cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lyngbyatoxin Biosynthesis: Sequence of Biosynthetic Gene Cluster and Identification of a Novel Aromatic Prenyltransferase

The lyngbyatoxins are potent skin irritants produced by Lyngbya majuscula and cause a condition known as “Swimmer's Itch” off Honolulu, HI. Reported is the molecular cloning of the lyngbyatoxin (ltx) biosynthetic gene cluster from L. majuscula using a strategy based on its predicted nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) assembly. The biosynthetic gene cluster spans 11.3 kilobase pairs and encodes for a two-module NRPS (LtxA), a P450 monooxygenase (LtxB), an aromatic prenyltransferase (LtxC), and an oxidase/reductase protein (LtxD). LtxC was heterologously produced and purified from E. coli and shown to catalyze the transfer of a geranyl group to (−)-indolactam V as the final step in the biosynthesis of lyngbyatoxin A.
Methylation and expression of neurofilament genes in tissues and in cell lines of the mouse.

Abstract The light (NF-L), mid-sized (NF-M) and heavy (NF-H) neurofilament (NF) genes were probed with methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and patterns of methylation and expression of the NF genes were compared in tissues and cell lines of the mouse. The 5′ regions of all three NF genes are identified as CpG islands that remain unmethylated in expressing and non-expressing tissues, although partial methylation occurs at -795 in NF-H and at -525 in NF-M. Methylation of the NF CpG islands is associated with the inactivation of NF genes in L cells and with the selective inactivation of NF-L and NF-M in Neuro 2a cells. We also show that methylation diminishes the ability of the NF promoters to drive transcription of a CAT reporter gene. Hence, the presence of CpG islands may be important in determining patterns of NF transcription in vitro. Moreover, the preservation of CpG islands may be an evolutionary link that bears upon the nature of the NF genes and the mechanisms that have evolved to limit NF expression.
Some Problems in the Clinical Use of Topographic EEG Analysis

The correct clinical use of topographic EEG analysis is labor intensive, time consuming and does not bypass the problems involved in conventional EEG interpretations. The physician interpreting maps needs not only to be fully cognizant of all the aspects of clinical electroencephalography but also of the special issues inherent in this methodology. Certain problems that are specific to topographic EEG analysis and that can lead to wrong interpretations are presented.
Differentiation of serum-free embryoid bodies from human induced pluripotent stem cells into networks

Three-dimensional aggregation cultures allow for complex development of differentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells. However, this approach is not easily amenable to live-cell imaging and electrophysiological applications due to the thickness and the geometry of the tissue. Here, we present an improvement on the traditional aggregation method by combining the use of cell culture inserts with serum-free embryoid bodies (SFEBs). The use of this technique allows the structures to maintain their three-dimensional structure while thinning substantially. We demonstrate that this technique can be used for electrophysiological recodings as well as live-cell calcium imaging combined with electrical stimulation, akin to organotypic slice preparations. This provides an important experimental tool that can be used to bridge 3-D structures with traditional monolayer approaches used in stem cell applications.
The use of coomassie brilliant blue for critical micelle concentration determination of detergents

Abstract The spectral changes of Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 dye have been studied in the presence of detergent micelles. Association of detergents with the dye produced an absorbance change at 618 nm. At cetyltrimethylammonium bromide concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration a large decrease in absorbance is observed. This is due to formation of a 1:1 water insoluble complex between the anionic dye and the cationic detergent. At sufficiently low dye concentration, the 618-nm absorbance is significantly increased with micelle concentration of the detergent. The onset of enhanced absorbance may be used to determine the critical micelle concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The critical micelle concentration of anionic, neutral, and zwitterionic detergents has been determined also by plotting the absorbance at 618 nm as a function of detergent concentration.
The search for extraterrestrial intelligence—SETI

Abstract This article is taken from a NASA Special Publication, SP-419, released in March 1978. The publication deals with most of the current major topics in the field of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), and, as described in the Preface, was the result of a two year series of Science Workshops carried out for NASA by a team of eminent U.S. scientists and engineers under the chairmanship of Dr. Philip Morrison. It seemed to us to be of sufficient interest to extract the first part of the SETI publication SP-419 and include it in this issue of Acta Astronautica. We have therefore taken the first 35 pages of SP-419 and reproduced them in the following pages. They embrace the CONSENSUS of the Science Workshop Team members, and their CONCLUSIONS. Not included here is the rest of SP-419 which gives more detailed coverage to the science and technology of SETI in Part II, Colloquies, and Part III, Complementary Documents. Those wishing to have a complete copy of SP-419 should write to Dr. John Billingham, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, U.S.A.
The Vertical Profile of Radar Reflectivity of Convective Cells: A Strong Indicator of Storm Intensity and Lightning Probability?

