cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gray-scale character recognition using boundary features

Optical character recognition (OCR) traditionally applies to binary-valued imagery although text always scanned and stored in gray-scale. Binarization of multivalued image may remove important topological information from characters and introduce noise to character background. Low quality imagery, produced by poor print text and improper image lift, magnifies the shortcomings of this process. A character classifier is proposed to recognize gray-scale characters by extracting structural features from character outlines. A fast local contrast based gray-scale edge detector has been developed to locate character boundaries. A pixel is considered as an edge-pixel if its gray value is below a threshold and has a neighbor whose gray value is above the threshold. Edges are then thinned to one pixel wide. Extracting structural features from edges is performed by convolving the edges with a set of feature templates. Currently, 16 features, such as strokes, curves, and corners, are considered. Extracted features are compressed to form a binary vector with 576 features and it is used as input to a classifier. This approach is being tested on machine-printed characters which are extracted from mail address blocks. Characters are sampled at 300 ppi and quantized with 8 bits. Experimental results also demonstrate that recognition rates can be improved by enhancing image quality prior to boundary detection.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Long‐term Outcome of Tooth Repulsion in Horses A Retrospective Study of 61 Cases

The records of 61 horses undergoing tooth repulsion for treatment of alveolar periostitis were reviewed. Seventeen of 36 horses (47%) in which maxillary teeth were removed had serious postoperative complications, such as infection of a second tooth, bone sequestration, chronic sinusitis, draining tracts, retained dental packing, feed impaction of the alveolus or sinus, suture-line dehiscence, or skin-flap sloughs. Eight horses required at least one additional surgical procedure. Eight of 25 horses (32%) in which mandibular teeth were removed had serious postoperative complications, and four horses required an additional surgical procedure. Hospitalization lasted 2 to 61 days (median, 22 days) for maxillary teeth and 3 to 35 days (median, 8 days) for mandibular teeth. Long-term follow-up (at least 5 months) was possible in 47 horses. Twenty-four of 30 horses (80%) with maxillary tooth repulsion healed without further problems; six horses had persistent nasal discharge. Fourteen of 17 horses (82%) with mandibular tooth repulsion healed with no further problems or with only minor complications; three horses had a chronic draining tract.
TAURINE AND HYPOTAURINE: THEIR EFFECTS ON MOTILITY, CAPACITATION AND THE ACROSOME REACTION OF HAMSTER SPERM IN VITRO AND THEIR PRESENCE IN SPERM AND REPRODUCTIVE TRACT FLUIDS OF SEVERAL MAMMALS*

Previous work from this laboratory has shown that the β-amino acid taurine can support and stimulate hamster sperm motility during in vitro capacitation in the presence or absence of epinephrine. The present report describes in vitro results which demonstrate that hypotaurine, a precursor of taurine, can also support and stimulate motility under these conditions and that a higher number of acrosome reactions occur in the presence of taurine as compared to hypotaurine (both in the presence and absence of epinephrine). In all cases, the greates percentage of acrosome reactions occurs in the presence of epinephrine. Whether these β-amino acids act independently of epinephrine of in a synergistic manner with it remains to be determined. In addition to these in vitro studies, we report that hypotaurine and taurine are present at high levels in bovine follicular fluid, rabbit uterine and ampullar oviductal fluid (11 hr after mating, i.e., 1 hr after ovulation), monkey oviductal fluid, bovine adrenal cortex “motility factor” preparation and human, guinea pig and hamster sperm preparations. Based on these results, we suggest the possibility that taurine and hypotaurine may have roles in vivo in the maintenance and stimulation of sperm motility and stimulation of capacitation and/or acrosome reactions.
Preparation of insoluble transmembrane peptides: glycophorin-A, prion (110-137), and FGFR (368-397).

Abstract A general procedure for the reliable preparation of large quantities of insoluble transmembrane peptides has been developed. Optimal couplings were obtained during synthesis by using high-temperature couplings in conjunction with O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HATU) activation. Improved purification schemes were developed that use reverse- phase HPLC on a C1 column and elution with a 2:1 mixture of 1-propanol:1-butanol. Using these methods three very different transmembrane peptides all longer than 25 amino acids have been prepared: glycophorin-A, prion (110–137), and fibroblast growth factor receptor (368–397).
Some applications, properties and conjectures for higher order cumulants of a markovian stepping-stone model

This paper investigates certain tridiagonal coefficient matrices from linear differential equations for the joint cumulants of a Markovian stepping-stone model. The model is used to describe the dynamics of insect population growth, and is illustrated with an application to the spread of Africanized honey bees. The coefficient matrices are shown to have certain structure. A conjecture concerning their eigenvalues is proven for a special case of interest, and is also investigated numerically and by symbolic mathematical analysis.
Computer to litho plate using silver halide diffusion transfer

