cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in the site- and histology-specific incidence of gastric cancer during a 50-year period.

Abstract Background & Aims : In contrast to the dramatic decrease in the overall incidence of gastric cancer, there has been a reported increase in the incidence of cases located in the gastric cardia. The aim of this study was to identify changes in site- and histology-specific incidence rates of gastric adenocarcinoma during a 50-year period. Methods : The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system was used to identify all cases of gastric adenocarcinoma among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, between 1941 and 1990 (n = 342). Each patient's complete (inpatient and outpatient) medical records were reviewed and tumor location determined from pathological, surgical, endoscopic, and radiological reports. All available histological specimens (n = 246) were reviewed independently. Results : The overall incidence of gastric cancer decreased from 48.8 per 100,000 person-years in the 1940s to 11.6 per 100,000 in the 1980s, whereas the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the cardia did not change significantly during the 50-year period. The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction increased from 0.0 to 1.9 per 100,000 person-years, but the number of cases was small. Conclusions : The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia has not increased in this population. The reported increase in cardia cancer in other populations may be due to an increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.
The Debate over Hindutva

Abstract In India, the debate over the concept of Hindutva—indigenous Indian culture—is essentially a debate over the viability of cultural nationalism. In the United States, the concept of fundamentalism stirs similar debates, and for that reason some writers—mistakenly, I think—regard Hindutva as fundamentalist. What Hindutva is and how it is related to international patterns are not just academic questions. They are of practical, political importance, because in India religious nationalism is still a potent force. The emergence of the Hindu-oriented Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a major political player in the 1991 elections and the spectacular destruction of the mosque at Ayodhya by Hindu nationalist mobs in 1992 has been followed by the stabilization of BJP as an important opposition party. Recent elections in December 1994 and February 1995 show persistent gains by the BJP and indicate that Hindu politics will be a factor on the Indian scene for some time to come. How should one respond to this rise of religious politics in India? Is it a relatively benign force or a demonic one? Does it have legitimate roots in Indian tradition or is it a virus imported from some sort of world-wide fundamentalist plague? Is it a symptom of social and economic problems or is it purely a religious aberration? Is it a cynical use of religion by politicians or a corruption of politics by religious activists? Is it a matter for only Indians to be concerned about, or should it also alarm foreigners—including Americans—concerned about human rights around the world? These questions are subjects of lively debate in India—not only on the streets and in the press, but in academic quarters—and they cause controversy in Europe and America as well. Articles in this issue ofReligionexemplify aspects of the debate. For the purposes of this essay, I have looked at the arguments posed by the authors of two of these articles, James Lochtefeld and Brian Smith, and compared them with each other, and with those of others who have recently written on the topic. I have looked at the observations posed by scholars of Euro-American origin, including Lochtefeld, Smith, Peter van der Veer, Daniel Gold, Stanley Wolpert and myself.1I have also looked at the anlayses posed by scholars of Indian origin, including Tapan Raychaudhuri and Vinay Lal, Ashis Nandy, T. N. Madan and Partha Chatterjee.2 What I want to suggest from all this is that the debate over Hindu nationalism is itself historically and socially located. Indians tend to emphasize issues specific to the Indian subcontinent and their own colonial past, whereas non-Indians often look at global issues, especially those similar or related to Euro-American concerns. Within the Indian perspective there is a split between the secularist and non-secularist camps, and within the Euro-American points of view there are differences between classic liberal and relativist positions. The arguments have been especially heated over the following issues.
Paleomagnetism and geochronology of sills of the Doherty Mountain area, southwestern Montana: Implications for the timing of fold-and-thrust belt deformation and vertical-axis rotations along the southern margin of the Helena salient

Paleomagnetic and 40Ar/39Ar data from intermediate composition sills exposed along the southern margin of the Helena salient in southwestern Montana help refine the age of Late Cretaceous contraction in this part of the North American Cordillera. The structures in the Doherty Mountain fold complex deform Cambrian through Mississippian strata in the hanging wall of the Jefferson Canyon–Lombard fault system. Sills exposed within these strata, which are complexly deformed into northeast- to northwest-plunging anticlines and a northwest-plunging syncline give well-defined remanent magnetizations and, after correction for fold plunge followed by bedding tilt, paleomagnetic data from 20 of 21 sites from four folds yield positive fold tests at 100 percent unfolding. The magnetizations from these sites are interpreted to be primary remanent magnetizations acquired during sill emplacement prior to fold-and-thrust deformation, although pre-folding remagnetization due to widespread latest Cretaceous magmatism in the area cannot be ruled out. One site yields a magnetization that appears to postdate folding; this site has either been remagnetized or is in a distinct intrusive phase emplaced subsequent to folding. Biotite mineral separates from sills from two folds yield identical 40Ar/39Ar plateau dates of 77 Ma. Although the group mean directions from sills in each of the folds may represent incomplete samplings of the geomagnetic field and the number of independent readings is low, their grand-mean direction (declination [Dec.] = 347°, inclination [Inc.] = 66°, k = 71.9, α95 = 9°, N = 5 independent observations based on results from 21 sites) is similar to the expected Late Cretaceous reference direction for the study area, based on results from the essentially coeval Adel Mountain Volcanics. Therefore, these data suggest that deformation began after 77 Ma (Campanian-Maestrichtian) and that upper plate strata in the Lombard thrust sheet of the Helena salient in this area have not experienced significant local vertical-axis rotation due to thrust movement and impingement with foreland structures along the Southwest Montana Transverse Zone. The absence of appreciable vertical-axis rotations is consistent with data obtained from other paleomagnetic studies in the region.
Electronic structure of intercalated graphite studied by soft-x-ray-emission spectroscopy.

