cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of dynamic relative displacements

A method for measuring relative displacements on structures subjected to simulated seismic-base excitations is presented. This method uses a group of strain gages, mounted end-to-end and wired in series, as the sensor. Because the sensors are mounted directly to the structure, problems associated with the motion of the mounting hardware are avoided. Prior to their use in dynamic applications, static tests were performed to verify that strain-gage sensors give relative displacement readings that are as accurate as those obtained with conventional displacement transducers. These tests also showed that the hysteresis loops measured with the strain-gage sensors were smaller than those measured with the conventional displacement transducers. At similar load levels, the relative displacement results measured during dynamic tests were similar to those measured during static tests.
Upper limits of thermal stress for workmen.

(1958). Upper Limits of Thermal Stress for Workmen. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 246-250.
Hydroxyapatite dissolution rates in fluoride/dodecylamine solutions

The influence of fluoride (F) alone and together with dodecylamine hydrochloride (DAC) on the dissolution rate behavior of hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal suspensions has been studied. The results showed that F and DAC inhibit the dissolution in an additive rather than a synergistic manner. The data suggest that DAC inhibits dissolution from the predominant surface(s) by adsorption physically blocking the HAP surface while F inhibits the same surface by influencing the apparent driving force for dissolution. The existence of a residual component for the dissolution rate at high concentrations that is about 15% of the maximum rate suggests that there are two or more dissolution sites on the HAP crystal. The one associated with the predominant surface(s) is strongly inhibited by both F and DAC whereas the other site(s) is insensitive to F either intrinsically or, in the presence of DAC, because of possible antagonism.
A Polishing Procedure for High Surface Electric Fields in Superconducting Lead Resonators

A chemical polishing procedure has been developed which allows fields of 20-30 MV/m to be routinely achieved at the surfaces of superconducting resonators constructed of lead-plated copper. This has made possible the construction of lead plated resonators with accelerating fields equivalent to those achieved with niobium, since the performance of these resonators is limited by electric field breakdown.1,2 The polish itself is based on a weak acidic solution of hydrogen peroxide and EDTA, a chelating agent. Other polishes have not proven suitable for the thin (5-10?) lead layer because of their very high polishing rates. The present procedure, however, gives good polishing action even at rates as slow as 5?/min. Details of the procedure as well as comparative electric field breakdown data are presented.
Mode-selective frequency up-conversion in a χ(2) waveguide

We study sum-frequency generation (SFG) in a multimode PPKTP waveguide. We show that under proper quasi-phasematching, it can support one of the two scenarios. In the first, a single pump mode up-converts several different signal modes to different SFG modes. In the second, several different pairs of signal and pump modes are converted to the same SFG mode. By adjusting the relative phases and magnitudes of the pump modes, any superposition of the corresponding signal modes can be selected for up-conversion without affecting other modes, which can be used for spatial-mode de-multiplexing in both classical and quantum communications.
Raesponses to head tilt in cat eighth nerve afferents

Responses to head tilt were recorded from eighth nerve axons in barbiturate anesthetized cats. The maximally excitatory head tilt (polarization vector), a zero-force discharge rate, and tilt sensitivity were measured for each cell. In one population of afferents, the maximum discharge frequency was obtained by aligning the saccular plane with gravity. The response properties of these saccular afferents were compared with a second population arising from the utriculus. Both the resting discharge rate and the response sensitivity were lower for saccular than utricular afferents in the cat. The average resting discharge was about 20% lower and the sensitivity about 15% higher in the cat than in the squirrel monkey.
Fruit Flies Modulate Passive Wing Pitching to Generate In-Flight Turns

Flying insects execute aerial maneuvers through subtle manipulations of their wing motions. Here, we measure the free-flight kinematics of fruit flies and determine how they modulate their wing pitching to induce sharp turns. By analyzing the torques these insects exert to pitch their wings, we infer that the wing hinge acts as a torsional spring that passively resists the wing's tendency to flip in response to aerodynamic and inertial forces. To turn, the insects asymmetrically change the spring rest angles to generate asymmetric rowing motions of their wings. Thus, insects can generate these maneuvers using only a slight active actuation that biases their wing motion.
Mechanism of lactic acid oxidation catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase from the tail muscle of Homarus americanus.

