cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxic Imperialism: Memory, Erasure, and Environmental Injustice in David Chariandy's Soucouyant

Critical literature on David Chariandy’s Soucouyant has explored the dementia suffered by the protagonist’s mother Adele as a metaphor for the erasure of Black experience from cultural memory and dominant historical narratives, and as a response to the traumatic effects of imperialism. “Toxic Imperialism” builds on these critical insights, while mapping new critical terrain to argue that in Chariandy’s novel, dementia is both an effect and symptom of the multiple sites of chemical exposure that disproportionately impact low income communities of color. From Adele’s and Roger’s birthplace in Trinidad, to their home and work environments in Canada, the family’s multiple encounters with unequally borne byproducts of industrial production are inseparably linked to legacies of colonialism and racism. The analysis traces the roots of Adele’s trauma in environmental and cultural disruptions wrought by the U.S. military occupation of Trinidad during World War II, while also examining the novel’s critique of Canada’s discourse of neoliberal multiculturalism, and its relevance to Indigenous-Black solidarity to address racism, white supremacy, and injustices in Canada. In its attention to epistemologies of memory and multigenerational effects of (neo)colonialism, Soucouyant is a literary intervention in support of local and global decolonization struggles for social, environmental, and ecological justice.
Facilitators and barriers to the use of a structured hand-off: a pediatric hospital exploratory case study

ABSTRACTCompetent communication practices among healthcare providers are a key factor in maintaining patient safety during transfers of patient care. Research shows that the majority of errors in p...
Allergy and Sinusitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are diseases that share common clinical and pathophysiological characteristics. Not surprisingly, AR and CRS are commonly comorbid, and each may impact the disease course of the other. AR, in particular, has been identified as one important risk factor and disease modifier for CRS [1].
Correlations in Trends of Sinusitis-Related Online Google Search Queries in the United States.

BackgroundOnline search query trends have been shown to correlate with real-life epidemiologic phenomena.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze correlations in trends in Google online search...
Use of Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS) and Patient Satisfaction During Informed Consent for Surgery.

Background The objective of this study was to determine the effects of using the Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS) on patient satisfaction and surgeon efficiency in the surgical informed consent process, as compared to surgeons' “usual” consent process. Study Design Patient perception of the consent process was assessed via survey in 2 cohorts: 10 surgeons in different specialties used their “usual” consent process for 10 patients; these surgeons were then taught to use SURPAS, and they used it during the informed consent process of 10 additional patients. The data were compared using Fisher's exact test and the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Results One hundred patients underwent the “usual” consent process (USUAL), and 93 underwent SURPAS-guided consent (SURPAS). Eighty-two percent of SURPAS were “very satisfied” and 18% were “satisfied” with risk discussion vs 16% and 72% of USUAL, respectively. Of those who used SURPAS, 75.3% reported the risk discussion made them “more comfortable” with surgery vs 19% of USUAL, and 90.3% of SURPAS users reported “somewhat” or “greatly decreased” anxiety vs 20% of USUAL. All p values were Conclusions The SURPAS tool improved the informed consent process for patients compared with the “usual” consent process, in terms of patient satisfaction, ie making patients feel more comfortable and less anxious about their impending operations. Providers should consider integrating the SURPAS tool into their preoperative consent process.
Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma metastatic to the breast: Immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of an unusual mimic of mammary myofibroblastoma

Abstract We present a case of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) that metastasized to the breast 25 years after the original diagnosis, with clinical, radiographic and pathologic follow-up data. The diagnosis of metastatic ESS was supported by the morphologic features of the breast tumor and its immunohistochemical profile, which included positive staining for CD10, WT1, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR). The diagnosis of metastatic ESS was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing, which revealed a characteristic JAZF1 gene rearrangement. The unusual clinical presentation raised a differential diagnosis that included mammary myofibroblastoma of the breast. We compared the morphologic characteristics and immunohistochemical profile of 15 low-grade ESS cases (8 primary and 7 metastatic) to eight cases of mammary myofibroblastoma. Immunostains that differentiated between these entities included CD34, retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and FOXL2. The pathologist can play a key role in the recognition of uncommon metastases to breast, and although rare, metastatic low-grade ESS should be included in the differential diagnosis of spindle cell tumors of the breast.
Metal chelation attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and vertical burn progression in a porcine brass comb burn model.

