Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of immigrants’ second-language proficiency: a Dutch study of immigrants with a low level of societal participation and second-language proficiency

Abstract This article examines the predictors of second-language proficiency for a group that until now has hardly been investigated: immigrants who rarely participate in the host society and who have a low level of second-language proficiency (sample characteristics are for example: no paid job, low educational and literacy level, high mean age and number of years since migration). In contrast with earlier research, not only self-assessments were used as indicator for second-language proficiency, but also language test scores. Results from a sample of 624 immigrants partly replicate findings from earlier studies: self-assessed second-language proficiency is higher among immigrants who have followed a language course, do voluntary work, have a high educational level, high mother-tongue proficiency, a low migration age, and a large number of years since migration. No links, however, were found between having psychological problems, gender, and migration motive and self-assessed second-language proficiency. Furthermore, some new predictors of self-assessed second-language proficiency were identified, namely similarity in alphabet between mother tongue and second language, daily interactions with natives in the public domain, and speaking the second language at home. For a subsample (N=98) second-language proficiency was also assessed via (objective) lexicon tests. When using scores on this test as dependent variables, only years since migration turned out to be a significant predictor. Though certainly tentative, this finding indicates that different predictors of second-language proficiency may apply depending on how it has been measured.
Effect of season and age on blood minerals, liver enzyme levels, and faecal egg counts in Nguni goats of South Africa

The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between age of the goat and faecal egg counts, liver enzymes, and minerals in the wet and dry seasons in male and female Nguni goats of South Africa. Fifty-six female and forty male Nguni goats were used for the study. Faecal and blood samples were collected once in the dry (August) and wet (January) season. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined by the modified McMaster technique while trematodes were determined by the sedimentation method. Blood was analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. Faecal egg counts were significantly higher in the wet compared with the dry season. Most (P < 0.05) of the goats were within the reference values for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in both seasons. Phosphorus concentrations were significantly affected by age with higher levels in the young (2.1 ± 0.06) compared to the adult (2.0 ± 0.03) goats. Alkaline phosphate was significantly affected by age with higher levels in young than in mature goats. Higher AST, CK, and GGT concentrations were recorded in the wet compared to the dry season (P < 0.05). Higher CK and AST were recorded in male than in female goats while for ALP, the values were higher in female than in male goats. Linear negative relationships (P < 0.05) existed between age and ALP, phosphorus, and FEC, while quadratic relationships existed between age and strongyles and Strongyloides egg counts. Calcium was linearly related (P < 0.05) to FEC, while CK was related to FEC in a quadratic fashion. Age of the Nguni goats can be used to predict faecal egg counts, phosphorus, and ALP levels.
[Mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma: three cases reports].

例1女,18岁. 因活动后心累2年,胸骨后疼痛1月余于2004年1月5日入院. 查体未见异常. 血常规:白细胞9. 05×109/L,中性粒细胞76. 3%,淋巴细胞13. 6%. 乳酸脱氢酶(LDH):6.16 μmol*s-1/L. X线照片:前上纵隔明显增宽,双肺及心脏未见异常. CT检查示"前纵隔包块". B超检查发现左肾先天性缺如,右肾代偿性增大,大小为13. 5 cm×4.5 cm. 入院后行"前纵隔包块切除术". 术中见肿瘤位于前上纵隔,分叶状,质硬,大小约10 cm×15 cm×6 cm,部分侵及右上肺及无名静脉,无名静脉壁明显增厚、变细。
PEQ: An Explainable, Specification-based, Aspect-oriented Product Comparator for E-commerce

While purchasing a product, consumers often rely on specifications as well as online reviews of the product for decision-making. While comparing, one often has in mind a specific aspect or a set of aspects which are of interest to them. Previous work has used comparative sentences, where two entities are compared directly in a single sentence by the review author, towards the comparison task. In this paper, we extend the existing model by incorporating the feature specifications of the products, which are easily available, and learn the importance to be associated with each of them. To test the validity of these product ranking measures, we comprehensively test it on a digital camera dataset from Amazon.com and the results show good empirical outperformance over the state-of-the-art baselines.
RAT selection games in HetNets

