cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing anthropogenic risk to sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) for reintroduction into San Francisco Bay

Southern sea otters have been actively managed for their conservation and recovery since listing on the federal Endangered Species Act in 1977. Still, they remain constrained to a geographically small area on the central coast of California relative to their former coast-wide range, with population numbers far below those of the estimated optimal sustainable population size. Species managers have discussed reintroducing southern sea otters into parts of their historic range to facilitate sustained population growth and geographic range expansion. San Francisco Bay (SFB), historically home to several thousand sea otters, is one location identified as a candidate release site for these reintroductions. The return of sea otters to SFB could bring benefits to local ecosystem restoration and tourism, in addition to spurring sea otter population growth to meet recovery goals. However, this is a highly urbanized estuary, so sea otters could also be exposed to serious anthropogenic threats that would challenge a successful reintroduction. In light of these potential detriments we performed a spatially-explicit risk assessment to analyze the suitability of SFB for southern sea otter reintroduction. We looked at threats to sea otters specific to SFB, including: the impacts of vessel traffic from commercial shipping, high-speed ferries, and recreational vessels; environmental contaminants of methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls; major oil spills; and commercial fishing. Factors that influenced the relative threat imposed by each stressor included the spatio-temporal extent and intensity of the stressor and its mitigation potential. Our analysis revealed the complex spatial and temporal variation in risk distribution across the SFB. The type and magnitude of anthropogenic risk was not uniformly distributed across the study area. For example, the central SFB housed the greatest cumulative risk, where a high degree of vessel traffic and other stressors occurred in conjunction. The individual stressors that contributed to this risk score varied across different parts of the study area as well. Whereas vessel traffic, particularly of fast ferries, was a high scoring risk factor in in the north and central bay, in the south bay it was environmental contaminants that caused greater risk potential. To help identify areas within the study area that managers might want to target for release efforts, the spatially-explicit risk map revealed pockets of SFB that could provide both suitable habitat and relatively low overall risk. However in some cases these were adjacent or in close proximity to identified high-risk portions of habitat in SFB. This predictive suitability and risk assessment can be used by managers to consider the spatial distribution of potential threats, and risk abatement that may be necessary for sea otters to re-occupy their historic home range in SFB.
Price Effects of Non-Traditionally Broker-Marketed Properties

This study investigates whether or not non-traditional marketing has an affect on the prices paid for residential real estate. Non-traditionally broker-marketed properties are defined as those properties that are sold with the aid of a real estate broker, but not marketed through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). An analysis of properties that sold in this fashion offers further insight into the intermediation role of the real estate broker, as well as an opportunity to further investigate the efficiency of residential real estate markets. Specifically, we can assess whether MLS participation generates higher prices by determining whether like-kind properties price equivalently despite differences in their mode of marketing. The results show a significant and positive impact by non-traditionally broker-marketed properties on property price suggesting, for this sample, a premium of over 6% compared to like-kind properties marketed through the MLS. This premium may be a result of brokers intermediating a better matching of buyers and sellers. The observed premium also suggests a degree of market inefficiency.
The Role of Academic Deans as Entrepreneurial Leaders in Higher Education Institutions

To help address enrollment and financial challenges institutions of higher learning may benefit by having a better understanding of entrepreneurial leadership orientations, or skills, of academic deans. This study revealed several significant correlations between the self-reported entrepreneurial orientations of academic deans in upstate New York, working in independent colleges and universities, and certain demographic characteristics of their positions. Academic deans reported “team builder” and “proactive” as their two highest ranked, self-reported entrepreneurial characteristics, while “risk taking” was ranked as the lowest characteristic. The results indicated a significant correlation between certain variables applicable to academic deans’ positions, such as years of experience and job expectations, with the self-reported entrepreneurial orientations of such deans.
Evaluation of toluene and acetone inhalant abuse. I. Pharmacology and pharmacodynamics.

Abstract The pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic properties of inhaled toluene and acetone were evaluated under exposure conditions typical of solvent abuse episodes. Male mice and rats were exposed for varying periods of time to vapor levels ranging from 2,600 to 12,000 ppm toluene and 12,600 to 50,600 ppm acetone. A battery of simple tests of unconditioned performance and reflexes was used as a measure of CNS depression, or narcosis. The animals were tested at intervals during and after solvent exposures to evaluate induction of and recovery from CNS depression. Toluene was a more potent and rapidly acting narcotic than acetone, though toluene had a very short duration of action. Animals which inhaled 12,000 ppm toluene for 5 min exhibited marked depression, but recovered fully after breathing fresh air for 10 min. Animals inhaling a comparable vapor level of acetone took 9 hr to recover. Concentrations of toluene were monitored in the blood, liver, and brain during and after inhalation sessions. Although the highest degree of correlation was consistently seen between the extent of CNS depression and brain toluene concentrations, blood levels were also a reliable index of the depth of narcosis. Measurement of the concentration of toluene vapor in sc air blebs proved to be a potentially valuable, noninvasive technique for estimating body burdens of the chemical during ongoing exposures.
Characterizations of some restricted spiking neural p systems

