cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online Handwriting Recognition for Indic Scripts

Online handwriting recognition refers to the problem of machine recognition of handwriting captured in the form of pen trajectories. The recognition technology holds significant promise for Indic scripts, given that the Indic languages are used by a sixth of the world’s population, and the greater ease of use of handwriting-based text input for these scripts compared to keyboard-based methods. Even though the recognition of handwritten Devanagari, Bangla, and Tamil has received significant attention in recent times, one may say that research efforts directed at Indic script recognition in general are in their early stages. The structure of the scripts and the variety of shapes and writing styles pose challenges that are different from other scripts and hence require customized techniques for feature representation and recognition. In this chapter, we describe the challenges in recognizing online handwriting in Indic scripts and provide an overview of the state of the art for isolated character and word recognition. We then present in brief some of the promising applications, starting with handwriting-based text input systems (IMEs) that have been built for entering Indic scripts. In the last section, we provide a few pointers to resources such as tools and data sets that are currently available for online Indic script recognition research. endabstract
Arterial blood flow into the human intervillous space

Abstract A study was made of 330 x-ray films obtained from 30 single aortograms, one each on 30 women in various pregnancy stages from 6½ to 41 weeks after conception. It was found that the intervillous space developed around arterial entry sites. Growth and development of entry sites occurred mostly in the first half of pregnancy. Expansion of the intervillous space with slowing of circulation in some areas occurred during the second half of pregnancy. Within the uterine wall musculature, arteries supplying blood to the intervillous space underwent a marked increase in diameter. Some of them became as large as the internal iliac artery. These findings provide visible evidence of the nonhomogeneity of blood in the intervillous space and represent a possible explanation of why maximum cardiac load of pregnancy is reached before term.
Descriptive Complexity and Model Checking

Descriptive Complexity [I98] is an approach to complexity that measures the richness of a language or sentence needed to describe a given property. There is a profound relationship between the traditional computational complexity of a problem and the descriptive complexity of the problem. In this setting, the finite object being worked on is treated as a logical structure. Thus descriptive complexity is part of finite model theory [EF95].
Globally constrained power control across mulitple channels in wireless data networks

We investigate multi-channel transmission schemes for packetized wireless data networks. The transmitting unit transmits concurrently in several orthogonal channels (for example, distinct FDMA bands or CDMA codes) with randomly fluctuating interference and there is a global constraint on the total power transmitted across all channels at any time slot. Incoming packets to the transfer are queued up in separate buffers, depending on the channel they are to be transmitted in. In each time slot, one packet can be transmitted in each channel from its corresponding queue. The issue is how much power to transmit in each channel, given the interference in it and the packet backlog, so as to optimize various power and delay costs associated with the system. we formulate the general problem taking a dynamic programming approach. Through structural decomposition of the problem, we design practical novel algorithms for allocating power to various channels under the global constraint.
Defects Relevant for Compensation in Semi-Insulating GaAs

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses defects relevant for compensation in semi-insulating gallium arsenide (GaAs). The chapter is mainly concerned with donor and acceptor defects, as opposed to impurities. About five years ago, it was commonly assumed that the only defect of any importance in compensation considerations was EL2. However, with the advent of increasingly pure materials, it has become clear that even shallow defects must now be included in any realistic compensation model. Moreover, high-temperature processing, which is necessary to improve material uniformity or to make devices, can cause important modifications in the types and numbers of these shallow defects and can thus drastically affect the resistivity. Many impurity levels have been positively identified in GaAs and other semiconductors, because the presence of impurities can often be confirmed by analytical techniques. A positive identification of defects is much more difficult so that only the As antisite defect AsGa has been identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) with any degree of certainty.
A structure based algorithm for improving motifs prediction

Minimotifs are short contiguous peptide sequences in proteins that are known to have functions. There are many repositories for experimentally validated minimotifs. MnM is one of them. Predicting minimotifs (in unknown sequences) is a challenging and interesting problem in biology. Minimotifs stored in the MnM database range in length from 5 to 15. Any algorithm for predicting minimotifs in an unknown query sequence is likely to have many false positives owing to the short lengths of the motifs looked for. Our team has developed a series of algorithms (called filters) in the past to reduce the false positives and improve the prediction accuracy. All of these algorithms are based on sequence information. In a recent paper we have demonstrated the power of structural information in characterizing motifs. In this paper we present an algorithm that exploits structural information for reducing false positives in motifs prediction. We test the validity of our algorithm using the minimotifs stored in the MnM database. MnM is a web system for minimotif search that our team has built. It houses more than 300,000 minimotifs. Our new algorithm is a learning algorithm that will be trained in the first phase and in the second phase its accuracy will be measured. For any input query protein sequence, MnM identifies a list of putative minimotifs in the query sequence. We currently employ a series of sequence based algorithms to reduce the false positives in the predictions of MnM. For every minimotif stored in MnM, we also store a number of attributes pertinent to the motif. One such attribute is the source of the minimotif. The source is nothing but the protein in which the minimotif is present. For the analysis of our new algorithm we only employ those minimtofis that have multiple sources for positive control. Random data is used as negative data. The basic idea of our algorithm is the hypothesis that a putative minimotif is likely to be valid if its structure in the query sequence is very similar to its structure in its source protein. Another important feature of our algorithm is that it is specific to individual minimotifs. In other words, a unique set of parameters is learnt for every minimotif. We feel that this is a better approach than learning a common set of parameters for all the minimotifs together. Our findings reveal that in most of the cases the occurrences of the minimotifs in their source proteins are structurally similar. Also, typically, the occurrences of a minimotif in its source protein and a random protein are dissimilar. Our experimental results show that the parameters learnt by our algorithm can significantly reduce false positives.
A STUDY OF RAINFALL AND VEGETATION DYNAMICS IN THE AFRICAN SAHEL USING NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX

A recently developed method for large-scale monitoring of vegetation growth is the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from reflectance data from the NOAA satellites. This study is an investigation of the relationship between the NDVI and the rainfall in the semi-arid Sahel of West Africa. The temporal and spatial patterns of both variables are evaluated for six vegetation formations in the region. There is a strong linear relationship between NDVI and rainfall if annual rainfall lies between about 150 and 1000 mm. The best correlation is between NDVI and rainfall in the concurrent plus two previous months. The study also suggests that the phenology of NDVI appears to reflect soil moisture availability and that water-use-efficiency varies markedly among the six vegetation formations.
Concurrent learning-based approximate feedback-Nash equilibrium solution of N-player nonzero-sum differential games

This paper presents a concurrent learning-based actor-critic-identifier architecture to obtain an approximate feedback-Nash equilibrium solution to an infinite horizon N-player nonzero-sum differential game. The solution is obtained online for a nonlinear control-affine system with uncertain linearly parameterized drift dynamics. It is shown that under a condition milder than persistence of excitation (PE), uniformly ultimately bounded convergence of the developed control policies to the feedback-Nash equilibrium policies can be established. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the developed technique without an added excitation signal.
Neural Network Modeling and an Extended DMC Algorithm to Control Nonlinear Systems

In this paper we propose a solution to the model predictive control problem for the case when the model is given by a nonlinear neural network. The solution follows the algorithm proposed by Peterson et al.[11] where the linear DMC is extended to handle nonlinear systems by updating the linear model with a `disturbance due to nonlinearities' term. Simulation results of a reaction in a CSTR are included. Results show the improvement in control of the proposed algorithm over linear DMC.
Intercomparison of multiaxis and long-path differential optical absorption spectroscopy measurements in the marine boundary layer

[1] Multiaxis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) has many advantages that make it ideally suited for trace gas monitoring. MAX-DOAS instruments can be relatively small, are easy to operate, and allow long-term automated operation. The MAX-DOAS technique also allows derivation of vertical aerosol and trace gas profiles in the troposphere and thus the monitoring of pollution aloft. However, this relatively new technique still requires validation to determine uncertainties, for example, introduced by the radiative transfer modeling needed to derive trace gas concentrations. Here we present MAX-DOAS measurements of NO2 and HCHO performed in the Gulf of Maine during the ICARTT campaign in summer 2004. O4 measurements were performed to gain information on the vertical distribution of aerosols, which were used in radiative transfer calculations to convert the measured trace gas slant column densities to concentrations. The successful identification of an aerosol layer between 1 and 2 km altitude illustrates the potential for aerosol remote sensing. The comparison with LP DOAS measurements performed simultaneously shows that MAX-DOAS accurately measures trace gases that are well mixed within the boundary layer. MAX-DOAS measurements also provide valuable information on the vertical distribution of pollutants in and above the boundary layer, as demonstrated by the identification of elevated HCHO levels in a layer between 1 km and 2 km altitude. This phenomenon, which is associated with outflow of continental air from the American northeast, was not detected by in situ ground-based instruments.
Sequence Specificity of DNA Methylases from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus brevis

Abstract DNA methylation in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H ( Bam ) † and Bacillus brevis ( Bbv ) has been examined by a variety of techniques. In vivo labelling studies revealed that Bam DNA contains no N 6 -methyladenine (MeAde), but contains 5-methylcytosine (MeCyt); approximately 0·7% of the cytosine residues are methylated. DNA methylase activity was partially purified from both Bam and Bbv ; the Bam enzyme preparation transferred methyl groups from S -adenosyl- l -[ methyl - 3 H]methionine ([ 3 H]AdoMet) to specific DNA cytosine residues only; in agreement with Vanyushin & Dobritsa (1975), the Bbv enzyme preparation methylated both DNA adenine and cytosine residues. The (partial) sequence specificity of the methylases was determined by analyzing [ 3 H]methyl-labelled dinucleotides obtained from enzymatic digests of DNA methylated in vitro . Bam and Bbv each contain a DNA-cytosine methylase with overlapping sequence specificity; e.g. both enzymes produce G-C∗, C∗-A and C∗-T. This is consistent with a single, twofold symmetrical methylation sequence of 5′ … G-C∗-(A or T)-G-C … 3′; this was observed by Vanyushin & Dobritsa (1975) for a different Bbv strain. Bam contains a second DNA-cytosine methylase (not present in Bbv ), which produces T-C∗ and C∗-T. We propose that this methylase is the Bam I modification enzyme, and that the modified sequence is 5′ … G-G-A-T-C∗-C … 3′. Bbv appears to contain two DNA-adenine methylases which produce the (partial) methylated sequences, 5′ … G-A∗-T … 3′ and 5′ … A-A∗-G … 3′, respectively; in the former case, all the G-A-T-C sites on Bbv DNA appear to be methylated.
Experimental determinations of carcass processing by Plio-Pleistocene hominids and carnivores at FLK 22 (Zinjanthropus), Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania☆