We study the dynamics of network selection in heterogeneous wireless networks (HetNets). Users in such networks selfishly select the best radio access technology (RAT) with the objective of maximizing their own throughputs. We propose two general classes of throughput models that capture the basic properties of random access (e.g., Wi-Fi) and scheduled access (e.g., WiMAX, LTE, 3G) networks. Next, we formulate the problem as a non-cooperative game, and study its convergence, efficiency, and practicality. Our results reveal that: (i) Singleclass RAT selection games converge to Nash equilibria, while an improvement path can be repeated infinitely with a mixture of classes. We next introduce a hysteresis mechanism in RAT selection games, and prove that with appropriate hysteresis policies, convergence can still be guaranteed; (ii) We analyze the Pareto-efficiency of the Nash equilibria of these games. We derive the conditions under which Nash equilibria are Paretooptimal, and we quantify the distance of Nash equilibria with respect to the set of Pareto-dominant points when the conditions are not satisfied; (iii) Finally, with extensive measurement-driven simulations we show that RAT selection games converge to Nash equilibria in a small number of steps, and hence are amenable to practical implementation. We also investigate the impact of noisy throughput measurements, and propose solutions to handle them.
Hyperspectral optical tomography of intrinsic signals in the rat cortex

Abstract. We introduce a tomographic approach for three-dimensional imaging of evoked hemodynamic activity, using broadband illumination and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) image reconstruction. Changes in diffuse reflectance in the rat somatosensory cortex due to stimulation of a single whisker were imaged at a frame rate of 5 Hz using a hyperspectral image mapping spectrometer. In each frame, images in 38 wavelength bands from 484 to 652 nm were acquired simultaneously. For data analysis, we developed a hyperspectral DOT algorithm that used the Rytov approximation to quantify changes in tissue concentration of oxyhemoglobin (ctHbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (ctHb) in three dimensions. Using this algorithm, the maximum changes in ctHbO2 and ctHb were found to occur at 0.29±0.02 and 0.66±0.04 mm beneath the surface of the cortex, respectively. Rytov tomographic reconstructions revealed maximal spatially localized increases and decreases in ctHbO2 and ctHb of 321±53 and 555±96 nM, respectively, with these maximum changes occurring at 4±0.2 s poststimulus. The localized optical signals from the Rytov approximation were greater than those from modified Beer–Lambert, likely due in part to the inability of planar reflectance to account for partial volume effects.
Sex Differences in Anthropometrics and Heading Kinematics Among Division I Soccer Athletes

Background: Soccer players head the ball repetitively throughout their careers; this is also a potential mechanism for a concussion. Although not all soccer headers result in a concussion, these subconcussive impacts may impart acceleration, deceleration, and rotational forces on the brain, leaving structural and functional deficits. Stronger neck musculature may reduce head-neck segment kinematics. Hypothesis: The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics will not differ between sexes. The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics will not differ between ball speeds. Study Design: Pilot, cross-sectional design. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Division I soccer athletes (5 male, 8 female) were assessed for head-neck anthropometric and neck strength measurements in 6 directions (ie, flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexions and rotations). Participants headed the ball 10 times (25 or 40 mph) while wearing an accelerometer secured to their head. Kinematic measurements (ie, linear acceleration and rotational velocity) were recorded at 2 ball speeds. Results: Sex differences were observed in neck girth (t = 5.09, P < 0.001), flexor and left lateral flexor strength (t = 3.006, P = 0.012 and t = 4.182, P = 0.002, respectively), and rotational velocity at both speeds (t = −2.628, P = 0.024 and t = −2.227, P = 0.048). Neck girth had negative correlations with both linear acceleration (r = −0.599, P = 0.031) and rotational velocity at both speeds (r = −0.551, P = 0.012 and r = −0.652, P = 0.016). Also, stronger muscle groups had lower linear accelerations at both speeds (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics for sex and ball speeds. Clinical Relevance: Neck girth and neck strength are factors that may limit head impact kinematics.
Presence on human chromosome 10 of omeprazole-sensitivity gene whose product mediates CYP1A1 induction

