cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the role of galectin-3 in cancer apoptosis.

Galectin-3, a member of the β-galactoside-binding gene family, is a multifunctional protein implicated in a variety of biological functions, including tumor cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. Recent studies revealed that intracellular galectin-3 exhibits the activity to suppress drug induced apoptosis and anoikis (apoptosis induced by the loss of cell anchorage) that contribute to cell survival. Resistance to apoptosis is essential for cancer cell survival and plays a role in tumor progression. Conversely, it was recently shown that tumor cells’ secreted galectin-3 induces T-cells’ apoptosis, thus playing a role in the immune escape mechanism during tumor progression through induction of apoptosis of cancer-infiltrating T-cells. This review summarizes recent evidences on the role of galectin-3 as an anti-apoptotic and/or pro-apoptotic factor in various cell types and discusses the recent understanding of the molecular mechanisms of galectin-3 role in apoptosis. We also suggest potential directions for further analyses of this multifunctional protein.
Navigating the maze of graph analytics frameworks using massive graph datasets

Graph algorithms are becoming increasingly important for analyzing large datasets in many fields. Real-world graph data follows a pattern of sparsity, that is not uniform but highly skewed towards a few items. Implementing graph traversal, statistics and machine learning algorithms on such data in a scalable manner is quite challenging. As a result, several graph analytics frameworks (GraphLab, CombBLAS, Giraph, SociaLite and Galois among others) have been developed, each offering a solution with different programming models and targeted at different users. Unfortunately, the "Ninja performance gap" between optimized code and most of these frameworks is very large (2-30X for most frameworks and up to 560X for Giraph) for common graph algorithms, and moreover varies widely with algorithms. This makes the end-users' choice of graph framework dependent not only on ease of use but also on performance. In this work, we offer a quantitative roadmap for improving the performance of all these frameworks and bridging the "ninja gap". We first present hand-optimized baselines that get performance close to hardware limits and higher than any published performance figure for these graph algorithms. We characterize the performance of both this native implementation as well as popular graph frameworks on a variety of algorithms. This study helps end-users delineate bottlenecks arising from the algorithms themselves vs. programming model abstractions vs. the framework implementations. Further, by analyzing the system-level behavior of these frameworks, we obtain bottlenecks that are agnostic to specific algorithms. We recommend changes to alleviate these bottlenecks (and implement some of them) and reduce the performance gap with respect to native code. These changes will enable end-users to choose frameworks based mostly on ease of use.
Cohesive-bridging zone model of FRP–concrete interface debonding

Abstract External bonding of FRP plates or sheets has emerged as a popular method for strengthening reinforced concrete structures. Debonding along the FPR–concrete interface can lead to premature failure of the structures. In this study, a combined cohesive/bridging zone model is presented to simulate the debonding procedure between the FRP and concrete interface. In this model, the crack processing zone of the interface is modeled by a cohesive zone model and the particle interlocking zone of the interface is modeled by a bridging zone model. Two different linearly softening bond stress–slip laws are used to describe these two different zones. Closed-form solutions of interfacial stress, FRP stress and ultimate load are obtained for a typical single-lap specimen and verified with experimental results. The pulling force applied to the FRP plate is found to be proportional to the square root of the energy release rate at the debonding tip for this model. Such a relationship is then extended to any general shapes of bond stress–slip law through J-integral method. A new approach to experimentally determine the bond stress–slip law is also proposed.
Analytic Monotone Extension of Boundary Data

We derive several schemes that extend a monotone function on the boundary of the unit square to be a monotone function on the unit square while maintaining the smoothness of the function. Our results are related to those of Dahmen, DeVore, and Micchelli and have application to the modeling of charge distribution in semi-conductor design.
Proof-reading performance of extraverts and neurotics under punishment and reward conditions

Abstract Individuals who are more sensitive to punishment cues are thought to inhibit behavior in the presence of these stimuli. Individuals who are more sensitive to reward cues are thought to activate behavior in the presence of these latter stimuli. However, the present argument is that punishment-sensitive individuals may not necessarily inhibit behavior, but may sometimes activate behavior in order to avoid the potential negative consequences signaled by the presence of punishment cues. This behavioral activation will be less intense when punishment-sensitive individuals are in the presence of reward cues. Reward-sensitive individuals will activate behavior when in the presence of reward cues, but less so when in the presence of punishment cues. Subjects were asked to do their best on a proof-reading task under either reward (opportunity to win a dollar) or punishment (threat of losing a dollar) conditions. Predictions were generally supported for punishment-sensitive individuals, but not for reward-sensitive individuals. Predictions regarding differential emotional reactions being dependent on personality, punishment/reward cues and on feedback regarding performance on the proof-reading task were not confirmed. Findings are discussed with respect to the asymmetry of the data and in terms of future research.
Emerging Ideas: Evaluation of Stem Cells Genetically Modified with Scleraxis to Improve Rotator Cuff Healing