Abstract The mechanism of lactic acid oxidation in the tail muscles of Homarus americanus was studied. In solutions of intermediate ionic strength (0.55) time-course progress curves for lactic acid oxidation as catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase exhibited a lag period. Evidence is presented which indicates that the lactate dehydrogenase found in the tail muscles of the lobster exists in two distinct physical and kinetic forms. The equilibrium of these forms is dependent upon the ionic strength of the reaction mixture. In low ionic strength solutions, the enzyme exists as a tetrameric species with an apparent Km for lactic acid of 1.1 m ; in high ionic strength solutions, the enzyme exists as a dimer and the corresponding Km is 0.028 m . At intermediate ionic strengths, an equilibrium between the two physical and kinetic species exists which is modulated by the NADH mole-fraction ( [ NADH ] [ NADH + NAD + ] ) and, in turn, this modulation results in sigmoidal time-course progress curves. The role of this enzyme is discussed as affected by in vivo ionic strength, temperature and levels of oxidized and reduced nicotine adenine dinucleotides.
Mechanisms of selective motor neuron death in transgenic mouse models of motor neuron disease

To examine the mechanism(s) of disease underlying ALS, transgenic mouse models have been constructed that express aberrant neurofilaments or mutations in the abundant, cytoplasmic enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1).In addition to progressive weakness arising from selective motor neuron death, mice expressing a modest level of a point mutant in neurofilament subunit NF-L show most of the pathologic hallmarks observed in familial and sporadic ALS, including perikaryal proximal axonal swellings, axonal degeneration, and severe skeletal muscle atrophy. Additional mice expressing familial ALS-linked mutations in the cytoplasmic enzyme SOD1, the only proven cause of ALS and which accounts for approximate 20% of familial disease, have demonstrated that at least one mutation causes disease through acquisition of an adverse property by the mutant enzyme, rather than elevation or loss of SOD1 activity. These animals not only provide a detailed look at the pathogenic progression of disease, but also represent a tool for testing hypotheses concerning the specific mechanism(s) of neuronal death and for testing therapeutic strategies. NEUROLOGY 1996;47(Suppl 2): S54-S62
Estimating the risks associated with implementing goals and conditions for global sustainability

SUMMARY For those persuaded that present societal behaviour and individual behaviour are unsustainable, the risks of continuing the present course of action seem loud and clear. However, any new undertaking has uncertainties, which include hidden risks as well as the risks associated with any major paradigm shift as yet untried. This paper provides a preliminary examination of some of the risks and focuses on the need of examining sustainable use of the planet more carefully in terms of risks and uncertainty of outcomes. A shift to sustainability will be greatly improved by an examination of the risks associated with any paradigm shift, since no undertaking has zero risk.
Fretting in orthopaedic implants: A review

Abstract Metallic implants in the human body are widely used in surgery, and their corrosion and degradation processes are being extensively investigated around the globe. As with other structural components, possible mechanisms of failure in orthopaedic implants are: mechanical fracture, wear and corrosion, or, more importantly, combinations of these factors. Many implants are exposed to high loads and intense wear, which, as a consequence of the patient's movements, are repeated an immense number of times. The consequent degradative effect on the metals is greatly increased by the fact that the surrounding body-fluid environment is corrosive. Considering the high human cost of revisional surgery and the fact that even “small” amounts of corrosion products released into the body tissue are unacceptable, it is clear that the nature and distribution of corrosion products released into the body from orthopaedic implants remains an important issue. Modular implants are being developed, and fretting corrosion/wear are potential degradation problems. They play a deleterious role in the degradation process of the articulating implants by producing fretting debris, which can be detrimental to body tissues and will significantly reduce the performance of the implants. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of fretting and fretting fatigue that accelerate the fatigue failure of orthopaedic implants, and also presents a state-of-the-art review of the investigations carried out by many workers on this subject.
A Re-evaluation of the “Oncogenic” Nature of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Melanoma and Other Cancers

In cancer, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is ubiquitously referred to as an “oncogenic” pathway that promotes tumor progression. This review examines how the regulation and downstream effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer varies depending on cellular context, with a focus on malignant melanoma. We emphasize that the cellular homeostasis of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may represent a more appropriate concept than the simplified view of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as either oncogenic or tumor-suppressing. Ultimately, a more refined understanding of the contextual regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling will be essential for addressing if and how therapeutic targeting of this pathway could be leveraged for patient benefit.
Ethnic differentials in child-spacing ideals and practices in Ghana.

