Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Research Department Staff Report 233 an Empirical Analysis of Income Dynamics among Men in the Psid: 1968–1989

This study uses data from the Panel Survey of Income Dynamics (PSID) to address a number of questions about life cycle earnings mobility. It develops a dynamic reduced form model of earnings and marital status that is nonstationary over the life cycle. The study reaches several firm conclusions about life cycle earnings mobility. Incorporating non-Gaussian shocks makes it possible to account for transitions between low and higher earnings states, a heretofore unresolved problem. The non-Gaussian distribution substantially increases the lifetime return to post-secondary education, and substantially reduces differences in lifetime wages attributable to race. In a given year, the majority of variance in earnings not accounted for by race, education and age is due to transitory shocks, but over a lifetime the majority is due to unobserved individual heterogeneity. Consequently, low earnings at early ages are strong predictors of low earnings later in life, even conditioning on observed individual characteristics. Science Foundation. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis or the Federal Reserve System.
Avoiding the Hermit's Way of Distance Learning: Augmenting Individual Learning with Synchronous Internet-Based Seminars

1 The CASTLE project (Computer Aided System for Tele-Interactive Learning in Environmental Monitoring) was funded under the EU Programme “Environment and Climate”, DG XII, No. ENV4 CT96 0312 from August 1997 to July 1999. Members of the project consortium were: Christian-Albrecht University Kiel (D), C.I. C.E. M. Huelva (E), University of Dundee (UK), Deutsches Zentrum fur Luftund Raumfahrt (D), National Aerospace Laboratory (NL) und University of Hohenheim (D). NetMeeting is a registered trademark of The Microsoft Corporation, RealPlayer, RealEncoder and RealNetworks are are registered trademarks of the RealNetworks, Inc. Lotus, Lotus Notes and Domino are registered trademarks of the Lotus Development Corporation. AbstractTaking part in professional education is increasingly difficult for highly-skilled employees and executives because they cannot afford to be away from work for the time traditional face-to-face seminars demand. Individual, selfguided learning, on the other hand, lacks the benefits of direct interaction with people interested in the same subject. This calls for a combination of individual and collaborative learning in a virtual setting that preserves the flexibility of individual learning but augments it with virtual seminars that do not necessitate leaving work or travelling for extended periods. In this paper, we present a software environment for such virtual seminars built on widely available technology that provides tools to create a shared context of interaction among the participants and that enables a tutor to structure and facilitate virtual cooperation for learning. This environment was put into practice in an pilot course. Based on this evaluation we survey the fit of the software design for these situations of synchronous, dispersed group work. We particularly explore the role of a tutor or facilitator for successful virtual communication and cooperation. Furthermore, we present first insights into whether virtual seminars could help to improve isolated individual learning through a certain amount of scheduled events and motivating interaction with others. Finally, we describe the information systems community as an ideal test bed for such innovative ways of learning that could help to give IS research a greater bearing on the practice of the field.
Molecular Mechanism of Cinnamomum verum Component Cuminaldehyde Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Cell Death in Human Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma NCI-H520 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Cinnamomum verum is used to make the spice cinnamon and has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. We evaluated the effects and the molecular mechanisms of cuminaldehyde (CuA), a constituent of the bark of Cinnamomum verum, on human lung squamous cell carcinoma NCI-H520 cells. Specifically, cell viability was evaluated by colorimetric assay; cytotoxicity by LDH release; apoptosis was determined by Western blotting, and morphological analysis with, acridine orange and neutral red stainings and comet assay; topoisomerase I activity was assessed using assay based upon DNA relaxation and topoisomerase II by DNA relaxation plus decatentation of kinetoplast DNA; lysosomal vacuolation and volume of acidic compartments (VAC) were evaluated with neutral red staining. The results show that CuA suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis as indicated by an up-regulation of pro-apoptotic bax and bak genes and a down-regulation of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and bcl-XL genes, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase 3 and 9, and morphological characteristics of apoptosis, including blebbing of the plasma membrane, nuclear condensation, fragmentation, apoptotic body formation, and comet with elevated tail intensity and moment. In addition, CuA also induced lysosomal vacuolation with increased VAC, cytotoxicity, as well as suppressions of both topoisomerase I and II activities in a dose-dependent manner. Further study revealed the growth-inhibitory effect of CuA was also evident in a nude mice model. Taken together, the data suggest that the growth-inhibitory effect of CuA against NCI-H520 cells is accompanied by downregulations of proliferative control involving apoptosis and both topoisomerase I and II activities, and upregulation of lysosomal with increased VAC and cytotoxicity. Similar effects were found in other cell lines, including human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and colorectal adenocarcinoma COLO 205 (results not shown). Our data suggest that CuA could be a potential agent for anticancer therapy.
Minority carrier lifetime in MOCVD-grown C- and Zn-doped InGaAs