Carbon K soft-x-ray-emission (SXE) spectra of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and intercalated graphite with both donor (${\mathrm{LiC}}_{6}$) and acceptor (${\mathrm{FeCl}}_{3}$) doping are presented and compared. A numerical calculation using partially inverted initial states is carried out and models are constructed to fit these data using this method. It is shown that this approach is able to describe accurately the enhancement of the SXE spectrum near the Fermi energy for ${\mathrm{LiC}}_{6}$. In the case of graphite intercalated with ${\mathrm{FeCl}}_{3}$, the model also produces an enhanced Fermi edge while the data show no difference from the spectrum of HOPG. This aspect of the spectra of acceptor compounds is not at present understood.
Streamlining methodology for the multiresidue analysis of β-lactam antibiotics in bovine kidney using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A previously reported multiresidue method for the analysis of 11 important beta-lactams (amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin, cephalexin, cloxacillin, desfuroylceftiofur cysteine disulfide (DCCD), deacetylcephapirin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, and penicillin G) in bovine kidney has been further streamlined. The method is based on a simple extraction using acetonitrile-water (4:1, v/v), followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up with C(18) sorbent, concentration of an extract aliquot, and filtration of the final extracts using syringeless filter vials, which are used for the sample introduction in the liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The recoveries have been improved by adding the internal standard [(13)C(6)]sulfamethazine to the homogenized sample before the extraction step, which enabled a proper control of the volume changes during the sample preparation. Average recoveries of fortified samples were 87-103% for all beta-lactams, except for DCCD, which had an average recovery of 60%. Based on the results of the stability study and LC mobile phase tests, methanol has been eliminated from the entire method, including the LC-MS/MS analysis. The best overall LC-MS/MS (electrospray positive ionization) performance was achieved by using 0.1% formic acid as an additive in both parts of the mobile phase, in water and in acetonitrile. To prevent carry-over in the LC-MS/MS analysis, the LC method was divided into two parts: one serving as an analytical method for injection of the sample and elution of the analytes and the other one, starting at a highly organic mobile phase composition, being dedicated for injection of a solvent, washing of the system, and equilibration of the column to the initial conditions of the analytical method. In this way, a blank solvent is injected after each sample, but these in-between injections contribute minimally to the overall sample throughput.
Primary radiation damage of protein crystals by an intense synchrotron X-ray beam.

X-ray radiation damage of a lysozyme single crystal by an intense monochromatic beam from a third-generation radiation source at the Advanced Photon Source has been studied. The results show that primary radiation damage is linearly dependent on the X-ray dose even when the crystal is at cryogenic temperatures. The existence of an upper limit for the primary radiation damage was observed. Above the threshold of approximately 1 × 107 Gy, excessive damage of the crystal develops which is interpreted as the onset of secondary and/or tertiary radiation damage. This upper limit of X-ray dose is compared with Henderson's limit [Henderson (1990). Proc. R. Soc. London, B241, 6–8], and its implication for the amount of useful X-ray diffraction data that can be obtained for crystals of a given scattering power is also discussed.
Development of an ESI-MS screening method for evaluating binding affinity between integrin fragments and RGD-based peptides

Abstract Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is used to evaluate binding affinities between integrin fragments and RGD-based peptide ligands. The integrin fragment peptides synthesized and studied were selected based on crystallographic and literature data which highlighted the specific binding pockets for the RGD motif in intact integrin proteins. Relative binding constants were determined by fitting the data obtained from ESI-MS titration experiments to a quadratic equation based on a 1:1 association model. Frontal analysis capillary electrophoresis (FACE) was used as a complementary solution phase technique to measure the absolute binding constants for the same host–guest systems and the results from both techniques were compared. Gas phase collision activated dissociation threshold measurements in an ion trap mass spectrometer also were carried out on the complexes to further validate binding constant measurements. Better correlation was observed between the MS/MS and CE results, than for ESI-MS titration. The ESI-MS titration results showed some correlation; however, it is apparent that there are important methodological shortcomings which need to be addressed. Several factors related to the titration method, ionization efficiencies, enthalpy/entropy contributions during phase transfer, and solvent effects are discussed. This work introduces a first approach to development of a high throughput ESI-MS-based method suitable for screening potential peptide-based drug compounds that target integrins on cancerous cells. It also serves as a cautionary tale to those interested in performing similar types of analyses.
Ground penetrating radar imaging of the freshwater/saltwater interface on a carbonate island, Key Largo, Florida

