cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aln-CC5, an Investigational RNAi Therapeutic Targeting C5 for Complement Inhibition

Excessive complement activation plays a pivotal role in a variety of disorders. Complement component C5 is a clinically validated therapeutic target for treatment of both paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome. We developed a robust RNAi therapeutics platform for the delivery of siRNAs to the liver using trivalent GalNAc conjugates, enabling specific silencing of hepatocyte-expressed genes following subcutaneous (SC) injection. The liver produces essentially the entirety of C5 and other complement pathway proteins. We are developing ALN-CC5, an investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting human, primate and rodent C5. C5 silencing and complement activity inhibition were examined in rodents and primates. Multi-dose SC ALN-CC5 treatment resulted in sustained lowering of cyno serum C5 with ≤3% residual protein remaining. C5 reduction was associated with >90% and >95% inhibition of classical and alternative complement pathways as measured by ELISA-based assays. Additionally, >80% lowering of complement serum hemolytic activity was observed. ALN-CC5 was safe and well tolerated in both rat and non-human primate toxicology studies. In addition to wild type animals, ALN-CC5 was tested in several animal models of disease in which complement activation plays a prominent role. Silencing of murine C5 was highly efficacious in a model of anti-collagen antibody-induced arthritis with a disease modifying activity equivalent to that of an anti-C5 antibody. Furthermore, C5 silencing was effective at reducing proteinuria in a rat model of membranous nephropathy. Up-regulation of C5 expression, observed in both models, had no effect on the extent of C5 silencing, suggesting that ALN-CC5 could be efficacious in the context of inflammation. These data demonstrate a prominent role for circulating, liver-derived C5 in mediating pathology at extrahepatic sites and the potential utility of an RNAi therapeutic targeting C5. In summary, RNAi-mediated silencing of liver-derived C5 is a promising novel therapeutic approach for inhibiting systemic complement activity, with the potential to enable, low volume, subcutaneous treatment for patients with PNH and other disorders where complement activation plays a role in disease progression. Disclosures Borodovsky: Alnylam: Employment. Yucius: Alnylam: Employment. Sprague: Alnylam: Employment. Banda: Alnylam: Research Funding. Holers: Alnylam: Research Funding. Vaishnaw: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Maier: Alnylam: Employment. Kallanthottathil: Alnylam: Employment. Charisse: Alnylam: Employment. Kuchimanchi: Alnylam: Employment. Manoharan: Alnylam: Employment. Salant: Alnylam: Honoraria. Fitzgerald: Alnylam: Employment. Meyers: Alnylam: Employment. Sorensen: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.
Indicators of true intracerebral hemorrhage: hematoidin, siderophage, and erythrophage.

![Figure][1] A 50-year-old woman with a right cerebellopontine-angle schwannoma developed a chain of complications after multiple surgeries for tumor resection including intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and fungal meningitis with subarachnoid pyogenic loculations.
Characterization of the gene for a protein kinase which phosphorylates the sporulation-regulatory proteins Spo0A and Spo0F of Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract The kinA (spoIIJ) locus contains a single gene which codes for a protein of 69,170 daltons showing strong homology to the transmitter kinases of two component regulatory systems. The purified kinase autophosphorylates in the presence of ATP and mediates the transfer of phosphate to the Spo0A and Spo0F sporulation regulatory proteins. Spo0F protein was a much better phosphoreceptor for this kinase than Spo0A protein in vitro. Mutants with deletion mutations in the kinA gene were delayed in their sporulation. They produced about a third as many spores as the wild type in 24 h, but after 72 h on solid medium, the level of spores approximated that found for the wild-type strain. Such mutations had no effect on the regulation of the abrB gene or on the timing of subtilisin expression and therefore did not impair the repression function of the Spo0A protein. Placement of the kinA locus on a multicopy vector suppressed the sporulation-defective phenotype of spo0B, spo0E, and spo0F mutations but not of spo0A mutations. The results suggest that the spo0B-, spo0E-, and spo0F-dependent pathway of activation (phosphorylation) of the Spo0A regulator may be by-passed through the kinA gene product if it is present at sufficiently high intracellular concentration. The results suggest that multiple kinases exist for the Spo0A protein.
Revisiting the dividend puzzle: Do all of the pieces now fit?

Abstract This paper revisits the dividend puzzle, described here as questions about the relevance of dividend policy and how managers should (and do) determine dividend policy. We examine theoretical and empirical research on dividends and share repurchases because they are the principal mechanisms by which corporations disburse cash to their shareholders. Despite a voluminous amount of study, researchers still do not have all the answers to the dividend puzzle. However, we are closer to its resolution. We also do not have definitive answers to why managers choose one method of cash distribution over the other. Solving the dividend puzzle may depend on understanding the effects of various market imperfections or frictions. Because various imperfections affect firms differently, dividend policy may vary substantially from one firm to another. Models that consider the competing frictions on a firm-specific basis offer promise for resolving the dividend puzzle.
Reduced-complexity nonlinear compensation based on equivalent-span digital backpropagation

