cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atomic arrangements in sputtered thin films of vitreous SeAs with 36 to 50 at% As

The atomic arrangements in thin films of vitreous SeAs containing 36 to 50 at% As have been determined by means of transmission electron diffraction. The covalent bonding requirements of Se and As are fulfilled in the amorphous structures with Se atoms maintaining two near neighbours and As atoms three. Microcrystalline models were found to be unsuitable descriptions of these materials. Monte Carlo models fit well with the resultant atomic arrangements consisting of branched chains, similar to those in As2Se3 and a few clusters similar to the molecular groupings in As4Se4. There was no evidence for the formation of layers. Die Atomanordnungen in dunnen Schichten von glasartigen SeAs-Legierungen welche 36 bis 50 Atomprozent As enthalten wurden mit Transmissions-Elektronenbeugungsaufnahmen bestimmt. Die kovalenten Bindungsforderungen fur Se und As sind erfullt, wenn in der amorphen Struktur die Se-Atome zwei und die As-Atome drei nachste Nachbarn erhalten. Es wurde gefunden, das mikrokristalline Modelle fur die Beschreibung dieser Materialien nicht geeignet sind. Monte Carlo-Modelle konnen gut angepast werden. In diesen Modellen ergeben sich die Atomanordnungen als verzweigte Ketten, ahnlich wie in As2Se3 und als Cluster ahnlich den molekularen Gruppen in As4Se4. Es wurde kein Hinweis fur die Bildung von Schichten gefunden.
Cyclotron isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals--XXVIII. Production of potassium-38 for myocardial perfusion studies.

Abstract The 40 Ar( p ,3 n ) 38 K nuclear reaction was developed into a routine method for the cyclotron production of 38 K for dynamic studies in conjunction with computed positron emission transaxial tomography. The 7.62-min half-life of 38 K is theoretically and experimentally ideal for obtaining quantitative regional myocardial perfusion data and tomographic images of the canine myocardium. Potassium-38 may be of considerable clinical utility at institutions with on-site accelerators.
The Effectiveness of Discussion Forums in On-line Learning

O presente estudo investiga a efetividade da aprendizagem no contexto de cursos online, utilizando duas formas alternativas de atividades praticas: foruns de discussao assincrona online e exercicios/testes (quizzes) resolvidos individualmente. O estudo foi desenvolvido em cursos regulares existentes onde a efetividade da aprendizagem era formalmente avaliada, atraves de testes objetivos oriundos do conteudo especifico do curso. A relativa efetividade das atividades praticas pode ser justificada em direcoes diretamente opostas se alguem argumenta sob os pontos de vista das teorias objetivista ou construtivista. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo, em parte, parecem apoiar a posicao objetivista; por outro lado parecem apoiar a posicao construtivista. Uma analise posterior dos dados coletados sugere que estes dois resultados, aparentemente contraditorios, podem, de fato, ser compativeis, quando e considerado o fator de intensidade do envolvimento com as atividades das discussoes colaborativas. A conclusao tentativa e de que as atividades de discussao de grupos online, devem alcancar certo nivel de intensidade e compromisso por parte dos participantes, para que resulte numa efetiva aprendizagem.
Some aspects of vehicle degaussing

Some baseline principles of armored vehicle degaussing through accurate computer modeling are established. Three main conclusions can be drawn from the modeling: a relatively thin-walled armored vehicle passively creates magnetic field distortions much like a solid vehicle, external degaussing coils appear to be more effective and efficient than internal degaussing coils, and reasonable degaussing appears to be possible. A deterministic control algorithm has been formulated for an active degaussing system. The data processing concepts in the degaussing controller also led to the design of a magnetic compass for armored vehicles. >
Mesoscale Verification Using Meteorological Composites

Abstract Mesoscale models are often used to explicitly predict discrete, highly structured phenomena. Information regarding the ability of the model to predict events as coherent entities is thus a useful statement of performance. Observational constraints are a significant problem, though, as the shape, size, and intensity of any given event are often only partially known. Composite techniques offer an attractive approach because the full deterministic information about any one event need not be known. If enough quasi-random observations of a distribution of events exist, bulk properties of the distributions of forecasts and observations can be estimated. Composites are also useful in that the verification measures are based on conditional samples of events. Sample distributions contingent on event existence in either the forecasts or the observations can be compared to one another. A verification technique in which meteorological events are located and composited on a relative grid centered on each even...
How many scientific papers are not original

Is plagiarism afflicting science? In PNAS, Citron and Ginsparg (1) count the number of authors who are submitting articles containing text already appearing elsewhere. They report disturbing numbers of authors resorting to copying, particularly in some countries where 15% of submissions are detected as containing duplicated material. I am on the editorial board of an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) magazine, which also finds it useful to run all of the submissions through a plagiarism filter. What can be done about this?
Propofol induces MAPK/ERK cascade dependant expression of cFos and Egr-1 in rat hippocampal slices.

Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent, which produce rapid induction of and recovery from general anesthesia. Numerous clinical studies reported that propofol can potentially cause amnesia and memory loss in human subjects. The underlying mechanism for this memory loss is unclear but may potentially be related to the induction of memory-associated genes such as c-Fos and Egr-1 by propofol. This study explored the effects of propofol on c-Fos and Egr-1 expression in rat hippocampal slices. Hippocampal brain slices were exposed to varying concentrations of propofol at multiple time intervals. The transcription of the immediate early genes, c-Fos and Egr-1, was quantified using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MAPK/ERK inhibitors were used to investigate the mechanism of action. We demonstrate that propofol induced the expression of c-Fos and Egr-1 within 30 and 60 min of exposure time. At 16.8 μM concentration, propofol induced a 110% increase in c-Fos transcription and 90% decrease in the transcription of Egr-1. However, at concentrations above 100 μM, propofol failed to induce expression of c-Fos but did completely inhibit the transcription of Egr-1. Propofol-induced c-Fos and Egr-1 transcription was abolished by inhibitors of RAS, RAF, MEK, ERK and p38-MAPK in the MAPK/ERK cascade. Our study shows that clinically relevant concentrations of propofol induce c-Fos and down regulated Egr-1 expression via an MAPK/ERK mediated pathway. We demonstrated that propofol induces a time and dose dependant transcription of IEGs c-Fos and Egr-1 in rat hippocampal slices. We further demonstrate for the first time that propofol induced IEG expression was mediated via a MAPK/ERK dependant pathway. These novel findings provide a new avenue to investigate transcription-dependant mechanisms and suggest a parallel pathway of action with an unclear role in the activity of general anesthetics.
Bulimia nervosa in eleven sets of twins a clinical report

Eleven sets of twins (6 monozygotic and 5 dizygotic, including one pair who was adopted away and another who was brought up in a separate foster home) in which the proband had bulimia nervosa were described. The concordance rate among the monozygotic twins was 33% and among the dizygotic twins was 0%. The possible genetic predisposition mechanisms were discussed.
Neurohormonal changes associated with ritualized combat and the formation of a reproductive hierarchy in the ant Harpegnathos saltator

Dominance rank in animal societies is correlated with changes in both reproductive physiology and behavior. In some social insects, dominance status is used to determine a reproductive division of labor, where a few colony members reproduce while most remain functionally sterile. Changes in reproduction and behavior in this context must be coordinated through crosstalk between the brain and the reproductive system. We investigated a role for biogenic amines in forming this connection in the ant Harpegnathos saltator. In this species, workers engage in an elaborate dominance tournament to establish a group of reproductive workers termed gamergates. We analyzed biogenic amine content in the brains of gamergates, insideworkers and foragers under stable colony conditions and found that gamergates had the highest levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels were also positively correlated with increased ovarian activity among gamergates. Next, we experimentally induced workers to compete in a reproductive tournament to determine how dopamine may be involved in the establishment of a new hierarchy. Dopamine levels rose in aggressive workers at the start of a tournament, while workers that were policed by their nestmates (a behavior that inhibits ovarian activity) showed a rapid decline in dopamine. In addition to dopamine, levels of serotonin and tyramine differed among castes, and these changes could contribute to differences in caste-specific behavioral patterns observed among non-reproductive workers. Overall, these results provide support that biogenic amines link changes in behavior and dominance with reproductive activity in H. saltator as well as drive differences in worker task performance.
Hierarchical scheduling for DiffServ classes

Due to its simplicity and scalability, the differentiated services (DiffServ) model is expected to be widely deployed across the Internet. For each DiffServ compliant router, the scheduling algorithm is critical in implementing per hop behaviors (PHBs), according to which packets are forwarded. We propose a hierarchical DiffServ scheduling (HDS) algorithm to support DiffServ classes on input-queued switches. The proposed HDS algorithm features in a hierarchical scheduling scheme that consists of two levels of schedulers. One level is the central scheduler which is designed to maximize the switch throughput by computing a maximal size matching between input ports and output ports. The other level is formed by input port schedulers which provide differentiated services by serving cells belonging to different classes dynamically. Using such a hierarchical scheme, the implementation complexity and the amount of information needed to be transmitted between input ports and the central scheduler are dramatically reduced compared with existing maximal weight matching based DiffServ scheduling algorithms. The tradeoff of its slightly worse delay performance is acceptable.
To Love, Honor, and Inform from This Site Forward: A Model of Dyadic Information Behavior in Online-Initiated Relationships