Ethnic differences in the extent of postpartum sexual abstinence occur among the Mole-Dagbani the Twi the Fante and the Akan as matrilineal and the Ga-Adangbe as patrilineal groups from Ghana. The recommendation is made that family planning (FP) programs would more effectively address postpartum FP among the Mole-Dagbani and other Ghanaians group by introducing modern contraception as a means of substituting or supplementing long abstinence periods. Policy interventions should also be directed more to breast feeding changes which have a greater impact on fertility than abstinence changes. The ethnic differences in sexual abstinence practices appear to be more related to differences in exposure to modernization and changes in marriage patterns and religious traditions. The sexual taboos are a direct determinant of ethnic variation. For example the Akan have the shortest delay in resuming sexual intercourse. Very few hold to the belief that intercourse should be delayed until after weaning. The Mole-Dagbani prefer to avoid intercourse with nursing mothers and practice long periods of sexual abstinence. Data were obtained from the 1988 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey of 4488 women aged 15-49 years. Life table methods were used in the determination of the number of months of sexual abstention postpartum and the duration of breast feeding. These methods avoid the bias of underestimation and heaping. Results are provided in a table comparing duration of sexual abstinence behavior and reported ideal sexual abstinence practices. The Mole-Dagbani and other Ghanaians group practice sexual abstinence for 24 months while the remaining ethnic groups vary between seven and 11 months. The Twi Fante and other Akan have lengths of around seven months while the Ewe Guan and other Africans have lengths of about 10-11 months. The median ideal of the sample is seven months and the median behavior is 8.8 months. The two Akan ethnic groups and the Ga-Adangbe have a median ideal of six months and the other groups range from 7-10 months. The Mole-Dagbani have the same ideal and practice of 24 months. All the ethnic groups practice lengthy breast feeding.
Super Bowl Sunday: Risky Business for At-Risk (Male) Drinkers?

BACKGROUND: Major sporting events and other festive occasions are typically associated with alcohol consumption; however, little is known about risky drinking during events such as the "Super Bowl." OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether drinking on Super Bowl Sunday differed from Saturdays (the heaviest drinking day of the week) surrounding the date of the Super Bowl among at-risk drinkers. METHODS: Heavy drinking participants (N = 208) were recruited via advertisements for a 2-year prospective study of drinking behaviors. From this larger sample, 196 were selected for whom the date of the Super Bowl was included in their daily alcohol consumption reports (including reports of abstinence on those days) for 2006, 2007, and/or 2008. Participants' average age was 36.4 (SD = 12.9); 49.5% were women. Participants at the point of recruitment were not seeking treatment and had not been in alcohol treatment in the past year. RESULTS: Analyses using multilevel modeling comparing Super Bowl Sunday to Saturdays indicated that men drank more alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday across all 3 years, whereas women's drinking was higher in only one of the 3 years. Conclusions/Importance: These findings suggest that heavy drinking during the Super Bowl (and in association with other sporting events), particularly among men, warrants additional attention due to the potential for deleterious public health consequences. Language: en
Sexual communication and contraceptive use in adolescent dating couples.

Abstract Purpose This study had two aims: first, to examine the relationship between general sexual communication and contraceptive use in sexually active adolescent romantic couples, and second, to explore predictors of open communication from characteristics of adolescent couples and individual adolescents. Methods Data were drawn from 209 couples dating a minimum of four weeks who participated in the Study of Tennessee Adolescent Romantic Relationships. Seventy-three adolescent dating couples (ages 14–21 years) that engaged in sexual intercourse and completed a sexual communication questionnaire were included in current analyses. Results Nearly 30% of couples failed to use contraception at first intercourse and almost half of couples did not use contraception every time they had sex. More open communication about sex from both male and female partners was associated with increased contraceptive use. Additionally, adolescents who were more satisfied in their relationships reported more open communication about sex, and adolescent females who self-silenced reported less open communication about sex. Finally, mediation analyses revealed that boys' and girls' relationship satisfaction and girls' self-silencing indirectly predicted contraceptive use through their effects on general sexual communication. Conclusions This is the first known study to address individual and dyadic components of sexual communication using reports from both members of established adolescent dating couples. Findings suggest that open sexual communication between intimate partners is important to sexual decision-making. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Strategies to enhance adaptability: Technological change, sustainable growth and free trade

This article proposes three broad interrelated strategies - stimulating technological change, sustainable economic growth and free, unsubsidized trade - to enhance future adaptability to global (including climate) change and some principles for developing the social, legal and economic frameworks necessary to effect these strategies. The proposals are based upon an examination of the present and potential contributions of the strategies to sustainability, adaptability, and mitigation (limitation) of environmental changes, and the various synergies between these strategies. The strategies and principles would meet criteria which recognize that climate change is inevitable, that any climate change will occur in the context of already-occurring global change due to other agents of change, and that reducing vulnerability to these other changes will increase the future adaptability to climate change. Specifically, the strategies should: (a) increase the ability to feed, clothe and shelter the world's expanding population regardless of the agent of change; (b) reduce vulnerability of forests, habitats and biological diversity to demographic and other environmental stresses; (c) be compatible with mitigation measures; (d) be independent of results from more detailed and accurate site-specific impacts assessments which will be unavailable for several years; (e) be implementable today; and (f) have clear benefits now and in the future.
Seamless Migration of Virtual Machines across Networks