We study a reduced-complexity backpropagation scheme that models a transmission link by an equivalent dispersion map that can be solved with fewer steps. Performance versus complexity is compared for two dispersion management scenarios.
Correlation does not equal causation: Questioning the Great Cahokia Flood

Munoz et al. (1) present an argument for Cahokia’s demise focusing on a massive flood event ca. A.D. 1200. Although we recognize that a flood event may have occurred, we do not agree with their hypothesis that this event (i) caused the collapse of the largest Pre-Columbian city north of Mexico and (ii) occurred ca. A.D. 1200. Cahokians did not vacate the floodplain until after the mid-14th century, preceded by new communities and social relationships during the 11th to 13th centuries. We suggest the authors reconsider their data in conjunction with the prolific evidence for community persistence and revitalization initiated during the mid-12th century.
Embedded D-3 He fusion reactions and medical isotope production in an inertial electrostatic confinement device

The high-energy 14.7 MeV protons generated from the D- 3 He fusion reaction can be used to produce medical radioisotopes. Steady-state D 3 He operation is possible using Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC); however, the location of the reactions must be known to use them effectively for isotope production. In the University of Wisconsin IEC Device, it has been found that as much as 2/3 of the total D- 3 He reaction rate can be due to embedded fusion reactions, reactions occurring within the cathode due to ion implantation. Therefore, the cathode surface sees a large, high-energy proton flux. Using a solid molybdenum cathode, and taking advantage of the embedded reactions, about I nCi of the medical isotope 94m Tc was created via 94 Mo(p,n) 94m Tc in a proof of principle experiment. This represents the first time the IEC concept has been used to produce a radioisotope using D- 3 He fusion.
Observing the Effect of the Choice of Classifier on Bioinformatics Data with Varying Levels of Data Quality and Class Balance

Noise is a prominent challenge found in many bioinformatics datasets and it refers to erroneous or missing data. The presence of noise in gene expression datasets has adverse effects on machine-learning techniques, such as supervised classification algorithms and feature selection techniques. Additionally, the identification of noise and its quantification are challenging tasks that require a proper mechanism to manage them in order to improve the performance of classifiers and feature selection methods. In this study, our motivation is to investigate the effects of class noise on the classification performance of various learners using multiple derived datasets with varying degrees of data quality and class imbalance. Class imbalance is another challenging characteristic that occurs when one class has many more instances than the other class(es). To this end, we conducted experiments using a filter-based subset selection method applied to multiple derived datasets generated by injecting artificial class noise in a controlled manner creating three levels of data quality: High-Quality, Average-Quality, and Low-Quality. Our results along with statistical analysis show that Random Forest outperforms other learners without any exceptions for all levels of balance and data quality. Therefore, we recommend using Random Forest as the noise-tolerant and robust classifier when dealing with varying degrees of quality for bioinformatics datasets.
Oxygenated CdS Window Layer for Sputtered CdS/CdTe Solar Cells

It is known that carriers photogenerated in the polycrystalline CdS layer of a CdS/CdTe cell are not collected. Thus, the short-circuit current (JSC) of CdS/CdTe devices should be improved if the bandgap of CdS is increased to permit better blue response. Wu, et al, showed that alloying of CdS with oxygen can increase the absorption edge of the layer. We report here on studies of this ‘oxygenated’ CdS and its use in sputtered cells. We find that at a deposition temperature of 250°C the addition of O2 to the sputter gas results in a red shift of the absorption edge (from 2.35 eV to 1.94 eV), but that room temperature deposition gives a blue shift (from 2.36 eV to 3.28 eV). The Raman spectra of the room temperature deposited films show a considerable broadening of LO phonon peaks suggesting a micro- to nano- to amorphous transition as the O2 fraction increases. XRD measurements of these films confirm the formation of an amorphous structure at high O2 fractions. The quantum efficiency measurements of CdS/CdTe device with room temperature deposited oxy-CdS show an improvement in blue response and hence increased JSC, but are accompanied by poorer junction quality so that the overall efficiency is not increased.
Pancreas Allograft Biopsies in the Management of Pancreas Transplant Recipients: Histopathologic Review and Clinical Correlations

Abstract Context.—Pancreas transplantation has become a therapeutic option for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are in end-stage renal failure. It also is indicated for a subset of nonuremic, insulin-dependent diabetics who experience extreme difficulties in maintaining proper glucose homeostasis by insulin therapy that compromises their productivity and safety. Objective.—To provide a review of the literature and expert experiences for understanding the histologic findings in pancreas transplantation. Data Sources.—The published literature between 1990 and 2005 was reviewed for this report. Additionally, personal files of the author were used, along with biopsy slides that were used for figures. Conclusions.—Pancreas transplantation reestablishes the physiologic state of insulin secretion, and pancreas transplant recipients are able to maintain a state of long-term euglycemia and are less likely to be exposed to hyperglycemia and its systemic complications. Key to the success of transplantation...
Whitman's Notes on Emerson: An Unpublished Manuscript