Reflectivity data from Doppler radars are used to construct vertical profiles of radar reflectivity (VPRR) of convective cells in mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in three different environmental regimes. The National Center for Atmospheric Research CP-3 and CP-4 radars are used to calculate median VPRR for MCSs in the Oklahoma-Kansas Preliminary Regional Experiment for STORM-Central in 1985. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere radar in Darwin, Australia, is used to calculate VPRR for MCSs observed both in oceanic, monsoon regimes and in continental, break period regimes during the wet seasons of 1987/88 and 1988/89. The midlatitude and tropical continental VPRRs both exhibit maximum reflectivity somewhat above the surface and have a gradual decrease in reflectivity with height above the freezing level. In sharp contrast, the tropical oceanic profile has a maximum reflectivity at the lowest level and a very rapid decrease in reflectivity with height beginning just above the freezing level. The tropical oceanic profile in the Darwin area is almost the same shape as that for two other tropical oceanic regimes, leading to the conclustion that it is characteristic. The absolute values of reflectivity in the 0 to 20 C range are compared with values in the literature thought to represent a threshold for rapid storm electrification leading to lightning, about 40 dBZ at -10 C. The large negative vertical gradient of reflectivity in this temperature range for oceanic storms is hypothesized to be a direct result of the characteristically weaker vertical velocities observed in MCSs over tropical oceans. It is proposed, as a necessary condition for rapid electrification, that a convective cell must have its updraft speed exceed some threshold value. Based upon field program data, a tentative estimate for the magnitude of this threshold is 6-7 m/s for mean speed and 10-12 m/s for peak speed.
Nucleon charge symmetry breaking and parity violating electron proton scattering

The consequences of the charge symmetry breaking effects of the mass difference between the up and down quarks and electromagnetic effects for searches for strangeness form factors in parity violating electron scattering from the proton are investigated. The formalism necessary to identify and compute the relevant observables is developed by separating the Hamiltonian into charge symmetry conserving and breaking terms. Using a set of SU(6) nonrelativistic quark models, the effects of the charge symmetry breaking Hamiltonian are considered for experimentally relevant values of the momentum transfer and found to be less than about 1{percent}. The charge symmetry breaking corrections to the Bjorken sum rule are also studied and shown to vanish in first-order perturbation theory. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Goal-Directed Treatment Planning and the Principles of Brief Hospitalization

Contemporary economic pressures to shorten hospitalization have produced serious confusion in child psychiatry, for no adequate rationale has been proposed to replace that appropriate to long-term inpatient care. In order to address this serious deficiency, the principle of hospital stabilization is introduced and discussed, along with the concept of goal-directed planning. The steps of goal-directed planning are presented. It is contended that the educational, communicative, medicolegal, and research advantages of goal-directed planning outweigh its disadvantages and that goal-direction should replace intuitive therapy-oriented planning and problem-orientation.
Glucose additions to aggregates subjected to drying/wetting cycles promote carbon sequestration and aggregate stability

Abstract Biogeochemical mechanisms at microscale regions within soil macroaggregates strengthen aggregates during repeated DW cycles. Knowledge of additional biogeochemical processes that promote the movement of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) into and throughout soil aggregates and soil aggregate stabilization are essential before we can more accurately predict maximum carbon (C) sequestration by soils subjected to best management practices. We investigated the spatial distribution of 13C-glucose supplied to individual soil macroaggregate surfaces and subjected to multiple drying and wetting (DW) cycles. Subsequent distribution of added glucose-C, CO2 respiration, increased microbial community activity and concomitant changes in soil aggregate stabilization were monitored. Moist macroaggregates were treated with no DW cycles and zero glucose C (Control), 5 DW cycles and zero glucose (DW0G), and 5 DW cycles with additions of 250 μg glucose-13C/g soil during each cycle (DW+G). Repeated additions of glucose-C to aggregate surfaces reduced the mineralization of pre-existing soil C by an average of 45% and established concentric gradients of glucose-derived C. It is concluded these increasing gradients promoted the diffusion of soluble C into interior regions and became less available to microbial respiration. Spatial gradients of glucose-derived C within aggregates influenced a shift in the abundance of unique ribotypes spatially distributed within aggregates. Rapid decreases in the mineralization rates of glucose-C during repeated DW cycles suggested greater C sequestration by either physical restriction of microbes or chemical sorption of new C that diffused into aggregates. Aggregate stability decreased significantly following 2–3 DW cycles, when glucose-C was not added. Additions of glucose-C with each DW cycle maintained soil aggregate stability equal to the moist but not cycled control throughout the 5 DW cycles of this study. These data simulate the strengthening of soil aggregates in no tillage agroecosystems which provides continuous additions of DOC compounds generated by decomposing plant residues on the soil surface, and root exudates and decomposition, as well as the mineralization of POM materials within nondisturbed soil profiles.
Relation of Altruism to Age, Social Class, and Ethnic Identity:

Sfdmma~y.-The relationship of age, social class, and ethnic identity to altruism was explored. 800 addressed but unstamped letters were dropped ( 'lost") at 4 locations, junior high, senior high, college, and adult sires, evenly distributed between 2 cities, one populated mainly by upper middle-class residents, and one populated mainly by middle and lower middle-class residents. One-half the letters were addressed to someone with a Spanish surname, and one-half to a Caucasian surname. Significant differences in the age and social class variables were found, but not in the ethnic identity variable. Older and upper middle-class Ss displayed more altruism as measured by their greater return rate of the lost letters. Altruism and prosocial behavior have been the subject of many investigations in recent years. The influence of models on the helping behavior of bystanders represents one area receiving considerable attention by those interested in altruistic behavior (2, 14). Smdies concerned with the developmental aspects of altruistic behavior, however, are few in number. In one developmental study, Staub (12) found that willingness to help another child in distress increased from kindergarten to the second grade level but then showed a dear decline through the sixth grade. Ugurel-Semin (13) and Handlon and Gross (4) both found that sharing increased with age. Midlarsky and Bryan (7) found that training programs were effective in promoting altruism and that first graders under certain conditions were less self-sacrificing than second, thud and fourth graders. In a survey of research on aiding behavior, Midlarsky (6) concluded that too little research had been done to permit generalization about the relationship of age and altruistic behavior. Krebs (5 ), in a later review of the altruism literature, concluded that altruism increases wich age. It is interesting to note that in the studies reviewed by both Midlarsky (6) and Krebs (5), the oldest Ss investigated are 12 yr. of age. Investigations of the developmental course of altruism have, with few exceptions, been restricted to the 4- to 12-yr. age group. NO studies have focused on the comparative rates of altruism among adolescents, young adults and adults. In the present study the age range investigated varies from 12 yr. to adulthood. Another aspect of altruism which has received little attention is the relationship of altruism to social class or race. The scant research on helping behavior and social class is characterized by contradictory results such that no trends or relationships are discernible (6). The same scarcity of research exists wich respect to helping behavior and race, although one study showed that blacks re
Factors Influencing Phosphorus Levels Delivered to Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

Everglades restoration is dependent on constructed wetlands to treat agricultural phosphorus (P)-enriched runoff prior to delivery to the Everglades. Over the last 5 years, P concentrations delivered to the northern boundary of Everglades National Park (Park) have remained higher than the 8 μg L−1-target identified to be protective of flora and fauna. Historically, Everglades hydrology was driven by rainfall that would then sheetflow through the system. The system is now divided into a number of large impoundments. We use sodium-to-calcium ratios as a water source discriminator to assess the influence of management and environmental conditions to understand why P concentrations in Park inflows remain higher than that of the target. Runoff from Water Conservation Area 3A (Area 3A) and canal water from areas north of Area 3A are two major sources of water to the Park, and both have distinct Na:Ca ratios. The P concentrations of Park inflows have decreased since the 1980s, and from June 1994 through May 2000, concentrations were the lowest when Area 3A water depths were the deepest. Area 3A depths declined following this period and P concentrations subsequently increased. Further, some water sources for the Park are not treated and are impeding concentration reductions. Promoting sheetflow over channelized flow and treating untreated water sources can work in conjunction with constructed wetlands to further reduce nutrient loading to the sensitive Everglades ecosystem.
An Avian-Inspired Passive Mechanism for Quadrotor Perching

Flying robots capable of perch-and-stare are desirable for reconnaissance missions. Inspired by an adaptation that enables songbirds to sleep in trees without active muscle control, the research presented herein details the design for a passive mechanism that enables a rotorcraft to perch reminiscent of a bird perching on a tree branch. Perching is accomplished through the integration of a compliant, underactuated gripping foot and a collapsing leg mechanism that converts rotorcraft weight into tendon tension in order to passively actuate the foot. Analysis of mechanism behavior is presented, and stability tests were performed to characterize the ability of the system to reject disturbances. The results indicate that it is possible to passively perch a rotorcraft on multiple surfaces and support reasonable environmental disturbances. The analysis in this paper can enable passive perching design optimization in vertical take-off and landing systems.
Biodesign of a Skeletal Muscle Flap as a Model for Cardiac Assistance

In using autologous muscles for cardiac assistance, it is crucial to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in the surgically traumatized skeletal muscle. In adult sheep, we developed a simple model of surgically designed 2 latissimus dorsi muscle leaflets by modifying the vascular supply to these leaflets. Three pockets with graded injury were established, and muscle morphology and vascular remodeling were monitored in 3 experimental groups: muscle leaflets without any treatment (Group 1, n = 6) that served as controls; muscle leaflets integrated with a fibrin interlayer (Group 2, n = 6); and leaflets integrated with fibrin and entrapped pyrrolostatin (Group 3, n = 6). We applied the fibrinogen and thrombin solutions, which polymerize to form a three-dimensional meshwork joining the tissues, creating a provisional matrix for angiogenesis, and acting as a delivery depot for agents aimed at minimizing ischemia-reperfusion lesion formation. After 2 months, the muscle leaflets biointegrated with the fibrin interface showed none of the signs of necrosis or ischemia-reperfusion lesions seen in the controls. Although no angiogenic factors were incorporated, the fibrin interlayer rapidly (<2 weeks) became a densely vascularized tissue replete with a voluminous capillary network. In contrast, controls showed poor bonding between the tissues, muscle fiber deterioration, and a compromised vascular network. Muscle structure was best preserved and angiogenesis was greatest when pyrrolostatin, a free radical scavenger, was added to the fibrin meshwork to reduce damage caused by overproduction of free radicals. This newly designed model will be useful to study many current approaches in cardiovascular biology, from pharmaceuticals to gene therapy, which might prove advantageous in muscle-designed cardiac assistance.
Studies in Ergot: I. Ergotamine Phthalate