Finite-difference time-domain models of radar wave propagation at freshwater/saltwater transition zones indicate that a reflected event from the electrical conductivity gradient at the top of the transition zone may be detected. Ground penetrating radar surveys were used together with a suite of geophysical techniques in a reconnaissance survey to delineate the freshwater lens on the island of Key Largo, Florida, USA. In the interior of north Key Largo, the water table lies at approximately 3 m depth. There a 1 - 1.5-m thick freshwater lens overlies a 2 to 3-m transition zone to saline water. 50 MHz GPR surveys show a strong water table event followed by a weaker event that correlates with the top of the freshwater/seawater transition. Nearby cores show no lithologic discontinuities in this depth range. In lower-lying areas with minimal freshwater, an enigmatic high-amplitude high-frequency event follows the water table event closely in time. The field data indicate that reflections from the freshwater/saltwater interface may be resolved in environments with fresh water above the transition zone and with a relatively sharp conductivity gradient at the top of the freshwater/saltwater interface.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Extension of Traditional Entry, Descent, and Landing Technologies for Human Mars Exploration

The human exploration of Mars presents many challenges, not least of which is the task of entry, descent, and landing. Because human-class missions are expected to have landed payload masses on the order of 40 to 80 t, significant challenges arise beyond those of current robotic missions. This study uses parametric trade studies to provide insight into the feasibility of using Viking and Apollo heritage technologies to enable a human-class mission to Mars. The challenges encountered with human-class missions, as well as potential solutions, are highlighted through the results of parametric studies on vehicle size and mass. To populate the trade space, aerocapture, and entry-from-orbit analyses of 10 and 15-m diam aeroshells with a lift-to-drag ratio of 0.3 and 0.5 were investigated. The methodology developed to perform these trade studies represents a significant advancement in human Mars entry, descent, and landing system sizing. Numerous comparisons are made with past missions, both real and conceptual, and sources of discrepancies are discussed. Results indicate that in the limit, a crew capsule used only for entry from orbit could have an arrival mass as low as 20 t. For larger landed payloads, such as a 20-t surface power system, a vehicle with an arrival mass on the order of 80 t may be required. Finally, no feasible entry, descent, and landing systems were obtained with the capability to deliver more than approximately 25 t of landed payload to the Mars surface for arrivalmasses less than 100 t. This suggests that extension of traditional entry, descent, and landing technologies used for robotic exploration may be insufficient for human Mars exploration.
Synthesis of one-dimensional Ga2O3 nanostructures via high-energy ball milling and annealing of GaN

β-Gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) is a promising material for sensors that can withstand high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environment in advanced fossil fuel power plants. Synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures of β-Ga2O3, which are of particular interest, by ball milling of gallium nitride followed by annealing in nitrogen flow is attractive due to relatively inexpensive equipment and simple procedures, but the long milling time is an obstacle for widespread use of this method. In the present work, high-energy mechanical milling of GaN in a planetary ball mill is used for shortening the milling time in the fabrication of one-dimensional Ga2O3 nanostructures. Effects of milling parameters on the morphology of GaN powders as well as on the morphology and chemical composition of the obtained Ga2O3 structures are studied. When annealing was conducted in ultra-high purity (O2<1 ppb) nitrogen flow, a variety of Ga2O3 one-dimensional nanostructures such as rods, belts, sheets, and leaf-like shapes were obtained.
An in vitro coculture model to study cytokine profiles of natural killer cells during maternal immune cell-trophoblast interactions.

Objectives The cytokine milieu at the implantation site plays a role in human pregnancy. Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, stimulate growth and development ojplacenta, whereas Thl cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), are associated with pregnancy complications. Natural killer (NK) cells predominate at the implantation site. The aim of the present study is to investigate cytokine expression in NK cells when they are in close contact with JEG-3 trophoblast-like cells using an in vitro coculture model.
Pancreatic carcinogenicity of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)-amine in diabetic and non-diabetic Chinese hamsters.

