cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from a year in the trenches: teaching engineering ethics for P.E. licensure requirements

On August 1, 2012, the state of Wisconsin instituted new continuing education requirements for professional engineers seeking re-licensure, and those requirements include two hours of engineering ethics education. The Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin began developing ethics seminars and webinars to provide these credits to engineers in the state of Wisconsin. This paper explores several observations from talking with over 1000 practicing engineers in the past year. These include (1) that engineers typically do not use available professional codes of ethics when addressing ethical dilemmas; unsurprisingly, many instead employ what could be called common-sense ethics; (2) that organizational politics sometimes constrain discussion of case studies during these sessions; (3) that engineers in private and public sectors often carry differing views of the ethics of gift-giving; and (4) that experienced engineers, in particular, employ what could be called "gut-check" ethics that rely on intuition to determine right from wrong. We address the challenges these observations present and note opportunities for further analysis through study of the psychology of influence, motivated blindness, and cognitive biases. Regardless of the challenges we note here, it is clear that engineers place a high value on the opportunity to discuss case studies in ethics with other professional engineers, and when properly done, licensure training in ethics can provide a unique mentoring opportunity for the profession. Our existing PE seminar is a work in progress, and we hope this paper will initiate fruitful conversations about future directions as we develop an advanced seminar.
Comment on "Superstructures of Pb monolayers electrochemically deposited on Ag(111)"

Using scanning tunneling microscopy, a long-wavelength pattern was observed by M\"uller et al. [Phys. Rev. B 46, 12 899 (1992)] in Pb monolayers on Ag(111) formed by underpotential electrochemical deposition. We point out that the monolayer is incommensurate and so it should be described as having substrate-induced spatial modulations, and we also demonstrate that one can accurately calculate the long-wavelength spacing and rotation angle, which are shown to depend on electrode potential.
Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 2 Determines Drug-Activated Pregnane X Receptor to Induce Gluconeogenesis in Human Liver Cells

Drug activation of the human nuclear pregnane X receptor (PXR) induced gluconeogenic genes and increased glucose production. In this study, we have determined that serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 2 (SGK2) is an essential factor that mediates this PXR-regulated glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) induction and glucose production. Both SGK2 and G6Pase mRNAs were increased in rifampicin-treated HepG2 cells stably expressing human PXR. Reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays delineated PXR activation of the SGK2 gene to a distal and proximal DNA sequence within its promoter: distal PXR response element (−2587/−2209) and proximal PXR response element (−115/−75), respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of SGK2 severely attenuated PXR-regulated induction of G6Pase as well as glucose production. SGK2 constitutes an insulin-independent signal pathway to regulate gluconeogenesis because siRNA knockdown of the insulin-responsive transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 did not affect rifampicin induction of G6Pase. Rifampicin treatment of two different samples of human primary hepatocytes revealed that PXR induces G6Pase in the presence of high levels of SGK2, whereas PXR represses G6Pase in its absence. Mediating PXR activation of the G6Pase gene is the first biological role found for hepatic SGK2 and might have therapeutic implications for side effects, such as diabetes, caused by drugs that activate PXR.
Structure of marine predator and prey communities along environmental gradients in a glaciated fjord

Spatial patterns of marine predator communities are influenced to varying degrees by prey distribution and environmental gradients. We examined physical and biological attributes of an estuarine fjord with strong glacier influence to determine the factors that most influence the structure of predator and prey communities. Our results suggest that some species, such as walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), and glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens), were widely distributed across environmental gradients, indicating less specialization, whereas species such as capelin (Mallotus villosus), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and Kittlitz's murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) appeared to have more specialized habitat requirements related to glacial influence. We found that upper trophic level communities were well correlated with their mid trophic level prey community, but strong physical gradients in photic depth, temperature, and nutrients played an important role...
Predicting RMS surface roughness using fractal dimension and PSD parameters

Abstract Off-road vehicle performance is, in part, related to the ride comfort of the vehicle while operating on rough terrain. The surface undulations altering vehicle ride over homogeneous areas are defined, by the US Army, as a single number descriptor entitled root-mean-square (RMS). A current need exists to attribute large geographic areas with RMS values in order to better support vehicle speed predictions with remotely sensed data. The RMS is typically computed using centimeter scale data, which can be difficult and time consuming to collect. A technique to extrapolate RMS for large areas was developed based on meter-scale data to predict RMS using a combination of fractal dimension and spectral analysis. Validation of the extrapolation technique was based on 43 vehicle ride courses with 30-cm data. For each ride course, a two dimensional fractal dimension (FD) was computed using the divider method, and a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) was used to compute the power spectral density (PSD). A regression analysis was performed to search for correlations between RMS, FD, and PSD given fixed-slope power law fit parameters. Using a stepwise model selection, a statistical model for rapid predictions of RMS was developed. The RMS was computed from FD and the PSD DC offset to within 80% agreement using a linear model.
Audit quality, corporate governance, and earnings management: A meta-analysis.