A k-output spiking neural P system (SNP) with output neurons, O1, ⋯, Ok, generates a tuple (n1, ⋯, nk) of positive integers if, starting from the initial configuration, there is a sequence of steps such that during the computation, each Oi generates exactly two spikes a a (the times the pair a a are generated may be different for different output neurons) and the time interval between the first a and the second a is ni. After the output neurons have generated their pairs of spikes, the system eventually halts. Another model, called k-train SNP, has only one output neuron. It generates a k-tuple (n1, ⋯, nk) if, starting from the initial configuration, the output neuron O generates the spike train aa ⋯a with exactly k+1 a's such that the interval between the itha and the i+1sta is ni, and the system eventually halts. We assume, without loss of generality, that each neuron in the SNP is either bounded or unbounded. (Bounded here means that there is a fixed constant c such that at any time during the computation, the number of spikes in the neuron is at most c. Otherwise, the neuron is unbounded.) It is known that 1-output SNPs (= 1-train SNPs) are universal, i.e., they generate exactly the recursively enumerable sets over N. Here, we show the following: 1. For k ≥1, a set Q⊆Nk is semilinear if and only if it can be generated by a k-output SNP, where every unbounded neuron satisfies the property that once it starts “spiking” it will no longer receive future spikes (but can continue spiking). This result also holds for k-train SNP. 2. The set Q = {(m,2m) | m ≥1} (which is semilinear) cannot be generated by any 2-output bounded SNP (i.e., SNP all of whose neurons are bounded). Thus, for k ≥2, there are semilinear sets over Nk that cannot be generated by k-output bounded SNPs. This contrasts a known result that 1-output bounded SNPs generate all semilinear sets over N. 3. For k ≥2, k-output bounded SNPs are computationally more powerful than k-train bounded SNPs. (They are identical when k=1.) 4. For k ≥1, k-output bounded SNPs and k-train bounded SNPs can be characterized by certain classes of nondeterministic finite automata with strictly monotonic counters.
Controlled reshaping of nerve geometry

The purpose of this study is the development of a nerve electrode that reshapes nerve geometry slowly and controllably. The flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) can reshape the nerve into an elongated oval and provide selective stimulation. However, the FINE'S ability to reshape nerve geometry quickly may cause acute nerve insult. The slowly closing flat interface nerve electrode (SC-FINE) is designed to increase the opening height to accommodate the nerve and initial swelling. Moreover, the SC-FINE controls the reshaping period to alleviate nerve compression injury. The SC-FINE is manufactured by combining the reshaping properties of the FINE and the controllable degradation of poly (DL lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). Bonding 50/50 or 65/35 PLGA to a stretched FINE increased the opening heights on average from .1 mm to 1.66 /spl plusmn/ 0.45 mm and 2.05 /spl plusmn/ 0.55 mm respectively. The addition of PLGA films controls the time course of closure over a period of 16 /spl plusmn/ 1 days and 14 to 16 hours for the 50/50 and 65/35 SC-FINEs respectively in vitro. An in vivo chronic experiment using 50/50 SC-FINEs implanted in 28 rats with an average opening height of 1.87 /spl plusmn/ 0.34 mm show that the reshaping periods in vivo are in vitro are similar.
Tidal Interaction of Small Satellite Galaxies with Spiral Primaries

We discuss the usefulness of few-body test particle simulations of the effects of small companions on spiral galaxies via two nearby, well-observed examples, M31 and our galaxy. The effects of the primary on the small companions are also discussed. Discreprencies between the best simulations and observations of some close satellites will pointed out. An old puzzle in extragalactic astronomy, the Holmberg asymmetry, is analyzed. The asymmetry, a tendency of normal satellites to avoid the spiral disk plane, could be explained in part by tidal decay of satellites caused by the disk. We compare self-gravitating and non-self-gravitating computer simulations of disk drag. Observations that high surface brightness compact galaxies are preferentially found near disk planes are used to show that the Holmberg asymmetry may also be caused by tidal effects on satellites crossing the disk at shallow angles. The additional effect of spurs created in the disk by small companions will be described. Companions that do not cross the disk at too steep an angle will have their orbits brought into the disk via tidal effects. The satellite of the Andromeda Galaxy, M32, is discussed as a nearby well-observed example of a disk-affected galaxy. Effects of small companions on the spiral arm pattern of disk galaxies are discussed.
Spectral-line sky surveys from the NASA-JPL SETI project

