Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expanding the scope of sentencing research: Determinants of juvenile and adult punishment in the Netherlands

Research on legal and extralegal disparity in criminal sentencing has been conducted primarily in the United States, and, to a lesser extent, in select European nations. Largely separate research literatures have developed around juvenile and adult sentencing decisions, and few studies examine both prosecutorial and judicial punishment outcomes. This study examines the effects of diverse legal and socio-demographic characteristics on both prosecutorial and judicial punishments, for both juveniles and adults. It assesses the broad generalizability of prior research and theorizing, analyzing punishment outcomes for all criminal suspects registered by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands in 2007. Results indicate that offense, case-processing and criminal history characteristics weigh heavily in prosecutorial and judicial decision-making. There are also direct effects of age, gender and nationality on both prosecutorial and sentencing decisions, for both juvenile and adult offenders, in the Dutch justice system. These findings are discussed in relation to the broad discretion exercised by Dutch court actors and the paper concludes with recommendations for future sentencing research in international contexts.
Time trends in therapies and outcomes for adult inflammatory bowel disease, Northern California, 1998-2005.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become increasingly complicated, and it is unknown whether poor outcomes (prolonged steroid use, hospitalizations, and surgery) have declined in the general population. METHODS This multilevel study used computerized clinical data. The study comprised 2892 adults with Crohn's disease (CD) and 5895 with ulcerative colitis (UC) who received care at 16 medical centers within an integrated care organization in Northern California between 1998 and 2005. RESULTS Time trends included (1) a shift in gastroenterology-related visits from the gastroenterology division to primary care; (2) increased use of IBD-related drugs, except for a 7% decline in use of 5-aminosalicylate in CD and no change in steroid use for CD; (3) for the prevalence of prolonged steroid exposure (120 days of continuous use), a 36% decline for CD with a 27% increase for UC; (4) declines in the hospitalization rates of 33% for CD and 29% for UC; and (5) for the surgery rate, no significant change for CD with a 50% decline for UC. CONCLUSIONS Declines in prolonged steroid exposure and the hospitalization rate for CD and in the hospitalization and surgery rate for UC are encouraging; however, the increase in prolonged steroid exposure for UC merits concern and further investigation. The variability in care patterns observed in this study suggests lack of standardization of care and the opportunity to identify targets for quality improvement. These findings should stimulate research to quantify the effect of current trends in IBD management.
CD56brightCD16− NK Cells Produce Adenosine through a CD38-Mediated Pathway and Act as Regulatory Cells Inhibiting Autologous CD4+ T Cell Proliferation

Recent studies suggested that human CD56brightCD16− NK cells may play a role in the regulation of the immune response. Since the mechanism(s) involved have not yet been elucidated, in the present study we have investigated the role of nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes that regulate the extracellular balance of nucleotides/nucleosides and produce the immunosuppressive molecule adenosine (ADO). Peripheral blood CD56dimCD16+ and CD56brightCD16− NK cells expressed similar levels of CD38. CD39, CD73, and CD157 expression was higher in CD56brightCD16− than in CD56dimCD16+ NK cells. CD57 was mostly expressed by CD56dimCD16+ NK cells. CD203a/PC-1 expression was restricted to CD56brightCD16− NK cells. CD56brightCD16− NK cells produce ADO and inhibit autologous CD4+ T cell proliferation. Such inhibition was 1) reverted pretreating CD56brightCD16− NK cells with a CD38 inhibitor and 2) increased pretreating CD56brightCD16− NK cells with a nucleoside transporter inhibitor, which increase extracellular ADO concentration. CD56brightCD16− NK cells isolated from the synovial fluid of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients failed to inhibit autologous CD4+ T cell proliferation. Such functional impairment could be related to 1) the observed reduced CD38/CD73 expression, 2) a peculiar ADO production kinetics, and 3) a different expression of ADO receptors. In contrast, CD56brightCD16− NK cells isolated from inflammatory pleural effusions display a potent regulatory activity. In conclusion, CD56brightCD16− NK cells act as “regulatory cells” through ADO produced by an ectoenzymes network, with a pivotal role of CD38. This function may be relevant for the modulation of the immune response in physiological and pathological conditions, and it could be impaired during autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
MULTIPROCESSOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A TEXTURE SEGMENTATION SCHEME FOR SATELLITE RADAR IMAGES

This paper presents a scheme for segmenting images on the basis of differences in localised measures of spatial texture. The scheme used was originally proposed by Wilson and Spann [1] but incorporates a new clustering algorithm which gives improved overall segmentation performance. The Wilson and Spann [1] algorithm uses a clustering algorithm which proved susceptible to initial input parameters and gave poor segmentation on our images. Our algorithm uses a modification of the Koontz, Narendra and Fukunaga [2] clustering algorithm. By linking the clustering to the resolution of the image, significant clusters were able to be realised, yielding a more robust segmentation scheme. The adaptation also resulted in a significant reduction in run-time. The paper is directed towards the problem of segmenting satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and we give comparisons of the techniques on SAR and other images.
Analysis of simultaneous modulated accelerated radiotherapy (SMART) for nasopharyngeal carcinomas