The paper describes the advantages of Lithography for quality reproduction at high production speeds by comparison with other digital printing systems. The claim is made that silver halide offers the best and most flexible technology for CTP and that the use of the single sheet diffusion transfer method offers the most elegant, simple and therefore the most practical of solutions to the problem of providing Silver halide photographic properties on a litho printing plate. The changes in litho plate technology are briefly reviewed, the specific requirements of computer to plate are outlined and then the application of single sheet silver halide diffusion transfer technology to computer to plate (CTP) are described in more detail. A representative sample of output recorders (platesetters) are described and some possible technology routes for higher speed and lower cost are reported.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Substituted oxines inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis

Two substituted oxines, nitroxoline (5) and 5-chloroquinolin-8-yl phenylcarbamate (22), were identified as hits in a high-throughput screen aimed at finding new anti-angiogenic agents. In a previous study, we have elucidated the molecular mechanism of antiproliferative activity of nitroxoline in endothelial cells, which comprises of a dual inhibition of type 2 human methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP2) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Structure–activity relationship study (SAR) of nitroxoline offered many surprises where minor modifications yielded oxine derivatives with increased potency against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), but with entirely different as yet unknown mechanisms. For example, 5-nitrosoquinolin-8-ol (33) inhibited HUVEC growth with sub-micromolar IC50, but did not affect MetAP2 or MetAP1, and it only showed weak inhibition against SIRT1. Other sub-micromolar inhibitors were derivatives of 5-aminoquinolin-8-ol (34) and 8-sulfonamidoquinoline (32). A sulfamate derivative of nitroxoline (48) was found to be more potent than nitroxoline with the retention of activities against MetAP2 and SIRT1. The bioactivity of the second hit, micromolar HUVEC and MetAP2 inhibitor carbamate 22 was improved further with an SAR study culminating in carbamate 24 which is a nanomolar inhibitor of HUVEC and MetAP2.
Proangiogenic microtemplated fibrin scaffolds containing aprotinin promote improved wound healing responses

Survival of tissue engineered constructs after implantation depends heavily on induction of a vascular response in host tissue, promoting a quick anastomosis of the cellular graft. Additionally, implanted constructs typically induce fibrous capsule formation, effectively preventing graft integration with host tissue. Previously we described the development of a high density microtemplated fibrin scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering applications with tunable degradation and mechanical properties which promoted seeded cell survival and organization in vitro (Thomson et al., Tissue Eng Part A, 2013). Scaffold degradation in vitro was controllable by addition of the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin and/or the fibrin cross-linker Factor XIII (FXIII). The goal of this study was to assess host tissue responses to these fibrin scaffold formulations by determining effects on scaffold degradation, angiogenic responses, and fibrous capsule formation in a subcutaneous implant model. Aprotinin significantly decreased scaffold degradation over 2 weeks of implantation. A significant increase in capillary infiltration of aprotinin implants was found after 1 and 2 weeks, with a significantly greater amount of capillaries reaching the interior of aprotinin scaffolds. Interestingly, after 2 weeks the aprotinin scaffolds had a significantly thinner, yet apparently more cellular fibrous capsule than unmodified scaffolds. These results indicate aprotinin not only inhibits fibrin scaffold degradation, but also induces significant responses in the host tissue. These included an angiogenic response resulting in increased vascularization of the scaffold material over a relatively short period of time. In addition, aprotinin release from scaffolds may reduce fibrous capsule formation, which could help promote improved integration of cell-seeded scaffolds with host tissue.
The Reality of Perception: Demonstrable Effects of Perceived Risk in Goiania, Brazil

On September 13, 1987, two metal and paper scavengers of the city of Goiania (pop. 1,000,000), in the central Brazilian state of Goias (pop. 13,000,000) entered an abandoned clinic in search of scrap metal. They discovered a 400-kilograrn machine that had been used to treat cancer patients with controlled doses of radiation. They dismantled the device and extracted a stainless steel cylinder; then they took the cylinder to a junkyard, broke it open with a sledge hammer, and removed a one-cubic-inch platinum capsule. Subsequently they sawed open the capsule, revealing approximately 100 grams of luminescent material, which was described by witnesses as "carnival glitter."
Affective discrimination of stimuli that are not recognized: II. Effect of delay between study and test

This study found that repeated exposure to briefly presented stimuli increased positive affect through familiarity without enhancing recognition of the stimuli. Following exposure, subjects selected previously shown target stimuli on the basis of affect in the absence of stimulus recognition. Interpreted in terms of the manner in which information can be accessed in long-term storage, this study extends earlier research by showing that the ability to select target stimuli by affect can occur undiminished over a delay of 1 week between study and test. Repeated processing during study can produce a form of perceptual learning, called perceptual fluency, that can serve as the basis for stimulus discrimination in the absence of recognition at the time of test. The present results of familiar, but unrecognized, stimuli are analogous to the memory phenomenon of deja vu.
Mass spectrometry of 2-substituted-4-arylthiazoles. II--Identification of microsomal nitroreduction product by mass spectrometry.