How people engaged in a close, dyadic long-term relationship (LTR) share information behavior can be considered a hallmark non-romantic measure of online relationship creation success. Dyadic LTR information behavior, however, has not been addressed from an information science perspective. Drawing upon findings from studies in social psychology and economics, and other frameworks (transactive memory, lay information mediaries, everyday life information seeking, and principle of least effort), this paper presents a model of couple's dyadic information behavior that comprises six elements: context, seeking, storing, managing, sharing, and barriers as they occur over five stages (individuals meet online, learn each other's information behavior, merge information taxonomies, establish transactive memory, and eventually the couple dissolves-meaning shared information is lost). The model is additionally relevant to dyadic LTRs involving business, artistic, and other collaborations. Implications are discussed for a forthcoming empirical investigation, as well as the design of services, applications and policy.
The synthesis of spiromustine -d8. A general approach to octadeuterated nitrogen mustards

The synthesis of deuterium labelled spiromustine, a potential new antitumor agent designed specifically for neoplasms of the central nervous system, is described. Eight deuterium atoms have been incorporated specifically into the nitrogen mustard moiety to provide a deuterated internal standard suitable for selected ion monitoring by GC/MS. Starting with ethylene glycol-d6, diethanolamine-d8 is produced efficiently in good yield with no deuterium exchange via a 2-imino-1,3-oxazolidine intermediate. The resultant diethanolamine-d8 may then be used to synthesize spiromustine-d8 or other octadeuterated nitrogen mustards.
Opiate modification of amygdaloid-kindled seizures in rats ☆

Male Long-Evans rats were stereotaxically implanted bilaterally with bipolar electrodes in the central amygdala. Rats were then kindled once daily for 1 sec until 3 consecutive Stage V [25] kindled seizures were elicited. On the following day, animals were injected (IP) with either saline, naloxone (10 mg/kg), naltrexone (10mg/kg) or morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg) and again stimulated at the kindling stimulation parameters. Saline injected animals continued to show long bilateral AD's and behaviors (i.e., forelimb clonus, rearing, falling) typical of Stage V kindled animals. In contrast, rats injected with naloxone or naltrexone showed reduced behavioral seizures. Potentiation of post-ictal spiking by morphine in amygdaloid-kindled rats was also observed supporting previous reports [7,21]. In a second experiment, the reduction of kindled seizure serverity by naloxone was systematically replicated. It is concluded that opiates can significantly modify amygdaloid-kindled seizures, and that brain endorphins may play a role in the development or maintenance of an amygdaloid-kindled seizure focus.
Genetic and morphological evolution following a founder event in the dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis thurberi.

An isolated population of dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis, became established on the campus of the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), probably in the early 1980s. It now numbers about 70 breeding pairs. Populations across the entire natural range of the subspecies J. h. thurberi are weakly differentiated from each other at five microsatellite loci ( F ST = 0.01). The UCSD population is significantly different from these populations, the closest of which is 70 km away. It has 88% of the genetic heterozygosity and 63% of the allelic richness of populations in the montane range of the subspecies, consistent with a harmonic mean effective population size of 32 (but with 95% confidence limits from four to > 70) over the eight generations since founding. Results suggest a moderate bottleneck in the early establishment phase but with more than seven effective founders. Individuals in the UCSD population have shorter wings and tails than those in the nearby mountains and a common garden experiment indicates that the morphological differences are genetically based. The moderate effective population size is not sufficient for the observed morphological differences to have evolved as a consequence of genetic drift, indicating a major role for selection subsequent to the founding of the UCSD population.
Correlation noise classification based on matching success for transform domain Wyner-Ziv video coding

Distributed source coding strongly depends on the knowledge of statistical dependency between source and side information. In transform domain Wyner-Ziv video coding (TDWZ) this statistical dependency (also known as correlation noise) has been usually modeled by a unique Laplacian distribution for each frequency band. In this paper, we propose a method to define different classes of correlation noise for each frequency band based on the accuracy of the side information. With this approach the correlation between source and side information is estimated separately for each frequency band of each class. Therefore, the decoder can discriminate blocks in order to estimate the correlation noise of their frequency bands. Simulation results show that applying the proposed method improves rate-distortion performance.
Actions of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Protein Kinase C Signaling in Granulosa Cells from Gallus gallus Are Dependent upon Stage of Differentiation

