in theory. In addition, examples of experimental work done at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA are presented.
Microscopic study of recrystallized silicon carbide

The formation of recrystallized silicon carbide through the recrystallization of fine grains and the assimilation of fine grains by the large occurs with the very active participation of the sublimation of fine grains of SiC and partial destruction of the large grains, transfer and redeposition of the condensate, which leads to the formation of a strong material.
Non-nutritive suck parameters in preterm infants with RDS

Objective To characterize the integrity of non-nutritive suck (NNS) parameters among three groups of preterm infants ranging from normal to those with progressive degrees of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Interactions among aerosols, clouds, and climate of the Arctic Ocean

Abstract Considerable interest has recently been generated by the suggestion that the direct and indirect radiative effects of aerosols in the troposphere may be sufficient on a global basis to offset the radiative effects of increasing greenhouse gases. This paper focuses on understanding these relationships in the Arctic, which are of particular complexity because of the high surface albedo in the Arctic; the marked annual cycle of arctic aerosol characteristics; the extreme static stability of the arctic lower troposphere; dependence of arctic cloud infrared emissivities on drop size distribution and aerosol characteristics; sensitivity of ice nucleation to aerosols; complex radiative interactions occurring between aerosols, clouds, and sea ice; the annual cycle of aerosol residence time in the Arctic; and the impact of aerosol perturbations on the meridional heat transport to the Arctic.
Melanoma Brain Metastases Treated With Brain-directed Radiation Followed by Ipilimumab

common despite maximal surgical resection and high-dose radiation therapy (RT). The aim of this study was to assess the evolving role of RT and its effect on survival outcomes of skull base chordoma over the past two decades. Materials/Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we included all adult patients with chordoma, chondroid or dedifferentiated chordoma, or chondrosarcoma located in the bones of the skull or face diagnosed from 1988 to 2008. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of gross total resection (GTR) and/or RT utilization. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to identify predictors of overall survival. Results: The analysis included 376 adult patients, including 182 (48%) with chordoma NOS, 20 (5%) with chondroid or dedifferentiated chordoma, and 175 (46%) with chondrosarcoma. Among the 214 patients (57%) who underwent surgical resection, 89 (42%) received GTR, 108 (50%) received subtotal resection, and 17 (8%) received resection of unknown extent. RT was utilized in 170 patients (46%) overall, among whom RT was used as adjuvant therapy in 148 (87%). Utilization of GTR and RT was not significantly different by age, sex, race, diagnosis year, or histology on univariate analysis, except for a higher median age for patients receiving RT (49 vs. 43 years, p Z 0.012). Independent predictors of higher utilization of gross total resection on logistic regression included age <65 (OR 2.68, p Z 0.014) and diagnosis year prior to 2001 (OR 1.79, p Z 0.046), while the only independent predictor of higher utilization of RT included age 65 (OR 1.82, p Z 0.032). Independent predictors of improved overall survival on Cox proportional hazards analysis included age <65 (HR 0.25, p < 0.001), diagnosis year after 2001 (HR 0.44, p Z 0.004), and chondrosarcoma histology (HR 0.42, p Z 0.001), but not surgical extent or RT utilization. Conclusions: On a national scale, survival from skull base chordoma and chondrosarcoma appears to have improved significantly over time, though rates of surgical resection and RT have not increased over time. Although no association was observed between RT utilization and improved survival, this may be due to confounding, since RT may be more likely to be delivered to patients with more aggressive disease and poorer prognosis based on unmeasured variables. Author Disclosure: H. Park: None. K.B. Roberts: None. J.B. Yu: None.
Crystallization of human thymidylate synthase

Abstract Human thymidylate synthase has been crystallized in the absence of ligands and diffracts beyond 3.0 A. The protein was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and then crystallized from ammonium sulfate in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol at a variety of pH values. The crystals are trigonal in the space-group P3121; the unit cell dimensions are a = b = 96·7 A , c = 84·1 A .
An experimental and numerical study of the localization behavior of tantalum and stainless steel