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of simultaneous modulated accelerated radiotherapy (SMART) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A total of 97 patients who underwent SMART for NPC between August 2005 and November 2011 were evaluated. The prescribed dose was 69.9 Gy/30 fractions at 2.33 Gy/fraction to the primary gross tumor volume (PGTV) including the nasopharynx gross target volume and the positive neck lymph nodes, and 60 Gy/30 fraction at 2.0 Gy/fraction to the PCTV1; 54 Gy/30 fractions at 1.8 Gy/fraction was given to the PCTV2. Among 59 patients with local advanced disease, 31 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemo-RT) with a regimen consisting of 135 mg/m2 paclitaxel on Day 1 and 25 mg/m2 cisplatin on Days 1–3. The median follow-up period was 42 months. The local control rate (LCR), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 93.3%, 90.3% and 91.6% at 3 years, and 87.6%, 87.9% and 85.7% at 5 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in outcome with respect to these three indicators for Stage III and IV disease treated with/without concurrent chemoradiotherapy (P > 0.05). Acute toxicities included Grade 3 mucositis, skin desquamation, and leucopenia, which occurred in 78 (80.4%), 8 (8.2%), and 45 (46.4%) patients, respectively. No patient had a Grade 3–4 late toxicity. SMART was associated with a favorable outcome for NPC with acceptable toxicity. The local-regional control was excellent but distant metastasis remains the main risk. The combination of SMART and chemotherapy needs to be optimized through further studies to enhance outcomes for locally advanced diseases.
A Genome-Wide Identification of Genes Undergoing Recombination and Positive Selection in Neisseria

Currently, there is particular interest in the molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution in bacteria. Neisseria is a genus of gram negative bacteria, and there has recently been considerable focus on its two human pathogenic species N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae. Until now, no genome-wide studies have attempted to scan for the genes related to adaptive evolution. For this reason, we selected 18 Neisseria genomes (14 N. meningitidis, 3 N. gonorrhoeae and 1 commensal N. lactamics) to conduct a comparative genome analysis to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the roles of natural selection and homologous recombination throughout the history of adaptive evolution. Among the 1012 core orthologous genes, we identified 635 genes with recombination signals and 10 genes that showed significant evidence of positive selection. Further functional analyses revealed that no functional bias was found in the recombined genes. Positively selected genes are prone to DNA processing and iron uptake, which are essential for the fundamental life cycle. Overall, the results indicate that both recombination and positive selection play crucial roles in the adaptive evolution of Neisseria genomes. The positively selected genes and the corresponding amino acid sites provide us with valuable targets for further research into the detailed mechanisms of adaptive evolution in Neisseria.
Seeking researcher identity through the co-construction and representation of young people’s narratives of identity

This paper tells the story of how a model of action research was used to examine my own development and emerging identity as a researcher through the Master of Research programme at my employing university in Scotland. It is located within a context of increasing expectations on academics within vocational training departments of UK universities to give priority to research activity. My story aims to engage with how the challenges in developing ‘self-as-researcher’ were interwoven with my learning through undertaking a narrative inquiry project with ‘More Choices, More Chances’ young people, as part of the Master of Research. The key stages of the research process, notably the search for authentic ways of gathering and representing the stories of the young people around the key themes of identity and inclusion, evoked the resonance of these themes with my own narrative of shifting and overlapping identities. In setting this paper within the context of current international literature I aim to add to current interest in reflexivity in research through illuminating the connections between the action research and narrative inquiry processes. Values around empowerment and social justice, illustrated in the paper through reflecting on the researcher/participant relationship, are interwoven in both. The visual research methods used in the narrative inquiry project are examined in terms of their contribution to an empowering ‘space’ for storytelling, and to my representation of these stories in trustworthy ways.
Compulsive working, 'hyperprofessionality' and the unseen pleasures of academic work

The paper applies Hoyle's notion of ‘extended’ professionality to modern higher education working. It begins with some of the policy contexts and theoretical perspectives around the structural and professional change experienced by academic staff: changes that have been documented in systematic studies of university life from the 1970s onwards. However, the realisation for academic staff that, at 45 per cent of the workforce, they were no longer the majority group in the sector, has added impetus to debates about work, the workplace and the role of change in scholarly life (Gornall, 2009). The Working Lives team has been gathering qualitative data on academic experiences of everyday work between 2007 and 2010, using life history and ethnographic methods. This paper draws on in-depth interviews with 24 academics and participants in four focus groups, to consider the propensity in an ‘always-on’ environment for staff to rarely ‘switch off’. This is explored alongside a set of ‘emic’ notions of working practices and places that characterise the ‘hyperprofessional’ academic.
Ion-specific and general ionic effects on contraction of skinned fast- twitch skeletal muscle from the rabbit

