cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global plant invaders: a compendium of invasive plant taxa documented by the peer-reviewed literature

Stopping invasive species early, before they are introduced or before they have a chance to spread, is essential for effective invasive species management. With new plants introduced constantly through global trade and shifting their ranges due to climate change, proactive action to prevent invasions is more important than ever. But, before we can prevent invasions through policy, monitoring, and management, we need to know the identity of which species are invasive. Existing lists of invasive plants vary across political and jurisdictional boundaries, often rely on inconsistent knowledge of local experts, and may conflate nonnative with invasive. Here, we reviewed papers published from 1959 to 2020 to create a single consistently derived list of known invasive plants. We searched the Web of Science core collection for "articles" containing the keywords "invasi*" and "plant" within the categories "Ecology," "Environmental Sciences," "Biodiversity Conservation," and "Plant Sciences." We also reviewed papers cited in reviews of invasive plants (see Metadata S1, Class II, Section B). We read titles and abstracts to identify papers that focused on nonnative and invasive vascular plants and included in the database any nonnative plant taxon either explicitly termed invasive in the paper or implicitly defined as invasive through a description of abundance, spread and/or impact. For 2017-2020, we included only papers that described multiple invasive plants, which are much more likely to uncover novel taxa. For each paper, we retained the reported invasive taxon name, text defining invasiveness, bibliographic information, and the country or countries in the invaded range where the study took place. We used Catalogue of Life and the Plant Taxonomic Name Resolution Source to resolve the taxonomy of the invasive taxa and compiled a list of unique invasive plants described in one or more scientific papers. We extracted data from 5,893 papers and identified 3,008 unique taxa, including 2,842 species, 96 subspecies, 29 varieties, and 41 hybrids. Of these, 2,981 taxa were resolved, while 27 were unresolved. 42% of the total unique taxa were studied once in the database. This database provides a consistent, global assessment of nonnative, invasive plant taxa. We release these data into the public domain under a Creative Commons Zero license waiver (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/). Individuals who use these data for publication may cite this data paper.
Dietary macro-nutrients intake and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes: to compute a model to predict probability of developing hypertrophic obesity and type 2 diabetes based on the macro-nutrient intake levels

Good nutrition and healthy diet are the primary pre-requisites for a balanced lifestyle. Improper proportions of dietary macronutrients in the food lead to implicated risk of chronic diseases. Obesity is the global cause for many chronic diseases, thus diet has an important role towards the risk for occurrence of these diseases. The purpose of this study is to compute a model to predict the risk for obesity and diabetes based on the macronutrient intake levels. The statistical analysis software (SAS) datasets from NHANES (2013-2014) were extracted, then using descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, a model is computed with significant predictive macronutrient intake variables. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and predicted probability plots were analysed for the accuracy of the model. It was found that the significant predictor variables identified for each disease risk corroborates with the literature studies, but further studies may be required with normalisation of the data in order to validate the results.
Steam oxidation of chromium corrosion barrier coatings for sic-based accident tolerant fuel cladding

Abstract SiC-based materials are currently being considered for accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding, however, there are concerns regarding hydrothermal corrosion rates and hermeticity. These issues may be addressed with the utilization of a Cr corrosion barrier coating (CBC) but the interaction of Cr with SiC under loss of coolant accident (LOCA) conditions needs to be investigated. In the present work, Cr coatings were deposited onto chemically vapor deposited (CVD) SiC with either high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), cathodic arc (CA), or a combination of both. Annealing and steam thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study reaction product formation with and without oxidation. After 1200 °C annealing, formation of a CrxCy carbide layer at the ambient interface and a CrxSiyCz silicide layer at the SiC interface was observed. After 1200 °C TGA exposure, similar carbide and silicide layers were observed but with a Cr2O3 outer reaction layer and a Si and O rich interfacial layer forming between the carbide and silicide layers. Initial mass gain of the coatings during the 1200 °C TGA exposure was parabolic and were similar to reported rates of chromia formation. Mass gain behavior and observed transitions in chromia microstructure indicate that metallic Cr may be consumed within the first ~1 h at 1200 °C and that subsequent chromia formation occurs at the expense of the underlying Cr carbide layer. Overall, the results show no detrimental impact of Cr coatings on the steam oxidation resistance of SiC up to 4 h at 1200 °C.
Group Colorings and DP-Colorings of Multigraphs Using Edge-Disjoint Decompositions

In (J Graph Theory 4:241–242, 1980), Burr proved that $$\chi (G)\le m_1m_2 \ldots m_k$$ if and only if G is the edge-disjoint union of k graphs $$G_1,G_2,\ldots ,G_k$$ such that $$\chi (G_i)\le m_i$$ for $$1\le i\le k$$ . This result established the practice of describing the chromatic number of a graph G which is the edge-disjoint union of k subgraphs $$G_1,G_2,\ldots ,G_k$$ in terms of the chromatic numbers of these subgraphs, and more specific results and conjectures followed. We investigate possible extensions of this theorem of Burr to group coloring and DP-coloring of multigraphs, as well as extensions of another vertex coloring theorem involving arboricity. In particular, we determine the DP-chromatic number of all Halin graphs. In (J Graph Theory 50:123–129, 2005), it is conjectured that for any graph G, the list chromatic number is not higher than the group chromatic number of G. As related results, we show that the group list chromatic number of all multigraphs is at most the DP-chromatic number, and present an example G for which the group chromatic number of G is less than the DP-chromatic number of G.
Impact of nasal dilator strips on measures of sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy.

