cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pollen-Based Screening of Soybean Genotypes for High Temperatures

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] reproduction is sensitive to temperatures . 35C. Two studies were conducted to determine temperature effects on soybean pollen germination (PG) and to detect genotypic differences. Pollen collected from 44 genotypes (Maturity Groups III to VI) grown outdoors was subjected to in vitro temperatures from 15 to 50 Ca t 5C intervals. Genotypes differed significantly for in vitro PG percentage (mean of 81%) and tube length (mean of 437 mm). Mean cardinal temperatures (Tmin ,T opt, and Tmax) were 13.2, 30.2, and 47.2C for PG and 12.1, 36.1, and 47.0C for pollen tube growth. Genotypes differed for leaf cell membrane thermostability (CMTS), but CMTS did not correlate with pollen parameters. Cumulative temperature response index, CTRI (unitless), of each genotype calculated as the sum of eight individual stress responses (ISRs) derived from maximum PG, maximum pollen tube length (PTL), and the maximum (Tmax), minimum (Tmin), and optimum (Topt) temperatures for PG and for PTLs was used to group genotypes for temperature tolerance. Heat-tolerant genotype (DG 5630RR) was less sensitive to high temperature (38/30C) compared with heat-intermediate (PI 471938) and heat-sensitive (Stalwart III) genotypes that had deformed pollen, with reduced apertures and collumellae heads. Hence, pollen can be used as a screening tool for heat tolerance. Most sensitive to temperature was D88-5320 with a CTRI of 6.8, while AG 4403RR was most tolerant with a CTRI of 7.5. Elevated [CO2] did not modify reproductive parameters or CTRI. The study also revealed that heat tolerance of vegetative tissue had little or no relationship with the heat tolerance of reproductive tissue. Maturity groups lacked a specific trend for tolerance to high temperature. The identified high temperature-tolerant genotypes and temperature-dependent pollen response functions might be useful in soybean breeding and modeling programs, respectively.
The role of volume contraction in the hypocalciuric action of chlorothiazide

Thiazide-induced hypocalciuria usually requires two to four days of drug treatment for its full expression. The present experiments were designed to test the possibility that an immediate hypocalciuria could be produced in subjects whose extracellular volumes were already contracted. In previously untreated subjects, chlorothiazide (2 g/day) did not produce hypocalciuria on the first day of treatment. Hypocalciuria occurred on the second day and was somewhat enhanced on the third and fourth days of treatment. In subjects pretreated with furosemide (40 mg two or three times a day for two days), chlorothiazide produced hypocalciuria on the first day of its use. Under the influence of chlorothiazide, there was a strong linear correlation between the changes in the excretion of calcium and sodium. The results are consistent with the idea that chlorothiazide enhances the ratio of calcium to sodium reabsorptions and that this tendency for absolute hypocalciuria can be overridden by a large natriuretic response to the drug. Volume contraction, which minimizes the natriretic response to diuretics, allows a more immediate and pronounced hypocalciuric response to thiazides.
Inferences regarding the nature of solvent-refined coal (SRC)

Abstract Solvent-refined coal product has been subjected to numerous analytical techniques in an effort to ascertain its chemical nature. Electron spin resonance, 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy along with elemental and molecular weight analyses have been employed. High-performance liquid chromatography via gel permeation separates tetrahydrofuran-soluble SRC into several size fractions. Nuclearmagnetic-resonance data strongly suggest that hexamethylphosphoramide-soluble SRC is approximately 95% aromatic in character.
Analytical and Experimental Studies of the Benthic Boundary Layer and Their Applicability to Near-Bottom Transport in Lake Erie

Abstract With there being few if any well organized field experiments in Lake Erie on benthic boundary layer (BBL) physics to review, this paper summarizes theoretical and experimental observations from the ocean, estuary, and continental shelf research, contrasts the Lake Erie setting with these results, and recommends future considerations for Lake Erie BBL research. From among empirical, boundary layer, and structural analysis viewpoints, the boundary layer approach is emphasized because of its ability to yield predictive hypotheses which can be experimentally tested. The initial discussion centers on the definition of the various classes of physical mechanisms existing in Lake Erie and a summary of various classes of boundary layers that have been hypothesized to exist. The various boundary layers are loosely classified based on the strength of the forcing functions and the subsequent review of steady, wave, and wave-current induced layers reveals that the complexity of the in-situ BBL physics is not often included in available theory. Experimental studies in support of these theories are numerous but with the exception of a few cases do not contain sufficient spatial and temporal resolution to verify the theoretical formulae nor make full correlations with the lower frequency forcing functions such as tides, seiches, Kelvin waves, etc. Momentum boundary layers for steady conditions have been fully validated with high quality data. Sediment layers of all types have yet to be fully validated. Lack of instrumentation is seen as a major impediment to full validation.
Exercise Training Modulates the Nitric Oxide Synthase Profile in Skeletal Muscle From Old Rats