The electron impact mass spectra of the chemical carcinogens 4-(4-nitrophenyl)-2- methylaminothiazole , 4-(4-aminophenyl)-2- methylaminothiazole and 4-(4-aminophenyl)-2- aminothiazole were studied. The 4-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-substituted thiazoles were isolated from the anaerobic microsomal reduction of their respective 4-nitrophenyl analogues. Microsomes prepared from rat and rabbit kidney tissues were used. The identity of the reduction products were established by chemical synthesis and mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometric fragmentation of the nitro derivative shows prominent ions arising from the loss of the nitro group, ring enlargement of the thiazoles, and the phenylthiirene ion resulting from 1,2-cleavage of the thiazole ring. In the 4-(4-aminophenyl)-2-substituted amino derivative prominent ions result from the preferential 1,2-cleavage of the thiazole ring to give the common 2-(4-aminophenyl) thiirene ion and subsequent fragmentation of this ion.
The Immediate Hardship of Unemployment: Evidence from the U.S. Unemployment Insurance Program

Using a random sample of U.S. unemployment insurance (UI) applicants from 2002-09, we find that unemployment duration (as measured by the time spent waiting to apply for benefits) has a negative and nonlinear effect on reservation wages, suggesting job search is a nonstationary process characterized by declining welfare even in the very early stages of unemployment. Using UI administrative variables as instruments to address the endogeneity of the waiting time to apply, we find that the reservation wage falls more rapidly for women than for men, for blacks than for whites, and for those who were discharged for cause than for those who voluntarily quit. These differential effects suggest that unemployment may exacerbate the earnings inequality we have witnessed over the last decade. Our results are unique in that they are based on short-term, incomplete spells of unemployment that are very precisely measured in weeks.
Pairing in a generalized Holstein model for small polarons

Abstract We consider a generalization of the Holstein model for small polarons: the lattice deformation is assumed to have a non-linear dependence on the electron site occupation. It is shown that the non-linearity leads to a particle-hole asymmetric Hamiltonian and to pairing in certain parameters ranges. A signature of this pairing mechanism is that spectral weight in the frequency-dependent conductivity is transfered from high to low frequencies when pairing occurs; the physical origin of this effect is discussed.
Effect of rubratoxin B on adenosine triphosphatase activities in the mouse.

Abstract The effect of rubratoxin B on the ATPase activities in mouse brain, kidney, and liver was examined both in vitro and in vivo. The fraction used contained nerve endings, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. ATPase activities in brain were inhibited in vitro with ID50 values of 1.17, 2.57, and 8.35 μ m rubratoxin B for Na+K+ and oligomycin-sensitive and -insensitive Mg2+ ATPases, respectively; inhibition in all cases was dose dependent. Kidney ATPases also showed similar dose-dependent inhibition by rubratoxin B in vitro, and the ID50 values were 2.26, 2.10, and 9.12 μ m for Na+K+ and oligomycin-sensitive and -insensitive Mg2+ ATPase activities, respectively. Oligomycin-sensitive Mg2+ ATPase in liver preparation was inhibited by rubratoxin B with an ID50 of 4.5 μ m . No in vitro inhibition of oligomycin-insensitive Mg2+ ATPase was observed in the liver preparation. Brain ATPase activities were inhibited at 2 hr after in vivo treatment with rubratoxin B. Na+K+ and oligomycin-sensitive Mg2+ ATPases in brain showed more pronounced sensitivity to the toxin than oligomycin-insensitive Mg2+ ATPase activity. Similarly, rubratoxin B showed a significant inhibition of liver Mg2+ ATPases in vivo. These results indicate that ATPase inhibition by rubratoxin B may be involved in the biochemical mechanism for its toxic action.
Lead coolant test facility systems design, thermal hydraulic analysis and cost estimate

Abstract The Idaho National Laboratory prepared a preliminary technical and functional requirements (TF average linear heat generation rate of 300 W/cm. The core inlet temperature for liquid lead or Pb/Bi eutectic is 4200 °C. The design includes approximately seventy-five data measurements such as pressure, temperature, and flow rates. The preliminary estimated cost of construction of the facility is $3.7M (in 2006 $). It is also estimated that the facility will require two years to be constructed and ready for operation.
Efficient multiplexing and demultiplexing of orbital angular momentum beams

In the near-field regime, the number of spatial modes that a free-space communication system can efficiently use is given by the product of the Fresnel numbers of the transmit and receive apertures. It can be advantageous to decompose the field into modes that have rotational symmetry or definite orbital angular momentum (OAM modes). A key challenge to using OAM modes as parallel channels in a practical communication system is efficient multiplexing of single-spatial-mode transmitters to the orthogonal OAM modes, and demultiplexing the combined beam into single-spatial-mode receiver arrays. Previous approaches have utilized modes of different OAM, but ignored the radial coordinate, leading to inefficient use of the Fresnel number. We identify a method, using lenses and holographic phase plates, to efficiently and reversibly convert concentric Laguerre-Gauss OAM beams into an array of separated Gaussian beams.
CROSSING AND BASE NUMBERS OF RIBBON 2-KNOTS