Background Rotator cuffs heal with an interposed layer of scar tissue that makes repairs prone to failure. Cell-based biologic therapies have the potential to augment this healing process. Scleraxis (Scx) is a transcription factor that is involved in tendon development during embryogenesis, and may help drive stem cells toward tenocyte differentiation in adults.
ON NORMAL MICROBUNDLES

Topology Vol. 5, pp. 229-240. Pergamon Press, 1966. Printed in Great Britain ON NORMAL MICROBUNDLES MORRIS W. HIRSCH? (Received 6 January 1966) $1. INTRODUCTION JOHN MILNOR invented the microbundle [6, 71, and proved the following basic theorems: (A). (EXISTENCE OF INVERSE MICROBUNDLES). For any microbundle 5 over a polyhedron, there exists a microbundle q such that 5 @ II is triGal. (B). (STABLE EXISTENCE OF NORMAL MICROBUNDLES). Let M be a submanifold of V. Then M x 0 has a normal microbundle in V x R4 for sonze q. Lashof and Rothenberg [5] proved : (C) (STABLE ISOTOPY OF NORMAL MICROBUNDLES). If to and (I are normal nzicrobundles on M in. V, then for some k, to @ k its use requires addition of a trivial line bundle. Since every manifold is covered by a finite number of open sets that are homeomorphic to open sets in Euclidean space, (C) and (B) follow. It is well known that t The author is a Sloan Fellow.
Trauma airway management: transition from anesthesia to emergency medicine.

Abstract Background Trauma airway management is commonly performed by either anesthesiologists or Emergency Physicians (EPs). Objective Our aim was to evaluate the impact of switching from one group of providers to the other, focusing on outcomes and complications. Methods Medical records were used to identify all patients during a 3-year period who were intubated emergently after traumatic injury. Before November 1, 2007, airway management was supervised by anesthesiologists, after that date airways were supervised by EPs. Complications evaluated included failure to obtain a secure airway, multiple attempts at airway placement, new or worsening hypoxia or hypotension during the peri-intubation period, bronchial intubations, dysrhythmia, aspiration with development of infiltrate on chest x-ray study within 48 h, and facial trauma. Results Of the 490 tracheal intubations, 250 were attended by EPs and 240 were attended by anesthesiologists. The groups were well matched with respect to age and sex, but the EP group treated more severely injured patients on average. Intubation was accomplished in one attempt 98.3% of the time in the anesthesia group; those requiring multiple attempts went on to need surgical airways 2.1% of the time. EPs accomplished intubation in one attempt 98.4% of the time, with an overall success rate of 96.8%; surgical airways were needed in 3.2% of patients. The complication rate was 18.3% for the anesthesia group and 18% for the EP group. There were no statistically significant differences between the EP and anesthesia groups with regard to complication rates, although the EP patients had a higher Injury Severity Score on average. Conclusions EPs can safely manage the airways of trauma patients with rates of complication and failure comparable with those of anesthesiologists.
Making amines strong bases: thermodynamic stabilization of protonated guests in a highly-charged supramolecular host1.

A highly-charged, cavity-containing supramolecular assembly formed by metal-ligand interactions acts as a host to dramatically shift the effective basicity of encapsulated protonated amine guests. The scope of encapsulated protonated amine and phosphine guests shows size selectivity consistent with a constrained binding environment. Protonation of the encapsulated guests is confirmed by {sup 31}P NMR studies, mass spectrometry studies, and the pH dependence of guest encapsulation. Rates of guest self-exchange were measured using the Selective Inversion Recovery method and were found to correlate with the size rather than the basicity of the guests. The activation parameters for guest self-exchange are consistent with the established mechanism for guest exchange. The binding constants of the protonated amines are then used to calculate the effective basicity of the encapsulated amines. Depending on the nature of the guest, shifts in the effective basicities of the encapsulated amines of up to 4.5 pK{sub a} units are observed, signifying a substantial stabilization of the protonated form of the guest molecule and effectively making phosphines and amines strong bases.
Dlx3b and dlx4b function in the development of Rohon-Beard sensory neurons and trigeminal placode in the zebrafish neurula