Prints a Whitman manuscript fragment about Emerson, in which Whitman calls Emerson "too cautious"; facsimile appears on the back cover of this issue of WWQR.
Low-complexity methods for soft estimation of QAM Symbols

In this paper, we develop low-complexity methods to compute the soft estimation of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbols with applications to iterative receivers. To reduce the complexity of the soft QAM estimation, we first consider squared QAM constellations and present a bit flipping based soft estimation scheme. With the gray mapping we derive an efficient approach which has a very low complexity of O(log N) for an NQAM constellation. To further simplify the approach, we propose a method which completely removes the multiplication operations at a cost of a slight performance degradation. Finally, we extend the proposed method to the non-squared QAM.
Role of Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor–Associated Protein in Mouse Lung

Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP, or Endo180) is a transmembrane endocytic receptor that mediates collagen internalization and degradation. uPARAP may be a novel pathway for collagen turnover and matrix remodeling in the lung. The function of uPARAP in lung injury has not been described. We analyzed the pulmonary mechanics of uPARAP(-/-) and wild-type mice at baseline and examined their response after bleomycin instillation. We compared collagen internalization in primary mouse lung fibroblasts (MLFs) from wild-type and uPARAP(-/-) mice using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, and we examined the role of cytokines in regulating uPARAP expression and collagen internalization. We show that uPARAP is highly expressed in the lung, and that uPARAP(-/-) mice have increased lung elastance at baseline and after injury. uPARAP(-/-) mice are protected from changes in lung permeability after acute lung injury and have increased collagen content after bleomycin injury. uPARAP is the primary pathway for internalization of collagens in MLFs. Furthermore, collagen internalization through uPARAP does not require matrix metalloproteinase digestion and is independent of integrins. Mediators of lung injury, including transforming growth factor-β, TNF-α, and IL-1, down-regulate both uPARAP expression and collagen internalization. uPARAP is highly expressed in the murine lung, and loss of uPARAP leads to differences in lung mechanics, lung permeability, and collagen content after injury. uPARAP is required for collagen internalization by MLFs. Thus, uPARAP is a novel pathway that regulates matrix remodeling in the lung after injury.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorenediylvinylene and Thiophenediylvinylene-Containing Terphenylene-Based Copolymers

Two alternating copolymers composed of a terphenylene unit and either a fluorenediylvinylene or a thiophenediylvinylene unit were synthesized by using a Wittig reaction. The products were poly[2‘,5‘-dihexyloxy-p-terphenyl-4,4‘ ‘-ylenevinylene-alt-2,7-(9,9‘-di-n-hexylfluorene)diylvinylene] (A) and poly[2‘,5‘-dihexyloxy-p-terphenyl-4,4‘ ‘-ylenevinylene-alt-(2,5-thiophenediylvinylene)] (B), respectively. The polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. The polymers show good solubility in common organic solvents, and the films emit blue-green and green-yellow light, respectively, on irradiation with UV light. In addition to the fabrication and evaluation of EL devices using both A and B, the photoluminescence of mixtures of A with an organically modified clay was investigated.
Integrin expression in non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.

Alteration of integrin expression in a number of different malignant diseases has been recognized, with a trend of downregulation of collagen-laminin binding integrin expression in epithelial tumor types noted. This study evaluated the expression of a panel of integrin subunits that included subunits that form receptors that bind to collagen and laminin (α2, α3, α6 β4) and subunits that form receptors that bind to fibronectin and fibrinogen (α5, αv, β3, β6) in 51 specimens of non-small cell carcinoma (NSCCA) of the lung by use of immunohistochemistry. Integrin expression was then correlated with histologic type (squamous vs. adenocarcinoma), absence or presence of hilar or mediastinal nodal metastasis at resection, and cellular differentiation (well or poorly differentiated). In general, downregulation of the collagen-laminin binding subunits was noted in tumor cells of the NSCCA specimens when compared to the progenitor normal bronchial epithelium. No differences were noted in integrin expression between squamous cell and adenocarcinoma or between node-positive or node-negative tumors. However, downregulation of the integrin subunit α3 was noted to be significantly more common in poorly differentiated tumors (p = 0.02) and several of the other collagen-laminin binding subunits also appeared to be more downregulated in poorly differentiated tumors. No upregulation was seen in the α5 subunit of the fibronectin receptor or the β3 subunit of the vitronectin receptor, however, approximately 50% of tumors showed upregulation of the β6 subunit, the great majority of these being well-differentiated, node-negative tumors. Downregulation of the collagen-laminin integrins may thus be associated with differentiation of NSCCA, but not metastasis, and may serve as an adjunctive prognostic marker of disease. The β6 subunit appears to be associated with malignant transformation, but may serve as a positive prognostic factor.
Traveling waves vibrations and buckling of rotating anisotropic shells of revolution by finite elements

