cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human LINE-1 restriction by APOBEC3C is deaminase independent and mediated by an ORF1p interaction that affects LINE reverse transcriptase activity

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements whose extensive proliferation resulted in the generation of ≈ 34% of the human genome. They have been shown to be a cause of single-gene diseases. Moreover, L1-encoded endonuclease can elicit double-strand breaks that may lead to genomic instability. Mammalian cells adopted strategies restricting mobility and deleterious consequences of uncontrolled retrotransposition. The human APOBEC3 protein family of polynucleotide cytidine deaminases contributes to intracellular defense against retroelements. APOBEC3 members inhibit L1 retrotransposition by 35-99%. However, genomic L1 retrotransposition events that occurred in the presence of L1-restricting APOBEC3 proteins are devoid of detectable G-to-A hypermutations, suggesting one or multiple deaminase-independent L1 restricting mechanisms. We set out to uncover the mechanism of APOBEC3C (A3C)-mediated L1 inhibition and found that it is deaminase independent, requires an intact dimerization site and the RNA-binding pocket mutation R122A abolishes L1 restriction by A3C. Density gradient centrifugation of L1 ribonucleoprotein particles, subcellular co-localization of L1-ORF1p and A3C and co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that an RNA-dependent physical interaction between L1 ORF1p and A3C dimers is essential for L1 restriction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the amount of L1 complementary DNA synthesized by L1 reverse transcriptase is reduced by ≈ 50% if overexpressed A3C is present.
The Evolution of the Cognitive Model of Depression and Its Neurobiological Correlates

Although the cognitive model of depression has evolved appreciably since its first formulation over 40 years ago, the potential interaction of genetic, neurochemical, and cognitive factors has only recently been demonstrated. Combining findings from behavioral genetics and cognitive neuroscience with the accumulated research on the cognitive model opens new opportunities for integrated research. Drawing on advances in cognitive, personality, and social psychology as well as clinical observations, expansions of the original cognitive model have incorporated in successive stages automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, dysfunctional beliefs, and information-processing biases. The developmental model identified early traumatic experiences and the formation of dysfunctional beliefs as predisposing events and congruent stressors in later life as precipitating factors. It is now possible to sketch out possible genetic and neurochemical pathways that interact with or are parallel to cognitive variables. A hype...
Variables Associated with Weapon-Carrying among Young Adolescents in Southern California

In a multiethnic sample of 542 young adolescents, we examined the relation between victimization and weapon carrying in a school-based prevalence survey. Physical victimization contributed to this association in boys and relational victimization contributed to this association among girls. The findings support a gender-specific approach to designing violence prevention programs in the schools.
Symmetric global partition polynomials for reproducing kernel elements

The reproducing kernel element method is a numerical technique that combines finite element and meshless methods to construct shape functions of arbitrary order and continuity, yet retains the Kronecker- $$\delta $$ ? property. Central to constructing these shape functions is the construction of global partition polynomials on an element. This paper shows that asymmetric interpolations may arise due to such things as changes in the local to global node numbering and that may adversely affect the interpolation capability of the method. This issue arises due to the use of incomplete polynomials that are subsequently non-affine invariant. This paper lays out the new framework for generating general, symmetric, truly minimal and complete affine invariant global partition polynomials for triangular and tetrahedral elements. Optimal convergence rates were observed in the solution of Kirchhoff plate problems with rectangular domains.
Role of Solvation in the Energy Stabilization Inside the Hydrophobic Core of the Protein Rubredoxin

There are many forces that contribute to the stability of a protein; among these are dispersion interactions, hydrogen bonding, and solvation effects. In a recent work, Vondrasek et al. estimated the in vacuo stabilization energy of the hydrophobic core of the protein rubredoxin using high level ab initio methods (Vondrasek, J.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 2615). In this work, we evaluate the effects of solvation on the stability of the hydrophobic core of this protein. Solvation calculations are made using the polarizable continuum method at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory. It is found that, in a protein-like environment (mimicked by a continuum solvent with a dielectric constant of ∼4), the stability of rubredoxin's hydrophobic core is decreased by 40−50%. We also observed that the stabilization energy of the hydrophobic core is only slightly lower in a protein-like medium than in an aqueous one (ΔGether − ΔGwater ≈ 1.0−3.5 kcal/mol).
The tangible user interface and its evolution

Users sculpt and manipulate digital information throughsuch tangible media as clay, sand, and building models, coupled with underlying computation for design and analysis.
The precautionary principle, toxicological science, and European-U.S. scientific cooperation.