The effects of exercise training on the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform profile in aging fast-twitch (white gastrocnemius [WG]) and slow-twitch (soleus [SOL]) muscle have not been investigated. Six-month and 27-month male Fischer-344 rats were divided into the following groups: young sedentary (YS), young treadmill exercise trained for 12 weeks, old sedentary (OS), and old exercise trained (OE). Inducible NOS (iNOS) protein expression and activity were significantly higher in OS compared with YS, whereas exercise training significantly reduced iNOS protein and activity levels in the WG. Neuronal NOS protein expression decreased with aging in WG but was upregulated significantly with exercise training in OE for both WG and SOL. Endothelial NOS (eNOS) protein levels were depressed in WG of old rats but were higher in OE than in OS. eNOS was unaffected by aging or exercise in the SOL. Our results indicate that endurance exercise training attenuates age-induced alterations of NOS isoforms with a greater response in fast-twitch compared with slow-twitch muscle.
Effects of Controlled Drainage on Forest Water Quality

The effects of controlled drainage (CD) on hydrology and water quality are presented for three eastern North Carolina watersheds in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Timing of CD treatments were: the spring fish recruitment period in the downstream estuary in one watershed, and the summer-fall period to facilitate tree growth in another watershed. A third watershed was maintained under conventional drainage throughout the study. It was demonstrated that seasonal controlled drainage can reduce both the total drainage outflows and corresponding sediment and nutrient exports. For example, CD reduced drainage outflows by as much as 88% during the summer-fall and 39% during the spring with annual average reduction of 20 to 25%. Annual average total phosphorus (TP) and ammonium-nitrogen (NH 4 -N) exports from watersheds under treatment were reduced by 7 to 72% as compared to the watershed under conventional drainage. For other nutrients and total suspended solids (TSS), concentrations were significantly different (α = 0.05) among the three watersheds during the winter when they were all under conventional drainage. This indicated characteristic differences unrelated to applied treatments. Taking these differences into account, the reductions in annual average export of TSS (up to 47%) and nitrate plus nitrite-nitrogen (NO 3 +NO 2 -N) (up to 16%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (up to 45%) and total organic carbon (TOC) (up to 33%) from watersheds under treatment were directly attributed to reduction in outflows. Even though CD appeared to have increased concentrations of some of the nutrients analyzed, except for NH 4 -N, the applied treatments lowered the export of TSS and most nutrients measured. It is concluded that CD can be used to reduce TSS and nutrient exports from pine plantations, primarily through reduced drainage outflows.
Twins or not? Genetic analysis of putative twins in Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella, on the South Shetland Islands

Abstract Genetic analyses can reliably determine the relationships among putative cases of twins in pinniped species. These studies demonstrate that field observations of nursing twins may often be cases of adoption or foster nursing of unrelated pups. A recent study of Antarctic fur seals ( Arctocephalus gazella ) on South Georgia Island found that only 3 of 11 putative twin cases were truly twins. Here we report results of genetic testing of eight putative cases of twinning (twin siblings and mother) observed at Cape Shirreff (62°27′30″S, 60°47′17″W), Livingston Island, Antarctica. Parentage and relatedness analyses using 18 microsatellite markers confirmed six out of the eight cases as twins and two cases of adoption/foster nursing of unrelated pups. All twins analyzed were dizygotic and in five out of six cases, the twins were likely full siblings (relatedness coefficient, or r xy μ = 0.46, σ 2 = 0.004). In one case, the twins were likely half-siblings ( r xy = 0.17), supporting a previous finding of heteropaternity in Antarctic fur seals. This result suggests that mate infidelity during estrus maybe common in Antarctic fur seals, which has implications for our understanding of this species's mating system. The twinning rate estimated at Cape Shirreff (0.12% or 6 twins per 4,965 births) is consistent with the scarcity of twin births observed in pinnipeds, which is associated with the high cost of nursing multiple pups in these animals.
Mutations in Lyar and p53 are synergistically lethal in female mice.

BACKGROUND Ly-1 antibody reactive clone (LYAR) is a nucleolar zinc finger protein that has been implicated in cell growth, self-renewal of embryonic stem cells, and medulloblastoma. To test whether LYAR is critical for cell growth and development, we generated Lyar mutant mice. METHODS Mice carrying the mutant Lyargt allele were generated from embryonic stem cells that contained a gene-trap insertion in the Lyar gene. Phenotypic analyses were performed on Lyar mutant mice and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Lyargt/gt mice were crossed to mice lacking the p53 tumor suppressor protein and Lyar/p53 compound mutants scored for external abnormalities. RESULTS Lyargt/gt homozygotes are viable, fertile, and indistinguishable from wild type littermates. However, the growth of Lyar+/gt and Lyargt/gt mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) was impaired, coincident with an increase in the steady-state level of p53 and a key p53 effector of growth arrest, p21, suggesting that a cellular stress response is triggered in the absence of a wild type level of LYAR. Remarkably, the majority of Lyar+/gt and Lyargt/gt female mice lacking p53 mice failed to survive. The neural tube defect (NTD) exencephaly was observed in ≈26% and ≈61% of female Lyar+/gt;p53−/− and Lyargt/gt;p53−/− embryos, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Lyar/p53 mutant mice represent a new digenic model of NTDs. Furthermore, these studies identify Lyar as a novel candidate gene for a role in human NTDs. These results provide new data to support the idea that loss of a p53-mediated developmental checkpoint may increase the risk of NTDs owing to some germline mutations. © Birth Defects Research (Part A) 94:729–737, 2012. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nephropexy: Fact or fiction?

