cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flat Earth and Amazons

Charles-Marie de La Condamine's quest to Peru to calculate Earth's flattened shape included some adventures that didn't make it into the offical records at the time, finds D. Graham Burnett.
Experimental studies of suspended ferromagnetic fibers in a magnetic field

The analysis of the rotation of a ferromagnetic ellipsoid suspended in a Newtonian fluid and subjected to a uniform magnetic field is extended to include a long, slender cylindrical fiber which is magnetically saturated. Experimental observations of rotating nickel cylinders with aspect ratiosL/D ranging from 5 to 40 agree with the theoretical predictions that: (1) the proper magnetoviscous time constant for the motion isτMV =ηs/µ0M s 2 , (2) larger fiber aspect ratios result in considerably longer orientation times; and (3) the strength of the applied external field has only a slight effect on the overall fiber rotation, and has no effect on the maximum angular velocity achieved. Quantitative agreement of theory and experiments is obtained for fibers withL/D ≧ 20; for the shorter fibers, the theory tends to overpredict the fiber rotation rate by as much as 30%.
Why are so many food plants cyanogenic

A disproportionately large number of the most important human food plants is cyanogenic. The accumulated research of numerous people working in several different disciplines now allows a tenable explanation for this observation. Cyanogenesis by plants is not only a surprisingly effective chemical defence against casual herbivores, but it is also easily overcome by careful pre-ingestion food processing, this latter skill being almost exclusive to humans. Moreover, humans have the physiological ability to detoxify cyanide satisfactorily, given an adequate protein diet. It appears that early in the domestication of crop plants the cyanogenic species would have been relatively free of pests and competitive herbivores, as well as having good nutritional qualities, and thus ideal candidates for cultivation by the first farmers.
Quenching of a Hollow Sphere

Most analyses of boiling on cylinders and spheres assume uniform surface temperature. For bodies that are small or have high conductivity, this is a fair assumption. But for large bodies, the variationof heat flux q around the body might be large enough to cause significant variations in temperature T on a surface that cannot provide unlimited energy to the boiling process by internal conduction. As an example, Ungar and Eichhorn measured large T variations around a 2.54-cm copper sphere quenched in methanol. Such T variation led to nonuniform boiling regimes around the sphere and cast doubt about the significance of minimum and maximum heat fluxes that one would calculate from experiments where T uniformity is assumed. Thibault and Hoffman also measured large variations in heat flux about 12.7-cm copper cylinder quenched in water. A hollow sphere, used in this study, removes the conduction path from the front to the back of the body; therefore any spatial variations in heat flux would enhance the T variation in the angular ({theta}) direction around the body. The outputof two thermocouples (TC) mounted inside the sphere was linked to the boiling behavior on the surface by using a specially designed timing circuit that providedmore » simulataneous timing marks for the T-t records and for high-speed motion pictures of selected experiments.« less
Delusions: analysis and criteria.

HAT CRITERIA should we use in identifying delusions? The question is important since the concept of a delusion figures prominently in many diagnostic schemes. 1*2,3 Moreover, the way in which the concept of a delusion is applied can have significant implications for society. For example, whether or not a person is considered competent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity may depend upon whether or not it can be established that he is delusional. In another context. repressive political actions in the name of medical treatment may be carried out on the grounds that deviance in political viewpoint should be regarded as delusional thinking. Obviously, how we understand what a delusion is can have important consequences. Consider the following statements: (1) A physician believes that it’s his destiny to serve mankind and that he has been specially chosen for this: (2) A woman believes that her neighbor is trying to poison her by spraying poison into her house late at night; (3) A man believes that his thoughts are capable of destroying people: (4) A devoutly religious person believes that God spoke to him and told him to spend the rest of his life working for God and the church; (5) An early 16th-century scientist believes that the earth revolves around the sun: (6) An embassy worker believes that his office is being bombarded with microwaves that are making him sick, and (71 A Russian believes there is a better form of government than the one currently existing in the USSR. To what extent do these statements describe delusions’? What further information. if any, is needed to decide whether a delusion is occurring in each case? It is the intent of this paper to propose some criteria for identifying delusions. but it is necessary to begin by pointing to some of the defects in standard accounts of delusions. Standard definitions of “delusion” often emphasize such factors as having a fcrlsr belief or having a deviant boliqf. For example, the APA glossary defines a delusion as, “A false belief out of keeping with the individual’s level of knowledge and his cultural group.“” In the Conzprehensir~e Te.rtbm.4 c?f’ Psychiatry (ed 31, we find, “A delusion is a false belief that arises without appropriate external stimulation and that is maintained unshakably in the face of reason. Furthermore, the belief held is not one ordinarily shared by other members of the patient’s socio-cultural and educational group.“” Redlich and Freedman state “Delusions are incorrigible false beliefs that are not shared or
Leafhopper Fauna of X-Diseased Peach and Cherry Orchards in Southwest Michigan