Abstract Oxidative stress and inflammation may mediate cellular damage and tissue destruction as the burn wound continues to progress after the abatement of the initial insult. Since iron and calcium ions play key roles in oxidative stress, this study tested whether topical application of a metal chelator proprietary lotion (Livionex Formulation (LF) lotion), that contains disodium EDTA as a metal chelator and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) as a permeability enhancer, would prevent progression or reduce burn wound severity in a porcine model. We have reported earlier that in a rat burn model, LF lotion reduces thermal injury progression. Here, we used the porcine brass comb burn model that closely mimics the human condition for contact burns and applied LF lotion every 8 h starting 15 min after the injury. We found that LF lotion reduces the depth of cell death as assessed by TUNEL staining and blood vessel blockage in the treated burn sites and interspaces. The protein expression of pro-inflammatory markers IL-6, TNF-a, and TNFα Converting Enzyme (TACE), and lipid aldehyde production (protein-HNE) was reduced with LF treatment. LF lotion reversed the burn-induced decrease in the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-1) expression in the burn sites and interspaces. These data show that a topically applied EDTA-containing lotion protects both vertical and horizontal burn progression when applied after thermal injury. Curbing burn wound conversion and halting the progression of second partial burn to third-degree full-thickness burn remains challenging when it comes to burn treatment strategies during the acute phase. Burn wound conversion can be reduced with targeted treatments to attenuate the oxidative and inflammatory response in the immediate aftermath of the injury. Our studies suggest that LF lotion could be such a targeted treatment.
High Incidence of Intra-articular Injuries With Segond Fractures of the Tibia in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population.

Background Segond fractures (avulsion fractures of the proximal lateral tibia) are highly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in adult patients. This large case series of pediatric Segond fractures describes the associated intra-articular knee injuries to determine if these fractures have a high incidence of ACL tears or its equivalent injury in young patients. Methods Institutional review board approved retrospective study at a tertiary children's hospital of patients under 19 years who were diagnosed with a Segond fracture between 2009 and 2019 was conducted. Demographics, clinical data, imaging features, associated injuries, and treatment information were collected. Results Fifty-three patients (44 males and 9 females) with median age 15.4 (11.8 to 19) years with Segond fractures of the proximal tibia on radiographic imaging were included. Diagnosis of associated injuries was established based on clinical examination, radiology report, and arthroscopic findings. Median Segond fracture size was 2.0×9.0 mm measured on standard anteroposterior knee radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained in 49/53 (92.5%) patients. Associated injuries included ACL tears (39 patients, 73.6%), tibial spine fractures (9, 17.0%), and other injuries (5, 9.4%). 37/53 (69.8%) patients had meniscal injury. Three (5.7%) patients sustained multiligament injuries. All associated injuries were confirmed by either MRI/computerized tomography or direct operative examination. Among Segond fractures found with ACL tears, 12 (30.8%) were contact injuries, 30 (76.9%) were sports injuries. In associated tibial spine fractures, 7 (78%) injuries were contact in nature and were sports related. There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.013) in age, patients with tibial spine fractures (median 13.6 y) being younger than those with ACL tears (median 15.4 y). 12/53 (22.6%) had associated articular cartilaginous injuries, 3 of which were treated surgically. Overall, 81.1% of patients were treated operatively for associated intra-articular injuries. Conclusions This large case series of Pediatric Segond fractures suggests a high association with intra-articular injuries, specifically, ACL tears and its equivalent injury, that is, tibial spine fractures, the later more common in the younger patient population. An MRI is recommended in patients with a Segond fracture for characterizing the exact intra-articular injury to help plan the appropriate management. Level of evidence Level IV-prognostic.
Modeling Star Formation from Turbulent Fragmentation

Star formation is intimately linked to the dynamical evolution of molecular clouds. Turbulent fragmentation determines where and when protostellar cores form, and how they contract and grow in mass via accretion from the surrounding cloud material. Using numerical models of self-gravitating supersonic turbulence, efficiency, spatial distribution and timescale of star formation in turbulent interstellar clouds are estimated. Turbulence that is not continuously replenished or that is driven on large scales leads to a rapid formation of stars in a clustered mode, whereas interstellar turbulence that carries most energy on small scales results in isolated star formation with low efficiency. The clump mass spectrum for models of pure hydrodynamic turbulence is steeper than the observed one, but gets close to it when gravity is included. The mass spectrum of dense cores is log-normal for decaying and large-wavelength turbulence, similar to the IMF, but is too flat in the case of small-scale turbulence. The three-dimensional models of molecular cloud fragmentation can be combined with dynamical pre-main sequence stellar evolution calculations to obtain a consistent description of all phases of the star formation process. First results are reported for a one solar mass protostar.
Some exact solutions for electrothermal breakdown