A method is described for the isolation of ergotamine and its purification as the very stable phthalate salt. The phthalate of ergotamine is formed in preference to most of the other ergot alkaloids, and allows for its ready purification from even the most crude mixtures. The critical physical constants for this salt are described.
Environmental discontinuity hypothesis: Buffer dysfunctions as a source of human disease

Adaptive physiologic buffers enable organisms to respond to environmental variation with appropriate plasticity. Modern humans have substantially remodeled their environment such that many interactions with the environment have become relatively discontinuous functions compared to the past. Examples include sunlight, temperature, and altitude. We propose that environmental discontinuity represents a Darwinian maladaptation and may promote disease by inducing buffer dysfunctions. Skin pigmentation is an adaptive, dynamic buffer that normalizes sunlight exposure to balance the potential harm of damaging rays with the importance of sunlight in driving systemic biologic functions such as melatonin and vitamin D. Due to lifestyle characteristics such as indoor-outdoor living, well-intended sun-avoidance campaigns, and inhomogeneous use of apparel and sunblock techniques, modern humans increasingly experience sunlight variation as a discontinuous function. The resulting skin pigmentation buffer dysfunction may promote diseases associated with over- or under-exposure to sunlight, the most striking example being melanoma. In addition to promoting discontinuity of sunlight exposure, sun-avoidance campaigns may undermine sun-dependent biologic pathways such as melatonin and vitamin D that appear to protect against cancer. These issues may partly explain the rise in melanoma rates despite the implementation of sun-avoidance campaigns. Also discussed is the potential role that discontinuous temperature variation associated with modern lifestyles plays in diseases such as viral infection, heart failure, and acute coronary syndromes. Acute discontinuous changes in pressure and oxygen levels related to air travel may contribute to autonomic dysfunction, venous thromboembolism, and viral infections. Therapeutic implications are discussed.
Elucidation of Degradants in Acidic Peak of Cation Exchange Chromatography in an IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Formed on Long-Term Storage in a Liquid Formulation

An IgG1 therapeutic monoclonal antibody showed an increase in acidic or pre-peak by cation exchange chromatography (CEX) at elevated temperatures, though stable at 2–8°C long-term storage in a liquid formulation. Characterization effort was undertaken to elucidate the degradants in CEX pre-peak and effect on biological activity. Purified CEX fractions were collected and analyzed by peptide mapping, size exclusion, intact and reduced-alkylated reversed phase techniques. Biophysical characterization, isoelectric focusing and Isoquant analysis were also performed to determine nature of degradants. Bioassay and surface plasmon resonance experiments were performed to determine the impact on biological activity of the degradants. No major degradation due to oxidation, clipping or aggregation was detected; conformational differences between purified fractions observed were not significant. Sialic acid, N-terminal glutamine cyclization and glycation differences contributed to the CEX pre-peak in the mAb control sample; increase in CEX pre-peak at 25°C and higher was caused by additive degradation pathways of deamidation, related isomerization and clipping. The observed CEX pre-peak increase was caused by multiple degradations, especially deamidation and clipping. This elucidation of degradants in CEX peaks may apply to other therapeutic IgG1 monoclonal antibodies.
The effect of snowmelt on the water quality of Filson Creek and Omaday Lake, northeastern Minnesota.

Sulfate concentration and pH were determined in surface water, groundwater, and precipitation samples collected in the Filson Creek watershed to evaluate the sources of sulfate in Filson Creek. During and immediately after snowmelt, sulfate concentrations in Filson Creek increased from about 2 to 14 mg/l. Concurrently, H+ ion activity increased from an average of 10−6.6 to 10−5.5. These changes suggest that sulfate acidity is concentrated in the snowpack at snowmelt, which is similar to changes reported in Scandinavia in areas subject to acid precipitation. Mass balance calculations indicate that the sulfate contribution from groundwater during snowmelt was minimal in comparison to that from snow. During base flow, sulfate did not appreciably increase from the headwaters of Filson Creek to the mouth, even though sulfate was as high as 58 mg/l in groundwater discharging to the creek from surficial materials overlying a sulfide-bearing mineralized zone in the lower third of the watershed. Approximately 10.6 kg of sulfate per hectare per year was retained in 1977.
Left atrial arrhythmias.