During a 2-year period, 70 species of leafhoppers were collected on sticky-board traps placed in and around several X-diseased peach and sour cherry orchards in southwest Michigan. Of those species known to be X-disease vectors, Paraphlepsius irroratus (Say) and Scaphytopius acutus (Say) were most abundant, whereas Colladonus clitellarius (Say). Norvellina seminuda (Say), and Fieberiella florii (Stal) were found only in low numbers. Many more P. irroratus were trapped in cherry orchards than in peach orchards, whereas S. acutus was slightly more common in peach orchards. Both species appear to have 2 generations/year. The importance of 7 additional species as possible vectors is discussed.
Kernel-based feature extraction under maximum margin criterion

In this paper, we study the problem of feature extraction for pattern classification applications. RELIEF is considered as one of the best-performed algorithms for assessing the quality of features for pattern classification. Its extension, local feature extraction (LFE), was proposed recently and was shown to outperform RELIEF. In this paper, we extend LFE to the nonlinear case, and develop a new algorithm called kernel LFE (KLFE). Compared with other feature extraction algorithms, KLFE enjoys nice properties such as low computational complexity, and high probability of identifying relevant features; this is because KLFE is a nonlinear wrapper feature extraction method and consists of solving a simple convex optimization problem. The experimental results have shown the superiority of KLFE over the existing algorithms.
Interaction of manganese with NB41A neuroblastoma adenylate cyclase

In vitro assay of the adenylate cyclase of NB41A neuroblastoma cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of MnCl2 suggested that the enzyme is modulated by both high- and low-affinity sites for manganese. MnCl2 in a concentration of 1 microM significantly stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, but increasing the concentration of manganese to 3 microM or 10 microM had no further effect. Raising MnCl2 to 0.1 or 1 mM, however, further stimulated enzyme activity. In addition to differences in affinity for manganese, the two classes of binding sites may be distinguished by differences in their interaction with other agents that affect adenylate cyclase activity. Millimolar manganese and magnesium appeared to compete for a common site on the enzyme and the effect of manganese in this range and the effect of guanyl nucleotide were synergistic. In contrast, the stimulation of activity by micromolar manganese appeared to be additive to the effects of either increasing magnesium or the addition of guanyl nucleotide to the assay media. Comparison of the substrate dependency of the reaction measured in the presence and absence of manganese suggests that the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity involves increases in both the apparent Vmax of the reaction and the affinity for ATP. The results raise the possibility that the interaction of Mn2+ may play a role in the modulation of adenylate cyclase in vivo.
Demonstration and characterization of the hemoconcentrating effect of ascitic fluid that accumulates during hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Plasma volume deficit and hemoconcentration in hemorrhagic pancreatitis may be induced by vasoactive factors released by the inflamed pancreas. The ability of intraperitoneally injected pancreatic ascitic fluid (human and experimental) to produce hemoconcentration was examined in 210 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200–250 g) randomly assigned to five groups: 56 (control); 10 (5 cc dog plasma); 20 (5 cc normal saline); 10 (5 cc human pancreatic exudate (HPA)); 124 (5 cc ascites from dogs (10) with bile salt-trypsin pancreatitis (EPA)). Pancreatic exudate was passed through a 0.2-μm filter, injected, and after 2 hr tail vein hematocrits were determined and rats autopsied. Statistical significance was determined by Student's unpaired t test. Control hematocrit (HCT) was 45.1 ± 0.55 (SEM), not different from plasma- or saline-treated animals. Rats receiving HPA had a mean HCT higher than that of controls (52.9 ± 0.0, P < 0.001). Ten subgroups receiving EPA had a mean HCT from 46.5 ± 0.6 to 52.2 ± 0.9, and 7 of the 10 demonstrated significant hemoconcentration. Active trypsin and osmolality of EPA were excluded as causative. Hemoconcentrating effect of EPA remained after freezing at −20°C for up to 7 months, heating at 56°C for 10 min, treatment with 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and extraction with equal volumes of anydrous ether. Ultrafiltered (1000-dalton Amicon) TCA-treated EPA showed persistence of hemoconcentrating effect. A biologically active factor (likely a peptide with molecular weight below 1000 daltons in the pancreatic exudate may cause hemoconcentration, and may be responsible for continued plasma loss in acute pancreatitis.
Environmental Impacts of Urban Sprawl: A Survey of the Literature and Proposed Research Agenda

‘Urban sprawl’ has recently become a subject of popular debate and policy initiatives from governmental bodies and nonprofit organizations. However, there is little agreement on many aspects of thi...
Ultra‐low Temperature Oxidation of 5,6‐Dihydroxyindole: A Novel Approach to Study Synthetic Melanogenesis†