Abstract A quasi-analytical finite element procedure is developed which can obtain the frequency and buckling eigenvalues of prestressed rotating anisotropic shells of revolution. In addition to the usual centrifugal forces, the rotation effects treated also include the contribution of Coriolis forces. Furthermore, since a nonlinear version of Novoshilov's shell theory is employed to develop the element formulation, the effects of moderately large prestress deflection states can be handled. Due to the generality of solution procedure developed, the axisymmetric prestress states treated can also consist of torque loads. In order to illustrate the procedures capabilities, as well as the significant effects of Coriolis forces, torque prestress and material anisotropy, several numerical experiments are presented.
Flare loop radiative hydrodynamics. I. Basic methods

The study presented here has two goals. The first is to examine the role of energy transport mechanisms in flare dynamics, for instance, thermal cone conduction in the corona and radiative transfer in the chromosphere. The second is to provide diagnostics of flare energization processes by predicting the evolutionary behavior of concurrent emissions from all regions of the flaring atmosphere. To attain these ends, a numerical method is developed for the simultaneous solution of thy continuity, momentum, and energy equations; the time-dependent atomic rate equations describing ionization and excitation; and the radiative transfer equations. With the physical model and computational methods used here, all components of the plasma move as a single fluid and in the initial studies are assumed to have a common kinetic temperature. The plasma is constrained to move in one dimension along the axis of a loop of nonuniform cross section, the geometry of which is defined by a sufficiently strong magnetic field.
Newcomer and Organizational Socialization Tactics: An Interactionist Perspective

Abstract During the past 15 years, organizational socialization research has focused on two issues. The first is the need for researchers to take an interactionist perspective on the process. The second has been both a conceptual and empirical concern with the pro-active socialization techniques employed by newcomers. The present article takes an interactionist perspective by presenting a model and propositions of how organization socialization tactics impact on and interact with newcomer pro-active socialization tactics to influence socialization outcomes.
Maternal antecedents of delay ability in young children

Abstract This study was designed to test the general hypothesis that maternal behavior influences the early development of children's delay ability. Mothers were observed interacting with their 16- to 19-month-old children (Time 1) in free play and in the context of several teaching-learning tasks. Children were followed up at 23 to 27 months (Time 2) when assessments were made of their delay ability and intellectual and developmental status. Children who were high in delay ability had mothers who, in free play, were relatively low in directiveness and who, in a formboard task, made relatively little use of “takeovers” and provided contingent-positive feedback at relatively high rates. Controlling for the children's intellectual and developmental status at Time 2, as well as for their personality (as perceived by their mothers) and compliance at Time 1, had little effect on the predictive relations found between the maternal interactional variables and children's delay ability. Additional results showed that the children's intellectual and developmental status were both predicted by the mothers' directiveness.
Applications of multidimensional scaling profile analysis in developmental research: An example using adolescent irritability patterns

Many statistical models have been used to study human development. The multidimensional scaling (MDS) method has been an under-utilised technique in psychological and educational research for studying such phenomena. In this paper, MDS profile analysis was used to examine adolescent mood change patterns over a 1-week period. This method is used to empirically determine different change profiles among adolescents, and to describe how they differ with respect to these change patterns. In addition, the associations between the change profiles and a set of background variables can be studied. Data on irritability–cheerfulness swing among adolescents were analysed to demonstrate the procedures. The results were discussed in the context of adolescent development.
Somatostatin Regulates Somatostatin Receptor Subtype mRNA Expression in GH3 Cells

Homologous up-regulation of somatostatin receptors (SSTR) was investigated in the GH3 clonal pituitary cell line. We report that chronic exposure to SRIF which has high affinity for all SSTR subtypes leads to a net increase in receptor binding and SSTR subtype mRNA. Treatment of cells with 1 microM SRIF increased specific [125I-Tyr11]SRIF binding to 280% of control values by 24 hr and to 350% by 48hr. Associated with the increase in SSTR binding was a net increase in SSTR subtype mRNA expression. Levels of SSTR1 increased to over 400% of control values by 6 hr and remained elevated for up to 48 hr. SSTR3, SSTR4, and SSTR5 mRNA was also dramatically increased at 24 and 48 hr. SSTR2 mRNA, in contrast, showed a biphasic response, initially increasing to 150% of control at 2 hr then decreasing to 50% at 6 hr with normalization by 48 hr. Our data suggests that multiple mechanisms contribute to the highly regulated expression of SSTR subtypes. The identification of specific molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating homologous SSTR up-regulation in GH3 cells and the involvement this process has in mediating the diverse biological effects of somatostatin are topics of current research.
Gender differences in sexuality: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis surveyed 177 usable sources that reported data on gender differences on 21 different measures of sexual attitudes and behaviors. The largest gender difference was in incidence of masturbation: Men had the greater incidence (d = .96). There was also a large gender difference in attitudes toward casual sex: Males had considerably more permissive attitudes (d = .81). There were no gender differences in attitudes toward homosexuality or in sexual satisfaction. Most other gender differences were in the small-to-moderate range. Gender differences narrowed from the 1960s to the 1980s for many variables. Chodorow's neoanalytic theory, sociobiology, social learning theory, social role theory, and script theory are discussed in relation to these findings.
(p→d)π Bonding in phenyltrichloro-tin, -germane, and -silane