Although it is an ages old concept, the precautionary principle is only a few decades old as a formal expression of a philosophy guiding protection of the environment and of human health. The emergence of the precautionary principle in the European Community and its relatively slower acceptance in the United States reflects differences in underlying social, cultural, and legal approaches to environmental and public health protection. Unfortunately, this poorly defined principle in some of its manifestations can lead to a loss of the toxicological scientific base that is necessary for short‐term and long‐term protection of the environment and public health. Examples of problems caused by using the precautionary principle include trade barriers erected by the European Community, and the loss of the impetus to develop understanding of the toxicity of hazardous air pollutants due to precautionary aspects of the 1990 U.S. Clean Air Act amendments. There are other U.S.–European differences in the organization a...
Temperature-Dependent Atomic Scale Friction and Wear on PbS(100)

Friction and wear on PbS(100) surfaces have been investigated on the atomic scale as a function of temperature with atomic force microscopy. At room temperature and above, the PbS(100) surface exhibited low friction (μ < 0.05) in contact with a silicon nitride probe tip, provided that interfacial wear was not encountered. In the absence of wear, friction increased exponentially with decreasing temperature, transitioning to an athermal behavior near 200 K. An Arrhenius analysis of the temperature dependence of friction yielded an activation energy ∆E = 0.32 ± 0.02 eV for the sliding contact of a silicon nitride tip on PbS(100).
Arylmethyl radicals from arylmethoxybromodiazirines.

Photolytic decompositions of 3-arylmethoxy-3-bromodiazirines afford arylmethyl radicals by homolyses of the diazirines' excited states.
Classification of Condensed-Phase Infrared Spectra by Substructures Using Principal Components Analysis

Expert system rules have been developed through the use of principal components analysis (PCA) for discriminating compounds containing large molecular substructures from their condensed-phase infrared spectra. With the use of this approach, the presence of substructures such as those of barbiturates, cocaines, and amphetamines can be recognized automatically. The classification rule can be generated from a PCA of a small training set of infrared spectra of compounds containing the substructure of interest. One important use of this type of expert system is the analysis of direct-deposition capillary gas and supercritical fluid chromatographic separations In which many peaks are eluted and analyzed by FT-IR spectrometry but only one or two contain the substructure of interest. Classification rules for substructures are easy to generate with little or no knowledge of characteristic group frequencies.
4‐Quinolones cause a selective loss of mitochondrial DNA from mouse L1210 leukemia cells

The 4-quinolone antibiotics nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin and potent inhibitors of the bacterial type II topoisomerase DNA gyrase. Treatment of mouse L1210 leukemia cells with these drugs resulted in a delayed inhibition of cell proliferation. Prior to inhibition of cell proliferation, there was a time-dependent decrease in the cellular content of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The decrease in mtDNA was associated with a decrease in the rate of mitochondrial respiration and an increase in the concentration of lactate in the growth medium. Inhibition of cell proliferation by 4-quinolones was reversible upon drug washout. However, there was a 2- to 4-day lag before the growth rate returned to normal levels. This was preceeded by an increase in mtDNA content and mitochondrial respiration. These studies suggest that inhibition of mammalian cell proliferation by 4-quinolone drugs is related to the selective depletion of mtDNA. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The first single-sized (∼1 nm) and periodically ordered array of In2Te3 semiconductor quantum dots self-assembled in solution

We report the first example of single-sized quantum dots (QD) of a III–VI semiconductor, In2Te3, self-assembled in solution. The nanometer-sized dots (∼1 nm in diameter) with the formula of In8Te12 are arranged into perfectly ordered arrays via an organic passivating and structure-directing molecule (triethylenetetramine or trien) resulting in a single crystal structure of [In8Te12(trien)4] (monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c). The In8Te12 dots in the [In8Te12(trien)4] structure show a remarkably strong structure-induced quantum confinement effect which results in a very large blue shift of 2.1 eV in the optical absorption spectrum. The observed increase in the band gap is substantially higher than that of the smallest colloidal quantum dots reported to date. The In8Te12 dots are readily dispersible in suitable solvents to form nanoparticles of an average size of ∼8 to 10 nm. The capability of forming periodic crystal lattices of semiconductor quantum dots offers an attractive way to tune the electronic and optical properties in the same (or larger) extent as those of the smallest nanoparticles while having the advantages of precisely controlling the size and stoichiometry. Such a crystal assembly of QDs may find utility as a new type of molecular-based precursors for the fabrication of energy- and cost-effective solution-processed thin film devices.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor of the PAS gene family, is required for normal ovarian germ cell dynamics in the mouse.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), so-designated based on the ability of the protein to bind with and be activated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and related halogenated hydrocarbons, is part of an emerging family of ligand-activated transcriptional regulators that are distinct from the steroid-thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. Once bound by ligand, the AhR interacts with the AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) protein to form the aryl hydrocarbon receptor complex (AHRC). Both subunits of the AHRC contain sequences corresponding to basic helix-loop-helix domains, a motif that is shared by a number of other dimeric transcription factors. Although the natural ligand(s) for the AhR remains to be elucidated, to date over fifteen genes, including enzymes, growth factors and other transcription factors, have been identified as potential targets for transcriptional regulation by the chemically-activated AHRC. In the ovary, PAH exposure is known to cause destruction of oocytes within immature follicl...
The pain of social disconnection: examining the shared neural underpinnings of physical and social pain