Current technologies that support live migration require that the virtual machine (VM) retain its IP network address. As a consequence, VM migration is oftentimes restricted to movement within an IP subnet or entails interrupted network connectivity to allow the VM to migrate. Thus, migrating VMs beyond subnets becomes a significant challenge for the purposes of load balancing, moving computation close to data sources, or connectivity recovery during natural disasters. Conventional approaches use tunneling, routing, and layer-2 expansion methods to extend the network to geographically disparate locations, thereby transforming the problem of migration between subnets to migration within a subnet. These approaches, however, increase complexity and involve considerable human involvement. The contribution of our paper is to address the aforementioned shortcomings by enabling VM migration across subnets and doing so with uninterrupted network connectivity. We make the case that decoupling IP addresses from the notion of transport endpoints is the key to solving a host of problems, including seamless VM migration and mobility. We demonstrate that VMs can be migrated seamlessly between different subnets - without losing network state - by presenting a backward-compatible prototype implementation and a case study.
A decomposition approach for the scheduling of a steel plant production

Abstract In this paper we present a decomposition strategy for solving large scheduling problems using mathematical programming methods. Instead of formulating one huge and unsolvable MILP problem, we propose a decomposition scheme that generates smaller programs that can often be solved to global optimality. The original problem is split into subproblems in a natural way using the special features of steel making and avoiding the need for expressing the highly complex rules as explicit constraints. We present a small illustrative example problem, and several real-world problems to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed strategy, and the fact that the solutions typically lie within 1–3% of the global optimum.
Distribution of strains within hot-mix asphalt binders: Applying imaging and finite-element techniques

Because of several orders of magnitude difference between the stiffness of aggregate and binder and the randomness of the binder domain boundaries, the induced deformation under loading can result in a wide distribution of stresses and strains within each of the components. It is expected that although aggregates undergo small strains, most of the strain will accumulate within the binder. Although studies have covered the micromechanics of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), information about the actual typical distribution of asphalt binder domains in HMA and the resulting distribution of stresses and strains is scarce. In this study, advances in imaging techniques are applied to understand the distribution of binder and air voids in selected HMAs. The objective is to determine the strain distribution within the binder using digitized images analyzed with finite-element procedures. This approach captures the image of the specimen cross section and converts the image into finite-element mesh after image processing. The images are converted to finite-element mesh and the finite-element program ABAQUS provides numerical solutions to relate bulk stresses or strains applied to the asphalt mixture to stresses and strains within the binder domains. The results are presented including a summary of the distribution of directional binder film thickness and maximum strains in the mastic domain. Also included is a discussion of the effect of air voids and mineral fillers.
Respiration and Energy Transduction in Escherichia coli

The process of respiration and coupled energy transduction is one of the most impressive examples of high efficiency achieved in multienzyme systems organized on cell membranes. An obvious role of the membrane is to concentrate various components in loci that facilitate their interactions. A suspected role is to provide an essential environment for the formation of the high-energy state necessary for the subsequent synthesis of ATP or for direct use by the cell. Although the process of respiration is thermodynamically equivalent in all cell types, its details can be completely different as, for example, in E. coli and mammalian cells. In both cell types, hydrogen atoms are removed from substrates and the electrons are passed through a series of oxidation—reduction reactions ultimately to molecular oxygen, which upon reduction, unites with protons in the environment to form water. The free energy released from a given substrate in both E. coli and mammalian cells is the same and is almost completely accounted for by the change in free energy (ΔG) between the electrons held in the substrate and in water. For example, in the oxidation of pyruvate: $${2}O_2 \to 3CO_2 + 2H_2 O\,\left( {\Delta G^\circ = - 280kcal} \right)$$ The △G associated with the difference in oxidation-reduction potential for five pairs of electrons in pyruvate and water is 263 kcal (Lehninger, 1964). The oxidation of pyruvate is accomplished in nine steps of the Krebs cycle, five of which involve the removal of pairs of hydrogen atoms from the intermediates by specific substrate dehydrogenases (see Lehninger, 1964). The electrons removed are passed to a common cytochrome and then follow a single path to the terminal electron acceptor, oxygen. Four of the five pairs of electrons are carried to the electron-transport chain by the coenzyme NAD, and one pair is transferred directly from the Krebs cycle intermediate, succinate. The respiratory or electron-transport chain of mammalian cell mitochondria has been extensively studied (see Lardy and Ferguson, 1969; Hall and Palmer, 1969) and is shown in Scheme 1.
A pair of functionally redundant yeast genes (PPZ1 and PPZ2) encoding type 1-related protein phosphatases function within the PKC1-mediated pathway.

