cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Black American Soldier: Italian Cinematic Reflections

This chapter explores the cinematic representations of black American soldiers in Italian postwar cinema. Through an examination of films and broader contemporary visual culture, the chapter analyzes the portrayal of American soldiers and officers of Italian and African heritage in the Italian cultural imaginary. They point out that as difficult and heated conversations around racial politics are taking place in the United States and despite the image of Italy as offering a respite from those prejudices experienced in America, the representations of Italian and African American military personnel, nevertheless, stage oppositional masculinities, which are in the service of constructing Italian national identity (in terms of race, language, ethnicity).
Investigating the Sensitivity of Marine Fog to Physical and Microphysical Processes Using Large-Eddy Simulation

Over the past few years large-eddy simulation (LES) has demonstrated success in modelling continental radiation fog, and several recent studies have used LES to investigate the sensitivity of fog formation to physical processes such as turbulent mixing and surface heat and moisture exchange, as well as to the parametrization of microphysical processes such as cloud droplet activation. Here we extend these sensitivity studies to marine fog. There are several important differences in the formation of marine and continental fog, however moisture availability is no longer a decisive factor, and surface temperature changes over a much longer time scale. Here LES is used to examine the sensitivity of simulated marine-fog formation and maintenance to the cloud-droplet number concentration, turbulent mixing, and air–sea temperature difference. The strength of the fog (in terms of liquid water content) is found to be highly sensitive to all three factors. Varying only the cloud-droplet number concentration, even within a range of physically realistic values for marine regions, can mean the difference between fog halving or doubling in liquid water content. The sensitivities demonstrated herein indicate the great need and challenge for constraining these parameters in numerical weather prediction. Similarities and differences to the findings for continental radiation fog are examined, and important considerations for future improvements in marine-fog forecasting are discussed.
Medical Student Perceptions of the Learning Environment, Quality of Life, and the School of Medicine's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Institution Perspective.

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, American medical schools made swift changes to clinical education based on guidelines provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The purpose of this study was to collect medical student perceptions of the solely online learning environment, their quality of life (QoL), and the pandemic response by their School of Medicine (SoM) to provide suggestions to inform medical schools’ responses during the continuation of this pandemic and the next. Between April 29, 2020 and May 16, 2020, the authors distributed a 60-item questionnaire that assessed demographics, learning environment, QoL, and the SoM response. Likert-type items were analyzed on an item-by-item basis, whereas themes were identified for open-ended questions. A total of 330 medical students (of 632; 52.2%) responded. Those who responded had positive perceptions of the online learning environment with moderate QoL disruptions to concentration and sleep. Although most students perceived being able to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare setting, they viewed themselves as underutilized. Three themes encapsulated both positive and negative perceptions of the SoM’s response—communication, learning environment, and empathy and support. These findings provide insight into medical student perceptions of their learning environment and QoL as they acclimated to changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Results can help inform a SoM’s response during the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as during future pandemics or crises. Follow‐up surveys of medical students at multiple institutions across the USA and abroad will be essential to better characterize student perceptions.
Development of Neural Thermal Scattering (NeTS) Modules for Reactor Multi-Physics Simulations

Modern multi-physics codes, often employed in the simulation and development of thermal nuclear systems, depend heavily on thermal neutron interaction data to determine the space-time distribution of fission events. Therefore, the computationally expensive analysis of such systems motivates the advancement of thermal scattering law (TSL) data delivery methods. Despite considerable improvements on past strategies, current implementations are limited by trade-offs between speed, accuracy, and memory allocation. Furthermore, many of these implementations are not easily adaptable to additional input parameters (e.g., temperature), relying instead on various interpolation schemes. In this work, a novel approach to this problem is demonstrated with a neural network trained on beryllium oxide thermal scattering data generated by the FLASSH nuclear data code of the Low Energy Interaction Physics (LEIP) group at North Carolina State University. Using open-source deep learning libraries, this approach maps a unique functional form to the S (α,β,T ) probability distribution function, providing a continuous representation of the TSL across the input phase space. For a given material, the result is a highly accurate, neural thermal scattering (NeTS) module that enables rapid sampling and execution with minimal memory requirements. Moreover, extension of the NeTS phase space to other parameters of interest (e.g., pressure, radiation damage) is highly possible. Consequently, NeTS modules for different materials under various conditions can be stored together in material “lockers” and accessed on-the-fly to generate problem specific cross-sections.
Conversation Structure and Quality of Political Discourse: Evidence from Reddit

The Internet has provided more opportunities for the expression of diverse viewpoints. However, it also contributes to the rise of incivility and polarization. This paper speaks to this debate by showing that the network structure of how conversations happen affect the quality of the discourse. Using the reddit/politics 2014 data to examine this relationship, we find that 1) when the interaction among the users is more extensive, their discourses tend to be more emotionally polarized but more diverse as well and 2) conversations that follow more of power law distribution are also more emotionally polarized.
81 The Impact of COVID-19 on a Major Metropolitan Burn Center