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (California Institute of Technology) has recently begun preparations for a modest SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) project at radio wavelengths. The proposed project is two-fold: (1) to search the entire sky visible from Goldstone, California (site of one of the NASA Deep Space Network Stations), i.e. that north of δ ∼ −30°, at all frequencies between 1 and 24 GHz using a horn receiver and (2) to carry out a more sensitive sky search at a few selected frequency bands, using dedicated 26 and 10m antennas. The search will be for signals of the type unlikely to be produced by natural causes, e.g. narrow spikes in frequency space. The basic rationale behind this search is discussed by Murray, Gulkis and Edelson (1978).
"There Is a Lot of Junk on the Web!": Using Web Site Evaluation in an Introductory Religion Course

This essay describes a web site evaluation project which served as the final assignment for an undergraduate “Introduction to Religion” course. The essay discusses lessons learned from the design and implementation of this web-based research assignment over three consecutive semesters. It includes insights from an instructor and a reference librarian who collaborated on this project.
★Model Order Reduction for Magneto-Quasistatic Equations★

Abstract We consider model reduction of Maxwell's equations arising in magneto-quasistatic problems. A finite element discretization of such equations leads to large-scale differential- algebraic equations of special structure. For model reduction of linear systems, we employ a balanced truncation approach, whereas nonlinear systems are reduced using a proper orthogonal decomposition method combined with a discrete empirical interpolation technique. We will exploit the special structure of the underlying problem to improve the performance of the model reduction algorithms.
Early Postnatal Nutrition Determines Adult Pancreatic Glucose-Responsive Insulin Secretion and Islet Gene Expression in Rats

Human epidemiologic and experimental animal studies suggest strongly that prenatal and early postnatal nutrition influence adult susceptibility to diet-related chronic disease. To elucidate biologic mechanisms linking divergent early nutritional sufficiency to adult insulin axis function in an animal model of "metabolic imprinting," this research focused on the following two objectives: 1) identify a tissue responsible for effect persistence, and 2) identify genes showing sustained differential expression in that tissue. Newborn rats were assigned randomly to small (SL), control (C) or large litters (LL) until weaning. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were conducted directly after weaning (age 26 d) and in adulthood (ages 110 and 255 d). Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets was assessed at those ages. DNA microarrays were used to identify genes showing persistent between-group differential expression in isolated islets. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests suggested persistently reduced pancreatic glucose-responsiveness in SL and LL rats. Insulin tolerance tests showed no group differences in whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. These data support the hypothesis that the endocrine pancreas contributes to primary imprinting in this model. Persistent defects in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets also supported this hypothesis but only in SL rats. Of 13 named islet genes showing SL vs. C differential expression at age 26 d, 10 remained differentially expressed at age 110 d. These data indicate that the endocrine pancreas plays a primary role in the putative metabolic imprinting mechanism in SL rats.
Suppression of Endothelin-1 Production in Cultured Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Heparin Fractions Separated by Strong Anion Exchange Chromatography

Heparin has been shown to lower the production/secretion of the vasoconstrictive peptide endothelin-1. Endothelin-1 production is stimulated by thrombin, and it has been proposed that heparin binds to the anion-binding exosite of thrombin, preventing it from stimulating endothelin-1 production. To further test this proposal, heparin was fractionated by strong anion exchange chromatography (QAE-Sephadex A-25) into four fractions. These fractions had anticoagulant activities that increased linearly with charge, as defined by the median salt concentration needed for elution from the column. The fractions also differed in the total number of sulfates per mole of heparin, which was dependent on the molecular mass of the fractions rather than charge density. The fractions were found to significantly differ fron each other in their ability to suppress endothelin-1 production. The fraction eluting from the ion exchange column at the highest salt concentration had the greatest suppressive effect. Addition of sodium or potassium chloride to the media interfered with the ET-1 suppressive effect of unfractionated heparin, whereas lithium chloride had no effect. These data show that charge interactions between heparin and thrombin may be important in regulating the production of endothelin-1 and in regulating other thrombin-dependent functions.
Kinetics of the chloride-induced oxidation ofiron at 300°C*

