cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First-principles investigation of ferroelectricity in perovskite compounds

We have used a first-principles ultra-soft-pseudopotential method in conjunction with an efficient preconditioned conjugate-gradient scheme to investigate the properties of a series of eight cubic perovskite compounds. The materials considered in this study are ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{CaTiO}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{KNbO}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{NaNbO}}_{3}$ ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ , ${\mathrm{PbZrO}}_{3}$, and ${\mathrm{BaZrO}}_{3}$. We computed the total-energy surface for zone-center distortions correct to fourth order in the soft-mode displacement, including renormalizations due to strain coupling. Quantities calculated for each material include lattice constants, elastic constants, zone-center phonon frequencies, Gr\"uneisen parameters, and band structures. Our calculations correctly predict the symmetry of the ground-state structures of all compounds whose observed low-temperature structure retains a primitive five-atom unit cell. The database of results we have generated shows a number of trends which can be understood using simple chemical ideas based on the sizes of ions, and the frustration inherent in the cubic perovskite structure.
The Essential, Nonredundant Roles of RIG-I and MDA5 in Detecting and Controlling West Nile Virus Infection

Virus recognition and response by the innate immune system are critical components of host defense against infection. Activation of cell-intrinsic immunity and optimal priming of adaptive immunity against West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging vector-borne virus, depend on recognition by RIG-I and MDA5, two cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) protein family that recognize viral RNA and activate defense programs that suppress infection. We evaluated the individual functions of RIG-I and MDA5 both in vitro and in vivo in pathogen recognition and control of WNV. Lack of RIG-I or MDA5 alone results in decreased innate immune signaling and virus control in primary cells in vitro and increased mortality in mice. We also generated RIG-I(-/-) × MDA5(-/-) double-knockout mice and found that a lack of both RLRs results in a complete absence of innate immune gene induction in target cells of WNV infection and a severe pathogenesis during infection in vivo, similar to findings for animals lacking MAVS, the central adaptor molecule for RLR signaling. We also found that RNA products from WNV-infected cells but not incoming virion RNA display at least two distinct pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) containing 5' triphosphate and double-stranded RNA that are temporally distributed and sensed by RIG-I and MDA5 during infection. Thus, RIG-I and MDA5 are essential PRRs that recognize distinct PAMPs that accumulate during WNV replication. Collectively, these experiments highlight the necessity and function of multiple related, cytoplasmic host sensors in orchestrating an effective immune response against an acute viral infection.
Evaluation of Gingerbread Cookies Supplemented with Sunflower Protein Concentrate

The protein content, baking characteristics, physical characteristics, and sensory characteristics of gingerbread cookies supplemented with sunflower protein concentrate were examined. Protein content increased from 7.2% to 15.9% as the substitution level increased from 0% to 30%. Supplementation resulted in higher moisture loss during baking and more compact inner structure of the cookies. Although the texture of supplemented cookies was slightly crispier and harder, evaluation showed that sensory characteristics were not significantly affected by the addition of sunflower protein concentrate.
Concurrent meningococcal meningitis and Salmonella bacteremia

Summary A case of meningococcal meningitis and S. cholerae suis bacteremia ispresented. Specific agglutinins in high titer against the paratyphoid bacillus developed in the course of the illness. Complete recovery followed the use of sulfathiazole. The relationship between the two infections is discussed.
Method of determining the inherent oscillation frequency of steel-casting plugs

A method was developed and apparatus designed for determining the basic tone of the longitudinal oscillations and simultaneous checking of the nature of the deformations developing in steel-casting plugs. The method allows experimental studies to be made to establish the connection between the frequency of inherent oscillations in steel-casting plugs, and their porosity, and thermal-shock resistance. The results of these studies will be published subsequently.
Right place at the right time.

A puzzle of systems neuroscience, how the CNS encodes time intersects with a question that fascinates developmental biologists, the elimination of synaptic connections.
Two-step cycle sequencing reduces premature terminations when using primers with high annealing temperatures.

Direct cycle sequencing of double-stranded polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products using thermostable polymerase produces fragments that are shorter than expected when the enzyme prematurely detaches as it approaches the 5′-end of the DNA template. These premature terminations result in a substantially reduced reading length of the DNA sequence. Since some DNA templates spontaneously fold and form stable secondary structures at temperatures that are typically used for primer annealing, one factor that may cause premature terminations to occur is the formation of secondary structures in the template during the annealing step of the cycle sequencing reaction. We describe a simple and effective method for reducing premature terminations in DNA sequences. We demonstrate that maintaining the annealing temperature of the cycle sequencing reaction above a critical temperature reduces premature terminations in DNA sequences that regularly contain premature terminations when the temperature of the annealing step is 60°C. In the method described, annealing and extension of the primer along the template take place at the same temperature (72°C). This procedure for reducing premature terminations can be applied when sequencing with primers that are relatively long (at least 27 mer) and have high optimal annealing temperatures.
Homological properties of rings of functional-analytic type