Experiences of social rejection, exclusion or loss are generally considered to be some of the most 'painful' experiences that we endure. Indeed, many of us go to great lengths to avoid situations that may engender these experiences (such as public speaking). Why is it that these negative social experiences have such a profound effect on our emotional well-being? Emerging evidence suggests that experiences of social pain — the painful feelings associated with social disconnection — rely on some of the same neurobiological substrates that underlie experiences of physical pain. Understanding the ways in which physical and social pain overlap may provide new insights into the surprising relationship between these two types of experiences.
Genetic risk assessment in carrier testing for spinal muscular atrophy.

As evidenced by the complete absence of a functionally critical sequence in exon 7, approximately 94% of individuals with clinically typical spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) lack both copies of the SMN1 gene at 5q13. Hence most carriers have only one copy of SMN1. Combining linkage and dosage analyses for SMN1, we observed unaffected individuals who have two copies of SMN1 on one chromosome 5 and zero copies of SMN1 on the other chromosome 5. By dosage analysis alone, such individuals, as well as carriers of non-deletion disease alleles, are indistinguishable from non-carrier individuals. We report that approximately 7% of unaffected individuals without a family history of SMA have three or four copies of SMN1, implying a higher frequency of chromosomes with two copies of SMN1 than previously reported. We present updated calculations for disease and non-disease allele frequencies and we describe how these frequencies can be used for genetic risk assessment in carrier testing for SMA.
THE CONTRIBUTORY AND CHANGING ROLES OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE CHURCH AND SYNAGOGUE

Older members of churches and synagogues constitute a major resource to religious organizations in American society. In many congregations this age group is not provided with adequate opportunities to demonstrate their rich inventory of knowledge and skills. The historical roles of older persons in preindustrial America provide a precedent for the creation of new contributory roles for the elderly in the twenty‐first century. In order to correct the current underutilization of older members and prepare for future ministry needs, six roles are described to illustrate the type of intramural and extramural contributions older congregational members can make. Religious educators are alerted to three structural barriers to productive role expression in later life, and the concept of career is introduced as a framework for the design of sequential role configurations for the older member. Implications of the need for a career oriented approach to innovative role making for religious education programming are ad...
Multivariate Calibration of a Photodiode Array Spectrometer for Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Multiple linear regression with stepwise selection of variables is used to calibrate a photodiode array spectrometer for inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The spectrometer uses a preliminary wavelength selector and an echelle grating (without an order-sorting prism) to provide high-resolution information over a wide wavelength range. Chemical systems exhibiting various obstacles to quantitation, including spectral-line overlap, interference due to broadened spectral lines, and stray light from a line of high intensity, are calibrated successfully with a multivariate technique. Sample sets used for calibration are constructed with the use of simplex lattice designs, and the method of cross-validation is used to assess the predictive performance of the calibration models. Conventional univariate calibration using spectral peak areas is performed for comparison.
The 100 most cited spine articles

Purpose Spine-related research has evolved dramatically during the last century. Significant contributions have been made by thousands of authors. A citation rank list has historically been used within a particular field to measure the importance of an article. The purpose of this article is to report on the 100 most cited articles in the field of spine.
Bureaucratic literacy, oral testimonies, and the study of twentieth-century Ethiopian history

Abstract Despite Ethiopia's reputation for an ancient tradition of literacy, until relatively recently the ability to read and write was confined to a small percentage of the population. The country's most notable increase in literacy began in the early- to mid-twentieth century, paralleling the development of the ‘modern’ Ethiopian state. Within it, administrators stationed throughout the provinces came more and more to communicate with each other and to inscribe certain events in writing, but orality retained its importance as a significant feature of the country's political culture. Through analysis of court records, security forces reports, and administrative correspondence, this article explores the literacy–orality interface in Ethiopian governance from the 1910s to about 1950, and comments on the challenges of interpreting oral sources collected in the politicized climate of the 1990s. It concludes that particular caution should be exercised when working with post-1991 oral data, and proposes that ...
Cytolethal Distending Toxin in Avian and Human Isolates of Helicobacter pullorum