Earnings management is of great concern to corporate stakeholders. While numerous studies have investigated the effects of various corporate governance and audit quality variables on earnings management, empirical evidence is rather inconsistent. This meta-analysis identifies 12 significant relationships by integrating results from 48 prior studies. For corporate governance, the independence of the board of directors and its expertise have a negative relationship with earnings management. Similar negative relationships exist between earnings management and the audit committee's independence, its size, expertise, and the number of meetings. The audit committee's share ownership has a positive effect on earnings management. For audit quality, auditor tenure, auditor size, and specialization have a negative relationship with earnings management. Auditor independence, as measured by fee ratio and total fee, is also a deterrent to earnings management.
Military display market segment: helicopters

The military display market is analyzed in terms of one of its segments: helicopter displays. Parameters requiring special consideration, to include luminance ranges, contrast ratio, viewing angles, and chromaticity coordinates, are examined. Performance requirements for rotary-wing displays relative to several premier applications are summarized. Display sizes having aggregate defense applications of 5,000 units or greater and having DoD applications across 10 or more platforms, are tabulated. The issue of size commonality is addressed where distribution of active area sizes across helicopter platforms, individually, in groups of two through nine, and ten or greater, is illustrated. Rotary-wing displays are also analyzed by technology, where total quantities of such displays are broken out into CRT, LCD, AMLCD, EM, LED, Incandescent, Plasma and TFEL percentages. Custom, versus Rugged commercial, versus commercial off-the-shelf designs are contrasted. High and low information content designs are identified. Displays for several high-profile military helicopter programs are discussed, to include both technical specifications and program history. The military display market study is summarized with breakouts for the helicopter market segment. Our defense-wide study as of March 2004 has documented 1,015,494 direct view and virtual image displays distributed across 1,181 display sizes and 503 weapon systems. Helicopter displays account for 67,472 displays (just 6.6% of DoD total) and comprise 83 sizes (7.0% of total DoD) in 76 platforms (15.1% of total DoD). Some 47.6% of these rotary-wing applications involve low information content displays comprising just a few characters in one color; however, as per fixed-wing aircraft, the predominant instantiation involves higher information content units capable of showing changeable graphics, color and video.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
From famine to feast: sending out the clones.

In this issue of Blood , Beekman et al provide compelling evidence for the multistep evolution of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) over a 17-year period. Moreover, they found that 5 different gain-of-function mutations in the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
Information diffusion in overlaying social-physical networks

We study the diffusion of information in an overlaying social-physical network. Namely, we consider a physical information network where information spreads amongst people through conventional communication media (e.g., face-to-face communication, phone calls), and conjoint to this physical network, there are online social networks where information spreads via web sites such as Facebook, Twitter, FriendFeed, YouTube, etc. Capitalizing on the theory of inhomogeneous random graphs, we quantify the size and the critical threshold of information epidemics in this conjoint social-physical network by assuming that information diffuses according to the SIR epidemic model. One interesting finding is that even if there is no percolation in the individual networks, percolation (i.e., information epidemics) can take place in the conjoint social-physical network. We also show, both analytically and experimentally, that the fraction of individuals who receive an item of information (started from an arbitrary node) is significantly larger in the conjoint social-physical network case, as compared to the case where the networks are disjoint. These findings reveal that conjoining the physical network with online social networks can have a dramatic impact on the speed and scale of information diffusion.
Experimental analysis of the benefits of shunted piezoceramics for damped and undamped structures

The application of electrically shunted piezoceramic materials (PZTs), commonly known as 'smart damping materials,' for reducing noise and vibrations in damped and undamped structures is examined, using a specially designed test stand. The 'smart damping' technique used in this study involves attaching PZTs that are shunted with electrical circuits, consisting of resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The shunted PZTs are simple, do not require any external power, and can be easily and cost-effectively applied in practice. The test results indicate that the shunted PZTs can dissipate vibration energy, much the same way as adding viscoelastic damping materials to the structure, without adding any significant amount of weight to the structure. The results further indicate that the shunt circuits can be tuned to specific vibration frequencies, in the lower frequency ranges. The results presented here include a comparison between smart and passive damping materials, in terms of the noise and vibration reduction performance.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Raman Scattering from Coupled LO-Phonon-Plasmon Modes in Silicon Carbide

