Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sources of sibling similarity : Status attainment in the Netherlands during modernization

An old Dutch proverb says, “If you’re born a nickel, you’ll never become a dime,” meaning it is difficult to escape the social class into which you are born. The fact that siblings often attain a similar occupational status shows that there is at least some truth in this. A classic sociological theory—modernization theory—claims that while family origin largely determined status attainment in traditional societies, modernization processes such as industrialization and educational expansion have increased the scope for social mobility. In the present study, Antonie Knigge has designed an original way to test whether this claim is true. He has used digitized information from Dutch marriage certificates from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. This has allowed him to measure lack of social mobility not only with the conventional indicator, the similarity in occupational status between parents and children, but also with a more encompassing indicator, the similarity of occupational status between siblings. Moreover, for each municipality in each year he has measured six modernization processes (industrialization, educational expansion, urbanization, geographic mobility, mass transportation, and mass communication). Results of multilevel regression models show that social mobility did indeed increase in the period in which the Netherlands transitioned from a traditional to a more modern society. However, the results also indicate that the modernization processes cannot fully explain this decrease in sibling similarity. In fact, most of the modernization processes tend to increase the similarity in status between siblings. Using a theoretical model that simulates competition for status in the labor market, the author argues that to understand patterns in social mobility many aspects need to be considered, including societal inequality, inequality within families, and the role of extended family members. By investigating these sources of sibling similarity, this book offers new insights into the status attainment process in general, and into the different ways it may be affected by modernization in particular.
Difference in mental state between Internet-addicted and non-addicted Japanese undergraduates

Abstract Background: Internet addiction (IA) is a common disorder among adolescents throughout most of the industrialized world. The purpose of this study was to compare mental states between Japanese undergraduates with IA and those without IA. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 165 healthy participants were assessed for IA using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), for the frequency and quality of flow experiences in daily life using the Flow Experience Checklist (FEC), and for depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Results: The results showed that the prevalence of IA in the participants of this study was 15% and the frequencies of flow experience and depressive symptoms were significantly higher in the IA group. Conclusion: The results indicate that IA affects a significant number of Japanese university students and is associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms, suggesting a need for intervention programs as part of student mental health services.
Anabolic steroids induce cardiac renin-angiotensin system and impair the beneficial effects of aerobic training in rats.

We evaluated the effects of swimming and anabolic steroids (AS) on ventricular function, collagen synthesis, and the local renin-angiotensin system in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized into control (C), steroid (S; nandrolone decanoate; 5 mg/kg sc, 2x/wk), steroid + losartan (SL; 20 mg.kg(-1). day(-1)), trained (T), trained + steroid (T+S), and trained + steroid + losartan (T+SL; n = 14/group) groups. Swimming was performed 5 times/wk for 10 wk. Serum testosterone increased in S and T+S. Resting heart rate was lower in T and T+S. Percent change in left ventricular (LV) weight-to-body weight ratio increased in S, T, and T+S. LV systolic pressure declined in S and T+S. LV contractility increased in T (P < 0.05). LV relaxation increased in T (P < 0.05). It was significantly lower in T+S compared with C. Collagen volumetric fraction (CVF) and hydroxyproline were higher in S and T+S than in C and T (P < 0.05), and the CVF and LV hypertrophy were prevented by losartan treatment. LV-ANG I-converting enzyme activity increased (28%) in the S group (33%), and type III collagen synthesis increased (56%) in T+S but not in T group. A positive correlation existed between LV-ANG I-converting enzyme activity and collagen type III expression (r(2) = 0.88; P < 0.05, for all groups). The ANG II and angiotensin type 1a receptor expression increased in the S and T+S groups but not in T group. Supraphysiological doses of AS exacerbated the cardiac hypertrophy in exercise-trained rats. Exercise training associated with AS induces maladaptive remodeling and further deterioration in cardiac performance. Exercise training associated with AS causes loss of the beneficial effects in LV function induced by exercising. These results suggest that aerobic exercise plus AS increases cardiac collagen content associated with activation of the local renin-angiotensin system.
Prevalence Of Sickle Haemoglobin And Glucose–6–Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Genes In The Populations Of North West And South West Provinces, Cameroon