Abstract Strong flatness properties are established for a large class of functional-analytic rings including all C*-algebras. This is later used to prove that all those rings satisfy excision in Hochschild and in cyclic homology over almost arbitrary rings of coefficients and that, for stable C*-algebras, the Hochschild and cyclic homology groups defined over an arbitrary coefficient ring k subset C of complex numbers (e.g., k = Z or Q) vanish in all dimensions.
Bridging Accountability Obligations, Professional Values and (Perceived) Student Needs with Integrity.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the tensions between external accountability obligations, educator's professional values, and student needs. Strategic, cognitive, and moral dimensions of this tension are captured with the central category of integrity.Design/methodology/approach – This is a mixed methods study that compares five exceptionally high performing middle schools with four exceptionally low performing middle schools in the state of California (USA), controlling for demographics, school context factors, and below average performance range.Findings – It is found that schools under similar circumstances differ on the degree of integrity. Schools with high integrity have a good balance between values and reality, are more cohesive and more open to dissent. In each case, integrity was associated with an expansion of agency that combined moral earnestness with prudent strategizing and actively constructing interpretive frames that maintained a school's sense of self‐worth. Integrity ...
Surname plus recallable title word searches for known items by scholars

This experiment searches an online library catalog employing author surnames, plus title words of books in citations of eight scholarly works whose authors selected the title words used as being recallable. Searches comprising surname together with two recallable title words, or one if only one was available, yielded a single-screen miniature catalog (minicat) 99.0% of the time.
Rare-earth chalcogenides — an emerging class of optical materials

Sulphide compounds belong to the family of chalcogenides and are well known for their optical and electronic properties. They possess good optical properties because of their ability to transmit into the infrared (IR) region. Several sulphide glasses are known to exist which exhibit far infrared transmission and are also useful semiconductors. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in IR materials to be used on surveillance equipment. This led to the identification of several new crystalline sulphide materials which can transmit very far into the IR region (up to a wavelength of 14 Μm). Crystalline and amorphous rare-earth sulphides emerged as a new class of materials, which possess several unique optical and electronic properties. This paper reviews the status of these rare-earth sulphide amorphous and polycrystalline materials, the techniques used to process these materials and discusses their structure, thermal, mechanical and optical properties. Conventional and emergent novel chemical processing techniques that are used for synthesizing these materials are reviewed in detail. The use of metallorganic precursors and the modification of their chemistry to tailor the composition of the final ceramic are illustrated. The potential of these chemical techniques and their advantages over the conventional solid state techniques used for processing sulphide ceramics is discussed, particularly in light of their successful applications in processing novel electronic and optical oxide ceramics.
Determination of deep centers in silicon by thermally stimulated conductivity measurements

Abstract The technique of measuring thermally stimulated conductivity in reverse-biased junctions has been applied to silicon. It is shown that this provides a simple and effective method to determine energies as well as concentrations of deep centers directly in a junction device. In several n+-n-p+ Si high voltage rectifiers, four different trapping centers were detected in the 20Ω-cm n-region of the junctions. These centers have energies from 0.2 to 0.4 eV, and concentrations between 4×1011 and 3×1012cm−3.
Nongovernmental organization sustainability support in the Middle East

This chapter provides one example of fundraising in a Middle Eastern country, Jordan, and exhibits the perceptions people have of volunteering, giving time and money, and the reality of corporate giving in the country.
Comparing Prisoner's Dilemma, Commons Dilemma, and Public Goods Provision Designs in Laboratory Experiments

The ability to cumulate and compare findings from laboratory experiments is impeded by the wide variety of designs employed in these studies and by the different incentive characteristics embedded ...
Distribution properties of Latin American black market exchange rates

Abstract This paper conducts a statistical analysis of the distribution properties of black market exchange rate changes for 12 Latin American currencies. The infinite variance stable law hypothesis is tested using a regression- type technique to estimate the parameters of the stable Paretian distribution. Strong evidence is found supporting this hypothesis. A separate analysis of extreme observations using a robust statistical procedure further supports these findings.
Control of gradient-driven instabilities using shear Alfvén beat waves.