Iron was oxidized at 300°C in the presence of solutions containing chloride and/or iron(II) ions, but in the absence of oxygen. The oxidation reaction, 3Fe+4H2O→Fe3O4+4H2ΔG300°C=−10·3kcal/moleFe3O4, was conveniently studied by the hydrogen-effusion method7 which determines the rate at which hydrogen is evolved. The electrolytes in solution affect the reaction rate and except for iron(II) do not enter into the final reaction products. The generally accepted concept that chloride ions accelerate the oxidation or iron was not experimentally verified. It was found that, in addition to chloride ions, the system must contain iron(II) ions. An empirical equation has been derived that describes the extent of iron oxidation, W, with time, t, as a function of the iron(II) chloride (molar) concentration, viz. W=alog⁡(bt+1)+k′[Fe2+]1/2[Cl−]1/2t where a and b are adjustable parameters, k' the kinetic rate constant for the steady state condition of constant oxidation rate. The first term, the log term, has been described11,12 as an oxidation mechanism wherein an oxide film, containing pores that are continuously being filled and regenerated, influences the reaction rate. Magnetite or Fe3O4 is deposited as a tightly adherent crystalline film at the metal/solution interface and apparently also quenches the reaction rate by serving as a physical barrier. The differential with respect to time of the second term of equation (2) has been reported23 as describing a rate mechanism that is proceeding under the diffusive control of ions migrating across the Nernst boundary layers of anodic and cathodic regions of an oxide-free metal/solution interface.
Pitch, roll, and yaw variations in patient positioning.

Purpose: To use pretreatment megavoltage-computed tomography (MVCT) scans to evaluate positioning variations in pitch, roll, and yaw for patients treated with helical tomotherapy. Methods and Materials: Twenty prostate and 15 head-and-neck cancer patients were selected. Pretreatment MVCT scans were performed before every treatment fraction and automatically registered to planning kilovoltage CT (KVCT) scans by bony landmarks. Image registration data were used to adjust patient setups before treatment. Corrections for pitch, roll, and yaw were recorded after bone registration, and data from fractions 1–5 and 16–20 were used to analyze mean rotational corrections. Results: For prostate patients, the means and standard deviations (in degrees) for pitch, roll, and yaw corrections were −0.60 ± 1.42, 0.66 ± 1.22, and −0.33 ± 0.83. In head-and-neck patients, the means and standard deviations (in degrees) were −0.24 ± 1.19, −0.12 ± 1.53, and 0.25 ± 1.42 for pitch, roll, and yaw, respectively. No significant difference in rotational variations was observed between Weeks 1 and 4 of treatment. Head-and-neck patients had significantly smaller pitch variation, but significantly larger yaw variation, than prostate patients. No difference was found in roll corrections between the two groups. Overall, 96.6% of the rotational corrections were less than 4°. Conclusions: The initial rotational setup errors for prostate and head-and-neck patients were all small in magnitude, statistically significant, but did not vary considerably during the course of radiotherapy. The data are relevant to couch hardware design for correcting rotational setup variations. There should be no theoretical difference between these data and data collected using cone beam KVCT on conventional linacs.
Soft Elastomeric Capacitor Network for Strain Sensing Over Large Surfaces

Field applications of existing sensing solutions to structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil structures are limited. This is due to economical and/or technical challenges in deploying existing sensing solutions to monitor geometrically large systems. To realize the full potential of SHM solutions, it is imperative to develop scalable cost-effective sensing strategies. We present a novel sensor network specifically designed for strain sensing over large surfaces. The network consists of soft elastomeric capacitors (SECs) deployed in an array form. Each SEC acts as a surface strain gage transducing local strain into changes in capacitance. Results show that the sensor network can track strain history above levels of 25 μe using an inexpensive off-the-shelf data acquisition system. Tests at large strains show that the sensor's sensitivity is almost linear over strain levels of 0-20%. We demonstrate that it is possible to reconstruct deflection shapes for a simply supported beam subjected to quasi-static loads, with accuracy comparable to resistive strain gages.
The use and misuse of psychometric models.

The purpose of our paper entitled Hierarchical Diagnostic Classification Models: A Family of Models for Estimating and Testing Attribute Hierarchies (Templin & Bradshaw, 2014) was two-fold: to create a psychometric model and framework that would enable attribute hierarchies to be parameterized as dependent binary latent traits, and to formulate an empirically driven hypothesis test for the purpose of falsifying proposed attribute hierarchies. The methodological contributions of this paper were motivated by a curious result in the analysis of a real data set using the log-linear cognitive diagnosis model, or LCDM (Henson, Templin, & Willse, 2009). In the analysis of the Examination for Certification of Proficiency in English (ECPE; Templin & Hoffman, 2013), results indicated that few, if any, examinees were classified into four of the possible eight attribute profiles that are hypothesized in the LCDM for a test of three binary latent attributes. Further, when considering the four profiles lacking examinees, it appeared that some attributes must be mastered before others, suggesting what is commonly called an attribute hierarchy (e.g., Leighton, Gierl, & Hunka, 2004). Although the data analysis alerted us to the notion that such a data structure might be present, we lacked the methodological tools to falsify the presence of such an attribute hierarchy. As such, we developed the Hierarchical Diagnostic Classification Model, or HDCM, in an attempt to fill the need for such tools. We note that the driving force behind the HDCM is one of seeking a simpler, or more parsimonious, solution when model data misfit is either evident from LCDM results or implied by the hypothesized theories underlying the assessed constructs. As a consequence of the ECPE data results, we worked to develop a more broadly defined set of models that would allow for empirical evaluation of hypothesized attribute hierarchies. We felt our work was timely, as a number of methods, both new and old, are now using implied attribute hierarchies to assess examinees in many large scale analyses—from so-called intelligent tutoring systems (e.g., Cen, Koedinger, & Junker, 2006) to large scale state assessment systems for alternative assessments using instructionally imbedded items (e.g. the Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment System Consortium Grant, 2010–2015). Moreover, such large scale analyses are based on tremendously large data sets, many of which simply cannot fit with the types of (mainly unidimensional) models often used in current large scale testing situations. Furthermore, newly developed standards in education have incorporated ideas of learning progressions which indirectly imply the existence of hierarchically structured attributes (e.g., Progressions for the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, Common Core State Standards Writing Team, 2012). In short, the current and
Ratios of niobium-95 to zirconium-95 in over-ocean fallout.