Abstract To examine the role of diabetes in pancreatic cancer, 4 groups of Chinese hamsters—2 from genetically diabetic and 2 from non-diabetic lines—were treated with N -nitrosobis(2-oxo-propyl)amine (BOP) at different dose levels and intervals. In one group (referred to as the VA group), BOP was given weekly at a 5 mg/kg body wt. level for 18 or 23 weeks, whereas the other group (the EP group) received a weekly dose of 2.5 mg/kg body wt. for life. Except for diet and experimental design, all other laboratory conditions were similar in the two institutions. No VA hamster developed tumors. Three of 22 non-diabetic EP hamsters (but none of the diabetic hamsters) developed pancreatic hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions, comprising ductular cell adenomas (3 hamsters), carcinoma in situ (1 hamster), a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (1 hamster), and a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (1 hamster) with regional lymph node metastases. In addition, over 50% of the EP hamsters had neoplasms for which the incidences and morphology did not vary between diabetic and non-diabetic groups or between the sexes. These were primarily of the liver (cholangiomas), lungs (adenomas) and skin (trichoepitheliomas, squamous cell carcinomas). The differing carcinogenic response of the two hamster groups to BOP apparently is not related to the total BOP dose, but rather to other factors, including the length of observation time.
Mechanics-based scaling laws for the durability of thermal barrier coatings

The durability of thermal barrier systems is governed by a sequence of crack nucleation, propagation and coalescence events that accumulate prior to final failure by large scale buckling and spalling. This sequence is governed by the σzz stresses that develop normal to the substrate, around imperfections, as the thermally grown oxide (TGO) thickens. Their effect is manifest in the stress intensity factor, K, caused by the σzz stresses acting on cracks emanating from them. In turn, these events are governed by scaling laws, ascribed to non-dimensional groups governing σzz and K. In this article the basic scaling relations are identified and used to gain some understanding of the relative importance of the various mechanisms that arise for application scenarios with minimal thermal cycling. These mechanisms are based on stresses that develop because of TGO growth strains in combination with thermal expansion misfit. The results are used to identify a critical TGO thickness at failure and express it in terms of the governing material variables. The changes in behavior that arise upon extensive thermal cycling, in the presence of TGO ratcheting, are elaborated elsewhere.
Update on the changing epidemiology of Clostridium difficile-associated disease.

From being considered mainly as a nosocomial disease associated with the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, the epidemiology ofClostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) seems to be changing. In this Review, the author focuses on outbreaks of CDAD that have been associated with higher mortality rates and reduced effectiveness of treatment with metronidazole. The emergence of a fluoroquinolone-resistant strain of C. difficile(BI/NAP1/027), new at-risk populations and the increased incidence of CDAD are also discussed. In the past, Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) was thought of mainly as a nosocomial disease associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, but its epidemiology seems to be changing. Since 2002, outbreaks of severe CDAD associated with increased mortality and reduced effectiveness of treatment with metronidazole have focused attention on this challenging pathogen. A fluoroquinolone-resistant strain of C. difficile (BI/NAP1/027) has been predominantly associated with these outbreaks. Changes in the epidemiology of CDAD include the emergence of new at-risk populations and the increased incidence of the disease. Infection control programs and more effective treatments offer hope that future outbreaks of CDAD can be controlled.
Optimization of F-doped SnO2 electrodes for organic photovoltaic devices

Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films have been investigated as an alternative to indium tin oxide anodes in organic photovoltaic devices. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of the FTO films grown by pulsed laser deposition were studied as a function of oxygen deposition pressure. For 400 nm thick FTO films deposited at 300°C and 6.7 Pa of oxygen, an electrical resistivity of 5×10−4 Ω-cm, sheet resistance of 12.5 Ω/□, average transmittance of 87% in the visible range, and optical band gap of 4.25 eV were obtained. Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene)/[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester bulk heterojunctions were prepared on FTO/glass electrodes and the device performance was investigated as a function of FTO film thickness. OPV cells fabricated on the optimum FTO anodes (∼300–600 nm thick) exhibited power conversion efficiencies of ∼3%, which is comparable to the same device made on commercial ITO/glass electrodes (3.4%).
Developmental changes in pluripotent hematopoietic progenitors

In rats of various prenatal and postnatal ages, the number of pluripotent hematopoietic progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM) in the blood, liver, spleen and bone marrow was determined, and their cell-cycle characteristics compared. Similar to human neonates, fetal and neonatal rats had a much higher concentration of CFU-GEMM in the blood than did mature animals (2060–8320 CFU-GEMM/ml blood at 15 days gestation vs. 20–120/ml at six weeks of age, P < 0.001). However, the total body pool of CFU-GEMM/g body weight was significantly less in fetal animals than in adults (2010 CFU-GEMM/g, range 850–2650/g at 20 days gestation vs. 10 550/g, range 7900–14900/g at 6 weeks, P < 0.001). The proportion of CFUGEMM killed by tritiated thymidine was 2% (0–12%) in adults rats, whereas younger animals had progressively higher rates, reaching over 90% (68–100) in fetal animals (P < 0.001). Following incubation with Interleukin 3 (IL-3), the thymidine suicide rate of CFU-GEMM from mature rats increased significantly (from 4 ± 3% to 53 ± 4%, P < 0.01), but no increase was detected in CFU-GEMM from fetal rats. These features might contribute to the limited capacity of neonatal subjects to significantly increase production of the progeny of CFU-GEMM.
The small heat shock proteins in plants are members of an ancient family of heat induced proteins