A new technique for manipulation and control of gradient-driven instabilities through nonlinear interaction with Alfven waves in a laboratory plasma is presented. A narrow, field-aligned density depletion is created in the Large Plasma Device, resulting in coherent, unstable fluctuations on the periphery of the depletion. Two independent shear Alfven waves are launched along the depletion at separate frequencies, creating a nonlinear beat-wave response at or near the frequency of the original instability. When the beat wave has sufficient amplitude, the original unstable mode is suppressed, leaving only the beat-wave response, generally at lower amplitude.
Generation and Characterization of Four Dilutions of Diesel Engine Exhaust for a Subchronic Inhalation Study

Exposure atmospheres for a rodent inhalation toxicology study were generated from the exhaust of a 2000 Cummins ISB 5.9L diesel engine coupled to a dynamometer and operated on a slightly modified h...
Optimization of Boundary Supports for Sound Radiation Reduction of Vibrating Structures

The purpose of this research is to design optimal boundary supports for minimum structural sound radiation. The influence of the boundary conditions on the structural dynamics of a cantilever beam is first examined to motivate the research. The boundary supports constraining both the in- and out-of-plane degrees of freedom of the plate are considered as the design parameters. The fixed and free boundary degrees of freedom are represented by a continuous function with the help of homogenization. Analytical expressions of sensitivity functions are employed in the optimization, leading to more efficient and accurate numerical solutions. The sensitivity expressions are based on the linear equation system obtained with the finite element method. Numerical examples of single frequency and broadband optimizations are presented. The sensitivity of the optimal design parameters with respect to small random perturbations is also studied. The examples demonstrate that an encouraging reduction of sound radiation as measured by the mean square normal velocity can be achieved with the optimal boundary conditions as compared with the base line structure.
EFFECT OF CHELATING AGENTS AND METAL IONS ON THE DEGRADATION OF DNA BY BLEOMYCIN

The degradation of DNA by bleomycin was studied in the absence and in the presence of added reducing agents, including 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, H2O2, and ascorbate, and in the presence of a superoxide anion generating system consisting of xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine. In all cases, breakage of DNA was inhibited by low concentrations of chelators; where examined in detail, deferoxamine mesylate was considerably more potent than (ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid. Iron was found to be present in significant quantities in all reaction mixtures. Thus, the pattern of inhibition observed is attributed to the involvement of contaminating iron in the degradation of DNA by bleomycin. Cu(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) inhibit degradation of DNA by bleomycin and Fe(II) in the absence of added reducing agents. A model is proposed in which the degradation of DNA in these systems is dependent on the oxidation of an Fe(II)-bleomycin-DNA complex.
Genomic subtraction in combination with PCR for enrichment of Listeria monocytogenes-specific sequences.

Abstract Genomic DNA from Listeria innocua and Listeria ivanovii was used in subtractive hybridization with DNA from Listeria monocytogenes involving two amplification strategies. Subtraction was accomplished by labelling the subtracting DNA with biotin and removal after liquid hybridization with tester DNA (L. monocytogenes) by reaction with streptavidin and phenol extraction. In one strategy, L. monocytogenes DNA was poly(A)-tailed with terminal transferase and amplified asymmetrically after subtraction. In another procedure, adapters ligated to the target DNA allowed symmetrical amplification after subtraction using an adapter-specific primer; in both amplifications, the amplified products were labelled with biotin-modified dUTP. Southern hybridization of the amplified/subtracted probes with tester- and subtracter-related strains demonstrated numerous L. monocytogenes-specific sequences. The genome-subtracted mixed probe identified 7 RFLP patterns among 13 strains of L. monocytogenes representing 11 L. monocytogenes serovars. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the subtracted probe cross-hybridized to two bands among L. welshimeri strains but had little or no hybridization with five other species of Listeria including L. innocua, L. ivanouii, L. seeligeri, L. grayi, and L. murrayi. These data demonstrate that genomic subtraction via subtractive hybridization is a powerful method to enrich for specie-specific sequences in L. monocytogenes; the enriched sequences in the subtracted probe may be useful for typing L. monocytogenes strains by specific RFLP patterns or for cloning L. monocytogenes-specific sequences.
Dopant activation during solid phase crystallization of poly-Si and influence of fluorine and hydrogen

Dopant activation for ion implanted solid phase crystallized (SPC) a-Si:H films, deposited by low temperature PECVD, was investigated. The impact of film thickness, the effect of subsequent hydrogenation, and a possible role for fluorine in this process have been studied.
Vaporization thermodynamics of Pd-B (liquid) and Pd-B-C (liquid)

Abstract The Pd-B and Pd-B-C liquid phases were studied by the Knudsen effusion technique to determine the variation of palladium and boron activity with composition and temperature. Equations are given which describe the thermodynamic properties throughout the liquid phase region. In addition, the phase boundary composition was determined between the liquid and the respective multiphase containing excess boron. The phase forms solid boron at 1600 K when the composition reaches Pd 0.55 B 0.45 and the palladium activity is 0.0186. Dissolved carbon causes the palladium activity to increase and the phase boundary to shift to a higher boron composition.
Highly water soluble taxol derivatives: 2′-polyethyleneglycol esters as potential prodrugs