Studies in both mammalian and nonmammalian ovarian model systems have demonstrated that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways modulates steroid biosynthesis during follicle development, yet the collective evidence for facilitory versus inhibitory roles of these pathways is inconsistent. The present studies in the hen ovary describe the changing role of MAPK and PKC signaling in the regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) expression and progesterone production in undifferentiated granulosa cells collected from prehierarchal follicles prior to follicle selection versus differentiated granulosa from preovulatory follicles subsequent to selection. Treatment of undifferentiated granulosa cells with a selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERBB4 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (AG1478) both augments FSH receptor (Fshr) mRNA expression and initiates progesterone production. Conversely, selective inhibitors of both EGFR/ERBB4 and MAPK activity attenuate steroidogenesis in differentiated granulosa cells subsequent to follicle selection. In addition, inhibition of PKC signaling with GF109203X augments FSH-induced Fshr mRNA plus STAR protein expression and initiates progesterone synthesis in undifferentiated granulosa cells, but inhibits both gonadotropin-induced STAR expression and progesterone production in differentiated granulosa. Granulosa cells from the most recently selected (9- to 12-mm) follicle represent a stage of transition as inhibition of MAPK signaling promotes, while inhibition of PKC signaling blocks gonadotropin-induced progesterone production. Collectively, these data describe stage-of-development-related changes in cell signaling whereby the differentiation-inhibiting actions of MAPK and PKC signaling in prehierarchal follicle granulosa cells undergo a transition at the time of follicle selection to become obligatory for gonadotropin-stimulated progesterone production in differentiated granulosa from preovulatory follicles.
Compensation Schemes for Programmers in the Presence of Open Source Software

The presence of an open source software community has provided firms with a non-monetary compensation dimension: the firm can substitute wages for the flexibility it gives its programmers to participate in open source projects. The problem for the software firm is to determine the optimal extent of this participation by trading off the reduction in the programmer's effort on internal projects with the reduction in wages it needs to pay the programmer. That is, the firm needs to determine an optimal compensation package (a combination of wages and open source flexibility) to retain its programmers. We develop an analytical model that determines the optimal wage rate and the allowable extent of open source participation for a programmer during a contract period. We find that firms benefit more from the presence of open source in a tight labor market (e.g., when programmers have competing outside options). On the other hand, programmers get increased compensation due to presence of open source opportunities when they have few outside options. This benefit is more for less skilled programmers.
Landlord's Handbook Guide to Promoting Lead Safe Housing

Once thought to be an effective and efficient ingredient in paint and pipes, lead has now become a major health concern in this country, particularly for young children under age seven. Some of the adverse health effects in young children include reduced intelligence, learning disabilities, slowed growth, coma and even death. What is considered a "safe" level of lead has steadily declined over the years, from 60 micrograms per deciliter of whole blood (ug/dL) to the current level, set by the Center for Disease Control, of 10 ug/dL.
Violent Secession in the Former Soviet Union: A Comparative Analysis of Moldova and Estonia

Why did some Soviet states devolve into violent secessionist rebellion while others broke apart without violence, in the early 1990s? Following the collapse of the USSR, fifteen countries peacefully gained de jure independence. Within ten of these countries ethnic minorities threatened further rebellion, secession, or violence (Roeder 2007, 303). However, of these minority groups only five resorted to wide scale violence and civil war in an attempt to achieve separatist-like goals (Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, Nagornyi-Karabakh in Azerbaijan, Transnistria in Moldova, and Chechnya in Russia). The current literature attempts to explain the ethnic violence through psychological mechanisms (Horowitz 1985) or variations of the triadic configuration theory (Brubaker 1996; Van Houten 1996, 1998; Fearon 1998; Laitin 2001). As a preliminary study to explore these theories and ethnic violence in some post-communist countries and its absence in others, I conduct a structured comparison of Estonia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine, and in particular I focus on the cases of Estonia and Moldova. I argue that the power relationship between the ethnic group running the state and the ethnic minority opposition immediately after the collapse of central state Soviet power helped determine the likelihood of a violent secessionist movement.
It's Got You Covered Nf-κb in the Epidermis

Fourteen years after its initial description, the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway endures as a prime example of rapidly responsive gene regulation ([Sen and Baltimore 1986][1]). Even with the complexities revealed through the elucidation of converging activation pathways and diverging
Monoclonal antibodies to different sites on human transcobalamin II.

AbstractTwo IgG1K monoclonal antibodies to human transcobalamin II (TC II) were generated. These antibodies, 16.1 and 16.6, did not cross-react with the other two types of human cobalamin-binding proteins, intrinsic factor and R binder (TC I). Both antibodies cross-reacted with orangutan and simiang TC II but not with TC II from cynomolgus and howler monkeys, who are less closely related to humans. This finding suggests close structural similarity of human to ape TC II. The antibodies also did not react with TC II of lower mammals which included the horse, dog, guinea pig, and mouse; in particular, reaction did not occur with rabbit TC II, which has been considered structurally close to human TC II. Neither of the two antibodies was directed at the cobalamin-binding site of TC II. However, antibody 16.6 hindered TC II binding to cell receptor. This reactivity with the receptor-binding site should prove particularly useful in studies of that region of the TC II molecule.
Nano-gossypin, a novel cdk2/VEGF inhibitor formulation against breast cancer.