Introduction The current and long-term impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic on our healthcare system is still unknown When healthcare resources were being diverted to only the most critical of needs, emergent surgical and burn care remained essential Currently, no data exist on the impact of a global pandemic on a burn center Our aim for this study was to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected admissions, hospital course, and discharges at a major metropolitan burn center Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of admissions to our burn center Our institution's medical record was reviewed from 1/1–8/31 for years 2020, 2019, & 2018 We included all thermal, chemical, and electrical burn inpatient admissions over these time periods Non-burn wound admissions and vulnerable patient populations were excluded Our population included 1,358 patients These patients were grouped by year 2020 (n=425), 2019 (n=470), and 2018 (n=463) The medical record was queried for admission, hospital course, and discharge variables SAS 9 4 statistical software was used to compare the pre-pandemic 2018/2019 groups against the 2020 group Group means were compared using two-sample two-tailed t-tests, and categorical variables were compared using Chi-Square analysis Results In 2020 the burn center had 425 admissions compared to 470 and 463 in 2019 and 2018 respectively On admission, there were no differences in age, gender, pediatric admissions, burn etiology, total body surface area (TBSA), TBSA >20%, work-related injuries, or suspected abuse related injuries Of note, the mean days from injury to admission for the groups were (2020 2 5±4 9 vs 2019 1 4±4 3, p=0 001, vs 2018 1 5±4 3, p=0 0017) Groups were similar in respect to burns requiring surgery and mean OR visits 2019 and 2018 had increased ICU admissions compared to the 2020 cohort (ICU: 2020 60-(14%) vs 2019 91-(19 4%), p=0 041, vs 2018 108-(23 3%), p=0 033) Inpatient mortality was lower in the 2020 cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohorts (2020 2 (0 6%) vs 2019 9 (2 5%), p=0 04, vs 2018 14 (4 2%) p=0 0017) Conclusions Volume at our burn center remains high during the pandemic There is an increased lag time from burn injury to hospital admission in the 2020 cohort We hypothesize this is due to patients' avoiding the hospital due to fear of contracting COVID-19 TBSA is similar across groups, but ICU admissions are down in the 2020 cohort Further work is needed to understand whether the increased lag time has affected outcomes and whether the decreased ICU admissions are due to yearly variation or the pandemic
Sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients Aged ≥65 years: a comparison of short-term outcomes.

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery in the elderly population has been reported as feasible and safe. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) seems to have fewer complications than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) even in the 65 years of age population. We analyzed the difference in weight loss between SG and RYGB in patients age 65 years. Objectives To analyze and compare outcomes between SG and RYGB in patients 65 years of age and older. Setting Academic hospital, United States. Methods After internal review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed 2486 patients who underwent either SG or RYGB between 2005 and 2018 at our institution. Basic demographics, preoperative body mass index (BMI), and co-morbidities were described. We identified all patients age ≥65 years and subsequently divided them into 2 groups based on type of bariatric procedure performed. Analysis and comparison of outcomes between these groups were completed. Postoperative BMI was reviewed at 6, 12, and 24 months and percent excess BMI loss (%EBMIL, as defined by the ASMBS clinical committee) was calculated accordingly. The t test and χ2 analysis were performed for nominal and categorical variables, respectively. Results From 2486 patients reviewed, 22.7% (n = 565) were aged ≥65 years. From these, 43.1% (n = 244) underwent SG and 56.8% (n = 321) underwent RYGB. White and female patients were predominant in both groups. Mean age was similar for both populations (SG: 71.1 ± 4.0, RYGB: 71.7 ± 4.5; P = .12). Pre-procedure mean BMI for both groups was close in value, but the difference was statistically significant (40.5 ± 5.5 for SG versus 43.7 ± 7.2 for RYGB; P Conclusions Both SG and RYGB are effective weight loss procedures for patients aged ≥65 years. RYGB seems to have higher %EBMIL at 1 and 2 years; however, when compared with SG, complication rates appear to be almost 3 times higher.
A critique of the ‘as–if’ approach to machine ethics

In this paper, I argue that the replication of the effect of ethical decision-making is insufficient for achieving functional morality in artificial moral agents (AMAs). This approach is named the “as–if” approach to machine ethics. I object to this approach on the grounds that the “as if” approach requires one to commit to substantive meta-ethical claims about morality that are at least unwarranted, and perhaps even wrong. To defend this claim, this paper does three things: 1. I explain Heidegger’s Enframing [Gestell] and my notion of “Ready-Ethics,” which, in combination, can hopefully provide a plausible account for the motivation behind the “as if” approach; 2. I go over specific examples of Ethical AI projects to show how the “as if” approach commits these projects to versions of moral generalism and moral naturalism. I then explain the flaws of the views that the “as if” approach necessitates, and suggest that they cannot account for the justificatory process crucial to human moral life. I explain how Habermas’ account of the justificatory process could cast doubt on the picture of morality that the meta-ethical views of the “as if” approach proposes; 3. Finally, I defend the relevance of discussing these topics for the purpose of functional morality in AMAs.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) as harm reduction: a qualitative study exploring views of women with histories of opioid misuse.