Published and unpublished skeletal and surface mark data from the large, well-preserved, bovid dominated FLK 22 (Zinjanthropus) archaeofauna are analyzed using data derived from four different experimental control samples. The control samples are realistic because they are based on natural history and paleoecological data collected from FLK 22, and other Olduvai Gorge assemblages; they are precise because independent experimental studies following the same methods have generated the same results; and they restore generality to the study of site formation because each one models a different hominid and/or carnivore scenario of site formation. Comparability between FLK 22 and the control samples is established by excluding specimens from the former which do not meet identification and reporting standards derived from the latter. As in two previous studies, a comprehensive analysis of tooth marks and tool marks on long bone specimens from FLK 22 indicates that they were processed in three stages. In stage one, carnivores defleshed long bones, as inferred from the high percentage of tooth marks on midshaft fragments. In stage two, hominids processed intact long bones for marrow, as inferred from percussion mark percentages. Cut marks suggest that long bones retained flesh, but the amount, as yet, cannot be determined using cut mark percentages. In stage three, carnivores processed long bone epiphyses for grease, as inferred from the under-representation of long bone epiphyses and the high percentage of tooth marks on near-epiphyses and surviving epiphyses. The lack of comprehensive skeletal and surface mark data on cranial, axial, compact, and other specimens currently limits the application of experimental results. However, the available data suggest that the condition and representation of these items in the FLK 22 assemblage are also consistent with a carnivore to hominid to carnivore sequence of site formation. The variety of elements present, and their extensive processing by hominids, indicates that FLK 22 functioned as a central place/refuge where hominids could transport a variety of carcass parts and process them in an unhurried fashion. The presence of numerous small and medium sized individuals also indicates that hominids could have passively scavenged carcasses from a number of different sources including lions, leopards, sabertooth cats, and mass drownings.
Estimation of the heat-affected zone for the electron-beam welding of plates

We describe a procedure and present some experimental results of evaluation of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) for butt electron-beam welding of the plates of variable thickness with regard for the nonuniform distribution of energy. It is shown that the heat removal caused by the increase in the thicknesses of the plates leads to changes in the sizes of the HAZ in the upper part of the welded joint. It is established that the instantaneous cooling rate changes with the distance from the reference point as a result of changes in the rate of energy input, which is responsible for the inhomogeneity of the microstructure over the thickness of the joint.
Effect of a combination of two elbows on particle roping in pneumatic conveying

As gas and particles flow through an elbow in a lean phase pneumatic conveying system, the particles stratify into a relatively small portion of the pipe cross-section, forming a dense rope-like structure. Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations were carried out to determine the effect of two closely spaced elbows on roping behavior in a vertical pipe downstream of the second elbow. The results show that the combination of elbows results in a stationary rope which spirals around the inside of the vertical pipe, adjacent to the pipe wall. The angular position of the rope, peak particle concentration, and particle velocity in the rope were found to depend strongly on the length of the pipe connecting the two elbows. The results also show that the particle velocities in the rope are significantly lower in the case of two elbows than they are with a single elbow.
The Kinematometer—An Integrated Kinematic Sensor for Kinesiological Measurements

The calculation of human joint forces and moments during locomotion is usually based on the solution of the "inverse dynamics problem." A new approach, called the Integrated Kinematic Sensor (IKS) approach, is proposed. It combines measurements of position, linear acceleration and angular velocity, coupled with six degrees of freedom analysis of rigid body motion, for the purpose of deriving high quality link kinematics and joint loads (force and moment) estimates. The IKS approach is tested on an instrumented compound pendulum to simulate the swing of a lower limb segment. The results show a high degree of correlation between the loads estimated by the IKS and those directly measured by the instrumented joint. The approach is illustrated by studying the kinematic and dynamic variables of the human shank segment during normal walking. The results agree with the basic patterns reported in the literature, while adding new information on transients during heel strike and toe off.
Streptomycin biosynthesis conversion of myo-inositol to O-phosphorylstreptidine