Helicobacter pullorum has been isolated from the feces and livers of poultry and is associated with human gastroenteritis. Discrimination of this organism from other enterohepatic Helicobacter species and Campylobacter species has proven difficult. H. pullorum from both avian and human clinical sources has DNA sequence homology and cytotoxic activity that represent a new member of the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) family of bacterial toxins. CDT is a potential virulence factor in H. pullorum that may serve as a distinguishing phenotype and aid in identification of this organism in veterinary and human clinical samples.
Developmental patterns in the infants and young children of mentally ill mothers

The development of children (ages 2 to 49 months) of mentally ill mothers was compared with that of children of matched “well” mothers. The children of mentally ill mothers scored lower on measures of intelligence and had a less adaptive coping style in the testing situation. The children of “well” mothers were more socially competent; that is, they sought the attention of adults more often, responded more to social initiatives, displayed more positive affect, and sent clearer signals. Clinical data on the children of mentally ill mothers complemented the research data, indicating that these children displayed problems in the areas of interpersonal relationships, verbal-conceptual functioning, attentional skills, and mood and affect.
Threshold dose-response models in toxicology.

SUMMARY After a brief discussion of the threshold concept in toxicology, we consider models for the estimation of thresholds in the case where the observed response is binary or quantal. A generalization of the four-parameter Tukey-lambda family of distributions is proposed as a useful class of models for threshold estimation. Properties of these models are discussed and the process of model fitting and evaluation is illustrated using a number of data sets. The discussion includes consideration of background or spontaneous response, and comparison with other models. One of these is the linearplateau or hockey-stick model, which has been used in a number of toxicological studies.
Future Directions for Vascular Access for Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis vascular access is at the same time both the "Lifeline" and the "Achilles Heel" of hemodialysis. This review will initially summarize the vascular biology of dialysis vascular access dysfunction and then use this information to describe some novel and innovative ways (including advances in the process of care for vascular access) to prevent this problem.
Antigen-Directed Cancer Surgery for Primary Colorectal Cancer: 15-Year Survival Analysis

Tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) is a mucin-like high-molecular-weight glycosylated protein complex overexpressed by many adenocarcinomas. Antigen-directed cancer surgery using radiolabeled anti-TAG-72 murine monoclonal antibodies (muMAbs) has been previously investigated for colorectal cancer. Survival analysis of primary colorectal cancer patients with a minimum of 15-year follow-up after antigen-directed cancer surgery was performed to assess the impact of complete surgical resection of all detectable radiolabeled anti-TAG-72 muMAb. Survival analysis was performed on 92 patients (study group) with primary colorectal cancer (July 1990 to August 1995) treated with antigen-directed cancer surgery using 125I-labeled anti-TAG-72 muMAb. The study group was subdivided into those with no detectable TAG-72 antigen-bearing tissues (TAG-72 negative, N = 33) and those with persistent detectable TAG-72 antigen-bearing tissues (TAG-72 positive, N = 59) at completion of surgery. Comparisons were made with a control group (546 patients) from the same time period. Study group and control group were demographically similar, as were TAG-72-negative subgroup and TAG-72-positive subgroup. TAG-72-negative subgroup had significantly improved median survival (8.8 versus 2.5 years; P = 0.005) and time-dependent survival (45.4% versus 22.0% at 10 years; P = 0.002 and 39.4% versus 20.3% at 15 years; P = 0.003) compared with TAG-72-positive subgroup. TAG-72 positivity was as an independent predictor of long-term mortality risk, when controlled for pathologic stage of disease. Absence of detectable TAG-72 antigen within the surgical field at completion of antigen-directed cancer surgery for primary colorectal cancer is of significant prognostic value, conferring a long-term survival advantage to those in whom complete surgical removal of all tissues with detectable radiolabeled anti-TAG-72 muMAb was accomplished.
Wear characteristics of various hard materials for machining sic-reinforced aluminum alloy

Abstract The results of a machinability study of an Al-40vol.%SiC composite alloy, using a large collection of experimental and commercial cutting tools, are described in this report. It was observed that the wear rate of tools harder than silicon carbide was inversely proportional to their hardness. All cutting tools evaluated, however, wore rather rapidly and only polycrystalline diamond tools provided somewhat useful tool life. The expected production cost of a precision part from this alloy would be high because of the short tool life and relatively high price of the only usable cutting tool for this application.
Case management delivery models: the impact of indirect care givers on organizational outcomes.