Previously, we showed that CYP1A1 expression can be induced by omeprazole (OP) in the human cell line HepG2, but not in the mouse cell line Hepa-1. Now we show induction of CYP1A1 by α-naphthoflavone (αNF) in Hepa-1 cells. This induction was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A, but not by the aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor antagonist PD98059, suggesting the presence of a ligand-independent signal-transduction pathway in the mouse cell line too. We utilized the lack of CYP1A1 induction by OP in Hepa-1 cells to map a putative human gene for OP-respon- siveness in cell hybrids produced by fusion of Hepa-1 and HepG2 cells. OP-induced CYP1A1 expression was detected in four out of the 32 Hepa-1 × HepG2 cell hybrids analyzed. To help identify the gene locus, a radiation-hybrid cell (E11) was constructed. Use of reverse-fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these five cell lines commonly retained human chromosome 10p. These results suggest that the human gene for OP-responsiveness is present on chromosome 10p.
Structure, flexibility, and mechanism of the Bacillus stearothermophilus RecU holliday junction resolvase

Here we report a high resolution structure of RecU‐Holliday junction resolvase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. The functional unit of RecU is a homodimer that contains a “mushroom” like structure with a rigid cap and two highly flexible loops extending outwards. These loops appear to be highly flexible/dynamic, and presumably are directly involved in DNA binding and holding it for catalysis. Structural modifications of both the protein and DNA upon their interaction are essential for catalysis. An Mg2+ ion is present in each of the two active sites in this homodimeric enzyme, and two water molecules are coordinated with each Mg2+ ion. Our data are consistent with one of these water molecules acting as a nucleophile and the other as a general acid. The identities of the general base and general acid involved in catalysis and the Lewis acid that stabilizes the pentacovalent transition state phosphate ion are proposed. A model for the RecU‐Holliday junction DNA complex is also proposed and discussed in thecontext of DNA binding and cleavage. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive Semantic Integration

Schema integration has become a task of increasing importance. In this paper we give a guide on how to automatically optimally set the parameters of semantic alignment algorithms respectively tools for a wide range of use cases. We basically define a utility function to rate the results of alignment algorithms. Then we backtrack from the utility function first to concrete requirements for the results and then to the parameters of alignment algorithms. The gains of our methodology are confirmed by its implementation and evaluation.
Collaborative service oriented smart grid using the Internet of Things

Power generation, distribution and optimal utilization is a concern for every organization and government sector industries. Due to innovation and usage of advanced technologies, a number of independent research activities investigates the performance in terms of real time management and processing of data. It helps to realize the concept of green environment and support with novel solutions for various green energy applications. There is a need of a smart way of distribution, management and utilization of power to optimize energy consumption and its cost. In this context, we present a Collaborative Service Oriented Smart Grid using Internet of Things (CSOSGI). It allows on time and in full delivery of services for power generation, distribution and utilization with collaborative data processing in an intelligent way using Internet of Things. Further, we explore how it leads to green environment, energy saving and optimal resource utilization with automation for smart city realization.
Perfectionism and youth sport experiences: A social-cognitive perspective

Research has identified that perfectionism influences the way young people think, feel, and behave in sport. Typically, this research has focused on the separate effects of two main dimensions of perfectionism. The purpose of this thesis was to extend such research by testing the recently developed 2 × 2 model of perfectionism, which focuses on combinations (or subtypes) of the two main dimensions of perfectionism, in relation to the quality of young people’s sport experiences. The first of four studies suggested that the four subtypes of perfectionism from the 2 × 2 model are predictive of indicators of positive experiences in youth sport in a manner consistent with the model’s hypotheses. The second study suggested that the four subtypes are also predictive of indicators of negative experiences in youth sport but support for the model’s hypotheses was less consistent. The third study adopted qualitative research methods to explore the experiences of youth sport participants deemed prototypical of the four subtypes from their own perspective. The findings suggested that sport experiences differed considerably across the four subtypes and supported the model to varying degrees. The final study sought to understand where practitioners might be able to intervene and so examined the moderating role of perceptions of coaches and peers on the four subtypes in regards to young people’s sport experiences. The findings demonstrated that in a high coach task-involving climate all four subtypes experience lower friendship conflict, while in a high coach ego-involving climate three of the four subtypes experience less enjoyment. Collectively, these studies suggest that the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism is a useful framework for understanding the experiences of youth sport participants. To intervene at the level of the coach-created motivational climate may improve the sport experiences of young people who differ in combinations of perfectionism dimensions.
Laminin-5-integrin interaction signals through PI 3-kinase and Rac1b to promote assembly of adherens junctions in HT-29 cells