Abstract #3080 Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play essential roles in the intracellular control of the cell cycle. The encapsulated therapeutic drug molecules as nanoparticles will offer a sustained delivery of chemotherapeutics in to the target tissue. Nanoparticles enhance the therapeutic efficacy of an encapsulated drug by increased and sustained delivery of the drug inside the cell. Most anticancer drugs are taken up non-specifically by all types of cells, resulting in serious side-effects. Therefore, an ideal delivery carrier for an anticancer drug should be able to transport the drug specifically to cancer cells and release the drug molecules inside the cells to the site of their pharmacological activities. Most of the activity proven natural products were not entered in to the clinical practice due to lack of active formulation and/ or effective targeted delivery systems. In our study we found that gossypin (3,5,7,39,49-Pentahydroxy-8-O-glucosylflavone) is inhibiting cell cycle progression by inhibiting cyclin dependent kinase-2 (cdk2) when compared with roscovitine, a known cdk2 inhibitor. Gossypin has been shown to induce the accumulation of the tumor suppressor p53, cell cycle arrest in G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle, and to induce apoptosis in MCF-7, SKBR-3, and MDA-MB-231 cells with a mean IC 50 of 40uM. Gossypin also found to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro. Nanoparticle formulation of gossypin effectively inhibited the growth and colony formation in vitro when compared to parent compound. Gossypin might exert inhibition of tumor cell growth and invasion by cell cycle arrest as well as VEGF induced vascular permeability and tumor neovascularization. The dual mode of action of gossypin may results in highly efficacious inhibition of tumor growth and management of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3080.
The Swing of Social Change

toward the improvement of their lot, now they are in no mood for compromise. This new spirit is clearly manifest in our recent strikes where the rank and file refuse to accept the agreements entered into by their leaders. No movement among the mass of the people is more significant -than the rapid growth of socalled rank-and-file organizations of white collar workers as well as manual laborers, all dominated by the idea that the leadership of their superiors can no longer be fully trusted. It is unfortunate that our established traditions and habits of mind make it so difficult for our nation to respond more rapidly to the growing demand of the people for greater measures of social security. Let us hope that there is still time to solve this problem before increasing bitterness between social classes makes a peaceful solution impossible.
Reduced Nrf2 expression mediates the decline in neural stem cell function during a critical middle‐age period

University of Arizona; Arizona Biomedical Research Commission [ADHS14-082982]; McKnight Brain Research Foundation
The role of red blood cell S-nitrosation in nitrite bioactivation and its modulation by leucine and glucose

Previous work has shown that red blood cells (RBCs) reduce nitrite to NO under conditions of low oxygen. Strong support for the ability of red blood cells to promote nitrite bioactivation comes from using platelet activation as a NO-sensitive process. Whereas addition of nitrite to platelet rich plasma in the absence of RBCs has no effect on inhibition of platelet activation, when RBCs are present platelet activation is inhibited by an NO-dependent mechanism that is potentiated under hypoxia. In this paper, we demonstrate that nitrite bioactivation by RBCs is blunted by physiologically-relevant concentrations of nutrients including glucose and the important signaling amino acid leucine. Our mechanistic investigations demonstrate that RBC mediated nitrite bioactivation is largely dependent on nitrosation of RBC surface proteins. These data suggest a new expanded paradigm where RBC mediated nitrite bioactivation not only directs blood flow to areas of low oxygen but also to areas of low nutrients. Our findings could have profound implications for normal physiology as well as pathophysiology in a variety of diseases including diabetes, sickle cell disease, and arteriosclerosis.
On the Nature and Function of E- Currency in Internet Finance

Internet finance is a financial mode by which financial transactions such as financing,credit intermediary and E- payment are done via internet technology. E- payment is a whole new mode of payment settled by E- currency. In payment system,E- currency and traditional currency are based on the same foundation being credit and debt repayment. From the perspective of currency's nature and its function,E- currency is only a new type of currency which still stems from nominal liability of central bank. As long as E- currency seems more "capable"than traditional one,it has nothing different from traditional currency by its nature and function.
Erlotinib Is Not Effective In Patients (Pts) With JAK-2 V617F Positive Polycythemia Vera