Evidence is presented that mycelia of streptomycin-producing strains of Streptomyces convert [2-14C]myo-inositol to O-phosphorylsstreptidine (Ophosphoryl-N,N′-diamidinostreptamine). Labeled intermediates in this biosynthetic pathway have been detected and partially characterized as an O-phosphorylinosamine and O-phosphoryl-N-amidinostreptamine. Each of the latter 2 compounds can be transamidinated in vitro, to O-phosphoryl-N-amidinoinosamine and O-phosphorylstreptidine, respectively, by crude and purified amidinotransferase preparations from a number of streptomycin producers and by amidinotransferase from Streptomyces bluensis var. bluensis, which synthesizes bluensomycin, a monoguanidinated analogue of streptomycin. These results are consistent with the possibility that a single amidinotransferase catalyzes 2 separate, non-consecutive transamidination in the biosynthesis of O-phosphorylstreptidine from myo-inositol. Transamidination in vitro of chemically phosphorylated streptamine gives a positional isomer of the naturally occurring O-phosphoryl-N-amidinostreptamine which cannot be further transamidinated by the enzyme to O-phosphorylstreptidine.
Collision Risk Posed to the Global Positioning System by Disposal Orbit Instability

Recent studies show that disposal orbits used by the global positioning system can be unstable, resulting in penetration of the operational constellation by the disposal orbit perigees. The purpose of this study was to obtain a preliminary understanding of the associated collision risk between disposed and operating vehicles. Collision risk was determined via direct statistical simulation, which involves determination of conjunction miss distance distributions. Study results include time histories of constellation penetration by disposal orbit perigees and an estimate of collision risk growth over 180 years. Nomenclature ACC = average collision cross section between primary and threat objects a = semimajor axis d = miss distance e = eccentricity i = inclination N.d; T/ = cumulative number of miss distances over time intervalT at a miss distance ·d pC = collision probability from kinetic theory pT = total average collision probability with constellation T = time interval t = time u = argument of latitude, !Co v = average relative velocity between primary and threat objects ¯ = probability distribution e t parameter o = true anomaly Ω = threat object spatial number density ! = argument of perigee
The effect of estrogen on the concentration of ovalbumin gene sequence in the 2 M NaCl residual fraction of oviduct chromatin

Oviduct chromatin was isolated from both estrogenized and non-estrogenized hens. Extraction of the chromatin with 2 M NaCl removed a majority of the proteins, and the resulting DNA was then separated into two components: (1) a major fraction which was virtually protein-free; and (2) a minor fraction which was complexed with proteins. It was found that the DNA fraction that is complexed with proteins contained ovalbumin gene sequences and that the concentration of these sequences could be boosted by estrogen-treatment.
Comparison of hemodynamic actions of pirbuterol and dobutamine on cardiac function in severe congestive heart failure.

There is considerable interest in the development of beneficial oral inotropic agents for sustained ambulatory management of patients with severe chronic congestive heart failure. Therefore, the hemodynamic actions of the oral beta adrenergic receptor agonist pirbuterol and of intravenous dobutamine were compared in nine patients with severe heart failure. Both agents produced similar effects on ventricular pump function: The cardiac index was markedly increased from 1.8 to 2.6 liters/min per m2 (p < 0.005) by dobutamine and from 1.8 to 2.9 liters/min per m2 (p < 0.001) by pirbuterol; stroke index was increased from 24 to 32 ml/beat per m2 (p < 0.02) by dobutamine and from 23 to 35 ml/beat per m2 (p < 0.001) by pirbuterol; the stroke work index was increased from 19 to 27 g-m/m2 (p < 0.005) by dobutamine and from 20 to 28 g-m/m2 (p < 0.005) by pirbuterol. However, although dobutamine did not change mean blood pressure or left ventricular filling pressure (p < 0.05), pirbuterol modestly decreased mean blood pressure from 83 to 75 mm Hg (p < 0.02) and moderately decreased left ventricular filling pressure from 23 to 18 mm Hg (p < 0.005). Dobutamine reduced total systemic vascular resistance 22 percent from 2,049 to 1,582 dynes s cm−5 (p < 0.001), whereas pirbuterol reduced this index 42 percent (p < 0.05 versus dobutamine) from 2,068 to 1,150 dynes s cm−5. Neither agent altered heart rate or the heart rate-systolic blood pressure product (p < 0.05). Thus, oral pirbuterol has dobutamine-like beneficial hemodynamic effects on left ventricular pump function but causes a greater decrease in total systemic vascular resistance consistent with the combined inotropic and peripheral vasodilator actions of this oral beta adrenergic receptor agonist. These salutary hemodynamic responses suggest that oral pirbuterol may be useful for the prolonged treatment of severe chronic congestive heart failure.
The Rule of Mixtures: Approximating Chorioamnion Elastic Modulus in Human Placental Membranes