A general semiclassical derivation is given of the efficiency of the scattering of light from a longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon coupled to a single-component plasma in a semiconductor. The efficiency is the sum of two terms. One is due to the modulation of polarizability by atomic displacements and by the macroscopic longitudinal field; it obeys ordinary Raman polarization selection rules. The other term is due to free-electronic-charge-density fluctuations, is proportional to the square of the wave vector transferred, and obeys different selection rules. When the exciting light is near resonance with the band gap, the second term may have two interfering parts, one due to the free-electron-charge-density fluctuations and the other due to photon-induced, virtual, bound-electronic-charge-density fluctuations coupled to the macroscopic field (Fr\"ohlich mechanism). New data are presented on coupled plasmon-phonon scattering in heavily nitrogen-doped ($n$-type) $6H$ silicon carbide. The plasmon is overdamped (${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\approx}0.2\ensuremath{-}0.3$). The dominant light-scattering mechanism is shown to be the polarizability-modulation mechanism. The density mechanism is predicted to be 3500 times weaker. The ratio of polarizability derivatives in dimensionless form is ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{xxz}}=+2.60$. From this and from published data on the nonlinear optical constants of $6H$ SiC we obtain the following value for the derivative of the polarizability with respect to relative atomic displacement: $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\mathrm{xx}}}{\ensuremath{\partial}{u}_{z}}=(\ensuremath{\mp}10.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Absolute efficiencies are also calculated for the coupled mode spectrum in doped materials and for the ${A}_{1}(\mathrm{LO})$ phonon in lightly doped crystals. Sum rules are derived for the differential efficiencies integrated with respect to the frequency squared.
Electron-impact broadening of Sr+ lines in ultracold neutral plasmas

We report on calculations of electron-impact broadening of Sr+ spectral lines in ultracold neutral plasmas. Optical absorption imaging of an ultracold Sr plasma has recently been used to infer detailed in situ information on the ion dynamics. We modify our recent treatment of collisional broadening in He metastable lines to the collision of electrons from Sr+ ions. The required scattering matrix elements are obtained from an ab initio R-matrix calculation.
Psychometric correlates of pain perception.

There is disagreement in the literature as to whether responsivity to painful stimuli possesses psychometric correlates. A series of methodological and statistical factors are specified in this pap...
Historical perspective on hormonal therapy of advanced breast cancer

Abstract Background: Endocrine therapy is the preferred first-line therapy in patients with nonaggressive, receptor-positive, metastatic breast cancer. Endocrine therapies in these patients are as effective as chemotherapy in terms of survival and tumor response. In addition, hormonal therapies produce fewer and less severe adverse effects than does chemotherapy. Classes of endocrine therapy currently on the market include selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors, and progestins. For several decades, tamoxifen has been considered the gold standard of therapy. However, despite its proven efficacy, a high proportion of patients do not respond. Therefore, a need exists for alternative therapies or for agents to use following tamoxifen failure. Objective: This review article highlights the various endocrine options available for patients with advanced breast cancer and discusses new agents on the horizon. Conclusions: Although more studies are needed to determine the optimal sequence of hormonal therapy and the ideal agent within each class, the availability of new and multiple options is encouraging for women with advanced breast cancer.
Optical diffraction tomography in an inhomogeneous background medium

The filtered back-propagation algorithm (FBP algorithm) is a computationally fast and efficient inversion algorithm for reconstructing the 3D index of refraction distribution of weak scattering samples in free space from scattered field data collected in a set of coherent optical scattering experiments. This algorithm is readily derived using classical Fourier analysis applied to the Born or Rytov weak scattering models appropriate to scatterers embedded in a non-attenuating uniform background. In this paper, the inverse scattering problem for optical diffraction tomography (ODT) is formulated using the so-called distorted wave Born and Rytov approximations and a generalized version of the FBP algorithm is derived that applies to weakly scattering samples that are embedded in realistic, multiple scattering ODT experimental configurations. The new algorithms are based on the generalized linear inverse of the linear transformation relating the scattered field data to the complex index of refraction distribution of the scattering samples and are in the form of a superposition of filtered data, computationally back propagated into the ODT experimental configuration. The paper includes a computer simulation comparing the generalized Born and Rytov based FBP inversion algorithms as well as reconstructions generated using the generalized Born based FBP algorithm of a step index optical fiber from experimental ODT data.
Bordetella pertussis fim3 gene regulation by BvgA: Phosphorylation controls the formation of inactive vs. active transcription complexes