Study Objectives: Women with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in pregnancy are at a greater risk of developing serious adverse perinatal outcomes. However, the pathogenesis of SDB in pregnancy is p...
Interleukin 1 receptor antagonism abrogates acute pressure-overload induced murine heart failure.

Abstract Background Recent clinical trials have suggested that blockade of interleukin-1 can favorably impact patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the mechanism of how antagonism of this specific cytokine in mediating cardiac disease remains unclear. Hence, we sought to determine the influence of IL-1 blockade on acute hypertensive remodeling. Methods Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was performed in C57BL mice with or without intraperitoneal administration of interleukin 1 receptor antagonism (IL-1ra). Function, structure, and molecular diagnostics were subsequently performed and analyzed. Results Six weeks after TAC, a progressive decline of ejection fraction and increases in LV mass and dimensions was effectively mitigated with IL-1ra. TAC resulted in an expected profile of hypertrophic markers including myosin heavy chain, atrial natriuretic peptide, and skeletal muscle actin which were all significantly lower in IL-1ra treated mice. While trichrome staining 2-weeks post TAC demonstrated similar levels of fibrosis, IL-1ra reduced expression of collagen-1, TIMP1, and periostin. Investigating the angiogenic response to pressure overload, similar levels of VEGF were observed, but IL-1ra was associated with more SDF-1. Immune cell infiltration (macrophages and lymphocytes) was also decreased in IL-1ra treated mice. Similarly, cytokine concentrations of IL-1, IL-18, and IL-6 were all reduced in IL-1ra-treated animals. Conclusions IL-1ra prevents the progression towards heart failure associated with acute pressure overload. This functional response was associated with reductions in mediators of fibrosis, cellular infiltration, and cytokine production. These results provide mechanistic insight into recent clinical trials and could springboard future investigations in patients with pressure-overload based cardiomyopathies.
An Axially Continuous Graphene-Copper Wire for High-Power Transmission: Thermoelectrical Characterization and Mechanisms.

The demand for high-power electrical transmission continues to increase with technical advances in electric vehicles, unmanned drones, portable devices, and deployable military applications. In this study, significantly enhanced electrical properties (i.e., a 450% increase in the current density breakdown limit) are demonstrated by synthesizing axially continuous graphene layers on microscale-diameter wires. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the observed enhancements, the electrical properties of pure copper wires and axially continuous graphene-copper (ACGC) wires with three different diameters are characterized while controlling the experimental conditions, including ambient temperature, gases, and pressure. The study reveals that the main mechanism that allows the application of extremely large current densities (>400 000 A cm-2 ) through the ACGC wires is threefold: the continuous graphene layers considerably improve: 1) surface heat dissipation (224% higher), 2) electrical conductivity (41% higher), and 3) thermal stability (41.2% lower resistivity after thermal cycles up to 450 °C), compared with pure copper wires. In addition, it is observed, through the use of high-speed camera images, that the ACGC wires exhibit very different failure behavior near the current density limit, compared with the pure copper wires.
Tissue lead concentrations and blood characteristics of rock doves from an urban setting in Virginia.

Rock doves (Columba livia) live-trapped in Blacksburg, Va. had the following blood characteristics measured: Delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb). Lead concentrations were measured in livers and femurs. Concentrations of lead in femurs were indicative of chronic exposure to lead in many individuals. A linear relationship was noted between ALAD activity and liver lead concentrations with ALAD decreasing with increased lead concentrations.
A study of improvements in silicon solar cell efficiency due to various geometrical and doping modifications

This paper presents the results of continued studies of silicon solar cell operation and limitations. The objective of this paper is to report on geometrical and doping changes in silicon solar cells which result in predictions of high efficiencies. Efficiencies as high as 20 per cent (uncorrected for metal coverage and ohmic sheet resistance) have been calculated for optimized cells. The conditions required to achieve these efficiency values are discussed.
Correlation analysis of twin data with repeated measures based on generalized estimating equations

Repeated measures allow additional tests of common assumptions in twin correlation analysis. Analysis of log serum triglyceride level in NHLBI male twins using generalized estimating equations disclosed that the mean and variance shifted across exams, presumably because of changes in laboratory practice.
Bandwidth enhancement of multi-stage amplifiers using active feedback

A new topology for wideband multistage amplifiers (MA) is introduced. The proposed method uses active negative feedback in a chain of amplifiers to extend the bandwidth and improve gain-bandwidth product. The topology has several advantages such as having capability of widening bandwidth as the number of stage increases and enhancing bandwidth by several times that of the dominant pole of each stage. To verify the performance of topology, an 8-stage amplifier in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS was designed, where more than 2.8 GHz bandwidth and 40 dB gain were obtained from simulations.
Bouts of steps: The organization of infant exploration.