Hereditary disorders of erythrocytes are common in many areas of the world, including Cameroon Limited knowledge on the consequences of high incidences of sickle haemoglobin (HbS) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency genes in the Cameroons might have been responsible for the haemoglobin genotype mismatched marriages among the sickle heterozygotes and drug-induced anaemia among the G6PD deficient individuals ignorantly treated wth oxidant drugs having high redox potential. The situation therefore, informed the random screening of the populace of the North West and South West populatons of Cameroon for these genes wth a view not only to reveal their current incidences and level of interaction but also to educate the people onthe consequences of these genetic defects. Our results revealed the total incidences of 32.20 % sickle and 1161 % G6PD deficiency genes. The percentage frequency of the sickle cell gene was higher in the South western (1880 %) than in the North West (1451 %) populations. The percentage incidence o G6PD deficiency was 921 % and 120 % for males and females respectvely in the North West and 10.85 % and 1.46 % for males and females respectively in the South West. The interaction was not sgnificant (P > 0.01) between G6PD deficiency and HbS for the North West and South West populatons. These genetic defects must have reached polymorphiclevels due to natural selection through survival advantage against death from malaria and consanguineous marriages. Keywords : Sickle cell gene, G6PD Deficiency gene, Prevalence, Cameroon Animal Research International Vol. 3 (3) 2006 pp. 581-586
Kinetic analysis of T7 RNA polymerase transcription initiation from promoters containing single-stranded regions.

T7 RNA polymerase is highly specific for the initiation of transcription from a relatively small consensus promoter sequence. Previous footprinting studies suggested that the enzyme binds specifically to a fully closed duplex form of the promoter, recognizing functional groups along one face of the helix [Muller, D. K. , Martin, C. T. , & Coleman, J. E. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 3306-3313]. Steady-state kinetic analysis of oligonucleotide-based promoters shows that removal of the nontemplate strand completely within the message region of the DNA (positions +1 through +5) results in no change in binding (as reflected in the parameter Km) and a 2-fold increase in kinetics (as reflected in kcat). Further deletion of the nontemplate strand as far upstream as position -4 has no effect on binding, and although deletion upstream through position -6 weakens binding, specific initiation continues at a high rate. The temperature dependence of the initiation kinetics shows a single apparent activation energy of approximately 26 kcal/mol for the fully duplex promoter. Similar measurements on the promoter lacking the nontemplate strand in the message region show that less than 10% of this barrier is related to melting of the downstream region of the promoter. These results lead us to revise the previous model for recognition to include specific binding to a form of the promoter which is duplex upstream of about position -6 and melted downstream through the start site. Within the melted region, the polymerase interacts significantly only with the template strand of the promoter DNA.
Energy Spectra and High-Frequency Oscillations in 4U 0614+091

We investigate the behavior of the high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in 4U 0614+091, combining timing and spectral analyses of RXTE observations. The energy spectra of the source can be described by a power law (α ~ 2.8) and a blackbody (kT ~ 1.5 keV), with the blackbody accounting for 10%-20% of the total energy flux. We find a robust correlation of the frequency, ν, of the higher frequency QPO near 1 kHz with the flux of the blackbody, FBB. The slope of this correlation, d log ν/d log FBB, is 0.27-0.37. The source follows the same relation even in observations separated by several months. The QPO frequency does not have a similarly unique correlation with the total flux or the flux of the power-law component. The rms fraction of the higher frequency QPO rises with energy from 6.8% ± 1.5% (3-5 keV) to 21.3% ± 4.0% (10-12 keV). For the lower frequency QPO, however, it is consistent with a constant value of 5.4% ± 0.9%. The results may be interpreted in terms of a beat-frequency model for the production of the high-frequency QPOs.
Science, Social Theory and Public Knowledge

Preface Introducing theory, context and practice The public understanding of science and technology from cognition to context Science and public policy from government to governance Social theory and science Re-conceptualising science, society and governance Ethno-epistemic assemblages heterogeneity and relationality in scientific citizenship Politics and method governing the assemblage, unearthing the rhizome Conclusion Index.
Medical Decision-Making Incapacity among Newly Diagnosed Older Patients with Hematological Malignancy Receiving First Line Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients and Physicians

Background Decision-making capacity to provide informed consent regarding treatment is essential among cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of decision-making incapacity among newly diagnosed older patients with hematological malignancy receiving first-line chemotherapy, to examine factors associated with incapacity and assess physicians’ perceptions of patients’ decision-making incapacity. Methods Consecutive patients aged 65 years or over with a primary diagnosis of malignant lymphoma or multiple myeloma were recruited. Decision-making capacity was assessed using the Structured Interview for Competency and Incompetency Assessment Testing and Ranking Inventory-Revised (SICIATRI-R). Cognitive impairment, depressive condition and other possible associated factors were also evaluated. Results Among 139 eligible patients registered for this study, 114 completed the survey. Of these, 28 (25%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 17%-32%) were judged as having some extent of decision-making incompetency according to SICIATRI-R. Higher levels of cognitive impairment and increasing age were significantly associated with decision-making incapacity. Physicians experienced difficulty performing competency assessment (Cohen’s kappa -0.54). Conclusions Decision-making incapacity was found to be a common and under-recognized problem in older patients with cancer. Age and assessment of cognitive impairment may provide the opportunity to find patients that are at a high risk of showing decision-making incapacity.
CUDASA: Compute Unified Device and Systems Architecture