Exact solutions for electrothermal breakdown have been given by H.J. Wintle (1981) for the case of a DC voltage between plane parallel thermally conducting electrodes. Wintle's solutions require specific functional dependence on temperature for both electrical and thermal conductivities, and he gives three pairs of suitable functions. In the present work, one of Wintle's models is chosen to extend the exact solutions to coaxial cylinders and concentric spheres. The boundary conditions used are either a thermally insulating inner electrode and a thermally conducting outer electrode, or both electrodes thermally conducting. For a thermally insulating center electrode, and an electrode radius ratio of 5, the field distorts to an almost constant value for a voltage that is 90% of critical; for a voltage that is 99% of critical, the field at the outer electrode is 10 times the value of the field at the inner electrode. >
BAYESIAN LIFE TESTING USING THE TOTAL Q ON TEST

Abstract : Suppose the basic shape of the cumulative failure (hazard) function has been identified for a certain component, and that an unknown parameter theta for a new production run of similar components is to be estimated. In particular, suppose that the failure function is of proportional type, R(x) = thetaQ(x), where Q is the known shape function, and that theta is sampled from a prior gamma density. By using a new statistic, called the total Q on test (TQT), it is possible to perform Bayesian updating during a variety of lifetime testing programs in a manner similar to total time on test plots. This statistic can also be used with complete lifetime data, extending over several product runs, to identify the failure form Q, and to estimate the gamma hyperparameters. Extensions include the use of several TQT statistics to estimate the relative strength of competing hazard functions.
Component-based cluster systems software architecture a case study

We describe the use of component architecture in an area to which this approach has not been classically applied, the area of cluster system software. By "cluster system software," we mean the collection of programs used in configuring and maintaining individual nodes, together with the software involved in submission, scheduling, monitoring, and termination of jobs. We describe how the component approach maps onto the cluster systems software problem, together with our experiences with the approach in implementing an all-new suite of systems software for a medium-sized cluster with unusually complex systems software requirements.
Single Queue Attended by Alternative Servers with Changeover Times

A single queue is serviced by two servers alternately, in alternate busy periods. A changeover time is required whenever the servers are replaced. In this model, the changeover time of a server is initiated as soon as one server completes the services of the units waiting before him namely at the end of his busy period. It may be noted that the empty state of the system is never reached. A comparison of this model with the model with empty state has been done.
Deposition of strontium-90 in the southern hemisphere and its relation to precipitation

The relationship of monthly Sr90 deposition in middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere to precipitation has been analyzed, showing that the deposition increases approximately as the square root of precipitation. Evidence is presented that the seasonal variation of deposition at a given station is modified by the annual variation of rainfall. Based on this evidence, the reported depositions were corrected for rainfall, and the resulting normalized depositions were used to analyze the annual cycle and long-term decrease of deposition after testing of nuclear weapons. The results indicate that the amplitude of the annual variation of deposition in the Southern Hemisphere is similar to that in the Northern Hemisphere, but of somewhat smaller amplitude. The rate of decrease of deposition, and the inferred rate of depletion of the stratospheric reservoir in the absence of fresh injections, are shown to correspond to a “half-life” of about ten months, in agreement with the results of studies of the rate of decrease of the stratospheric burden.
Classical and Quantum Physics of Isolated Horizons: A Brief Overview

The arena normally used in black holes thermodynamics was recently generalized to incorporate a broad class of physically interesting situations. The key idea is to replace the notion of stationary event horizons by that of ‘isolated horizons.’ Unlike event horizons, isolated horizons can be located in a space-time quasi-locally. Furthermore, they need not be Killing horizons. In particular, a space-time representing a black hole which is itself in equilibrium, but whose exterior contains radiation, admits an isolated horizon. In spite of this generality, the zeroth and first laws of black hole mechanics extend to isolated horizons. Furthermore, by carrying out a systematic, non-perturbative quantization, one can explore the quantum geometry of isolated horizons and account for their entropy from statistical mechanical considerations. After a general introduction to black hole thermodynamics as a whole, these recent developments are briefly summarized.
Mental Health and Other Human Service Needs of Homeless People

A perusal of recent research reveals wide discrepancies in the estimate of mental illness among the homeless; mental health disturbance rates range from 5% to 95%.1–6
Overreporting of Smokeless Tobacco Use by Adolescent Males

This study evaluates the impact of a pipeline assessment (salivary cotinine determination) on the accuracy of self-reported use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco by 160 rural seventh-and eighth-grade males ranging in age from 12 to 16. Half of them were randomly assigned to complete a questionnaire on tobacco use prior to revealing the biochemical validation materials and collecting samples. The others had the samples collected prior to receiving and completing the questionnaires. The questionnaire-first group reported significantly greater smokeless tobacco use than did the pipeline-first group. Only for the latter were their self-reports significantly corroborated by the cotinine results. These results suggest that the utilization of a biochemical pipeline not only can improve self-reported tobacco use but also may help identify perceptions about the social desirability of using harmful substances.
Stereochemical control of small molecule binding to bulged DNA: comparison of structures of spirocyclic enantiomer-bulged DNA complexes.