The detailed structure of melanin remains elusive due to the complexity and insolubility of the pigment. Herein we describe a novel oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) as a means to characterize soluble intermediates formed prior to oligomerization. The approach entails the use of a biomimetic copper-peroxo oxidant, at ultra-low temperature (-78 degrees C). DHI oxidized by [LCuII(O2)CuIIL]B(C6F5)4 (L=2,6,10-trimethyl-2,6,10-triazaundecane) under argon produces the one electron oxidation product, semiquinone radical, which is spectroscopically observed at -78 degrees C. MS analysis of the reaction mixture reveals the DHI dimer as well as other extensively oxidized DHI units.
Estimating the Intensity of a Spatial Point Process from Locations Coarsened by Incomplete Geocoding

The estimation of spatial intensity is an important inference problem in spatial epidemiologic studies. A standard data assimilation component of these studies is the assignment of a geocode, that is, point-level spatial coordinates, to the address of each subject in the study population. Unfortunately, when geocoding is performed by the standard automated method of street-segment matching to a georeferenced road file and subsequent interpolation, it is rarely completely successful. Typically, 10-30% of the addresses in the study population, and even higher percentages in particular subgroups, fail to geocode, potentially leading to a selection bias, called geographic bias, and an inefficient analysis. Missing-data methods could be considered for analyzing such data; however, because there is almost always some geographic information coarser than a point (e.g., a Zip code) observed for the addresses that fail to geocode, a coarsened-data analysis is more appropriate. This article develops methodology for estimating spatial intensity from coarsened geocoded data. Both nonparametric (kernel smoothing) and likelihood-based estimation procedures are considered. Substantial improvements in the estimation quality of coarsened-data analyses relative to analyses of only the observations that geocode are demonstrated via simulation and an example from a rural health study in Iowa.
Visual acuity and visual field development after cryocoagulation in infants with retinopathy of prematurity

Visual development was studied in 10 very-low-birth-weight infants (less than 1500 g) with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage 3+ who had been treated with cryocoagulation in both eyes. Binocular visual acuity (acuity cards method) and binocular visual fields (kinetic perimetry) were assessed repeatedly in the first year of life. At 12 months corrected age, visual acuity was normal in seven and impaired in three infants, who appeared to be severely myopic. Normal visual fields were found in eight infants at this age. The results indicate that cryotherapy in cases of ROP stage 3+ does not interfere with visual acuity development. The effect on visual field development needs further investigation.
Ab Initio Self-Consistent Field Study of Deoxyguanosine

The rotational energy of deoxyguanosine around the C1−N9 bond is calculated using the Hartree-Fock method with an STO-3G basis set.
The Stanford Nanofabrication Facility and the National Nanofabrication Users' Network: the ultimate sandbox for bioMEMS and bioengineering R&D

As cutting-edge research becomes more multidisciplinary, it becomes increasingly difficult to find experimental and laboratory resources that can support such broadly defined research. The five, founding-member university facilities of the Nanofabrication Users' Network (NNUN) have been providing such broad-based resources for nine years. The goal of the NNUN is not only to develop micro- and nanotechnology fabrication resources and expertise across a broad range of disciplines, but also to encourage researchers from industry as well as academia outside the network to make use of our facilities. All NNUN sites are shared-equipment, open-use laboratories featuring a broad range of micro- and nanofabrication equipment. The NNUN is comprised of two main "hub" facilities at Stanford and Cornell Universities, and three "satellite" facilities at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Penn State University, and Howard University. Based on the academic traditions of openness and sharing, these facilities comprise a vibrant, dynamic community of researchers. Our lab members come from a wide variety of disciplines, with research in areas of optics, MEMS, biology, and chemistry, as well as process characterization and fabrication of more traditional electronics devices. We are especially committed to supporting use of micro- and nanofabrication technologies in non-traditional research applications. The NNUN is supported by the National Science Foundation under cooperative agreements ECS-9731293 and ECS-9731294.
Improved biomass distribution using pulsed injections of electron donor and acceptor

In situ bioremediation relies on the creation of contaminant-degrading biomass in subsurface soils. Pulsed injection of the electron donor and acceptor has been suggested as a method for evenly distributing biomass for more effective in situ bioremediation. Biofilms were developed in laboratory soil columns under both pulsed and continuous acetate and nitrate delivery using denitrifying conditions with acetate as the sole carbon and energy source. Separate experiments were conducted with either continuous or pulsed addition. Pulsing resulted in more evenly distributed biomass profiles as measured by both tryptic soy agar plate counts and total protein.
Upregulation of FasL by LPA on ovarian cancer cell surface leads to apoptosis of activated lymphocytes

Abstract Objective Constitutive expression and upregulation of FasL by malignant epithelial cells counterattack infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and induce apoptosis of normal cells within the tumor, which may induce metastasis. As little is known about the mechanisms that regulate expression of Fas ligand and the subsequent release of FasL in epithelial ovarian cancer cells (EOC), we investigated the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on FasL expression and associated signaling pathways. Methods We used established EOC cell lines that were incubated with or without LPA and FasL expression was detected by flow cytometry. Cells were additionally lysed and detected for total protein expression. Activated CD4+ T cells, after coculture with or without EOC, were collected for apoptosis staining and analysis by flow cytometry. Results Flow cytometry showed that LPA strongly upregulated FasL expression on the OVCAR3 cell surface ( P P P Conclusions These data suggest that upregulation of FasL by LPA provides EOC immune-privilege and leads to apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes.
Radial Dilution Model for the Distribution of Toxaphene in the United States and Canada on the Basis of Measured Concentrations in Tree Bark