Abstract The PKC1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a homolog of mammalian protein kinase C that is required for yeast cell growth. Loss of PKC1 function results in cell lysis due to an inability to remodel the cell wall properly during growth. The PKC1 gene has been proposed to regulate a bifurcated pathway, on one branch of which function four putative protein kinases that catalyze a linear cascade of protein phosphorylation culminating in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase homolog, Mpk1p. Here we describe two genes whose overexpression suppress both an mpk1 delta mutation and a pkc1 delta mutation. One of these genes is identical to the previously identified PPZ2 gene. The PPZ2 gene is predicted to encode a type 1-related protein phosphatase and is functionally redundant with a closely related gene, designated PPZ1. Deletion of both PPZ1 and PPZ2 resulted in a temperature-dependent cell lysis defect similar to that observed for bck1 delta, mkk1,2 delta, or mpk1 delta mutants. However, ppz1,2 delta mpk1 delta triple mutants displayed a cell lysis defect at all temperatures. The additivity of the ppz1,2 delta defect with the mpk1 delta defect, combined with the results of genetic epistasis experiments, suggested either that the PPZ1- and PPZ2-encoded protein phosphatases function on a branch of the PKC1-mediated pathway different from that defined by the protein kinases or that they play an auxiliary role in the pathway. The other suppressor gene, designated BCK2 (for bypass of C kinase), is predicted to encode a 92-kDa protein that is rich in serine and threonine residues. Genetic interactions between BCK2 and other pathway components suggested that BCK2 functions on a common pathway branch with PPZ1 and PPZ2.
Integrated functional networks of process, tissue, and developmental stage specific interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana

Background: Recent years have seen an explosion in plant genomics, as the difficulties inherent in sequencing and functionally analyzing these biologically and economically significant organisms have been overcome. Arabidopsis thaliana, a versatile model organism, represents an opportunity to evaluate the predictive power of biological network inference for plant functional genomics. Results: Here, we provide a compendium of functional relationship networks for Arabidopsis thaliana leveraging data integration based on over 60 microarray, physical and genetic interaction, and literature curation datasets. These include tissue, biological process, and development stage specific networks, each predicting relationships specific to an individual biological context. These biological networks enable the rapid investigation of uncharacterized genes in specific tissues and developmental stages of interest and summarize a very large collection of A. thaliana data for biological examination. We found validation in the literature for many of our predicted networks, including those involved in disease resistance, root hair patterning, and auxin homeostasis. Conclusions: These context-specific networks demonstrate that highly specific biological hypotheses can be generated for a diversity of individual processes, developmental stages, and plant tissues in A. thaliana. All predicted functional networks are available online at http://function.princeton.edu/arathGraphle.
Transformation by Rous sarcoma virus induces a novel gene with homology to a mitogenic platelet protein

Abstract A cDNA clone, designated 9E3, was isolated from a chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) cDNA library. 9E3 mRNA was 20-fold higher in CEF following transformation by Rous sarcoma virus because of increased transcription rate. In CEF infected with temperature-sensitive mutants, increased 9E3 mRNA was found within 2 hr of a shift to permissive temperature. Nucleotide sequence and in vitro translation results indicate that 9E3 mRNA encodes an 11 kd polypeptide that is homologous to human connective tissue activating peptide III (CTAP-III), a mitogenic platelet α-granule protein, and to β-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4. The reported biological activities of CTAP-III suggest that elevated expression of 9E3 may play a role in producing some of the phenotypic features of RSV-transformed cells.
Body mass index and asthma among Mexican adults : the effect of using self-reported vs measured weight and height

Several recent studies have demonstrated a positive association between obesity and asthma among women but not men. The present study examines the effect of misclassification of body mass indes (BMI) in the association between obesity and asthma by gender. This cross-sectional analysis included a total sample of 961 Mexican adults. Use of measured BMI revealed that obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) was a risk factor for asthma diagnosis in both men (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–5.9) and women (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5–3.8). In contrast, use of self-reported BMI showed that only women (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.7) and not men (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.6–2.9) were at increased risk of asthma diagnosis. Use of self-reported BMI substantially underestimated the prevalence of obesity; this bias was not related to asthma per se but was mainly due to obesity. Therefore, misclassification of BMI obscured the relationship between obesity and asthma to a greater extent among men than among women since obesity prevalence in the general population was higher among men. Measurement bias merits greater attention in future research on obesity and asthma.
Contributions of infant word learning to language development

Infants learn the forms of words by listening to the speech they hear. Though little is known about the degree to which these forms are meaningful for young infants, the words still play a role in early language development. Words guide the infant to his or her first syntactic intuitions, aid in the development of the lexicon, and, it is proposed, may help infants learn phonetic categories.
Effect of Feeding Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin)-Contaminated Barley to Horses