The solution structure of the complex formed between an oligonucleotide containing a two-base bulge (5‘-CACGCAGTTCGGAC·5‘-GTCCGATGCGTG) and ent-DDI, a designed synthetic agent, has been elucidated using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamic simulation. Ent-DDI is a left-handed wedge-shaped spirocyclic molecule whose aglycone portion is an enantiomer of DDI, which mimicks the spirocyclic geometry of the natural product, NCSi-gb, formed by base-catalyzed activation of the enediyne antibiotic neocarzinostatin. The benzindanone moiety of ent-DDI intercalates between the A6·T21 and the T9·A20 base pairs, overlapping with portions of the purine bases; the dihydronaphthalenone moiety is positioned in the minor groove along the G7-T8-T9 bulge sequence; and the aminoglycoside is in the middle of the minor groove, approaching A20 of the nonbulged strand. This alignment of ent-DDI along the DNA helical duplex is in the reverse direction to that of DDI. The aminoglycoside moiety of ent-DDI...
Desorption studies of metal atoms using laser-induced surface-plasmon excitation.

Au, Al, and Ag atoms have been desorbed from thin films on glass by laser-excited surface plasmons in an attenuated-total-reflection geometry. Desorption yields are measured as a function of angle of incidence near the optimum coupling angle and the kinetic energies of desorbed neutral atoms are determined. A linear dependence of desorption yield on photon intensities and the presence of high-kinetic-energy atoms suggest that the major desorption mechanism is a nonthermal electronic process. Possible desorption processes are discussed.
The indexation of interest, depreciation, and capital gains and tax reform in the United States

Abstract The Treasury's 1984 tax plan suggests features of a comprehensive income tax, including the indexation of interest, depreciation, and capital gains. The 1985 President's proposal retains some of these indexing provisions, but the Tax Reform Act of 1986 does not. This paper looks at the incentives under these tax regimes to make marginal investments in the corporate sector, noncorporate sector, and owner-occupied housing. It finds that inflation in the old system caused effective tax rates to rise for some assets and fall for others. Under the Treasury or President's proposals, the interference of inflation is virtually eliminated. Also, the effects of inflation are substantially reduced by the 1986 Act, because mismeasured depreciation and interest deductions are taken at much lower rates.
Up-Regulation of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase TrkB in Rat Bladder Afferent Neurons following TNBS Colitis

Colonic inflammation has profound effects on the urinary bladder physiology and produces hypersensitivity of bladder afferent neurons and neurogenic bladder overactivity. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) plays an important role in mediating sensory perception following visceral inflammation. In the present study, we determined that the expression of CGRP was increased in bladder afferent neurons in lumbosacral DRG following tri-nitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rat. After colitis, the percentage of bladder afferent neurons expressing CGRP was increased in L1 (61.2 ± 2.9 % in colitis vs 37.7 ± 5.1 % in controls; p<0.05) and S1 DRG (26.3 ± 2.3 % in colitis vs 15.5 ± 1.9 % in controls; p<0.01). We also demonstrated that the expression of tyrosine kinase receptor TrkB was increased in L1 (39.7 ± 2.9 % in colitis vs 25.2 ± 4.3 % in controls; p<0.05) and S1 DRG (45.6 ± 3.8 % in colitis vs 38.3 ± 3.6 % in controls; p<0.01) following colitis. CGRP and TrkB were co-stored in a subpopulation of DRG neurons in control and colitic animals and the number of DRG cells co-expressing CGRP and TrkB was significantly increased in L1 (2.7-fold, p< 0.01) and S1 DRG (2.4-fold, p<0.01) following colitis. In cultured DRG, exogenous BDNF application significantly increased CGRP expression, which was blocked by TrkB selective inhibitor K252a. These results suggest that up-regulation of CGRP and TrkB in bladder afferent neurons may play a role in colon-to-bladder cross-sensitization following colitis.
MO-D-I-6B-05: Methods and Applications of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has been investigated to solve the problem of tissue-overlap in breast imaging. Our current DBT prototype acquires 11 projections by rotating the x-ray tube over a 50° arc (−25° to 25°, 5°angular steps) using an amorphous silicon (CsI:Tl) flat-panel detector (1800×2304 pixels, 0.1 mm pixel size). The breast and the detector are stationary during the 7-second acquisition. A Rh/Rh target/filter combination is used and the total average glandular dose is less than that of conventional two-view mammography. An iterative maximum likelihood algorithm is used for reconstruction of the breast volume. This algorithm has been parallelized and implemented on both computer cluster and dedicated reconstruction board for fast computing speed. A DBT reconstruction consists of multiple slices parallel to the detector plane. The in-plane (XY) spatial resolution of the tomosynthesis reconstruction is determined by the spatial resolution of the detector. The in-plane (XY) spatial resolution is determined by detector resolution while the resolution in the third dimension (Z) is limited due to the limited angular range. Currently, a DBT reconstruction has 0.1 mm in-plane pixel size and 1 mm slice thickness. The in-plane quality and Z-resolution of DBT are characterized using a mammography phantom. More than 400 patients have participated the DBT clinical study. It is shown in both phantom and patient images that the superimposed tissues are separated by DBT. Clinical studies show that findings are better characterized in DBT since the breast tissue structure noise has been removed. DBT is able to find cancers that are obscured by overlapping tissues in conventional mammography. DBT also reduces false-positive callbacks that are caused by “fake tumors” (superimposed normal tissues). Initial investigations on DBT-based clinical applications include DBT-aided biopsy, DBT with contrast agent and CAD. A second-generation DBT system is being installed. It acquires 15 projections over a slightly larger angular range using a new a-Si detector with less noise. A 3000-patient study will be performed using this new system. Performance of the new system and the clinical study will be reported at the time of the meeting. Educational Objectives: 1. To understand the principles of digital breast tomosynthesis 2. To understand image processing, reconstruction, visualization and quality evaluation methods for DBT 3. To understand the status of the clinical study on DBT and the potential clinical applications
Constructive Representation of Heterogeneous Objects