Two-component systems [sensor kinase/response regulator (RR)] are major tools used by microorganisms to adapt to environmental conditions. RR phosphorylation is typically required for gene activation, but few studies have addressed how and if phosphorylation affects specific steps during transcription initiation. We characterized transcription complexes made with RNA polymerase and the Bordetella pertussis RR, BvgA, in its nonphosphorylated or phosphorylated (BvgA∼P) state at Pfim3, the promoter for the virulence gene fim3 (fimbrial subunit), using gel retardation, potassium permanganate and DNase I footprinting, cleavage reactions with protein conjugated with iron bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA, and in vitro transcription. Previous work has shown that the level of nonphosphorylated BvgA remains high in vivo under conditions in which BvgA is phosphorylated. Our results here indicate that surprisingly both BvgA and BvgA∼P form open and initiating complexes with RNA polymerase at Pfim3. However, phosphorylation of BvgA is needed to generate the correct conformation that can transition to competent elongation. Footprints obtained with the complexes made with nonphosphorylated BvgA are atypical; while the initiating complex with BvgA synthesizes short RNA, it does not generate full-length transcripts. Extended incubation of the BvgA/RNA polymerase initiated complex in the presence of heparin generates a stable, but defective species that depends on the initial transcribed sequence of fim3. We suggest that the presence of nonphosphorylated BvgA down-regulates Pfim3 activity when phosphorylated BvgA is present and may allow the bacterium to quickly adapt to the loss of inducing conditions by rapidly eliminating Pfim3 activation once the signal for BvgA phosphorylation is removed.
KLHL1/MRP2 Mediates Neurite Outgrowth in a Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β-Dependent Manner

The actin-based cytoskeleton is essential for the generation and maintenance of cell polarity, cellular motility, and the formation of neural cell processes. MRP2 is an actin-binding protein of the kelch-related protein family. While MRP2 has been shown to be expressed specifically in brain, its function is still unknown. Here, we report that in neuronal growth factor (NGF)-induced PC12 cells, MRP2 was expressed along the neurite processes and colocalized with Talin at the growth cones. MRP2 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in PC12 cells following NGF stimulation. Moreover, treatment of PC12 cells with interfering RNAs for MRP2 and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) resulted in the inhibition of neurite outgrowth. A significant decrease in MRP2 expression levels was observed following GSK3beta inhibition, which was correlated with the inhibited neurite outgrowth, while GSK3beta overexpression was found to increase MRP2 expression levels. MRP2 interacted with GSK3beta through its NH2 terminus containing the BTB domain, and these molecules colocalized along neurite processes and growth cones in differentiated PC12 cells and rat primary hippocampal neurons. Additionally, increased associations of MRP2 with GSK3beta and MRP2 with actin were observed in the NGF-treated PC12 cells. Thus, this study provides, for the first time, insights into the involvement of MRP2 in neurite outgrowth, which occurs in a GSK3beta-dependent manner.
Effect of Prepartum Dietary Protein Level on Performance of Primigravid and Multiparous Holstein Dairy Cows

This study compared the effects of two levels of crude protein (CP) fed during late gestation on the performance, blood metabolites, and ovarian activity of Holstein cows. One-hundred and six cows (42 primigravid and 64 multiparous) 32 d before calving were divided into two groups and fed diets containing moderate (12.7% CP, 36% rumen undegradable protein, (RUP) or high (14.7% CP, 40% RUP) protein. Higher prepartum CP diet increased milk production during the first 120 d in milk (DIM), but most of that effect was detected for the primigravid cows. Primigravid cows fed the prepartum diet higher in protein produced 2.0 kg/d more milk and 3.1 kg/d more 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) during early lactation. Yields of milk fat and protein in early lactation were also increased by the high prepartum CP diet fed to primigravid cows. During the complete lactation, the response to prepartum dietary protein differed between primigravid and multiparous cows. Yields of milk, 3.5% FCM, and milk fat and protein were not affected by the prepartum diet for primigravid cows, but decreased for multiparous cows fed the high protein diet. However, primigravid cows fed the high prepartum protein diet had a higher 305-d mature equivalent milk yield. Colostrum composition, blood metabolites, ovarian activity, and disease incidence were not influenced by prepartum protein. Data from this study suggest that the current prepartum protein recommendation seems to be adequate for multiparous cows, but late-gestation primigravid cows might benefit from diets with a CP content above 12.7%.
MALE COURTSHIP ATTRACTIVENESS AND PATERNITY SUCCESS IN PHOTINUS GREENI FIREFLIES

Although female mate choice and male sperm competition have separately attracted much attention, few studies have addressed how precopulatory and postcopulatory episodes of sexual selection might interact to drive the evolution of male traits. In Photinus fireflies, females preferentially respond to males based on their bioluminescent courtship signals, and females gain direct benefits through male nuptial gifts acquired during multiple matings over several nights. We experimentally manipulated matings of P. greeni fireflies to test the hypothesis that postcopulatory paternity success might be biased toward males that are more attractive during courtship interactions. We first measured male courtship attractiveness to individual females using field behavioral assays. Females were then assigned to two double-mating treatments: (1) least attractive second male–females were first mated with their most attractive male, followed by their least attractive male, or (2) most attractive second male–females mated with males in reverse order. Larval offspring produced by each female following these double matings were genotyped using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and male paternity was determined. Contrary to prediction, firefly males that were more attractive to females based on their bioluminescent courtship displays subsequently showed significantly lower paternity, reflecting possible male trade-offs or sexual conflict. Differences in male paternity were not related to male body condition, testes or accessory gland mass, or to variation in female spermathecal size. Additionally, this study suggests that changes in phenotypic selection gradients may occur during different reproductive stages. These results indicate that it is crucial for future studies on sexual selection in polyandrous species to integrate both precopulatory and postcopulatory episodes to fully understand the evolution of male traits.
Regulation of 14-3-3σ expression in human thyroid carcinoma is epigenetically regulated by aberrant cytosine methylation