Abstract 2′ and 7-polyethylene glycol esters of taxol were prepared and found to be essentially water soluble. The rates of hydrolysis of these compounds were measured under neutral, acidic and physiological (basic) conditions. The half-lives of O and N substituted 2′-esters are short enough to permit their use as produgs.
College Students, News Use, and Trust

Young Americans report lower levels of political knowledge, news consumption, public trust, and civic behavior than their forebears. Concerned with what these patterns hold for the future of democratic governance, this study attempts to learn more about the news sources that college students use and the ones that they trust. Results from a survey of 213 18- to 24-year-old college students show that they access news that is convenient (namely, the Web and cable television), make nuanced distinctions between sources (consistently preferring the newspaper over others), and do not necessarily trust the sources they consult most often. This article details these patterns and addresses their relevance to news reform that can increase a younger audience and contribute to democratic life.
Document Prioritization for Scalable Query Processing

Query latency is an important performance measure of any search engines because it directly affects search users' satisfaction. The key challenge is how to efficiently retrieve top-K ranked results for a query. Current search engines process queries in either the conjunctive or disjunctive modes. However, there is still a large performance gap between these two modes since the conjunctive mode is more efficient with lower search accuracy while the disjunctive mode is more effective but requires more time to process the queries. In this paper, we propose a novel query evaluation method that aims to achieve a better balance between the efficiency and effectiveness of top-K query processing. The basic idea is to prioritize candidate documents based on the number of the matched query terms in the documents as well as the importance of the matched terms. We propose a simple priority function and then discuss how to implement the idea based on a decision tree. Experimental results over both Web and Twitter collections show that the proposed method is able to narrow the performance gap with the conjunctive and disjunctive modes when K is larger or the length of a query is longer. In particular, compared with one of the fastest existing query processing methods, the propose method can achieve a speedup of 2 with marginal loss in the retrieval effectiveness on the Web collection.
Photospheric magnetic field observations during the May 12, 1997 CME and their implications for modeling that event

Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are two major manifestations of solar activity displaying eruptive releases of energy but on significantly different spatial scales. Although the relationship between flares and CMEs is still controversial, it is generally believed that they are magnetically driven. The energy released during these eruptions is suggested to be originally stored in the stressed magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere. It is thus expected that magnetic field changes will occur during eruptive events. In this paper, we present evidence of changes in both small-scale and large-scale magnetic fields during the 1997 May 12 flare/CME, an event selected for modeling and detailed analysis by SHINE, CISM and MURI working groups. The small-scale changes are indicated by magnetic shear calculated from the photospheric fields of the active region. The large-scale changes are inferred from a modeled coronal magnetic field, computed from the observed photospheric magnetic field. The latter result implies that the magnetic fields calculated from field observations can reflect transient-related variations. This study suggests that observation-based force-free-field models of the active region fields, and potential field models of the large-scale fields, may provide the necessary configurations to initiate or drive realistic MHD models of flares and CMEs.
Updating anomaly statistics—single anomaly case

Abstract A geologic anomaly is formed by any foreign material not included in the design soil profile. The performance of a geotechnical system could be significantly affected if the size of an anomly is sufficiently large. However, the presence of such an anomaly and its size can never be fully predicted. The probability of anomaly presence and its probable size distribution may be assessed on the basis of the engineers' experience and judgment, supplemented with the encounter history from exploratory borings performed at the site. A method for updating the probability of anomaly presence and the anomaly size distribution, based on this information, is formulated. The effectiveness of using an extensive boring program in limiting the likelihood of anomaly presence and, if present, in limiting the anomaly to acceptable size, is found to depend on boring grid patterns, the density of borings per unit area, and prior estimates of anomaly size and anomaly presence probability.
No Effect of Renal Function or Dialysis on Pharmacokinetics of Cinacalcet (Sensipar®/Mimpara®)

Cinacalcet (cinacalcet HCl; Sensipar®/Mimpara®) is a calcimimetic that is a treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with renal failure. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of renal function and dialysis on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cinacalcet. Two open-label, single-dose (75mg) studies of cinacalcet were performed: study 1 examined 36 subjects who had renal function ranging from normal to requiring haemodialysis, and study 2 examined ten subjects who were receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Cinacalcet plasma concentrations were determined using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry assay. Cinacalcet pharmacokinetics were assessed using noncompartmental analyses. Following single-dose administration of cinacalcet, there was no evidence of increasing exposure with increasing degree of renal impairment, and the pharmacokinetic profile was similar for all subjects regardless of whether they were receiving haemodialysis (no difference on dialysis or nondialysis days detected) or peritoneal dialysis. Protein binding of cinacalcet, determined in study 1 only, was similar in all groups and the level of renal function did not affect the pharmacodynamics (as determined by intact parathyroid hormone and calcium levels). No serious adverse events occurred during either study. The degree of renal impairment and mode of dialysis do not affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of cinacalcet. Therefore, the dose of cinacalcet does not need to be altered for degree of renal impairment or dialysis modality.
Bladder Cancer Screening and Future Directions in Urine-Based Markers for Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