Introduction Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor small-molecule inhibitor and is FDA approved for the treatment of lung and pancreatic cancers. In preclinical study, in vitro colony culture assays revealed that erlotinib at micro-molar concentrations effectively suppressed the growth and expansion of Polycythemia Vera (PV) hematopoietic progenitor cells while having little effect on normal cells. Several JAK inhibitors are being studied for the management of PV, one of which has been approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis (ruxolitinib). Aim To study the clinical effect of erlotinib in pts diagnosed with JAK2V617F + PV. Methods We conducted a single arm, prospective phase II study at the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City VA hospitals in pts with WHO defined JAK-2 V617F positive PV from June 2010 to August 2012. Appropriate IRB approval was obtained in accordance with Hilsinki declaration. Pts had to be requiring phlebotomy. Toxicity was assessed by treating physicians using NCI version 4. Dose modification for erlotinib was done using label recommendations. Results Five Caucasian pts were enrolled (3 (60%) males, with median age at enrollment of 63 years, range 26-79). Pts had pretreatment median hemoglobin14.4 g/dL (10.4 -19.2 g/dL), median platelet count 511 x109 (424-681 x109), median white blood cell (WBC) 14.4 x109(7.8- 18.3 x109). Three pts had splenomegaly prior to treatment. Median number of prior pharmacologic treatments (hydroxyurea, anagralide or interferon) was 1, range 0-2. Pts were given erlotinib 150 mg orally daily for 16 weeks: responders (phlebotomy free or decrease in spleen size) were allowed to continue a total of 1 year of treatment, while non-responders were taken off the study. Three (60%) patients received therapy for 16 weeks and did not achieve hematological response or improvement in spleen size. Two (40%) pts were taken off the study after 2 doses secondary to severe toxicities (grade 3 colitis in 1 case, and grade 3 facial rash in 1case). No therapy continued beyond 16 weeks (due to toxicity or lack of response). All pts in the study developed rash (grade 1 – 3) and diarrhea (grade 1 – 2). Three pts developed mucositis (see [Table 1][1]). No death was observed during the study and follow up period (median follow up was 23 months, range 12-37 months). Study was closed due to lack of efficacy. Conclusions Despite in vitro efficacy of erlotinib as potent inhibitor of JAK-2 activity, erlotinib is not effective in pts with JAK-2 V617F positive PV with poor toxicity profile. Poor accrual was related to potential toxicity of erlotinib compared to alternative treatments in view of lack of clinical efficacy. View this table: Table 1 CTCAE version 4 grades of toxicities Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #T1
Evolution and Function of the Insulin and Insulin-like Signaling Network in Ectothermic Reptiles: Some Answers and More Questions

The insulin and insulin-like signaling (IIS) molecular network regulates cellular growth and division, and influences organismal metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, and lifespan. As a group, reptiles have incredible diversity in the complex life history traits that have been associated with the IIS network, yet the research on the IIS network in ectothermic reptiles is sparse. Here, we review the IIS network and synthesize what is known about the function and evolution of the IIS network in ectothermic reptiles. The primary hormones of this network-the insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGFs) likely function in reproduction in ectothermic reptiles, but the precise mechanisms are unclear, and likely range from influencing mating and ovulation to maternal investment in embryonic development. In general, plasma levels of IGF1 increase with food intake in ectothermic reptiles, but the magnitude of the response to food varies across species or populations and the ages of animals. Long-term temperature treatments as well as thermal stress can alter expression of genes within the IIS network. Although relatively little work has been done on IGF2 in ectothermic reptiles, IGF2 is consistently expressed at higher levels than IGF1 in juvenile ectothermic reptiles. Furthermore, in contrast to mammals that have genetic imprinting that silences the maternal IGF2 allele, in reptiles IGF2 is bi-allelically expressed (based on findings in chickens, a snake, and a lizard). Evolutionary analyses indicate some members of the IIS network are rapidly evolving across reptile species, including IGF1, insulin (INS), and their receptors. In particular, IGF1 displays extensive nucleotide variation across lizards and snakes, which suggests that its functional role may vary across this group. In addition, genetic variation across families and populations in the response of the IIS network to environmental conditions illustrates that components of this network may be evolving in natural populations. The diversity in reproductive physiology, metabolic plasticity, and lifespan among reptiles makes the study of the IIS network in this group a potentially rich avenue for insight into the evolution and function of this network. The field would benefit from future studies that discern the respective functions of IGF1 and IGF2 and how these functions vary across taxa, perfecting additional assays for measuring IIS components, and determining the role of IIS in different tissues.
How to Use Outcomes Questionnaires: Pearls and Pitfalls

Patient-reported outcomes serve as an essential and perhaps more relevant means for assessing patients' response to treatment than clinical measures alone. Many of the procedures performed in plastic surgery are associated with aesthetic outcomes. Therefore, it is pertinent to thoroughly understand the patient's perspective of achieved results. Surgeons need to possess knowledge and skills about outcomes assessments and understand how to apply them to improve quality of care delivered based on evidence. This article discusses the appropriate use of outcome questionnaires to rigorously evaluate treatment methods based on patient satisfaction and the outcome measurement instruments frequently used in plastic surgery.
Magnetic Properties of Bi- and Tl-Based Single Crystals

Crystal growth and magnetic relaxation of Tl2Ba2CaCu2Ox, Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3Ox, (Tl,Bi,Pb)Sr2CaCu2Ox and Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox single crystals were investigated. According to a study on the phase relations of these systems, four kinds of mm-sized single crystals with different transition temperatures were grown by the self-flux method. The single crystals showed a large magnetic relaxation, which was approximately linear with the logarithm of the time. Based on the thermally activated flux creep model, the effective flux-pinning potential energy for each crystal was estimated from these results.
Patterns of Facial Fractures and Protective Device Use in Motor Vehicle Collisions From 2007 to 2012

ImportanceFacial fractures after motor vehicle collisions are a significant source of facial trauma in patients seen at trauma centers. With recent changes in use of seat belts and advances in airb...
Redressing grievances with the treatment of dimensionless quantities in SI.