This paper proposes a constructive representation scheme for heterogeneous objects (orFGMs). In particular, this scheme focuses on the construction of complicated heteroge-neous objects, guaranteeing desired material continuities at all the interfaces. In order tocreate various types of heterogeneous primitives, we ﬁrst describe methods for specifyingmaterial composition functions such as geometry-independent, geometry-dependent func-tions, and multiple sets of these functions. Constructive Material Composition (CMC) andcorresponding heterogeneous Boolean Operators (e.g., material union, difference, inter-section, and partition) are then proposed to illustrate how material continuities are dealtwith. Finally, we will describe the model hierarchy and data structure for computerrepresentation. Even though the constructive representation alone is sufﬁcient for model-ing heterogeneous objects, the proposed scheme pursues a hybrid representation betweendecomposition and construction. That is because hybrid representation can avoid unnec-essary growth of binary trees. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1403448#
Pathogenesis of MHE: Recent advances and prospects for therapies

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) is a congenital autosomal-dominant disorder caused by mutations in the Golgi-associated heparan sulfate (HS)-synthesizing enzymes, EXT1 or EXT2, leading to HS deficiency throughout the body. The disease is characterized by the presence of exostoses (known also as osteochondromas) that are cartilage-capped outgrowths forming next to, but never within, the growth plates of limb and trunk skeletal elements. The exostoses interfere with growth plate function and the MHE children could display growth retardation and skeletal deformities, as well as chronic pain, impingement of nerves and tendons, urinary obstruction, or other symptoms. To elucidate the mechanisms of exostosis formation and growth, we have created mouse models in which Ext1 or Ext2 were ablated broadly or conditionally. We will describe published and unpublished data from our recent studies that provide insights into the genesis and preferential anatomical location of the exostoses in the growing skeleton. In particular, the data suggest that the exostoses are triggered by a redistribution and aberrant activation of prochondrogenic signaling proteins within the growth plate and/or adjacent perichondrium, with the possible involvement and recruitment of local progenitor cells including those in the groove of Ranvier. We will also present data from in vitro cellular studies that provide insights into underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms. Our studies are leading to a better understanding of MHE pathogenesis and point to prospects for possible future therapies.
Arthrostylidium berryi (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae, Arthrostylidiinae), a New Species from White Sand Shrublands in Venezuela and Colombia

ABSTRACT Arthrostylidium berryi Judziewicz & Davidse (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae, Arthrostylidiinae), a new species from riversides, seasonally flooded white sand shrublands, and granitic lajas in lowland Venezuela and adjacent Colombia, is described and illustrated. It is easily distinguished from its South American congeners in Arthrostylidium Ruprecht by its strongly reflexed leaf blades and long (4–10 cm) spikelets with numerous (nine to 15) florets.
Damage detection for health monitoring of ground vehicle through active probing of vehicle response