Background The sharp rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) among women coupled with disproportionally high rates of unintended pregnancy have led to a four-fold increase in the number of pregnant women with OUD in the United States over the past decade. Supporting intentional family planning can have multiple health benefits and reduce harms related to OUD but requires a comprehensive understanding of women's perspectives of preventing unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and experiences as they relate to seeking contraception, particularly LARCs, among women with active or recovered opioid misuse. Methods In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 36 women with current or past opioid misuse were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded by ≥ 2 investigators. Themes related to contraceptive care seeking were identified and contextualized within the Health Belief Model. Results Our analysis revealed seven interwoven themes that describe individual level factors associated with contraceptive care seeking in women with current or past opioid misuse: relationship with drugs, reproductive experiences and self-perceptions, sexual partner dynamics, access, awareness of options, healthcare attitudes/experiences, and perceptions of contraception efficacy/ side effects. Overall, perceived susceptibility and severity to unintended pregnancy varied, but most women perceived high benefits of contraception, particularly LARC. However, perceived barriers were too high for most to obtain desired contraception to support family planning intentions. Conclusions The individual-level factors identified should inform the design of integrated services to promote patient-centered contraceptive counseling as a form of harm reduction. Interventions should reduce barriers to contraceptive access, particularly LARCs, and establish counseling strategies that use open, non-judgmental communication, acknowledge the continuum of reproductive needs, explore perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, and utilize peer educators.
Does Obesity Influence Body Mass Index Changes in Nulliparous Adolescent Users of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives?

Abstract Objectives To compare body mass index (BMI) changes in adolescents using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), specifically, the etonogestrel subdermal implant (ENG-implant), levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), and copper IUD (Cu-IUD), by initial BMI category from the time of LARC insertion to within 6-18 months after insertion. Design This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Setting and Participants We reviewed electronic health records from our large health system to identify and follow a cohort of 196 adolescents aged 14-19 years with LARCs inserted from 2010 to 2016. We excluded adolescents with conditions or medications affecting weight, including childbirth. Main Outcome Measure BMI change from LARC insertion to first BMI documented after 6-18 months Results Mean age was 17.2 ± 0.2 years; 59% of the cohort was Hispanic and 29% Black. Mean BMI was 26.4 ± 7.1 kg/m2. Of the total cohort of adolescents, 51% were underweight/normal, 24% overweight, and 25% obese. Mean time to first BMI documented after LARC insertion was 10.1 ± 3.2 months. Mean BMI change for the total cohort was +0.73 ± 1.8 kg/m2, indicating weight gain. Mean BMI change for the ENG-implant + LNG-IUD users (n = 127) was larger than for Cu-IUD users (n = 69) (+0.92 ± 1.9 kg/m2 vs +0.37 ± 1.6 kg/m2, respectively, P Conclusion Adolescents using progestin-releasing LARCs had a larger increase in BMI within 6-18 months after device insertion than those using Cu-IUDs. The disproportionate increase in BMI with progestin-releasing LARCs was primarily contributed by obese users.
Animal ethics around the turn of the twenty-first century.

This article provides a narrative on the state of animal ethics in the 1990s and projections of where it might lead in the future. Three books that contribute substantially to philosophical animal ethics are reviewed and are contrasted with the author's own work. In addition, four questions are raised with regard to the future agenda for animal ethics: what will animal ethics learn from feminist theory; what are the respective roles of properties and relations in a determination of moral status; how much can virtue ethics illuminate practical issues involving animals; and what is the role of respect in animal ethics.
Compliant probe substrates for testing high pin-count chip scale packages

The ultra high I/O density sea of leads (SoL) chip-scale package (Bakir et al, Proc. 52nd Electron. and Comp. Tech. Conf., 2002) has the potential to revolutionize testability of a gigascale system-on-a-chip (SoC). With this wafer-level packaging technology, testing and burn-in can be migrated to the wafer-level. The parallel nature of wafer-level testing and burn-in, facilitated by SoL, can drive down the cost of obtaining a packaged known good die. The extremely high I/O density of the SoL package, typically 12,000 I/O/cm/sup 2/, provides access to internal nodes on a chip. Greater node access enables partitioning of the device-under-test (DUT) into smaller units while maintaining the ability to control and observe them. In turn, smaller units for testing equates to reduced test vector sets and shorter test times - a much sought after objective. A compliant probe technology has been developed to contact the SoL package. It provides a high-density, low-parasitic, and reliable interface between the package and automated test equipment (ATE) during testing. The compliant probes when used jointly with SoL offer a novel approach to efficiently testing a future SoC.
Human IgG2 can form covalent dimers