Abstract The deuterium-decoupled1H NMR spectra of the aryl groups of several compounds having the structure RMX3 (R = phenyl-2,5-d2 and MX3 = SiEt3, GeEt3, SnEt3, PbEt3, CCl3, SiCl3, GeCl3, and SnCl3) have been analyzed to obtain chemical shift values for the protonsortho, meta, andpara to the substituents. Comparison ofpara chemical shifts within this series of compounds suggests that (p→d)π bonding to carbon is significant in determining these1H NMR spectral parameters, and indicates that while the order of effectiveness of this π bonding in the compounds RM(alkyl)3 is the expected C Ge ⋍ Sn > Pb, the corresponding order in the compounds RMCl3 is C
48-HOUR ASSAY TEST FOR EQUINE GONADOTROPIN WITH RESULTS EXPRESSED IN INTERNATIONAL UNITS

OUR PREVIOUS METHODS for assaying equine gonadotropin (1, 2) involved autopsy of the test rats 120 hours after injection. The primary purpose for this long test interval was to obtain information on the qualitative ovarian response in follicular growth, luteinization, and interstitial cell development. This information was considered essential because, conceivably, the gonadotropic activity of pregnant mare serum might depend upon two or more gonadotropic hormones. We therefore wished to compare the nature of the responses obtained from sera collected at different intervals during pregnancy as well as the responses of various fractions obtained during studies on methods of purification. After comparing the qualitative and quantitative gonad response to extracts testing 4,000 to 7,000 R. U. per mg. total solids, with the response to untreated mare serum in normal and hypophysectomized male and female rats, we concluded that mare serum contains but one gonadotropic hormone (3). Three papers (4–7), give evid...
Predicting Protective Factors of Physical and Mental Health for Survivors of Residential Fire

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and physical health outcomes are three of the most common health outcomes evaluated for trauma survivors and several lines of empirical and meta-analytic research have demonstrated many risk factors for PTSD. Further, examining trauma survivors’ responses through a resilience orientation has grown increasingly popular over the past decade. However, the resilience orientation has little support among adult trauma survivor populations and none when evaluating physical health as part of an integrated health index (combining PTSD, depression, and physical health outcomes). Through examination of residential fire survivors, the current project evaluates the predictive validity of protective factors of PTSD as they relate to this integrated health index. Participants were assessed via self-report and semi-structured interviews approximately 4 months post-fire. Through evaluation of the integrated health index, peritraumatic emotionality and resource loss were found to significantly predict a resilient group of residential fire survivors 4 months post-fire. The present study suggests lower sustained resource loss and lower peritraumatic emotionality are significant protective factors for resiliency from residential fire.
A Novel Digital Control Method of PMSM for Automotive Applications

In the recent years, Due to high performance, power density and less generated noise of Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Motors (PMSM), they have received a lot of attention for traction application in land, sea and under sea vehicles. In this paper, a new digital controller is proposed and applied to a PMSM. The proposed control technique adjusts motor current amplitude and phase to achieve different ranges of speed. The control logic is different for below and above motor nominal speed. In this method, the typical PID controllers which cause complicated control strategy are removed. This new technique is simple, fast, stable, and reliable to drive PMSM in wide range of speed.
Further Evidence on Money, Output, and Prices in China

Economic and financial reforms since the late l970s in China have increased the potential importance of monetary aggregates in setting policy. This paper further investigates the link between both the narrow (M0) and broad (M2) monetary aggregates and economic activity in China. Special attention is given to basic empirical issues ignored in previous research, such as the time series properties of the data, the issue of cointegration, and the stability of the estimated relationships. Unlike previous work that found M0 as the only useful aggregate for conducting monetary policy in China, results from cointegration and causality tests indicate that both narrow and broad monetary aggregates provide useful information in setting policy. Therefore, our results suggest that both aggregates must be considered in policy decisions. J. Comp. Econom., September 1993, 17(3), pp. 701-709. Southern Illinois at Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois 62026-1102.
Test Accommodations and Equating Invariance on a Fifth-Grade Science Exam

The purpose of this study is to utilize Score Equity Assessment (SEA) to examine measurement comparability and equity in reported scores on a statewide fifth-grade science assessment with respect to groups of students defined by disability status, English Language Learner status and use of test accommodations. Benefits of SEA include a focus on equity in reported scores, the connection of SEA to equal construct assessment, and no a priori assumptions about how accommodations should affect the mean test scores of subpopulations. The findings of this study indicate that students with disabilities and English language learners who utilized accommodations on this assessment displayed a slightly higher degree of measurement comparability to the overall population of test takers than did students with disabilities and students who are English Language Learners who did not utilize accommodations. This study supports the use of SEA to assess equity in reported scores and the validity of inferences based on accomm...
First-order parameter sensitivities of nonlinear device models

This letter presents a method of obtaining the parameter sensitivities of device models for use in the determination of parameters by nonlinear optimisation. The method removes the necessity for any equation solutions, other than that required for the solution of the nonlinear circuit of the device itself.
Reporter molecules as probes of DNA conformation: structure of a crystalline complex containing 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline ethylene dimethylammonium hydrobromide--5-iodocytidylyl (3'-5')guanosine.