Heavily C-doped p-type InGaAs has been successfully grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using CBr/sub 4/ as a C precursor. A doping concentration as high as 2/spl times/10/sup 19/ cm/sup -3/ has been reached for as-grown (non-annealed) samples. Photoluminescence measurements have been employed to obtain and compare the non-radiative lifetimes in C- and Zn-doped InGaAs. The minority carrier lifetime of as-grown InGaAs:C samples is significantly lower than for as-grown InGaAs:Zn for the same doping concentration. Carrier lifetimes range from 373 ps (p=6.6/spl times/10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/) to 1.5 ps (p=2.3/spl times/10/sup 19/ cm/sup -3/) in as-grown InGaAs:C, and from 6.8 ns (p=5.0/spl times/10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/) to 16.8 ps (p=2.1/spl times/10/sup 19/ cm/sup -3/) in InGaAs:Zn, respectively. InGaAs:Zn grown at the same low temperature (450/spl deg/C) as InGaAs:C has a higher minority carrier lifetime. The minority carrier lifetime difference between InGaAs:Zn and InGaAs:C samples is attributed to lower V/III ratio and hydrogen passivation, as well as, lower growth temperatures for the carbon doped InGaAs samples.
Evaluation of Three MODIS-Derived Vegetation Index Time Series for Dryland Vegetation Dynamics Monitoring

Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of vegetation is essential in drylands. In this paper, we evaluated three vegetation indices, namely the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Surface-Reflectance Product in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China (XUAR), to assess index time series’ suitability for monitoring vegetation dynamics in a dryland environment. The mean annual VI and its variability were generated and analyzed from the three VI time series for the period 2001–2012 across XUAR. Two phenological metrics, start of the season (SOS) and end of the season (EOS), were detected and compared for each vegetation type. The mean annual VI images showed similar spatial patterns of vegetation conditions with varying magnitudes. The EVI exhibited high uncertainties in sparsely vegetated lands and forests. The phenological metrics derived from the three VIs are consistent for most vegetation types, with SOS and EOS generated from NDVI showing the largest deviation.
Mixed Data-Driven and Model-Based Robot Implicit Force Control: A Hierarchical Approach

This paper presents a hierarchical data-driven/ model-based control architecture to robot implicit force control aiming at enhancing closed-loop performance. An inner data-driven controller, based on a recursive implementation of virtual reference feedback tuning, and relying on a model-based description of the robot compliance, prevents the deterioration of the force controller performance associated with environment modeling and identification. Then, an outer model predictive controller (MPC) acting as a reference governor selects on-line the optimal reference fed to the inner virtual reference feedback tuning closed-loop system in order to improve the closed-loop performance. The linear-time-invariant (LTI) formulation of the MPC allows to explicitly obtain the MPC control law and further demonstrate closed-loop stability. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is experimentally validated on force regulation experiments performed on different environment materials with a six-degree-of-freedom industrial robot equipped with a force/torque sensor.
The luminosity dependence of the type 1 active galactic nucleus fraction

Using a complete, magnitude-limited sample of active galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we show that the fraction of broad-line (type 1) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) increases with luminosity of the isotropically emitted [O III] narrow emission line. Our results are quantitatively in agreement with, and far less uncertain than, similar trends found from studies of X-ray and radio-selected active galaxies. While the correlation between broad-line fraction and luminosity is qualitatively consistent with the receding torus model, its slope is shallower and we therefore propose a modification to this model where the height of the torus increases slowly with AGN luminosity. We demonstrate that the faint-end slope of the AGN luminosity function steepens significantly when a correction for 'missing' type 2 objects is made, and that this can substantially affect the overall AGN luminosity density extrapolated from samples of more luminous objects.
Nuclear Factor κB Activation Impairs Ependymal Ciliogenesis and Links Neuroinflammation to Hydrocephalus Formation

Hydrocephalus formation is a frequent complication of neuropathological insults associated with neuroinflammation. However, the mechanistic role of neuroinflammation in hydrocephalus development is unclear. We have investigated the function of the proinflammatory acting inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling system in neuroinflammatory processes and generated a novel mouse model that allows conditional activation of the IKK/NF-κB system in astrocytes. Remarkably, NF-κB activation in astrocytes during early postnatal life results in hydrocephalus formation and additional defects in brain development. NF-κB activation causes global neuroinflammation characterized by a strong, astrocyte-specific expression of proinflammatory NF-κB target genes as well as a massive infiltration and activation of macrophages. In this animal model, hydrocephalus formation is specifically induced during a critical time period of early postnatal development, in which IKK/NF-κB-induced neuroinflammation interferes with ependymal ciliogenesis. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that IKK/NF-κB activation is sufficient to induce hydrocephalus formation and provides a potential mechanistic explanation for the frequent association of neuroinflammation and hydrocephalus formation during brain development, namely impairment of ependymal cilia formation. Therefore, our study might open up new perspectives for the treatment of certain types of neonatal and childhood hydrocephalus associated with hemorrhages and infections.
Reducing memory requirements in CSA-based scalable Montgomery modular multipliers