Unlike IgA and IgM, IgG has not yet been shown to form covalent polymers. However in the presence of specific Ag, murine IgG3 has been shown to polymerize through noncovalent interactions. In contrast to the noncovalent oligomers found with murine IgG3, we have detected covalent dimers in three different recombinant human IgG2 Abs produced in myeloma cells. Both IgG2,kappa and IgG2,lambda can form dimers. In addition, analysis of pooled human gamma globulin and several normal sera revealed the presence of IgG2 dimers. The IgG2 dimers are in contrast to the noncovalent IgG dimers found in pooled sera of multiple donors resulting from idiotype/anti-idiotype (Id/anti-Id) interactions. Cyanogen bromide cleavage analysis suggests that one or more Cys residues in the gamma 2 hinge are involved in dimer assembly. The potential role of IgG2 dimers in immunity against carbohydrate Ags is discussed.
Sense of Place: Driver for Marketing and Distribution Success in Emergent Wine Region

As wineries struggle to differentiate themselves in a world of substantial consumer choices, an emergent wine region in Southern California has used Sense of Place as a successful driver in the direct-to-consumer marketing and distribution of wine from their region. This research shows how a network of small businesses and supportive regional organizations and government entities have woven a marketing and distribution strategy around their region as an appealing destination, resulting in the sale of the region’s entire wine production to visitors of their tasting rooms, special events and wine club members, by creating a unique Sense of Place for their region.
Transfer ribonucleic acid in KB cells infected with adenovirus type 2.

Abstract Populations of transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) extracted from control and type 2 adenovirus (Ad2)-infected KB cells were compared. No consistent differences in acceptor activity for 11 amino acids were observed. Comparison of methylated albumin-kieselguhr (MAK) elution profiles of arginyl-tRNA from control and infected cells revealed a minor modification in that the proportion of arginyl-tRNA eluting at high salt concentration was somewhat greater in infected cells. No similar differences were observed in MAK elution profiles of aspartyl-, isoleucyl-, leucyl-, phenylalanyl-, seryl-, tyrosyl-, and valyl-tRNA. Hybridization of 4S RNA from infected cells labeled by incorporation of 3H-uridine with Ad2 deoxyribonucleic acid revealed the presence of a complementary species of RNA in this preparation. Hybridization of 3H-arginyl-tRNA and of 3H-aminoacyl-tRNA labeled by charging with 3H-arginine or a 3H-mixture of amino acids, respectively, failed to detect the presence of virus-specific tRNA in Ad2-infected cells.
Simple scaling relations in geodynamics: the role of pressure in mantle convection and plume formation

Scaling relations are important in extrapolating laboratory experiments to the Earth’s mantle. In planetary interiors, compression becomes an important parameter and it is useful to explore scalings that involve volume. I use simple volume scaling relations that allow one to extrapolate laboratory experiments and upper mantle behavior, in a thermodynamically self-consistent way, to predict lower mantle behavior. The relations are similar to the quasi-harmonic approximation. Slabs and plates have characteristic dimensions of hundreds of kilometers and time constants of 100 million years, but the volume scalings predict order of magnitude higher values in the deep mantle. The scaling relations imply that the deep mantle is a sluggish system with ancient features. They imply irreversible chemical stratification and do not favor the plume hypothesis.
Active cell invasion by Toxoplasma gondii leads to avoidance of phagocytic processing