L ocalization of ectopic atria1 foci has received limited attention in the past. Therefore, little is known concerning the differentiation between right and left atria1 ectopic rhythms from the surface e1ectrocardiogram.r Previous studies of the P-wave morphology associated with different atria1 foci appear to be contradictory. Stimulation of the canine right atrium gave rise to an upright P wave in Lead I, whereas foci in the left atrium generally produced a negative P wave in Lead I, or occasionally an isoelectric inscription.2 A similar study in patients undergoing thoracotomy failed to demonstrate P-wave inversion in Lead I with either right or left atria1 ectopic foci of any location, but occasionally the P wave was isoelectric in Lead I after stimulation of the caudal region of the left atrium.3 Atria1 activation from left to right in dextrocardia is characterized by inversion of the P wave in Lead I.*,5 Atria1 arrhythmias which displayed this morphology have also been reported in patients with anatomically normal cardiac position.6*7 Therefore, it seemed pertinent to investigate left atria1 rhythm in the intact human being. The cardiac catheter with an electrode at the tip to record the intracardiac electrocardiogram can produce ectopic beats in the intact human being and localize precisely the ectopic focus when it arises beneath the exploring electrode.*-I0 In the present study the features of such experimentally produced left atria1 beats are described. Also, clinical electrocardiograms with similar features occurring spontaneously are presented.
A failure and overload tolerance mechanism for continuous media servers

Large scale clustered continuous media (CM) servers deployed in applications like video-on-demand have high availability requirements. In the event of server failure, streams from the failed servers must be reassigned to healthy servers with minimum service disruption. Such servers may also suffer from periods of transient overload resulting from a high degree of customer interactivity. For example, in a video-on-demand system if a large number of users are viewing a favorite game, many of them could simultaneously request a replay of an interesting part of the game. This requires a large number of "interactive" channels within a short period of time and can result in a transient server overload. In this paper we propose solutions for graceful recovery from overload scenarios arising out of server failure or customer interactions. Rapid resource reclamation is key to overload tolerance, and our proposed solution is based on rate adaptive stream merging and content insertion techniques. We also utilize conventional time-sharing techniques to handle transient overload. We show that while merging is necessary for achieving overload tolerance, it is not sufficient, and for a complete solution, content insertion is required. Specifically, we consider a general clustered CM server architecture model where multiple servers can fail simultaneously. We develop a model for resource shortfalls that occur as a result of overload on failure. We also describe optimal polynomial time algorithms for recovering resources to the maximum extent possible, by clustering streams in real time.
Myotomy of the lateral pterygoid muscle and condylar cartilage growth

The influence of lateral pterygoid muscle activity on growth of the condylar cartilage of the mandible remains controversial. As a case in point, two recent studies involving total resection (myectomy) and sectioning (myotomy) of this muscle have come to contradictory conclusions. In the study reported here, it was found that young growing rats in which the lateral pterygoid muscle was bilaterally cut experienced significantly retarded mitotic activity and bone formation relative to their sham-operated counterparts. Changes in the shape and topographical distribution of cartilage over the condylar head, as well as the distribution of labelled cells, were also noted in myotomy animals at 4 days following surgery. Considerable resorption at the insertion of the muscle on the mandibular ramus was apparent at 14 days after surgery. However, the myotomy surgery was accompanied by a significant postoperative loss of body weight and incisal supra-eruption indicative of feeding difficulties, thereby complicating interpretation of the results.
Subdiffraction-limited far-field Raman spectroscopy of single carbon nanotubes: an unenhanced approach.

We present a new approach for subdiffraction-limited far-field Raman spectroscopy of single carbon nanotubes using through-the-objective total internal reflection (TIR) excitation coupled to an atomic force microscope (AFM). By using this approach, we are able to detect spectroscopic signatures of structural changes along a single nanotube with nanometer resolution. A single multiwalled carbon nanotube is mounted on an AFM tip and imaged while tapping on the surface of a glass coverslip. As the angle of incidence of the excitation field is changed, we are able to tune the penetration depth of the evanescent field by steps as small as 2−10 nm. An increase in the ratio of the Raman D band (the disorder band) to G band (the in-plane graphitic band) of the carbon nanotube was demonstrated as the penetration depth decreased, indicating that most defects are concentrated at the end of the nanotube. We also observed frequency shifts of the G band as we changed the penetration depth. By changing the polarization ...
Does the Conscious Exaggeration Scale Detect Deception Within Patients with Chronic Pain Alleged to Have Secondary Gain