ZIRCONIUM-95 and niobium-95 have been measured in a series of Atlantic over-ocean aerosol samples collected by filtration between January and May 1968. From the ratios of these two nuclides, it can be shown that aerosol samples from latitudes of 0° to 41° N. contained mixtures of fallout from two sources: the Chinese test at Lob Nor on December 24, 19671, and an earlier test, which must have been the Chinese megaton explosion of June 17, 19672. Considerable interest attaches both to the fact that this latter test, which was thought to have introduced most of its fallout relatively high in the stratosphere3, was so consistently and so soon represented in subequatorial over-ocean air, and to the considerable variability seen in the relative contributions of the two sources.
The influence of methylmethacrylate on brain elastic responsein vivo

In controlled experiments in six dogs, we have studied the influence of acrylic cement (applied to the skull) on the mechanical response properties of the brainin vivo. In particular we have been concerned with the brain elastic response which reflects that property of the brain usually referred to by the generic terms “stiff” or “soft.” This response property is directly proportional to the instantaneous elastic modulus, a characteristic response property of viscoelastic materials. As anin vivo response property it was measured as the short-time pressure-depth response using a pressure-depth transducer inserted a short distance (less than 1 mm) into the subpial region, maintaining an intact dura. This quantity was determined before and after the application of the acrylic cement. The results show that the acrylic cement lowered the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure at the cranial vault, increased the depth of the position δ s , which represents substantial brain contact, and increased the brain elastic response.
The influence of dairy and nondairy calcium on subsite large-bowel cancer risk

This prospective study assesses the impact of fat and calcium intake on the risk of developing cancer in each large-bowel subsite. The study population is a cohort of Hawaii Japanese men who experience high rates of colon cancer, especially of the sigmoid segment. Total calcium intake is not related to the risk of colon cancer, and separation of calcium into dairy and nondairy sources does not alter the result. There is, however, a significant, monotonic increase in sigmoid colon cancer risk with decreasing total calcium intake. Similar trends are shown for both dairy and nondairy calcium. Dietary calcium is not consumed in large quantities among the Hawaii Japanese, partly because of their limited consumption of milk due to lactose intolerance. If calcium plays a protective role against sigmoid colon cancer, this effect is unlikely to be related to fat intake. Sigmoid colon cancer subjects had lower intakes of fat than other cohort men, and a statistical test for the interaction effect of total calcium and fat intake on colon cancer risk was statistically insignificant (P = 0.2).
Brillouin-scattering measurements of the acoustic absorption coefficient in liquid CS2

High-resolution Brillouin spectra were recorded for light scattered at small angles from liquid CS2. The use of a single-mode He-Ne laser, locked in frequency to a Fabry-Perot interferometer, permitted measurements of line widths of the order of 10 MHz for frequencies in the range 300-1000 MHz. These measurements extend previous Brillouin line-width measurements at higher frequencies into the region where relaxation effects are dominant and connect the optical measurements with lower-frequency acoustical data.
Percent body fat, fractures and risk of osteoporosis in women.