Rohon-Beard sensory neurons, neural crest cells, and sensory placodes can be distinguished at the boundary of the embryonic epidermis (skin) and the neural plate. The inductive signals at the neural plate border region are likely to involve a gradient of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) in conjunction with FGF and Wnts and other signals. However, how these signals are transduced to produce the final cell fate remains to be determined. Recent evidence from Xenopus and chick suggest that Dlx genes are required for the generation of cell fates at the neural plate border (McLarren, K.W., Litsiou, A., Streit, A., 2003. DLX5 positions the neural crest and preplacode region at the border of the neural plate. Dev. Biol. 259, 34-47; Woda, J.M., Pastagia, J., Mercola, M., Artinger, K.B., 2003. Dlx proteins position the neural plate border and determine adjacent cell fates. Development 130, 331-342). In the present study, we extend these findings to zebrafish, where we unequivocally demonstrate that dlx3b and dlx4b function in a dose-dependent manner to specify cell fates such as Rohon-Beard sensory neurons and trigeminal sensory placodes. dlx function was examined by inhibiting: (1) protein levels with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs), and (2) activity by repressing the ability of dlx-homeodomain to bind to downstream targets (EnR-dlx3bhd mRNA; dlx3b homeodomain fused to Engrailed transcriptional repressor domain). Inhibition of dlx3b and dlx4b protein and activity resulted in the reduction or complete loss of Rohon-Beard (RB) sensory neurons and trigeminal (TG) sensory placodes. These data suggest that dlx3b and dlx4b function in the specification of RB neurons and trigeminal sensory placodes in zebrafish. Further, we have shown that dlx3b and dlx4b function in a non-cell-autonomous manner for RB neuron development; dlx3b and dlx4b act to regulate bmp2b expression at the non-neural ectodermal border. These data suggest that the contribution of dlx3b and dlx4b to neural plate border formation is partially non-cell-autonomous acting via BMP activity.
On the restrictiveness of monotonic scalable choice in probabilistic choice models

Abstract This paper examines a familiar model of probabilistic choice behavior, based on a random specification of an agent's preference preordering. The set of random preference specifications which yield binary choice probabilities satisfying monotonic scalable choice (a restriction on choice probabilities commonly found in the spatial elections literature) is studied. We investigate whether imposing the restriction of monotonic scalable choice limits attention to random preference specifications which are knife-edge cases, so that an arbitrarily small perturbation in the agent's random preference specification causes the restriction to fail; or whether the restriction is robust to such perturbations. If the choice set is finite, the set of preference specifications satisfying monotonic scalable choice is closed, but has an interior of positive measure. Hence, the assumption need not be a knife-edge formulation. If the choice set is infinite, the set of preference specifications satisfying monotonic scalable choice has no interior points (and is closed), and thus is a knife-edge formulation.
Systematic search for surrogate chromatographic models of biopartitioning processes.

A systematic approach for identifing surrogate chromatographic models for biopartitioning processes is described. The method is based on a comparison of the system constant ratios of the solvation parameter model for biopartitioning processes and a database of system constant ratios for reversed-phase liquid chromatographic and micellar electrokinetic chromatographic systems compiled from literature sources. An acceptance filter of ⩽0.2 is applied for each difference in system constant ratio for the compared systems to provide a reasonable probability of success without outputting too many systems with limited predictive properties. Surrogate chromatographic models identified for the non-specific toxicity of neutral organic compounds to the fathead minnow and the soil–water distribution constant are tested by construction of a correlation model for the characteristic property of the biological process and the chromatographic retention factors for a structurally varied group of compounds. Although these models are not the best that could be obtained based on ranking of the differences in system constant ratios the predictive ability of the correlation models is suitable for typical applications and similar to the accepted uncertainty in the measurements of the biological property. Retention factors on the immobilized artificial membrane column (IAM PC DD 2) with 10% (v/v) methanol–water as mobile phase are able to estimate non-specific toxicity to the fathead minnow with a standard error (SE) of 0.22 log units and coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.97 for 31 compounds. Retention factors on a Bakerbond DIOL column with 20% (v/v) acetonitrile–water as mobile phase are able to estimate the soil–water distribution constant with an SE of 0.38 log units and r2 = 0.88 for 59 compounds. Other potential surrogate chromatographic models are identified for non-specific toxicity to the guppy, tadpole, Vibrio fischeri and Terahymena pyriformis as well as the plant cuticle matrix–water distribution constant. On the other hand reversed-phase chromatographic systems seem poorly suited for estimating intestinal absorption and the blood–brain distribution constant.
Egyptian Land Law: An Evaluation

Egypt was not unique when, in 1949, it undertook to introduce a modern, Western-style Civil Code into a traditional society. Both Islamic and non-Islamic underdeveloped nations have sought to lay a basis for participation in modern economic and commercial activities by adopting a Western civil code. Indeed, even larger states such as the Soviet Union and China (before the rise of Mao Tse-tung) followed the same route.
Reflection of sound by a boundary layer