Adults primarily walk to reach a new location, but why do infants walk? Do infants, like adults, walk to travel to a distant goal? We observed 30 13-month-old and 30 19-month-old infants during natural walking in a laboratory playroom. We characterized the bout structure of walking—when infants start and stop walking—to examine why infants start and stop walking. Locomotor activity was composed largely of brief spurts of walking. Half of 13-month-olds' bouts and 41% of 19-month-olds' bouts consisted of three or fewer steps—too few to carry infants to a distant goal. Most bouts ended in the middle of the floor, not at a recognizable goal. Survival analyses of the distribution of steps per bout indicated that the probability of continuing to walk was independent of the length of the ongoing bout; infants were just as likely to stop walking after five steps as after 50 steps and they showed no bias toward bouts long enough to carry them across the room to a goal. However, 13-month-olds showed an increased probability of stopping after 1–3 steps, and they did not initiate walking more frequently to compensate for their surfeit of short bouts. We propose that infants' natural walking is not intentionally directed at distant goals; rather, it is a stochastic process that serves exploratory functions. Relations between the bout structure of walking and other measures of walking suggest that locomotor exploration is constrained by walking skill in younger infants, but not in older infants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 341–354, 2016.
Characterization of the properties of canine colonic smooth muscle in culture

We have developed and characterized an organ culture system that maintains the viability of colonic smooth muscles. Morphological, mechanical, electrical, and molecular properties of cultured canine colonic circular muscles were determined. Strips of circular muscle were cultured for up to 6 days. The smooth muscle phenotype was retained during culture; muscles contracted to agonists and responded to electrical field stimulation, suggesting that intrinsic nerves also survived in culture. Morphological analysis showed identifiable smooth muscle cells, enteric neurons, and interstitial cells, but some alterations in ultrastructure were also observed. Mechanical responses to acetylcholine suggested that the muscles developed supersensitivity during the culture period. The resting membrane potentials of cells near the submucosal surface of the circular muscle layer decreased from -82 mV on day 0 to -55 mV on day 3. Similar changes in the resting potential gradient occur when colonic muscles are treated with inhibitors of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Resting potentials of day 3 muscles remained constant in low external K+ (0.1 mM), suggesting little contribution of the pump to resting potential. Northern analysis of RNA from muscles cultured up to 6 days showed that the alpha 2-isoform of the pump decreased. The data suggest that organ-cultured strips of smooth muscle may provide a useful tool for evaluating electrical and mechanical events in conjunction with molecular analysis of functional components.
Assessing Impacts of Crested Wheatgrass AND Native Species Establishment on Soil Characteristics in Reclaimed LAND Using Bayesian Posterior Predictive Distributions

We examined the interacting effects of drastic disturbance and re-vegetation communities on the development of soil properties over time. We compared soil characteristics from an undisturbed reference site with reclaimed mine sites that differed by vegetation type and time since reclamation: Three sites were seeded solely with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) (11, 16, and 29 years old), and two were seeded with native cool-season grass mixes (14 and 26 years old). We sampled soil at two depths (0–5 and 5–15 cm) for soil macroaggregate and microaggregate weights, aggregate carbon to nitrogen (C : N) ratios, and microbial abundance. We employed a Bayesian bivariate model to account for potential correlations in soil properties across depths and compared soil properties across sites using posterior predictive distributions. We found that all reclaimed soils, regardless of vegetation type, had total aggregate weights that were similar to the undisturbed reference soil but had a larger proportion of macroaggregates than the reference soil. Aggregate C : N ratios were similar between the undisturbed reference and crested wheatgrass soils, while the reclaimed native cool-season grass soils had lower C : N ratios in the top 5 cm. Total microbial abundance in soils seeded with crested wheatgrass was an order of magnitude lower than that in soils occupied by native species (both reclaimed and undisturbed). The presence of crested wheatgrass on the reclaimed sites alone did not differentiate all soil properties across our reclamation sites, but seeding this single, aggressive species may have contributed to maintaining different belowground characteristics on reclaimed soils. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rho GTPase regulation of exocytosis in yeast is independent of GTP hydrolysis and polarization of the exocyst complex