We present an extension to the CUDA programming language which extends parallelism to multi-GPU systems and GPU-cluster environments. Following the existing model, which exposes the internal parallelism of GPUs, our extended programming language provides a consistent development interface for additional, higher levels of parallel abstraction from the bus and network interconnects. The newly introduced layers provide the key features specific to the architecture and programmability of current graphics hardware while the underlying communica- tion and scheduling mechanisms are completely hidden from the user. All extensions to the original programming language are handled by a self-contained compiler which is easily embedded into the CUDA compile process. We evaluate our system using two different sample applications and discuss scaling behavior and performance on different system architectures.
Coordinating across boundaries within multiteam systems : the impartance of members' personalities

Teams of teams, or multiteam systems, are increasingly used to complete challenging tasks in dynamic environments. Individual teams are integrated in multiteam systems as ‘component teams’ that heavily rely on each other’s inputs, processes, and outcomes to perform effectively and to achieve shared, multiteam system goals. Members need to engage in boundary spanning: actions to establish linkages and manage interactions with other component teams. In this study we consider members’ personalities as antecedents for such boundary spanning behavior. Specifically, we suggest that boundary spanners’ similarity in extraversion communicates a compatible approach to coordination, which elicits boundary spanning and, in turn, enhances perceived boundary spanning effectiveness. Results of a multiteam system experiment confirm these expectations.
Cascaded neutral-clamped inverters with flexible synchronized PWM for photovoltaic installations

A novel method of synchronized PWM has been applied for flexible control of dual neutral-point-clamped inverters for photovoltaic installations. Algorithms of synchronized PWM provide continuous phase voltage synchronization for any operation condition of the system. Simulations show the behavior of a dual-converter-based photovoltaic system with three basic versions of synchronized PWM with low switching frequencies.
Preventing Damage by Hidden Objects in Vegetation

The paper presents the experimental radar-based sensor to operate in environment with vegetation cover for detection and discrimination there the small-sized invisible dielectric and metallic objects. This sensor constitutes a vehicle-housed emergency system for surveillance of area with vegetation ahead on the path of moving vehicle to prevent its contact with hidden objects. The emergency system functioning in basically implemented by real-time electromagnetic imaging of the scene of interest and its following image processing to enhance the target responses. The developed and tested experimental radar techniques are under consideration. The results of experimental examinations in field are presented and discussed.
On-Surface Test of the ATLAS Barrel Toroid Coils: Overview

The Barrel Toroid (BT) provides the magnetic field for the muon detectors in the ATLAS experiment at CERN. The Toroid is built up from eight superconducting coils. Each coil consists of two 25 m times 5 m racetrack shape double pancakes impregnated and pre-stressed inside an aluminum coil casing. The 42-tons cold mass is cooled by forced-flow liquid helium circulating in aluminum pipes glued to its surface. The coils are tested on surface prior to their underground installation. The test program has started in September 2004 and finished in June 2005. This paper describes the test set up and various commissioning tests performed at the ATLAS Magnet Test Facility. It includes the aspects of test preparation, vacuum pumping, leak testing, cooling down, powering and warming up. The 8 coils have passed the tests successfully and have been assembled into the Toroid in the ATLAS cavern. The testing completes the production of the so far largest racetrack coils in the world
Declarative Knowledge Updates Through Agents

Cooperative, intelligent agents often share a common knowledge which, in the presence of learning agents, is likely to be subject to change. In this paper, we describe a method to construct specialized agents that incorporate new information into a given body of knowledge. These update agents are based on established methods from logic programming and follow a declarative update policy in order to perform their tasks. The proposed update agents not only adhere to a clear semantics, but are also able to deal with incomplete or inconsistent information in an appropriate way. We outline a concrete realization of update agents in terms of the IMPACT agent system and briefly discuss possible applications.
The Multiple Facets of Cigarette Addiction and What They Mean for Encouraging and Helping Smokers to Stop