Abstract A method is given for the calculation of the reflection coefficient for plane waves incident upon a plane boundary when the acoustic medium flows parallel to the plane and the resulting boundary layer is of finite thickness. Results are given for limited ranges of the important parameters, which are the Mach number of the flow, the angle of incidence, the thickness of the boundary layer, and the acoustic admittance of the solid boundary.
Clinical Value of Neuroimaging in the Diagnosis of Dementia. Sensitivity and Specificity of Regional Cerebral Metabolic and Other Parameters for Early Identification of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract Dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) progressively devastate human brain tissue and consequently the health and lives of people afflicted by these disorders. One of the greatest clinical challenges posed by dementia is establishing an approach to ensure its early identification and accurate diagnosis—thus making it possible to treat and, potentially, arrest the development of disease before a substantial amount of brain tissue has been permanently destroyed. The data generated by neuroimaging studies conducted over the past two decades show PET with [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to be exceptionally well-suited to meeting this challenge. The regional metabolic patterns imaged with FDG-PET enable sensitive diagnosis of AD, and reveal pathophysiologic alterations even before they lead to symptomatic expression. The accuracy of PET in identifying early AD, and distinguishing it from other etiologies of cognitive impairment, exceeds that of CT, MRI (qualitative or quantitative), and SPECT, as well as that of expert clinical evaluation based on history, physical examination, cognitive testing, and blood laboratory values. Recent developments in instrumentation and radiopharmaceutical distribution have made obtaining scans of cerebral metabolism achievable in routine clinical settings, including most hospitals in which Nuclear Medicine services are provided, for less than the cost of a single year of anticholinesterase therapy or a single month of lost productivity. The need and opportunity are thus present for making a fundamental change in the current approach to evaluating patients for dementia.
Hyperbolic equations with coefficients in an enveloping algebra

where the data zg and the solution u(t) lie in some Banach space B, and the Pi are (unbounded) linear operators in B. This problem has previously been studied by one of us [5, 61 when the Pi are polynomials in one operator -4, which is a generator of a one-parameter group on B. We now study the case when the Pi are polynomials in a finite number of noncommuting operators -4, ,..., A, . In the case that each Pi is a polynomial in a fixed operator A, so that L is a polynomial in two operators,
Stability of detonation in a circular pipe with porous walls

A stability analysis is carried out taking into account slightly porous walls in an idealized detonation confined to a circular pipe. The analysis is carried out using the normal-mode approach and corrections are obtained to the underlying impenetrable wall case results to account for the effect of the slight porosity. The porous walls are modelled by an acoustic boundary condition for the perturbations linking the normal velocity and the pressure components and thus replacing the conventional no-penetration boundary condition at the wall. This new boundary condition necessarily complicates the derivation of the stability problem with respect to the impenetrable wall case. However, exploiting the expressly slight porosity, the modified temporal stability can be determined as a two-point boundary value problem similar to the case of a non-porous wall.
Adsorption Model for Arsenate Transport in Corroded Iron Pipes with Application to a Simulated Intrusion in a Water Distribution Network

AbstractAdsorption to pipe wall materials significantly affects the fate and transport of certain contaminants in water distribution systems. For example, arsenate has a strong affinity for iron oxide, a substance common in water distribution pipes. In this paper a mathematical model for arsenate adsorption to iron oxide pipe wall materials is developed. The effects of two common assumptions on modeled arsenate transport are explored: a theoretical smooth pipe mass transfer coefficient and an assumption of rapid equilibrium of adsorption at the pipe wall surface. The effects of these assumptions are explored in a single pipe sensitivity analysis and found to yield significantly different results than parameters estimated from experimental data. In simulations of a hypothetical arsenate contamination event in a model water distribution system, the two assumptions result in different predictions of system contamination and contaminant exposure to consumers. These results indicate that even though water qual...
How Job Characteristics Affect International Migration: The Role of Informality in Mexico

Despite the importance given to employment opportunities as a primary motive for migration, previous studies have paid insufficient attention to the kinds of jobs that are more likely to retain workers in their countries of origin. We use information from a panel survey of Mexican adults to examine how job characteristics affect the risk of international migration. The sampling strategy and overall size of the survey allow us to analyze the effect of employment characteristics on migration from urban areas, which have much greater labor market diversity, and to separate our analysis by gender. We also distinguish migrants according to whether they migrate for work or for other reasons. We find informality to be a significant predictor of international migration. Even after controlling for individual factors including workers’ wages, as well as various household- and community-level predictors, we find that workers employed in the informal sector have significantly higher odds of migrating than their counterparts in the formal sector. The pervasive nature of informality in many developing countries from which a high proportion of international migrants originate may therefore create a constant supply of workers who are predisposed to migrate. Our findings thus have important implications for a proper understanding of the effects of economic development on migration.
A proof-theoretic approach to mathematical knowledge management