IX. Summary Apicomplexan parasites are responsible for a large number of economically important diseases of humans and animals. Due to their extremely ancient evolutionary position, they display a variety of unusual adaptations for parasitism of eukaryotic hosts. They are able to glide along substrates using an actinomyosin motor for propulsion. Invasion occurs by the localized invagination of the host cell plasma membrane to form a unique intracellular vacuole. Entry is aided by the interaction of apically-released adhesins with host cell receptors which are then progressively capped to the posterior end of the parasite, thereby enveloping the parasite in a vacuole derived form the host cell plasma membrane. During penetration, the parasite secretes a variety of proteins involved in adhesion, vacuole formation, and modification of the intracellular compartment. The specialized intracellular compartments occupied by these parasites offers an intriguing window on eukaryotic cell biology that should be particularly insightful for understanding the control of exocytosis, protein-membrane associations, and membrane trafficking.
Measurement of endotracheal tube cuff leak to predict postextubation stridor and need for reintubation.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of an endotracheal tube cuff leak for the development of postextubation stridor and the need for reintubation. Study Design: Consecutive trauma patients who required intubation at a level I trauma center from July 1997 to July 1998 were studied prospectively. Pediatric patients and those who did not meet the standard weaning protocol criteria established by the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care were excluded. Injury Severity Score, endotracheal tube size, reason for intubation, and the number of days intubated before the initial extubation attempt were recorded. At the time of extubation, the difference in exhaled tidal volume from before to after endotracheal tube cuff deflation was calculated. This number was then divided by the exhaled tidal volume before cuff deflation and was recorded as the percent cuff leak. Patients were followed for 24 hours after extubation for the development of stridor or need for reintubation. Statistical analysis to compare subgroups of patients was performed using ANOVA with Scheffe post hoc analysis. Results: Among the 110 patients analyzed, the most common reason for intubation was closed-head injury. Seven patients (6.4%) developed stridor alone and had a mean cuff leak of 58 mL (8.4% of tidal volume before cuff deflation). Six patients (5.5%) experienced stridor that required reintubation and had a mean cuff leak of 68 mL (9.2% of tidal volume before cuff deflation). Patients who developed stridor or needed reintubation had been intubated for a significantly greater length of time than those not developing stridor or requiring reintubation (2.6 versus 3.0 days, p Conclusions: A cuff leak of less than 10% of tidal volume before cuff deflation is useful in identifying patients at risk for stridor or reintubation (96% specificity). It appears that the amount of cuff leak decreases after intubation for more than 3 days, increasing the risk of stridor and need for reintubation. This information may be helpful in identifying those patients who need treatment for laryngotracheal edema, ie, use of steroids or anesthesia during extubation, the efficacy of which remains to be determined.
1‐(Trifluoromethyl)vinyllithium

InChI = 1S/C3H2F3.Li/c1-2-3(4,5)6;/h1H2; InChIKey = YDBNXCHLLXTABG-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used as a versatile vinylation component) Physical Data: thermally unstable; decomposes quickly at temperatures above −78 °C. Solubility: soluble in diethyl ether, pentane, and THF. Form Supplied in: not available commercially. Preparative Method: prepared from the reaction of commercially available 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with n-, sec-, or tert-butyllithium in diethyl ether at −100 to −110 °C. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: prepared and transferred at low temperature (≤ −100 °C) under inert atmosphere (Ar); air and moisture sensitive; handle in fume hood.
The Ld Cht1 gene encodes the secretory chitinase of the human pathogen Leishmania donovani

Abstract Leishmania donovani promastigotes were shown to release chitinase activity during their growth in vitro. A PCR-based strategy, identified a single copy ORF capable of encoding the L. donovani chitinase (Ld Cht1, 1374 bp). Ld Cht1 was shown to be actively transcribed by L. donovani promastigotes using reverse transcription and PCR amplification. The deduced aa sequence of Ld Cht1 showed high conservation to known chitinases including the putative active and two substrate binding sites. Antiserum generated against four peptides derived from its deduced aa sequence immunoprecipitated an approx. 50-kDa in vitro transcription/translation product of Ld Cht1. Further, this antiserum also immunoprecipitated both the native L. donovani 50-kDa Cht1 protein and the native chitinase activity synthesized and released by these parasites. Cumulatively, these data demonstrated that Ld Cht1 encoded the chitinase of this important human pathogen.
Partial differentials of Marcum's Q function

The partial derivatives of Marcum's Q function Q(a,b), with respect to a and b, are required for many communication system optimization problems. A simple derivation of the derivatives is given.
Boundless Creativity: Evidence for the Domain Generality of Individual Differences in Creativity

This study investigated correlates of domain-general and domain-specific components of creativity. 158 college students completed a questionnaire that assessed their motivational and personality traits (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, creative personality, and originality in word association) as well as intellectual abilities (SAT verbal and quantitative scores). Under two different instruction conditions (standard instruction or explicit “be creative” instruction), students also took a battery of multi-item, product-based tests of creativity in three domains (artistic, verbal, and mathematical creativity). Factor analyses showed evidence of domain-generality of creativity. Furthermore, results from structural equation models showed that motivational and personality traits and intellectual abilities were associated with the domain-general component of creativity. Only one variable (SAT quantitative score) was found to be associated with the domain-specific component of mathematical creativity under the explicit “be creative” instruction condition. These results affirm the domain-generality of creativity and challenge researchers to identify correlates of domain-specific components of creativity.
The null energy condition and instability

We extend previous work showing that violation of the null energy condition implies instability in a broad class of models, including gauge theories with scalar and fermionic matter as well as any perfect fluid. Simple examples are given to illustrate these results. The role of causality in our results is discussed. Finally, we extend the fluid results to more general systems in thermal equilibrium. When applied to the dark energy, our results imply that $w=p/\ensuremath{\rho}$ is unlikely to be less than $\ensuremath{-}1$.
Structure and expression of the S locus-related genes of maize