Increased 14-3-3σ expression has been observed by immunohistochemistry in papillary and anaplastic tumors, but not follicular thyroid cancers. 14-3-3σ mRNA expression and methylation status was examined in tumor cell lines and primary thyroid tissues using real-time RT-PCR, bisulfite sequencing and methylation-specific PCR. Most of the 27 CpG’s in the gene’s CpG island were methylated in normal thyroid, TPC-1, NPA, FTC-238 and 2–7, which did not express 14-3-3σ. In contrast, they were unmethylated in KAK-1 and anaplastic lines KAT4 and DRO-90. 14-3-3σ expression was not increased in thyroid carcinomas, the majority of which had a methylated CpG island. In addition, 5-aza-dC treatment increased 14-3-3σ expression in the FTC-238 and NPA cell lines, which had low baseline expression. We conclude 14-3-3σ expression in thyroid carcinomas is regulated by CpG island hypermethylation.
A circumstellar dust disk around a star with a known planetary companion

A planet with a minimum mass of 0.84 Jupiter masses (MJ) has been indirectly detected1 in a close orbit (radius 0.11 astronomical units, period 14.65 days) around the star 55 Cancri, which is of spectral type G8 and about 3 billion years old. The detection of excess infrared emission from this system also suggests2 the presence of circumstellar dust. Our Solar System has a disk of dust (and larger bodies) that is roughly coplanar with the planets—the so-called Kuiper Belt3. Here we report infrared coronagraphic observations of 55 Cancri in which the light from the primary star is blocked, allowing us to image a circumstellar dust disk. We find that the dust lies in a disk that extends to at least 40 AU, comparable to the expected extent for our Kuiper Belt3, whereas the inferred mass of the disk is approximately ten times that estimated for our Kuiper Belt. The disk around 55 Cancri is relatively dark at a wavelength of 2.3µm, which is consistent with absorption of light by methane ice on the dust particles. Assuming that the disk is coplanar with the planet, we determine the planet's mass to be 1.9−0.4+1.1 Jupiter masses. All the available evidence is suggestive of a mature planetary system around 55 Cancri.
Analyzing the multimedia operating system

What makes an operating system able to handle multimedia? This survey outlines the main features an operating system must possess-from resource management to file system issues-with an emphasis on scheduling, and it provides a vision of the optimal multimedia system architecture. >
Blue Light Source Based on a ppKTP SHG Using a Grating-Coupled Laser Diode

In this letter, we present the first experimental results of a single-pass second-harmonic (SH) generation from a grating-coupled surface-emitting laser (GCSEL) with integrated dual-grating reflector. In pulse operation, the maximum SH peak power was obtained at 0.66 W, yielding a normalized conversion efficiency of 0.6times10-3 W-1. A high-level monolithical integration of the GCSEL device led to a compact blue light source, which was based on a frequency-doubled near-IR laser diode.
Improving the efficiency and quality of simulation-based behavioral model verification using dynamic Bayesian criteria

In order to improve the effectiveness of simulation-based behavioral verification, it is important to determine when to stop the current test strategy and to switch to an expectantly more rewarding test strategy. The location of a stopping point is dependent on the statistical model one chooses to describe the coverage behavior during verification. In this paper, we present dynamic Bayesian (DB) and confidence-based dynamic Bayesian (CDB) stopping rules for behavioral VHDL model verification. The statistical assumptions of the proposed stopping rules are based on experimental evaluation of probability distribution functions and correlation functions. Fourteen behavioral VHDL models were experimented with to determine the high efficiency of the proposed stopping rules over the existing ones. Results show that the DB and the CDB stopping rules outperform all the existing stopping rules with an average improvement of at least 69% in coverage per testing patterns used.
Relationships between phosphorus loading and trophic state in calcareous lakes of southeast Wisconsin