Toxaphene was a highly chlorinated pesticide that was used in the United States from the 1950s until its restriction and ban in the 1980s. It was primarily used on cotton in the southern United States, and perhaps as a result, toxaphene is found in high concentrations in the southern United States. Toxaphene has also been detected at remote locations, such as in the high Canadian Arctic. However, these and other studies focused on selected regions of the United States and Canada, which only allowed for a limited interpretation of these data. We report here the concentrations of toxaphene measured in 46 tree bark samples collected in the United States and Canada. Concentrations were found to be greatest in the Mississippi River Valley along the borders of southern Missouri and Arkansas. We created a simple model based on radial dilution from a central location in the south central United States to describe toxaphene concentrations in tree bark and in air throughout the United States and Canada. The toxaphene concentrations were successfully described by this inverse square distance model. A bark-atmosphere partition coefficient for toxaphene was also calculated that was similar to literature-derived octanol-air partition coefficients. High concentrations of toxaphene still exist in areas where it was heavily used but decline rapidly with distance.
Assessment of environmental effects of deep ocean mining of manganese nodules

Deep ocean mining for manganese nodules is under development by several multinational mining consortia. Initial estimates of probable environmental effects of this mining were made before any actual operations were conducted. Recent pilot mining tests near Hawaii have provided an opportunity to verify and modify the initial estimates. The two principal initial impacts of mining are in the near surface water associated with increased turbidity caused by mining discharge, and in a relatively limited zone at the sea floor associated with collector traverse. Examples are presented of estimates of reduction in primary production in the turbid plume as well as the contrasting effect of increased nutrients. Effects of the mining collector on benthic populations are considered. The limitations of extrapolation of results obtained during pilot mining tests are discussed.
Inhibition of parathyroid hormone-induced fetal rat bone resorption in vitro by nerve growth factor.

The effects of 7S nerve growth factor (NGF) and its isolated α, β, and γ subunits on bone resorption were assessed in a tissue culture system in which the degree of resorption was determined by measuring the release of45Ca from prelabeled fetal rat radii and ulnae. It was found that 7S-NGF, through the activity of its γ, subunit, inhibits parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated but not-unstimulated bone resorption.
Investigating the Thin-Film Versus Bulk Material Properties of Structural Adhesives

A combined experimental and computational investigation was performed to determine whether the material properties of structural adhesives differ between their thin-film “in-situ” and bulk forms. Shear testing focused on the use of the V-notched Iosipescu shear specimen whereas tensile testing focused on adhesively bonded butt-joint specimens as well as bulk adhesive bar specimens. The apparent shear strength was found to be independent of bondline thickness. Further, shear strengths obtained from bulk adhesive testing were comparable with those from in-situ testing. Results from butt-tensile testing and analysis suggest that the apparent variation in tensile strength as a function of bondline thickness is a result of variations in the adhesive stress state, rather than the actual tensile strength of the adhesive. These results suggest that the adhesive properties obtained from bulk adhesive specimens are valid for use in structural analysis of in-situ thin-film adhesives.
Attitudes of Urban American Indians and Alaska Natives Regarding Participation in Research

OBJECTIVE: To determine what factors influence participation in health research among American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Association of persistent organic pollutants and non-persistent pesticides with diabetes and diabetes-related health outcomes in Asia: A systematic review

Abstract Background Over half of the people with diabetes in the world live in Asia. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that diabetes is associated with environmental pollutants, exposures that are also abundant in Asia. Objective To systematically review the literature concerning the association of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and non-persistent pesticides with diabetes and diabetes-related health outcomes in Asia. Methods PubMed and Embase were searched to identify studies published up to November 2014. A secondary reference review of all extracted articles and the National Toxicology Program Workshop on the association of POPs with diabetes was also conducted. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated in this review. Results To date, the evidence relating POPs and non-persistent pesticides with diabetes in Asian populations is equivocal. Positive associations were reported between serum concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and several organochlorine pesticides (DDT, DDE, oxychlordane, trans -nonachlor, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexane) with diabetes. PCDD/Fs were also associated with blood glucose and insulin resistance, but not beta-cell function. There were substantial limitations of the literature including: most studies were cross-sectional, few studies addressed selection bias and confounding, and most effect estimates had exceptionally wide confidence intervals. Few studies evaluated the effects of organophosphates. Conclusions Well-conducted research is urgently needed on these pervasive exposures to inform policies to mitigate the diabetes epidemic in Asia.
Persistence of the nasotrigeminal reflex after pontomedullary transection.