Abstract In general, the shear localization process involves initiation and growth. Initiation is expected to be a stochastic process in material space where anisotropy in the elastic–plastic behavior of single crystals and inter-crystalline interactions serve to form natural perturbations to the material’s local stability. A hat-shaped sample geometry was used to study shear localization growth. It is an axi-symmetric sample with an upper “hat” portion and a lower “brim” portion with the shear zone located between the hat and brim. The shear zone length is 870–890 μm with deformation imposed through a split-Hopkinson pressure bar system at maximum top-to-bottom velocity in the range of 8–25 m/s. We present experimental results of the deformation response of tantalum and 316L stainless steel samples. The tantalum samples did not form shear bands but the stainless steel sample formed a late stage shear band. We have also modeled these experiments using both conductive and adiabatic continuum models. An anisotropic elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model with damage evolution was used within the finite element code EPIC. A Mie-Gruneisen equation of state and the rate and temperature sensitive MTS flow stress model together with a Gurson flow surface were employed. The models performed well in predicting the experimental data. The numerical results for tantalum suggested a maximum equivalent strain rate on the order of 7 × 104 s−1 in the gage section for an imposed top surface displacement rate of 17.5 m/s. The models also suggested that for an initial temperature of 298 K a temperature in the neighborhood of 900 K was reached within the shear section. The numerical results for stainless steel suggest that melting temperature was reached throughout the shear band shortly after peak load. Due to sample geometry, the stress state in the shear zone was not pure shear; a significant normal stress relative to the shear zone basis line was developed.
On synchronic dogmatism

Saul Kripke (Philosophical troubles, 2011) argued that the requirement that knowledge eliminate all possibilities of error leads to dogmatism (i.e., the view that, if one knows that p, then one may rationally decide now to disregard any future evidence against p one may encounter). According to this view, the dogmatism puzzle arises because of a requirement on knowledge that is too strong. The paper argues that dogmatism can be avoided even if we hold on to the strong requirement on knowledge. I show how the argument for dogmatism can be blocked and I argue that the only other approach to the puzzle in the literature is mistaken.
The influence of constitutive models on localization conditions for porous rock

Alternative constitutive models are employed to examine localization conditions for high porosity sandstone. Two deformation types are considered: shear bands and compaction bands (planar zones of pure compressional deformation, perpendicular to maximum compression). The proposed two-yield surface model, motivated in part by observations of two microstructural damage mechanisms, consists of a shear yield surface (dilatant, frictional mechanism), combined with a cap (compactant mechanism). Results from this model are consistent with limited experimental observations: both band types are permitted for probable values of key material parameters. Conversely, the single-yield surface model, previously employed for sandstone, cannot predict the observed compaction bands.
Characterization of the surface topography of arc-treated aluminum alloys by fractal geometry

Abstract An atmospheric pressure plasma arc discharge creates a complex structure on an aluminum (Al) surface that is a challenging task to characterize by conventional techniques. The solution could be in applying the principles of fractal geometry to characterize the arc-treated aluminum surface while studying profiles obtained by an optical profilometer and SEM (scanning electron microscope) images. The fractal dimension (FD) is determined along with the other conventional surface characteristic parameters (Ra, Rq, Sa, and Sq). The influence of the arc process parameters such as the arc current (I) and plasma torch velocity (v) on the fractal dimension is explored.
A.C. effects in asymmetric discontinuous metal films

Abstract Although the thermally activated electrical conduction mechanism in discontinuous metal island films on insulating substrates has been studied for many years, it still defies resolution at a detailed quantitative level. There is widespread (but not unanimous) agreement that the basic mechanism is by interisland tunneling, that the activation energy has electrostatic origins, and that percolation processes must be involved, although no simple percolation formalism has yet passed external criticism. The observatioh of strongly polarity-dependent resistances in asymmetrically deposited films suggests that the contact regions dominate film properties and a.c. measurements were performed to verify this model. The results support the concept fully, but at extreme asymmetries a pseudo-inductive effect develops, which leads to an extension of the basic model to include time-dependent space charge effects. With independent verification, this would be the first advance in the basic conduction model in over ten years.
Roaming dynamics in radical addition-elimination reactions

Roaming dynamics have been shown to be important in unimolecular decompositions, but the relevance to bimolecular reactions has been less clear. Here, the authors study radical addition/elimination reactions and implicate a roaming transition state in a bimolecular reaction.
The effect of the vagus nerves on the bradycardia and ventricular arrhythmias induced by digitoxin and digoxin.