While semi-active suspension systems have been shown to be effective in the real-time optimization of vehicle ride and handling, these systems also present a means for system interrogation and damage detection. This research demonstrates the ability to monitor the condition of a ground vehicle by utilizing a passively tunable suspension system to systematically alter the suspension parameters in order to probe the system response. By modulating the suspension parameters at a particular corner of the vehicle, or combinations of corners, selected operational modes of the sprung and unsprung masses can be probed providing an increased ability to detect and locate damage in certain vehicle components. The experimental data presented demonstrates that the ability to detect damage was increased by 16.3% and 22.5% for the two simulated damage conditions using the suspension probing technique. A major benefit of the active probing method described in this paper is that the associated damage index is based only on one specific vehicle's response over time. A massive database of historical data from similar vehicles is not required. The active probing method also benefits from transducers already integrated for the control of a typical semi-active suspension system. The benefits of an on-board health monitoring system can be realized with minimal added cost, by adding only a small number of additional sensors. The ability to detect vehicle damage during operation can be extremely advantageous in terms of safety and condition-based maintenance.
ASSESSING THE QUALITY ERROR IN OUTPUT MEASURES: THE CASE OF REFRIGERATORS*

This paper computes new indexes of output for refrigerators, using hedonic methods to adjust for quality change. The hedonic technique is applied in a new way (it is used to make quality adjustments to prices before they are used in the index), and the results are compared with those from methods used in previous hedonic investigations. There are three major findings. (1) Overall (1960–1972), our hedonic deflated output series rise more rapidly than conventional measures, because the price indexes used for deflation rise more slowly. (2) The output measures fluctuate more than do output measures produced by conventional methods, because adding hedonic quality adjustments to WPI indexes moves them up in some years and down in others, and the resulting adjustments to the output series were positively correlated with changes in output. (3) Applying methods used in previous studies produces larger adjustments to the published indexes, suggesting that some of the differences noted in previous studies between hedonic indexes and official published indexes are related to computational methods, not to quality adjustment.
Mechanical and Chemical Protection of a Wired Enzyme Oxygen Cathode by a Cubic Phase Lyotropic Liquid Crystal

When implanted in animals, enzyme-containing battery electrodes, biofuel cell electrodes, and biosensors are often damaged by components of the biological environment. An O2 cathode, superior to the classical platinum cathode, which would be implanted, as part of a caseless physiological pH miniature Zn−O2 battery or as part of a caseless and membraneless miniature glucose−O2 biofuel cell, is rapidly damaged by serum urate at its operating potential. The cathode is made by electrically connecting, or wiring, reaction centers of bilirubin oxidase to carbon with an electron-conducting redox hydrogel. In the physiological pH 7.3 electrolyte battery or biofuel cell, the O2 cathode should operate at, or positive of, 0.3 V (Ag/AgCl), where the urate anion, a common serum component, is electrooxidized. Because an unidentified urate electrooxidation intermediate, formed in the presence of O2, damages the wired bilirubin oxidase electrocatalyst, urate must be excluded from the cathode. Unlike O2, which permeates t...
Opportunities for studying relationships between mobility and health in older populations.

In their article, Satariano et al. discuss the public health implications of modes of mobility and health in older populations.1 The authors highlight implications for practice and policy, and call for a longitudinal cohort study of mobility patterns that would provide comprehensive measures of age-related health and function as well as detailed information on mobility including walking, driving, and passenger transport. We applaud the call for research on functioning and modes of mobility in older adults and want to call attention to opportunities for studying this relationship using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). NHATS, supported by the National Institute on Aging, is a nationally representative longitudinal study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. Participants are interviewed yearly and are asked questions on health conditions, mobility, functioning in self-care and household activities, work status and participation in valued activities, cognitive functioning, and help provided with daily activities. Specific to the call by Satariano et al. for research as a component of a mobility agenda, NHATS collects data on driving and alternative transportation options such as walking, using van or shuttle services for seniors or people with disabilities, and passenger transport by family and friends. Questions about transportation are tied to performance of relevant household and health care activities (e.g., shopping for groceries, getting to the doctor). Whether lack of transportation restricts participation in valued activities such as visiting family and friends or attending religious services is another area of inquiry. NHATS round 1 data are currently available. NHATS was designed for the study of both trends and trajectories in disability and collects data on an annual basis. To learn more about the study and to find information on accessing the publicly available data, please visit http://www.nhats.org.
Oxidation of NADH by intact segments of soybean hypocotyls and stimulation by 2,4-D.