Most behaviors have numerous components based on reflexes, but the neural circuits driving most reflexes rarely are documented. The nasotrigeminal reflex induced by stimulating the nasal mucosa causes an apnea, a bradycardia, and variable changes in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). In this study we tested the nasotrigeminal reflex after transecting the brainstem at the pontomedullary junction. The nasal mucosae of anesthetized rats were stimulated with ammonia vapors and their brainstems then were transected. Complete transections alone induced an increase in resting heart rate (HR; p < 0.001) and MABP (p < 0.001), but no significant change in ventilation. However, the responses to nasal stimulation after transection were similar to those seen prior to transection. HR still dropped significantly (p < 0.001), duration of apnea remained the same, as did changes in MABP. Results from rats whose transection were incomplete are discussed. These data implicate that the neuronal circuitry driving the nasotrigeminal reflex, and indirectly the diving response, is intrinsic to the medulla and spinal cord.
Serum prolactin levels and treatment outcome in cocaine dependence.

We measured serum prolactin levels in cocaine-dependent patients soon after hospital admission, and then evaluated patients during a 6-month follow-up period. Based on findings from previous work by Krantzler and Wallington (1992) and our own group (Teoh et al 1990), we hypothesized that patients with hyperprolactinemia would have a worse prognosis as a result of increased dopaminergic function
Ionograph Sensitivity to Chemical Residues from ‘No Clean’ Soldering Fluxes: Comparison of Solvent Extract Conductivity and Surface Conductivity

This study examines solvent extract conductivity (SEC) testing, e.g., Ionograph or Omega Meter testing, which measures ionic cleanliness of printed wiring boards (PWBs). SEC has been a quality control (QC) monitor to assure product electrical reliability. Typical SEC measurements occur after wave soldered products have been solvent‐cleaned. This study concerns SEC testing on new wave soldering processes that involve no solvent cleaning, i.e., inert gas soldering with ‘no clean’ fluxes. Results show ionic residues from ‘no clean’ fluxes may have other characteristics that make QC testing for ionic cleanliness inappropriate. However, SEC may be appropriate as a process control monitor after soldering with these fluxes. An Ionograph measured SEC response for the following chemicals: NaCl, NaF, NaBr, KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, HCl, succinic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and ethylene glycol. The list includes inorganic salts, strong electrolytes, which may arise from manufacturing or PWB materials. The list also includes weak organic acids (WOAs) common to ‘no clean’ fluxes. One non‐ionic hygroscopic chemical, ethylene glycol, was studied. Ionograph response was measured via (i) direct injection of aqueous solutions and (ii) immersion of PWBs with individual chemicals as surface deposits. All ionisable compounds, including all WOAs, produced substantial SEC response. Surface conductivity was measured at 35°C/90% relative humidity (RH) with controlled amounts of the above chemicals deposited on clean PWB test circuits. Surface loadings corresponded to the molar‐ionic equivalent of 2.0 ?g/cm2 NaCl. In addition, NaCl, adipic acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) were examined as a function of concentration. Several ionisable chemicals including all WOAs produced no measurable effect, i.e., surface conductivities were indistinguishable on clean and deposited specimens. Surface conductivity increased for ionic contaminants with critical RH below ∼80% and for the non‐ionic hygroscopic glycol. SEC measurements and surface conductivities were compared. The latter is more directly related to electrical reliability. Although all ionic compounds including the WOAs showed a SEC response, not all enhanced surface conductivity. Achievement of critical RH appears to be the important factor. Adipic acid required the presence of hygroscopic glycol to enhance surface conductivity. Therefore, SEC can be a misleading QC test for electrical reliability when WOA flux residues are present.
SMURF1 silencing diminishes a CD44-high cancer stem cell-like population in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is thought to play key roles in regulating the survival and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to disease recurrences and treatment failures in many malignances, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Intracellular BMP signaling is regulated by SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SMURF1) during cellular development. However, little is known about the role or regulation of BMP signaling in HNSCC CSCs. Methods: Two CSC-like populations, CD44 high /BMI1 high and CD44 high /ALDH high , were enriched from HNSCC cell lines and evaluated for the expression of SMURF1 by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting. The activation status of BMP signaling in these populations was determined by using immunoblotting to detect phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8 (pSMAD1/5/8) levels. Knockdown of SMURF1 transcripts by RNA interference was used to assess the role of SMURF1 in BMP signaling and CSC maintenance. Loss of CSC-like phenotypes following SMURF1 knockdown was determined by changes in CD44 high levels, cellular differentiation, and reduction in colony formation. Results: Populations of enriched CSC-like cells displayed decreased levels of pSMAD1/5/8 and BMP signaling target gene ID1 while SMURF1, CD44, and BMI1 were highly expressed when compared to non-CSC populations. Stable knockdown of SMURF1 expression in CSC-like cells increased pSMAD1/5/8 protein levels, indicating the reactivation of BMP signaling pathways. Decreased expression of SMURF1 also promoted adipogenic differentiation and reduced colony formation in a three-dimensional culture assay, indicating loss of tumorigenic capacity. The role of SMURF1 and inhibition of BMP signaling in maintaining a CSC-like population was confirmed by the loss of a CD44 high expressing subpopulation in SMURF1 knockdown cells. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that inhibition of BMP signaling potentiates the long-term survival of HNSCC CSCs, and that this inhibition is mediated by SMURF1. Targeting SMURF1 and restoring BMP signaling may offer a new therapeutic approach to promote differentiation and reduction of CSC populations leading to reduced drug resistance and disease recurrence.
Soil Properties and Spatial Processes Influence Bacterial Metacommunities within a Grassland Restoration Experiment