Objectives. The illness behavior questionnaire (IBQ) is a test battery developed by Pilowsky to detect what he has termed abnormal illness behavior, which includes malingering [[4]][1]. The IBQ has been widely utilized in patients with chronic pain (PWCP). Clayer developed a 21-item scale out of the IBQ, which he termed the conscious exaggeration (CE) scale [[7]][2]. He proposed that the CE scale could detect conscious deception, i.e., malingering. The purpose of the present study is to test the CE scale in PWCP alleged to have secondary gain and thereby at greater risk for poor pain treatment outcome. It was postulated that the CE scale should generate scores in these groups significantly different from a comparison group and should predict treatment outcome in the secondary gain groups. Design. A total of 96 PWCP completed the CE scale at admission and after completion of a 1-month pain facility treatment regimen. Other relevant pain variables, such as pain, depression, and anxiety, were measured and the data collected at admission and treatment completion. Work status was determined at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months posttreatment. PWCP secondary gain subgroups (Workers' Compensation patients, patients in litigation, patients having a lawyer) were compared to the comparison group (no secondary gain factors) for treatment CE scale change scores. In order to control for the effects of pain, an analysis of covariance with pain level statistically removed was performed on admission and discharge CE scores utilizing the above patient subgroups. Pearson product correlations were utilized to determine the relationships between CE scores and psychological variables. Stepwise regression analyses were utilized to predict return to work with the CE scale score as a potential predictor. Setting. Pain facility. Patients. PWCP treated for 1 month in a pain facility. Results. Overall, the analyses did not support the main hypothesis. For example, CE scale scores did not predict return to work. There was a significant degree of correlation between the variables of pain, depression, anxiety, and CE scale scores. Conclusions. PWCP characterized by the alleged secondary gain variables of Workers' compensation status, litigation, and having a lawyer did not differentially respond to the CE scale versus the comparison group. The CE scale, therefore, does not appear to be a valid instrument for identifying exaggeration in PWCP. [1]: #ref-4 [2]: #ref-7
246: Higher maximum doses of oxytocin are associated with an unacceptably high uterine rupture risk during VBAC

CLARK, MICHAEL BELFORT, GARY DILDY, JANET MEYERS, Presbyterian/StLuke’s Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, St. Mark’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, HCA Quality Sentinel Events Committee, Nashville, Tennessee OBJECTIVE: To review all patient records discharged with codes for uterine rupture (665.04; 665.14) in a single year (2006) in HCA hospitals to determine the contemporary nature of this obstetrical complication. STUDY DESIGN: All patient charts coded for uterine rupture in HCA in 2006 were redacted, collected in one location, and distributed to a committee of perinatologists and general obstetricians. Case report forms were returned electronically and analyzed for variables of interest to determine validity of coding and quality of care. No personal identification information was available and IRB approval at the senior author’s (RP) hospital was granted. RESULTS: Sixty nine cases were identified of which only 41 were “true” ruptures; the other 28 were silent/occult dehiscenses (23), no rupture (4), and one iatrogenic perforation. In the 41 uterine ruptures, only 20 were in patients with previous cesareans and in 9 of these concurrent use of oxytocics was documented. Fifteen of previously sectioned patients had but one scar and 11 patients were attempting a VBAC; 3 had successful previous VBACs. Among the 21 patients without previous cesareans, 7 had uterine surgery of some type including instrumentation for spontaneous or elective abortion and 14 had no previous uterine manipulation of any type. Oxytocics were documented in 10 of this latter group. Standard of care breaches were identified in 10 of 41 true ruptures; 6 had no previous cesareans and 4 were attempting a VBAC. CONCLUSION: 1. Epidemiological data on uterine rupture based on hospital discharge codes without concurrent chart review are invalid. 2. Patients with previous cesareans represent only half of true uterine ruptures in contemporary practice, possibly due to better selection and/or management of VBAC patients. 3. Signs and symptoms consistent with uterine rupture (especially with concurrent oxytocics and previous uterine instrumentation) should not be dismissed in patients with unscarred uteruses.
Multicore fiber link demonstrating large bandwidth density for future multimode optical interconnects

Future fiber systems in computer communications applications must meet growing bandwidth requirements, while maintaining feasible power and cost targets in addition to maintaining manageable volumes of fiber cabling. Therefore, bandwidth-per-fiber represents a critical design metric for next-generation systems. Here, a multicore fiber technology based on multimode graded-index cores is reviewed. A full link demonstration using six cores transmitting up to 20 Gb/s each is achieved between custom transmitter and receiver assemblies, which interface directly to the multicore fiber. The demonstrated technology may provide the added bandwidth per link required in next generation HPC systems.
CHARGE EFFECTS ON PARTICLE DEPOSITION IN THE HUMAN TRACHEOBRONCHIAL TREE

Electrification occurs in most aerosol generating processes. The unipolar charges carried by these particles can influence the deposition of inhaled particles in the lungs. Recently published studies using a hollow lung cast of a human larynx-tracheobronchial tree and in vivo experiments in human subjects have demonstrated that increased deposition was due to electrostatic charges on the particle. The electrostatic charge effect on deposition may be important in the assessment of hazards associated with charged particles and was therefore studied theoretically. A new model was developed to predict particle deposition in the bronchial airways due to the combined mechanisms of inertial and electrostatic image forces. The agreement between the predicted values and the experimental data suggests that the new theory can be used to estimate tracheobronchial deposition of charged particles in the human respiratory tract.
Inter‐firm and Supra‐firm Co‐operation in the Workplace and the Marketplace