We used single fibers from rabbit psoas muscle, chemically skinned with Triton X-100 nonionic detergent, to determine the salts best suited for adjusting ionic strength of bathing solutions for skinned fibers. As criteria we measured maximal calcium-activated force (Fmax), fiber swelling estimated optically, and protein extraction from single fibers determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with ultrasensitive silver staining. All things considered, the best uni-univalent salt was potassium methanesulfonate, while a number of uni-divalent potassium salts of phosphocreatine, hexamethylenediamine N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, sulfate, and succinate were equally acceptable. Using these salts, we determined that changes in Fmax correlated best with variations of ionic strength (1/2 sigma ci z2i, where ci is the concentration of ion i, and zi is its valence) rather than ionic equivalents (1/2 sigma ci magnitude of zi). Our data indicate that increased ionic strength per sc decreases Fmax, probably by destabilizing the cross-bridge structure in addition to increasing electrostatic shielding of actomyosin interactions.
Gene Transfer of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Reduces Arterial Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Heparin-Binding Domain

Abstract— Oxidative stress may contribute to hypertension. The goals of this study were to determine whether extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) reduces arterial pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and whether its heparin-binding domain (HBD), which is responsible for cellular binding, is necessary for the function of ECSOD. Three days after intravenous injection of an adenoviral vector expressing human ECSOD (AdECSOD), mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased from 165±4 mm Hg (mean±SE, n=7) to 124±3 mm Hg (n=7) in adult anesthetized SHR (P <0.01) but was not altered in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Cardiac output was not changed in SHR 3 days after AdECSOD. Gene transfer of ECSOD with deletion of the HBD (AdECSOD&Dgr;HBD) had no effect on SHR MAP, even though plasma SOD activity was greater after AdECSOD&Dgr;HBD than after AdECSOD. Immunohistochemistry revealed intense staining for ECSOD in blood vessels and kidneys after AdECSOD but not after AdECSOD&Dgr;HBD. Impaired relaxation of the carotid artery to acetylcholine in SHR was significantly improved after AdECSOD. Cumulative sodium balance in SHR was reduced by AdECSOD compared with AdECSOD&Dgr;HBD. Gene transfer of ECSOD also reduced MAP in conscious SHR, although the effect was not as profound as in anesthetized SHR. In summary, gene transfer of ECSOD, with a strict requirement for its HBD, reduces systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure in a genetic model of hypertension. This reduction in arterial pressure may be mediated by vasomotor and/or renal mechanisms.
Towards Enabling Cross-Organizational Modeling in Automotive Ecosystems

Automotive engineering is characterized by relying heavily on complex supplier networks as well as by strong dependence from hardware and software component development. OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) coordinate and integrate the work of hardware and software component suppliers and to an increasing amount develop application software themselves (component suppliers can be internal). For OEMs the transition to model-driven development promises potential reduction in the development lead-time of complex in-vehicle automotive features, such as semi-autonomous driving, but it is not without challenges. For example, the verification of such features is still performed using mainly physical properties such as hardware benches and mule vehicles. While this step is necessary, it is not sufficient, because it does not allow early verification of design decisions to the required extent. In addition, the development speed of hardware and software components is (a) limited by hardware development cycles as well as (b) slowed down by unsynchronized software development cycles of key suppliers. This prevents detailed information from being available early and potentially resulting in expensive and late changes. Understanding this situation as an ecosystem of cross-organizational collaborations allows us to reason about challenges and opportunities of the interaction between the OEM and different componentas well as tool-providers. In this paper, we report first results from an exploratory study that involved interviews with one of our industrial partners, General Motors (GM). First, we describe our understanding of the automotive ecosystem. Second, we explore interactions and roles of different ecosystem actors based on workshops and interviews with engineers at GM.
Expression and analysis of COOH-terminal deletions of the human thrombospondin molecule

