cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRANSLATION PROCESS APPROXIMATION OF A GENERAL NON-GAUSSIAN STOCHASTIC PROCESS

ATLSS Engineering Research Center, Lehigh University, USA.E-mail: pab409@lehigh.eduThe theory of non-Gaussian translation processes developed by Grigoriu imposescertain conditions between the non-Gaussian Power Spectral Density Function(PSDF) and the non-Gaussian marginal Probability Density Function (PDF) of thenon-Gaussian process. When these two quantities are compatible, it is straight-forward to estimate the PSDF of the underlying Gaussian process using translationprocess theory (the PSDF of the underlying Gaussian process is needed for simulationpurposes). However, the most challenging case for applications arising from real-life problems is when the arbitrarily prescribed non-Gaussian PSDF and PDF areincompatible. In this case, the objective is to approximate the incompatible non-Gaussian PSDF with a compatible non-Gaussian PSDF that is as close as possibleto the incompatible PSDF. To accomplish this, a number of methodologies have beenproposed that involve either some iteration scheme on simulated sample functionsor some general optimization approach. Although some of these techniques producesatisfactory results, they can be time consuming because of their nature (especiallywhen the prescribed non-Gaussian PDF deviates signiﬁcantly from the GaussianPDF). In this work, a new iterative methodology is proposed that establishes theunderlying Gaussian PSDF with high accuracy and truly superior computationalefﬁciency. The basic idea is to iteratively update the Gaussian PSDF using thedirectly computed (through translation process theory) non-Gaussian PSDF at eachiteration, rather than through expensive ensemble averaging of PSDFs computedfrom a large number of generated non-Gaussian sample functions. The proposediterative scheme has the advantage of being very simple and converges extremelyfast. Once the underlying Gaussian PSDF is established, simulation of non-Gaussiansample functions is straight-forward without any need for iterations. A number ofnumerical examples are provided demonstrating the capabilities of the methodology.Keywords: stochastic process, translation process, non-Gaussian process, simulation,Spectral Representation Method.
Review of "Spreadsheet Software From VisiCalc to 1-2-3, by Thomas B. Henderson, Douglas F., and Gena B. Cobb", Que Corporation, 1983

Spreadsheet Software from VisiCalc to 1-2-3 is a book that all managers who are even remotely considering the acquisition of a spreadsheet for their microcomputers should take a look at. Furthermore, those who already have spreadsheets and are considering upgrading to another version of the one currently in use or perhaps a different spreadsheet will find the information in this book beneficial. It might even help those of you with the "What do I do now" blues; in other words, those with problems learning how to work the fundamental commands for the spreadsheets you already have.
A Multivariate Extension of Tukey's One Degree of Freedom for Non-Additivity

Abstract An extension of Tukey's one degree of freedom for non-additivity is given for the multivariate two-way cross-classification model. The hypothesis considered is that the multivariate model is additive with respect to each response (variate) against the alternative that at least one response requires a non-additive model.
Low-Frequency Raman Spectra Using Synchronously Scanned Optical Parametric Oscillator CARS:

Synchronously scanned optical parametric oscillator (OPO) coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is a new technique that can be used with single-wavelength detection in order to reject background stray light and eliminate spectral interference. In this paper, results are presented illustrating the use of this method to also reject stray light from Rayleigh scattering without attenuation of the Raman signal, resulting in the ability to probe low-frequency Raman levels.
The effect of zinc on the oxidation of krebs cycle intermediates by rat liver and kidney homogenates

Abstract Zinc ions in small concentrations (2 × 10 −5 M ) inhibit rat liver and kidney succinoxidase systems by forming an inactive complex with the enzyme. Under conditions which favor oxidative phosphorylation (isotonic KCl homogenates, Mg ion, and muscle adenylate or adenosine triphosphate), inhibition by zinc occurs, but this inhibition is transitory. The rate of oxidation subsequently rises to a level even higher than shown by the control data. A later fall to a lower level of activity can be attributed to the zinc inhibition of other Krebs cycle intermediates, particularly the oxidation of α-ketoglutarate and citrate. The addition of a protein such as insulin has no protective action against zinc inhibition, and crystalline zinc insulin causes the same inhibition as does zinc sulfate. With the exception of succinoxidase, the oxidizing enzymes of rat kidney are more readily inhibited by zinc ions than are those of rat liver. Amorphous insulin, in itself, inhibits citrate oxidation by rat kidney homogenates.
Multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions for (2 + 1)-dimensional shallow water wave equations

Two (2+1)-dimensional shallow water wave equations are studied. The Hirota bilinear method is used to determine the multiple soliton solutions for these equations. Moreover, multiple singular soliton solutions are also derived. The analysis emphasizes the power of the bilinear method and its capability of handling completely integrable equations.
The influence of walls on the motion of a sphere in non-Newtonian liquids