It has been a fundamental problem to study the crossing number and the bridge index for an 1-knot. By spinning an arbitrary 1-knot about R2 in R4, we have a ribbon 2-knot in R4; therefore, for a ribbon 2-knot, we can also naturally induce notions corresponding to the crossing number and the bridge index. In this note, we will define these notions, and for a property on these notions, we will study a great contrast between 1-knots and ribbon 2-knots and in addition we will enumerate all ribbon 2-knots with the crossing number under four.
Comparative efficacy of autolysin and pneumolysin as immunogens protecting mice against infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract Previous studies on Streptococcus pneumoniae have established that the pneumococcal proteins autolysin (N-acetylmuramyl- l -alanine amidase) and pneumolysin both contribute significantly to the virulence of the organism. In the present work, autolysin and a defined toxoid derivative of pneumolysin were tested, individually and in combination, for efficacy in a mouse model as antigens protecting against challenge with virulent, wild-type S. pneumoniae. While each antigen alone provided significant protection, the degree of protection was not increased when the antigens were administered together. In an additional experiment, mice were challenged with a genetically-modified mutant strain of pneumococcus unable to express active pneumolysin. Pre-immunization of such mice with autolysin failed to provide any significant protection against the challenge. The results of this study suggest that the most important contribution made by autolysin to the virulence of S. pneumoniae may be its role in mediating the release of pneumolysin from the pneumococcal cytoplasm during infection.
Detailed requirements for robots in autism therapy

Robot-based autism therapy is a rapidly developing area of research, with a wide variety of robots being developed for use in clinical settings. Specific, detailed requirements for robots and user interfaces are needed to provide guidelines for the creation of robots that more effectively assist therapists in autism therapy. This paper enumerates a set of requirements for a clinical humanoid robot and the associated human interface. The design of two humanoid robots and an intuitive and flexible user interface for use by therapists in the treatment of children with autism is described.
The effects of a palm-oil enriched diet on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in healthy young men

Abstract In order to compare the effects of feeding a diet enriched in palm oil, coconut oil, or hydrogenated soybean oil on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in normocholesterolemic subjects, 13 healthy males ages 22 to 43 were randomized to receive a diet in which 35% of energy was derived from fat and in which 50% of the fat in the diet was derived from the test oil incorporated into muffins or cookies. Each diet was fed for three 3-week test periods to the same individuals with two week washouts between diets. There were no significant changes following three weeks of eating a palm oil-enriched diet in mean cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apoprotein A or apoprotein B among 9 individuals who completed all three diet periods based on non-parametric statistical analysis. We conclude that palm oil enrichment of the diet in normal individuals does not lead to an increase in plasma cholesterol or LDL cholesterol when fed for a three week period in over twenty times the relative amounts usually found in the American diet. Studies in larger numbers of individuals over longer periods of time must be done to establish the effects of palm oil on cholesterol metabolism in humans.
Ergodicity, constants of motion, and bounds for susceptibilities

Abstract A theorem is proved, which expresses the time average of a correlation function in terms of canonical averages involving the constants of motion of the systems considered. From the theorem, a convenient expression for the difference between the isothermal susceptibility and the static isolated (or Kubo) susceptibility is obtained. The Mazur inequality for the time average of an auto-correlation function is rederived as a corollary of the theorem, and some inequalities for the susceptibilities are obtained. The ergodicity conditions are discussed from our point of view. Two specific examples are considered: the Ising model and harmonic oscillator assemblies in a magnetic field.
Thoughts on higher-level adversary modeling

The advent of concepts such as effects-based operations and decision dominance has led to renewed interest in the modeling of adversaries. This think-piece discusses some of the issues involved in conceiving and implementing such models. In particular, it addresses what behaviors may be of interest, how models might be used in high-level decision support, alternative conceptual models, and possible simple implementations. It also touches on issues of multiresolution, multiperspective modeling (MRMPM), modularity, and reusability.
Socialization of coping with community violence: influences of caregiver coaching, modeling, and family context

A socialization model of coping with community violence was tested in 101 African American adolescents (55% male, ages 9–13) and their maternal caregivers living in high-violence areas of a mid-sized, southeastern city. Participants completed interviews assessing caregiver coping, family context, and child adjustment. Caregiver–child dyads also discussed a film clip depicting community violence. Parental coaching (caregivers' strategies suggesting how to cope) and child-reported coping were coded from the discussion. Coaching, modeling (caregivers' own coping), and family context each contributed to children's coping with violence. Children's problem-focused coping in response to violence had the strongest associations with changes in their adjustment 6 months later. Implications for interventions with youth and families are discussed.
Detection of Sepiapterin in CSF of Patients with Sepiapterin Reductase Deficiency