At present, bladder cancer screening is not an accepted standard of care; however, there is potential for non-invasive screening for this disease. Urine cytology has a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of high-grade urothelial carcinoma, but lacks the sensitivity to detect low-grade tumors and is not costeffective for screening. Use of hemoglobin dipstick has been utilized for screening but suffers from a low positive predictive value. An accurate bladder tumor marker would be useful for both screening of high-risk populations and for monitoring of patients with a history of bladder cancer to help identify recurrence early and prevent disease progression. A number of markers that take advantage of exfoliated cells in the urine for detection of cell surface antigens, nuclear morphology, or gene expression as well as markers for detection of excreted proteins have been studied in bladder cancer. In our previous review, we have discussed cytology and commercially available FDA-approved urine markers. Herein, we review the potential for bladder cancer screening as well as the most promising urine-based markers that are currently under investigation.
Maximum edges possible in a graph for restricted independence number, maximum degree, and maximum matching size

This article provides sharp bounds for the maximum number of edges possible in a simple graph with restricted values of two of the three parameters, namely, maxi- mum matching size, independence number and maximum degree. We also construct extremal graphs that achieve the edge bounds in all cases. We further establish uniqueness of these extremal graphs whenever they are unique.
Effects of time and temperature on digestion of purified antigen by Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) reared on artificial diet.

An investigation of the effect of time and temperature on digestion using a single radial immunoassay (SRI) was undertaken. The big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes (Say), was used as the model insect. The insects were allowed to feed 1 h on an antigen-spiked artificial diet, then held at various time and temperature regimes. Rabbit anti-IgG was incorporated into anagarose medium for the SRI assay. The assay was sufficiently sensitive to detect rabbit IgG in insect gut extracts for at least 48 h when held at 27 o C and for at least 24 h when held at 40 o C
Solder-Free Pressure Contact Micro-Springs in High-Density Flip-Chip Packages

This work investigates electrical pressure contacts based on a micro-spring with orders of magnitude smaller pitch and force than conventional pressure contacts. Flip-chip packages were assembled with hundreds of micro-springs at 20 mum pad-pitch, 40 mum spring-pitch, and an operating force of 0.01 gram on gold pads. These packages are shown to have stable resistance values during both in-situ thermocycle (0 degC to 125 degC) and humidity testing (60 degC at 95% RH). High-speed glitch measurements are performed to confirm the pressure contact does not have intermittent opens during thermocycling. These results suggest that a low-force solder-free pressure spring contact is a viable technology for next generation flip-chip packaging
Night-to-night sleep variability in older adults with and without chronic insomnia

Abstract Objectives (1) To quantify night-to-night variability in sleep behaviors and sleep measures among older chronic insomnia (CI) subjects and non-insomnia (NI) controls; (2) to investigate systematic temporal patterns of sleep behaviors and sleep measures across nights; and (3) to examine clinical correlates of sleep variability. Methods Sixty-one older adults with CI (71.4 years old, 67% F) and 31 older adults with NI (70.7 years old, 65% F) completed questionnaires, kept sleep diaries and wore wrist actigraphs for 2 weeks. Mixed models were used to estimate within-subject mean and standard deviation values; these were then compared across groups. Mixed models were also used to determine associations across nights of sleep measures. Results CI and NI differed on mean values for clinical ratings and sleep diary measures, but not for actigraphy measures. CI also showed significantly greater variability than NI on most sleep diary measures and on actigraphically measured wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO) and sleep efficiency. Among CI, neither diary nor actigraphy measures from one night correlated with values from the previous night. Diary WASO, sleep time, actigraphy sleep latency and sleep time, however, positively correlated with values from the previous two nights. Variability measures were not correlated with other global clinical measures among CI. Conclusions Compared to NI, older adults with CI report worse sleep and greater night-to-night variability, which was confirmed with actigraphy. There was little evidence for positive or negative correlation of sleep measures across nights. Variability of sleep may be an important target for insomnia treatments.
Food Intake Response of Genetically Selected High and Low-Weight Line Cockerels to Plasma Infusions from Fasted Fowl