The influence of the contained wall on the drag of a sphere moving through a non-Newtonian fluid is analysed in this work separately for the low Reynolds number and the high Reynolds number regions. In the former, we make use of the two-concentric-sphere model. It is predicted that the wall effect will decrease with the increase of the shear-thinning anomaly and this is in a reasonable agreement with the available experimental data and correlations. The wall effect in the high Reynolds number region is analysed in this work using the cell model (used to study the motion of an assemblage of solid spheres) and the predictions are in satisfactory agreement with the available empirical correlation for non-Newtonian fluids.
Screening for maternal depression in a low education population using a two item questionnaire

Objective: To assess a two-question screening tool, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), for identifying depressive symptomatology in economically disadvantaged mothers of children in pediatric settings and to explore risk factors associated with a positive depression screen.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Missed Opportunity for Institutionalizing Communication Practice?

Institutionalizing can mean becoming part of a larger structure or being placed in the care of an institution. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has communicative demands that present an opportunity for strategic communication to become part of the organizational management structure. However, communication practice also must resist the force of being institutionalized by serving other departments rather than contributing to organizational decision-making. Strategic communication practice risks becoming irrelevant, or worse, serving as the technician responsible for communicating the CSR policies and actions developed by other departments. The strategic communication function would not be part of managing CSR but rather become the way to communicate CSR to specific constituents while other departments lead the CSR revolution. In essence, when this happens strategic communication is being institutionalized as some of its management potential is being placed in the care of departments (institutions). Th...
“The Harvest is Plentiful but the Laborers are Few:” An Interdisciplinary Examination of Career Choice and African American Sororities

Teaching was a popular career option pursued by African American women prior to the 1970s; since then, there has been a steady decline of interest in the profession. Historically, black sororities helped to recruit new teachers and provided social networks of support for professional African American women. In this article, we examine research literature from multiple disciplines that links the historic mission of black sororities to the ethic of caring and othermothering routinely practiced by teachers in their communities. We contend one way black sororities may demonstrate their relevance in contemporary society is by employing new strategies to help recruit and retain African American women teachers.
Seasonal and interannual variability in the properties of the surface waters of the Gulf of Maine

Abstract The MARMAP hydrographic data set (1977–1987) is used to determine the mean annual cycle of temperature, salinity, and density structure of surface waters throughout the Gulf of Maine. The temperatures follow the expected seasonal warming and cooling pattern. In the eastern Gulf the salinity cycle is dominated by influx of low salinity Scotian Shelf water which enters near Cape Sable in the winter, and in the western Gulf by the local spring runoff. Phasing of temperature and salinity cycles in different parts of the Gulf results in the western Gulf of Maine being more strongly stratified in the summer and more vertically uniform in the winter than is the eastern Gulf. The interannual variability, derived by subtracting the annual cycles from the original data, reveals relatively little temperature variability (1–2°C) during the period 1977–1987, compared to observed changes of 4–6°C in previous decades. Large interannual changes in salinity (0.5 psu), however, are evident in the data. The salinity variability is shown to be due primarily to changes in local fresh water sources—precipitation and runoff. Comparison of salinity changes in the Gulf of Maine with data from Georges Bank and the Middle Atlantic Bight shows that the salinity variability is coherent over the northeast continental shelf region from the western Gulf (Wilkinson Basin) to Cape Hatteras.
A note on lee and schachter's algorithm for delaunay triangulation

Lee and Schachter have presented an algorithm for the Delaunay triangulation of a set of points whose convex hull is a rectangular region. An addendum to that algorithm is presented which gives the Delaunay triangulation of a set of points with an arbitrary convex hull. Timing results are also given.
Reactions for the partial oxidation of propane over Pt-on-Ceria

Abstract The sequence of reactions for the formation of hydrogen from propane has been studied using a supported 1% Pt catalyst, with either a low-surface-area CeO 2 or a high-surface-area CeO 2 as support. The catalytic experiments were carried out in a fixed-bed reactor at 600 °C at different contact times. Flow rates were varied (100, 200, 300, and 400 sccm), as were the catalyst loadings (0.01 g and 0.02 g). Six species (CO, H 2 , CO 2 , C 3 H 8 , C 3 H 6 and O 2 ) were analyzed at the exit of the reactor. Using the Gauss-elimination procedure, it was found that the number of independent reactions is four. A material balance of the exit species can be used to determine a set of independent reactions which are physically meaningful under a given set of conditions. (Of course, dependent reactions are obtained by algebraic manipulations of the independent reactions chosen.) The set of reactions comprising partial oxidation, total oxidation, water formation and dehydrogenation is a possible sequence of reactions for the low-surface-area catalyst. For the high-surface-area catalyst, the same set of reactions is also a possibility for the 0.01 g loading, but not for the 0.02 g loading. For that case, there is a net loss of water, so the water-formation reaction in the set above is replaced by the water-gas-shift (WGS) reaction. The net loss of water is shown to be due to the effect of the ceria support. To confirm the choice of the above sets, independent runs involving WGS, dry reforming and steam reforming were carried out over the catalysts. Neither dry reforming nor steam reforming can take place in appreciable amounts over any of the catalysts, while WGS occurs over the catalyst with the largest total surface area. This is consistent with the choice of reaction sets above. Finally, the nature and relative importance of the reactions in these sets indicate that the amount of propane reacting via partial oxidation increases with loading and also with flow rate, while the amount of propane reacting via total oxidation increases only slightly with loading and decreases with flow rate. This implies that partial oxidation takes place first, as compared to total oxidation. Microreactors, with small contact times, would be preferred for such processes.
Strengthening student communication through pediatric simulated patient encounters.