Examines inter‐firm and supra‐firm co‐operation both in principle and in practice. Five cases are presented as examples of inter‐firm or supra‐firm co‐operation in the workplace or the marketplace.
Tree species and wood ash affect soil in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Tree species and wood ash application in plantations of short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) may have important effects on the soil productive capacity through their influence on soil organic matter (SOM) and exchangeable cations. An experiment was conducted to assess changes in soil C and N contents and pH within the 0–50 cm depth, and exchangeable cation (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+) and extractable acidity concentrations within the 0–10 cm depth. The effects of different species (European larch [Larix decidua P. Mill.], aspen [Populus tremula L. × Populus tremuloides Michx.], and four poplar [Populus spp.] clones) and wood ash applications (0, 9, and 18 Mg ha−1) on soil properties were evaluated, using a common garden experiment (N = 70 stands) over 7 years of management in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Soils were of the Onaway series (fine-loamy, mixed, active, frigid Inceptic Hapludalfs). The NM-6 poplar clone had the greatest soil C and N contents in almost all ash treatment levels. Soil C contents were 7.5, 19.4, and 10.7 Mg C ha−1 greater under the NM-6 poplar than under larch in the ash-free, medium-, and high-level plots, respectively. Within the surface layer, ash application increased soil C and N contents (P < 0.05) through the addition of about 0.7 Mg C ha−1 and 3 kg N ha−1 with the 9 Mg ha−1 ash application (twofold greater C and N amounts were added with the 18 Mg ha−1 application). During a decadal time scale, tree species had no effects—except for K+—on the concentrations of the exchangeable cations, pH, and extractable acidity. In contrast, ash application increased soil pH and the concentration of Ca2+ (P < 0.05), from 5.2 ± 0.4 cmolc kg−1 (ash-free plots) to 8.6 ± 0.4 cmolc kg−1 (high-level ash plots), and tended to increase the concentration of Mg2+ (P < 0.1), while extractable acidity was reduced (P < 0.05) from 5.6 ± 0.2 cmolc kg−1 (ash-free plots) to 3.7 ± 0.2 cmolc kg−1 (high-level plots). Wood ash application, within certain limits, not only had a beneficial effect on soil properties important to the long-term productivity of fast-growing plantations but also enhanced long-term soil C sequestration.
An Improved Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Chaos

An improved image encryption algorithm based on chaos is proposed for the degradation of periodicity, in which permutation is firstly carried out. Then the permuted image is encrypted by Chen's chaotic system pixel by pixel and it makes the encryption more secure because the dynamical property of the Chen's chaotic system is more complicated than the Lorenz chaotic system. The experiment results demonstrate that the presented algorithm improves the histogram distribution of the image.
Energy Optimization of Subthreshold-Voltage Sensor Network Processors

Sensor network processors and their applications are a growing area of focus in computer system research and design. Inherent to this design space is a reduced processing performance requirement and extremely high energy constraints, such that sensor network processors must execute low-performance tasks for long durations on small energy supplies. In this paper, we demonstrate that subthreshold-voltage circuit design (400 mV and below) lends itself well to the performance and energy demands of sensor network processors. Moreover, we show that the landscape for microarchitectural energy optimization dramatically changes in the subthreshold domain. The dominance of leakage power in the subthreshold regime demands architectures that i) reduce overall area, ii) increase the utility of transistors, while iii) maintaining acceptable CPI efficiency. We confirm these observations by performing SPICE-level analysis of 21 sensor network processors and memory architectures. Our best sensor platform, implemented in 130nm CMOS and operating at 235 mV, only consumes 1.38 pJ/instruction, nearly an order of magnitude less energy than previously published sensor network processor results. This design, accompanied by bulk-silicon solar cells for energy scavenging, has been manufactured by IBM and is currently being tested.
Conserved Cysteines of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease Are Involved in Regulation of Polyprotein Processing and Viral Maturation of Immature Virions

We investigated the role of the two highly conserved cysteine residues, cysteines 67 and 95, of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease in regulating the activity of that protease during viral maturation. To this end, we generated four HIV-1 molecular clones: the wild type, containing both cysteine residues; a protease mutant in which the cysteine at position 67 was replaced by an alanine (C67A); a C95A protease mutant; and a double mutant (C67A C95A). When immature virions were produced in the presence of an HIV-1 protease inhibitor, KNI-272, and the inhibitor was later removed, limited polyprotein processing was observed for wild-type virion preparations over a 20-h period. Treatment of immature wild-type virions with the reducing agent dithiothreitol considerably improved the rate and extent of Gag processing, suggesting that the protease is, in part, reversibly inactivated by oxidation of the cysteine residues. In support of this, C67A C95A virions processed Gag up to fivefold faster than wild-type virions in the absence of a reducing agent. Furthermore, oxidizing agents, such as H2O2 and diamide, inhibited Gag processing of wild-type virions, and this effect was dependent on the presence of cysteine 95. Electron microscopy revealed that a greater percentage of double-mutant virions than wild-type virions developed a mature-like morphology on removal of the inhibitor. These studies provide evidence that under normal culture conditions the cysteines of the HIV-1 protease are susceptible to oxidation during viral maturation, thus preventing immature virions from undergoing complete processing following their release. This is consistent with the cysteines being involved in the regulation of viral maturation in cells under oxidative stress.
Epipolar Constraints for Vision-Aided Inertial Navigation