The extracellular of the putative receptor-like protein kinase, ZmPK1, is related to the self-incompatibility locus (S-locus) genes of Brassica. We have isolated and characterized a genomic DNA clone of ZmPK1 and three additional genes from maize that are highly related to ZmPK1. These three S-locus related genes do not appear to have the protein kinase catalytic domain that is found in ZmPK1. One or more of these genes are expressed specifically in the silks. This initial description of S-locus related genes in monocotyledonous plants suggests that the S-locus domain may be involved in several different cellular functions in a wide variety of plants.
Applications of superconductivity to space-based gravitational experiments

Techniques based on superconductivity are crucial in providing the means of achieving the high accuracy and low noise required by experimental tests of gravitational theories. We discuss applications of superconductivity to two space-based experiments: the Gravity Probe B Relativity Mission (GP-B), and the Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle (STEP). Superconducting shields attenuate the dc magnetic field to less than 10−11 T and provide an ac shielding factor in excess of 1012. The readout of the GP-B gyroscopes is based on the London magnetic dipole generated by a rotating superconductor and detected with state-of-the-art dc SQUIDs, which are also used in STEP.
Vapor condensation on multiple spheres and spheroids in the near-continuum regime

Abstract Local and global condensation rates on multiple aerosol particles are of interest in studies on nonspherical particles and dense aerosols. To acquire understanding of these rates, the diffusion equation for multiple axi-symmetric particles (spheres and spheroids) is solved numerically with the continuum and jump boundary conditions. For the two sphere case, the results are verified against an analytical solution. Effects of particle sizes, separation distances, jump distance, saturation densities, and shape on local and global condensation rates are studied. The condensation rates show a complex and interesting dependence on these parameters. To provide a simple recipe for estimation of the role of these parameters on the global condensation rates, several shape factors are also discussed.
Rotational invariance of the fluorescence quatum yield in S1 pyridine

Abstract In a recent paper (Chem. Phys. Letter 148 (1988) 507) the reported rotational dependence of the fluorescence is due to an experimental artifact. There is, in fact, no variation in fluorescence quantum yield across the rotational envelope.
PILOT—A New Multiple Computer System

The PILOT data processor is a high-speed multiple computer system, more than 100 times faster than SEAC. It contains three interconnected computers for rapid processing of data, and also contains multiple input-output channels for rapid transfer of data into and out of the system. All of these units operate concurrently in a coordinated fashion. A summary description is given of the over-all logical plan of the system, including the principal characteristics of the first computer, the second computer, the third computer, the internal controls, and the external controls.The system combines internal processing capabilities that are fast and versatile with external communication capabilities that are exceptionally flexible. This combination permits the internal power of the machine to be exploited readily by the outside world,—either by other automatic devices or by human operators.
Sensitivity analysis of stoichiometric networks: an extension of metabolic control analysis to non-steady state trajectories

A sensitivity analysis of general stoichiometric networks is considered. The results are presented as a generalization of Metabolic Control Analysis, which has been concerned primarily with system sensitivities at steady state. An expression for time-varying sensitivity coefficients is given and the Summation and Connectivity Theorems are generalized. The results are compared to previous treatments. The analysis is accompanied by a discussion of the computation of the sensitivity coefficients and an application to a model of phototransduction.
Worldly perspectives: Syria

The international ADR profile column by Giuseppe De Palo, of Rome, and Mary B. Trevor, of St. Paul, Minn., this month visits Syria. They provide the scoop on internal business and conflict resolution developments that many outsiders don't know about.
Urinary catheter sterilization with microwave oven

Studies were conducted utilizing a home microwave oven to sterilize catheters commonly used for intermittent self-catherization. Red rubber urinary catheters were inoculated with common clinical uropathogens and were placed in sealed brown paper bags or Ziploc plastic freezer bags and microwaved at full power for various timed intervals. Differences were noted in killing time for some strains or species of bacteria. Twelve minutes at full power appeared to be sufficient time for complete sterilization of most catheters placed in plastic bags. ‘Cold spots’ were noted in the oven; suggestions are made for placing the bags in certain areas to achieve complete sterilization of contaminated catheters. Repeat sterilization did not affect the integrity of catheters or the plastic bags. A water heat sink of constant volume was employed during the sterilization process. Six catheters could be sterilized at one time. This convenience allows patients reuse of catheters and provides less chances of self-inoculation due to reuse of contaminated catheters for intermittent self-catherization.
Celiac Disease: Clinical Features and Pathogenesis