In response to high temperature stress, plants express numerous small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) belonging to at least five related gene families. in vitro studies suggest sHSPs act as molecular chaperones to prevent irreversible heat denaturation of other proteins. The diversity of sHSPs in plants is unique among eukaryotes and makes it of interest to understand the origins of these proteins. sHSP-related proteins have now been identified in 13 prokaryotes, and in many of these prokaryotes the sHSPs are heat-regulated as seen higher plants. The prokaryotic sHSPs were analyzed by pairwise and mutliple sequence alignments with each other and with plant sHSPs. The higher plant class I cytosolic sHSPs are shown to be most similar to a subset of the prokaryotic sHSPs, including HSP 16.6 from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis. Genetic studies in this model cyanobacterium may provide insight into sHSP function in vivo, and into potential roles of sHSPs in higher plant cells.
Genetic Analysis of the Neurosteroid Deoxycorticosterone and Its Relation to Alcohol Phenotypes: Identification of QTLs and Downstream Gene Regulation

Background Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) is an endogenous neurosteroid found in brain and serum, precursor of the GABAergic neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3,21-dihydroxypregnan-20-one (tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, THDOC) and the glucocorticoid corticosterone. These steroids are elevated following stress or ethanol administration, contribute to ethanol sensitivity, and their elevation is blunted in ethanol dependence. Methodology/Principal Findings To systematically define the genetic basis, regulation, and behavioral significance of DOC levels in plasma and cerebral cortex we examined such levels across 47 young adult males from C57BL/6J (B6)×DBA/2J (D2) (BXD) mouse strains for quantitative trait loci (QTL) and bioinformatics analyses of behavior and gene regulation. Mice were injected with saline or 0.075 mg/kg dexamethasone sodium salt at 8:00 am and were sacrificed 6 hours later. DOC levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Basal cerebral cortical DOC levels ranged between 1.4 and 12.2 ng/g (8.7-fold variation, p<0.0001) with a heritability of ∼0.37. Basal plasma DOC levels ranged between 2.8 and 12.1 ng/ml (4.3-fold variation, p<0.0001) with heritability of ∼0.32. QTLs for basal DOC levels were identified on chromosomes 4 (cerebral cortex) and 14 (plasma). Dexamethasone-induced changes in DOC levels showed a 4.4-fold variation in cerebral cortex and a 4.1-fold variation in plasma, but no QTLs were identified. DOC levels across BXD strains were further shown to be co-regulated with networks of genes linked to neuronal, immune, and endocrine function. DOC levels and its responses to dexamethasone were associated with several behavioral measures of ethanol sensitivity previously determined across the BXD strains by multiple laboratories. Conclusions/Significance Both basal and dexamethasone-suppressed DOC levels are positively correlated with ethanol sensitivity suggesting that the neurosteroid DOC may be a putative biomarker of alcohol phenotypes. DOC levels were also strongly correlated with networks of genes associated with neuronal function, innate immune pathways, and steroid metabolism, likely linked to behavioral phenotypes.
Comments on 'Composition and depth of origin of primary mid-ocean ridge basalts'

Presnall and Hoover (1984), in their evaluation of the nature of primary mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs), concluded that earlier data suggesting many of the most primitive MORBs are derived from high-MgO (picritic) magmas are not valid. In reaching this conclusion, Presnall and Hoover (1984) ignore several important considerations regarding 1. analytical uncertainties, 2. TiO2abundances in MORBs, 3. least-squares calculations, 4. complex models of magmatic evolution and 5. enstatite saturation. I briefly discuss these points below.
Models for parallel processing within programs: application to CPU: I/O and I/O: I/O overlap

Approximate queueing models for internal parallel processing by individual programs in a multiprogrammed system are developed in this paper. The solution technique is developed by network decomposition. The models are formulated in terms of CPU:I/O and I/O:I/O overlap and applied to the analysis of these problems. The percentage performance improvement from CPU:I/O overlap is found to be greatest for systems which are in approximate CPU:I/O utilization balance and for low degrees of multiprogramming. The percentage improvement from I/O:I/O overlap is found to be greatest for systems in which the I/O system is more utilized than the CPU.
Improving the Data Augmentation Algorithm in the Two-Block Setup

The data augmentation (DA) approach to approximate sampling from an intractable probability density fX is based on the construction of a joint density, fX, Y, whose conditional densities, fX|Y and fY|X, can be straightforwardly sampled. However, many applications of the DA algorithm do not fall in this “single-block” setup. In these applications, X is partitioned into two components, X = (U, V), in such a way that it is easy to sample from fY|X, fU|V, Y, and fV|U, Y. We refer to this alternative version of DA, which is effectively a three-variable Gibbs sampler, as “two-block” DA. We develop two methods to improve the performance of the DA algorithm in the two-block setup. These methods are motivated by the Haar PX-DA algorithm, which has been developed in previous literature to improve the performance of the single-block DA algorithm. The Haar PX-DA algorithm, which adds a computationally inexpensive extra step in each iteration of the DA algorithm while preserving the stationary density, has been shown ...
An Investigation of the Use of Internet Based Resources in Support of the Therapeutic Alliance