Abstract The International System of Units (SI) and its associated methods adhere to a design principle in which all kinds of quantities are described in terms of a standard set of dimensions. It is a corollary of that principle that quantities having no extent in any of those dimensions (“dimensionless quantities”) will not be distinguishable as different kinds through dimensional analysis alone, and the formality of quantity calculus will be of no help in preventing mistakes where different kinds of dimensionless quantities are confused. This corollary has led to controversies involving abuse of the unit hertz and elimination of radians and steradians as being equivalent to the number 1. In addition, official rejection of the use of so-called counting units in conjunction with accepted units has been repeatedly criticized and is often ignored. The proposed resolution is to extend quantity calculus to discern different kinds of dimensionless quantities as well as it currently discerns different kinds of dimensional quantities. The extended system provides a formal interpretation of commonly-used workarounds in terms that are compatible with SI. Should the extended quantity calculus become accepted by consensus in the future, a guide to its use would expand the set of references provided by the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM), which currently lacks a definitive reference on quantity calculus.
Regulation of Inositol Trisphosphate Formation and Action

Over 30 years have now passed since the original report by Hokin and Hokin on receptor-stimulated turnover of inositol lipids (Hokin and Hokin, 1953). Since that time, the phosphoinositides have enjoyed periods of interest, neglect, rekindled interest, controversy, and finally acceptance as important intermediaries in biological signaling processes in a wide variety of systems. The pivotal contributions that resulted in this tumultuous history came from a number of different laboratories. Michell’s (1975) hypothesis that the phosphoinositides somehow served to couple receptors to cellular calcium mobilization provoked considerable research and criticism, but it was ultimately shown to be correct when Berridge, Irvine, and their collaborators demonstrated that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [(1,4,5)IP3], the water-soluble product of phospholipase C degradation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), was capable of releasing sequestered calcium intracellularly in a variety of biological systems (Berridge 1983, 1984; Berridge and Irvine, 1984; Streb et al., 1983; Burgess et al., 1984a,b; Prentki et al., 1984). A parallel story evolved from the work in Nishizuka’s laboratory (Nishizuka, 1983, 1984), which demonstrated that the other product of inositol lipid breakdown, diacylglycerol (DG) was also a cellular messenger; this apparently innocuous intermediate of phospholipid metabolism was shown to be a potent and specific activator of an ubiquitous protein kinase that Nishizuka designated as C kinase.
Microradiographic Characterization of Pitting Corrosion Damage and Fatigue Life

Due to the increasing number of aging aircraft, the inspection and assessment of corrosion and fatigue damage on airframe structures is of major concern [1]. Among the different types of corrosion damage, pitting corrosion is an important factor in triggering widespread fatigue crack initiation and reduced fatigue life. Therefore, the ability to predict surface crack origination from pitting corrosion is necessary for timely maintenance of aging aircraft.
Classification of pixel-level fused hyperspectral and lidar data using deep convolutional neural networks

We investigate classification from pixel-level fusion of Hyperspectral (HSI) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data using convolutional neural networks (CNN). HSI and LiDAR imaging are complementary modalities increasingly used together for geospatial data collection in remote sensing. HSI data is used to glean information about material composition and LiDAR data provides information about the geometry of objects in the scene. Two key questions relative to classification performance are addressed: the effect of merging multi-modal data and the effect of uncertainty in the CNN training data. Two recent co-registered HSI and LiDAR datasets are used here to characterize performance. One was collected, over Houston TX, by the University of Houston National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping with NSF sponsorship, and the other was collected, over Gulfport MS, by Universities of Florida and Missouri with NGA sponsorship.
Paper spray mass spectrometry for high-throughput quantification of nicotine and cotinine

The rapid release of new tobacco products requires high-throughput quantitative methods to support tobacco research. Sample preparation for LC-MS and GC-MS is time consuming and limits throughput. Paper spray tandem mass spectrometry (PS-MS/MS) is proposed and validated as a simple and rapid method for quantification of nicotine and cotinine in complex matrices to support tobacco-related research. Air liquid interface (ALI) human tracheobronchial epithelial cell (HTBEC) cultures were exposed to tobacco smoke using a Vitrocell VC-10 smoking machine. Apical culture washes (phosphate buffered saline, PBS) and basolateral media were analyzed with the PS-MS/MS method. GC-MS/MS was used as a comparative quantitative technique. The PS-MS/MS approach allowed for direct spotting of samples on the paper substrate, whereas the GC-MS/MS method required additional sample preparation in the form of solvent-solvent extraction. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) were higher with the PS-MS/MS approach than GC-MS/MS, but still below the relevant concentrations found in HTBEC smoke exposure experiments as well as most clinical applications. PS-MS/MS is readily achieved on mass spectrometers that include atmospheric pressure inlets, and allows for convenient quantification from complex matrices that would otherwise require additional sample preparation and chromatographic separation.
Environmental impacts to the Everglades ecosystem: a historical perspective and restoration strategies