As medical students enter the role of physician, clinical outcomes not only rely on their mastery of clinical knowledge, but also on the effectiveness in which they can communicate with patients and family members. While students typically have numerous opportunities to practice clinical communication with adult patients, such practice in pediatric settings is limited. This study examines if simulated patient (SP) encounters strengthen third-year medical students’ communication skills during the pediatrics clerkship. During 2011-2013, three SP encounters (comprising 3 pediatric scenarios) were incorporated into a pediatrics clerkship at one United States medical school to give students a safe venue to practice advanced communication with observation and direct feedback. Third-year medical students engaged in the scenarios and received both written and oral feedback from an evaluator observing the encounter. With IRB approval, students’ self-perceived confidence and abilities at performing the advanced communication skills were measured using an eightitem, Likert scale questionnaire administered pre and post the SP encounter. Pre- and post-questionnaires (n=215; response rate, 96%) analyzed using a Wilcoxon-matched pairs signed-rank test demonstrated statistically significant increases in students’ perception of their confidence and abilities regarding their performance (P<0.05; Bonferroni correction, P<0.006). There was an increases in student confidence and self-perceived ability in: first, communicating with children and family members of young patients; second, managing confrontational situations involving parents; third, performing a thorough psychosocial history with an adolescent; and fourth, using Evidence Based Medicine to motivate parents.
Ectoenzymes as sites of peptide regulation

The ectoenzyme-mediated metabolism of neuropeptides may be an important regulatory site of peptide-mediated activity. These membrane-bound, extracellularly oriented peptidases are not only responsible for inactivating peptide substrates, but also lead to the formation of metabolic fragments. Peptide fragments formed after enzymatic proteolysis have been shown to display novel bioactivity as a consequence of a shift in receptor selectivity. This example of nervous system plasticity through peptide biotransformation can have multiple consequences. Centrally acting drugs have been shown to have profound effects on peptide-mediated systems throughout the brain and spinal cord including a differential alteration in ectoenzyme activity and ectoenzyme-mediated metabolism of neuropeptides. In this review, Tom Davis and Chris Konkoy suggest that the modulation of ectoenzyme-mediated peptide metabolism represents an additional level at which the concentration of extracellular neuropeptides, and thus peptide-mediated transmission, can be regulated.
NEW APPROACHES TO DELINEATING METROPOLITAN AND NONMETROPOLITAN SETTLEMENT: GEOGRAPHERS DRAWING THE LINE

The federal government's Office of Management and Budget, with staff support from the Census Bureau's Population Division, is responsible for maintaining the statistical standard that provides criteria used to define metropolitan settlement and that delineates individual metropolitan areas for use in federal statistics. Review of the current standard, which dates from 1990, is now under way in conjunction with the 2000 census. Reviews of the emergence of the metropolitan form of settlement in the United States and of previous geospatial units representing metropolitan settlement are provided. A framework of geospatial units to represent the various elements of settlement at the close of the 20th century, including metropolitan and nonmetropolitan forms, is offered. Three papers that provide new approaches to delineating metropolitan and nonmetropolitan settlement in the United States are introduced. [Keywords: metropolitan and nonmetropolitan settlement, geospatial units of analysis, federal government, s...
Vascularization of skin following implantation of an arteriovenous pedicle: implications in flap prefabrication.

In a rat model, a skin flap was fabricated by implantation of a distally ligated arteriovenous pedicle. The femoral artery and vein were implanted as a unit beneath the abdominal skin, a portion of which was later raised as an island flap, based on these vessels. Percentage area of survival, tissue blood flow, and pattern of vascularity were compared in two groups of flaps. In group I, the pedicle to be implanted was dissected with a cuff of surrounding muscle still attached; in group II, the pedicle was skeletonized to the level of adventitia. Flap survival in the two groups was similar (73% vs.77%), as was skin blood flow (5.4 vs. 5.7 ml/100 g/min). Angiography demonstrated two principal patterns of vascularization: connection between donor and recipient vessels (inosculation), and sprouting and arborization of new vessels. Strengths and limitations of this and other models of flap “prefabrication” are discusssed. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reversed-phase paper chromatography of the rare earths, thorium and uranium using methylenebis(di-n-hexylphosphine oxide) as the stationary phase.