Abstract Both digitoxin and digoxin produced bradycardia when administered to intact animals. To evaluate the role of the vagus nerves in the bradycardia produced by these agents, comparable doses of both drugs were administered to chloralose-anesthetized cats with spinal cords transected. Digitoxin infusion (2μg/kg/min i.v.) to animals with intact vagi resulted in a heart rate decrease of 31±6.0 beats/min. Administration of the drug to cats with vagus nerves sectioned resulted in a heart rate decrease of 13±4.8 beats/min. No bradycardia occured in cats with sectioned vagus nerves and pretreated with atropine (1mg/kg i.v.). In contrast, digoxin administration (2μg/kg/min i.v.) to animals with intact vagus nerves did not produce a significant degree of cardiac slowing (-9.8±4.3 beats/min). In addition, vagotomy had no effect on the arrhythmogenic doses of either digitoxin or digoxin. These results indicate that the bradycardia produced by digitoxin but not digoxin is mediated by the cholinergic nervous system. These results also suggest that qualitative differences in the actions of cardiacglycosides may exist.
Interaction of aminooxyacetic acid and ethacrynic acid with intense sound at the level of the cochlea.

Results of previous investigation of the interaction of intense sound and drugs have, in general, failed to show a protective effect mediated by pre-administration with a drug having transient ototoxic effects. The present investigation was designed to further evaluate a protective effect found previously at the anatomical level and explained with an electrochemical theory of noise damage. The alternating current (a.c) potential and compound eighth nerve action potential (CAP) amplitude were monitored in aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA)- or ethacrynic acid (EA)-treated guinea pigs exposed to either moderate or high levels of intense sound and compared to changes observed in the same potentials in animals exposed to the intense sounds alone. Results showed protective effects only in the moderate--intense sound-exposure groups, with changes in sensitivity and voltage on the linear part of the input--output curve of the a.c cochlear potential found to be the only conditions where differences occurred. These results were difficult to interpret in terms of a protective effect and point to the need for obtaining additional data before an electrochemical mechanism is shown to play a role in the effect of intense sound on the cochlea.
Long-wavelength VCSELs with enhanced modulation bandwidth

1.55-µm vertical-cavity ty surface-emitting lasers with superior modulation bandwidth in excess of 10-GHz up to 85°C and reduced parasitics are demonstrated. Output power and threshold are invariant with temperature. Bit-rates of 12.5 or 17-Gb/s are expected.
Questioning the Conventional Wisdom on Public Opinion Toward Health Reform

Ample evidence confirms that public opinion influences the policy-making process. Research suggests that public preferences are not simply translated into government policy; rather, policymakers' response to public opinion is conditioned or mediated by political and institutional processes (Jacobs, 1993a, 1993b, 1992a, 1992b; Jacobs and Shapiro, 1994a, 1994b; for discussion of this research see PS, March 1994, 9–38).The passage and designing of health reform will depend in important respects on public attitudes toward health care and health reform. The interpretation of public opinion by the media and other political observers, however, is not a neutral process dictated by scientific methods; it is the product of institutional and political struggles for position and power.Conventional wisdom regarding the public's health reform attitudes holds that Americans are narrowly self-interested, unambiguously antitax, and unwavering opponents of government regulation. Are these three sets of assumed attitudes supported by the available empirical evidence?Here we take an historical approach to studying public opinion—one that identifies the patterns and trends of Americans' responses to identically worded questions asked in national opinion surveys.
Polydimethylsiloxane monolayers at an air-water interface

A part of our studies relating to the dynamics of interfaces has been an investigation of diffusional processes along gasliquid interfaces. These studies are conducted under conditions of uniform surface pressure as contrasted to spreading experiments which are associated with gradients of surface pressure and as a consequence, hydrodynamic flows. The diffusional processes arise from random thermal motions and should partly characterize the interaction of the substrate with the surface molecules. Also, it should be noted that surface diffusion coefficients appear in many formulations of macroscopic transport problems (1) although such coefficients have never been measured. The measurement of surface diffusion coefficients may, in fact, never be achieved owing to the structure exhibited by monolayers. This note describes the strange and largely unexplained observations made during an attempt to study diffusive mixing of polydimethylsiloxane (PMS) monolayers on water. Such monolayers seem to have a structure which is of macroscopic dimensions, and, in a surface diffusion experiment, these structures apparently migrate as a unit. If all monolayers of importance are similarly structured, then the formulations of surface transport based on the concept of a surface diffusion “driven” by variations in surface concentration are likely to be of only academic importance. A secondary result has been the measurement of the bulk diffusivity of a 40 centistoke radioactive PMS in water. This quantity should be of interest in considering the applications of PMS as an antifoamant or as a water repellent (2).
Cyclic oxidation response of multiphase niobium-based alloys