The placental membranes, which surround the fetus in utero, are made of chorioamnion (CA) — a composite bilayered structure made of amnion and chorion. The CA is the only tissue in the body designed to fail, yet early CA failure causes preterm birth and is associated with elevated infant morbidity and mortality1. While the elastic moduli, E, of the chorion and the amnion have been independently investigated1,2,3, how these two layers work together in the composite CA bilayer has yet to be thoroughly investigated.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Kinetics of bone protection by recombinant osteoprotegerin therapy in Lewis rats with adjuvant arthritis

Objective To assess the effect of different dosages and treatment schedules of osteoprotegerin (OPG) on joint preservation in an experimental model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Methods Male Lewis rats with AIA (6–8 per group) were treated with a subcutaneous bolus of recombinant human OPG according to one of the following schedules: daily OPG (an efficacious regimen) starting at disease onset (days 9–15), early intervention (days 9–11), delayed intervention (days 13–15), and extended therapy (days 9–22). Inflammation (hind paw swelling) was quantified throughout the clinical course; osteoporosis (bone mineral density [BMD], by quantitative dual x-ray absorptiometry) and morphologic appraisals of inflammation, bone damage, intralesional osteoclasts (by semiquantitative histopathologic scoring), and integrity of the articular cartilage matrix (by retention of toluidine blue stain) were determined in histology sections of arthritic hind paws. Results OPG provided dose- and schedule-dependent preservation of BMD and periarticular bone while essentially eliminating intralesional osteoclasts. Dosages ≥2.5 mg/kg/day preserved or enhanced BMD and prevented essentially all erosions. A dosage of 4 mg/kg/day protected joint integrity to a comparable degree when given for 7 (days 9–15) or 14 (days 9–22) consecutive days. At this dosage, early intervention (days 9–11) was twice as effective as delayed intervention (days 13–15) at preventing joint dissolution. Erosions and osteoclast scores were greatly decreased for 26 days (measured from the first treatment) after 7 or 14 daily doses of OPG (4 mg/kg/day). OPG treatment also prevented loss of cartilage matrix proteoglycans, an indirect consequence of protecting the subchondral bone. No OPG dosage or regimen alleviated weight loss, inflammation, or periosteal osteophyte production. Conclusion These data indicate that OPG preserves articular bone and (indirectly) articular cartilage in arthritic joints in a dose- and schedule-dependent manner, halts bone erosion when given at any point during the course of arthritis, produces sustained antierosive activity after a short course, and is most effective when initiated early in the disease.
Optimal and feedback strategies for managing multicohort populations

A Beverton and Holt type linear cohort dynamics model is integrated and combined with a nonlinear stock-recruitment relationship to obtain a discrete-time multicohort harvesting model. Assuming that each age class is individually controllable, it is shown, subject to certain assumptions, that the optimal harvesting strategy is to drive the population to the maximum sustainable yield solution in one time step. In most fisheries, this controllability assumption is not met and harvesting is agewise nonselective. In this case, it may be preferable to implement a harvesting policy based on suboptimal constant effort or stock level feedback strategies, rather than implement a more complicated optimal policy. This question is addressed through numerical studies on the management of an anchovy fishery.
National Stamp-Tax Laws and State Instrumentalities*

The rule that the national government may not burden the governmental agencies of the states by taxation is generally familiar to students of constitutional law. An interesting phase of the development of this doctrine is found in judicial and administrative rulings on the immunity of state agencies under the national stamp-tax laws.The Early History of the Stamp Tax as Applied to State Judicial Documents. Stamps had been used as a means of securing revenue for nearly two centuries when such a method of taxation was suggested for the United States in 1797. The stamp tax originated in Holland in 1624, when, during a time of “dire necessity,” the States-General offered a reward to anyone who would invent a new kind of tax, and someone proposed “the requiring of stamps on documents and writings having a legal operation or forming necessary steps in suits in the law courts.” In 1694, England adopted this method of raising revenue. Congress first resorted to the stamp tax on legal instruments in acts of 1797 and 1813.
The adsorption of Ag on CO, O, and H covered W(110). I. Overlayer formation and stability

Abstract The adsorption of Ag mono- and multilayers on O/W(110), CO/W(110), and H/W(110) was investigated, from 90 K to Ag desorption temperatures. Auger measurements indicate that Ag growth occurs layer by layer at 90 K on all substrates. For Ag/O/W(110) dewetting, i.e. partial balling up of Ag occurs from 200 to 400 K. At T ⩾ 500 K segregation sets in, with O forced into p(1 × 1) islands, and Ag pushed into islands which can be several layers thick. This behavior is similar to that seen previously with O and Cu and O and Pd on W(110). There is also a slight amount of O left trapped under the Ag covered surface. In the case of CO partial dewetting also seems to set in at 200–300 K. Ag adsorption does not cause CO desorption. However, with an Ag overlayer there is a slight decrease from 400 to 350 K in the virgin-CO desorption peak, and the ratio of virgin to β-desorption increases with Ag coverage. This suggests that Ag competes with remaining CO for sites which could be used for dissociative, i.e. β-adsorption. CO is only very weakly adsorbed on Ag 1 /W(110); this explains the relatively small effect on v-CO desorption, since there is no driving force for CO-Ag interchange, as in the case of Cu/CO/W(110), where CO is still strongly bound on Cu 1 /W(110). The effect of Ag on H 2 desorption from H/W(110) is quite dramatic, with the appearance of a sharp low temperature peak at 150 K and a second sharp peak at 400 K, also lower than the broad main peak for H/W(110). This behavior is very similar to what was seen previously for Hg/H/W(110) and Pd/H/W(110) and may result from a modification of H binding sites on W(110) by the overlayer metal, even if the latter does not interact directly with H.
Quantum-theoretic Shapes of Constituents of Systems in Various States