Objective This study examined the effect of 2 case management delivery models on the organizational outcomes of length of stay (LOS) and payment denials. Background Organizational leaders frequently identify case management as a method to manage LOS and demonstrate fiscal responsibility; yet, most case management research is anecdotal, describing specific patient populations or clinical units for outcome measurement. Methods Regression analyses and analyses of variance were used to examine the role functions of case managers and the impact on LOS and payment denials. Outcomes were evaluated on medical, surgical, neurology, and cardiology populations across general, intermediate, and intensive levels of care. Results Caseload distribution and role definition had a statistically significant impact on LOS and denial management across clinical specialty, units, and levels of care. The role of the case manager predicted 11% of the organizations LOS management. Conclusion Case management role definition impacts organizational success measures found in LOS reduction and improved reimbursement. Although only 11% of the LOS was predicted by the role function of care coordinators, altering a single RN role had a statistically significant impact on LOS across clinical specialties and levels of care, demonstrating that indirect care givers have an important impact on organizational success.
Performance evaluation of multiple register sets

In this paper a DEC VAX with multiple register sets is evaluated under many differently sized register sets. Both the number of register sets and the number of registers per set were varied. Performance, measured in terms of memory traffic, is compared to that of a standard VAX. Memory traffic is measured from many real program traces on the standard processor and from transformations of the trace for the multiple register set processors. Results are presented for each program; an empirical formula is derived which describes the average program's behavior. A decrease in memory references of approximately 16% can be expected using multiple register sets.
Effects of single and repeated exposures to abate on rat behavior and cholinesterase activity

Rats were injected i.p. with the organophosphate insecticide ABATE and tested over the next 16 days. Animals given 1000 mg/kg showed impaired performance of a previously conditioned avoidance response 6 days after injection but not 2, 8, 10, or 16 days after injection. No behavioral changes were observed in animals given 316 or 562 mg/kg. A subsequent experiment showed that the avoidance impairment in animals given 1000 mg/kg was accompanied by significant erythrocyte, plasma, and brain cholinesterase activity inhibition and decreased spontaneous motor activity. If administration of the same ABATE dose was distributed over 6 days (167 mg/kg/day), cholinesterase and motor activity depression was still evident but conditioned avoidance performance was unimpaired. The results were interpreted as differential behavioral adaption to repeated injections of ABATE.
Dynamics of the 'echo' effect in a phytoplankton system with nitrogen fixation.

Consideration of nitrogen fixation adds a positive nonlinear feedback to plankton ecosystem models. We investigate the consequences of this feedback for secondary phytoplankton blooms and the response of phytoplankton dynamics to physical forcing. The dynamics of phytoplankton, Trichodesmium (the nitrogen fixer), and nutrients is modeled with a system of three differential equations. The model includes two types of nonlinear interactions: the competition of phytoplankton and Trichodesmium for light, and the positive feedback resulting from Trichodesmium recycling. A typical simulation of the model in time, with forcing by a varying mixed-layer depth, reveals a clear successional sequence including a secondary or ‘echo’ bloom of the phytoplankton. We explain this sequence of events through the stability analysis of three different steady states of the model. Our analysis shows the existence of a critical biological parameter, the ratio of normalized growth rates, determining the occurrence of ‘echo’ blooms and the specific sequence of events following a physical perturbation. The interplay of positive and negative feedbacks appears essential to the timing and the type of events following such a perturbation.
American education, meritocratic ideology, and the legitimation of inequality: the community college and the problem of American exceptionalism

This article examines American education in comparative perspective, suggesting that the distinctive structure of the school system is both an embodiment and a source of the felt fluidity of class boundaries in the United States. Several characteristic features of the American educational system are identified: the avoidance of early selection, the lack of sharp segmentation between different types of institutions, relative freedom of movement both among and within institutions, openness to new fields of study, high levels of enrollment, and the provision of opportunities for educational mobility well into adulthood. The two-year public community college, it argues, is an essential expression of these patterns which, through its very accessibility, reinforces the American ideology that it is never too late for individual talent to reveal itself - and to be rewarded. The article concludes with a discussion of the effects of the nation's distinctive school system on American culture and politics, suggesting that the perceived “classlessness” of American society may in part be a product of its seemingly open and democratic structure of education.
Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Sweetness

Sweetness is classically considered a single perceptual experience. However, diverse compounds can elicit this sensation, suggesting the existence of multiple pathways toward this end. This paper presents an overview of chemical theories of sweetness, reviews the phylogenetic and behavioral evidence for multiple pathways, and presents a summary of recent molecular advances regarding the sweet receptor. Potential sites for signal integration are discussed, and implications for nutritionists and food scientists are presented.
Immunoglobulin determination. Evaluation of the results of immunoelectrophoretic analysis and the radial diffusion method.

A comparative study was made of the results of immunoglobulin determination in sera using immunoelectrophoresis and the radial diffusion method of Mancini. The results indicated that, except for certain ranges of immunoglobulin concentration (low, normal or slightly increased) the data obtained by immunoelectrophoresis are unreliable and do not correlate with the values obtained by the Mancini method.
More on BPP and the polynomial-time hierarchy

We simplify known proofs that BPP lies within the Polynomial-time Hierarchy. Furthermore, our simple proof shows that BPP is contained in a complexity class that presumably lies even lower in this Hierarchy than was previously known. Our technique also simplifies the proof that one-sided-error IP equals two-sided-error IP.
Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia—Lift or Laser?