Abstract 2-Methyl-4-nitroaniline ethylene dimethylammonium hydrobromide forms a crystalline complex with the self-complementary dinucleoside monophosphate, 5-iodocytidylyl(3′–5′)guanosine. The crystals are tetragonal, with a = b = 32.192 A and c = 23.964 A, space group P43212. The structure has been solved to atomic resolution by Patterson and Fourier methods, and refined by full matrix least squares. 5-Iodocytidylyl(3′–5′)guanosine molecules are held together in pairs through Watson-Crick base-pairing, forming an antiparallel duplex structure. Nitroaniline molecules stack above and below guanine-cytosine pairs in this duplex structure. In addition, a third nitroaniline molecule stacks on one of the other two nitroaniline molecules. The asymmetric unit contains two 5-iodocytidylyl(3′–5′)guanosine molecules, three nitroaniline molecules, one bromide ion and thirty-one water molecules, a total of 160 atoms. Details of the structure are described.
Massive supernovae in binary systems.

Abstract The presence of a close binary companion can affect the evolution of a massive star through one or more episodes of mass transfer, or by merger in a common-envelope phase. Monte Carlo calculations indicate that ∼20–35% of all massive supernovae are affected by such processes, and that a substantial fraction of these events will be supernovae of Type II. The properties of the progenitor star, the distribution of circumstellar material, the peak supernova luminosity, the shape of the supernova light curve, and other observable features of the supernova event can be affected by prior binary membership. Binary interactions may be the cause of much of the variability among Type II supernova light curves. In particular, many of the peculiarities of SN 1987A and SN 1993J may well have resulted from the prior duplicity of the progenitors.
Progesterone and estrogen control of the response of rat uterine lysosomal cathepsin D activity to a deciduogenic stimulus.

Endometrial sensitization to deciduogenic stimuli and destruction of luminal epithelial cells during the uterine decidual reaction may depend upon the control of endometrial lysosome function by progesterone and estradiol. These experiments examined progesterone and estrogen control of the levels of uterine cathepsin D and the response of cathepsin D activity to a deciduogenic stimulus. The progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate increased rates of uterine cathepsin D synthesis, but these rates were not enhanced by estradiol pretreatment. The response of cathepsin D activity to a deciduogenic stimulus, however, required progestin pretreatment, followed by estrogen treatment. Decreases in cathepsin D activity after a deciduogenic stimulus required estrogen stimulation for approximately 12 h, and this estrogen effect could be suppressed by treatment with dexamethasone or inhibitors of prostanoid synthesis. These results indicate that destruction of luminal epithelial cells during the uterine decidual reaction...
Recipient growth and nutritional status following transplantation of segmental small-bowel allografts.

Concerning small-bowel transplantation in children, the question arises whether a segmental small-bowel graft from an adult donor would permit normal growth of the young recipient. Orthotopic small-bowel transplantation was performed in 4- to 6-week-old Lewis rats weighing 100–135 g. The entire small bowel of the recipient was replaced with an intestinal allograft consisting of the entire small bowel (N = 6), the jejunum (N = 6), or the ileum (N = 6) from adult Brown Norway rats. Immunosuppression with cyclosporine (15 mg/kg im) on alternate days for 4 weeks achieved graft acceptance of indefinite duration. Six and twelve months after transplantation, all recipients demonstrated normal global nutritional parameters (hematocrit, serum albumin) and gained weight at a rate comparable to that for age-matched controls. Nutritional deficiencies did not become apparent clinically. By 10 to 12 months, the levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A and E) were reduced significantly in recipients of segmental grafts. Vitamin B12 levels were also reduced but not significantly. Fecal fat was significantly elevated in all rats with grafts (3.2 ± 1.0 to 4.8 ± 0.9 g fat/100 g stool; controls, 1.8 ± 0.4), but the increase was most pronounced in those with jejunal grafts (4.7 ± 0.9). This was paralleled by a reduction in serum triglyceride levels in all transplanted rats, a reduction which reverted to normal by 10 to 12 months for rats with entire small-bowel grafts but not for those with segmental grafts. Graft biopsy demonstrated normal intestinal architecture with villus hyperplasia of segmental grafts. Our findings indicate that allografts of the entire adult small bowel permit normal growth of young recipients, and that segmental grafts (ileal > jejunal), within the limits of their respective absorptive capacities, possess sufficient functional reserve and adaptability to provide caloric nutritional balance and thus normal growth of the recipients.
Noise and bias properties of monoenergetic images from DECT used for attenuation correction with PET/CT and SPECT/CT

We evaluate the energy dependent noise and bias properties of monoenergetic images synthesized from dual-energy CT (DECT) acquisitions used to estimate attenuation coefficients at PET or SPECT energies. This is becoming more relevant with the increased used of quantitative imaging by PET/CT and SPECT/CT. There are, however, variations in the noise and bias properties of synthesized monoenergetic images as a function of energy. We used analytic approximations and simulations to estimate the bias and noise of synthesized monoenergetic images of a water-filled cylinder from 10 to 525 keV. The dual-energy spectra were based on the GE Lightspeed VCT scanner at 80 and 140 kVp. Both analytic calculations and simulations for increasing energy the relative noise plateaued near 140 keV (i.e. SPECT with 99m Tc), and then remained constant with increasing energy up to 511 keV and beyond (i.e. PET). If DECT is being used for attenuation correction at higher energies, there is a noise amplification that is dependent on the energy of the synthesized monoenergetic image of linear attenuation coefficients. For SPECT and PET imaging the bias and noise levels of DECT based attenuation correction is unlikely to affect image quality.
A technique using reusable components for hand-infesting cornstalks with European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae.