Celiac disease is a fascinating illness, from both a clinical and research perspective. Most clinicians consider a diagnosis of celiac disease when a young patient has classic signs and symptoms of steatorrhea and severe malabsorption. However, the typical gastrointestinal symptoms often are absent. The patient may only have subtle signs of chronic malnutrition or nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints. Celiac disease is not diagnosed commonly in the United States, at least in part because of a low clinical index of suspicion. A diagnosis of celiac disease is confirmed by a small bowel mucosa biopsy. A dramatic clinical response to a gluten-free diet verifies the diagnosis, and provides a cost-effective treatment free of significant side effects. Strict adherence to the prescribed diet usually results in a complete resolution of the symptoms and mucosal histopathologic changes. The serious, long-term complication of intestinal lymphoma also may be prevented. To the clinical investigator, celiac disease is an important model of the HLA-associated immune-mediated illnesses. A specific HLA-DQ heterodimer is found in 95% of patients, representing perhaps the strongest association of any illness with a specific class II HLA molecule. In addition, an important environmental trigger (gluten) has been identified, providing a unique opportunity to study the interaction of gene products and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of an immune-mediated disease.
A further examination of communication apprehension and information processing

An examination of relationships between communication apprehension and information processing showed that high apprehensives not only rehearse more negative thoughts in anticipation of a speech, but also experience more speech-relevant thoughts and fewer neutral, functional thoughts than either moderate or low apprehensives. The results are discussed in terms of problem-focused vs. emotion-focused information processing and its relationship to communication apprehension.
An experimental analogy to the learning of past tense inflection rules

Twenty-four S s learned three single-letter responses to two-digit stimuli. The letter response was contingent upon the environment specified by the second digit. Four exceptions to the rule required different letter responses. The results indicated that two different strategies were employed and the resulting performance followed the pattern observed in the acquisition of past tense inflection by young children. The Irregular Forms were acquired first, by rote learning, and the rule-governed responses second. Once the second strategy was employed the rule was applied to the exceptions, and over-generalization errors to the Irregular Forms occurred. Rate of acquisition of the Irregular Forms was positively related to frequency of presentation, and overgeneralization errors were inversely related to frequency of presentation.
Psychological factors in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

The results of this study offer hypotheses concerning the interplay of psychological factors and chronic somatic illness. Leads for further research include examination of the psychological effects of prolonged immobilization and the differential response of arthritic children to immobilization. Another avenue for study involved the attitudes of the children and their families to chronic illness and the relationship of these attitudes to treatment response. These and other leads emerging from this pilot study will now be pursued in a larger and more systematic research program employing an appropriate control group. Le resultatos del hic-reportate studio permitte le formulation de hypotheses concernente le dependentia influentia mutual de factores psychologic e chronic morbo somatic. Themas suggerite pro recercas futur include le examine del effectos psychologic de immobilisation prolongate e le responsa differential de juveniles con arthritis al fortiate immobilisation. Un altere aspecto a studiar es le attitude de patientes juvenil e de lor familias verso morbo chronic e le relation inter ille attitude e le responsa del patiente al tractamento. Iste e altere themas cuje interesse es evidente a base del presente studio preliminari va esser persequite in un plus extense e plus systematic programma de recercas con le uso de un appropriate gruppo de controlo.
An examination of how one's attitudes toward women are reflected in one's defensiveness and self-esteem

The Berger Self-Esteem Measure, the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, and Spence's (1972) Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS) were used to test 96 undergraduates. Subjects were divided according to sex and median split scores on the personality measures. Analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for sex and defensiveness and approached significance for the sex × self-esteem effect (p<.10). Males and females were found to respond significantly differently on the AWS scale. Highly defensive males were more discriminating toward women and self-concept appeared to be an influential variable. However, self-esteem alone did not seem to have any significant effects.
The fluid mechanics of bolus ejection from the oral cavity.

Abstract The squeezing action of the tongue against the palate provides driving forces to propel swallowed material out of the mouth and through the pharynx. Transport in respose to these driving forces, however, is dependent on the material properties of the swallowed bolus. Given the complex geometry of the oral cavity and the unsteady nature of this process, the mechanics governing the oral phase of swallowing are not well understood. In the current work, the squeezing flow between two approaching parallel plates is used as a simplified mathematical model to study the fluid mechanics of bolus ejection from the oral cavity. Driving forces generated by the contraction of intrinsic and extrinsic lingual muscles are modeled as a spatially uniform pressure applied to the tongue. Approximating the tongue as a rigid body, the motion of tongue and fluid are then computed simultaneously as a function of time. Bolus ejection is parameterized by the time taken to clear half the bolus from the oral cavity, t 1/2 . We find that t 1/2 increases with increased viscosity and density and decreases with increased applied pressure. In addition, for low viscosity boluses ( μ μ >approximately 1000 cP), viscosity dominates. A transition region between these two regimes is found in which both properties affect the solution characteristics. The relationship of these results to the assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders is discussed.
Bhagat Singh as ‘Satyagrahi’: The Limits to Non-violence in Late Colonial India