Abstract Intact sections of soybean cut from regions of cell elongation of hypocotyls of etiolated soybean seedlings oxidized externally supplied NADH (NADH is an impermeant substrate). The oxidation of NADH by 1-cm intact sections was stimulated by the plant growth factor 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The optimum concentration of 2,4-D for stimulation was about 1 μM. Stimulations also were given by the naturally occurring 2,4-D analog, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), but not by the growth inactive 2,4-D analog 2,3-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,3-D). The findings confirm studies comparing inside-out and right side-out vesicles that show the 2,4-D-stimulated NADH oxidase to be located at the external cell surface. Since plant cells are unlikely to encounter NADH at their external cell surface, functions of the oxidase in reactions other than oxidation of NADH are discussed.
The science of balancing an impedance bridge

Abstract Usually the operator of an impedance bridge has little or no idea of the actual process by which the detector voltage is brought to zero. By drawing locus diagrams for the bridge, the process of attaining balance is interpreted in a graphical manner, which helps in the design and operation of the bridge. The diagrams show where to set the adjustments initially to get good sensitivity, and with which adjustment to start. Trivial balances, where the adjustments approach zero or infinity, are explained by the diagrams. Shifting balances, in which many adjustments are needed in order to approach balance, are shown to be present when the loci for the different adjustments intersect each other at angles less than about 45 degrees. The actual intersection angle can be obtained from the results of two partial differentiations of the balance equation, without the construction of the loci. From this angle, the rapidity of attaining balance can be found.Furthermore, it is shown that more rapid balance is obtained, especially with small intercept angles, if the adjustments are purposely overshot. Unfortunately, there seems to be a slight natural tendency toward undershooting.
Molecular biology of sex differentiation1

Whether a mammalian embryo is to manifest the male phenotype or the female phenotype is solely dependent upon the presence or absence of testosterone. This suggests that maleness and femaleness are the induced and noninduced state of one and the same regulatory system. We have presented evidence to support the hypothesis that a single regulatory locus (Tfm locus) on the X-chromosome which specifies a protein having the dual role of translational repressor and RNA polymerase activator controls this genetic regulatory system. During evolution toward more and more complex organisms, a number of regulatory systems must have increased. If this increase in number was accompanied by increased complexity of each system, the mutation load would have become unbearable. Concomitant with progressive increase in the number of regulatory systems, natural selection must have worked to simplify each system by progressively reducing the number of components in the system. This need for simplification must have been especially strong for the regulatory system which governs sexual differentiation, for a deleterious mutation affecting this regulatory system is lethal. It is for this reason that we propose the simplest possible scheme which is depicted in Fig. 5.
On the calculation of the directivity of planar array feeds for satellite reflector applications

A calculation of the directivity of a planar array involves a coefficient C_{mn} which is given in an integral form in the literature. A series representation for C_{mn} is derived here, which allows efficient numerical evaluation. Numerical results and comments on the behavior of C_{mn} are discussed.
Fluorescent-particle lidar.

A lidar system designed to detect the return from small fluroescent particles has been built. (AIP)
Planning for Retirement Security: What Helps or Hinders Women in the Middle Years?.

The purpose of this study was to examine the retirement planning of women between 40 and 55 years of age within the theoretical framework of family re source management. A sample of 220 wornen completed mailed questionnaires. Retirement planning was defined as a five-step managerial process. Descriptive responses of these women indicated high interest in retirement planning, but their level of planning raised serious concern for the future. Special emphasis on three social-psychological concepts—risk taking, “math anxiety,” and locus of control—offered a unique perspective in this study. Multiple regression analysis found the following characteristics of women most active in retirement planning: higher household income, expected a pension, positive orientation toward finan cial risk, perceived control over chance, general willingness to take risks, internal belief in the ability to control one's life, comfort with math ability, and older age.
PERMEABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RENAL TUBULE DURING MATURATION

The use of inulin as a marker of GFR has been validated in adult, but not in newborn animals. As a consequence, the low values for GFR observed in early life could be artifactual from leakage of filtered inulin from the tubules. To test this, a microinjection study was performed in guinea pigs ranging in age from 2 to 90 days. The mean recovery of inulin (mol. wt. 5500) was 95.5 ± 0.8 (SE), n = 53, and no variation was observed as a function of age. To test further the permeability characteristics of the tubule of the young animal, the recovery rates of substances (S) with progressively lower molecular weights were compared to those of simultaneously injected inulin. The slopes of the regressions of the recovery ratios as a function of age were not different from zero. We conclude that inulin is a valid marker of GFR in the newborn animal and that the permeability of the renal tubule for non-electrolytes is similar in the newborn and adult guinea pig.
The mucosal phase of Listeria infection.