Mathematics is an area of research that is forever growing. Definitions, theorems, axioms, and proofs are integral part of every area of mathematics. The relationships between these elements bring to light the elegant abstractions that bind even the most intricate aspects of math and science. As the body of mathematics becomes larger and its relationships become richer, the organization of mathematical knowledge becomes more important and more difficult. This emerging area of research is referred to as mathematical knowledge management (MKM). The primary issues facing MKM were summarized by Buchberger, one of the organizers of the first Mathematical Knowledge Management Workshop [20]. (1) How do we retrieve mathematical knowledge from existing and future sources? (2) How do we build future mathematical knowledge bases? (3) How do we make the mathematical knowledge bases available to mathematicians? These questions have become particularly relevant with the growing power of and interest in automated theorem proving, using computer programs to prove mathematical theorems. Automated theorem provers have been used to formalize theorems and proofs from all areas of mathematics, resulting in large libraries of mathematical knowledge. However; these libraries are usually implemented at the system level, meaning they are not defined with the same level of formalism as the proofs themselves, which rely on a strong underlying proof theory with rules for their creation. In this thesis, we develop a proof-theoretic approach to formalizing the relationships between proofs in a library in the same way the steps of a proof are formalized in automated theorem provers. The library defined in this formal way exhibits five desirable properties: independence, structure, an underlying formalism, adaptability, and presentability. The ultimate goal of mathematical knowledge management is to make the vast libraries of mathematical information available to people at all skill levels. The proof-theoretic approach in this thesis provides a strong formal foundation for realizing that goal.
Spectrophotometric analysis of color differences between porcelain systems

Spectrophotometric measuring techniques were used to determine the color of four corresponding shades of three brands of metal-fusing porcelain systems. The color was expressed in terms of CIE L*a*b* color coordinates. The relationship of these values to the more commonly used attributes of Hue, lightness (Value), and saturation (Chroma) respectively were discussed. The location of the porcelain shades in the color space and the direction of the color differences found between the different brands of porcelain were evaluated. Color differences for each paired comparison within each shade group were determined from the color data. These values represent the magnitude of color differences found between brands and have a direct relationship to visual perceptibility. For the brands and shades measured, the following conclusions can be made: The CIELAB color system provides an objective technique for evaluating the color of dental porcelains. Corresponding shades of different brands of porcelain can produce perceivably different colors. The perceived color differences between the brands were mostly a result of differences in all three color directions. Greater color differences were found to exist between the corresponding opaque porcelains than between the corresponding layered samples. The addition of 1 mm of body porcelain to the opaque compensated to a large extent for the greater color differences found between the corresponding opaques. The results of this study have significant clinical ramifications. Variations in optical characteristics of porcelains produced by different manufacturers add to the problem of color control in ceramic crown fabrication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Serving Aura HIRDLS Level 2 Data Through OGC WCS

More and more Earth science data are made available in HDF-EOS 5 format which is a profile of HDF-5 for Earth science data. New version of OGC Web Coverage Service (WCS) supports data of multiple bands and transaction operation optionally that are desirable for Earth science applications. A WCS server was developed following the new specification in this project. The WCS was applied in serving Aura HIRDLS Level 2 data in HDF-EOS 5 format, including cases for severe weather detection and tracking. System implementation, native support of HDF-EOS 5, example requests and responses, and implementation experiences are discussed in this paper.
Lack of Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate on Shell Characteristics

Abstract Helbacka et al. (1963) observed a decline in blood pH and a thinning of egg shells when birds were exposed to an atmosphere containing 5% carbon dioxide. These workers concluded that calcification in the shell gland was dependent on blood pH which was lowered by respiratory acidosis caused by the high carbon-dioxide atmosphere. Frank and Burger (1965) reported that sodium bicarbonate in the drinking water of hens resulted in a 6.6% improvement in egg shell thickness. They concluded that the reported increase in egg shell calcification in birds exposed to high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide was not a result of changes in blood pH but, rather, a result of respiratory acidosis and its resultant effects upon the availability of bicarbonate ions in the shell gland. El-Bousky (1966) reported that, when birds were exposed to a medium range of temperatures, the feeding of sodium bicarbonate improved shell quality. Howes (1966) . . .
Infant mortality and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In recent years, there has been a surge of renewed interest on the part of numerous groups in the subject of infant mortality, a source of continued concern to pediatricians for many years. The constancy of concern of the American Academy of Pediatrics about infant mortality is evident in the fact that Pediatrics has published a summary of national statistics on the subject annually since 1950. That yearly analysis by Dr Myron Wegman appears in this issue.1 In addition, a statement of the Academy9s current position on infant mortality also appears in this issue.2 As this position paper makes clear, there are several reasons for a renewed concern about infant mortality.
Asymptotic optimal control of neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Muscle fatigue during electrical stimulation onsets early and is comparatively more substantial than during volitional contractions, hindering successful application of functional and therapeutic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). One of the avoidable causes of muscle fatigue can be attributed to the overstimulation during NMES. In this paper, a NMES controller is developed to minimize a quadratic cost functional to balance asymptotic trajectory tracking performance and control effort, potentially reducing overstimulation of the muscle. A Lyapunov-based analysis is used to prove the asymptotic convergence of closed-loop tracking error and asymptotic minimization of the given cost functional.
Superimposed applications using SPARCE