In previous publications, it has been shown that entropy is a measure of the quantum-theoretic shape of the constituents of a system. In this paper, we present examples of quantum-theoretic shapes of some systems each consisting of one unit of a single constituent, in either a stable (thermodynamic) equilibrium state or in states that are not stable equilibrium. The systems that we consider are a structureless particle confined in either a linear box or a square box, and a harmonic oscillator. In general, we find that the shape of each constituent is smooth-without ripples-for each thermodynamic equilibrium state, and oscillatory or rippled for states that are either nonequilibrium or unstable equilibrium.
Effect of Sexual Experience, Location, Malnutrition, and Repeated Sampling on Concentrations of Testosterone in Blood Plasma of Gallus domesticus Roosters

Abstract Five studies were conducted with mature White Leghorn roosters to study variables associated with concentrations of testosterone in blood sampled from a wing vein. Testosterone in blood plasma was unchanged 15, 30, or 45 min after collection of semen artificially whether or not roosters were trained for collection of semen. Likewise, cohabitation with hens for 7 to 8 hr was without effect. However, trained roosters had higher (P Variations in concentrations of testosterone among sequential samples of blood collected at 45-min intervals for 3 hr indicated random pulsatile releases of testosterone as reported for mammals. Sequential sampling at 15 min intervals for 1 to 2 hr revealed that the testosterone increases (up to 10 ng/ml) lasted for about 1 hr and that the returns to basal concentrations required about 1 to 1.5 hr. The interval between pulsatile releases may be as long as 3 hr in some roosters. These results indicate that roosters have spontaneous and pulsatile releases of testosterone as expected, because roosters release luteinizing hormone episodically during both light and dark cycles of the day.
Damage to Sorghum crop by blackbuck

Abstract Crop damage to Sorghum caused by the endangered blackbuck antelope (Antelope cervicapra) was estimated by (1) comparisons between grazed and ungrazed biomass, and (2) the dietary needs of a known population of blackbuck. Blackbuck were observed to penetrate Sorghum fields a mean maximum distance of 4.6 m from the edge. Ungrazed dry biomass of Sorghum was greater than dry grazed biomass (P < 0.001). Damage caused to every 100 m of vulnerable edge of a field was estimated to be 228 kg for the Velavadar National Park region in Gujarat, India, during 1989. A population of 300 blackbuck in the vicinity of Latuda and Katuda villages, Surendranagar district,’ Gujarat, was estimated to be responsible for a maximum potential loss of 48 600 kg of the Sorghum crop for one season valued at about Rs.29 000 in 1989. Prophylactic measures to ameliorate the problem are discussed and, alternatively, methods and criteria to decide on monetary compensation to farmers are suggested.
Radiation damage of quartz fibers

Abstract Quartz fibers are used in high energy physics experiments as the active medium in high radiation area calorimetry. Quarts fibers are also used in the transmission of optical signals. Even though quartz does not damage by moderate amounts of irradiation, the clad of the fibers and the protective coating (buffer) do damage reducing light transmission. Various types of quartz fibers have been irradiated and measured for light transmission. The most radiation hard quartz fibers are those with quartz clad and aluminium buffer.
Specific binding protein for 17β-estradiol in prostate with adenocarcinoma

Abstract A specific binding protein for 17β-estradiol has been detected in prostates of patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma, who had no endocrine manipulation prior to the removal of their prostates. Both the sucrose density gradient centrifugation and dextran-coated charcoal techniques were employed. The 17β-estradiol binding protein has an approximate sedimentation coefficient of 3.6S and is distinct from cytosolic dihydrotestosterone binding protein.
Transpiration from sorghum and soybean growing under ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere ([CO,]) has several direct effects on plants and these effects may be different for C, and C, plants. Our objective was to measure hourly and daily whole-plant transpiration rates from the C, plant grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and the C, plant soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown under ambient (359 pmolC0, mol-’ dry atmospheric air) and elevated (705 ymolmol- ‘> [CO,] values. Transpiration measurements were made for 22 days in August 1994 at Auburn, Alabama, USA, using stem flow gauges on plants growing in open top chambers, n = 8 for each [CO,] and species. Leaf area averaged slightly more than 0.1 m* per plant for sorghum and about 0.2 m* per plant for soybean. Averages (15 min and daily) of transpiration, per unit leaf area, were consistently greater from plants growing under the ambient [CO,] for both sorghum and soybean. Average daily transpiration from plants growing under the elevated [CO,] was significantly smaller (P = 0.05) on all but 2 days for soybean and on 9 of the 22 days of measurements for sorghum. Average daily sorghum transpiration was 1 128gm-2 day-’ and 772gm-* day-’ from plants growing under an ambient and elevated [CO,], respectively. Corresponding soybean averages were 731 gm-* day-’ and 416gm-* day ‘. The transpiration reduction under elevated [CO,] was greater for the C, plant soybean than for the C, plant sorghum. These results support previous studies showing that transpiration, per unit leaf area, from sorghum and soybean will both be reduced if atmospheric [CO,] continues to increase, although the reduction may be greater for C, plants.
Methods for multi-criteria sustainability and reliability assessments of power systems