Field trials were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate the use of reusable wire nuts and nonreusable gelatin capsules for hand-infesting cornstalks with European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae. The reusable technique, which consists of a modified WingGard plastic wire connector (i.e., wire nut) as a containment device for larvae, was compared over three plant growth stages to a gelatin capsule technique. In 2005 and 2006, the wire nut technique resulted in significantly higher number of wire nuts still intact (i.e., undamaged, with or without a larva) on the stalk at 72 h after infestation compared with the gelatin capsule technique. In addition, the wire nut technique resulted in significantly higher number of tunnels per stalk compared with the gelatin capsule technique at all three corn growth stages during both years. In 2005, the mean ± SEM number of tunnels per stalk was 0.53 ± 0.03 in the wire nut technique compared with 0.13 ± 0.03 tunnels per stalk in the gelatin capsule technique. In 2006, the mean number of tunnels per stalk was 0.45 ± 0.03 in the wire nut technique compared with 0.08 ± 0.02 tunnels per stalk in the gelatin capsule technique. In addition, the relative net precision in the wire-nut technique was ≈2 times higher compared with the gelatin capsule technique.
Effect of a wide range in the ratio of supplemental rumen degradable protein to starch on utilization of low-quality, grass hay by beef steers☆

Hereford×Angus steers were used in a 14-treatment, 2-period, crossover design experiment to examine effects of a wide range in the ratio of supplemental starch to rumen degradable protein (RDP) on low-quality forage utilization and ruminal characteristics. Steers were given ad libitum access to grass hay (4.9% CP, 42.4% ruminally degradable) and supplemented in a 2×7 factorial arrangement of treatments. All supplements were administered directly into the rumen and delivered one of two levels of ruminally degradable starch (cornstarch grits; 0 and 0.3% of initial BW) and one of seven levels of RDP (sodium caseinate; 0, 0.015, 0.051, 0.087, 0.123, 0.159, and 0.195% of initial BW). Supplementation with RDP increased consumption of forage OM, total OM, NDF, and digestible OM in a quadratic (P<0.01) fashion (intake increased and then declined). Starch supplementation depressed (P<0.01) forage OM and NDF intakes. In general, RDP supplementation elicited a positive quadratic response on NDF digestion (P=0.02). However, an interaction between supplemental starch and RDP level was observed (P<0.01) for NDF digestion. At the four lowest levels of supplemental RDP, starch supplementation substantially reduced NDF digestion, although for steers receiving the three highest levels of supplemental RDP, starch supplementation had little effect on NDF digestion. In contrast, neither the starch×RDP interaction nor the starch main effect was significant for OM digestion, which increased linearly (P<0.01) with supplemental RDP. Supplementation with RDP altered passage rate of acid detergent insoluble ash in a quadratic (P=0.05) manner that paralleled the intake response. However, liquid passage rate was not affected significantly. A decline in ruminal pH was associated (P=0.02) with increasing supplemental RDP and tended (P=0.07) to be associated with increasing starch, but it was not requisite for starch-induced depressions in NDF digestion. Ruminal NH3 concentration increased in response to increasing RDP, although the increase when starch was supplemented was less than that observed without starch (P=0.03). Supplemental starch generally elicited negative effects on low-quality forage intake and fiber digestion, but the effects on fiber digestion were overridden by adequate supplemental RDP. Supplemental RDP exerted a highly positive effect on consumption and digestion of this low-quality forage.
Surgical management of ileosigmoid fistulas in Crohn's disease

Ileosigmoid fistulas are found in Crohn's disease and may present a surgical dilemma. PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine surgical practice to determine types of intervention, enumerate complications, and elicit guidelines for surgical management. METHOD: The medical records of patients with ileosigmoid fistula and Crohn's disease from 1975 to 1995 were reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety patients (44 men) were studied. A preoperative diagnosis of ileosigmoid fistula was made in 77 percent of patients. Sigmoidrepairwas performed in 43 patients (47.8 percent), sigmoidresectionin 32 patients (35.6 percent), 12 patients (13.3 percent) underwent more extensive procedures, and 3 patients (3.3 percent) either had surgery elsewhere or were observed. The fistula was never directly responsible for a stoma. Therepairandresectiongroups were similar with respect to age, length of Crohn's disease, and preoperative symptoms. There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of postoperative complications; there were no postoperative deaths. Average length of stay was 8.3 days following repair and 9.9 days after resection. Reasons for resection included significant purulence or inflammation, a large fistula defect, a defect on the mesenteric border of the sigmoid, and active sigmoid Crohn's disease. Surgeon's assessment of the presence of Crohn's disease in the sigmoid correlated with pathologic examination and was aided by knowledge of recent endoscopic appearance and biopsy results; intraoperative frozen section and colonoscopy were helpful in distinguishing serosal inflammation from active Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Contrast studies identified 77 percent of ileosigmoid fistulas preoperatively. Performing repair rather than resection does not increase the risk of complications, if standard surgical principles are followed. Preoperative or intraoperative endoscopy assists the surgical evaluation of the sigmoid.
Progesterone blockade of the ovulatory response to intrapituitary infusion of LH-RH in rabbits.