Reversed-phase partition chromatography was used to separate the rare earths, thorium and uranium on papers treated with methylenebis(di-n-hexylphosphine oxide), MHDPO. The separation factors between adjacent rare earths were found to increase with the acid concentration in both nitric and hydrochloric media with the larger separation factors in nitric acid. Opposite trends were observed in hydrochloric and nitric acid. In the former case the partition coefficient increased with acid concentration, but in the latter case it decreased. This was explained on the basis of the solvation energies of the cations and anions, the mass action effect and the competitive extraction of nitric and hydrochloric acid. Solvation number studies indicated a 1:1 adduct between MHDPO and the rare earth nitrates. Corresponding studies on the rare earth chrlorides gave anomalous results. It was postulated this was caused by non-equilibrium conditions.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Nanoreactors for Preparing Silver Nanoparticle Composites: Controlling Metal Concentration and Nanoparticle Size

The size of in situ prepared silver nanoparticles and the overall metal concentration within poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) multilayer films are systematically co...
Local kinetics of morphogen gradients

Some aspects of pattern formation in developing embryos can be described by nonlinear reaction–diffusion equations. An important class of these models accounts for diffusion and degradation of a locally produced single chemical species. At long times, solutions of such models approach a steady state in which the concentration decays with distance from the source of production. We present analytical results that characterize the dynamics of this process and are in quantitative agreement with numerical solutions of the underlying nonlinear equations. The derived results provide an explicit connection between the parameters of the problem and the time needed to reach a steady state value at a given position. Our approach can be used for the quantitative analysis of tissue patterning by morphogen gradients, a subject of active research in biophysics and developmental biology.
Comments on “Connections among Factors in Education” by Howard Russell

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Howard Russell's article, "Connections among Factors in Education." Let me say at the outset that I consider his ingenious formulation of the connection between achievement, topic coverage, retention, and time devoted to instruction for the given topics a very useful contribution to educational policy considerations. As he points out, his relatively simple formula can be applied at several levels of policy making-classroom, school, district, province or state, or nationally-to explore the effects of different policy options. This said, however, the article does raise several questions. These fall into two categories: (1) the interpretation of any perceived or documented mismatch between ajurisdiction's taught curriculum and an externally created, largescale test such as TIMSS; and (2) problems of assigning values to some of the quantities in the formula, specifically C (content covered in instruction) and T (time devoted to the topics that make up C).
Problems using MD5 with IPv6

Abstract The MD5 algorithm has been specified as part of the IPv6 protocol. However, some questions have been raised as to the ability of MD5 to provide the throughput needed for high-speed networks. This paper examines the performance of MD5 on the POWER2 architecture. The cause of poor performance for MD5 is identified, and three areas are examined to determine where improvements can be made. The three areas examined are compiler technology, architectural changes, and implementation strategies. Of the three, only implementation strategies provides an avenue for significant improvement. However, the algorithm is still deemed too slow for good performance on high throughput networks.
Alteration of four identified K+ currents in Drosophila muscle by mutations in eag

Voltage-clamp analysis of Drosophila larval muscle revealed that ether a go-go (eag) mutations affected all identified potassium currents, including those specifically eliminated by mutations in the Shaker or slowpoke gene. Together with DNA sequence analysis, the results suggest that the eag locus encodes a subunit common to different potassium channels. Thus, combinatorial assembly of polypeptides from different genes may contribute to potassium channel diversity.
Cerebral function monitors during pediatric cardiac surgery: can they make a difference?

m ECAUSE OF THE ADVANCES in surgical and perfusion techniques in the past three decades, the majority of conenital heart defects can now be repaired at a younger age than n the past. The most commonly used bypass techniques during ediatric cardiac surgery are low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass CPB) or high-flow deep hypothermic CPB, with or without irculatory arrest (dhCA).1 These methods allow a relatively loodless field and improve surgical conditions and ease of epair, but can have marked impacts on cerebral physiology and otential deleterious effects on cerebral function, leading to eurologic complications in the postoperative period. Clinical neurologic deficits after CPB in adults have been eported to occur in 1% to 5% of patients.2,3 In contrast, the ncidence of subclinical postoperative neurologic dysfunction s 50% to 70%.4,5 In a recent study, the incidence of cognitive ecline after CABG surgery was 53% in the immediate postperative period, 36% at 6 weeks, 24% at 6 months, and 42% t 5 years’ follow-up.6 As a consequence of advanced surgical and bypass technolgy, the mortality after pediatric cardiac surgery has decreased, lthough the incidence of acute and chronic neurologic seuelae remains a disturbing concern and has become the focus f recent research. In a multicenter study conducted between 988 and 1989, the incidence of acute neurologic morbidity in hildren ranged from 2% to 25%,7 with seizures and choreothetosis the most common complications reported. In the same tudy, other reported neurologic deficits were prolonged coma, troke, and hemiparesis. In 1998, a retrospective review reorted an incidence of acute neurologic complications of 2.3%, ith seizures, again, the most common finding (1.3%) espeially after heart transplantation.8 Other neurologic complicaions were coma after cardiac arrest, choreoathetosis, facial alsy, and bilateral subdural hematomas. Seizures have been ocumented in up to 36% of patients undergoing heart translantation9 and are likely related to cyclosporin A toxicity. otor disorders like chorea,12-14 paraplegia,15 Tourette’s synrome,16 neurodevelopmental delay,10,11,17 and language and ehavioral problems9,10 have been documented after pediatric ardiac surgery. Long-term neurologic sequelae are difficult to tudy, but perioperative deficits are now recognized as an ndependent risk factor for poor neurodevelopmental outcome t 1 and 4 years after CPB in children.9,10 The incidence and risk of cerebral injury during cardiac urgery in children are influenced by many factors including he underlying congenital heart defect, type of surgery, perfus
First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot on Cichorium intybus Caused by Pseudomonas cichorii in Florida