The Everglades is a vast subtropical wetland that dominates the landscape of south Florida and is widely recognized as an ecosystem of great ecological importance. As a result of anthropogenic disturbances over the past 100 years (i.e., agricultural and urban development, eutrophication resulting from stormwater runoff, changes in hydrology and invasion of exotic species), the biotic integrity of the entire Everglades is now threatened. To protect this valuable resource, the state of Florida and the Federal Government, in cooperation with other interested parties, have developed a comprehensive restoration strategy that addresses controlling excess nutrient loading and reestablishment of a more natural hydrology. These efforts include building approximately 17,000 ha of treatment wetlands, referred to as Stormwater Treatment Areas, to treat surface runoff before it is discharged into the Everglades. We briefly discuss the history of the Everglades in the context of environmental disturbance and outline the steps being taken to ensure its survival for future generations.
Computational investigation of non-body-of-revolution hull form maneuvering characteristics

Maneuvering characteristics for traditional body-of-revolution (BOR) hull forms are well understood through decades of testing, while less traditional non-body-of-revolution (Non-BOR) hull forms are not nearly as well understood. A computational investigation on the maneuvering capability for two Non-BOR hull forms (Single and Twin Tail stern configurations) and an equivalent BOR hull form is completed, and compared to prior experimental tests. Initially, global forces and moments on the hull forms over various static angles of attack are computed and studied. Next, steady turn computations are used to determine global forces and moments on the hull forms over various turning radii. Force and moment information from the static and steady turn computations are combined to compute indices of stability for each hull form. Stability indices are used as a means of quantifying maneuvering stability for all of the hull forms in the vertical and horizontal planes. Computationally predicted stability indices displayed the same maneuvering characteristics as previous experiments. The Twin Tail hull form was shown to be highly stable in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The Single Tail hull form was unstable in the vertical plane and highly stable in the horizontal plane. The BOR proved to be marginally stable to stable in both planes. The results of this study show that the Twin Tail hull form would be more suitable from a maneuvering standpoint than the Single Tail hull form in future Non-BOR design studies.
Programming Isotype-Specific Plasma Cell Function

Helper T cell induced plasma cells (PCs) that secrete class-switched neutralizing antibody are paramount to effective immunity. Following class-switch recombination (CSR), antigen-activated B cells differentiate into extrafollicular PCs or mature in germinal centers (GCs) to produce high-affinity memory B cells and follicular PCs. Many studies focus on the core transcriptional programs that drive central PC functions of longevity and antibody secretion. However, it is becoming clear that these central programs are further subdivided across antibody isotype with separable transcriptional trajectories. Divergent functions emerge at CSR, persist through PC terminal differentiation and further assort memory PC function following antigen recall. Here, we emphasize recent work that assorts divergent isotype-specific PC function across four major modules of immune protection.
Abstract 1593: Genetic interactions in lung cancer using machine-learning approaches in genome-wide association studies

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) consisting of hundreds of thousands or millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have presented the complex inheritance patterns of disease/trait. Although GWAS have identified thousands of SNPS associated with diseases, few studies have explored interactions among these SNPs that may influence disease risks. Machine learning applications can identify SNPs that influence disease risk through interactions and define how these SNPs jointly influence disease risks. Tree-based machine-learning applications; classification and regression trees (CART) and random forest (RF) methods, have become increasingly popular and convenient tools for understanding interactions influencing disease development. Here we apply these methods to understand the genetic architecture of lung cancer. To elucidate the SNP-SNP interactions that influence lung cancer risk, we applied supervised tree-based approaches using 18,444 cases and 14,027 controls from lung cancer OncoArray GWAS data that is the largest lung cancer GWAS so far. To reduce the space of SNPs to consider in modeling, we first selected the SNPs very significantly (p Citation Format: Jinyoung Byun, Younghun Han, Christopher I. Amos. Genetic interactions in lung cancer using machine-learning approaches in genome-wide association studies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1593.
Epidemiology and Mechanisms of the Increasing Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancers in Young Adults

In contrast to the decreasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in older populations, the incidence has nearly doubled in younger adults since the early 1990s. Approximately 1 in 10 new diagnoses of CRC are now made in individuals 50 years or younger. Patients' risk of CRC has been calculated largely by age and family history, yet 3 of 4 patients with early-onset CRC have no family history of the disease. Rapidly increasing incidence rates in younger people could result from generational differences in diet, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. We review epidemiologic trends in CRC, data on genetic and nongenetic risk factors, and new approaches for determining CRC risk. These may identify individuals likely to benefit from early screening and specialized surveillance.