Abstract At the Mayo Clinic, from 1940 through 1974,21 patients have undergone nephropexy for nephroptosis. Fourteen of the 16 patients with long-term follow-up were cured; 2 of the 16 patients were partially relieved. An additional 2 patients who had one-year follow-up examinations were asymptomatic. Three patients were lost to follow-up. In this series results with the various methods of fixation did not differ, and results in patients who retained their normal position postoperatively as compared with those whose kidneys reverted to their preoperative level also did not differ. Patients who had psychologic disorders fared as well as those who did not. Greater use of renography probably could be made in the assessment of symptoms. Although this review does not suggest that nephropexy for primary nephroptosis be restored to its former appeal of the 1930s, we suggest that its use be considered again in urologic surgery.
Flow structure on a simultaneously pitching and rotating wing

A technique of particle image velocimetry is employed to characterize the three-dimensional flow structure on a wing subjected to simultaneous pitch-up and rotational motions. Distinctive vortical structures arise, relative to the well-known patterns on a wing undergoing either pure pitch-up or pure rotation. The features associated with these simultaneous motions include: stabilization of the large-scale vortex generated at the leading edge, which, for pure pitch-up motion, rapidly departs from the leading-edge region; preservation of the coherent vortex system involving both the tip vortex and the leading-edge vortex (LEV), which is severely degraded for pure rotational motion; and rapid relaxation of the flow structure upon termination of the pitch-up component, whereby the relaxed flow converges to a similar state irrespective of the pitch rate. Three-dimensional surfaces of iso- $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}{Q}$ and helicity are employed in conjunction with sectional representations of spanwise vorticity, velocity and vorticity flux to interpret the flow physics.
WE‐C‐330A‐10: Brightness‐Based Methods for Correcting Beam‐Former Sound Speeds

Purpose: The speed of sound(SOS) varies among patients and spatially within a patient. Differences between the SOS assumed in the beam former and that of tissue defocuses B‐mode images. A global effective SOS value can be chosen to maximize image quality. This study investigates brightness based methods for SOS corrections. Method and Materials: The beam former assumed SOS in a Siemens Antares machine was varied while imaging two phantoms having different SOS's (ATS539‐1440m/s and RMI403‐1540m/s). Three methods were used to quantify resultant image quality changes: visual inspection, zeroth order statistics over a region of interest (ROI) and axial/lateral variation of echo signals arising from discrete reflectors. Peak brightness (PB), mean brightness (MB) and mean of brightness squared (MBS) were measured. Results:Visual inspection showed image sharpness improvement at an appropriate SOS. The optimal SOS values correlate with phantom specifications, but are lower (30–70m/s). Operating conditions affect the optimal SOS. The brightness varies partially due to the fractional overlap of the transmission/reception focal zones, drifting apart with depth. MBS over a ROI proved superior to MB in distinguishing an optimal SOS. Both measures suffered drift problems with SOS for ROI's far from the transmit focus. Including structures in the ROI affects the ability to generate an SOS peak. The lateral extent of a bright spot/glint selected either visually or by a simple search, varies with the assumed SOS. PB and MBS of line signals showed a peak around the optimal SOS. Axial signals are more robust. The maxima at glints result in minima for neighboring axial lines demonstrating good focusing. Conclusions: Visual inspection and glint analysis yield consistent SOS's that improve image quality. SOS accuracy for diagnostic use is limited due to effects of operating conditions of the machine and needs further investigation.
The skewing of psychiatry

Two of the most influential factors in psychiatry over the past decade have been the increasing availability of more sophisticated psychotropic medication and the widespread acceptance of DSM-III. These factors, along with the increased use of computers, have dramatically skewed the field toward an atheoretic symptom/syndrome orientation and away from an appreciation that meaning is an indispensable aspect of human life. This threatens to lead to a serious deterioration in our capacity to communicate with, understand, and treat people. In championing the notion that "biology drives psychology," psychiatry must not lose sight of the fact that often "psychology drives biology." Modest training proposals are offered to counterbalance these trends.
Monte Carlo Bayesian methods for quantitative traits

Many common diseases are believed to have a genetic component, and the mixed model is often used to describe the underlying mechanism of these traits. Since exact likelihood computation of the mixed model for data from large pedigrees is infeasible, this paper presents Monte Carlo Bayesian Analysis (MCBA) methods for complex segregation analysis and combined segregation and linkage analysis of the mixed model. Results from a simulation study of complex segregation analyses with data from a 232-member pedigree showed that MCBA provided good estimates for the model parameters. Compared to results from two other methods, PAP and MIXD, MCBA provided comparable estimates and was more efficient computationally. MCBA was also used to perform a set of combined segregation and linkage analyses, and good estimates resulted. Some sensitivity analyses indicated that the choice of prior distributions and starting configurations might result in elevated variance estimates, but did not substantially influence the final estimates of the other parameters.
Future high energy heavy ion physics at Brookhaven