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is an enteroinvasive bacterial pathogen of man and animals. Listeriae have been shown capable of infecting the host by translocating from the intestinal lumen through Peyer's Patches (PP), however, results of experiments now indicate that these facultative intracellular parasites may also translocate through PP-independent routes. With regards to this, on occasion we observed that listeriae were absent from the PP of mice inoculated intragastrically with L. monocytogenes, but were present in the mesenteric lymph nodes of these same mice. These observations suggested that PP were not necessary for listerial translocation from the intestinal lumen. Two experimental approaches were used to determine whether luminal listeriae could indeed infect the host through PP-independent routes. First, since it is known that: 1) following the intragastric inoculation of L. monocytogenes, listeriae rapidly transit the length of the gastrointestinal tract and reside in the colonic lumen for up to a week, 2) the colon lacks PP, and 3) the descending colon and rectum are drained exclusively by the caudal lymph node (CLN), it was determined whether colonic listeriae could access the CLN. Inoculation of listeriae into the rectums of mice resulted in the infection of the CLN which indicated that PP were not required for listeria translocation. Second, since germfree SCID mice lack PP, it was determined whether listeriae could translocate from the intestinal lumen and infect these immunoincompetent mice. Shortly after the intragastric inoculation of L. monocytogenes into germfree SCID mice, listeriae were found in the mesenteries, livers and spleens. These results also indicate that PP are not required for listerial translocation from the intestinal lumen. One possible route of translocation from the intestinal lumen might occur by listeriae entering enterocytes. Results were obtained showing that listeriae were capable of entering cultured mouse small intestine enterocytes. Internalized listeriae were observed to multiply and spread intracellularly between enterocytes.
Production of soluble MHC class II proteins with covalently bound single peptides

The alpha beta T-cell receptors (TCRs) react with complex ligands composed of peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. In the absence of foreign antigens the peptides bound to MHC molecules come from the proteins of the host itself. Interactions between TCRs and these self-peptide-MHC ligands work positively to drive T-cell development in the thymus and negatively to delete or inactivate T cells with potential self-reactivity. On the cell surface, MHC proteins are associated with many different self peptides, making it impossible to know which self peptide was involved in positive or negative interactions with a particular T cell. These studies as well as in vitro studies on TCR-peptide-MHC interactions would be aided by a means of producing MHC molecules containing a single peptide. We have tackled this problem for MHC class II proteins by genetically attaching the peptide by a flexible peptide linker to the amino terminus of the class II beta-chain. Here we report that a secreted, soluble form of this covalent peptide-MHC complex can be expressed in insect cells. The peptide is engaged by the peptide-binding groove of the secreted MHC molecule and this complex is recognized by T cells bearing receptors specific for that combination.
Black Skin/White Masks: The Performative Sustainability of Whiteness (With Apologies to Frantz Fanon):

This article uses the iconic text Black Skin/White Masks by Frantz Fanon as a metonymic trope to examine the nature of White Studies through the autobiographical frame of a Black critic. The articl...
Membranous modifications in sieve element plastids of spinach affected by the aster yellows disease

The sieve element plastids of spinach plants ( Spinacia oleracea L.), affected by the aster yellows disease and containing the associated mycoplasma-like organism (MLO), show a variety of structural modifications expressed mainly in the amount and the organization of the internal membranes. Some plastids do not deviate from the normal, others contain extensive convoluted membranes, sometimes assuming spheroidal confirmations. A peculiar but apparently rare membranous modification consists of numerous double-membraned cisternae stacked parallel with the periphery of the plastid and surrounding an aggregation of vesicles. A developmental relation seems to exist between the peripheral membranes and the vesicles. All these modified membranous complexes deviate from those of the closely packed small dilated thylakoids in normal plastids. Some plastids degenerate without developing abnormal membrane conformations. Variable amounts of plastoglobules (osmiophilic globules) accumulate in the plastids. The modified plastids are larger than the normal ones. MLO may or may not be present in the sieve elements with modified plastids. Some forms of the degenerative modifications resemble those observed in sieve element plastids of spinach infected with the curly top virus.
Canonical representation of the radar range equation in the time domain

The classical radar range equation, in its various forms, is the most widely-used analytical tool employed by radar systems designers to determine the relationships among various radar system parameters. Implicit in the usual expressions of this equation is a narrow-band assumption, which permits the simple real-valued multiplication of frequency-dependent terms. The lack of a recognized canonical representation of the radar equation in a wide-band or time-domain form has hindered the development of an understanding of impulse and other wide-band radars. Presented here is a wide-band radar range equation which has been rigorously derived and exercised. A comparison is made to the narrow-band equation and it is shown that, in the narrow-band situation, the two are equivalent. Several examples demonstrating the utility of the time-domain equation are presented. A discussion provides guidance on when the wide-band or time-domain forms are necessary or when the narrow-band form or some compromise are adequate.
TEM specimen preparation and characterization of ceramic coatings on fiber tows

Abstract A method for making transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens of ceramic fibers is described. The specimens are particularly well suited for observation of ceramic coatings on a large number of filaments. The technique is also useful for preparation of extremely flat SEM specimens with good edge retention.