Among anti-colonial nationalists, Bhagat Singh and M.K. Gandhi are seen to exemplify absolutely contrasting strategies of resistance. Bhagat Singh is regarded as a violent revolutionary whereas Gandhi is the embodiment of non-violence. This paper argues that Bhagat Singh and his comrades became national heroes not after their murder of a police inspector in Lahore or after throwing bombs in the Legislative Assembly in New Delhi but during their practice of hunger strikes and non-violent civil disobedience within the walls of Lahore's prisons in 1929–30. In fact there was plenty in common in the strategies of resistance employed by both Gandhi and Bhagat Singh. By labelling these revolutionaries ‘murderers’ and ‘terrorists’, the British sought to dismiss their non-violent demands for rights as ‘political prisoners’. The same labels were adopted by Gandhi and his followers. However, the quality of anti-colonial nationalism represented by Bhagat Singh was central to the resolution of many of the divisions that racked pre-partition Punjab.
Iron Promoted Reduction of Chromate by Dissimilatory Iron-Reducing Bacteria

Chromate is a priority pollutant within the U.S. and many other countries, the hazard of which can be mitigated by reduction to the trivalent form of chromium. Here we elucidate the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) via a closely coupled, biotic-abiotic reductive pathway under iron-reducing conditions. Injection of chromate into stirred-flow reactors containing Shewanella alga strain BrY and iron (hydr)oxides of varying stabilities results in complete reduction to Cr(III). The maximum sustainable Cr(VI) reduction rate was 5.5 micrograms CrVI.mg-cell-1.h-1 within ferric (hydr)oxide suspensions (surface area 10 m2). In iron limited systems (having HEPES as a buffer), iron was cycled suggesting it acts in a catalytic-type manner for the bacterial reduction of Cr(VI). BrY also reduced Cr(VI) directly; however, the rate of direct (enzymatic) reduction is considerably slower than by Fe(II)(aq) and is inhibited within 20 h due to chromate toxicity. Thus, dissimilatory iron reduction may provide a primary pathway for the sequestration and detoxification of chromate in anaerobic soils and water.
Mechanics of Batting: Effect of Stride Technique on Ground Reaction Forces and Bat Velocities

(1986). Mechanics of Batting: Effect of Stride Technique on Ground Reaction Forces and Bat Velocities. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 329-333.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of a Neutralization-Resistant Breakthrough Population of HIV-1

Abstract Certain antibody neutralization escape mutants of HIV-1 map outside of the antibody recognition epitope, thereby suggesting the presence of nonlinear conformational domains. In an effort to begin to define the interacting regions of the HIV envelope proteins, a neutralization-sensitive clone of HIV-1, HXB2/BH10Sal-Bam, was passaged in the presence of the V3-specific monoclonal antibody 0.5β. DNA sequence analysis of the V3 domain of the breakthrough viral populations revealed one population that retained the parental V3 genotype. Quantitative DNA sequence analysis of this breakthrough population revealed the presence of mutational “hotspots” in several envelope domains that are noncontiguous with V3. Mutations were seen throughout gp41 and the C1, V1/V2, C2, and C5 domains of gp120. In contrast, other regions of gp120, C3, V4, C4, and V5 remained totally unchanged. Within V1, three residues within a 14-amino acid stretch experienced five substitutions and in C5 three residues within a 7-amino acid stretch experienced four substitutions. This finding, that certain residues clustered within particular domains (V1/V2, C5, and gp41) experienced multiple substitutions under a defined environmental stressor, suggests that the degree of adaptive plasticity exhibited by the HIV envelope is limited. Based on this observation it may be possible, using a set of antibodies to various envelope epitopes, to discern a set of rules which explain the interactions of the various envelope domains with each other and with their environment. The insight gained into the physiologic constraints that the envelope proteins are subject to may be useful in developing therapeutic and vaccination strategies.
Further Light On Carbon Isotopes and Hopewell Agriculture

The 13 C/ 12 C ratio in human collagen was determined for 19 individuals from Hopewell sites in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio, and compared with 27 new measurements from individuals at Archaic, Mississippian, and Late Woodland affiliation. Additional measurements were made of elements in the food chain and on experimental animals fed on a diet of known composition containing maize. The similarity of the Hopewell measurements to those of non-maize diets indicates that corn was of little importance in the Hopewell diet for those populations tested. -- AATA
Understanding outcomes based on the post-acute hospitalization pathways followed by persons with traumatic brain injury.

Primary objectives: To identify the factors that determine the pathways of care people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) follow after acute care discharge, and to identify differences in outcome based on those pathways. Research design: Telephone survey of a statewide, population-based sample of persons surviving through acute hospitalization for TBI. Methods and procedures: Included were 1059 individuals who: (a) were discharged from acute care in 1996 and 1997; (b) were eligible for inclusion in the statewide, population-based TBI follow-up system, (c) had either a severe TBI or were among a 20% random sample with milder injuries, and (d) consented to participate in a 1-year post-injury follow-up survey. The survey included administration of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), the Alertness Behaviour Sub-scale of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), and the Health Status Questionnaire (HSQ-12). Medical records for all participants were ...