This paper discusses future heavy ion facilities and experiments at Brookhaven. The design of the relativistic heavy ion collider is particularly discussed along with detectors and experiments that will be at that facility. 9 refs., 5 figs. (LSP)
CASE tool for reusable software component storage and retrieval in rapid prototyping

Abstract Rapid prototyping has become an accepted software development method to construct and adapt software, validate and refine requirements, and check the consistency of proposed designs rapidly. A computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool is described that is used in conjunction with the Computer Aided Prototyping System (CAPS), which will retrieve reusable components from a software base using a given specification. The specification language used is the Prototype System Description Language (PSDL). Reusable Ada components will be stored in an object-oriented database management system with an appropriate PSDL specification. Each component's PSDL specification will be normalized to facilitate search retrieval. The database architecture, specification normalization, and matching techniques are described.
Measurement error and reliability.

Measurement plays a fundamental role in virtually all scientific endeavors. However, despite all their best efforts, most investigators recognize that their measurement instruments are fallible and subject to at least some degree of measurement error. Some of the problems inherent in measurement become evident when we consider the seemingly straightforward task of measuring an individual’s height. The actual measurement of height obtained on any individual will in fact depend on a wide variety of conditions of measurement, e.g., the measuring tape or ruler that is used, the person who is recording the measurement, and so on. Given that all measurements are fallible to at least some extent, it is important to be able to quantify the relative magnitude of the errors associated with a given instrument. Typically, the amount of measurement error is expressed in terms of a coefficient of reliability. The term reliability as used in this particular context has a very precise statistical definition and we will discuss the meaning of this term later in the column. Measurement error is a pervasive problem in every scientific discipline. Although problems associated with measurement are well known, less widely recognized are some of the consequences of measurement error. Consider, for example, a study designed to examine the nutrition factors associated with the development of colon cancer. In such a study, there are a wide variety of measurement instruments that could be used for assessing nutrient intake: foodfrequency questionnaires, food diaries, 24-h recall, and various biomarkers. These instruments are known to be unreliable measures of nutrient intake, albeit with different degrees of measurement error. However, what may be less well known is the impact that the unreliability of the chosen measure can have on, e.g., the ability to detect nutrition factors leading to disease. In this column I discuss the concept of reliability and describe what is commonly meant by this term. I also consider some of the potential consequences of using a measurement instrument with less than perfect reliability. In particular, I discuss the impact that measurement error can have on the design and analysis of studies. In this column, I focus on the reliability of quantitative data. I will consider the reliability of discrete or categorical data in a future column.
On generalized Ramsey numbers of Erdős and Rogers

Extending the concept of Ramsey numbers, Erd?s and Rogers introduced the following function. For given integers 2 ? s < t let f s , t ( n ) = min ? { max ? { | W | : W ? V ( G ) and f s , t ( n ) = G W contains no K s } } , where the minimum is taken over all K t -free graphs G of order n. In this paper, we show that for every s ? 3 there exist constants c 1 = c 1 ( s ) and c 2 = c 2 ( s ) such that f s , s + 1 ( n ) ? c 1 ( log ? n ) c 2 n . This result is best possible up to a polylogarithmic factor. We also show that for all t - 2 ? s ? 4 , there exists a constant c 3 = c 3 ( s ) such that f s , t ( n ) ? c 3 n . In doing so, we partially answer a question of Erd?s by showing that lim n ? ∞ ? f s + 1 , s + 2 ( n ) f s , s + 2 ( n ) = ∞ for any s ? 4 .
In situ STM and AFM study of protoporphyrin and iron(III) and zinc(II) protoporphyrins adsorbed on graphite in aqueous solutions

Iron(III) protoporphyrin(IX), zinc(II) protoporphyrin(IX), and protoporphyrin(IX) have been studied on the graphite basal plane in aqueous solutions with both scanning tunneling (STM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopies. Real-time images directly show that the molecules adsorb onto the electrode and condense into monolayer films starting from small islands. In the monolayer films, all three molecules lie flat on the surface and form identical two-dimensional lattices with a = 13.4 ± 0.2 A, b = 12.2 ± 02 A, and γ = 68 ± 2°. The corresponding molecular packing density is 1.1 x 10 -10 mol/cm 2 , which is in excellent agreement with the value determined from cyclic voltammograms. Although the three molecules are nearly identical in their geometrical structures, their internal structures revealed by STM are significantly different. After the monolayer is completed, iron(III) protoporphyrin(IX) forms aggregates with a thickness of ∼8.5 A, while zinc(II) protoporphyrin(IX) and protoporphyrin(IX) do not.
A Fenchel duality aspect of iterative I-projection procedures