Abstract Introduction We review modern office based therapies for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods A search was performed for the literature between 2005 and 2014 on office based therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia focusing on prostatic urethral lift and office based laser therapies. Results Prostatic urethral lift is a novel technology that functions on mechanical compression alone. Initial trials have demonstrated improvement in symptom scores by 42% and in maximum flow by 30% at 2 years of followup. Conclusions The prostatic urethral lift device represents a novel approach in the array of office based technologies to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, although additional information on ease of insertion, reproducibility and durability is needed.
Roma (Gypsies) in the Soviet Union and the Moscow teatr ‘romen’

The Moscow Teatr “Romen,” dating back to 1931, is famous throughout the Soviet Union, and its performers have been some of the country's best-known. The Teatr “Romen” connects Roma from all over the country, and many who work there are related; three generations of a family may appear on the stage at one time. These families, along with Roma working as professionals, make up an lite within the Romani community in Moscow. They are the most outwardly assimilated (wearing European dress, etc.), most fluent and literate in Russian as well as Romani. These families usually move in different spheres than do Roma who live in villages around Moscow and work in cooperatives or as independent merchants, although extended family networks may include Roma of all spheres. Most studies of Gypsies (including those of non-Roma, such as Irish Travellers in the United Kingdom) assume a certain homogeneity of culture and of class: The refusal to acknowledge Gypsy upward mobility in the context of a dominant society has also prevented research of class difference within Gypsy groups and created a sense of marginalized homogeneity that does not reflect reality. The Teatr “Romen” is a case that demands such acknowledgment. Yet, in a sense, these elite performers are doubly marginal, both as performers and as ethnic outsiders who “threaten the rhetoric and narratives of nationalism.” Currently in the USSR, such narratives are in flux, as many national minorities demand greater cultural and political autonomy. Roma, however, are not demanding their own republic, and requests for schools and radio shows are often tempered by the assertion that, “this country has been kind to Gypsies.” Roma elites are also in a peculiar position: charged with representing Roma to outsiders, they are also concerned about maintaining the integrity of the urban community as Roma. Because of this, they must negotiate the interstitial area between cultures.
An 18b 12.5MHz ADC with 93dB SNR

This ADC is aimed at medical imaging such as digital x-ray where multiple channels from a photodiode array are multiplexed to a number of ADCs. These ADCs need to have a dynamic range in excess of 90dB to cater for the distance and composition of tissues that the x-rays have passed through. INL matching between converters of about 1 LSB at the 16b level is also required to avoid visible artifacts across pixel boundaries. These INL and dynamic range specifications are met by a number of commercially available 16b successive approximation (SA) ADCs but none at conversion rates more than 4 MHz. Conversion rate can be increased by determining 2 or more bits per bit trial by using a low resolution flash within a SA ADC. In [1] the residue amplifier (RA) that drives the inputs of the flash converter is within the SA loop. Sufficient time must be allowed for this RA to settle to the required accuracy each bit trial. [2] has no gain between the SA DACs and the flash and so avoids any RA settling delays. However to avoid upsetting the SA algorithm, the flash comparator errors must remain smaller than the size of each trial space. As a result this latter approach has so far been limited to low to medium resolution ADCs.
Interstellar Matter Near the Pleiades. V. Observations of Na I toward 36 Stars

This paper reports high-resolution, moderate to high signal-to-noise ratio observations of 23 certain Pleiades members, four possible members, and nine nonmembers in the Na I D lines, as well as observations of 12 of the stars in the Na I ultraviolet doublet. In spite of the relative proximity of the stars to the sun (even most of the nonmembers lie within 200 pc), the line profiles exhibit remarkable complexity, with up to five absorption components and equally remarkable star-to-star variation. The velocity range, 2-20 km s-1, conforms well to the range expected for gas deflected by the passage of the cluster. The paper includes a careful discussion of uncertainties in the data, the most important conclusions of which are that the velocity scatter is consistent with that expected from random errors in the wavelength calibration and that systematic errors probably are 0.1 km s-1. Appendices detail the choice of stellar data and the procedure adopted for removing telluric absorption lines. Analysis follows in a separate paper.
The many functions of nerve growth factor: multiple actions on nociceptors

Nerve growth factor (NGF) initially interested neurobiologists because of its effects in the developing nervous system. It is now clear that NGF functions throughout the life of the animal with a wide repertoire of actions. In the sensory nervous system it primarily influences the structure and function of nociceptors. Here, we provide a brief review of these actions and raise the overriding biological questions of why these multiple actions occur and how they are carried out.
Thin-Film Solid-State Electroluminescent Devices Based On Tris(2,2‘-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) Complexes