Addiction involves powerful motivation to engage in an activity repeatedly to an extent that is harmful often accompanied by impaired capacity for self-control. To effectively combat addiction to cigarettes requires an understanding that there are several mechanisms underlying it. The PRIME Theory of motivation aims to provide a model that can encapsulate these mechanisms. It recognises that evolution has led to multiple levels of motivation from basic impulses and inhibitions, through ‘motives’ (feelings of want and need), to ‘evaluations’ (beliefs about what is good or bad), and plans (intentions regarding future actions). Self-control involves self-consciously generating motives from evaluations or plans; it requires and depletes mental energy. Nicotine from cigarettes generates the motivation to smoke and undermines self-control by interacting with all of the level of motivation. It: creates stimulus-impulse associations resulting in cue-driven urges; impairs inhibitory control; gives enjoyment resulting in ‘wanting’ to smoke; it leads to ‘nicotine hunger’, withdrawal symptoms and beliefs about benefits of smoking (e.g. stress relief) all of which can result in a ‘need’ to smoke. Evidence is emerging that wanting to smoke (because of enjoyment) is a major deterrent to making quit attempts but does not influence success, while cue-driven impulses to smoke, nicotine hunger and adverse mood and beliefs about the benefits of smoking are important in relapse. Combating cigarette addiction requires attention to all of these factors.
Communication Apprehension Among An-Najah National University Students

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors which lead to communication apprehension (CA) in the EFL classroom. The relative importance of a number of sources (psychological, instructional, and socio-cultural) has been investigated by means of a questionnaire. The sample of the study consisted of (209) non-English major EFL students at An-Najah University in Palestine. The findings of the study revealed that most students had either fear, or uneasiness about their learning experience which has hindered the language learning process. The paper concludes with a number of suggestions on how to reduce communication apprehension for future application in the teaching of English to non-English majors
Cytotoxicity, thiol depletion and inhibition of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase by various aldehydes in cultured human bronchial fibroblasts.

Lipid peroxidation aldehydes of the 4-hydroxy-alpha, beta-unsaturated type, as well as the tobacco-smoke related alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde, acrolein, were highly cytotoxic and decreased the intracellular thiol content in cultured human bronchial fibroblasts after treatment with micromolar concentrations. In comparison, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were less toxic and 100- to 300-fold higher doses were required to affect cell survival or thiol levels. The unsaturated aldehydes also markedly inhibited the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase known to have a cysteine residue in its active site, but had no effect on the activity of uracil-DNA glycosylase. Our results indicate that reactive aldehydes of either exogenous or endogenous origin have direct cytotoxic effects and may also make cells more susceptible to other toxic chemicals due to an impairment in cellular defense mechanisms, e.g., DNA repair and detoxification by systems requiring glutathione.
Computer Games and the Social Imaginary

Despite the rapidly increasing migration of East Asian women—specifically South Korean, Japanese, and Chinese—into Western countries, related studies tend to focus on the economic contexts and implications; studies of their socio-cultural shift are surprisingly scant. Transnational Migration, Media and Identity of Asian Women: Diasporic Daughters now provides us with detailed and meticulous information on the causes and effects of transnational migration on this relatively ‘‘invisible’ population, as well as the effect of media, with the goal of developing a body of knowledge to explain its implications in response to globalization. Throughout the book, Youna Kim tries to depict the contextual differences and variations among these three countries; however, non-East-Asian readers might feel the depictions are too similar to detect subtle differences. Those readers may then wonder why they should be separately analyzed. In this sense, it would have been interesting if the interviews had included questions about their perceptions of their colleagues from the other two countries. Their co-construction of each other in comparison to Westerners— they are different in their nationalities, but the same in the category as Asians—would then have contributed to their sense-making of lived experiences in the West as East Asian women. In order to understand the later chapters in depth, readers should pay much attention to Chapter Two, Mapping the Diaspora, particularly focusing on the contextual differences among Korea, Japan, and China. Kim’s summary at the end of each chapter provides great syntheses of how East Asian women in a foreign country have become trapped in and struggled with their home country’s stereotypic norms, their media romanticized images of Western countries, and their lived experiences in their real lives. Chapter Five, Diasporic Nationalism and the Media, is particularly interesting in its portrayal of how East Asian women in a foreign country have been ‘‘re-nationalized’’ by contrasting their home country with Western norms, strengthening their national identity of their home country, while simultaneously attaching feelings of alienation from their home country. Kim shows contextual differences among these three countries in a clearer light, to help readers understand such inextricable contexts of their sense-making of self in the globalized world through their own eyes, the others’ eyes, and most importantly, through the media. This book paves a way to further understand the symbolic meanings of East Asian women’s migration and how those symbols then affect Asian women, especially youth, in the process of considering transmigration.