Italian dandelion (Cichorium intybus L.) is a leafy chicory plant grown as a fresh vegetable in salads. In August 2011, necrotic lesions were observed on leaves of about 20% of the Italian dandelion plants in an experimental field at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) of the University of Florida in Homestead, FL. The lesions were dark brown with a yellow halo and most were irregular in shape. Some lesions formed along the leaf edge and developed into large lesions up to 20 to 30 mm long. Symptomatic leaf tissues were cut into small pieces (2 to 3 mm), sterilized in 10% Clorox (0.6% sodium hypochlorite) for 2 min following surface disinfection in 70% ethanol for 30 s, placed on nutrient agar (NA), and incubated at 28°C in the dark for 4 to 5 days. A bacterium was consistently isolated from the leaf lesions. Colonies of these bacteria were raised, opaque, and round with a slightly irregular, colorless margin while the center was light brown. The colonies were gram-negative with yellow fluorescence appearance on Pseudomonas F agar (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Sparks, MD). LOPAT tests were carried out to further identify the species of this fluorescent pseudomonad (2). The bacterium was levan negative, oxidase positive, potato rot negative, arginine dihydrolase negative, and tobacco hypersensitivity positive. Results from this test indicated that the bacterium belongs to LOPAT group III of fluorescent pseudomonads. Bacterial identity was further confirmed as Pseudomonas cichorii by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene with the universal bacterial primers 8F and 1492R (1) and sequence analysis (GenBank Accession No. KC311733). The partial 1,361-bp 16S rRNA gene sequences had 100% identity with P. cichorii (JF951725.1), which was isolated from infected soybean plants. Pathogenicity of the isolate was tested twice by spraying a suspension of the bacterium (107 CFU/ml) onto three 4-week-old plants until runoff. The control plants were sprayed with sterile distilled water. All plants were covered with plastic bags to maintain moisture for 48 h in an air-conditioned greenhouse (22 ± 1°C). Similar lesions were observed on the inoculated plant leaves 5 to 7 days after inoculation, whereas no lesions were developed on the control plants. Bacterial colonies with same morphology were recovered from the lesions, fulfilling Koch's postulates. P. cichorii is widespread worldwide with an important economic impact on celery, chrysanthemum, and lettuce. In South Florida, P. cichorii was reported as the causal agent of bacterial leaf spot on escarole (Cichorium endivia L.) (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial leaf spot on Italian dandelion caused by P. cichorii in Florida. References: (1) J. P. Galkiewicz and C. A. Kellogg. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 74:7828, 2008. (2) T. Goszczynska et al. Introduction to Practical Phytobacteriology. Isteg Scientific Publications, Irene, South Africa, 2000. (3) K. Pernezny and R. N. Raid. Plant Dis. 85:1208, 2001.
Principle and design of a dynamic neural network for efficient and accurate recognition of a time-varying object based on its static patterns and its dynamic pattern variations

Based on our research in the last 17 years (with 68 papers published) on the subject of artificial neural network studied from the point of view of N-dimension geometry, a novel neural network system, the dynamic neural network, is proposed here for detecting an unknown moving (or time-varying) object such that the object will not only be detected by its static images, but also by the way it moves if this object follows a constant moving pattern. The system is designed to identify the unknown object by comparing a few time-separated snapshots of the object to a few standard moving objects learned or memorized in the system. The identification is determined by a user entered accuracy control. It could be very accurate, yet still be quite robust and quite fast in identification (e.g., identification in real-time) because of the simplicity of the algorithm. It is different from most other neural network systems because it employs the ND geometrical concept.
Receptive field properties of simple and complex striate neurons in Siamese cats.

