Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Homicide Offenders

On Christmas eve in 2008, an unemployed aerospace engineer dressed as Santa Claus entered his ex-wife’s parents’ home in Covina, California and proceeded to shoot indiscriminately at the 25 or so partygoers inside. He then planned to light the house on fire using a homemade blowtorch, but an unexpected explosion foiled his detailed plans and ultimately quashed his plot to escape. The house, now engulfed in flames, burned to the ground and hid the gruesome fates of those inside. Nine people, including the man’s ex-wife and her parents, died as a result of the gunfire and/or fire. The badly burned offender retreated to his brother’s house some 30 miles away and decided the odds were against him—ending his own life with a single gunshot to the head. according to police, Bruce Pardo had no prior criminal record or history of violence. To those who knew him, he was “the nicest guy” who “always had a smile. ” He had a house, friends, family, and was involved in the church community as a head usher. It thus appeared that Pardo was an ordinary, law-abiding citizen who crumbled over the strain of losing his job and his marriage. It is tempting to think that the sensationalized case of the “Santa Killer” is somehow representative of all offenders who kill multiple victims. One might expect that those who kill repeatedly are somehow different from ordinary offenders, and that they are even distinct from those who kill only one victim. More specifically, it is enticing to believe that these offenders have instead “snapped” rather than as having continued a pattern of criminality and antisocial behavior. Indeed, the possible existence of a specialized offender, one who solely kills while avoiding other criminal behavior, is what has been suggested in a comment to our article originally published in the November 2008 issue of Homicide Studies— a comment that is inconsistent with the theoretical and empirical literatures on the “generality of deviance” (see gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990; Hirschi, 2004; Pratt & Cullen, 2000) and offender specialization (Bouffard, Wright, Muftić, & Bouffard, 2008; DeLisi, 2003; Lussier, LeBlanc, & Proulx, 2005; Lussier, Proulx, & LeBlanc, 2005; Mcgloin, Sullivan, Piquero, & Pratt, 2007; Sullivan, Mcgloin, Pratt, & Piquero, 2006; Vaughn, DeLisi, Beaver, & Howard, 2008, 2009), as well as the results of our original article (Wright, Pratt, & DeLisi, 2008).
Efficiently mining maximal frequent itemsets

We present GenMax, a backtracking search based algorithm for mining maximal frequent itemsets. GenMax uses a number of optimizations to prune the search space. It uses a novel technique called progressive focusing to perform maximality checking, and diffset propagation to perform fast frequency computation. Systematic experimental comparison with previous work indicates that different methods have varying strengths and weaknesses based on dataset characteristics. We found GenMax to be a highly efficient method to mine the exact set of maximal patterns.
Message from the Executive Director: Delivering a Strategic Plan

As I write these words, I am preparing for the October Board meeting in Los Angeles, just ahead of the SMPTE Annual Technical Confer ence and Exhibition. Like all Board meetings, there is a lot of content to prepare. Board officers, i.e., the Executive Committee, must prepare reports of activities since the last Board meeting. The same is true for the home office staff and me. This meeting is also the point where we present the upcoming year’s annual budget, which is always a fun activity.
A New U.S. Adult Nonpatient Sample

A project to collect an American adult nonpatient sample for the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 2001) took place between 1999 and 2005, and this article presents data for 450 participants in the project. Inclusion criteria, demographic information, and interrater agreement statistics are described. Findings for most of the CS variables are similar to earlier Rorschach Workshops samples, but some differences emerged and their implications for modifying interpretive guidelines are discussed.
Genetic Polymorphisms of the CYP 19 A 1 Gene and Breast Cancer Survival

The CYP19A1 protein (aromatase) plays a critical role in estrogen biosynthesis and thus may be related to the progression of breast cancer. We examined the association between CYP19A1 genetic polymorphisms and breast cancer survival in a cohort of 1,136 patients who were recruited as part of a population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China from 1996 to 1998 and who has donated a DNA sample to the study. Patients were followed for cancer recurrence and mortality through July 2005. Nineteen haplotype tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CYP19A1 gene were evaluated. For each of the five SNPs located in haplotype block 2, patients homozygous for the minor alleles had a reduced 5-year disease-free survival rate compared with those carrying the major allele. The age-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were 1.5 (1.1-2.1), 2.1 (1.2-3.6), 1.5 (1.1-2.0), 1.4 (1.0-2.0), and 1.4 (1.0-2.0) for hCV1664178, rs12900137, rs730154, rs936306 , and rs1902586, respectively. Haplotype analyses showed that the haplotype CCCTA (all minor alleles of the five SNPs in block 2) was associated with decreased disease-free survival (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3). The nonsynonymous SNP, rs700519 (Arg264Cys), located in haplotype block 4, was also associated with breast cancer survival. The age-adjusted HR for the Cys/Cys (T/T) genotype was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.2-4.1) for overall survival and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.1-3.9) for disease-free survival, compared with those carrying the Arg (C) allele. These results suggest that polymorphisms in the CYP19A1 gene may have effects on breast cancer prognosis. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(11):2115–22)
Ligand, receptor, and cell type–dependent regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA in prostate cancer epithelial cells