Rho GTPases are important regulators of polarity in eukaryotic cells. In yeast they are involved in regulating the docking and fusion of secretory vesicles with the cell surface. Our analysis of a Rho3 mutant that is unable to interact with the Exo70 subunit of the exocyst reveals a normal polarization of the exocyst complex as well as other polarity markers. We also find that there is no redundancy between the Rho3–Exo70 and Rho1–Sec3 pathways in the localization of the exocyst. This suggests that Rho3 and Cdc42 act to polarize exocytosis by activating the exocytic machinery at the membrane without the need to first recruit it to sites of polarized growth. Consistent with this model, we find that the ability of Rho3 and Cdc42 to hydrolyze GTP is not required for their role in secretion. Moreover, our analysis of the Sec3 subunit of the exocyst suggests that polarization of the exocyst may be a consequence rather than a cause of polarized exocytosis.
Gender differences in cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide during sevoflurane anesthesia in children: preliminary findings

Summary Background: Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide (CO2R) is affected by age, gender and anesthetic agents. While gender differences in CO2R are described in adults, there are no such data in children. Aim: To examine the gender differences in CO2R in children during sevoflurane anesthesia. Methods: Five girls and five boys <15 years of age and ASA physical status I, undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were enrolled. Under steady-state anesthesia with <1.0 MAC sevoflurane, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity changes were monitored using Transcranial Doppler ultrasound while endtidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) was adjusted from 40 to 30 mmHg (hypocapnia) and then from 40 to 50 mmHg (hypercapnia). CO2R was calculated between EtCO2 ranges 30–40 and 40–50 mmHg. Cerebrovascular resistance (eCVR) was estimated as MAP/Vmca and the change in eCVR (ΔeCVR) between EtCO2 30 and 40 mmHg and between EtCO2 40 and 50 mmHg was calculated. Results: There was no gender difference in CO2R. However, both CO2R and ΔeCVR were lower in the EtCO2 40–50 mmHg range compared to EtCO2 30–40 mmHg range only in girls (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). Vmca increased significantly with increase in CO2 (P < 0.001) for both boys and girls. The coefficient of nonlinear correlation (r) between Vmca and EtCO2 was 0.88 in girls vs 0.66 in boys. Conclusion: While there were no gender differences in CO2R within the individual EtCO2 ranges examined, girls but not boys had a significantly lower CO2R and ΔeCVR in the higher EtCO2 range during <1.0 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia.
Genetic segregation analysis of red blood cell (RBC) histamine N‐methyltransferase (HNMT) activity

Methylation is an important pathway in the biotransformation of many drugs, neurotransmitters, and xenobiotic compounds. Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) catalyzes the Nτ-methylation of histamine and structurally related compounds. Measurement of HNMT activity in the RBC makes it possible to access variation in the enzyme activity that may reflect differences in less accessible tissues such as brain. Previously reported high family correlations for RBC HNMT activity suggested that genetic inheritance plays a major role in the regulation of variation in this enzyme. In the present study we completed complex segregation analyses of RBC HNMT activity of 241 individuals in 51 nuclear families that were randomly ascertained through children in the Rochester, Minnesota public school system in order to characterize the mode of inheritance of this important enzyme. We found evidence for major gene influence on the regulation of RBC HNMT activity. Both transformed and untransformed data support the presence of Mendelian major gene segregation, but the gene frequency differences do not indicate a direct correspondence between genotypes inferred from the two sets of analyses. Analyses of the skewed untransformed data indicated the presence of a relatively rare (Q = 0.121) additive major gene for high activity, with the three overlapping genotype distributions representing 77, 21, and 2 % of individuals. Analyses of the normalized transformed data indicated the presence of a common (Q = 0.71) additive major gene for high activity, with the three overlapping genotype distributions accounting for 9, 41, and 50 % of individuals. The analyses of transformed data give the best fit as well as the most parsimonious Mendelian major gene model. However, we cannot rule out the possibility of multiple alleles, and analyses of untransformed data provide some support for a third allele. Molecular studies will be needed to validate and characterize the alleles that regulate RBC HNMT activity levels in humans. © 1993 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
Efficient HD video coding with joint first-order-residual (FOR) and second-order-residual (SOR) coding technique

A new video coding algorithm called the first-order-residual/second-order-residual (FOR/SOR) codec is proposed for high definition (HD) video coding in this work. Several advanced coding techniques are adopted in the proposed FOR/SOR codec. For the FOR codec, the well known block-based motion compensated predictive codec is used to exploit temporal and spatial correlations in input image frames. However, it is observed that there still exists structured residual signal after the FOR coding, and a SOR coder is developed to encode residual image frames efficiently. To improve the coding performance furthermore, we consider bit allocation between the FOR and SOR coders at the same block and determine their optimal quantization parameters systematically. It is shown by experimental results that the proposed FOR/SOR codec outperforms H.264/AVC significantly in HD video coding.
Identification of Pairwise Interactions in the α-Neurotoxin-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Complex through Double Mutant Cycles