In this paper we interpret Dykstra's iterative procedure for finding anI-projection onto the intersection of closed, convex sets in terms of itsFenchel dual. Seen in terms of its dual formulation, Dykstra's algorithm isintuitive and can be shown to converge monotonically to the correctsolution. Moreover, we show that it is possible to sharply bound thelocation of the constrained optimal solution.
Recreational stimulant use among college students

This study investigated recreational (non‐medical) use of stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, in a western United States university population. Researchers recruited students from introductory psychology courses to take a 33‐item Recreational Stimulant Use Survey that included questions on illicit drug use in addition to questions concerning recreational stimulant use. Of the 448 participants, 36% were males, and 89% were non‐Hispanic White. The results indicated that the overall prevalence rate for recreational stimulant use was 18%. In addition, recreational stimulant use correlated positively with illicit drug use. The perceived availability of stimulant medication, along with usage rates, were discussed and possible treatment options examined.
Comparison of transformation efficiency of human active and inactive X-chromosomal DNA

The mechanism of X-chromosome inactivation has been investigated recently using DNA-mediated transformation of the X-linked hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (hprt) locus. Several experiments indicate that inactive X-chromosomal DNA does not function in HPRT transformation. Liskay and Evans used DNA from hamster or mouse cells which had an hprt- allele on the active X chromosome and an hprt+ allele on the inactive X chromosome. We and others used rodent-human hybrid cell lines which had an hprt+ allele on the inactive human X chromosome alone. DNA from all of these cells failed to transform HPRT- recipients. Recently, Chapman et al. have shown that inactive X-chromosome DNA from several tissues of adult female mice is strikingly inefficient in genetic transformation for the hprt gene. On the other hand, de Jonge et al., using simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed fibroblasts from a human heterozygous for an HPRT deficiency, observed HPRT transformation regardless of whether the hprt+ allele was on the active or the inactive X chromosome of the donor cells. We have done an experiment similar to that of deJonge et al., and report here results which clearly indicate that DNA from the inactive X chromosome functions very poorly in HPRT transformation, thus supporting the original interpretation of Liskay and Evans that inactive X-chromosomal DNA is structurally modified.
Evaluating Sire Selection Practices Using Lifetime Net Income Functions

Dairy farmers do not take full advantage of opportunities available for genetic improvement through use of artificial insemination, perhaps because economic advantages of good sire selection may not be fully recognized or understood. This study was undertaken to document differences between use of AI and non-AI bulls and to develop prediction equations to compare lifetime economic merit of future progeny from alternative sire selection policies. We describe the use of two methods of measuring lifetime economic merit, with and without adjustment for opportunity cost of a postponed replacement. Comparison of lifetime relative net income adjusted for opportunity cost on groups of cows sired by different kinds of bulls showed that daughters of proven AI bulls generated $148 and $120 more lifetime net income under fluid and manufactured milk market conditions than daughters of non-AI bulls. Daughters of proven AI bulls produced $60 more than daughters of AI young sires in progeny testing programs at the time of daughter conception. We developed prediction equations from combinations of genetic evaluations for production, productive life, SCS, and linear type traits on sires to predict lifetime relative net income of progeny produced from alternative sire selection strategies. Prediction equations explained 14 to 18% of variation in relative net income (not adjusted for opportunity cost), but herd and year of first freshening accounted for considerably more variation than did genetic evaluations on the sire of the cow. Finally, two independent data sets were used to develop and test predictions of lifetime relative net income adjusted for opportunity cost using genetic evaluations based on the eight traits included in the Merit indexes for the sire of each cow. Prediction equations from odd numbered herds were used to predict lifetime economic merit in even numbered herds and vice versa. Coefficients of determination ranged from 0.088 to 0.103 and averaged 0.004 higher than prediction equations with Net or Fluid Merit. Accuracy of predictions showed that Net and Fluid Merit were robust and useful indexes that accurately identified bulls whose daughters generated highest lifetime economic merit.
Test Pattern Generation Using Modulation by Haar Wavelets and Correlation for Sequential BIST

We propose a sequential built-in self-test (BIST) hardware pattern generator using Haar wavelets, linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs), modulation, correlation and biasing hardware that produces higher fault efficiencies (FEs) than existing sequential BIST methods. We generate random bit sequences for primary inputs (PIs), which are modulated by Haar wavelets. Our correlator may substitute a highly-correlated PI bit stream for the actual bit stream for this PI. Finally, the bit stream is biased toward a particular probability of generating a 1 input before being fed to the PI. Results on ISCAS '89 benchmarks show that this BIST method produces 96.77% FE for circuits without re-settable flip-flops, and 99.41% (upper-bound) FE, for those with resettable flip-flops. Upadhyayula and Bushnell (2002) only attained 81.4% FE. Our method is implemented in hardware as opposed to Giani et al. (2001) who have system-on-a-chip (SoC) implementations that require an on-board microprocessor and cannot perform at-speed test. Our hardware overhead is 9.01%, much less than Giani et al.'s method. Compared to Pomeranz and Reddy's work (Pomeranz and Reddy, 1998), we achieved 95.69% FE, compared with 95.01% for them, and on the circuits where they presented results, we have 66.3% hardware overhead versus 234-1% for them
Tracing Anonymous Packets to Their Approximate Source