Abstract Sepiapterin reductase (SR) deficiency was recently described in patients with a severe biogenic amine deficiency presenting without hyperphenylalaninemia and it was suggested that the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4 ) pathway may be different in different cells and tissues. We now developed a HPLC method for the measurement of yellow fluorescing sepiapterin for the rapid diagnosis of SR deficiency. Sepiapterin was elevated in CSF from two patients with SR deficiency (5.6 and 11.4 nmol/L) when compared with healthy controls ( 4 and that it accumulates in the brain of patients with SR deficiency.
Contemporary Issues in Education as a Vehicle For Citizenship Education

Abstract In light of sustained and bitter partisanship in the political arena as well as widespread voter apathy, especially among young people, many leading voices in higher education have been calling for increased attention to citizenship education. One significant result of this interest is the Carnegie Foundation's Political Engagement Project (PEP), which has led to a framework for citizenship education in higher education. This article demonstrates that an elective course in contemporary educational issues is a natural vehicle for citizenship education as defined in the Carnegie work, and it argues that such a course should be made widely available as a general education elective. A secondary rationale for this argument is that an educational issues course has the potential to help raise public awareness of several critically important, national education issues—including high stakes testing and privatization. To make the case for this proposal, one section of a typical education issues course is a...
Overview of rb gene mutations in patients with retinoblastoma: Implications for clinical genetic screening

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the distribution of germline mutations in the retinoblastoma (RB) gene in patients with retinoblastoma to design more effective genetic testing. Design A meta-analysis. Participants 192 cases identified from literature. Methods All identifiable reported cases of bilateral retinoblastoma, which included DNA sequence analysis of the RB gene, were reviewed. Main outcome measure Type of genetic mutation. Results Among 192 patients with retinoblastoma with identifiable germline mutations in the RB gene, the DNA alteration was a nonsense mutation in 83 (43%), frameshift in 67 (35%), intron mutation in 23 (12%), missense mutation in 11 (6%), in-frame deletion in 5 (3%), and promoter mutation in 3 (2%). Mutations were distributed throughout 24 of the 27 exons of the RB gene with no single mutational "hotspot." Exons 8, 17, 18, and 23 were involved most often, and 189 (98%) of the mutations were predicted to affect the RB large pocket domain. Conclusions A single genetic test is unlikely to detect all germline RB gene mutations in patients with retinoblastoma because of the variety of types and locations of mutations that occur. However, a series of complementary tests may be able to rapidly detect mutations based on the observation that most mutations alter the protein size and disrupt the large pocket domain.
[Comment on “Meeting the challenges of natural hazards in the wake of the tsunami disaster” by Soroosh Sorooshian] More on the challenges of natural hazards

In the 11 January 2005 issue of Eos, Soroosh Sorooshian offered cogent suggestions about how we, as professional scientists, might do more to make the world safer from natural hazards. Not explicitly mentioned was an additional important contribution we can make that requires no additional research. It is simply to more effectively apply what is already known by increasing public awareness of both the hazards themselves and the simple, life-saving responses to hazards that people can take without outside warning, direction, or assistance from public officials. For example, school children in many seismic areas are taught to duck immediately under desks or tables during earthquakes (“drop, cover, and hold on”). Similarly, people living in coastal areas along subduction zones can be taught that earthquakes may cause tsunamis and to respond to a felt earthquake by moving as quickly as possible to high ground or to inland areas and remaining there for a few hours.
Development of a Measuring System of Contact Force for Braille Reading Using a Six-Axis Force Sensor

The objective of the recent research effort on tactile sensation is to provide the blind or visually impaired (BVI) persons with a more natural handling of their surrounding environment. To generate natural fingertip stimulations, the forces felt by the fingertip should be characterized. This work presents an approach to measure the fingertip forces while reading Braille characters. In the proposed experimental procedure, a subject is asked to identify five individual Braille characters that are hidden from view. Each Braille character is mounted on top of a six–axis force sensor. The experiment requires that each subject places a fingertip normal to a Braille character until the character is identified. The same experiment is repeated but with the subject applying pressure in the tangential direction. A new approach is proposed to identify these forces to ensure the validity of the readings. The subject is then asked to identify the letter out of images of the Braille characters. Twenty-eight subjects participated in the experiment so far. Data are statistically analyzed to obtain a general form of force-time history during the phase of Braille character identification. Normalization of the data is explored by identifying the equivalent fingertip pressure.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Improving range determination by digital filtering of FMCW radar

The signal output of FMCW radar is in the audio range and it is very noisy, due to other reflections beside the target of interest. To obtain range and speed information, additional signal processing is needed to achieve better accuracy. Here, we use an FIR filter using the window method with a cutoff frequency approximately four times the estimated output beat frequency of the radar. For the window, we use the 0-th discrete Prolate function, Chebyshev and Kaiser windows.
Octave-spanning coherent mid-IR generation via adiabatic difference frequency conversion