alpha-Neurotoxins are potent inhibitors of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), binding with high affinity to the two agonist sites located on the extracellular domain. Previous site-directed mutagenesis had identified three residues on the alpha-neurotoxin from Naja mossambica mossambica (Lys27, Arg33, and Lys47) and four residues on the mouse muscle nAChR alpha-subunit (Val188, Tyr190, Pro197, and Asp200) as contributing to binding. In this study, thermodynamic mutant cycle analysis was applied to these sets of residues to identify specific pairwise interactions. Amino acid variants of alpha-neurotoxin from N. mossambica mossambica at position 33 and of the nAChR at position 188 showed strong energetic couplings of 2-3 kcal/mol at both binding sites. Consistently smaller yet significant linkages of 1.6-2.1 kcal/mol were also observed between variants at position 27 on the toxin and position 188 on the receptor. Additionally, toxin residue 27 coupled to the receptor residues 190, 197, and 200 at the alphadelta binding site with observed coupling energies of 1.5-1.9 kcal/mol. No linkages were found between toxin residue Lys47 and the receptor residues studied here. These results provide direct evidence that the two conserved cationic residues Arg33 and Lys27, located on loop II of the toxin structure, are binding in close proximity to the alpha-subunit region between residues 188-200. The toxin residue Arg33 is closer to Val188, where it is likely stabilized by adjacent negative or aromatic residues on the receptor structure. Lys27 is positioned closer to Tyr190, Pro197, and Asp200, where it is likely stabilized through electrostatic interaction with Asp200 and/or cation/pi interactions with Tyr190.
Plasma physics simulations of double potential wells in an inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device

Summary form only given. The formation and behavior of double potential wells in an IEC fusion device was investigated using IXL-a one-dimensional code that solves the Poisson-Vlasov equations for a collisionless spherical plasma. IXL results represent an important limiting case where space charge effects dominate. The formation of a deep and stable double well is essential for good ion confinement, hence successful development of the IEC device as a future power source. The dependence of the double well depth and width on the plasma parameters (ion and electron currents, radial and perpendicular energy spread, ion and electron injection energies) was studied. The changes of the ion and electron densities and the fusion rate in the presence of the double well were investigated. The fusion core radius and its variation with plasma parameters were evaluated.
Myocardial motion and function assessment using 4D images

This paper describes efforts aimed at more objectively and accurately quantifying the local, regional and global function of the left ventricle (LV) of the heart from 4D image data. Using our shape-based image analysis methods, point-wise myocardial motion vector fields between successive image frames through the entire cardiac cycle will be computed. Quantitative LV motion, thickening, and strain measurements will then be established from the point correspondence maps. In the paper, we will also briefly describe an in vivo experimental model which uses implanted imaging-opaque markers to validate the results of our image analysis methods. Finally, initial experimental results using image sequences from two different modalities will be presented.
Coverage-Dependent Phases and Phase Stability of Decanethiol on Au(111)

Using ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy, we have characterized the structural phases of decanethiol on Au(111) at coverages below saturation. As coverage increases, the monolayer seque...
One world, one experiment: addressing the biodiversity—economics conflict

Abstract The self-organizing principles of markets that have emerged in human cultures over the past 10 000 years are inherently in conflict with the self-organizing principles of ecosystems that have evolved over the past 3.5 billion years. The rules governing the dynamics of ecosystems, within which all human activity takes place, are ultimately a function of biological laws, not a function of human-created economic systems. The conflict between these systems is illustrated by the fact that economic indicators have shown vigorous growth during the last century while a variety of environmental indicators have exhibited negative trends. Ultimately, however, the growth of human economies faces the constraints that limit all biological systems. In this article we outline the bases for the conflict between biological and economic activity and suggest policy approaches that will enhance the chances for creating cultures that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
Sex differences in the association between muscle quality, inflammatory markers, and cognitive decline

Objective Aspects of frailty such as sarcopenia and dementia are associated with a proinflammatory state; however, little research has examined the concurrence of these pathologies. This study examined sexspecific differences in the relationship between low muscle quality and impaired cognitive functioning, while considering the role of inflammatory markers.
Correlations between polymer matrix and composite mechanical properties