Abstract This paper reviews a published multi-criteria assessment of power systems and proposes new methods for normalization and ranking of criteria indicators. In previous work, the power systems are evaluated and ranked relative to the other systems considered in the assessment. This relative ranking system negatively affects the results in two ways. First, relative ranking tends to skew the results of the assessment, sometimes leading to incorrect conclusions and recommendations. Second, with a relative ranking system, the results lack applicability outside the assessment, since they are entirely dependent on the model from which they originate. This paper addresses these issues and proposes an extension that will combine experience curves, technological progress models, life cycle assessments, and thermodynamics within a dynamic multi-criteria optimization framework in order to create objective bounds for each sustainability indicator. This extension solves the relative ranking issue by creating a single system within which it is possible to rank and compare a variety of power systems, while maintaining relevant results between studies and over different scales. These results provide decision-makers with the information necessary to choose between systems to ensure a more sustainable future for the power sector.
Characterization of DNA regions mediating the ability of Ca2+ /calmodulin dependent protein kinase II to stimulate prolactin promoter activity

The ability of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) to regulate transcription of the rat prolactin (PRL) gene has been examined. We found that KN-62, a potent inhibitor of CaM kinases, blunted the ability of TRH to activate the prolactin promoter. Transfection experiments using expression plasmids for constitutively active forms of CaMKI, CaMKII, or CaMKIV show that CaMKII is the most effective activator of prolactin promoter expression. Deletion studies demonstrated that the upstream boundary of sequences necessary to respond to CaMKII is located within the distal enhancer of the prolactin gene. Neither the distal enhancer alone nor the proximal region of the prolactin gene are sufficient to mediate a response to CaMKII. Mutational analysis suggests that several Pit-1 binding sites contribute to CaMKII responsiveness. These findings suggest that CaMKII responsiveness of the prolactin promoter requires multiple factor binding sites in both the distal and proximal regions of the gene.
Distribution of Reported StarClose SE Vascular Closure Device Complications in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Database

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the type and frequency of complications associated with the StarClose SE vascular closure device reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for comparison with complications reported in clinical trials. Materials and Methods Complications reported in the MAUDE database related to use of the StarClose SE vascular closure device were reviewed. Keyword searches by device and manufacturer were performed for a 16-month period from July 2009–October 2010. Reports were analyzed according to complication type, frequency, and resolution, if specified. These data were compared with data on StarClose SE device complications, which included three prospective randomized trials and five prospective nonrandomized trials. Results Keyword searches returned 1,107 total records and 1,118 categorizable StarClose SE device complications from the 16-month MAUDE database–reporting period. Complications in order of frequency (absolute number and relative frequency, respectively) included failure to achieve hemostasis (409, 36.6%), inability to complete the deployment sequence (268, 24.0%), entrapped deployment device (224, 20%), clip not deployed (151,13.5%), late bleeding or oozing from dermatotomy site (25, 2.2%), vessel occlusion (19, 1.7%), retroperitoneal hematoma (12, 1.1%), pseudoaneurysm formation (6, 0.5%) and death (4, 0.4%). The distribution of complications differed appreciably from the combined adverse events compiled from the published trials evaluating the StarClose SE device. There were no records describing inability to remove the deployment device in the published trials, whereas this represented the third most common complication reported to the MAUDE database. Bleeding or oozing from the dermatotomy site, the most frequent relative complication reported in the published literature (53.4%), represented 2.2% of the total complications reported to the MAUDE database. Conclusions The type and frequency of complications reported in the MAUDE database on the StarClose SE vascular closure device differ from those published in clinical trials both in relative distribution and in type. Although these differences may reflect in part reporting biases, the distribution of complications reported to the MAUDE database may represent useful information in the use of this device.
Interactions of nitrogen heterocycles with cytochrome P-450 and monooxygenase activity