Metacommunity theory proposes that a collection of local communities are linked by dispersal and the resulting compositions are a product of both niche-based (species sorting) and spatial processes. Determining which of these factors is most important in different habitats can provide insight into the regulation of community assembly. To date, the metacommunity organization of heterotrophic soil bacteria is largely unknown. Spatial variation of soil bacterial communities could arise from (1) the resource heterogeneity produced by plant communities through root exudation and/or litter inputs; (2) the heterogeneity of soil environmental properties; and (3) pure spatial processes, including dispersal limitation and stochastic assembly. Understanding the relative importance of these factors for soil bacterial community structure and function could increase our ability to restore soil communities. We utilized an ongoing tallgrass prairie restoration experiment in northeastern Kansas to assess if restoring native plant communities produced changes in bacterial communities 6 years after restoration. We further examined the relative importance of the spatial heterogeneity of plant communities, soil properties, and pure spatial effects for bacterial community structure in the old-field restoration site. We found that soil bacterial communities were not influenced by plant restoration, but rather, by the local heterogeneity of soil environmental properties (16.9% of bacterial community variation) and pure spatial effects (11.1%). This work also stresses the idea that restoring bacterial communities can take many years to accomplish due to the inherent changes that occur to the soil after cultivation and the time it takes for the re-establishment of soil quality.
Candida biofilms associated with CVC and medical devices

Summary Intravascular device-related infections are often associated with biofilms (microbial communities encased within polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrix) formed by pathogens on surfaces of these devices. Candida species are the most common fungi isolated from catheter, denture and voice prosthesis-associated infections, and also are commonly isolated from contact lens-related infections (e.g. fungal keratitis). These biofilms exhibit decreased susceptibility to most antimicrobial agents, which contributes to the persistence of infection. Drug resistance in fungal biofilms is multifactorial and phase-dependent, e.g. efflux pumps mediate resistance in biofilms during early phase whereas altered membrane sterol composition contributes to resistance in mature phase. Both substrate type and surface coatings play an important role in the pathogenesis of device-related fungal biofilms. Microarray and proteomic analyses have identified the differentially expressed genes and proteins in Candida biofilms, and recent studies demonstrate that microbial biofilms interact with host immune cells. In this review, we will summarise recent advances in research on fungal biofilms and their relevance to device-associated infections.
The design and use of a hydraulic potentiomanometer for direct measurement of differences in hydraulic head between groundwater and surface water

The hydraulic potentiomanometer described herein consists of a potentiometer connected to a manometer by a flexible tube. The device is used to directly measure the direction of seepage as well as the hydraulic-head difference between groundwater and surface water. The device works most effectively in sandy materials. For accurate measurements the device must be free of air leaks.
First Report of Grapevine Virus Sequences Highly Similar to Grapevine Syrah virus-1 from Washington Vineyards

Grapevine Syrah virus-1 (GSyV-1), a tentative member of the genus Marafivirus in the family Tymoviridae, has recently been found in a declining Syrah grapevine in California vineyards (1). To determine if GSyV-1 is present in grapevines grown in Washington State vineyards, extracts prepared from individual grapevines of six cultivars (Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Lemberger, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah/Shiraz) were tested by single-tube reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using the primer pair GSyV-1 Det-F (5'-CAAGCCATCCGTGCATCTGG-3') and GSyV-1 Det-R (5'-GCCGATTTGGAACCCGATGG-3'). The primer GSyV-1 Det-F is identical to nucleotides (nt) 1125 to 1144 and GSyV-1 Det-R complementary to nt 1401 to 1420 of the GSyV-1 genome (GenBank Accession No. NC_012484) in the putative movement protein encoding gene (1). DNA fragment of approximately 296 base pairs (bp) was amplified only from 7 of 60 and 2 of 20 individual grapevines of cv. Syrah/Shiraz and Chardonnay, respectively, obtained from geographically separate vineyards. The 296-bp fragments from three Syrah/Shiraz and two Chardonnay grapevines were cloned individually into the pCR2.1 plasmid (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, CA). Three independent clones derived from each DNA fragment were sequenced from both orientations and the sequences edited and assembled using ContigExpress project in the Vector NTI Advance 11 sequence analysis software packages (Invitrogen). Pairwise comparison of four of these sequences (Accession Nos. GU372349-52) showed 99 to 100% amino acid (aa) sequence identity among themselves and with corresponding sequences of GSyV-1. Because of the lack of antibodies, an additional 611-bp fragment specific to the capsid protein (CP) gene of GSyV-1 was amplified from six isolates (five from cv. Syrah/Shiraz, and one from cv. Chardonnay) (Accession Nos. GU372353-66) using primers GSyV-1-F (5'-TGTCGACGCTCCAATGTCTGA-3') and GSyV-1-R (5'-CATTGCTGCGCTTTGGAGGCTTTA-3'). GSyV-1-F is identical to nt 5775 to 5795 and GSyV-1-R is complementary to nt 6385 to 6408 of the GSyV-1 genome. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced as described above. Comparison of these sequences among themselves and with corresponding sequences of GSyV-1 showed 96 to 99% aa sequence identity, further complementing the results obtained above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of viral sequences closely related to GSyV-1 in Washington vineyards. Together with other reports (1,2), this study suggests that viruses similar to GSyV-1 could be widely distributed in wine grape cultivars across grape-growing regions. References: (1) M. Rwahnih et al. Virology 387:395, 2009. (2) S. Sabanadzovic. Virology 394:1, 2009.
(1)H spectroscopic imaging of human brain at 3 Tesla: comparison of fast three-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging techniques.