Responses of striate cortical cells in Midwestern Siamese cats to moving slits and stationary flashed spots were recorded and compared to similar data in common cat controls obtained under identical experimental conditions. Over 90% of the neurons sampled had receptive fields within 10° of the area centralis. The proportion of binocularly excited cells in Siamese striate cortex was less than that found in the control cats, but more than has previously been reported, and was inversely related to the extent of convergent misalignment exhibited by each animal. Those striate neurons which could be driven by either eye had normal binocular receptive fields and demonstrated normal binocular interaction effects except facilitation. Receptive field dimensions (length, width, area) were significantly larger in Siamese than in common cats. For the simple cells, strabismic Siamese cats had larger receptive fields than orthophoric Siamese cats. Average spontaneous activity in Siamese cats was significantly higher than in the controls. However, similar encounter rates of simple, complex, and hypercomplex units were observed in both Siamese and common cats, and peak responses were not different. Velocity preference in complex Siamese units was shifted to slower velocities compared to common cat complex cells. A loss of direction selectivity was also revealed in the Siamese simple and complex neurons. Finally, sharpness of orientation tuning was dramatically reduced in Siamese complex cells, and this reduction was directly related to the extent of convergent squint exhibited by each animal. The results are discussed in terms of developmental anomalies and neurophysiological retinal abnormalities in Siamese cats.
Finite element analysis of flow, heat transfer, and free interfaces in an electron‐beam vaporization system for metals

A numerical analysis is made of the liquid flow and energy transport in a system to evaporate metals. The energy from an electron-beam heats an axisymmetric metal disk supported by a water-cooled platform. Metal evaporates from the surface of a hot pool of liquid which is surrounded by a shell of its own solid. Flow in the pool is strongly driven by temperature-induced buoyancy and capillary forces, and is located in the transition region between laminar and turbulent flow. The evaporation rate is strongly influenced by the locations of the free boundaries. A modified finite element method is used to calculate the steady state flow and temperature fields coupled with the interface locations. The mesh is structured with spines that stretch and pivot as the interfaces move. The discretized equations are arranged in an ‘arrow’ matrix and are solved using the Newton–Raphson method. The electron-beam power and platform contact resistance are varied for cases involving the evaporation of aluminum. The results reveal the interaction of liquid flow, heat transfer and free interfaces. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis and no prior history of diabetes.

Objective To determine the prevalence of abnormalities of glucose metabolism in pediatric outpatients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Study design Children and adolescents (n = 73, mean age 15.0 ± 3.7 years) with CF not previously diagnosed with diabetes underwent 3-hour oral glucose tolerance testing. All subjects with CF were clinically stable and were not being treated for active infection. A reference group of young lean adults was used for comparison. Subjects were classified as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM), including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or diabetes, by standard criteria. The insulinogenic index was calculated as a measure of β-cell function, and insulin resistance was estimated with the homeostatic model assessment. Results The reference group was significantly older than the patients with CF, but in the control subjects, the AGM and NGT were comparable in body mass index z-scores (−0.8 ± 1.3, −0.6 ± 1.1, −0.21 ± 0.9 kg/m 2 ). Thirty-eight percent of subjects with CF had AGM: 43% IGT, 29% IFG, 14% IGT/IFG, and 14% diabetes. In spite of distinct differences in glycemic response, the subjects with NGT and AGM had marked abnormalities of insulin secretion relative to the control subjects (Insulinogenic index 5.8 ± 1.0, 5.3 ± 0.8, and 53.5 ± 10.0 uU/mL/mmol/L, respectively; P P = NS). Conclusion Abnormalities in glucose metabolism are frequent in young patients with CF without a prior diagnosis of diabetes and are associated with marked defects in insulin secretion. Given the poor β-cell function in patients with CF, even small reductions in insulin sensitivity may be an important determinant of AGM.
Exponential gradient maker using a disposable syringe

With a simple modification, any disposable syringe can become a reliable and easy to use exponential gradient maker. The modification consists of two notches, made with a razor blade, in the borders of the rubber sealing tip of the plunger. A clamp in the tube connected to the syringe allows control over solution flow. With the clamp prohibiting drainage, the body of the syringe is filled with the desired volume of starting solution I. A magnetic stir bar, small enough to spin inside the syringe is included. The notched plunger is introduced until no air space remains. This forms the fixed volume, closed mixing chamber, while the rest of the volume of the syringe forms the open chamber. The two chambers are connected through the notches in the plunger. The ending solution II is poured after the introduction of the plunger. Opening the clamp allows solution I in the closed chamber to flow out, and the solution II in the open chamber flows through the notches and mixes with solution I. This exponential gradient maker can be reused many times, but the low cost of the components makes it potentially disposable. This feature is especially useful when using toxic chemicals, or when pouring polyacrylamide gradient gels, since the apparatus may be disposed of after contamination or eventual polymerization.
Solvent Shifts and Signal Enhancement in Electronic Spectroscopy: The Influence of Hexamethyldisiloxane on the UV-Visible and Fluorescence Spectra of Selected Herbicides