Recent evidence suggests that the liver X receptor (LXR) is a potential anticancer target in prostate carcinoma. There is little characterization, however, of which of the two LXR isoforms, LXRα or LXRβ, regulates the LXR-responsive genes ATP-binding cassette subfamily members A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) in transformed prostatic epithelial cells. In this study, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to determine whether LXRα or LXRβ is involved in regulating ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA expression in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Treatment of both cell lines with the synthetic LXR ligand T0901317 and oxysterols: 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) and 24(S), 25-epoxycholesterol (24,25EC), resulted in more than a 10-fold increase of ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA expression. Transfection of LNCaP cells with siRNA against either LXRβ or LXRα failed to inhibit T0901317 and 25HC-mediated increase of ABCA1 mRNA. siRNA silencing of LXRβ did, however, inhibit ABCA1 mRNA expression in 24,25EC-treated LNCaP cells. In contrast, LXRβ siRNA inhibited T0901317, 25HC, and 24,25EC induction of ABCA1 mRNA in PC-3 cells and ABCG1 mRNA in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Additional experiments revealed that T0901317 and 25HC induction of ABCA1 mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by the p38 stress kinase antagonist SB202190 and PKA inhibitor H89. Our study is the first to show that LXRβ, but not LXRα, is the major regulatory isoform of ABCG1 mRNA expression in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Our study also reveals that ABCA1 gene expression is differentially regulated by synthetic and natural LXR ligands, possibly involving kinase mediated signal transduction. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(7):1934–45]
Masticatory loadings and cranial deformation in Macaca fascicularis: a finite element analysis sensitivity study

Biomechanical analyses are commonly conducted to investigate how craniofacial form relates to function, particularly in relation to dietary adaptations. However, in the absence of corresponding muscle activation patterns, incomplete muscle data recorded experimentally for different individuals during different feeding tasks are frequently substituted. This study uses finite element analysis (FEA) to examine the sensitivity of the mechanical response of a Macaca fascicularis cranium to varying muscle activation patterns predicted via multibody dynamic analysis. Relative to the effects of varying bite location, the consequences of simulated variations in muscle activation patterns and of the inclusion/exclusion of whole muscle groups were investigated. The resulting cranial deformations were compared using two approaches; strain maps and geometric morphometric analyses. The results indicate that, with bite force magnitude controlled, the variations among the mechanical responses of the cranium to bite location far outweigh those observed as a consequence of varying muscle activations. However, zygomatic deformation was an exception, with the activation levels of superficial masseter being most influential in this regard. The anterior portion of temporalis deforms the cranial vault, but the remaining muscles have less profound effects. This study for the first time systematically quantifies the sensitivity of an FEA model of a primate skull to widely varying masticatory muscle activations and finds that, with the exception of the zygomatic arch, reasonable variants of muscle loading for a second molar bite have considerably less effect on cranial deformation and the resulting strain map than does varying molar bite point. The implication is that FEA models of biting crania will generally produce acceptable estimates of deformation under load as long as muscle activations and forces are reasonably approximated. In any one FEA study, the biological significance of the error in applied muscle forces is best judged against the magnitude of the effect that is being investigated.
The Motivating Operation and Negatively Reinforced Problem Behavior

The concept of motivational operations exerts an increasing influence on the understanding and assessment of problem behavior in people with intellectual and developmental disability. In this systematic review of 59 methodologically robust studies of the influence of motivational operations in negative reinforcement paradigms in this population, we identify themes related to situational and biological variables that have implications for assessment, intervention, and further research. There is now good evidence that motivational operations of differing origins influence negatively reinforced problem behavior, and that these might be subject to manipulation to facilitate favorable outcomes. There is also good evidence that some biological variables warrant consideration in assessment procedures as they predispose the person’s behavior to be influenced by specific motivational operations. The implications for assessment and intervention are made explicit with reference to variables that are open to manipulation or that require further research and conceptualization within causal models.
Balanced Scorecards in Managing Higher Education Institutions: An Indian Perspective