12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one) is a naturally occurring trichothecene toxin produced by several Fusarium fungi that parasitize numerous cereal grains. Numerous species of Fusarium have been found to produce DON. The genus Fusarium occurs throughout the world and may affect corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice, and sorghum and complete feed formulations. Cereal grain contamination by DON occurs most frequently when conditions are cool and wet at the time of grain formation and harvest and is associated predominantly with infection in the field rather than as a complication of storage. 7 Although most descriptions of widespread grain contamination by DON have been confined to temperate zones of the world, DON contamination has also been reported to affect grain in subtropical climates. Deoxynivalenol has been given the trivial name vomitoxin because it causes emesis when ingested by swine and dogs. Other clinical effects attributed to the toxic effects of ingested DON include feed refusa1, decreased weight gain, signs of gastrointestinal irritation (e.g., diarrhea, colic, rectal prolapse, hematochezia), thickening of the squamous aspect of the gastric lining of pigs, reproductive problems, skin irritation, cardiotoxicity, and interference with the immune system. 16 The extent to which DON causes clinical signs of toxicosis is proportional to its concentration in contaminated feed. Ingested DON also affects intestinal immunoglobulin synthesis. Specifically, DON stimulates intestinal IgA production in mice, leading to an elevated concentration of circulating IgA, increased polymeric : monomeric IgA ratio, and accumulation of IgA in the renal mesangium. The renal damage that occurs following DON ingestion has been characterized as a possible autoimmune phenomenon consequent to the entrapment of circulating IgA immune complexes in the mesangium. 14 IgA nephropathy, which is the most common form of glomerulonephritis in human beings worldwide, affects men 2-5 times more commonly than it affects women. Although the cause of IgA glomerulonephritis is unknown, similarities between the clinical syndrome in human beings and experimental DON intoxication in laboratory animal species (e.g., IgA dysregulation, renal micropathology, evidence that testosterone may be a cofactor in experimental DON-induced IgA glomerulonephritis) suggest that DON may be important in the pathogenesis of IgA glomerulonephritis in human beings. Glomerulonephritis is a common finding at necropsy and represents an important cause of chronic renal failure in horses. Chronic renal failure is comparatively uncommon in horses, and glomerulonephritis is most frequently recognized
The pharmacologic management of pain and discomfort in persons with AIDS near the end of life: use of opioid analgesia in the hospice setting.

Abstract To determine the prevalence and management of pain and discomfort during the last 2 weeks of life in persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) being cared for in hospice settings, and to find the extent to which opioids are used for relief of pain and discomfort during this period, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients treated by AIDS hospice agencies in Seattle, Washington (1987–1992). The medical records for the last 2 weeks of life were reviewed for 185 consecutive adults with AIDS who were receiving hospice care. Most [93% (172185)] experienced at least one 48-hr period of pain and discomfort during the last 2 weeks of life, with prevalence increasing from over one-half of the cohort early in the 2-week course to two-thirds of the cohort late in the course, 88% (162185) received some form of opioid analgesia (0–100 mg/hr morphine equivalent), with the majority [62% [100162)] experiencing some relief thereafter. Ten of the 172 with pain and discomfort did not receive an opioid drug; 4 had relief anyway. Among the 7% (13185) who did not report pain and discomfort during the last 2 weeks of life, 4% (8) received opioid analgesia. Pain and discomfort in persons with AIDS approaching the end of life is a common experience. Opioids are frequently given in widely varying dosages (and dosing strategies), with variable results. Some patients require high doses yet continue in pain; others are comfortable on no medication. The majority of patients receive opioid medications and experience relief from pain and discomfort.
Relative timing measures of acoustic segments aid automatic word recognition

In most template-matching methods of automatic word recognition, putatively corresponding frames of the template and the unknown speech are found by allowing time alignment such that a least cumulative spectral distance is obtained. The resultant time warping allows the best match to the spectrum of each frame, but in doing so it can destroy temporal relations among frames. Therefore, a technique was developed to take advantage of characteristic temporal relations among the acoustic segments of a test word. An algorithm using jumps in energy and spectral tilt was used to divide the word into acoustic segments, and upper and lower bounds on ratios of unwarped durations were set from known occurrences of the word in a development data base. These segmentation procedures and ratio criteria were then applied to the best-scoring stretches of speech from a different set of talkers found by an automatic speech recognition system that relies on a spectrally-based time warp. None of the 12 occurrences, and 19 of the 22 non-occurrences of the test word were rejected.
Algorithms for simultaneous escape routing and Layer assignment of dense PCBs

As die sizes are shrinking, and circuit complexities are increasing, the printed circuit board routing problem becomes more and more challenging. Traditional routing algorithms cannot handle these challenges effectively, and many high-end designs in the industry require manual routing efforts. This paper proposes a problem decomposition that distinguishes routing under dense components from routing in the intermediate area. In particular, it proposes an effective methodology to find the escape routing solution for multiple components simultaneously such that the number of crossings in the intermediate area is minimized. For this, the problem is modeled as a longest path with forbidden pairs problem, and two algorithms are proposed for it. The first is an exact polynomial-time algorithm that is guaranteed to find the maximal planar routing solution on one layer. The second is a randomized algorithm that has good scalability characteristics for large circuits. Then, these algorithms are used to assign the maximal subset of planar nets to each layer, and then the remaining nets are distributed at the end. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of these algorithms through experiments on industrial circuits.
Chapter 13 The reaction mechanism of F0F1ATP synthases