Abstract Hexamethyldisiloxane [HMDS, (Me 3 Si) 2 O] has been found to be a useful solvent modifier for analytical studies of certain herbicides which contain aromatic rings. This solvent causes large bathochromic shifts in the π→π* bands relative to nonpolar solvents such as hexane. In the specific case of trifluralin this leads to a significant signal enhancement at 254 nm. Potential value for the analysis of herbicides by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is discussed.
Human β-glucuronidase. Studies on the effects of pH and bile acids in regard to its role in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis

Abstract Human bile contains a considerable amount of endogenous β-glucuronidase. The effects of pH and bile acids on its activity have been studied in regard to its role in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis. β-Glucuronidase, purified from human liver to homogeneity, was structurally stable between pH 4 and 10, but was active only over a much narrower range of pH, with a pH optimum of 5.2. The inactivaton below pH 4 was due to its irreversible denaturation, whereas the inactivation at higher pH was due to a true reversible pH effect on the enzyme velocity. Kinetic studies revealed that hydrogen ion acted as a substrate-directed activator of the free enzyme, but not the enzyme-substrate complex, with a molecular dissociation constant of 4 · 10 −6 . The enzyme activity was not affected by unconjugated bile acids, primarily due to their extremely low water solubility. Conjugated bile acids, on the other hand, exerted heterogeneous and pH-dependent effects on the enzyme. At pH 5.2, taurocholic acid and glycocholic acid were substrate-directed activators of the enzyme; taurochenodeoxycholic acid and taurodeoxycholic acid, competitive inhibitors; and glycochenodeoxycholic acid and glycodeoxycholic acid, mixed inhibitors. At pH 7.0 all taurine and glycine conjugates behaved as substrate-directed activators. Though β-glucuronidase activity at pH 7 was only 23% of its maximal activity at pH 5.2, conjugated bile acids tended to restore its activity to a certain extent at pH 7. Thus, endogenous β-glucuronidase could play a significant role in pigment cholelithiasis.
Ionization of excited xenon atoms by electrons

Measured cross sections for electron-impact ionization of excited Xe atoms are not presently available. Therefore, we combine in this work the formalisms of the binary encounter approximation and Sommerfeld's quantization of atomic orbits and derive from first-principles cross sections for ionization of excited atoms by electrons of low and moderate energies (up to a few hundred eV). The approach of this work can be used to calculate the cross sections for electron-impact ionization of excited atoms and atomic ions other than xenon.
Symptoms and quality of life in diverse patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Context Symptoms and quality of life (QOL) are critically important in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, few studies have examined these factors by transplant type among diverse cultures.
Marginal leakage of visible light-cured composite resin restorations

In 1972, an ultraviolet light to polymerize a composite resin was introduced to the dental profession. The light-activated resins provided advantages to the practicing dentist. Working time was almost unlimited, curing time was short, and the set material attained its final physical properties almost immediately. With the introduction of preactivated paste systems, no mixing was necessary; hence no air was incorporated into the resin during mixing.' The introduction of ultraviolet light raised the question of the potential biologic risk associated with its clinical use. 2,3 More recently, manufacturers have marketed visible light-curing resins, apparently to minimize the potential biologic risk of the ultraviolet systems. The advantages in clinical use are essentially the same as those of the ultraviolet light-cured systems. The visible light-curing systems will polymerize both conventional and microfilled composite resins. Several studies have reported the marginal leakage of conventional and microfilled self-curing composite resins. 4-6 In addition, a study specifically dealing with the marginal leakage of an ultraviolet light-activated resin system has been published. 7 In this study, the marginal leakage of several commercially available visible lightcured composite resin materials was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS The composite resins selected for study were Heliosit (Vivadent USA, Tonawanda, N.Y.) and Visio-Dispers (ESPE/Premier, Norristown, Pa.), both visible lightcured microfilled composite resins; Prisma-Fil, (L. D. Caulk Co., Milford, Del.), a small-particle conventional composite resin; and and Visar-Fil (Den-Mat, Inc., Santa Maria, Calif.), a composite resin with both conventional and microfilled particles. In addition, two chemically cured composite resins were evaluated: Profile (S. S. White Dental Products International, Philadelphia, Pa.), a small-particle conventional composite
Size and Diet in the Evolution of African Ape Craniodental Form

Interspecific differences in craniodental morphology among Pan paniscus, Pan troglodytes, and Gorilla gorilla are analyzed. These apes differ in both diet and bod
Modefying a Carter Flail Forage Harvester to Stabilize the Weighing System