Purpose To investigate the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and data quality of time-reduced three-dimensional (3D) proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) techniques in the human brain at 3 Tesla. Materials and Methods Techniques that were investigated included ellipsoidal k-space sampling, parallel imaging, and echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI). The SNR values for N-acetyl aspartate, choline, creatine, and lactate or lipid peaks were compared after correcting for effective spatial resolution and acquisition time in a phantom and in the brains of human volunteers. Other factors considered were linewidths, metabolite ratios, partial volume effects, and subcutaneous lipid contamination. Results In volunteers, the median normalized SNR for parallel imaging data decreased by 34–42%, but could be significantly improved using regularization. The normalized signal to noise loss in flyback EPSI data was 11–18%. The effective spatial resolutions of the traditional, ellipsoidal, sensitivity encoding (SENSE) sampling scheme, and EPSI data were 1.02, 2.43, 1.03, and 1.01 cm3, respectively. As expected, lipid contamination was variable between subjects but was highest for the SENSE data. Patient data obtained using the flyback EPSI method were of excellent quality. Conclusion Data from all 1H 3D-MRSI techniques were qualitatively acceptable, based upon SNR, linewidths, and metabolite ratios. The larger field of view obtained with the EPSI methods showed negligible lipid aliasing with acceptable SNR values in less than 9.5 min without compromising the point-spread function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:473–480. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparative in vivo and ex vivo pacing and sensing performance study using isolated four-chamber working swine heart model

A study was conducted comparing the pacing and sensing performance of an endocardial pacing lead (5076, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) in vivo to an ex vivo isolated heart model designed to work all four chambers under simulated in vivo physiologic conditions. The lead was implanted in vivo using fluoroscopic guidance. Standard stimulation and sensing parameters were recorded. Using standard cardiac surgical techniques, 8 porcine hearts were excised and reperfused in a working heart model retaining their original lead placement. Following stabilization, the electrical measurements were repeated. Ex vivo electrical values were significantly decreased relative to the in vivo measurements: R-wave amplitude by 39%, P-wave amplitude by 39%, slew rate by 62%, and pacing impedance by 34%. Pacing threshold values were similar in vivo and ex vivo. Variations in performance were in part attributed to local tissue deformation in the isolated heart preparation leading to differences in lead slack and orientation. This comparative study substantiated the value of utilizing the isolated heart model to visualize and simultaneously evaluate lead pacing and sensing performance in comparison with in vivo experimental procedures.
A sequency-ordered fast Walsh transform

A method is described that yields the fast Walsh transform (FWT) in sequency order. The advantages of this method over others are: 1) it is based on the Cooley-Tukey-type fast Hadamard transform (FHT) algorithm, 2) the computational effort is identical to the conventional FHT, and 3) the transform remains its own inverse.
Dual Anchoring of the GRASP Membrane Tether Promotes trans Pairing