Ovulation was induced in estrous rabbits in response either to crude rabbit median eminence extract (MEE) or to 0.2 ng of a highly purified preparation of porcine luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) when they were infused directly into the adenohypophysis through stereo taxically implanted cannulae. Pretreatment with a single injection of 2 mg progesterone (P) sc 16–19 hr before infusion blocked ovulation to MEE infusion in all cases (10/10) and to LH-RH in 14/20 cases (70%). Four of the 6 rabbits which had ovulated in spite of P subsequently ovulated to a smaller dose (0.1 μg) of LH-RH in the absence of P. The remaining 2 were not tested. On the other hand, when the dose of LH-RH was increased to 1.0 μg, 4 of the 6 animals tested, in which P had blocked ovulation to the 0.2 fig dose, now ovulated in spite of P. Endogenous P, released during pregnancy or pseudopregnancy, was completely effective in blocking ovulation in response to either MEE or LH-RH. Pretreatment with estradiol benzoate (100 μ...
Measures of intensity discrimination

Several different measures have been employed in the literature to describe performance by human observers in intensity discrimination tasks. These measures include the difference limen (DL) or ’’ΔI in dB,’’ the Weber fraction (ΔI/I), and signal‐to‐masker ratio (Ps/Pm). This article describes the mathematical relationship among these measures for conditions in which masker and signal are (1) sinusoids of the same frequency; (2) sinusoids of different frequencies; and (3) noise waveforms. We provide a table which contains values of each of these measures, describing equivalent performance over the typical range obtained in most intensity discrimination experiments. We express some cautions that should be observed in choosing and reporting particular measures of intensity discrimination.
Our chimpanzee mind

Some might consider the title of this piece preposterous. Bishop Wilberforce would no doubt have shaken his fist at it, just as he disputed Huxley's championing of darwinian continuity. But the title of this essay is no more outrageous than one entitled 'The chimpanzee's bird brain', for there has been extensive evolutionary conservation of many neural and psychological functions across species. We share with chimpanzees some--but not all--mental functions, some of which are shared with other species as well. As the publication of the chimpanzee genome reveals, we also share a good deal of our DNA. Unfortunately, we are virtually in the dark when it comes to understanding how genes build minds. If comparative genomics is to enlighten our understanding of human origins, it must be accompanied by an equally rich description of animal psychology, both in terms of its underlying neural signatures and the evolutionary processes that led to convergence and divergence with other species.
Transmission of infrared radiation from flames by CO(2).

The transmission of infrared radiation from flames through various pathlengths of CO2 was determined in the laboratory. The results show that a considerable amount of flame energy is transmitted in the regions 2.5 μ to 3.5 μ and 4.0 μ to 5.5 μ. For example, a cell length of 1500 cm of CO2 at 760-mm pressure, equivalent to the CO2 content in 50,000 m of atmosphere at sea level, transmitted 20% of the energy in the band region from 4.0 μ to 5.5 μ. Integrated transmittances for the bands at various pressures and cell lengths are presented in tabular form.
Transaction-based waveform analysis for IP selection

In a process of IP selection, it is necessary to establish whether a candidate IP is equivalent to a behavioral model of a design proposed by a customer. It is desirable to perform this verification to exclude IPs, which "don't match" the rest of the design. This work combines a simulation approach to establishing equivalence between models with formal regular expression techniques to provide transaction-level preliminary evaluation of IP suitability. Such evaluation could precede a decision to acquire IP.
The need for an extracellular component for cell pairing in Tetrahymena.

Abstract Cell pairing in Tetrahymena takes place among cells that have undergone a prepairing interaction, co-stimulation. Pairing does not take place if co-stimulated cells are washed free of their conditioned medium, but washed co-stimulated cells will pair if restored to either co-stimulation conditioned medium or starvation conditioned medium. This demonstrates a need for an extracellular factor in the pairing reaction.
Alloy: a lightweight object modelling notation

Alloy is a little language for describing structural properties. It offers a declaration syntax compatible with graphical object models, and a set-based formula syntax powerful enough to express complex constraints and yet amenable to a fully automatic semantic analysis. Its meaning is given by translation to an even smaller (formally defined) kernel. This paper presents the language in its entirety, and explains its motivation, contributions and deficiencies.