Globally, in an aging population, osteoporosis and fractures are emerging as major public health problems; accessible and affordable recognition, prevention and treatment strategies are needed. Percent body fat is known to be associated with bone mineral density and fractures. This paper uses an innovative, virtually cost-free method to estimate percent body fat from age, height and weight, and assesses its validity by examining the association between percent body fat and fractures among women 39 and older. An epidemiologic study. 3940 college alumnae, median age 53.6, participated by responding to a mailed questionnaire covering medical history, behavioral factors, birth date, weight and height. T-tests, chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. Percent body fat estimated from age, weight, height and gender. Associations of fractures with percent body fat are expressed as odds ratios: for osteoporotic (wrist, hip and/or x-ray confirmed vertebral), the adjusted OR = 2.41, 95% CI (1.65, 3.54), P<0.0001; for wrist fractures, the adjusted OR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.65, 3.96), P<0.0001; for x-ray confirmed vertebral fractures the adjusted OR = 4.69, 95% CI (2.05, 10.77), P=0.0003).; and for non-osteoporotic, he adjusted OR= 1.00, 95% CI (0.76 1.32), P=0.999. The findings are consistent with methods using DXA and/or other technologies that show percent body fat is associated with fractures of the wrist and vertebrae. Identification of risk factors is necessary for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Estimation of percent body fat from age, height and weight may be a valid, cost-saving, and costeffective alternative tool for screening and assessing risk of osteoporosis in settings where Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or other radiological techniques are too costly or unavailable.
New paradigms for gene transfer: RNA trans-splicing and small interfering RNA as therapeutic strategies

If successful, the sustained and regulated expression of therapeutic proteins secreted from a variety of tissues would revolutionize the medical treatment of hematologic diseases. The current paradigm that has dominated the gene therapy field since its inception has been the transfer of complementary DNAs (cDNAs) that encode for therapeutic proteins. The transfer of cDNAs can only correct autosomal recessive and sex-linked disorders. In most cases, cDNAs are constructed that lack their endogenous regulatory elements and therefore lose their intrinsic regulation of gene expression. In this article we will describe the use of RNA species to either suppress unwanted gene activity or to repair defective genes. Examples of RNA inhibition and repair will be discussed.
Latin Verse Translations of the Psalms 1500–1620

A good example of such a buried and forgotten literary genre is offered by the multitude of metrical Bible translations into Latin that appeared during the I6th century and after a hundred years ceased to exist as abruptly as it had come into being. The great impetus to produce such translations seems to have arisen all over Europe in the late twenties of the 16th century, seems to have reached a climax towards the end of the century and to have subsided during the first decades of the 17th century. Thereafter occasional translations appear, but in the aggregate they have no longer any importance for literary history. The history of metrical Latin Bible translations is really the history of Psalm paraphrases in Latin verse. It is perhaps not fair to compare our Tables I and III, because in compiling Table I the author could rely upon the excellent study of Hugues Vaganay, Les Traductions du Psautier en Vers Latins au XVIe Siecle (Fribourg 1898; hereafter abbr.: V) which complemented the meagre indications of the British Museum Catalog of Printed Books, while Table III had to rely entirely on BMC, yet it is probable that further research would not change the picture significantly. In the measure that new metrical translations of Biblical books other than the Psalter should be discovered, new metrical translations of the Psalter would also come to light. The Psalter has always been the most popular of all Biblical
Development of Onboard Digital Elevation and Relief Databases for ICESat-2

The Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2), the successor mission to ICESat, is planned to launch in 2017. The ICESat-2 spacecraft will carry the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS). ATLAS will be the most precise space-based photon-counting laser altimeter to date, and its measurement strategy requires the development of sophisticated onboard receiver algorithms to ensure success in downlinking the science data in the telemetry and the subsequent development of science data products. A set of databases, the digital elevation model and digital relief map (DRM), has been developed for use in ATLAS onboard signal processing. A number of elevation data sets were combined to create the global elevation and relief databases, and a method for calculating along-track relief from raster elevation data sets was devised. A technique for deriving the accuracy of the DRM relative to the magnitude of relief was developed to inform the selection of DRM margin values.
Decreased cerebrospinal fluid absorption during abdominal insufflation

Background: Intracranial pressure (ICP) is known to rise during induced CO2 pneumoperitoneum. This rise correlates with an increase in inferior vena caval pressure; therefore, it is probably associated with increased pressure in the lumbar venous plexus. Branches of this plexus communicate with arachnoid villi in the lumbar cistern and the dural sleeves of spinal nerve roots—areas where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption to normally takes place. The increased venous pressure in this area may impede CSF absorption. Because CSF is produced at a constant rate, decreased absorption will increase ICP. We hypothesized that increased ICP occurring during abdominal insufflation is due, at least in part, to decreased absorption of CSF. The purpose of this study is to show that CSF absorption is inhibited during abdominal insufflation.
SOUND TRANSMISSION THROUGH ELASTOMERIC BULB SEALS

Abstract The sound barrier performance of elastomeric vehicle weather seals was investigated. Experiments were performed on a single bulb seal specimen using a reverberation room method. The seal wall velocity was measured using a laser Doppler vibrometer. The sound pressure near the velocity measurement location was measured simultaneously, which allowed the sound intensity on both sides of the seal and the sound transmission loss to be determined. The vibration response and the sound transmission loss of the bulb seal were then computed using finite element analysis. Acoustic–structure interactions were considered for a partially coherent spatially distributed pressure excitation. The experimental data obtained using the reverberation room method allowed the validation of the numerical models. The resonance frequency due to the mass–air–mass mode of vibration was accurately predicted. The model was then used to numerically investigate the influence of various design parameters. It was found that the elastic modulus significantly affects the bulb seal resonance frequency, and that the loss factor of the material has major effects on the sound transmission loss around resonance.
Subjective and objective effects of fast and slow compression on the perception of reverberant speech in listeners with hearing loss.