Most denial-of-service attacks are characterized by a flood of packets with random, apparently valid source addresses. These addresses are spoofed, created by a malicious program running on an unknown host, and carried by packets that bear no clues that could be used to determine their originating host. Identifying the source of such an attack requires tracing the packets back to the source hop by hop. Current approaches for tracing these attacks require the tedious continued attention and cooperation of each intermediate Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is not always easy given the world-wide scope of the Internet.We outline a technique for tracing spoofed packets back to their actual source host without relying on the cooperation of intervening ISPs. First, we map the paths from the victim to all possible networks. Next, we locate sources of network load, usually hosts or networks offering the UDP chargen service [5]. Finally, we work back through the tree, loading lines or router, observing changes in the rate of invading packets. These observations often allow us to eliminate all but a handful of networks that could be the source of the attacking packet stream. Our technique assumes that routes are largely symmetric, can be discovered, are fairly consistent, and the attacking packet stream arrives from a single source network.We have run some simple and single-blind tests on Lucent's intranet, where our technique usually works, with better chances during busier network time periods; in several tests, we were able to determine the specific network containing the attacker.An attacker who is aware of our technique can easily thwart it, either by covering his traces on the attacking host, initiating a "whack-a-mole" attack from several sources, or using many sources.
The context of work

The question of how to conceive and represent the context of work is explored from the theoretical perspective of distributed cognition. It is argued that to understand the office work context we need to go beyond tracking superficial physical attributes such as who or what is where and when and consider the state of digital resources, people's concepts, task state, social relations, and the local work culture, to name a few. In analyzing an office more deeply, three concepts are especially helpful: entry points, action landscapes, and coordinating mechanisms. An entry point is a structure or cue that represents an invitation to enter an information space or office task. An activity landscape is part mental construct and part physical; it is the space users interactively construct out of the resources they find when trying to accomplish a task. A coordinating mechanism is an artifact, such as a schedule or clock, or an environmental structure such as the layout of papers to be signed, which helps a user manage the complexity of his task. Using these three concepts we can abstract away from many of the surface attributes of work context and define the deep structure of a setting--the invariant structure that many office settings share. A long-term challenge for context-aware computing is to operationalize these analytic concepts.
Effects of Cage Versus Floor Rearing Environments and Cage Floor Mesh Size on Bone Strength, Fearfulness, and Production of Single Comb White Leghorn Hens

Fourteen hundred pullets were reared at densities of 304 and 735 cm2 in cages and floor pens with litter, respectively. Feeder spaces of 2.7, 4.0, and 5.4 cm per bird were held constant during the brooding growing period. At 18 wk of age, the birds were housed four birds per cage (348 cm2 per bird) in a force-ventilated, light-controlled house with two rows of stair-step cages. In two rows, the standard 2.5 x 5.0 cm welded wire flooring was replaced randomly with 2.5 x 2.5 cm welded wire in eight-cage sections. Egg production, egg quality, feed conversion, and mortality were measured over a 48-wk production cycle. At 68 wk of age, a sample of hens was selected and euthanatized, and the right leg was excised for further evaluation. Rearing environment, rearing feeder space, or type of layer floor mesh had no significant effects on hen-day production or feed conversion. Hens reared in cages produced heavier (P < .001) eggs with a higher percentage of Grade A eggs and had fewer body checks than floor-reared birds. Femur, tibia, and shank lengths were not affected by the rearing treatments or the type of flooring in the layer cage. Tibia breaking strength was not different for the rearing systems or hens maintained on 2.5 x 2.5 vs 2.5 x 5.0 cm welded wire mesh flooring. Hens reared in floor pens on litter displayed a higher level of fearfulness at the end of the production cycle. The reduced (P < .05) body weights associated with cage rearing and reduced feeder space did not negatively affect the production variables. Alteration of the mesh size of layer cage floor had no effect on the production levels of the hens.
Synthesis of mesoionic xanthine nucleosides

Abstract The synthesis of the first examples of Class II mesoionic xanthine nucleosides is described. Tri-O-acetylribofuranosylaminothiazole is cyclized by condensation with bis (2,4,6-tri-chlorophenyl) malonate and the resultant product is de-protected to yield anhydro (8-β- D -ribofuranosyl-5-hydroxy-7-oxothiazolo [3,2-a] pyrimidinium hydroxide); the glucosyl derivative is prepared in a similar manner.
A Human Immunoglobulin (Ig)A Cα3 Domain Motif Directs Polymeric Ig Receptor–mediated Secretion