As the use of multiple methods of communication have become more common experiences in everyday therapeutic practice, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged as a supportive tactic to strengthen the social presence involved in therapeutic alliance. Traditionally, mental health therapists have had little preparation involving the use of ICT as a part of their practice; the focus has remained on face-to-face interactions. This has led to a belief among many practitioners that the therapeutic alliance cannot be built or maintained in any manner other than face-to-face contact. Investigations have found that relationships can be built and maintained through many varieties of ICT supported affordances that promote social presence. To better understand the role of Internet-based resources as an adjunct to traditional therapy services in the context of therapeutic alliance, fifteen therapists at a community mental health center were offered the opportunity to use a dialect behavior therapy website with their clients to intentionally vary and expand the opportunities for social presence. Qualitative data was collected from clients and therapists to explore how the website was used to support the therapeutic relationship. In this study, the use of the website was found to be a positive influence on therapeutic alliance. Implications from this study indicate that variations in social presence as an adjunct to traditional treatment services may benefit the therapeutic alliance.
Simulation of Multivariate Stationary Gaussian Stochastic Processes: Hybrid Spectral Representation and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Approach

By observing that the optimal basis for the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) can be obtained from the cross power spectral density (XPSD) matrix of a multivariate stationary Gaussian stochastic process, the computational efficiency, in both time and memory consumption, of simulations of this process is improved by using a hybrid spectral representation and POD approach with negligible loss of accuracy. This hybrid approach actually simulates another multivariate process with many fewer variables in an optimal subspace obtained by the POD. This approach is straightforward, effective, and does not place any conditions on the XPSD matrices. Furthermore, the error induced by the reduction of variables is predictable and controllable prior to the simulation procedure. The spectral representation method (SRM) is discussed in a heuristic way. In this paper, a specific POD theorem is formally stated, proved, and related to XPSD matrices. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of this hybrid approach. This approach may also have potential applications for simulations of nonstationary non-Gaussian processes.
Locational determinants of the US direct foreign investment in food and kindred products

This article investigates locational determinants of US direct foreign investment (DFI) in food and kindred products by using data from six industrialized countries from 1983 to 1989. Separate equations were fitted to explain DFI position, outflow, and reinvestment. Cultural linkages, trading blocs, host market size, tax considerations, exchange differentials, and host market growth rates are found to be significant determinants of DFI in food manufacturing. Wage rate differentials were found to be important in the position and reinvested equations, but not in the outflow equation. Thus, cheap labor may not be as important in attracting DFI as in the past. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Do instructions for over-the-counter pre-coital female contraceptives promote "perfect use"?

Abstract Background This study was conducted to estimate the readability and related features of English-language over-the-counter (OTC) pre-coital female contraceptive (PFC) instructions. Study Design We identified and purchased all currently available OTC PFCs ( n =8), including Encare (Contraceptive Gel�� and Insert��), F.C. Female Condom��, Ortho Options�� (Conceptrol,�� Delfen�� and Gyncol II Jelly��), Today Sponge�� and VCF Vaginal Film��. Reading grade level was calculated using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Text point size was measured and total number of graphics was tallied. Graphic dimensions were also measured. We also assessed OTC PFC instructions on four main criteria ��� derived from the ���User-Friendliness Tool (UFT)��� ��� including layout features, graphic characteristics, presence of a clear message and presentation of manageable information. Results Reading level ranged from 8th to 12th grade (mean��SD=10.0��1.2). Mean page length was 24.4��7.0 cm (9.6��2.76 in.), while average page width was 20.3��13.8 cm (7.99��5.43 in.). Average text point size was 7.9��2.3 (range=6���12). Illustrations, predominantly line drawings, were used throughout (range=3���11), and most were similar in size to a matchbox. None of the ���How to Use��� sections scored high in all criteria on the UFT. Conclusions ���How to Use��� sections of OTC PFC instructions should be revised to be easier to read and more user friendly. Ideally, the gap between ���typical��� and ���perfect��� contraceptive efficacy could potentially be narrowed if instructions were developed that the large majority of women could easily understand.
Variation-driven device sizing for minimum energy sub-threshold circuits

Sub-threshold operation is a compelling approach for energy-constrained applications, but increased sensitivity to variation must be mitigated. We explore variability metrics and the variation sensitivity of stacked device topologies. We show that upsizing is necessary to achieve robustness at reduced voltages and propose a design methodology to meet yield constraints. The need for upsizing imposes an energy overhead, influencing the optimal supply voltage to minimize energy. Finally, we characterize performance variability by summing delay distributions of each stage in an arbitrary critical path and achieve results accurate to within 10% of Monte Carlo simulation.
Effects of greige cotton lint properties on hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics

This study determined the effects of fiber length, the length uniformity index, micronaire (fineness), and strength of greige cotton lint on properties of nonwoven fabrics. Seven bales of pre-cleaned greige (non-bleached) cotton were procured from a US cotton producer and ginner. Each bale primarily had only one particular fiber quality parameter (e.g., length, length uniformity, micronaire, or strength) as a significant variable of interest, while other metrics remained subdued to the most practically possible extent. The fiber stock from each separate bale was processed into a lightly needlepunched substrate/fabric and then uniformly converted into a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric structure of the same nominal weight. All of the fibers and fabrics involved in the study were analyzed for their quality attributes. Although this study did not reveal any clear-cut, significant effects (obvious relations or correlations) of the fiber quality variables/metrics investigated, for the first time ever new informa...
Congenital heart disease and the specification of left-right asymmetry.

Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) is often seen in conjunction with heterotaxy, the randomization of left-right visceral organ situs. However, the link between cardiovascular morphogenesis and...
Classification of self-normalized vowels

The classical vowel measurements of Peterson and Barney in 1952 have been reexamined on an individual basis to determine the minimum dimensionality required to classify a single talker's vowels, and the minimum number of vowels required to specify the dimensions. It was found that two formants are adequate for this purpose, and that no more than three vowels are required to scale the frequencies of two-formant space. Within that self-normalized space, all vowels have standard locations which are similar for all talkers.
Uterine leiomyoma particle growing in an abdominal-wall incision after laparoscopic retrieval.

Background: As laparoscopic myomectomy gains acceptance among patients and pelvic surgeons, new laparoscopic techniques create a risk for complications that were not encountered in classic laparotomy myomectomy. Report of such complications will allow surgeons to undertake appropriate steps to prevent them. Case: Fragments of uterine leiomyomas unintentionally implanted and growing in abdominal-wall incisions after laparoscopic myomectomy presented clinically with incisional pain and an abdominal-wall mass of increasing size. Diagnosis was confirmed by the histology, and treatment was achieved by excision. Conclusion: In the differential diagnosis of a progressively increasing incisional mass and pain after laparoscopic myomectomy, inadvertent implantation and growing particles of uterine leiomyomas should be considered when fragmented tumors are removed through a trocar sleeve.
Hostility differentiates the brain metabolic effects of nicotine

The brain mechanisms underlying the cause of nicotine dependence are unknown, however, hostility traits are associated with increased susceptibility to nicotine dependence. We used FDG PET to measure brain metabolic response to nicotine administered by patch while the subject performed the Bushman aggression task in 86 high- and low-hostility subjects. Low-hostility trait subjects demonstrated no significant change in brain metabolic response to nicotine. In marked contrast, high-hostility non-smokers subjects demonstrated dramatic metabolic changes to low dose (3.5 mg patch) as did high-hostility smokers to high dose nicotine (21 mg patch) throughout the brain bilaterally (p<0.025). Correlational analyses demonstrated greater metabolic changes in response to nicotine in subjects with greatest hostility trait measures. The observed differences were not a consequence of plasma nicotine or cotinine levels. These metabolic changes were not observed when subjects performed a sustained attentional task (continuous performance task; CPT). Behaviorally, high-hostility subjects had higher ratings of anger, impatience, irritability and nervousness, and lower ratings of happiness, relaxation and curiosity than low-hostility subjects. Smokers had significantly greater scores on impatience and restlessness than non-smokers. This PET study demonstrates a conspicuous lack of the brain metabolic response to nicotine in low-hostility non-smokers in contrast to a dramatic brain response to nicotine in high hostility subjects. This biological difference in brain metabolic response to nicotine between high and low hostility trait subjects may explain differences in susceptibility to nicotine dependence.
Three-Dimensional Structure of Forced Gravity Waves and Lee Waves

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of lee waves is investigated using a combination of linear analysis and numerical simulation. The forcings are represented by flow over a single wave (monochromatic) in the along-stream direction but of limited extent in the cross-stream direction, and by flow over isolated obstacles. The flow structures considered are of constant static stability, and zero, positive, and negative basic-flow shears. Both nonhydrostatic and hydrostatic regimes are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on 1) the cross-stream structure of the waves, 2) the transition from three-dimensional to two-dimensional flow as the breadth of the obstacle is increased, 3) the criteria for three-dimensional nonhydrostatic to hydrostatic transitions, and 4) the effect of obstacle breadth-to-length aspect ratio on the wave drag for this linear system. It is shown that these aspects can in part be understood by relating the gravity waves produced by narrow-breadth obstacles to the “St. Andrew's Cros...
Your pain or mine? Common and distinct neural systems supporting the perception of pain in self and other