Two experiments were conducted to determine if food intake of free-feeding chickens could be affected by infusions of plasma from fasted fowl. In the first experiment, chickens from two lines genetically selected for high or low body weight were infused intrahepatically with plasma collected from free-fed and fasted individuals from each line. Food intake of low-weight line birds was increased significantly by infusions of plasma from fasted high-weight line chickens when compared to food intake of low-weight line birds receiving plasma from free-fed low-weight line chickens. Food consumption in high-weight line birds was unaffected by any of the plasma treatments. In the second experiment, plasma from free-fed and fasted high-weight line chickens was infused intrahepatically into Single Comb White Leghorn cockerels. Again the birds receiving the plasma from the fasted fowl consumed significantly more food than those infused with plasma from free-fed fowl. The results of these experiments suggest that some property of plasma from fasted birds stimulates appetite. Selection for increased body weight may have intensified this hunger factor in high weight fowl.
The jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope gene induces transformation of the avian fibroblast cell line DF-1 but does not require a conserved SH2 binding domain.

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), is a naturally occurring retrovirus-induced pulmonary neoplasm of sheep. We report here that expression of the JSRV env gene is sufficient to transform an avian embryo fibroblast cell line, DF-1. DF-1 cells transfected with an avian sarcoma–leukaemia retroviral expression vector containing the JSRV env gene [pRCASBP(A)-J:env] exhibited changes consistent with transformation, including contraction and rounding of cells with formation of dense foci. Transfection with a reporter construct expressing the green fluorescent protein did not induce morphological changes in DF-1 cells, eliminating the possibility that the vector, the transfection protocol or culturing techniques were responsible for the transformed phenotype. When pRCASBP(A)-J:env-transfected cells were inoculated into nude mice, tumours formed, verifying that the DF-1 cells were tumorigenic. Analysis of the JSRV env gene revealed a conserved tyrosine (597) and methionine (600) residue in the cytoplasmic tail within the transmembrane domain of the envelope, which creates a known binding site of SH2 domains in the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. However, when this tyrosine residue was mutated to serine or alanine, transformation was not affected. Furthermore, mutation of the methionine residue to valine or leucine also failed to eliminate JSRV env-mediated transformation. These results are in contrast to mutational analysis performed in JSRV env-transformed murine NIH-3T3 cells in which both the tyrosine and methionine residues are necessary for transformation. These findings suggest that more than one mechanism may be involved in JSRV env-mediated transformation.
Twinning and faceting in early stages of diamond growth by chemical vapor deposition

Flat, hexagonally shaped diamond platelets were observed during the initial stage of microwave plasma assisted deposition of diamond. The platelets are approximately 2.5 μm in linear dimension and are oriented with their large six-sided faces parallel to the silicon substrate. A re-entrant groove, running parallel to the large six-sided face, is present in the small side faces of the platelets. Larger diamond crystals, with a fully developed three-dimensional morphology, all have re-entrant grooves in other directions. The observations support the hypothesis that the growth rate of {111} faceted diamond crystals is greatly enhanced by the presence of microtwins (multiple stacking errors), which give rise to re-entrant corners where they intersect the crystal surface. Fully developed {111} faceting and a strong influence of re-entrant corners is expected when the average lifetime of a carbon atom bonded once to the surface is much less than the average time between addition of adatoms at adjacent surface sites.
A novel adaptive phase noise compensation scheme for communication receivers

The phase noise (PHN) of the local oscillator affects the overall receiver performance, especially when a noisier oscillator is chosen to lower the receiver cost. A novel PHN compensation method is proposed. It uses the information provided by an additional signal path that is added with small hardware overhead to estimate the PHN better. A Wiener smoothing filter can then be employed to obtain the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) estimate of the PHN. Adaptive schemes are also presented using the least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm and recursive-least-square (RLS) algorithm. Simulations of a 64-QAM receiver show that the proposed method can improve the receiver performance significantly.
Configuring the circuit switched tree for multiple width communications

Dynamically reconfigurable architectures offer extremely fast solutions to various problems. The circuit switched tree (CST) is an important interconnects used to implement such architectures. A CST consists of processing elements (PEs) and switches. PEs communicate among themselves using the links of the tree. A key component for successful communication is scheduling individual communications and the configuration of the CST switches. This paper presents a scheduling and configuration algorithm for communications on a CST where conflicts force multiple rounds of routing to perform all communications. The paper also explains how to apply the algorithm to two important classes of communications, well-nested and monotonic, for which the algorithm is optimal and efficient. The algorithm is distributed and requires only local knowledge, yet it captures the global picture to ensure proper communication.
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause tremendous morbidity, great costs, and numerous avoidable deaths in the United States each year. STIs in men can present as discharge, ulcers, papules, infestations, or systemic disease, but most commonly STIs present without any symptoms. Molecular techniques, single-dose antibiotics and antivirals, and patient-administered therapies present opportunities for enhanced diagnosis and treatment. Screening for STIs should be part of all primary care practices, specifically targeting high-risk persons and those diagnosed with another STI.
3D Non-destructive morphological analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell anode using full-field X-ray nano-tomography