Purpose – The paper aims to look at the balanced scorecard (BSC) concept and discuss in what way it should be applied to higher education programs/institutions in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on extant literature on the balanced scorecard concept per se, as well as applications of BSC in higher education as reported by otherresearchers.Findings – The BSC approach offers an institution the opportunity to formulate a cascade of measures to translate the mission of knowledge creation, sharing and utilization into a comprehensive, coherent, communicable and mobilizing framework – for external stakeholders and for one another.Research limitations/implications – In the absence of any specific Indian case study, the possible impact could only be conjectured or deduced.Practical implications – A useful model is proposed that can be adapted with appropriate modifications to the management of tertiary institutions of education in India, whether it be a university, affiliate college, autonomous institution or private educational institution.Originality/value – In the absence of evidence of the application of BSC to the educational institutional domain in India, the current paper may be a starting-point for a debate and possible strategies to implement BSC methodology in this area.
Ergospirometry with concurrent fibre optic laryngoscopy: a randomised crossover study

ABSTRACT Background: Patients suffering from exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) are subjected to several exhausting tests. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using a single test to obtain diagnostic measurements for maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). Methods: Patients referred to the outpatient respiratory clinic at the University Hospital of Bispebjerg, Copenhagen with exercise-induced dyspnoea were evaluated for inclusion over 13 months. Eligible patients were aged 18–43 years, had a known EILO diagnosis (moderate or severe) and were inactive (self-reported activity) with less than 3 hours activity per week. In randomised order, all participants (n = 11) underwent three tests: a VO2max test with and without concurrent laryngoscopy. VO2max and EILO values from the two testing methods were compared. Findings: There was no difference in VO2max measured by ergospirometry with and without simultaneous continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CLE) testing (mean difference −22 ml O2･min−1; 95% CI −125 to 81 ml O2･min−1; P = 0.647). EILO scores obtained during the CLE testing on the treadmill versus CLE testing on the ergometer bike revealed identical supraglottic scores in nine of the 11 participants (82%) with substantial agreement between the two types of test (x = 0.71). Glottic scores were identical in six of the 11 (55%), showing moderate agreement between test types (x = 0.38). Conclusions: Based on our findings in inactive individuals, ergospirometry with laryngoscopy is feasible and well tolerated, yielding measurements for maximal oxygen uptake comparable to those of standard bike ergospirometry. Likewise, measurements of supraglottic EILO are comparable to those of the standard treadmill CLE test.
‘I Don't Know What I'd Do without Our Mam’ Motherhood, Identity and Support Networks

This paper explores the role and importance of kinship within the lives of 14 working class women as they seek to make sense of motherhood and their own self-identity as a young mother. Within late modernity, numerous discourses suggest that kin networks and the role and importance of kinship are in decline as ‘the family’ changes and adapts. Indeed, the idea of extended family support and networking is frequently viewed as a historically cozy image rather than an everyday reality as we enter the twenty-first century. However, this paper demonstrates that the situation is far from straightforward. The young mothers' discourses and everyday experiences remain firmly grounded in relations of class, gender and the locality within which they live. Hence, although many of the young women are increasingly individualised, self-reflexive actors seeking to make sense of intimate relations and kinship in an ontologically insecure world, kin networks, especially female kinship continue to play a pivotal role in their lives – practically, socially and emotionally. Indeed, female kinship is closely interwoven with their self-identity as a caring and capable mother.
Couples' Reasons for Cohabitation

This study uses a new measure to examine how different types of reasons for cohabitation are associated with individual well-being and relationship quality in a sample of 120 cohabiting heterosexual couples (N = 240). Spending more time together and convenience are the most strongly endorsed reasons. The degree to which individuals report cohabiting to test their relationships is associated with more negative couple communication and more physical aggression as well as lower relationship adjustment, confidence, and dedication. Testing the relationship is also associated with higher levels of attachment insecurity and more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Men are more likely than women to endorse testing their relationships and less likely to endorse convenience as a reason for cohabiting.
Object-based coding of stereo image sequences using three-dimensional models

An object-based stereo image coding algorithm is proposed. The algorithm relies on modeling of the object structure using 3-D wire-frame models and motion estimation using globally rigid and locally deformable motion models. Algorithms for the estimation of motion and structure parameters from stereo images are described. Motion parameters are used to construct predicted images by mapping the image texture on the object surface. Coding of object parameters, appearing background regions, and prediction errors are investigated, and experimental results with standard stereo image sequences depicting general scenes are presented. The proposed algorithm is seen to be very efficient for applications such as stereoscopic video transmission. Furthermore, it is especially well suited to advanced applications such as generation and transmission of intermediate views for multiview receiver systems and applications in which object-wise editing of the bit stream is required. The latter include video production using preanalyzed scenes and virtual reality applications.
Neural mechanisms of goal-directed behavior: outcome-based response selection is associated with increased functional coupling of the angular gyrus