Humans possess a remarkable capacity to understand the suffering of others. Cognitive neuroscience theories of empathy suggest that this capacity is supported by ‘shared representations’ of self and other. Consistent with this notion, a number of studies have found that perceiving others in pain and experiencing pain oneself recruit overlapping neural systems. Perception of pain in each of these conditions, however, may also cause unique patterns of activation, that may reveal more about the processing steps involved in each type of pain. To address this issue, we examined neural activity while participants experienced heat pain and watched videos of other individuals experiencing injuries. Results demonstrated (i) that both tasks activated anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula, consistent with prior work; (ii) whereas self-pain activated anterior and mid insula regions implicated in interoception and nociception, other pain activated frontal, premotor, parietal and amygdala regions implicated in emotional learning and processing social cues; and (iii) that levels of trait anxiety correlated with activity in rostral lateral prefrontal cortex during perception of other pain but not during self-pain. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that perception of pain in self and other, while sharing some neural commonalities, differ in their recruitment of systems specifically associated with decoding and learning about internal or external cues.
THE KINETICS OF CELLULAR COMMITMENT DURING STIMULATION OF LYMPHOCYTES BY LECTINS

The kinetics of cellular commitment in the stimulation of lymphocytes by concanavalin A (Con A) has been analyzed by measurement of DNA synthesis, autoradiography, and histologic staining techniques. If the competitive inhibitor α-methyl-D-mannoside (αMM) is introduced into cultures of mouse spleen cells at various times after the addition of Con A, there is a gradual decrease in its capacity to inhibit the lectin-stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine. Addition of the saccharide 20 h after exposure of the cells to Con A had no effect on the level of the cellular response to the lectin. With increasing periods of contact with Con A, the percentage of blast cells and the percentage of [3H]thymidine-labeled blast cells increased in parallel with the total radioactive thymidine incorporated while the average number of autoradiographic grains per labeled blast cell remained relatively constant. These observations suggest that the rising level of [3H]thymidine incorporation results from an increase in the number of cells that respond to lectin stimulation and become refractory to inhibition with αMM. Once such cells become committed, they synthesize DNA at a rate independent of the length of exposure to the lectin. The combined results indicate that mouse splenic lymphocytes are heterogeneous in their capacities to respond to Con A and that different cells require different induction periods to be stimulated.
Effect of base electrode on the crystallization and electrical properties of PLT

Abstract Lead lanthanum titanate (28% La) films, 900–1500 A thick, have been deposited by the sol-gel technique on Ir/Si and Pt/Ti/SiO2 substrates. The films have been rapidly thermal annealed for 1–4 min. at 650 °C and have been characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and by electrical measurements. The dielectric constant of the PLT films deposited on the Pt electrodes reached a maximal value of 660, while for those deposited on the Ir electrodes it reached a maximal value of 775. The variation of the values of the dielectric constants of the different samples appears to be controlled mainly by the concentration of Pb in the films.
LIBERALISM WITHOUT HUMANISM: MICHEL FOUCAULT AND THE FREE-MARKET CREED, 1976–1979*

This article challenges conventional readings of Michel Foucault by examining his fascination with neoliberalism in the late 1970s. Foucault did not critique neoliberalism during this period; rather, he strategically endorsed it. The necessary cause for this approval lies in the broader rehabilitation of economic liberalism in France during the 1970s. The sufficient cause lies in Foucault's own intellectual development: drawing on his long-standing critique of the state as a model for conceptualizing power, Foucault concluded, during the 1970s, that economic liberalism, rather than “discipline,” was modernity's paradigmatic power form. Moreover, this article seeks to clarify the relationship between Foucault's philosophical antihumanism and his assessment of liberalism. Rather than arguing (as others have) that Foucault's antihumanism precluded a positive appraisal of liberalism, or that the apparent reorientation of his politics in a more liberal direction in the late 1970s entailed a partial retreat from antihumanism, this article contends that Foucault's brief, strategic, and contingent endorsement of liberalism was possible precisely because he saw no incompatibility between antihumanism and liberalism—but only liberalism of the economic variety. Economic liberalism alone, and not its political iteration, was compatible with the philosophical antihumanism that is the hallmark of Foucault's thought.
Robotics and intelligent machines in agriculture

-From the prehistoric times of the hunter/gatherers until the present, man has been the sole source of intelligence in his food production system. The combined factors of increased international competition in the agricultural sector, advances in computer technology, and the rapidly decreasing costs of new technology have now brought us to the time when the widespread application of intelligent machines in agriculture is imminent. Thus practical agricultural robots now seem possible. Agricultural robots and intelligent machines will increase and become commonplace in the developed countries during the next decade. The status of intelligent machines and robotics in agriculture as it stands at present is reviewed; i.e., where it is going and some of the obstacles that must be overcome.