The relationships among external phosphorus loading, lake phosphorus concentrations, and indices of lake trophic state are investigated for four calcareous and one noncalcareous lake in southeast Wisconsin. The total P and molybdate-reactive P concentrations during winter and spring overturn are significantly higher in the calcareous lakes than predicted by models based on regional studies of Canadian Shield (ELA) lakes and the central New York Finger Lakes. The calcareous Wisconsin lakes have relatively low phosphorus retention coefficients and are eutrophic despite their low or only moderate external P loadings. By contrast, noncalcareous Devils Lake is oligotrophic; it is also adequately represented by the ELA loading vs. response equations. The calcareous Wisconsin lakes and edaphically similar Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, have lower epilimnetic chlorophyll concentrations in summer than predicted by the Dillon and Rigler equation (based on lake mean total P at spring overturn). Because these stratified lakes are frequently phosphorus-limited in midsummer, the failure of the Dillon-Rigler model may be related to seasonal cycles of mixed-layer concentrations of total P (and SRP) and also to the seasonal patterns of loading. From other studies I suggest that these observations may be part of a larger edaphic pattern related to low phosphorus binding tendencies of certain calcareous lake sediments.
Comparative cardiovascular development: improving the conceptual framework.

Immature vertebrates—either as an embryo in an egg, as free-living larva, or as an in utero fetus, are clearly not just small versions of adults. Their cardiovascular physiology (and doubtlessly other aspects of physiology) differs from that of adults both qualitatively and quantitatively. Yet, comparative cardiovascular physiologists have been relatively conservative in constructing a new (or at least modified) conceptual framework for the understanding of developmental cardiovascular physiology. We recommend that this framework rely less on the established cardiovascular truisms for adult cardiovascular physiology that are proving to be less useful and in instances even inaccurate for interpreting development of the heart and vasculature. We have suggested that three methodologies in particular be incorporated to a greater extent in studies of comparative cardiovascular development: (a) emphasis on multivariate approaches; (b) differentiation between absolute (extrinsic) and relative (intrinsic) time for development, and; (c) employment of time lines for both intra-and interspecific comparisons of the ontogeny of cardiovascular processes. While certainly none of these approaches are novel and others have previously dwelt at length on their importance in other contexts, we feel that the emerging framework for investigating cardiovascular physiological development would benefit from incorporating these and other approaches into experimental design as well as data analysis. Failing to do so results in a heavy dependence on analytical approaches typically used for adults, and thus under-appreciates the novelty and complexity of the developing vertebrate cardiovascular system. � 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Poultry Fat and Corn Oil May Be Used to Adjust Energy in the Diets of Young Breeder Hens Without Affecting Embryogenesis and Subsequent Broiler Growout Performance

Abstract Beginning at 22 wk of age, broiler breeder hens were fed one of six experimental diets. Diets 1 and 2 were fed to provide each bird an ME intake of 467 kcal/day (high) at peak production [467 peak Calories/day (PCD)], whereas Diets 3 and 4 contained low ME levels (430 PCD), and Diets 5 and 6 contained moderate ME levels (449 PCD). Diets 1 and 3 contained 3.0% added poultry fat, Diets 2 and 4 contained no added fat, Diet 5 contained 1.5% added poultry fat, and Diet 6 contained 3.0% added corn oil. Eggs were collected when hens were 29 wk of age. Embryonic mortality, hatchability, and subsequent growout performance were assessed through 42 d of broiler age. Added fat type (poultry fat or corn oil), poultry fat level (1.5 or 3.0%), or ME level from low (430 PCD) to high (467 PCD) in the diets of young (29-wk-old) breeder hens had no effects on subsequent embryogenesis, hatchability, or posthatch growout performance of broiler offspring. It was concluded that 1.5 and 3.0% added poultry fat or 3.0% added corn oil may be effectively used to adjustMEbetween low and high levels in the diets of young breeder hens without subsequent effects on broiler embryogenesis and growout performance.
Structural modelling and mutant cycle analysis predict pharmacoresponsiveness of a Na(V)1.7 mutant channel.

Mutations of the NaV1.7 voltage-gated sodium channel are implicated in abnormal pain signal transduction. Yang and colleagues perform structural modeling, mutant cycle analysis and electrophysiology on specific mutants and find that they can accurately predict their response profiles to channel blockers.
Joint NASA-Australian Laser Ranging

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Australian National Development and Energy Department (National Mapping Division), which built and operated the lunar laser-ranging facility at Orroral, are planning a new system that will be capable of measuring distances between the moon and the earth to better than 5 cm. The system will have an accuracy in the tracking of artificial satellites of better than 2 cm (Ind. Res. Dev., August 1982). The new facility is to be named the Nat-map Laser-Ranging System (NLRS). New lasers and computer facilities will be used to provide much higher accuracy and a higher data production rate. According to a recent report (op. cit.), the new system will be used for a wide range of geophysical applications, which include obtaining data and monitoring variations in the rotation rate of the earth. Continental drift measurements will be made with considerably more accuracy than before by means of the vastly enlarged computer data base system.
Analysis of Paedomorphosis Using Allometric Characters: The Example of Reduncini Antelopes (Bovidae, Mammalia)