People often impose new interpretations onto existing information. In the process, they work with information in two layers: a base layer, where the original information resides, and a superimposed layer, where only the new interpretations reside. Abstractions defined in the Superimposed Pluggable Architecture for Contexts and Excerpts (SPARCE) ease communication between the two layers. SPARCE provides three key abstractions for superimposed information management: mark, context, and excerpt. We demonstrate two applications, RIDPad and Schematics Browser, for use in the appeal process of the US Forest Service (USFS).
Juvenile Offenders as Fathers: Perceptions of Fatherhood, Crime, and Becoming an Adult

Current research offers conflicting findings regarding how, or if, fatherhood influences youth offenders’ criminal trajectories. Through repeated qualitative interviews with seven incarcerated teen fathers, this study provides insight into these young fathers’ understandings of their responsibilities toward their children and prospects for future criminal activity. Analysis reveals that these young fathers take their parental roles very seriously and identify their children as the principal motivator for desistance from crime. They also articulate substantial obstacles to achieving their paternal ideals, including financial pressure, strained relationships with their children’s mothers, and lack of male role models. Implications for social work practice are provided.
Regulation of tissue inflammation by thrombin-activatable carboxypeptidase B (or TAFI).

Thrombin-activatable procarboxypeptidase B (proCPB or thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor or TAFI) is a plasma procarboxypeptidase that is activated by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex on the vascular endothelial surface. The activated CPB removes the newly exposed carboxyl terminal lysines in the partially digested fibrin clot, diminishes tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen binding, and protects the clot from premature lysis. We have recently shown that CPB is catalytically more efficient than plasma CPN, the major plasma anaphylatoxin inhibitor, in inhibiting bradykinin, activated complement C3a, C5a, and thrombin-cleaved osteopontin in vitro. Using a thrombin mutant (E229K) that has minimal procoagulant properties but retains the ability to activate protein C and proCPB in vivo, we showed that infusion of E229K thrombin into wild type mice reduced bradykinin-induced hypotension but it had no effect in proCPB-deficient mice, indicating that the beneficial effect of E229K thrombin is mediated through its activation of proCPB and not protein C. Similarly proCPB-deficient mice displayed enhanced pulmonary inflammation in a C5a-induced alveolitis model and E229K thrombin ameliorated the magnitude of alveolitis in wild type but not proCPB-deficient mice. Thus, our in vitro and in vivo data support the thesis that thrombin-activatable CPB has broad anti-inflammatory properties. By specific cleavage of the carboxyl terminal arginines from C3a, C5a, bradykinin and thrombin-cleaved osteopontin, it inactivates these active inflammatory mediators. Along with the activation of protein C, the activation of proCPB by the endothelial thrombin-thrombomodulin complex represents a homeostatic feedback mechanism in regulating thrombin’s pro-inflammatory functions in vivo.
Local DNA sequence control of deletion formation in Escherichia coli plasmid pBR322.

The specificity of deletion formation was studied using tests involving reversion of palindromic insertion mutations. Insertions of a Tn 5-related transposon at 13 sites in the ampicillin-resistance (amp ) gene of plasmid pBR322 were shortened to a nested set of perfect palindromes, 22, 32 and 90 bp long. We monitored frequencies of reversion to Ampr , which is the result of deletion of the palindrome plus one copy of the flanking 9 bp direct repeats (which had been formed by transposition). Revertant frequencies were found to depend on the location and the sequence of the palindromic insert. Changing a 45-kb interrupted palindrome to a 22-bp perfect palindrome stimulated deletion formation by factors of from fourfold to 545-fold among the 13 sites, while elongation of the perfect palindrome from 22 to 90 bp stimulated deletion formation by factors of from eight- to 18,000-fold. We conclude that deletion formation is strongly affected by subtle features of DNA sequence or conformation, both inside and outside the deleted segment, and that these effects may reflect specific interactions of DNA processing proteins with template DNAs.
Laboratory based courses in distance learning settings

Offering laboratory-based courses in distance learning environments presents a set of difficulties. First, in asynchronous distance learning settings (mainly video-tapes and self-paced learning), students may not have access to a laboratory and may have to rely on simulation tools, leaving a lot to be desired regarding the laboratory hands-on experience. Second, in synchronous distance learning settings (in which two or more sections of a class convene at geographically separated sites with one instructor supervising the multiple sites simultaneously), laboratory equipment would need to be duplicated at all sites. Furthermore-in the synchronous setting-keeping students at the remote sites interested presents another level of difficulty that needs to be resolved. In this paper, we present solutions that should help to alleviate these problems.
H-reflex changes during static stretching and two variations of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques

Abstract The effects of 3 stretching methods on the motor pool excitability of the soleus muscle as measured by the Hoffmann reflex have been compared with the objective of revealing central nervous system influences promoting muscle compliance to lengthening. The H-wave was reduced slightly throughout the static stretch method. The contract-relax (CR) method produced profound inhibition during the first several hundred milliseconds following contraction, but gradually increased to values similar to static stretch (SS) values 2 sec following contraction. Hoffmann reflex values for the contract-relax-antagonist-contract (CRAC) method were greatly depressed throughout the stretching phase with a slight increase after 2 sec. It was concluded that several inhibitory neural influences can have an additive effect in profoundly reducing motor pool excitability. Under the assumption that greater motor pool inhibition reduces muscle contractibility and therefore allows more muscle compliance, it is suggested that the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) methods, particularly those involving reciprocal actication, provide the greatest potential for muscle lengthening. This is supported by previous studies which compared gains in range of motion using these 3 stretching methods (Holt et al. 1970; Moore and Hutton 1980; Etnyre and Abraham 1985).
Learning in the workplace: the case for reflectivity and critical reflectivity

Learning in the workplace has traditionally been understood primarily in terms of behaviorism, a perspective compatible with the machine-like design of organizations when training and development emerged as a field of practice. Adult educators have not challenged the desirability of that perspective directly, although various theorists suggest its modification through greater learner participation, problem-centeredness, experience basing, and concern for different learning styles. This article raises questions about the universal valuing of behaviorism in workplace learning based on a review of trends in organizations in the post-industrial era and analysis of theorists within and outside the field who emphasize the importance of reflectivity and critical reflectivity in learning. The author then describes emerging characteristics of a new paradigm for understanding workplace learning and concludes with a discussion of its limits.
Public Diplomacy, Television News, and Muslim Opinion:

Scholars agree that extreme anti-American sentiment is pervasive across the predominantly Muslim countries of the world, but disagree about the sources of these negative perceptions.Some researchers point to cultural,religious,and value divisions as primary factors shaping negative perceptions of the United States, while others emphasize internal Muslim state politics, comparatively low levels of economic and social development,and failure to establish civil society and democracy as the key contributors to anti-American opinion.Since the U.S.invasion of Afghanistan and the second Gulf War, a number of U.S. policymakers and commentators have zeroed in on television news, specifically the new pan-Arab television network Al Jazeera, as an additional major contributor. In this study, the authors test competing claims regarding the sources of anti-American sentiment with a special focus on the impact of television news.Using survey data gathered from nine predominantly Muslim countries by the Gallup Organization in spring 2002, the authors examine the relative contributions of macro-level socioeconomic and political influences, individual-level demographic factors, and TV news use to anti-American attitudes. They find that attention to TV news coverage contributes significantly to anti-American perceptions after all controls and that the type of TV network to which individuals turn for their news has either amplifying or buffering effects on the main effects of attention to news coverage.
The role of rhythm in nervous processing

Summary form only given. Throughout the history of neuroscience, interneuron communication has usually been considered under the simplifying assumption of frequency-modulated (FM) encoding. In newer artificial neural networks, this same view has justified the abstraction of real neural pulse trains into hypothesized neuron activation levels: continuously varying scalars representing the short-term average firing rate, or firing probability, of the original pulse train. After reviewing conventional FM and digital paradigms of neural computation, the author presents new physiological evidence in support of a different view: temporally fine-grained computation based on the coincident interaction and history-dependent processing of individual impulses. A biologically inspired artificial network that can learn to categorize temporally fine-grained impulse patterns is described, demonstrating the viability of this nontraditional approach. >
Alcoholic marriages: a longitudinal empirical assessment of alternative theories.

This investigation is an empirical test of three conceptualizations of the alcoholic marriage: the Disturbed Personality Hypothesis (DPH), the Decompensation Hypothesis (DH), and their rival, the Stress Theory (S T). Fourteen spouses of hospitalized' alcoholics were given the Psychological Screening Inventory (PSI) and the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist (MAACL) at admission, six weeks and six months after discharge. The alcoholic's drinking behaviour was assessed by the Quantity Frequency (QF) and Alcohol Impairment (AI) Indices. One-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed no significant change in PSI scores, but significant (p < 0.05) decreases in QF, AI and two (Anxiety and Depression) out of the three MAACL scales. The results support the ST and contradict the DPH and DH, but the authors emphasize that the value of this report is mostly as a demonstration project to stimulate much needed large-scale longitudinal investigations.
Minimum induced power requirements for flapping flight