Abstract An accurate 3D morphological analysis is critically needed to study the process–structure-property relationship in many application fields such as battery electrodes, fuel cells and porous materials for sensing and actuating. Here we present the application of a newly developed full field X-ray nano-scale transmission microscopy (TXM) imaging for a non-destructive, comprehensive 3D morphology analysis of a porous Ni–YSZ solid oxide fuel cell anode. A unique combination of improved 3D resolution and large analyzed volume (∼3600 μm 3 ) yields structural data with excellent statistical accuracy. 3D morphological parameters quantified include phase volume fractions, surface and interfacial area densities, phase size distribution, directional connectivity, tortuosity, and electrochemically active triple phase boundary density. A prediction of electrochemical anode polarization resistance based on this microstructural data yielded good agreement with a measured anode resistance via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The Mclachlan model is used to estimate the anode electrical conductivity.
Prevalence of Hemoproteus iwa in Galapagos Great Frigatebirds (Fregata minor) and Their Obligate Fly Ectoparasite (Olfersia spinifera)

Abstract: The prevalence of hemosporidian parasites varies among different host species, geographic locations, habitats, and host life histories, and yet we do not have a firm understanding of the ultimate causes of the variation. Seabirds are not typically found infected with hemosporidian parasites; however, frigatebird species have been repeatedly documented with Hemoproteus spp. infections. Hemoproteus iwa in Galapagos great frigatebirds (Fregata minor) is vectored by a hippoboscid fly, Olfersia spinifera, an obligate ectoparasite of the bird host. Five populations of Galapagos great frigatebirds, and flies collected from the birds, were sampled and tested for H. iwa. Prevalence did not differ across 4 yr or between 5 islands, but males were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of infection than did females. Additionally, juveniles were more likely to be infected than were adults and chicks. Because the invertebrate vector is an obligate parasite, we were able to estimate prevalence in the ...
Comparison of initial value and eigenvalue codes for kinetic toroidal plasma instabilities

In plasma physics, linear instability calculations can be implemented either as initial value calculations or as eigenvalue calculations. Here, comparisons between comprehensive linear gyrokinetic calculations employing the ballooning formalism for high-n (toroidal mode number) toroidal instabilities are described. One code implements an initial value calculation on a grid using a Lorentz collision operator and the other implements an eigenvalue calculation with basis functions using a Krook collision operator. An electrostatic test case with artificial parameters for the toroidal drift mode destabilized by the combined effects of trapped particles and an ion temperature gradient has been carefully analyzed both in the collisionless limit and with varying collisionality. Good agreement is found. Results from applied studies using parameters from the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) experiment are also compared.
Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Use Is Not Associated With Risk of Incident Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Adolescent Women

Purpose To determine whether depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) use is associated with an increased risk of acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a cohort of healthy adolescents, for whom prospective evidence is sparse.
Eigenvalue bounds for the Orr—Sommerfeld equation. Part 2

Rigorous estimates of amplification rates, wave speeds and sufficient conditions for linear stability are derived for the manifold of solutions of the Orr—Sommerfeld problem governing parallel motion in the boundary layer and in round pipes. The estimates for channel flow (part I) are improved and compared with numerical results for the neutral stability of Jeffery—Hamel flow.
A novel low power low voltage LNA and mixer for WLAN IEEE 802.11a standard

The paper presents a 5.8 GHz low voltage low noise amplifier (LNA) and a down-conversion mixer design integrated in a TSMC 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The LNA has a cascode inductive source degeneration structure. The proposed mixer features an RF input stage that converts the RF input voltage to current, which is coupled to the core of a Gilbert cell using a current mirror. This implementation eliminates the current source transistor at the bottom and furthermore reduces the supply voltage. The LO frequency is at 5.6 GHz. The designed LNA and mixer require only a 1.5 V supply voltage and consumes 17.2 mW DC power. At 5.8 GHz, this front-end circuit has a single-sideband noise figure (SSB NF) of 7.8 dB, with input return loss of -8 dB, with output return loss of -14.5 dB, third-order input intercept point (IIP3) of -20.56 dBm, and conversion gain of 15.7 dB.
Ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of direct cutaneous arteries used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs.