Polymeric immunoglobulins provide immunological protection at mucosal surfaces to which they are specifically transported by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Using a panel of human IgA1/IgG1 constant region “domain swap” mutants, the binding site for the pIgR on dimeric IgA (dIgA) was localized to the Cα3 domain. Selection of random peptides for pIgR binding and comparison with the IgA sequence suggested amino acids 402–410 (QEPSQGTTT), in a predicted exposed loop of the Cα3 domain, as a potential binding site. Alanine substitution of two groups of amino acids in this area abrogated the binding of dIgA to pIgR, whereas adjacent substitutions in a β-strand immediately NH2-terminal to this loop had no effect. All pIgR binding IgA sequences contain a conserved three amino acid insertion, not present in IgG, at this position. These data localize the pIgR binding site on dimeric human IgA to this loop structure in the Cα3 domain, which directs mucosal secretion of polymeric antibodies. We propose that it may be possible to use a pIgR binding motif to deliver antigen-specific dIgA and small-molecule drugs to mucosal epithelia for therapy.
Distributed estimation and quantization

An algorithm is developed for the design of a nonlinear, n-sensor, distributed estimation system subject to communication and computation constraints. The algorithm uses only bivariate probability distributions and yields locally optimal estimators that satisfy the required system constraints. It is shown that the algorithm is a generalization of the classical Lloyd-Max results. >
Mutation of Tyrosine 470 of Human Dopamine Transporter is Critical for HIV-1 Tat-Induced Inhibition of Dopamine Transport and Transporter Conformational Transitions

HIV-1 Tat protein plays a crucial role in perturbations of the dopamine (DA) system. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Tat decreases DA uptake, and allosterically modulates DA transporter (DAT) function. In the present study, we have found that Tat interacts directly with DAT, leading to inhibition of DAT function. Through computational modeling and simulations, a potential recognition binding site of human DAT (hDAT) for Tat was predicted. Mutation of tyrosine470 (Y470H) attenuated Tat-induced inhibition of DA transport, implicating the functional relevance of this residue for Tat binding to hDAT. Y470H reduced the maximal velocity of [3H]DA uptake without changes in the Km and IC50 values for DA inhibition of DA uptake but increased DA uptake potency for cocaine and GBR12909, suggesting that this residue does not overlap with the binding sites in hDAT for substrate but is critical for these inhibitors. Furthermore, Y470H also led to transporter conformational transitions by affecting zinc modulation of DA uptake and WIN35,428 binding as well as enhancing basal DA efflux. Collectively, these findings demonstrate Tyr470 as a functional recognition residue in hDAT for Tat-induced inhibition of DA transport and transporter conformational transitions. The consequence of mutation at this residue is to block the functional binding of Tat to hDAT without affecting physiological DA transport.
Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase enhances testosterone-induced expression of U19/Eaf2 tumor suppressor during the regrowth of LNCaP xenograft tumor in nude mice.

BACKGROUND Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (IADT) was developed to improve the quality of life and retard prostate cancer progression to castration resistance. IADT involves regrowth of the tumor during the off cycle upon testosterone recovery. Our previous studies showed that testosterone is more potent than dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the induction of a subset of androgen-responsive genes during rat prostate regrowth. However, it is not clear if the same phenomenon would occur during androgen-induced regrowth of prostate tumors. Understanding the differences between testosterone and DHT in inducing androgen-responsive genes during prostate tumor regrowth may provide new insight for improving IADT. METHODS Nude mice bearing androgen-sensitive LNCaP xenograft were castrated and followed up for 7–10 days before being randomized into various androgen manipulations, consisting of continuous castration (C) or testosterone replacement (T) in the absence or presence of dutasteride (D), a 5α-reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Testes-intact animals in the absence or presence of D were used as controls. The expression of five androgen-responsive genes, including the tumor suppressor U19/Eaf2, was determined using real-time RT-PCR, 3 days after randomization. RESULTS In LNCaP tumors, the expression of U19/Eaf2 was higher in the T+D group as compared with T alone (2.87-fold, P < 0.05). In contrast, dutasteride treatment in testes-intact animals inhibited the expression of U19/Eaf2. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of 5α-reductase during LNCaP tumor regrowth enhanced the expression of U19/Eaf2, an androgen-regulated tumor suppressor. This finding suggests that off cycle 5α-reductase inhibition may enhance the efficacy of IADT. Prostate 70: 1575–1585, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PTH transiently increases the percent mobile fraction of Npt2a in OK cells as determined by FRAP.