We demonstrate efficient downconversion of a near-IR broadband optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier (OPCPA) pulse to a 1.1-octave-spanning mid-IR pulse (measured at −10 dB of peak) via a single nonlinearly and adiabatically chirped quasi-phase-matching grating in magnesium oxide doped lithium niobate. We report a spectrum spanning from 2 to 5 μm and obtained by near full photon number conversion of μJ-energy OPCPA pulses spanning 680-870 nm mixed with a narrowband 1047-nm pulse. The conversion process is shown to be robust for various input broadband OPA pulses and suitable for post-amplification conversion for many near-IR systems.
The relationship of violence and trichotillomania.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between violence and the development of trichotillomania (TTM) in women. Design and methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 44 women with trichotillomania from 21 American states and Canada. The participants were asked to describe how they live and cope with TTM. The data were subjected to content analysis and were quantified for presentation. Checks were instituted to establish reliability of the content analysis using the criteria of reproducibility and stability. Findings: Forty of the 44 women (91%) reported some form of trauma or violence occurring during their lives and 38 (86%) reported a history of violence concurrent with the onset of TTM. Events ranged from repetitive and moderate to severe abuse (including sexual assault, rape, and gang rape) by family members, acquaintances, and strangers. Conclusions: These women with trichotillomania experienced a disproportionate number of traumatic or violent episodes in childhood. In most cases, the onset of TTM was correlated with specific episodes of violence. Of special interest is the possible relationship between family chaos experienced during childhood and the onset of TTM.
Responses to Scenes with Spreading, Rounded, and Conical Tree Forms

Research has shown that people typically give high aesthetic preference ratings to trees with spreading canopies, similar to those found on the African savanna. If the savanna hypothesis is correct...
Photon emission from nanostructures in an STM

Abstract Using an STM we have created and investigated individual small particles with apparent lateral dimensions between 10 A and 250 A on metal single-crystal surfaces and metallic films. These particles are clearly observed in simultaneous measurements of STM topographs and emission of photons from the tunneling gap. The particles give rise to order-of-magnitude variations in photon intensity with subnanometer lateral resolution. We interpret the observed photon emission characteristics in terms of inelastic tunneling excitation of tip-induced, localized plasmon modes.
Portable ultrasound for remote environments, Part I: Feasibility of field deployment.

Abstract Background: In field medical operations, rapid diagnosis and triage of seriously injured patients is critical. With significant bulk and cost constraints placed on all equipment, it is important that any medical devices deployed in the field demonstrate high utility, durability, and ease of use. When medical ultrasound was first used in patient care, machine cost, bulk, and steep learning curves prevented use outside of the radiology department. Now, lightweight portable ultrasound is widely employed at the bedside by emergency physicians. The techniques and equipment have recently been extrapolated out of the hospital setting in a wide variety of environments in an effort to increase diagnostic accuracy in the field. Objectives: In this review, deployment of lightweight portable ultrasound in the field (by emergency medical services, military operations, disaster relief, medical missions, and expeditions to austere environments) is examined. The feasibility of field deployment and experiences of clinicians using ultrasound in a host of environments are detailed. In addition, special technological considerations such as telemedicine and machine characteristics are reviewed. Conclusions: The use of lightweight portable ultrasound shows great promise in augmenting clinical assessment for field medical operations. Although the feasibility of the technology has been demonstrated in certain medical and trauma applications, further research is needed to determine the utility of ultrasound use for medical illness in the field.
N Atom Radicals and N2(A3∑u+) Found To Be Responsible for Nitrogen Oxides Conversion in Nonthermal Nitrogen Plasma

All species that are likely to be responsible for nitrogen oxides (N2O, NO, and NO2) conversion in nitrogen plasma are analyzed in detail through carefully designed systematic experiments and theor...
Kinetic Gelation model predictions of crosslinked polymer network microstructure

Abstract A kinetic gelation model was used to predict the complex network structures that arise in the high crosslinking regime of homopolymerizations and copolymerizations of multifunctional monomers. In particular, network inhomogeneities, relative functional group reactivities, and cyclization vs crosslinking tendencies were studied for a variety of systems as a function of the reaction conditions. Since the network structure strongly influences the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer, the objective of this work was to predict and study the effects of reactions conditions on this structure to provide insight for developing better materials. The following work presents the results from a kinetic gelation simulation, and when available, compares these results to experimental values.
THE LIMINOUS ENVIRONMENT and HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Summary From these two pilot studies, it appears that there is minimal effect of artificial lighting on human behavior, at least under the conditions and with the subjects in this investigation. It is possible that a longitudinal study may have shown some behavioral responses to varying lighting conditions. However, a methodology has now been developed f o rfurther work in investigating luminous environment and behavior relationships.
Binding affinities of commonly employed sensitizers of viral inactivation.