This paper describes a new method to improve inertial navigation using feature-based constraints from one or more video cameras. The proposed method lengthens the period of time during which a human or vehicle can navigate in GPS-deprived environments. Our approach integrates well with existing navigation systems, because we invoke general sensor models that represent a wide range of available hardware. The inertial model includes errors in bias, scale, and random walk. Any purely projective camera and tracking algorithm may be used, as long as the tracking output can be expressed as ray vectors extending from known locations on the sensor body. A modified linear Kalman filter performs the data fusion. Unlike traditional SLAM, our state vector contains only inertial sensor errors related to position. This choice allows uncertainty to be properly represented by a covariance matrix. We do not augment the state with feature coordinates. Instead, image data contributes stochastic epipolar constraints over a broad baseline in time and space, resulting in improved observability of the IMU error states. The constraints lead to a relative residual and associated relative covariance, defined partly by the state history. Navigation results are presented using high-quality synthetic data and real fisheye imagery.
Modification and Testing of a Battery-Inductor Repetitive Pulsed Power Supply for a Small Railgun

Pulsed power supplies for electromagnetic launch have unique requirements, including very low impedance, relatively long pulse discharge times, and high stored energy. The three primary types of pulsed power systems for electromagnetic launch have been capacitive, inductive, and rotating machine. This paper describes recent results in the design, construction, and testing of a pulsed power system based on an inductor that is charged by batteries. A battery-inductor-based pulsed power supply has several advantages over pulsed alternators and capacitor-based pulse-forming networks. Because an inductor system stores its energy in a magnetic field, it eliminates the moving parts found in rotating machines, while having significantly higher energy density than capacitor-based systems. These features offer tremendous benefits in the design and operation of a fieldable pulsed power supply. Advances in high-power lithium-ion batteries (which allow for a smaller battery pack) and the inherent high energy density of inductors imply that the overall energy density of a battery-inductor based power supply can be smaller then a capacitor-based system and potentially comparable to a rotating-machine pulsed power system. Work on battery-inductor based pulsed power has continued at the Institute for Advanced Technology (IAT). This paper describes the modification of an inductive pulsed power supply discussed in previous work. The modifications included the addition of batteries for the prime power, using a smaller turn-off switch and a capacitor bank that had a higher capacitance.
Methods of estimating corneal refractive power after hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis

Purpose: To evaluate and compare methods of estimating corneal refractive power after hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting: Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods: Using the clinical history method (HisRP) as the standard, the accuracy of values of corneal refractive power derived from the EyeSys Corneal Analysis System or Humphrey Atlas computerized videokeratography, the thin lens formula, and corneal topographic measurements modified according to the amount of LASIK-induced refractive change were evaluated. Results: Thirty-four eyes of 19 patients were evaluated using EyeSys and 27 eyes of 16 patients were examined using Humphrey Atlas. Although the values derived from corneal topography and the thin lens formula correlated well with HisRP, the differences between HisRP and topographic values increased significantly with increasing hyperopic correction. When the values of corneal topographic measurements were modified according to the amount of LASIK-induced refractive change, the accuracy was significantly improved (all P < .05) and the percentages of eyes within 0.5 diopter (D) and 1.0 D of the HisRP values exceeded 71% and 94%, respectively. Conclusion: Using the clinical history method as the standard, the most accurate method for determining corneal refractive power in hyperopic LASIK eyes was to adjust the postoperative corneal topographic measurement according to the amount of LASIK-induced refractive change.
The effects of colchicine treatment on wound healing in a caustic murine injury model.

Objective: The present study determined the effects of colchicine on wound repair in a murine model of dermal chemical injury. Methods: Standardized 4.15 cm2 circular lesions were induced on the dorsum of adult male mice with NaOH. Five minutes of IN or 3N caused lesions of graded depth. Mice received colchicine (1 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline intraperitoneally in equivalent volumes. Treatment began immediately postinjury and was continued on an alternating day schedule for 14 days. Wound size was measured every third day postinjury. On day 15 postinjury, wounds were histologically graded for depth of injury, degree of fibrosis, inflammatory cell response, and revascularization. All histological determinations and wound measurements were performed in a blinded fashion. Results: All mice had a similar initial wound size and completed the experimental protocol. In dermal wounds of superficial depth, colchicine-treated mice (n = 20) had a larger wound size during days 6 through 9 of the experimental t...
Spanish-Language Radio Advertisements and Latino Voter Turnout in the 2006 Congressional Elections Field Experimental Evidence

Because Hispanic voters are seldom targeted for campaign communication and because they listen to radio at higher rates than non-Hispanics, Spanish-language radio represents an attractive venue for...