GRASP proteins share an N-terminal GRASP domain and mediate homotypic tethering of Golgi cisternae to form extended Golgi ribbons. The golgin GM130 is thought to bind the C-terminal side of the GRASP domain to recruit GRASP65 onto the Golgi whereas stable membrane association appears to also depend on anchoring of the N terminus by myristoylation. Here, we examine the nature of the GM130/GRASP65 interaction and test whether the dual membrane contacts of the GRASP domain have a role in tethering beyond membrane recruitment. GM130 was found to contain a C-terminal PDZ ligand that binds the putative groove of the second PDZ-like domain in GRASP65. To test tethering activity independent of targeting, we took advantage of a tethering assay carried out on the mitochondrial membrane in which the GRASP membrane attachment points were individually or simultaneously substituted with mitochondrially targeted transmembrane sequences. N-terminally anchored constructs tethered only if the C terminus was also anchored; and likewise, C-terminally anchored constructs tethered only if the N terminus was anchored. One explanation for the role of this dual anchoring is that it orients the GRASP domain to prevent cis interactions within the same membrane thereby favoring trans interactions between adjacent membranes. Indeed, singly anchored GRASP constructs, although nonfunctional in tethering, interacted with one another and also bound and inhibited dually anchored constructs. This work thus elucidates the GM130/GRASP65 interaction and supports a novel orientation-based model of membrane tether regulation in which dual membrane contact orients the tethering interaction interface to favor trans over cis interactions.
The growth of hospice care in U.S. nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES: To inform efforts aimed at reducing Medicare hospice expenditures by describing the longitudinal use of hospice care in nursing homes (NHs) and examining how hospice provider growth is associated with use. DESIGN: Longitudinal study using NH resident assessment (Minimum Data Set) and Medicare denominator and claims data for 1999 through 2006. SETTING: NHs in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. PARTICIPANTS: Persons dying in U.S. NHs. MEASUREMENTS: Medicare beneficiaries dying in NHs, receipt of NH hospice, and lengths of hospice stay were identified. The number of hospices providing care in NHs was also identified, and a panel data fixed-effect (within) regression analysis was used to examine how growth in providers affected hospice use. RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2006, the number of hospices providing care in NHs rose from 1,850 to 2,768, and rates of NH hospice use more than doubled (from 14% to 33%). With this growth came a doubling of mean lengths of stay (from 46 to 93 days) and a 14% increase in the proportion of NH hospice decedents with noncancer diagnoses (69% in 1999 to 83% in 2006). Controlling for time trends, for every 10 new hospice providers within a state, there was an average state increase of 0.58% (95% confidence interval=0.383–0.782) in NH hospice use. Much state variation in NH hospice use and growth was observed. CONCLUSION: Policy efforts to curb Medicare hospice expenditures (driven in part by provider growth) must consider the potentially negative effect of changes on access for dying (mostly noncancer) NH residents.
Evaluation of frozen section margins in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Objectives/Hypothesis To identify histopathologic features associated with poor correlation of frozen and permanent pathology margins following wide local excision for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing excision of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas between the years 2010 AND 2013 was performed. Demographic, operative, and pathology data were collected. Overall correlation between frozen section margins and final margins on permanent section results was calculated. Positive and negative predictive values of several histopathologic features were determined. Results Forty-one cases were identified from the database. Perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and a component of poorly differentiated carcinoma were identified in 61.3%, 34.5%, and 17.1% of cases, respectively. Discrepancy between frozen section margins and permanent margins was identified in eight cases (19.5%). The false-negative rate for poorly differentiated carcinoma, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion was 14%, 36%, 26%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive value of poorly differentiated carcinoma, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion in predicting discrepancy between frozen and permanent margins was 14% and 80%, 36% and 84%, and 26% and 92%, respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrated a moderate rate of discrepancy between frozen and permanent section analysis of operative margins from high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. The presence or absence of certain histopathologic features appears to be associated with a higher rate of frozen section discrepancy. Evaluation of these features in a preoperative biopsy or staging excision may be useful in planning definitive excision and reconstruction. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 125:636–639, 2015
Innate resistance to lethal mousepox is genetically linked to the NK gene complex on chromosome 6 and correlates with early restriction of virus replication by cells with an NK phenotype.

Most inbred strains of mice, including DBA/2 (D2), are highly susceptible to the lethal effects of ectromelia virus, but C57BL/6 (B6) mice are innately resistant. Resistance is controlled by multiple, unlinked, autosomal dominant genes. Of 101 male (B6 3 D2)F1 3 D2 backcrossed (N2) mice, 18 died after ectromelia virus challenge and all were homozygous for the D2 allele at the proline-rich protein (Prp) locus on distal chromosome 6 (P < 0.001). This association was suggested by the patterns of susceptibility to lethal mousepox in recombinant inbred strains derived from B6 and D2 mice (D. G. Brownstein, P. N. Bhatt, L. Gras, and R. O. Jacoby, J. Virol. 65:1946‐1951, 1991). The association between the Prp locus and susceptibility to lethal mousepoxalsoheldforN2malemicethatwerecastratedasneonates,whichincreasedthepercentagethatwere susceptible to 40. Spleen virus titers were significantly augmented in B6 (NK1.1 1 ) mice depleted of asialo GM1 1 or NK1.1 1 cells, whereas spleen virus titers were unaffected in D2 (NK1.1 2 ) mice depleted of asialo GM1 1 cells. These results suggest that a gene or genes within the natural killer gene complex, adjacent to the Prplocus, determine strain variations in resistance to lethal ectromelia virus infection.
Natural Desensitization of Exposed Tooth Roots in Dogs

With scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe elemental analysis, and an objective method for eliciting responses to electrical stimuli, exposed tooth root surfaces in dogs were found to become naturally desensitized with time, perhaps because of the formation of acquired pellicle.