Abstract Methylene blue (MB), riboflavin (RB) and psoralen sensitizers (4′ aminomethyl-4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen [AMT] and derivatives) are under study as sensitizers of viral inactivation of blood products such as plasma proteins, platelets and red cells, all of which lack genomic nucleic acid. To predict where these sensitizers accumulate in viruses and in cells, their relative affinities for calf thymus DNA, neutral and negatively charged phospholipids and albumin were determined by dialysis. MB has a strong affinity for nucleic acid and negatively charged phospholipid, but little affinity for albumin or neutral phospholipid. RB has modest affinity for nucleic acid and little affinity for albumin or either phospholipid. AMT has substantial affinity for nucleic acid, neutral and negatively charged phospholipids and albumin. Neither AMT nor RB binds to poly G, although MB has some affinity for this polymer. Evidence of association of RB with guanosine monophosphate, adenosine monophosphate and tryptophan ...
Imaging with mass spectrometry: a secondary ion and VUV-photoionization study of ion-sputtered atoms and clusters from GaAs and Au.

A new mass spectrometry surface imaging method is presented in which ion-sputtered neutrals are postionized by wavelength-tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light from a synchrotron source. Mass spectra and signal counts of the photoionized neutrals from GaAs (100) and Au are compared to those of the secondary ions. While clusters larger than dimers are more efficiently detected as secondary ions, certain species, such as As2, Au and Au2, are more efficiently detected through the neutral channel. Continuously tuning the photon wavelength allows photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves to be obtained for sputtered Asm (m=1,2) and Aun (n=1-4). From the observed ionization thresholds, sputtered neutral As and Au show no clear evidence of electronic excitation, while neutral clusters have photoionization onsets shifted to lower energies by ~;;0.3 eV. These shifts are attributed to unresolved vibrational and rotational excitations. High-spatial resolution chemical imaging with synchrotron VUV postionization is demonstrated at two different photon energies using a copper TEM grid embedded in indium. The resulting images are used to illustrate the use of tunable VUV light for verifying mass peak assignments by exploiting the unique wavelength-dependent PIE of each sputtered neutral species. This capability is valuable for identifying compounds when imaging chemically complex systems with mass spectrometry-based techniques.
The ASCI Computational Grid: initial deployment

Grid Services, a Department of Energy Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative program, has designed, implemented, and deployed a grid-based solution for customer access to large computing resources at DOE weapons labs and plants. Customers can access and monitor diverse, geographically distributed resources using the common Grid Services interfaces. This paper discusses the architecture, security, and user interfaces of the Grid Services infrastructure. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mission accomplished: A reply to Reuveny and Keshk

Reuveny and Keshk (“Reconsidering trade and conflict simultaneity: The risk of emphasizing technique over substance,” this issue, 2013) argue that the econometric techniques used by Goenner (Conflict Management and Peace Science 28(5): 459–477, 2011) to test and control for endogeneity when estimating the relationship between trade and conflict lack substance. Both sets of authors propose the use of instrumental variable methods, which are known by econometricians to be the natural remedy for estimation with potentially endogenous regressors. Where Goenner (2011) and Reuveny and Keshk (2013) agree is that theory should guide variable selection and the model’s specification. Yet they differ in that, while econometric tests cannot replace theory, one should not trust the appropriateness of the model’s specification based on theory alone – one should also verify. Otherwise, as Goenner (2011) notes, attempts to control for endogeneity may fail.
Structure, function, and membrane integration of defensins

Defensins comprise a structural class of small cationic peptides that exert broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities through membrane permeabilization. Their predominantly beta-sheet structure, stabilized by three disulfide bonds, distinguishes them from other antimicrobial peptides which typically form amphiphilic helices. Defensins bind to membranes electrostatically and subsequently form apparently multimeric pores. Recent structural and biophysical studies are beginning to provide insights into the process of permeabilization.
Views of Older Native American Adults in Colonial New England

This study examines the perceptions and treatment of older Native American adults in colonial New England (1620-1783). Social scientists have found that varying degrees of persistence and change have historically characterized Indian attitudes toward older adults in communities located in the central and western United States. In regards to northeastern North America, historians have learned that, during the colonial period, older Europeans dealt with a variety of attitudes and experiences. This study examines how English colonists and Indians viewed and treated older Native American adults in part of northeastern North America. Available documents show that while indigenous persons valued and respected older adults before and throughout the colonial period, English colonists, particularly among the clergy, held more mixed views of older Native Americans, including notions that they were frail and stubborn.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (tgf-&946;1) induces angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor (vegf)-mediated apoptosis