The behavior of light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEC) based on solid films (∼100 nm) of tris(2,2‘-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) between an ITO anode and a Ga−In cathode was investigated. The response times were strongly influenced by the nature of the counterion: small anions (BF4- and ClO4-) led to relatively fast transients, while large anions (PF6-, AsF6-) produced a slow time-response. From comparative experiments of cells prepared and tested in a glovebox to those in ambient, mobility of the anions in these films appears to be related to the presence of traces of water from atmospheric moisture. An electrochemical model is proposed to describe the behavior of these LECs. The simulation results agreed well with experimental transients of current and light emission as a function of time and show that the charge injection is asymmetric at the two electrodes. At a small bias, electrons are the major carriers, while for a larger bias the conduction becomes bipolar.
Affect and favorable work outcomes: two longitudinal tests of the happy–productive worker thesis

This research examined relationships between alternative measures of affect and supervisory performance ratings. The first study showed that dispositional rather than state affect significantly predicted supervisory ratings of performance over time. Since the measures of affect differed on both content and temporal dimensions, a follow-up study was conducted to explicate the results. The second study found that a pleasantness-based measure of dispositional affect (Berkman, 1971a) again predicted rated performance over time, but activation-based measures of both dispositional and state affect (using PANAS scales) were not predictive of supervisory evaluations of performance. The implications of these findings in terms of research on affect and the longstanding pursuit of the happy–productive worker are discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moral judgments and self-presentations

Abstract Meehan, Woll, and Abbott ( Journal of Research in Personality , 1979 , 13 , 25–38) have shown that scores on Hogan's Survey of Ethical Attitudes (SEA) are affected by instructions to simulate politically liberal or conservative attitudes. They also found that scores are affected by instructions to present one's self in a socially desirable or undesirable light, and that group ratings of the social desirability of the items could account for as much as 78% of the item response variance. Meehan et al. argue from these data that the SEA is a measure of political attitudes rather that moral judgments, and that the SEA is susceptible to dissimulation in the form of role playing and impression management. The present paper argues that test-taking is a form of self-presentation, identical to what goes on in everyday social interaction; this renders the Meehan et al. findings meaningful rather than problematic. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relationship between personality testing, self-presentation, moral judgments, and political attitudes.
Intraoperative Electron Beam Radiotherapy (IOERT) in the management of locally advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

To report outcomes in women with locally recurrent or advanced cervical cancer who received intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IOERT) as a component of therapy. From 1983 to 2010, 86 patients with locally recurrent (n = 73, 85%) or primary advanced (n = 13, 15%) cervical cancer received IOERT following surgery. Common surgeries included pelvic exenteration (n = 26; 30%) or sidewall resection (n = 22; 26%). The median IOERT dose was 15 Gy (range, 6.25-25 Gy). Sixty-one patients (71%) received perioperative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT; median dose, 45 Gy). Forty-one patients (48%) received perioperative chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 0.1-25.5 years). Resections were classified as R0 (n = 35, 41%), R1 (n = 30, 35%), or R2 (n = 21, 24%). Cumulative incidences of central (within the IOERT field) and locoregional relapse at 3 years were 23 and 38%, respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of distant relapse was 43%. Median survival was 15 months, and 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of cause-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were 31 and 25%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, pelvic exenteration (p = 0.02) and perioperative EBRT (p = 0.009) were associated with improved central control in patients with recurrent disease. Recurrence within 6 months of initial therapy was associated with reduced CSS (p = 0.001). Common IOERT-related toxicities included peripheral neuropathy (n = 16), ureteral stenosis (n = 4), and bowel fistula/perforation (n = 4). Eleven of 16 patients with neuropathy required long-term pain medication. Long-term survival is possible with combined modality therapy including IOERT for advanced cervical cancer. Distant relapse is common, yet a significant number of patients experienced local progression in spite of aggressive treatment. In addition to consideration of disease- and treatment-related morbidity, other factors to be considered when selecting patients for this approach include the time interval from initial therapy to recurrence and whether the patient is able to receive perioperative EBRT and pelvic exenteration in addition to IOERT.
Delayed autologous breast reconstruction: factors which influence patient decision making