Goal-directed behavior is based on representations of contingencies between a certain situation (S), a certain (re)action (R) and a certain outcome (O). These S-R-O representations enable flexible response selection in different situations according to the currently pursued goal. Importantly however, the successful formation of such representations is a necessary but not sufficient precondition for goal-directed behavior which additionally requires the actual usage of the contingency information for action control. The present fMRI study aimed at identifying the neural basis of each of these two aspects: representing vs. explicitly using experienced S-R-O contingencies. To this end, we created three experimental conditions: S-R-O contingency present and used for outcome-based response selection, S-R-O contingency present but not used, and S-R-O contingency absent. The comparison between conditions with and without S-R-O contingency revealed that the angular gyrus is relevant for representing S-R-O contingencies. The explicit usage of learnt S-R-O representations in turn was associated with increased functional coupling between angular gyrus and several subcortical (hippocampus, caudate head), prefrontal (lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC)) and cerebellar areas, which we suggest represent different explicit and implicit processes of goal-directed action control. Hence, we ascribe a central role to the angular gyrus in associating actions to their sensory outcomes which is used to guide behavior through coupling of the angular gyrus with multiple areas related to different aspects of action control.
De la démocratie et des cultes voduns au Bénin

Resume ; A partir de l'exemple du Festival international des cultures voduns (Ouidah 1992), l'auteur se propose d'analyser les rapports entretenus entre le politique et le religieux depuis le regime marxiste-leniniste de Mathieu Kerekou jusqu'au regime democratique de Nicephore Soglo, en faisant une rapide incursion aux temps precoloniaux du royaume du Danxome. Cette analyse se veut moins une observation objective des faits politiques et religieux qu'une interpretation fondee sur des anecdotes et les commentaires qu'elles appellent.
Profile: Candidates’ commercials and the law: The public perception

This study was designed to discover the public's level of knowledge about the regulation of advertising, both political and product. Most survey respondents believed that the government would do something if falsehoods were discovered in candidates’ commercials, which legally is not the case. Further, people perceived that political commercials are regulated and product ads are not, which again is not true. Spearman's rhos indicated that there is little relationship between respondents’ levels of knowledge on these matters and age, education level, or reliance on televised media.
Assessing Dynamic Performance: A Comparison of Rate of Force Development Tests

The purpose of this study was to quantify the rate of force development (RFD) and maximum force in isometric, concentric, and stretch-shorten cycle contraction modes and to determine their relationships to sprint running performance. Fifteen athletic subjects performed a series of isometric, concentric, and stretch-shorten cycle RFD tests in an upright squat position using a modified Smith machine positioned over a force platform. The concentric and isometric tests were performed at both 110° and 150° knee angles. From the force data recorded, the maximum force, maximum RFD, force at 30 ms, and impulse at 100 ms were used as test variables. Subjects also ran a 30-m indoor sprint from a crouched start. Of the 20 force-time variables calculated, the concentric tests were the only ones significantly correlated to performance and able to effectively discriminate between good and poor performers. Isometric tests were unrelated to dynamic performance. This was suggested to be due to the large neural and mechanical differences between isometric and dynamic muscular actions. The results are strongly supportive of the use of concentric RFD tests but not isometric ones.
Human pluripotent stem cells on artificial microenvironments: a high content perspective

Self-renewing stem cell populations are increasingly considered as resources for cell therapy and tools for drug discovery. Human pluripotent stem (hPS) cells in particular offer a virtually unlimited reservoir of homogeneous cells and can be differentiated toward diverse lineages. Many diseases show impairment in self-renewal or differentiation, abnormal lineage choice or other aberrant cell behavior in response to chemical or physical cues. To investigate these responses, there is a growing interest in the development of specific assays using hPS cells, artificial microenvironments and high content analysis. Several hurdles need to be overcome that can be grouped into three areas: (i) availability of robust, homogeneous, and consistent cell populations as a starting point; (ii) appropriate understanding and use of chemical and physical microenvironments; (iii) development of assays that dissect the complexity of cell populations in tissues while mirroring specific aspects of their behavior. Here we review recent progress in the culture of hPS cells and we detail the importance of the environment surrounding the cells with a focus on synthetic material and suitable high content analysis approaches. The technologies described, if properly combined, have the potential to create a paradigm shift in the way diseases are modeled and drug discovery is performed.
Feminist Perspectives in Development: Implications for Women and Microcredit

This article critically explores how feminist theories continue to affect development paradigms and discourses by focusing on women’s experiences in microcredit programs. It locates the ideological roots of key concepts in development theories and feminist thinking about women’s role in development and improving women’s status. Over the past three decades, feminist theories and perspectives have influenced the debates on development across disciplines. Learning from the historical trajectory of development theories and feminist perspectives allows social workers to consider the centrality of gender in shaping every aspect of social life.