Scalable Montgomery modular multiplier is able to perform multiprecision Montgomery modular multiplications in limited hardware, but it requires memory units to store pipelined temporary results. These memory units are called FIFO, whose range increases as a result of longer operands. In this paper, two techniques are proposed to reduce the FIFO memory units in CSA-based scalable Montgomery modular multipliers by about 50%. They are then validated by synthesis results with an example.
The Representation Ahok’s Leadership Style in The Jakarta Post News: Critical Discourse Analysis

This study aims to determine Ahok’s leadership style in The Jakarta Post news of 2014-2015 e ditions. This is a qualitative research using a critical discourse analysis based on the Norman Fairclough’s model. In this research the ideology is analyzed in terms of discoursive and socio-cultural practices in the news. The research was analysed by finding out ideologies in discourse practices including texts production, ideologies, socio-cultural practices and attention to social cultural aspects. Leadership theories used in this research range from autocratic, democratic, liberal, bureaucratic to situational leadership styles. The research results show Ahok’s dominant autocratic leadership style in The Jakarta Post news of 2014-2015 editions. As The Jakarta Post was not neutral in fostering the ideology, many authors supported Ahok’s leadership ideology in the news. The socio-cultural practices delineate that Ahok’s autocratic leadership style and policies as a governor are unsuitable with socio-cultural spheres in Indonesia. Therefore, his leadership style got more contras than pros from the public. This research is expectedly useful for learners and readers in understanding and analyzing hidden intentions in a discourse, especially to open up the ideology of a leader. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan gaya kepemimpinan Ahok melalui berita di The Jakarta Post edisi 2014-2015. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis kritis model Norman Fairclough. Ideologi dianalisis dalam bentuk praktik diskursif dan sosial budaya yang terdapat dalam berita. Data penelitian diperoleh dengan mencari ideologi yang terdapat dalam praktik diskursus, termasuk produksi teks, ideologi, praktik sosial budaya, dan perhatian terhadap aspek sosial budaya. Teori kepemimpinan yang digunakan, meliputi: gaya kepemimpinan otokratis, demokratis, liberal, birokratis, dan situasional. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa gaya kepemimpinan Ahok yang dominan dalam berita The Jakarta Post edisi 2014-2015 adalah otokratik. Hal ini karena The Jakarta Post tidak netral dalam mengembangkan ide-ide ideologis. Banyak penulis yang mendukung ideologi kepemimpinan Ahok yang tertuang dalam berita. Praktik-praktik sosial budaya menunjukkan bahwa gaya kepemimpinan dan kebijakan Ahok yang otokratis tidak sesuai dengan lingkup sosial budaya di Indonesia. Oleh karena itu, gaya kepemimpinan Ahok mendapat lebih banyak kontradiksi daripada penerimaan di kalangan masyarakat.
The Influence of Age and Job Experience on Detection Performance in X-Ray Screening

In recent years, research on cognitive aging increasingly has focused on the cognitive development across middle adulthood. However, little is still known about the long-term effects of intensive job-specific training of fluid intellectual abilities. In this study we examined the effects of age- and job-specific practice of cognitive abilities on detection performance in airport security x-ray screening. In Experiment 1 (N = 308; 24-65 years), we examined performance in the X-ray Object Recognition Test (ORT), a speeded visual object recognition task in which participants have to find dangerous items in x-ray images of passenger bags; and in Experiment 2 (N = 155; 20-61 years) in an on-the-job object recognition test frequently used in baggage screening. Results from both experiments show high performance in older adults and significant negative age correlations that cannot be overcome by more years of job-specific experience. We discuss the implications of our findings for theories of lifespan cognitive development and training concepts.
Sales Promotion and Consumer Loyalty: A Study of Nigerian Tecommunication Industry