The single bending-beam load-cell weigh system that is standard equipment on a Carter flail forage harvester allows the forage collection weigh basket to pitch and sway. This movement can allow some forage to be lost when it is blown past the basket. In addition, this movement requires additional time for the basket to stabilize at the end of each plot before a weight can be recorded. A specialized frame with three bending-beam load cells was designed and constructed to restrict movement of and to support the forage collection weigh basket. Total cost of materials for this modification was about $750. The modifications can be completed with normal shop tools and are readily interfaced with standard equipment on the Carter harvester. The modified support bracket and weigh system performed well, harvesting nearly 10000 forage plots annually. Compared with the single bending-beam load cell weigh system, the modified support bracket and weigh system reduced pitch and sway of the forage collection weigh basket, was equally precise, and required an average of 7 s less for the basket to stabilize at the end of each plot.
Photon number squeezing in the normal dispersion regime

Summary form only given. We have experimentally demonstrated a practical possibility of producing amplitude-squeezed light in a non-soliton regime and measured 1.7 +/- 0.1 dB using a highly asymmetric Sagnac interferometer geometry.
If It Were Not for the Dean, I Would Have Done More: Reflections on the Contributions of Martin Wobst

This brief paper offers several observations on the contributions of Martin Wobst to the practice of anthropological archaeology as framed by personal perspective and with reference to some of the other articles in this issue.
Avian medullary bone in organ culture: effects of vitamin D metabolites on collagen synthesis.

A new organ culture system for the study of bone metabolism has been developed using chicken medullary bone. The presence of viable bone cells in culture was demonstrated by histological and histochemical techniques. Incorporation of3H-proline into collagenase-digestible protein (CDP) and noncollagen protein (NCP) was determined using purified bacterial collagenase. Collagen accounted for approximately 10–15% of the total protein labeled. The addition of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25 (OH)2D3) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of3H-proline incorporation into CDP at doses from 10−10M to 10−7M, with maximal suppression reaching 30% of control. The effect was specific for collagen, since3H-proline incorporation into NCP was unaffected. Hydroxyproline analysis of bone explants and culture medium revealed a 1,25(OH)2D3-induced decrease in the3H-hydroxyproline content of the system (bone + medium), suggesting that the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 is due to inhibition of collagen synthesis rather than enhanced collagen degradation, impaiored incorporation of collagen into bone matrix, or bone resorption Medullary bone collagen synthesis was not affected by 24,25(OH)2D3, either alone or in combination with 1,25(OH)2D3. Structure-activity studies of vitamin D metabolites showed that 1,25(OH)2D3 and 1,24,25(OH)3D3 were the most potent metabolites tested, followed by 1-alpha(OH)D3. 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 had no effect at concentrations as high as 10−7M. These results indicate a possible role for vitamin D in the regulation of medullary bone formation during the reproductive cycle of the egg-laying hen, and suggest the potential utility of medullary bone as anin vitro model for the study of bone formation
Standard EMC Cable Parameter Measurements

A methodology and technical approach are presented as a point of departure for the development of a standard to measure the performance of shielded cables. An attractive approach would be to measure by standard procedures the basic parameters which control emanation or penetration. Such parameters include the sheath current transfer impedance and cylindrical shield open-wire pair equivalent. The basis for these parameters are developed and experimental methods to measure these key factors are presented.
Shock Waves in Charged Particle-Gas Mixtures

As shown by curve f) in Fig. 1 the removal of the blade between the high and low energy channel [scheme f) in Fig. 2] ruins the diffuser performance. Noteworthy in this case is that the kinetic energy peak moves to the channel next to the combined channels. The promixity of the peak kinetic energy to the channel with the lowest energy seems to be an inherent feature of a bladed diffuser system as shown here. The present dififuser tests show that for supersonic diffusers with high aspect ratio rectangular cross sections, energy redistribution by means of an internal blade system has a very beneficial effect on the diffusion process. Internal redistribution of kinetic energy might also be applicable in cases where a supersonic diffuser is subdivided into cells to shorten its length. In this case dififuser cells located at the periphery may have to ingest the heavy boundary layer of an approach duct. These disadvantaged cells could possibly be energized by internal injection as shown in the present tests in an elemental way.
Buckling of Rectangular Orthotropic Plates Under Biaxial Loading

Simply supported edge conditions are considered, for which the buckling modes consist of integer numbers of half sine waves in the two perpendicular directions. This note con siders the usual design case of specified load ratios. The lowest buckling mode in biaxial compression is shown to have a single half wave in an effectively short direction, or in both directions if the plate is effectively nearly square. The tension/compression case has a single half wave in the tension direction. The number of multiple half waves can be ap proximately determined to minimize numerical search computations.
A vaersatile chopper-stabilized rail-to-rail operational amplifier

This paper presents the design and measured results of a low power high bandwidth versatile rail-to-rail input/output chopper-stabilized amplifier. The core of the amplifier is a folded-cascode OTA, with complementary input pairs for rail-to-rail input capability, a push-pull class-AB output stage is used to provide rail-to-rail output capability. The design also uses complementary current-mirrors and cascode miller compensation, which result in smaller compensation capacitor value and better high-frequency PSRR performance. Choppers at low-impedance nodes are used to further reduce the input referred offset and noise.