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of fast and slow attack/release times (ATs/RTs) on aided perception of reverberant speech in quiet. Method Thirty listeners with mi...
The effect of heparin and dipyridamole on the deposition of fibrin-like material in rabbits infused with soluble fibrin monomer or fibrinogen.

Abstract 125 I-labelled fibrinogen or fibrin monomer was infused into rabbits treated with saline, heparin or dipyridamole. Serial measurements of radioactivity in blood were performed and the quantity of radioactivity excreted in the urine in 5 1 2 hours was determined. The radioactive material deposited in various organs was measured and characterized. The results indicate that some fibrin-like deposition occurs in fibrinogen infused animals, the amount being unaffected by either heparin or dipyridamole. After FM-infusion, fibrin deposition especially in the spleen was substantially greater, the extent being inhibited by dipyridamole but not by heparin. It is concluded that the deposition of fibrin-like material in organs of animals infused with FM or fibrinogen may occur in the absence of thrombin elaboration. Alternative mechanisms of FM and fibrinogen polymerization are discussed.
A comparison of the LCAO-Xα method with the hartree—fock and multiple-scattering-Xα methods on carbon monoxide

Abstract Much progress has been made in recent years on LCAO methods using the local density functional formalism. This work compares the results of the LCAO-Xα method of Dunlap, based on the Slater Xα exchange potential, to the results of the Hartree—Fock method and the MSXα method. Identical orbital basis sets were used for the LCAO-Xα and LCAO-HF calculations with the outcome that the LCAO-Xα results are close to experimental results for carbon monoxide, with equal or better agreement with experiment than the LCAO-HF results.
Function-Based Behavioral Modeling

Behavioral models, mathematical models of a system’s ability to meet customer needs, are useful evaluation tools throughout the design process of systems. Currently, behavioral modeling is conducted at a component level. The models used to evaluate a system are associated exclusively with the components used to solve a product’s desired functionality. As a result, it is often difficult to create behavioral models during the early stages of design when these component solutions have not been identified. However, during these early stages of design, information about the desired functionality of the system is known. The objective of the work presented in this paper is to develop a method that uses this information, in the form of functional models, as the basis for creating behavioral models. The paper proposes a five step method for creating the behavioral models from the functional model. Significant contributions from the work include reuse of behavioral model elements based on common functionality, swapping of model elements with varying fidelity, a framework for mathematical concept evaluation and selection and the linking of assumptions made during mathematical modeling to their effects on the functionality of the product and vice-versa. Two examples of the method are included, a summary example of a resistor network and a complete example based on the dynamic modeling of a Formula SAE racecar. Conclusions from the work and examples are presented along with areas of future research.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Degradation kinetics of rebaudioside A in various buffer solutions

Summary Rebaudioside A is a noncaloric high-intensity sweetener extracted from Stevia rebaudiana. For it to be used in foods, rebaudioside A needs to be stable during processing and storage. This study evaluated the kinetics of rebaudioside A degradation in 0.02 and 0.1 m citrate and phosphate buffer solutions at pH 3, 5 and 7 stored at 20, 30 and 40 °C for 9 months. At pH 3 and temperatures less than 30 °C, degradation was slow (i.e. less than 6% loss in 6 months) and not affected by buffer type or buffer concentration. At pH 7, the degradation of rebaudioside A increased dramatically in phosphate buffer (losses of up to 25% in 6 months at 30 °C), while remaining relatively slow in citrate buffer (less than 5% loss). The degradation rates at pH 7 increased 2.6 times as the concentration of phosphate buffer increased. For optimum stability of beverages containing rebaudioside A, formulations with lower concentrations of citrate buffer stored at lower temperatures are recommended.
Comparison of the types of mutations induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in the lacI and hprt genes of Big Blue rats.

An important question regarding the use of transgenic reporter genes to detect mutation in rodents is how the types of mutations recovered in transgenes compare with the types of mutations found in endogenous genes. In this study, we examined mutations induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene in the lacl transgene and the endogenous hprt gene of lymphocytes from Big Blue® rats and in the hprt gene of lymphocytes from non-transgenic Fischer 344 rats. The overall mutation profiles found in these genes were remarkably similar: the majority of mutations were base pair substitutions, with the most common mutation being A:T → T:A transversion. Differences were found for the mutational profiles in the endogenous gene and transgene with respect to the location of the mutations and the orientation of basepair substitutions in the DNA strands. In most cases, these differences could be explained by the nature of the target genes. The results support the use of the lacl transgene for detecting in vivo mutation.
Box stitch modification of Hasson technique for pediatric laparoscopy.