In today's competitive business world customers are considered to be kings. Customers have several choices to make among alternative products, and they exercise a high level of influ - ence in the market with respect to product size, quality and price. Hence, it is important for producers to meet the needs of customers in order to stay competitive. One of the marketing communication tools that is used in attracting the attention of the customer and build their loyalty is sales promotion. The aim of this paper therefore is to determine the effect of sales promotion on customer loyalty in the telecommunication industry. In this study, the survey method was used in gathering information from the respondents. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 310, while descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted with the aid of SPSS software. Producers spend a large part of their total marketing communication expenses on sales promotion. Hence, this paper attempts to find the effect of sales promotion on customer loyalty using a sample of customers of mobile telecommunica- tion services. The paper found that, there is positive relationship between sales promotion and customer loyalty. More importantly, it was discovered that non-loyal customers are more prone to switch to competing products as a result of sales promotion than loyal customers.
Technology Integration in Literacy Lessons: Challenges and Successes

ABSTRACT This study used open coding to analyze 662 idea-units that 44 preservice teachers expressed about successes and challenges related to technology integration in literacy lessons in a reading methods class. Data sources included reading responses, self-reflections on videos of their lessons, and Collaborative Peer Video Analysis. Eleven categories emerged, reflecting two themes: (a) technology selection and (b) planning and instructional processes. Relative occurrence of each category was calculated, and categories were mapped onto the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge Framework. Preservice teachers’ most frequently reported challenges were lesson management/engagement and ineffective teaching methods (36% and 25% of all challenges, respectively). Their most frequently reported success was selecting technology with affordances that supported the lesson objective (47% of all successes). Preservice teachers’ knowledge and practices changed over time.
Elevated Serum Uric Acid Is Associated with High Circulating Inflammatory Cytokines in the Population-Based Colaus Study

Background The relation of serum uric acid (SUA) with systemic inflammation has been little explored in humans and results have been inconsistent. We analyzed the association between SUA and circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods and Findings This cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland, included 6085 participants aged 35 to 75 years. SUA was measured using uricase-PAP method. Plasma TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by a multiplexed particle-based flow cytometric assay and hs-CRP by an immunometric assay. The median levels of SUA, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP and IL-1β were 355 µmol/L, 1.46 pg/mL, 3.04 pg/mL, 1.2 mg/L and 0.34 pg/mL in men and 262 µmol/L, 1.21 pg/mL, 2.74 pg/mL, 1.3 mg/L and 0.45 pg/mL in women, respectively. SUA correlated positively with IL-6, TNF-α and CRP and negatively with IL-1β (Spearman r: 0.04, 0.07, 0.20 and 0.05 in men, and 0.09, 0.13, 0.30 and 0.07 in women, respectively, P<0.05). In multivariable analyses, SUA was associated positively with CRP (β coefficient ± SE = 0.35±0.02, P<0.001), TNF-α (0.08±0.02, P<0.001) and IL-6 (0.10±0.03, P<0.001), and negatively with IL-1β (−0.07±0.03, P = 0.027). Upon further adjustment for body mass index, these associations were substantially attenuated. Conclusions SUA was associated positively with IL-6, CRP and TNF-α and negatively with IL-1β, particularly in women. These results suggest that uric acid contributes to systemic inflammation in humans and are in line with experimental data showing that uric acid triggers sterile inflammation.
Blind Separation Of Real World Audio Signals Using Overdetermined Mixtures

We discuss the advantages of using overdetermined mixtures to improve upon blind source separation algorithms that are designed to extract sound sources from acoustic mixtures. A study of the nature of room impulse responses helps us choose an adaptive lter architecture. We use ideal inverses of acquired room impulse responses to compare the eeectiveness of diierent-sized separating lter conngurations of various lter lengths. Using a multi-channel blind least-mean-square algorithm (MBLMS), we show that, by adding additional sensors, we can improve upon the separation of signals mixed with real world lters.
Evaluating the Effects of Gamma-Irradiation for Decontamination of Medicinal Cannabis

In several countries with a National medicinal cannabis program, pharmaceutical regulations specify that herbal cannabis products must adhere to strict safety standards regarding microbial contamination. Treatment by gamma irradiation currently seems the only method available to meet these requirements. We evaluated the effects of irradiation treatment of four different cannabis varieties covering different chemical compositions. Samples were compared before and after standard gamma-irradiation treatment by performing quantitative UPLC analysis of major cannabinoids, as well as qualitative GC analysis of full cannabinoid and terpene profiles. In addition, water content and microscopic appearance of the cannabis flowers was evaluated. This study found that treatment did not cause changes in the content of THC and CBD, generally considered as the most important therapeutically active components of medicinal cannabis. Likewise, the water content and the microscopic structure of the dried cannabis flowers were not altered by standard irradiation protocol in the cannabis varieties studied. The effect of gamma-irradiation was limited to a reduction of some terpenes present in the cannabis, but keeping the terpene profile qualitatively the same. Based on the results presented in this report, gamma irradiation of herbal cannabis remains the recommended method of decontamination, at least until other more generally accepted methods have been developed and validated.