Thrombospondin (TSP) is a homotrimeric extracellular glycoprotein with a subunit molecular mass of 140 kD. The subunits have a modular or domain-like structure and are held together by interchain disulphide bonds. A number of domains have been identified including those for the binding of collagen, fibrinogen, and heparin. Due to the trimeric form of the TSP molecule, the various domains are trivalent in nature and this contributes to the ability of TSP to mediate cell-substrate interactions. Indeed, TSP has recently been shown not only to promote cell adhesion but also to be intimately involved in cell growth and migration. The adhesive function of TSP is attributable to the "solid- phase" or matrix-bound form of the molecule. There is some evidence that the heparin-binding domain mediates incorporation of soluble TSP into the insoluble matrix form. The heparin-binding domain of TSP is a compact globular amino-terminal moiety that contains two clusters of basic amino acids and a single intrachain disulphide bond. To delineate the role of the heparin-binding domain in matrix assembly and to define further the precise region of interchain disulphide bonding that results in trimer formation, we have expressed deleted forms of the cDNA encoding TSP in SV-40-transformed. African green monkey kidney cells. The proteins synthesized from the various deleted TSP cDNAs were examined for (a) secretion into the culture medium and incorporation into the extracellular matrix; (b) binding to heparin-Sepharose; (c) immunoprecipitability by a conformation-specific monoclonal antibody; and (d) ability to form trimers. This analysis allowed us to draw the following conclusions. (a) A 218 amino acid NH2-terminal protein that preserves the intrachain disulphide bridge of the heparin-binding domain is capable of binding to heparin-Sepharose and incorporating into the extracellular matrix. (b) A shorter 164 amino acid NH2- terminal peptide that does not contain the intrachain disulphide bridge of the heparin-binding domain is neither able to bind to heparin- Sepharose nor able to incorporate into the extracellular matrix. (c) The region of interchain disulphide bridging necessary for trimer assembly resides within a cluster of seven cysteine residues immediately adjacent to the heparin-binding domain.
Never the Right Age? Gender and Age-Based Discrimination in Employment

Although UK legislation against age discrimination is required by December 2006, little is yet known about how ageism affects different age categories of employees, and the gender dimensions of ageism have also been neglected. Both issues were investigated by questionnaire survey, producing responses from over 1000 employees of a major UK financial services enterprise. The extent and manifestations of ageism were found to vary across age categories and by sex, and evidence of gendered ageism emerged. Reported examples of ageism were highest among younger and older age categories, but all age groups were affected to some degree. Across all ages, women were more likely than men to experience ageist attitudes concerning appearance or sexuality. To be effective, legislation will need to cater for the complex nature and patterns of age discrimination revealed, though the comparator problem and other complexities are such that important aspects of age prejudice, including gender dimensions, risk being overlooked.
Exploring THz hollow-core fiber designs manufactured by 3D printing

In this paper we demonstrate the terahertz propagation characteristics of 3D printed hollow core fibers with inner capillaries. The fibers were numerically characterized using a beam propagation method software. The guidance is supported by antiresonant effect and the spectral transmission was evaluated until 1.6 THz. Special designs were proposed exploring the versatility of 3D printing technique. The potential application of these THz waveguides as a refractometer is presented.
Determinants of Military Adjustment and Attrition During Finnish Conscript Service

Adjustment to the military is determined by two main factors: the situational and organizational experiences of the new service member (the environment) and the member’s characteristics and background (personal features). In the Finnish conscript service, an aggregate of diverse individuals is socialized into the military. Most of the conscript population adjusts to this process, but a portion of the conscripts fails to adjust and their service is terminated prematurely. The study looks at how well conscripts are expected to adjust to the military, how well they actually do adjust to basic training and later service, and how the adjustment changes over the service period. In addition, the research examines why some conscripts fail to fulfill their military obligation, resulting in military turnover (i.e. attrition). The data were collected with Finnish-language questionnaires from 2,003 conscripts immediately after reporting for duty, at the end of basic training, and at the end of the conscript service. Information was obtained on a number of background variables, the trainees’ attitudes towards various topics, and their experiences. Interviews were utilized to verify that the measures covered relevant aspects of the military adjustment process. The adjustment-related measures were refined by factor and Bayesian analyses and reliability tests. The results show that numerous background variables are related to differences in adjustment perceptions and attitudes toward military experiences. Four main dimensions of adjustment were found: affective commitment, sociability, physical health, and perceptions about obedience and regimentation. Together they explained 50% of the variance of adjustment expectations at time 1, 58% of basic training adjustment at time 2, and 61% of later adjustment at time 3. In structural equation models, 56% of the later adjustment experiences were explained by the four dimensions. Most attrition (i.e. separation from service) occurred during the first two weeks, and most of the later attrition during the first 8 weeks of service. In all, 211 (10.5%) of the 2,003 conscripts were dropped from military service. A series of logistic regression and discriminant function analyses were carried out to explain the differences between the attrition group and those who completed their military service. Attrition was best predicted by the conscript’s intent to stay or quit, education level and schooling experiences, expected adjustment, criminal background, physical health, the quality of civilian relationships, and attitudes towards military service. Overall, the research extends previous research by considering a wider set of predictors over time, and allowing generalization of the findings about military adjustment through the use of a non-U.S. conscript sample. Alternative approaches, policy interventions, and adjustment-related considerations for instructors and service members are suggested.