ABSTRACT Laparoscopy has been recognized as the modality of choice for the treatment of many diseases in urology, gynecology, and general surgery. Although laparoscopy is minimally invasive, the most frequent complications are associated with entry through the abdominal wall. The Hasson (open) technique was developed to minimize the complications by entering the abdomen under direct vision. We have modified the Hasson technique with a stitch that is easy to perform, creates a tight fascial seal, allows easy exchange of trocars, and produces an effect that is cosmetically appealing.
Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia with 11q23 Abnormality Coexisting with Refractory Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature:

Intensified chemotherapy is one of the strategies currently used in the treatment of children with metastatic Ewing sarcoma. However, the increasing dose intensity has not significantly improved the event-free survival. We report a patient who initially presented with localized Ewing sarcoma and later developed metastatic disease that required dose-intensified chemotherapy. The patient's Ewing sarcoma remained refractory to treatment despite continuous intensified chemotherapy and was complicated by a therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia with 11q23 abnormality. Examination of bone marrow at the last clinical follow up demonstrated both acute myeloid leukemia and residual metastatic Ewing sarcoma.
Lipid and Carbohydrate Studies in Coronary Artery Disease

Twenty-seven patients with arteriographically proved coronary artery disease, aged 27 to 59 years, were studied for abnormalities of lipid or carbohydrate metabolism. All patients were referred because of cardiac symptoms and none had any prior history of lipid or carbohydrate abnormality. Twenty-three patients were found to have some abnormality of carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, and four had none. Seventeen patients had an abnormal lipoprotein electrophoretic pattern, 12 had elevated serum cholesterol concentrations, and 15 elevated serum triglyceride values. Eighteen patients had an abnormality of carbohydrate metabolism, 11 as determined on standard glucose tolerance tests and seven on cortisone glucose tolerance tests. These abnormalities of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were not related to age or ponderal-index ratio. This high incidence of carbohydrate and lipid abnormalities in association with coronary artery disease may be important in the pathogenesis of the vascular disease as well as management of these patients and their progeny.
Analysis for petroleum products in marine environments

Petroleum is composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that readily undergo chemical and biological conversions on entering aquatic environments. These conversions lead to the formation of a host of oxygenated products, some of which are potentially toxic to marine life and to the consumer of fishery products. State-of-the-art analytical methods, as employed in our laboratories, utilize glass-capillary gas chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry to analyze environmental samples containing trace amounts of aliphatic and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons. These procedures are applied on a routine basis to the analysis of seawater, sediments and tissues of marine organisms. Despite this analytical proficiency, a need exists for analyzing oxygenated and other polar petroleum products in environmental samples. For example, techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in conjunction with on-line fluorometric assay techniques and mass spectrometry, make possible the analysis of polar oxygenated compounds resulting from both chemical and biological conversions. These methodologies are first steps toward the development of routine assay procedures for environmental samples. Current techniques for hydrocarbon analyses and new methods for analyzing polar aromatic compounds are discussed.
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Imagined Interactions

This study examines imagined interactions (IIs) among young adults in the United States, Thailand, and Japan. A comparison of means across cultures on II characteristics reveals that -the Japanese participants have the widest variety of II partners, whereas the American participants are the most self-dominant in their IIs and demonstrate the most II frequency. As for II functions, Japanese and Thai participants keep conflict alive via their IIs more than the Americans, whereas the Thais utilize the II rehearsal and self-understanding functions the least. The Japanese participants use the II boldness function, which focuses on escaping from societal norms via one's IIs, more than the Thais and Americans.
Anaerobic pathogenesis: collagenase production by Peptostreptococcus magnus and its relationship to site of infection.

Fifty isolates of Peptostreptococcus magnus from intraabdominal sepsis, nonpuerperal breast abscess, and diabetic foot infections were examined for collagenase activity using bovine type I collagen. Collagenase production was detected in a higher percentage of strains from nonpuerperal breast and diabetic foot specimens (P less than .001). This enzyme may be responsible for P. magnus playing a more central role in the pathogenesis of nonpuerperal breast abscess and diabetic foot disease than in intraabdominal sepsis.
Overview of resistive switching memory (RRAM) switching mechanism and device modeling

In this paper, the recent progress on the understandings of the switching mechanisms in oxide resistive switching memory (RRAM) is reviewed. Several representative device modeling approaches including numerical discretized models, numerical continuous models and analytical compact models are discussed using HfO x bipolar RRAM as a model system. The future challenges of RRAM modeling are finally discussed.