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the reaction mechanism of F0F1-ATP Synthases. ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation is catalyzed by a complex of proteins, F0F1, found embedded in the membranes of eubacteria (BF0F1), mitochondria (MF0F1), and chloroplasts (CF0F1). The main focus of this chapter is on the advances in understanding of the mechanism of ATP synthesis by F0F1. Since the development of mechanistic models, there has been strong influence in the advances in knowledge of structure, a brief review of structural features of the complex precedes discussion of mechanism. The number of unmodified catalytic sites would have to be reduced to one in order to eliminate residual bi-site catalysis, and the stoichiometry for inhibition of multi-site catalysis would be two mol/mol. Another type of probe may exist that partially impairs cooperative interactions at unmodified sites when incorporated into a single site. A third class of affinity probe may exist which, when incorporated into one site, freezes the enzyme's conformation in such a way that promoted catalysis at the remaining two sites is fully blocked.
Cryptocurrency-Based Law

Bitcoin is a protocol promoted as the first peer-to-peer institution, an alternative to a central bank. The decisions made through this protocol, however, involve no judgment. Could a peer-to-peer protocol underpin an institution that makes normative decisions? Indeed, an extension to the Bitcoin protocol could allow a cryptocurrency to make law. Tacit coordination games, in which players compete to identify consensus issue resolutions, would determine currency ownership. For example, an issue might be whether a cryptocurrency-based trust should disburse funds to a putative beneficiary, and the game’s outcome would resolve the question and result in gains or losses for coordination game participants. A cryptocurrency can also be used to generate rules or other written codes. Peer-to-peer law might be useful when official decisionmakers are corrupt or when agency or transactions costs are high. A modest starting point for cryptocurrency-based governance would be as a replacement for Bitcoin’s centralized system for changing its source code. A cryptocurrency incorporating tacit coordination games could serve as a foundation for other projects requiring peer-to-peer governance, ranging from arbitration to business associations, which would enjoy inherent limited liability and would lack designated management.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Pain Management

In 1996 the International Association for the Study of Pain defined pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual and potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.” An estimated 50 million Americans live with chronic pain caused by disease, disorder, or accident. An additional 25 million are treated for acute pain related to surgery or accidental injury (National Pain Survey 1999). Approximately two-thirds of these patients have been living with pain in excess of 5 years. The loss of productivity and the quality of life due to pain is substantial (Chronic Pain America 1999). Million and even billions of dollars are lost from habitual health care utilization and disability compensation. In a study done in 2000 (Merck 2000), it was reported that 36 million Americans missed work in the previous year due to pain and 83 million indicated that the pain affected their participation in various activities.
A unified design of capsules

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Excess BMP Signaling in Heterotopic Cartilage Forming in Prg4-null TMJ Discs

Heterotopic cartilage develops in certain pathologic conditions, including those affecting the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. This is in part due to the fact that a reliable animal model of such TMJ diseases is not available. Here, we show that aberrant chondrocyte differentiation and ectopic cartilage formation occur spontaneously in proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) mutant TMJ discs without further invasive procedure. By 2 mo of age, mutant disc cells displayed chondrocyte transdifferentiation, accompanied by strong expression of cartilage master gene Sox9 and matrix genes aggrecan and type II collagen. By 6 mo, heterotopic cartilage had formed in the discs and expressed cartilage hypertrophic markers Runx2 and ColX. The ectopic tissue grew in size over time and exhibited regional mineralization by 12 mo. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling was activated with the ectopic chondrogenic cells and chondrocytes, as indicated by phosphorylated Smad 1/5/8 nuclear staining and by elevated expression of Bmp2, Bmpr1b, Bmpr2, and BMP signaling target genes. Likewise, we found that upon treatment with recombinant human BMP 2 in high-density micromass culture, mutant disc cells differentiated into chondrocytes and synthesized cartilage matrix more robustly than control cells. Importantly, a specific kinase inhibitor of BMP receptors drastically attenuated chondrogenesis in recombinant human BMP 2-treated mutant disc cultures. Unexpectedly, we found that Prg4 was expressed at joint-associated sites, including disc/muscle insertion and muscle/bone interface, and all these structures were abnormal in Prg4 mutants. Our data indicate that Prg4 is needed for TMJ disc integrity and function and that its absence leads to ectopic chondrogenesis and cartilage formation in conjunction with abnormal BMP signaling. Our findings imply that the BMP signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for prevention or inhibition of ectopic cartilage formation in TMJ disease.
Biology of the Carrion Beetle Silpha ramosa Say