Three groups of isomeric nitrogen heterocycles, phenylpyridines, phenylimidazoles and pyridylimidazoles were studied in relation to the effect of steric factors on type II binding to cytochrome P-450 and inhibition of aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase (AHH) activity in hepatic microsomes from phenobarbital(PB)- and beta-naphthoflavone(beta NF)-induced rats. Type II binding affinity was lower (higher Ks) in compounds with substituents on the carbon adjacent to the nitrogen undergoing ligand interaction than in those where steric hindrance near the nitrogen was minimal. Binding affinities of the compounds as measured by their Ks values, were quite similar in both PB- and beta NF-induced microsomes. In PB-induced microsomes, type II binding affinity was generally reflected by the ability of the compounds to inhibit AHH activity. In contrast, most of the compounds evaluated were inactive as AHH inhibitors in beta NF-induced microsomes.
Interplanetary magnetic field control of the Venus magnetosheathfield and bow shock location

Six Venus years of Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) data are analyzed in a coordinate system which isolates magnetic effects. The field draping pattern features two lobes easily identifiable even in the near planet region. The magnetosheath magnetic magnitude has a hemispherical asymmetry controlled by the IMF orientation in a manner suggesting preferrential ion pickup in one hemisphere. This result complements recent findings that the bow shock position is responsive to IMF direction. Examination of the ionopause position to evaluate ionospheric effects on the overall asymmetry of thfe Venus-solar wind interaction produces negative but not conclusive results.
Interaction of transforming growth factor‐alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in breast carcinoma. An immunohistologic study

Background. Interaction of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) with its receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has been implicated as an autoregulatory autocrine mechanism of breast epithelial proliferation. Methods. To examine the interrelationship and clinical relevance of TGF-α and EGFR in breast carcinoma, methanol-fixed cryostat sections from 73 patients were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies to epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGFR, and TGF-α. Results. Neither EGFR nor TGF-α staining was diagnostic or specific for the detection of malignant neoplastic cells. Both exhibited staining along the basal lamina of most benign ducts and lobules
Four Characterizations of Constrained Pareto Efficiency in Continuum Economies with Widespread Externalities

In continuum economies, widespread externalities are those over which each individual has negligible control. Nash-Walrasian equilibria with lump-sum transfers are defined, and their existence proved. They are then characterized by the property of “f-constrained Pareto efficiency” for finite coalitions. More general “private good” Nash-Walrasian equilibria are characterized as private-good constrained-Pareto efficient. Introducing complete Pigou taxes or subsidies leads to equilibria that are characterized by constrained efficiency and f-constrained efficiency for given levels of the widespread externalities. But full efficiency requires resolving the public-good problem of determining those aggregate externalities or, equivalently, of setting appropriate Pigou prices.
Receptor binding and processing of epidermal growth factor by human breast cancer cells.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the growth of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). To better define the mechanisms for these effects, we studied receptor binding and subsequent processing of [l25I]EGF in cells growing in monolayer culture under conditions in which an effect on growth is observed. Binding was temperature dependent and was higher at reduced temperature. At 37 C, binding rapidly reached a maximum (20–60 min) and then gradually decreased. Binding was slower at a reduced temperature. High affinity was demonstrated by the ability of unlabeled EGF to compete for [125I]EGF binding; hah7 maximal displacement was observed at an EGF concentration that also resulted in half-maximal biological activity (1–2 ng/ml). Scatchard plots derived from these data or from those of studies using increasing concentrations of [125I]EGF were curilinear and superimposable. Plots from binding data obtained at 0 C were also curvilinear, suggesting that the processing and degradation of tracer alone cannot expla...
Mass transfer by natural and forced convection in open cavities

Abstract Time-dependent mass transfer by natural convection in two-dimensional open cavities is studied using the finite element method. Emphasis is placed on a system simulating selective chemical etching of thin solid films for microelectronic device fabrication. Time-dependent local and spatially-averaged Sherwood numbers are reported for a Schmidt number of 10 3 , cavity aspect ratios (depth: width) of 1:4, 1:1, and 2:1, and for Rayleigh numbers of up to 10 5 . The flow and concentration fields are symmetric at early times. However, symmetry breaking and oscillatory flows occur at later times. The formation of plumes result in effective communication between the external ‘fresh’ etching solution and the ‘contaminated’ solution within the cavity, especially for deep cavities which are otherwise difficult to access. Forced convection mass transfer is also studied for Peclet numbers of up to 10 4 . When compared to forced convection, natural convection resulted in one order of magnitude better mass transfer in a 2:1 cavity. The results have important implications for deep anisotropic etching of thin solid films and other related processes.
The renal renin-angiotensin system

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a critical regulator of sodium balance, extracellular fluid volume, vascular resistance, and, ultimately, arterial blood pressure. In the kidney, angiotensin II exerts its effects to conserve salt and water through a combination of the hemodynamic control of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and tubular epithelial cell sodium chloride and water transport mechanisms. Pharmacological inhibition of the actions of the RAS are widely used in the treatment of patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary and systemic edema, diabetic nephropathy, cirrhosis of the liver, scleroderma, and migraines. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the influences of the RAS on normal renal physiology is of major importance for first-year medical students.