Objective—To describe a method for ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic imaging of the 4 direct cutaneous arteries commonly used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs. Design—Descriptive report. Animals—20 clinically normal dogs. Procedures—Dogs were manually restrained and fundamental and harmonic ultrasonographic and colorflow Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the superficial cervical, thoracodorsal, deep circumflex iliac (cranial and caudal branches), and caudal superficial epigastric arteries were performed by a resident in diagnostic imaging. The level of confidence in locating these vessels was subjectively graded as high, moderate, or low. Results—High-frequency fundamental and harmonic ultrasonography was important for maximizing image resolution, and color-flow Doppler ultrasonography was important for vessel identification. The superficial cervical artery was the most difficult vessel to identify; confidence in correct vessel identification was low or moderate. The thor...
Promoting Civic Agency through Civic-Engagement Activities: A Guide for Instructors New to Civic-Engagement Pedagogy.

Many scholars have recognized the important value that civic-engagement activities can have, not only on student learning, but also on the development of civic agency, which involves the capacity of individuals acting alone or in groups to enact positive change. From a political science point of view, the development of civic agency among college students is crucial in an era of growing political apathy among the nation’s youth. In 2012, building on previous engagement work on and off campus, a group of students, staff, and faculty created an organizational structure called Breaking Ground at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to help university personnel, broadly defined, think about and implement civic-engagement activities at many levels of university life. With support from the Provost’s Office, Breaking Ground was able to offer grants to instructors who wanted to introduce civic-engagement activities as part of their curriculum. In 2013, grant winners representing 11 courses from the first ...
Fluvial sediment burial increases mortality of young riparian trees but induces compensatory growth response in survivors

Abstract Flooding and sediment deposition provide many benefits to riparian plants, including dispersal of propagules, new seedbeds for germination, and transient pulses of water and nutrients during early growth. Though many riparian species are adapted to flood disturbance, sediment deposition can also be a stressor to existing plants, limiting their survival and growth. Though many field studies document short-term changes in plant density immediately following floods, an outstanding question remains to what degree plants can survive and re-emerge following fluvial deposition events. We conducted two year-long studies to quantify the response of riparian trees to sediment deposition, testing a range of species, sizes and burial depths. One experiment focused on long-term survival following complete burial for seedlings and saplings of cottonwood ( Populus fremontii ), tamarisk ( Tamarix ramosissima ), and box elder ( Acer negundo ). A second experiment focused on cottonwood seedling response to more moderate deposition events, comparing survival and vigor (height, diameter growth, and leaf production) across a range of treatments from 10 to 50 cm sediment depth. Complete burial killed all tamarisk and cottonwood plants; however all box elder survived and resprouted from the sediment surface in the following growing season. In the partial burial experiment, cottonwood survival was higher in the shallower deposition treatments and for larger plants across all treatments. Cottonwood seedlings with exposed stem length longer than ∼20 cm were highly likely to survive (>90%), whereas plant survival was severely reduced for stems with greater portions of their stems buried. Seedlings that survived partial burial experienced a positive, compensatory response in the following growing season, with height increment and canopy expansion proportional to the depth of sediment added. These results suggest that flood-borne sediment deposition events, either under natural or river management conditions, may have non-linear effects on the survival of existing riparian tree cohorts. The severity of the disturbance effects will depend on the magnitude of the event and the initial size of the plants. Together with field studies on riparian plant demography and experiments that test plants’ vulnerability to flood disturbance, our study extends understanding of the drivers of plant mortality in fluvial corridors.
Understanding the Relationship Between Religion and the Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors of College Students

Previous studies examining the relationship between religion and the sexual attitudes and behaviors of college students, including contraceptive use, have yielded conflicting results. Based on a la...
A high-frequency epitaxially encapsulated single-drive quad-mass tri-axial resonant tuning fork gyroscope

This paper introduces a ‘high-frequency’ resonant tri-axial tuning fork gyroscope (TFG) with a single-drive mode of operation. The quad-mass device is implemented on a 2×2 mm2 vacuum-packaged die fabricated using the epi-seal process, making this one of the smallest wafer-level packaged 3-axis gyros. In contrast to conventional resonant TFGs, the resonant frequencies are designed to be relatively high (∼138 kHz) permitting high bandwidth for mode-matched operation and enhancing resistance to shock and vibration. The results show sensitivity to all three axes with mode-matched operation for the Z-axis and mode-split for the X- and Y-axes.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxious Youth With a Physical Disability A Case Study

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line psychological intervention for youth with an anxiety disorder. Despite the prevalence of anxiety in youth with physical disabilities, the applic...
Implications of neural reuse for brain injury therapy: Historical note on the work of Kurt Goldstein

This commentary suggests how the target article raises new implications for brain injury therapies, which may have been anticipated by the neurologist Kurt Goldstein, though he worked in and earlier era of fervent localization of brain function.