Two kinds of characters of reduncine antelopes were analyzed cladistically: (1)quantitative osteological characters treated allometrically to remove the effects of body weight and (2) discretely coded characters. Character congruence was tested by combined cladistic analysis of all the data. We analyzed reduncine ontogeny and addressed the general question of how cladistics can be used together with ontogenetic information to study heterochrony. We tested whether characters of waterbuck evolved by paedomorphosis within the genus Kobus or whether these characters are plesiomorphic retentions. The plesiomorphic hypothesis was falsified and the paedomorphosis hypothesis was supported
Temporal aspects of the effects of cooling on responses of single auditory nerve fibers.

Abstract During an investigation of the effects of cochlear cooling on frequency tuning and input/output relations of single auditory nerve fibers in gerbil (Ohlemiller and Siegel (1994) Hear. Res. 80, 174–190), cooling-related changes in post-stimulus time histogram (PSTH) shape and phase-locking to tonebursts were characterized in a small sample of neurons. Local cochlear cooling by 5–10°C below normal core temperature did not alter overall PSTH shape, although some evidence was found for a reduction in the time constants of rapid and short term rate adaptation. The relative contributions of rapid and short term response components appeared unaltered. Effects of cooling on phase-locking were assessed by calculating the synchronization index for responses to intense (>70 dB SPL) tonebursts at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz. Synchronization filter functions exhibited modest reductions in both magnitude and the upper frequency limit of phase-locking. The effects of cooling on the temporal character of responses appear distinct from those of a simple reduction in stimulus intensity. Results are interpreted in terms of cooling-related changes in responses of cochlear hair cells and afferent neurons, and suggest that temperature artifacts are unlikely to underlie reported species differences in PSTH shape and phase-locking.
The study of apoptotic morphological changes by dual-wavelength digital holographic microscopy

We present the study of cellular morphology changes during apoptosis by digital holographic microscopy. The population of cells undergoing staurosporine induced apoptosis was monitored in-situ for several hours and 35% overall volume decrease was observed.
Barbed Sutures in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: Evolution of Thought and Process

The evolution of barbed suture technologies and their application in the field of plastic surgery is now in its third decade. Much has been learned along the way. Initial excitement was often followed by disappointment as we learned more about the limited longevity of minimally invasive procedures and complications arising from various suture designs of the past. Some of the early designs, developed primarily for use in aesthetic facial procedures, included free-floating, bidirectionally barbed, nonabsorbable sutures; unidirectional barbed, nonabsorbable sutures; anchored, bidirectional, nonabsorbable double-threaded sutures; and a technology combining a nonabsorbable knotted thread and absorbable cones. More recently, a new, absorbable, unidirectional barbed suture design has become available. However, it should be noted that very limited data are available for any of the modified suture designs used in this field, and much of what has been published is based on the experience of a single user. The author has used the bidirectionally barbed Quill Knotless Tissue-Closure Device (Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), the most common barbed suture in both facial and other aesthetic plastic surgery procedures, with considerable success in various open aesthetic facial procedures, including suspension of the brow and midface, platysmaplasty, and lateral neck suspension. It is the author's experience that completion of 1 to 2 cases with this technology is sufficient to achieve competency in the closure techniques discussed in this article and that time savings can be realized using this device in various breast and body contouring procedures, including mastopexy, reduction mammoplasty, abdominoplasty, bodylift, and brachioplasty.
The effects of carotenoid and food availability on resistance to a naturally occurring parasite (Gyrodactylus turnbulli) in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Dietary carotenoids have been shown to confer immunological benefits to some species of animals in which males also use these pigments to attract mates. Thus, the potential exists for an allocation trade-off between the sexual and immunological functions of carotenoids. Food availability may also influence immune system function. The present study examined the effects of carotenoid and food availability on the resistance of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata Peters) from four wild populations to the parasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli Harris. Intermediate levels of carotenoid ingestion resulted in the lowest parasite loads, which suggests that carotenoids strengthen parasite resistance at low levels but either benefit parasites or suppress host immunity at high levels. Males raised on the high-food level initially had fewer parasites, suggesting heightened innate immunity relative to males raised on the low-food level. Over the course of the experiment, however, the high-food males supported higher parasite population growth rates than the low-food males. The results obtained emphasize the importance of evaluating the effects of diet on multiple aspects of immune system function, and caution against assuming that positive effects of carotenoids on immunity in one context will automatically translate to other contexts.
Surgery for patients with central protruded lumbar discs who have failed conservative therapy

The clinical presentation and results of surgery of patients with central protruded lumbar discs have not been well defined or distinguished from studies of patients with lateral herniated discs. Many patients are denied surgical treatment, even though they are incapacitated by pain, because they do not have the classic radiographic findings seen in patients with lateral disc herniation. Sixty-three symptomatic patients with radiographically documented central lumbar disc protrusion were analysed. All patients had failed at least 6 months of conservative therapy. Although lumbar spinal pain was the most common complaint, 24 patients also presented with bilateral leg pain and 33 with unilateral leg pain; 26 had unilateral limitation of straight leg raising. An interesting observation was that unilateral symptoms and dural tension signs can be seen in patients with central disc protrusion. After surgical follow-up for a mean of 51 months, 86% achieved good results when analysed by the Prolo Functional Econo...
Factors affecting autocatalysis of botulinum A neurotoxin light chain.