The Betz criterion for minimum induced loss is used to compute the optimal circulation distribution along the span of flapping wings in fast forward flight. In particular, we consider the case where flapping motion is used to generate both lift (weight support) and thrust. The Betz criterion is used to develop two different numerical models of flapping. In the first model, which applies to small-amplitude harmonic flapping motions, the optimality condition is reduced to a one-dimensional integral equation which we solve numerically. In the second model, which applies to large-amplitude periodic flapping motions, the optimal circulation problem is reduced to solving for the flow over an infinitely long wavy sheet translating through an inviscid fluid at rest at infinity. This three-dimensional flow problem is solved using a vortex-lattice technique. Both methods predict that the induced power required to produce thrust decreases with increasing flapping amplitude and frequency. Using the large-amplitude theory, we find that the induced power required to produce lift increases with flapping amplitude and frequency. Therefore, an optimum flapping amplitude exists when the flapping motion of wings must simultaneously produce lift and thrust.
The measurement of affectionate communication

Affection is central to the communicative processes of personal relationships. While several empirical investigations have examined the communication of affection, there is little consistency from study to study in how affectionate communication is operationally defined, making it difficult to interpret the findings of such research and to compare findings across studies. The present paper reports the results of a multi‐phase scale development procedure and two supplemental studies, involving a total of 781 participants, utilizing and validating a new self‐report measure of affectionate communication. The resulting scale, the Affectionate Communication Index, is offered as a practical and psychometrically sound operational definition for the overt communication of affection in personal relationships.
Seismic facies analysis using generative topographic mapping

Summary Seismic facies analysis is commonly carried out by classifying seismic waveforms based on their shapes in an interval of interest. It is also carried out by using different seismic attributes, reducing the dimensionality of the input data volumes using Kohonen’s self-organizing maps (SOM), and organizing it into clusters on a 2D map. Such methods are computationally fast and inexpensive. However, they have shortcomings in that there is no definite criteria for selection of a search radius and the learning rate, as these are parameters dependent on the input data. In addition, there is no cost function that is defined and optimized and so usually the method is deficient in providing a measure of confidence that could be assigned to the results. Generative topographic mapping (GTM) has been shown to address the shortcomings of the SOM method and suggested as an alternative to it. We demonstrate the application of GTM to a dataset from central Alberta, Canada and show that its performance is more encouraging than the simplistic waveform classification or the SOM multiattribute approach.
Associations Between Ankle-Brachial Index and Cognitive Function: Results From the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Trial.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and indicators of cognitive function. Design Randomized clinical trial (Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Trial). Setting Eight US academic centers. Participants A total of 1601 adults ages 70–89 years, sedentary, without dementia, and with functional limitations. Measurements Baseline ABI and interviewer- and computer-administered cognitive function assessments were obtained. These assessments were used to compare a physical activity intervention with a health education control. Cognitive function was reassessed 24 months later (interviewer-administered) and 18 or 30 months later (computer-administered) and central adjudication was used to classify individuals as having mild cognitive impairment, probable dementia, or neither. Results Lower ABI had a modest independent association with poorer cognitive functioning at baseline (partial r = 0.09; P < .001). Although lower baseline ABI was not associated with overall changes in cognitive function test scores, it was associated with higher odds for 2-year progression to a composite of either mild cognitive impairment or probable dementia (odds ratio 2.60 per unit lower ABI; 95% confidence interval 1.06–6.37). Across 2 years, changes in ABI were not associated with changes in cognitive function. Conclusion In an older cohort sedentary individuals with dementia and with functional limitations, lower baseline ABI was independently correlated with cognitive function and associated with greater 2-year risk for progression to mild cognitive impairment or probable dementia.
SpotCheck: designing a derivative IaaS cloud on the spot market

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) cloud platforms rent resources, in the form of virtual machines (VMs), under a variety of contract terms that offer different levels of risk and cost. For example, users may acquire VMs in the spot market that are often cheap but entail significant risk, since their price varies over time based on market supply and demand and they may terminate at any time if the price rises too high. Currently, users must manage all the risks associated with using spot servers. As a result, conventional wisdom holds that spot servers are only appropriate for delay-tolerant batch applications. In this paper, we propose a derivative cloud platform, called SpotCheck, that transparently manages the risks associated with using spot servers for users. SpotCheck provides the illusion of an IaaS platform that offers always-available VMs on demand for a cost near that of spot servers, and supports all types of applications, including interactive ones. SpotCheck's design combines the use of nested VMs with live bounded-time migration and novel server pool management policies to maximize availability, while balancing risk and cost. We implement SpotCheck on Amazon's EC2 and show that it i) provides nested VMs to users that are 99.9989% available, ii) achieves nearly 5x cost savings compared to using equivalent types of on-demand VMs, and iii) eliminates any risk of losing VM state.