During the past decade or more, the composite materials community has restricted itself primarily to the use of only a few structural epoxy matrix materials. Very recently, whole new families of polymer matrices have become of practical interest. In order to select from this wide range of new polymers for each specific structural application, the relation between the various polymer mechanical and physical properties, e.g., modulus, strength, strain to failure, thermal and moisture expansion coefficients, moisture absorption rate, etc., and resulting composite properties must be known. Correlations of finite element analysis predictions with actual experimental data will be presented, using measured mechanical and physical response properties of various toughened epoxy, bismaleimide, polyimide, and thermoplastic matrix systems as inputs to the analyses. Results will include fracture mechanics evaluations, the role of matrix nonlinear response, crack initiation and propagation, thermally induced damage, and the influence of the interface. Matrix properties to be modeled have been generated in the author's own laboratories, as part of several current and ongoing funded research studies for various government and industry groups. Several types of finite element analyses have been used, including 2-dimensional generalized plane strain with longitudinal shear loading, 2-dimensional axisymmetric, and fully 3-dimensional formulations. All of these analyses permit the input of actual matrix nonlinear stress-strain response, and how it varies as a function of temperature and moisture content. Fibers having anisotropic properties in a composite of arbitrary fiber volume are included. Time-dependent response, e.g., creep, recovery, and relaxation, and crack propagation are also possible response modes. Results will be presented in the form of composite stress-strain curves, plots of stress contours in the matrix, and at the fiber-matrix interface.
Letter by Caruthers and Dorsch regarding article, "Dosing of clopidogrel for platelet inhibition in infants and young children: primary results of the platelet inhibition in children on cLOpidogrel (PICOLO) trial".

To the Editor: We appreciate and were excited to read the article by Li et al,1 which evaluated the pharmacodynamics of clopidogrel in children to determine the dose of clopidogrel necessary to achieve a mean 30% to 50% inhibition of 5-μmol/L ADP-induced platelet aggregation. We have concerns, however, about the authors’ conclusion that a uniform clopidogrel dose of 0.2 mg · kg−1 · d−1 in children between 0 and 24 months of age produces …
Differential games of fixed duration with state constraints

We consider differential games of fixed duration with phase coordinate restrictions on the players. Results of Ref. 1 on games with phase restrictions on only one of the players are extended. Using Berkovitz's definition of a game (Ref. 2), we prove the existence and continuity (or Lipschitz continuity) of the value under appropriate assumptions. We also note that the value can be characterized as the viscosity solution of the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation.
Attachment and entry of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) into CHSE-214 cells

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) attaches to CHSE-214 cells through two types of cell components: specific and non-specific ones. Competition experiments with inactivated IPNV showed that IPNV requires specific components to productively infect cells. Just a low amount of adsorbed IPNV enters the cell. After 20 minutes, part of the adsorbed IPNV was internalized into acid compartments. Also, the viruses adsorbed on the cell surface require similar periods of time to escape from the neutralization of antibodies.
Effect of Oxygen Addition on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Formation in 1,3 Butadiene Counter-Flow Diffusion Flames

Abstract The effect of 3% O 2 addition to the fuel on detailed chemical structure of a 1,3 butadiene counter-flow diffusion flame has been investigated by using heated microprobe sampling and online gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Centerline gas temperature and species mole-fraction profiles were measured both in the absence and presence of oxygen on the fuel side. The rapid thermocouple insertion method was used to obtain the flame temperature profiles. Although the addition of oxygen to the fuel side did not significantly change the shape and peak values of the temperature profiles, species mole-fraction profiles were significantly altered. Flame reactions started earlier in the presence of oxygen in the fuel, resulting in the shift of the reaction zone toward the fuel burner port. The presence of oxygen in the fuel led to decreased peak mole fractions of the aromatic and two-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon species. In contrast, the peak mole fractions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon having three or more rings significantly increased in the presence of oxygen in the fuel stream. An analysis of the data suggests the need to invoke new reaction mechanisms describing the formation and destruction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Is the strong actinomycin D binding of d(5'CGTCGACG3') the consequence of end-stacking?

It has been reported that ACTD binds strongly and cooperatively to a non-GC containing self-complementary octamer d(CGTCGACG) with a 2:1 drug to duplex ratio (Synder et al., 1989). If one views the classic intercalative preference of ACTD for the 5'GpC3' sequence to be the drug favoring the 3'-side of dG, the possibility exists that the drug molecules may in fact stack on the G.C base pairs at both ends of this oligomeric duplex. To investigate this possibility, d(CGTCGACG) and several related oligomers resulting from replacing the terminal base(s) or appending with dT and/or dA are used in a comparative study employing equilibrium titration, thermal denaturation, kinetic, and various spectral measurements. Absorbance titrations at 20 degrees C confirm the strong and highly cooperative nature of ACTD binding to this octamer. The stoichiometric association constants for the binding of the first and second drugs were found to be 1 x 10(5) and 3.2 x 10(7) M-1, respectively. The base replacements of dG and dC at the respective ends resulted in a much weaker ACTD binding affinity, the loss of binding cooperativity, and much faster association and dissociation kinetics. These are consistent with the inability of the drug to stack on the 3'-side of dG due to base replacements. Appending the end(s) with dA and/or dT resulted in some diminution of binding affinity and cooperativity, appearance of slower association kinetic components, and unusually strong 7-amino-ACTD fluorescence enhancement for oligomers with dA or dT attached to dG at the 3'-terminal. To further support our postulate, studies were also made with d(CGACGTCG), which is related to the parent octamer by inverting the A.T pairs. It was found that, despite the altered internal sequence, this oligomer exhibits cooperative ACTD binding and kinetic characteristics very similar to those of the parent octamer, consistent with its ability to end-stack on the 3'-side of dG.
DYNAMICS OF A FLEXIBLE ROTATING BEAM INTERACTING WITH A FLAT RIGID SURFACE, PART II: NUMERICAL SOLUTION