VEGF and TGF-[beta]1 induce angiogenesis but have opposing effects on endothelial cells. VEGF protects endothelial cells from apoptosis; TGF-[beta]1 induces apoptosis. We have previously shown that VEGF / VEGF receptor-2 (flk-1) signaling mediates TGF-[beta]1 induction of apoptosis. This finding raised an important question: Does this mechanism stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis? Here we report that VEGF-mediated apoptosis is required for TGF-[beta]1 induction of angiogenesis. In vitro the apoptotic effect of TGF-[beta]1 on endothelial cells is rapid and followed by a long period in which the cells are refractory to apoptosis induction by TGF-[beta]1. Inhibition of VEGF / flk-1 signaling abrogates formation of vessel-like structures by TGF-[beta]1 with an effect comparable to that of z-VAD, an apoptosis inhibitor. Similarly, genetic deficiency of VEGF abolishes TGF-[beta]1 upregulation of endothelial cell differentiation and formation of vascular structures in embryoid bodies. In vivo TGF-[beta]1 induces endothelial cell apoptosis as rapidly as in vitro. Inhibition of VEGF blocks TGF-[beta]1 induction of both apoptosis and angiogenesis, an effect similar to that of z-VAD. Thus, TGF-[beta]1 induction of angiogenesis requires rapid and transient endothelial cell apoptosis mediated by VEGF/flk-1. This novel, unexpected role of VEGF and flk-1 indicates VEGF-mediated apoptosis as a potential target to control angiogenesis.
Toward Global Haemophilus influenzae Type b Immunization

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines, consisting of the type b capsular saccharide covalently linked to a protein carrier or a bacterial protein membrane complex, were put into clinical use in the late 1980s. Prior to the introduction of these conjugate vaccines, Hib was the leading cause of meningitis, epiglottitis, and other life threatening bacterial infections in infants and young children in the US and other industrialized countries [1]. Since their introduction, the incidence of Hib disease in the US has decreased by 98% among children <5 years of age. A similar decrease has been achieved in the 21 other relatively affluent countries that had introduced the Hib vac-
Java-based user interface development

This tutorial provide attendees with an understanding of the possibilities provided by the World Wide Web for application development and a more detailed understanding of the issues involved in developing user interfaces for the Web in Java.
Do Children Increase Their Environmental Consciousness During Summer Camp? A Comparison of Two Programs

This study explored how children attending two similar residential summer camps responded to questions related to four environmental constructs: connection with nature, environmental stewardship, interest in environmental learning and discovery, and knowledge and awareness of environmental and ecological issues (i.e., environmental consciousness). One Camp (Camp A) engaged children in intentional environmental education programming;I¾ the other camp (Camp B) did not. Camp A children's scores increased significantly from pre- to post-camp on two constructs (interest in learning and knowledge of issues). Camp B children's scores did not change. Implications for practitioners and future research are discussed. This study has many limitations that affect the ability to generalize the results to a broader population. These limitations include certain differences between the two camps and the nature of their respective participants; selfselection by the participants rather than random assignment to each camp; unequal sample sizes; and the low reliability of one of the indices comprising the survey instrument. Thus, the study should be viewed as exploratory and as a platform for future research projects designed to mitigate or eliminate these limitations.
Do dimensions of therapeutic community treatment predict retention and outcomes

First-week Dimensions of Change Instrument (DCI) assessments from a cohort of 519 adults entering six therapeutic communities (TCs) were used to predict treatment retention and outcomes. A more positive first-week response to TC social processes (Community Responsibility; Resident Sharing, Support, and Enthusiasm; Group Process; and Clarity and Safety) and to one TC personal-development process (Positive Self-Attitude and Commitment to Abstinence) predicted retention for the first month. Improvement in Clarity and Safety and Resident Sharing, Support, and Enthusiasm scores at 30 days predicted retention in treatment for 3, 6, and 9 months. In multivariate analyses available to a subset of the entry cohort, a longer tenure in treatment was a robust predictor of posttreatment outcomes. First-week DCI scores on the community process scales predicted posttreatment alcohol-and-other-drug abstinence and functioning.
Effect of added lignosulfonate superplasticizer on the solidification/stabilization of phenol using Portland cement type‐V

Abstract This study explores the interaction of phenol, a significant organic pollutant, with cement and cement modified with a common superplasticizer, lignosulfonate. Samples of plain cement, cement doped with phenol, and superplasticized cement doped with phenol, have been examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroseopy (FT‐IR) and scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive spectroseopy (SEM/EDS). Leachates of these samples have been examined by UV/VIS and GC/MS. Both phenol and (lignosulfonate + phenol) have been observed to retard the hydration of cement through specific surface chemical reactions. XRD and FT‐IR results are consistent with surface calcium diphenoxide formation. Both phenol and (lignosulfonate + phenol) have been found to retard formation of Ca(OH)2 and stabilize ettringite. Leaching of admixture doped cement by water removed the phenol and lignosulfonate and caused complete hydration of cement. The Charge Dispersal Model (CDM) has been used to explai...