The light chain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A undergoes autocatalytic fragmentation into two major peptides during purification and storage (Ahmed S. A. et al. 2001, J. Protein Chem. 20:221–231) by both intermolecular and intramolecular mechanisms (Ahmed S. A. et␣al. 2003, Biochemistry 42:12539–12549). In this study, we investigated the effects of buffers and salts on this autocatalytic reaction in the presence and absence of zinc chloride. In the presence of zinc chloride, the fragmentation reaction was enhanced in each of acetate, MES, HEPES and phosphate buffers with maximum occurring in acetate when compared to those in the absence of zinc chloride. Adding sodium chloride in phosphate buffer in the presence of zinc chloride increased the extent of proteolysis. Irrespective of the presence of zinc chloride, adding sodium chloride or potassium chloride in phosphate buffer elicited an additional proteolytic reaction. Higher concentrations of sodium phosphate buffer enhanced the autocatalytic reaction in the absence of zinc chloride. In contrast, in the presence of zinc chloride, higher concentrations of sodium phosphate decreased the autocatalytic reaction. Optimum pH of autocatalysis was not affected significantly by the absence or presence of zinc chloride. Like zinc chloride, other chlorides of divalent metals, such as magnesium, cobalt, iron and calcium also enhanced the autocatalytic reaction. Polyols such as ethylene glycol protected the light chain from fragmentation. Exposure of light chain to UV radiation led to enhanced fragmentation. In order to avoid fragmentation, the protein should be stored frozen in a low concentration buffer of neutral or higher pH devoid of any metal. Our results provide a choice of buffers and salts for isolation, purification and storage of intact botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain.
Diffusion of pervasive technologies: a preliminary investigation

Computing technologies have grown to saturate every aspect of human life, with high speed and in broader aspects. As a result, a major revolution in information technology is emerging in the form of pervasive computing technologies. Pervasive computing is a technology that integrates intelligent instruments, appliances, information sources and information analysis tools by high speed wire or wireless networks into a new class of ubiquitous intelligence appliances. This new class of appliances allows users to have the ability to function at any time and anywhere, which provide a convenient access to relevant information and applications. This paper will address some of the key issues related to pervasive computers as they relate to the diffusion of this broad array of new technologies.
Limited-disease small-cell lung cancer research: sense and nonsense.

7 r. Schild and colleagues are to be congratulated on comleting a limited small-cell lung cancer (LSCLC) trial—the rst for the United States in this century, but possibly the ast (1). Their trial is aptly named and described, but, nfortunately, may add more to confusion about the conused concepts of intensity and fractionation than clarity bout what is standard therapy in LSCLC and what quesions require answers. Some questions are ready to be adressed by trials, but we remain in LSCLC trial doldrums, ith weak winds allowing us to drift aimlessly and former ormidable forces appearing listless. Leaders from the ormer Intergroup have agreed in principle, but action has een thwarted and standing still preferred, awaiting a moecularly exciting target to be found, a new drug with omething more than promise, maximally tolerated dose tudies for q.d. or b.i.d., or a compelling idea. Instead, we ave had conflicting proposals from the groups, excitement bout drugs that have not fulfilled promise, and cacophony bout RT issues stirred more by group interest and heard by ethesda authorities who are naive about thoracic RT fracionation and dose and who have sounded death knells for T on multiple prior occasions. The bell of success has been ung twice in the past decade in LSCLC, and it has been ung using RT tactics: intensive accelerated RT to the chest 2) and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) to the brain 3). But the North Central study has caused pause and eflection because it used b.i.d. RT just like the Intergroup tudy, right? Nonsense! The question posed by Dr. Schild and his group’s trial oncerns two methods of RT, on the surface quite similar to he Intergroup trial, but in reality quite different. The b.i.d. reatment arm was neither accelerated nor intensive, taking s long to deliver as standard q.d. therapy. It also took the pproach that induction chemotherapy ought to go before he concurrent therapy. Adopting the antediluvian Cancer nd Leukemia Group B (CALGB) idea that three cycles of hemotherapy were better than one concurrent cycle (4), the orth Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) trial de-