Adults of the carrion beetle Silpha ramosa Say first appear in mid-April. After mating, the white spherical eggs are laid about 4 cm deep in the soil. The 3 larval instars are found in the grass or burrowed into the soil. Decaying meat (mainly rodents) or dead-dying insects appear to be the only food of both immatures or adult beetles. Population studies conducted over a 3-year period suggest that there are 2 generations per year. However, adults from the 1st generation may continue to live and reproduce for up to 3 months. Populations of both adult and immature forms were relatively stable for the first 2 years of the study but declined drastically the 3rd year. A similar decline in rodent numbers in the area may account for the population reduction of S. ramosa.
Thermophysical properties of fine weave carbon/carbon composites

The applicability of direct heating techniques for the measurement of thermal conductivity and the laser flash technique for thermal diffusivity for fine-weave carboncarbon composites was investigated. It was found that these techniques could readily be used for this type of heterogeneous material and very good results were obtained at 300-2500 K. In addition the direct heating methods yielded excellent results for electrical resistivity, hemispherical total emissivity, and linear thermal expansion above 1000 K.
Pharmacist-managed allergy desensitization program

A pharmacist-managed immunotherapy program for ambulatory atopic patients is described. Pharmacists in a network of three health centers recommended that they assume management of the allergy desensitization program when they recognized problems with the existing program. Guidelines for the immunotherapy service were developed and approved by the pharmacy, therapeutics, and standing orders committee. Patients, already tested by an allergist, are referred to the pharmacists for the administration of their immunotherapy. Under the guidelines for the program, pharmacists collect and record the patients' history, assess the patients' knowledge of allergy desensitization, administer the allergens, examine the injection site, question the patients about symptoms, and initiate treatment of local and systemic reactions. A physician is available for consultation and for treatment of life-threatened adverse reactions. Following any reaction, the pharmacist adjusts the next antigen dose accordingly. Typical charges for these services are $10-15 for the first visit, and $3.50 for subsequent visits. The pharmacists spend about 30 minutes of their time for the initial visits, and 10 minutes for subsequent visits. The time spent by physicians is negligible, and there is no charge for their consultations. Patients under the care of the pharmacists rarely wait more than 15 minutes for an appointment. This service has been well accepted by patients, physicians, and mid-level practitioners. Pharmacists are using their knowledge and skills to provide a direct patient-care service, and they are being reimbursed for a nondispensing activity.
Outcomes of a Simple Treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I in Children.

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPSI) in children is a disorder of unknown etiology. No standard diagnostic criteria or treatment exists. Published treatment protocols are often time and resource intensive. Nonetheless, CRPSI is not rare and can be disabling. This reports the results of a simple and inexpensive treatment protocol involving no medicines, nerve blockades, physical therapy resources or referrals to pain specialists. The patient is instructed in a self-administered massage and mobilization program. The diagnosis required allodynia (pain on light touch of the skin) and signs or the history of signs of autonomic dysfunction.A chart review of patient coded for "reflex sympathetic dystrophy" or 'autonomic dysfunction" was performed yielding a cohort of eighty-three patients treated by a common protocol. Most patients were identified in the last 15 years. Most patients with this CRPSI were doubtless coded simply as "foot pain" or "knee pain", etc and were not identified in this search. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics and outcomes. A subset of patients filled out the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) giving a validated pre-treatment disability measure.The cohort characteristics were similar to prior reports with respect to age, gender, location, and history of trauma. Of the 26 patients who completed the PODCI before treatment the Pain/Comfort Core Scale score mean was 20.81(0-63). The Global Functioning Scale score mean was 52.11(27-83.5). Eighty-nine percent of 51 patients who attended clinic until their outcome was definite had no or minimal residual pain. Treatment averaged 2.2 visits per patient, typically over a six-week period.A simple, inexpensive protocol can be effective in treating CRPSI in children. The protocol is risk free, inexpensive to families and conservative of physician and physical therapy resources.Therapeutic Level IV.
Abuse Is Not Traditional: Culture and Colonization

This chapter provides a comparative (historical and cross-cultural) analysis of societies that experience very little gender violence and those that are violence-prone. It focuses on case studies of Maori and Native American peoples, both of whom now have the highest rates of family and sexual violence within their respective societies even though abuse was not common prior to colonization. The ways in which socio-economic inequality leads to increased violence against women and children and how the dynamics of family violence parallel those of colonization (power, control, and patronage) are discussed. This chapter examines Native American shirts and interviews that speak to the impact of intergenerational trauma. The chapter ends with a discussion of decolonizing methods and the ways in which Maori and Native Americans are re-claiming culture as a resource rather than an excuse in challenging gender violence within their communities.