“I been hungrier than this”: Food Finances in Slaughterhouse-Five

This project investigates the role of food in a canonical American novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, ultimately concluding that food is used as currency and a display of power over those without food

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: (OTEC) Outlook for the Future

The temperature differential between the tropical ocean surface and deep waters represents tremendous energy potential. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems represent an environmentally sound method to extract that energy resource. Included in this paper is a review of the history of OTEC, basic thermodynamic principles involved and major components of the system. The three basic types of OTEC systems are discussed, citing the various advantages and disadvantages of each. The resource extent and possible environmental impacts are examined from the U. S. perspective. After reviewing the conflicting ocean use interest involved, comparative cost calculations of energy types, and the secondary benefits of plants, projections for the future of OTEC facilities are given

Ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging methodology and normal values at 1.5 and 3T

Background: Ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect tissue-resident macrophage activity and identify cellular inflammation. Clinical studies using this technique are now emerging. We aimed to report a range of normal R2* values at 1.5 and 3 T in the myocardium and other tissues following ferumoxytol administration, outline the methodology used and suggest solutions to commonly encountered analysis problems. Methods: Twenty volunteers were recruited: 10 imaged each at 1.5 T and 3 T. T2* and late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) MRI was conducted at baseline with further T2* imaging conducted approximately 24 h after USPIO infusion (ferumoxytol, 4 mg/kg). Regions of interest were selected in the myocardium and compared to other tissues. Results: Following administration, USPIO was detected by changes in R2* from baseline (1/T2*) at 24 h in myocardium, skeletal muscle, kidney, liver, spleen and blood at 1.5 T, and myocardium, kidney, liver, spleen, blood and bone at 3 T (p < 0.05 for all). Myocardial changes in R2* due to USPIO were 26.5 ± 7.3 s-1 at 1.5 T, and 37.2 ± 9.6 s-1 at 3 T (p < 0.0001 for both). Tissues showing greatest ferumoxytol enhancement were the reticuloendothelial system: the liver, spleen and bone marrow (216.3 ± 32.6 s-1, 336.3 ± 60.3 s-1, 69.9 ± 79.9 s-1; p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = ns respectively at 1.5 T, and 275.6 ± 69.9 s-1, 463.9 ± 136.7 s-1, 417.9 ± 370.3 s-1; p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.01 respectively at 3 T). Conclusion: Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI is feasible at both 1.5 T and 3 T. Careful data selection and dose administration, along with refinements to echo-time acquisition, post-processing and analysis techniques are essential to ensure reliable and robust quantification of tissue enhancement

Americanized Arthurian Animation: Political Propaganda Publications in Children\u27s Cinematic Cartoons

The Arthurian tradition begins as a backhanded compliment, and through the course of a multitude of generations to follow, the story expands into a literary titan. Names such as Guenever, Lancelot, and Arthur are names that people are familiar with even if they have not read works by T.H. White, Sir Thomas Malory, or Chretien de Troyes, in part thanks to Walt Disney. Some critics suggest that Walt Disney’s 1963 film The Sword in the Stone has no place in a college-level course because it is childish. This is precisely why it has a valid place in an Arthurian literature or film class; Disney’s rendition of the tale provides a positive message to children while simultaneously sending a far more mature message of understanding social issues to the adult viewers. In this film, T.H. White’s novel, The Sword in the Stone, is adapted to the screen and marketed for a younger audience, encouraging children to embrace good morals and education. This piece also acts as pro-American propaganda during the Cold War shortly after Kennedy’s death. Though possibly coincidental, this Cold War Camelot acts as a social mirror for events occurring and world leaders in power during the time of the film’s release. Regardless of box-office success, this retelling of the story of King Arthur is as equally successful and credible as any other historic text regarding Arthur