A dynamic model of the interaction of a rotating beam with a flat rigid surface has been presented in the first part of this paper. In this second part, the numerical algorithms for the contrained motion (i.e. contact with the surface) of the filament and of the complete interaction process are presented. Also presented are simulation results showing the influence of the process parameters on the normal contact force values. The angular speed is found to have a substantial effect both on the force values and location of contact zones.
Questions on International Trade in Textiles and Clothing

Questions of importance for the negotiations on the extension of the Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Textiles focus on: (i) relative importance of trade in textiles and clothing; (ii) the participants in this trade; (iii) products that succeed for developing countries; (iv) market penetration in developed-country markets; (v) overall trends ; and (vi) effects of protectionist activities. Six conclusions are drawn: (1) Developed countries continue to generate the bulk of the world's exports of textiles; (2) Industries in developing countries are too small to threaten the developed countries' industries; (3) Developed countries collectively enjoy a large and sustained surplus in textile trade offset by a larger and growing deficit in clothing; (4) Only Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and India have large trade surpluses among developing countries; (5) Import penetration by developing countries is modest; and (6) Because of protection, developing countries' exports of textiles and clothing have no longer outstripped the growth of all trade in textiles and clothing since 1976.
Do all modifications benefit all tRNAs

Despite the universality of tRNA modifications, some tRNAs lacking specific modifications are subject to degradation pathways, while other tRNAs lacking the same modifications are resistant. Here, we suggest a model in which some modifications have minor, possibly redundant, roles in specific tRNAs. This model is consistent with the low specificity of some modification enzymes. Limitations of this model include the limited assays and growth conditions on which these conclusions are based, as well as the high specificity exhibited by many modification enzymes with important roles in translation. The specificity of these enzymes is often enhanced by complex substrate recognition patterns and sub-cellular compartmentalization.
Evidence for local control of gene expression in the epidermal differentiation complex.

: The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), located on chromosomal band 1q21, consists of at least 43 genes that are expressed during keratinocyte differentiation. Indicative of a role for chromatin structure in tissue specificity of EDC gene expression, we identified an inverse correlation between expression and DNA methylation for two EDC genes (S100A2 and S00A6) in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. 5-azacytidine (5AC) and sodium butyrate (NaB) are two agents known to promote ‘open’ chromatin structure. To explore the relationship between chromatin structure and keratinocyte differentiation, we treated normal human keratinocytes (NHK) with 5AC or NaB, or with protocols known to promote their terminal differentiation. We then measured the steady-state mRNA levels for several S100 genes, small proline rich region-1, -2, and -3, loricrin, and involucrin by Northern blotting. 5AC and NaB each markedly increased expression of SPRR1/2 and involucrin in NHK. In contrast, expression of S100A2 was reduced by both agents, and by induction of keratinocyte differentiation. Moreover, while the clustered EDC genes displayed a general tendency to be expressed in epithelial cells, they displayed different patterns of cell type-specific expression. These results indicate that local, gene-specific factors play an important role in the regulation of EDC gene expression in the keratinocyte lineage and during keratinocyte terminal differentiation.
Monte Carlo simulation of corona discharge in SF6

Abstract Sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) is one of the most widely used gaseous dielectrics for electric power systems and a number of high-voltage applications. There are many industrial applications where the electric corona discharge is used. In most cases the corona discharge is an inherently dynamic process; all parameters vary in time. Monte Carlo simulation of corona discharges in gas offers several advantages to study fundamental processes. Furthermore, it gives a fair qualitative description of the corona discharge itself as a function of space and time. This paper describes the development of negative coronas in SF 6 in a point–plane gap. Detailed structure of avalanches is presented, the total field distribution, propagation of successive avalanches and ion distribution are studied.
Assessment of the fiber/matrix interface bond strength in SiC/Ti-6Al-4V composites

Abstract The mechanical properties of composites are significantly influenced by the properties of the fiber/matrix interface. From a fundamental as well as an interface development standpoint it is necessary to determine the bond strength of interface. The calculated value of the interface bond strength is extremely sensitive to the value of the compressive radial residual stress at the interface since this residual stress has to be overcome before interface separation can occur. In this study, neutron diffraction was employed to measure radial residual stresses in SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composites. A combination of stress measurements, finite element analyses and transverse tension tests was employed to systematically evaluate the interface bond strength. The fiber/matrix interface bond strength for SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composites was determined to be about 140 MPa.
Perceptual span deficits in adults with HIV.