Cyclic oxidation tests were performed on multiphase Nb-based alloys containing silicide, Laves, and Nb solid solution phases. In particular, the oxidation resistance of six alloys with various compositions (Nb, Ti, Hf, Cr, Ge, and Si) and microstructures was characterized by thermal cycling from ambient temperature to a peak temperature that ranges from 900 °C to 1400 °C. Weight change data were obtained and the corresponding spalled oxides were collected and identified by X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that Nb-based alloys formed a mixture of CrNbO4, Nb2O5, and Nb2O5 · TiO2, with possibly small amounts of SiO2 or GeO2. The oxidation resistance was improved when CrNbO4 formed instead of Nb2O5 and Nb2O5 · TiO2. These results were used to assess the influence of microstructure and composition on the oxidation resistance of multiphase Nb-based alloys.
Junior and Senior Geoscientists Discuss Issues Facing Women in a Male‐Dominated Field: A Networking Luncheon for Women Scientists; Palisades, New York, 30 April 2010

In recent years the lack of diversity among faculty and research staff in the sciences has gained national importance. Women are especially underrepresented in the physical sciences. According to a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)—funded report (“Why so few? Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” AAUW, 2010), women now earn 35% of doctoral degrees in the Earth sciences (up from 3% in 1966) but continue to be underrepresented in the upper ranks of academic institutions. A report conducted by the University of California, Berkeley (“Staying competitive: Patching America's leaky pipeline in the sciences,” Center for American Progress, 2009) shows that one of the biggest leaks in the pipeline occurs during the postdoctoral years. Research also suggests that networking can play an important role in keeping women in the pipeline.
A 10B 200MHz pipeline ADC with minimal feedback penalty and 0.35pJ/conversion-step

A 200MHz 10-bit pipeline analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that includes a novel multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC) architecture is presented. The proposed MDAC architecture minimizes the feedback penalty, resulting more than 75% power reduction and 50% output noise reduction than those traditional architectures. The proposed MDAC dramatically reduces the settling time and operates much closer to the unity gain frequency of the amplifier. The proposed 10-bit ADC achieves a peak signal-to-noise-and-distortion-ratio (SNDR) of 55.8dB and this SNDR translates to a figure of merit (FOM) of 0.35pJ/conversion-step. To our best knowledge, this is the minimum power consumption ever reported for pipeline ADCs beyond the 200MHz sampling rate and without complex digital calibration. This design has been implemented with the IBM 90nm CMOS technology. The ADC has a 1.2V power supply and 1.2V peak-to-peak differential input signal.
The Effect of Two Hologram-Copying Parameters on the Quality of Copies

Two parameters are discussed: (1) the orientation of the plate assembly, consisting of the original hologram and a copy plate, relative to a laser copying beam, and (2) the separation between the original hologram and the copy plate. The data presented demonstrate that the optimum arrangement for the production of hologram copies requires that the plate assembly be held in vacuum contact, and that the laser copy beam enters the plate assembly in the reference beam direction of the original hologram. These optimum copies display reconstructed virtual images identical in angular extent and similar in quality to those reconstructed from the original. Copies made at angles other than the optimum angle display only certain portions of the original scene. The portion of the scene displayed is related to the copy angle and the angle in which light was scattered when the original hologram was exposed.
Preparation and Properties of Oxidatively and Zinc Coupled Starch Xanthates

Conditions for the precipitation of sodium starch xanthate as the zinc salt were determined to be: xanthate degree of substitution greater than 0.02 and zinc ion concentration of 0.005–0.015-M. As xanthate ion concentration is increased, less zinc is required for complete precipitation of the starch xanthate. Oxidatively crosslinked starch xanthates (starch xanthides) were more stable when washed with dilute acid before drying. Shelf-life was greatly improved when the moisture content of the samples was less than 5%. Starch xanthides rapidly decompose in water. Pyrolysis of starch xanthides at temperatures of 145 to 215°C liberates carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide.
Seizures during intracarotid methohexital and amobarbital testing.

Abstract Background Methohexital and amobarbital have been used as agents for Wada testing in the presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy. Previous experience with methohexital as an anesthetic indicates that methohexital may decrease seizure threshold and may trigger seizures. Methods A retrospective chart review of 760 intracarotid amobarbital and methohexital tests was performed to determine the frequency of seizures associated with preoperative intracarotid barbiturate testing for language and memory lateralization. Results Sixteen patients (2.1%) who had seizures were found. In 3 patients, seizures occurred prior to barbiturate injection, and in 13, following barbiturate injection. After injection of amobarbital, 4 of 538 patients (0.7%) had a seizure. Nine of 222 patients had a seizure after methohexital injection (4.1%) ( P = 0.001). Conclusion Patients with a previous history of epilepsy may be at higher risk for seizures after methohexital injection as compared with amobarbital injection.