Summary Background Autologous breast reconstruction timing continues to be controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine delayed autologous breast reconstruction at a center favouring immediate reconstruction to better understand factors driving the decision to delay reconstruction. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all free autologous breast reconstruction patients between 2005 and 2009, focussing on ethnicity, cancer stage, unilateral or bilateral reconstructions, initial management, distance from the institution, and average income. Delayed reconstructions were compared to immediate reconstructions. All delayed reconstructions were surveyed to examine treatment and reconstruction decisions and satisfaction. Results Of 709 patients, 169 (24%) underwent delayed treatment. Delayed reconstruction patients had higher cancer stages ( p p p Conclusions This study demonstrates that women may not be receiving all available information prior to undergoing mastectomy for initial breast cancer treatment. As a significant portion of women electing delayed reconstruction would elect immediate autologous reconstruction if given the option again, there is room for improvement in pre-operative patient education and in the education of our oncology colleagues.
Decision support for reasoning about values

An approach for reasoning with preferences and ethical values is presented. The proposed system is based in logic, and it allows a person to iteratively modify his or her actions. preferences, or ethics in order to maintain consistency. The system is based on relational set theory and is implemented in Prolog. >
Posterior conjunctival plication to correct secondary ptosis after eyelid retraction repair in Graves disease.

Abstract Purpose To describe the results of posterior conjunctival plication for the treatment of secondary eyelid ptosis after eyelid retraction repair in Graves disease. Methods Case series. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by routine eye examination and eyelid measurements including Margin Reflex Distance 1 and levator function. Two eyes of 2 patients who presented with ptosis following eyelid retraction repair were corrected with posterior conjunctival plication. Results Posterior conjunctival plication for secondary ptosis following eyelid retraction repair was successful in 2 eyelids of 2 patients with Graves disease. Follow up period ranged from 6–10 months over which no sign of recurrent ptosis was observed. Conclusions Posterior conjunctival plication is an effective surgical technique for the correction of secondary ptosis following eyelid retraction repair in patients with Graves disease.
Nonbinary LDPC Coding for Multicarrier Underwater Acoustic Communications

Recently, multicarrier modulation in the form of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been shown feasible for underwater acoustic communications via effective algorithms to handle the channel time-variability. In this paper, we propose to use nonbinary low density parity check (LDPC) codes to address two other main issues in OFDM: (i) plain (or uncoded) OFDM has poor performance in fading channels, and (ii) OFDM transmission has high peak to average power ratio (PAPR). We develop new methods to construct nonbinary regular and irregular LDPC codes that achieve excellent performance, match well with the underlying modulation, and can be encoded in linear time and in a parallel fashion. Based on the fact that the generator matrix of LDPC codes has high density, we further show how to reduce the PAPR considerably with minimal overhead. Experimental results confirm the excellent performance of the proposed nonbinary LDPC codes in multicarrier underwater acoustic communications.
"I Always Had the Desire to Progress a Little": Gendered Narratives of Immigrant Language Learners

Based on a qualitative study of Latin American adults enrolled in a California English as a second language (ESL) program, this article examines the ways in which gender as a social construct mediates learners' decisions and opportunities to learn English. In narratives audiotaped during life-history interviews, participants shared their varying responses to the gender ideologies and practices of their communities, and their understanding of how these responses affected their language learning. This article analyzes the narratives of two adult immigrant ESL students to better understand learners' perspectives on the connection between gender identities and second language learning. It concludes by discussing the implications of this research for adult immigrant ESL programs.
Thermal Optical Properties of Lunar Dust Simulants

The total reflectance spectra of lunar simulant dusts (<20 m particles) were measured to determine their integrated solar absorptance and their thermal emittance " for the purpose of analyzing the effect of dust on the performance of thermal control surfaces. All of the simulants exceptMinnesota Lunar Simulant 1 had awavelengthdependant reflectivity near 0.10 over the wavelength range of 8–25 m, and so are highly emitting at room temperature and lower. The anomalous behavior ofMinnesota Lunar Simulant 1 was attributed to its very low glass content. The 300 K emittance " of all the lunar simulants, except Minnesota Lunar Simulant 1, ranged from 0.78 to 0.92. In all cases, the " was lower for the <20 m particles than for larger particles reported earlier. There was considerably more variation in the lunar simulant reflectance in the solar spectral range (250–2500 nm) than in the thermal infrared. As expected, the lunar highlands simulants were more reflective in this wavelength range than the lunar mare simulants. The " maxima at the Christiansen frequency were consistent with simulants being largely plagioclase and confirmed that, with the exception ofMinnesota Lunar Simulant 1P, addition of agglutinates did not change the mineralogical character of the simulants. The of the simulants ranged from 0.39 to 0.75. This is lower than values reported earlier for larger particles of the same simulants (0.41–0.82) and for representative mare and highlands lunar soils (0.74–0.91). Because the of somemare simulantsmore closelymatched that of highlands lunar soils, it is recommended that and " values be the criteria for choosing a simulant for assessing the effects of dust on thermal control surfaces, rather than whether a simulant has been formulated as a highlands or a mare simulant.