Studies have found that infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) leads to cognitive dysfunction. In fact, attention problems have been reported to be the most frequent cognitive symptom in HIV-infected adults. One question is how early in the course of information processing can attention impairment be detected? To address this issue, performance on a perceptual span task was examined in 54 HIV-infected adults and 19 seronegative controls. In this task a target had to be identified in a briefly presented (50 ms) array of 1, 4, or 12 letter-characters. Response accuracy was differentially worse in the HIV+ group relative to seronegative controls in the most difficult condition, the 12-item array, but not in the easier conditions. There was no evidence of a group difference in response strategy due to disinhibition or in psychomotor speed. These data suggest that HIV infection leads to a reduction in early visual processing capacity (or span of apprehension). The present results illustrate a new type of attentional deficit in HIV and show the impact of HIV on cognition at an earlier point in information processing than has been previously reported. (JINS, 2004, 10, 135–140.)
The use of atomic hydrogen for substrate cleaning for subsequent growth of II-VI semiconductors

Atomic hydrogen is shown to be particularly efficacious for the preparation of substrates for subsequent growth of II-VI compounds by molecular beam epitaxy. A commercial thermal cracker was used to produce atomic hydrogen in the molecular beam epitaxy growth chamber for in-situ cleaning. This paper discusses the use of atomic hydrogen for both oxide removal from GaAs prior to ZnSe and CdTe growth, and for low-temperature oxide removal from CdTe and HgCdTe. Reflection high energy electron diffraction, ultra violet fluorescence microscopy, Nomarski interference contrast microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the growths.
Classification of medical images using context dependent methods

We are developing a method to automatically classify multispectral medical images using context dependent methods. The model is built with the knowledge that cluster of tissue features will overlap in feature space. The goal is to reduce the classification error that results from this cluster overlap. Initialization of the probability of a pixel belonging to a tissue class can take advantage of a priori class distributions if such knowledge exists. Otherwise, the procedure can resort to modeling each class with a Gaussian distribution. These probabilities can then be iteratively updated using either a relaxation labeling algorithm or a Markov random fields algorithm. Once the model converges, iterations cease and each pixel is classified using the maximum probability for all classes.
Under Lock and Key: Trauma, Marginalization, and Girls' Juvenile Justice Involvement:

This article explores social and legal predictors of justice involvement for female juvenile offenders. Specifically, it examines the significance of trauma and marginalization in determinants of girls' detention and commitment as well as the formal decisions made about them. Using a mixed method approach of case file analysis and interview data, the authors explain the following overall findings: 1) detention is widely used on all offenders, most commonly justified in the conventional language of “protection” when applied to girls; 2) girls are more often committed to correctional facilities because of the effects (school failure and crystal methamphetamine use) of the sexual violence they experienced, and rarely for the violence they caused; and 3) for female juvenile offenders, juvenile justice decision makers consider histories of trauma and lack of resources as equally as important as offense histories when recommending them for commitment. This article concludes with implications for girl offenders ...
Quantitative cytology of the egg and central cell of Plumbago zeylanica and its impact on cytoplasmic inheritance patterns.

The egg and central cells of Plumbago zeylanica have an average volume of 543,000 μm3 and 2,560,000 μm3 respectively, with surface areas of 38,600 μm2 and 154,000 μm2. The egg contains an average of 39,900 mitochondria and 730 plastids. The majority of the plastids are perinuclear (> 60%) with less than 40% in lateral areas or near the filiform apparatus. After fertilization, the number of maternal organelles exceeds paternal organelles by a ratio of 1∶1,000 for mitochondria and 1∶54 for plastids. The central cell contains an average of 178,700 mitochondria and 1,840 plastids. After fertilization, these organelles far exceed the number of sperm organelles transmitted, by a ratio of approx. 1∶4,000 for plastids and 1∶820 for mitochondria. Biparental inheritance of plastids in the embryo is possible, but not favored; the only comparable data in Oenothera and Impatiens reveals that biparental inheritance is possible in up to 1∶24 ratios. Plants lacking biparental plastid inheritance do not contain plastids in the sperm, and thus the presence of even few sperm plastids may result in expression. The number of paternal mitochondria transmitted into the central cell is greater than that transmitted into the egg as the result of preferential fertilization with the mitochondrion-rich dimorphic sperm cell, although the ratio of paternal to maternal mitochondria is 1∶1,000 in the egg and 1∶820 in the central cell. The similarity in these ratios suggests that there is a critical dosage of mitochondria that is permissible within the zygotic and endospermatic lineages. This may represent either: (1) a maximum permissible value to prevent expression of paternal mitochondrial genome, (2) a minimum ratio required in order to permit recombination of maternal and paternal mitochondrial genomes, or (3) a cytoplasmic genome balance number.