Renal sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 2a (Npt2a) binds to a number of PDZ adaptor proteins including sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor-1 (NHERF-1), which regulates its retention in the apical membrane of renal proximal tubule cells and the response to parathyroid hormone (PTH). The present experiments were designed to study the lateral mobility of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-Npt2a in proximal tubule-like opossum kidney (OK) cells using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and to determine the role of PDZ binding proteins in mediating the effects of PTH. The mobile fraction of wild-type Npt2a (EGFP-Npt2a-TRL) under basal conditions was ∼17%. Treatment of the cells with Bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate, a water-soluble cross-linker, abolished recovery nearly completely, indicating that recovery represented lateral diffusion in the plasma membrane and not the exocytosis or synthesis of unbleached transporter. Substitution of the C-terminal amino acid PDZ binding sequence TRL with AAA (EGFP-Npt2a-AAA) resulted in a nearly twofold increase in percent mobile fraction of Npt2a. Treatment of cells with PTH resulted in a rapid increase in the percent mobile fraction to >30% followed by a time-dependent decrease to baseline or below. PTH had no effect on the mobility of EGFP-Npt2a-AAA expressed in native OK cells or on wild-type EGFP-Npt2a-TRL expressed in OK-H cells deficient in NHERF-1. These findings indicate that the association of Npt2a with PDZ binding proteins limits the lateral mobility of the transporter in the apical membrane of renal proximal tubule cells. Treatment with PTH, presumably by dissociating NHERF-1/Npt2a complexes, transiently increases the mobility of Npt2a, suggesting that freeing of Npt2a from the cytoskeleton precedes PTH-mediated endocytosis.
Including the third dimension: A spatial analysis of TB cases in Houston Harris County

To reach the tuberculosis (TB) elimination goals established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measures must be taken to speed the currently stagnant TB elimination rate and curtail a future peak in TB incidence. Increases in TB incidence have historically coincided with immigration, poverty, and joblessness; all situations that are currently occurring worldwide. Effective TB elimination strategies will require the geographical elucidation of areas within the U.S. that have endemic TB, and systematic surveillance of the locations and location-based risk factors associated with TB transmission. Surveillance data was used to assess the spatial distribution of cases, the yearly TB incidence by census tract, and the statistical significance of case clustering. The analysis revealed that there are neighborhoods within Houston/Harris County that had a heavy TB burden. The maximum yearly incidence varied from 245/100,000-754/100,000 and was not exclusively dependent of the number of cases reported. Geographically weighted regression identified risk factors associated with the spatial distribution of cases such as: poverty, age, Black race, and foreign birth. Public transportation was also associated with the spatial distribution of cases and census tracts identified as high incidence were found to be irregularly clustered within communities of varied SES.
An algorithm for image quality assessment

The paper presents a novel algorithm for image quality assessment. First, a simple model of the human visual system, consisting of a nonlinear function and a 2D filter, processes the input images. This filter has one user-defined parameter, whose value depends on the reference image. In the next step, the average value of locally computed correlation coefficients between the two processed images is found. This criterion is closely related to the way in which a human observer assesses image quality. In the last step, the image quality measure is computed as the average value of locally computed correlation coefficients, adjusted by the average correlation coefficient between the reference image and the error image. In this way, the proposed measure differentiates between the random and signal-dependant distortion, which have different effects on a human observer. The performance of the proposed quality measure is illustrated by examples involving images with different types of degradation.
Survey of Construction Related Trench Cave-Ins

Newspapers, state and Federal agencies, insurance companies, and trenching contractors were contacted to determine causes and occurrences of cave-ins. In the United States alone, approximately 100 fatalities occur annually from cave-ins. The vast majority of fatal cave-ins occur in shallow unshored excavations, primarily sewer lines. Presence of construction equipment and adverse climatic conditions are strongly supporting factors. No part of the country is immune to cave-ins, and every type of soil is susceptible. Although technical knowledge is available to handle this problem, the majority of cave-ins have resulted from the lack of application of this knowledge. It seems that engineering investigations are not being made after a cave-in to determine the cause.
Abstract 14665: Left Ventricular Shape Analysis Predicts Heart Failure and Coronary Heart Disease: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Introduction: Left ventricular shape is identified as an important component of remodeling. We investigate whether sphericity index (SI) predicts congestive heart failure (CHF) and coronary heart disease (CHD) over 10 years in the MESA population. Methods: As part of the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, 5004 participants free of known cardiovascular disease had MRI in 2000-2002. Cine images were used to compute SI = volume/ (length3 * pi/6) of LV using QMass. The highest and lowest quintiles of SI corresponding to high eccentricity and high concentricity respectively were compared against the reference group comprised of the second, third and fourth quintiles combined. Cox regression assessed the predictive performance of groups of high and low SI (compared to reference) to predict CHF and CHD over a 10-year follow-up period adjusted to age, gender, race, BMI, smoking, systolic blood pressure, hypertension medication, HDL, heart rate, total cholesterol, diabetes, LV mass, ejection fraction, and calcium score. Results: At baseline, participants were aged 61±10 yrs; 52% men; 39/13/26/22% Cauc/Chinese/Afr-Amer/Hispanic; 42% hypertensive; and 11.6% diabetic. SI at end-diastole was 0.29±0.08 and predicted neither CHD nor CHF after adjustment. SI at end-systole was 0.16±0.07 and showed independent prediction power for CHF at both lowest and highest groups compared to the reference. The lowest group of SI also predicted CHD compared to the middle group. Conclusions: Both low and high sphericity indicative of increased concentricity and increased eccentricity of the LV chamber respectively were predictive of CHF; while increased concentricity alone was predictive of CHD. ![][1] ![][2] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/graphic-2.gif