Human intestinal cell differentiation is mediated by signaling pathways that remain largely undefined. We and others have shown that cell migration and differentiation along the crypt-villus axis is associated with temporal and spatial modulations of the repertoire, as well as with the function of integrins and E-cadherins and their substrates. Cross-talk between integrin and cadherin signaling was previously described and seems to coordinate this differentiation process. Here, we report that engagement of α6 and, to a lesser extent, α3 integrin subunits after HT-29 cell adhesion on laminin 5 increases the expression of E-cadherin, which then organizes into nascent adherens junctions. We further identify that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activation plays a key role in this cross-talk. Indeed, integrin-dependent adhesion on laminin 5 stimulates PI 3-kinase activity. Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that activated PI 3-kinase is recruited at cell-cell contacts. Using LY294002, an inhibitor of PI 3-kinase activity, we found that this activation is essential for E-cadherin connection with the cytoskeleton and for biogenesis of adherens junctions. Finally, we demonstrated that PI 3-kinase could signal through Rac1b activation to control adherens junction assembly. Our results provide a mechanistic insight into integrin-cadherin cross-talk and identify a novel role for PI 3-kinase in the establishment of adherens junctions.
Handoff Dwell Time Distribution Effect on Mobile Network Performance

In this paper, the sensitivity of the handoff dwell time (HDT) model on wireless mobile network performance is studied. We present an approach on the basis of the universal approximation property of phase-type (PH) distribution in order to address the intractable numerical issue caused by HDT. We first obtain the steady state probability under the general HDT. The performance metrics from the perspective of base station (BS) as well as from the point view of call are developed. The PH-type HDT is then assumed to derive the numerically tractable expressions for the performance metrics. Finally, the truncated Gaussian HDT is approximately fitted by the PH distribution via expectation maximization algorithm to reuse the closed form analytical expression. The comparison shows that, in terms of the BS performance, the handoff blocking probability exhibits a significant discrepancy whenever one uses the exponential or truncated Gaussian HDT distribution, while the new call blocking probability is less sensitive to different HDT. In addition, HDT has little impact on the call performance with respect to the call completion probability and total waiting time. Both the analytical model and the approximation approach are verified by simulation.
Edc3p and a glutamine/asparagine-rich domain of Lsm4p function in processing body assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Processing bodies (P-bodies) are cytoplasmic RNA granules that contain translationally repressed messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) and messenger RNA (mRNA) decay factors. The physical interactions that form the individual mRNPs within P-bodies and how those mRNPs assemble into larger P-bodies are unresolved. We identify direct protein interactions that could contribute to the formation of an mRNP complex that consists of core P-body components. Additionally, we demonstrate that the formation of P-bodies that are visible by light microscopy occurs either through Edc3p, which acts as a scaffold and cross-bridging protein, or via the “prionlike” domain in Lsm4p. Analysis of cells defective in P-body formation indicates that the concentration of translationally repressed mRNPs and decay factors into microscopically visible P-bodies is not necessary for basal control of translation repression and mRNA decay. These results suggest a stepwise model for P-body assembly with the initial formation of a core mRNA–protein complex that then aggregates through multiple specific mechanisms.
Headstrong: a pilot study of a CD-ROM intervention for recurrent pediatric headache.

OBJECTIVES To empirically evaluate a minimal therapist contact CD-ROM pain management program for recurrent pediatric headache developed as part of this study. METHODS Participants were 37 children aged 7-12 attending a pediatric neurology clinic for evaluation of recurrent headache. Children who were randomly assigned to the treatment group worked through the CD-ROM program on home computers for 4 weeks following baseline assessment, whereas those assigned to the wait-list group continued following the prescriptions of their neurologist. Data on daily headache activity and headache-related disability were collected at baseline and up to 3 months after treatment. RESULTS Children who received the adjunctive CD-ROM program had significant improvements in headache activity above and beyond those in the control group. Results provide initial support for the utility of adding an adjunctive CD-ROM psychological intervention to standard medical care for recurrent pediatric headache and potentially other chronic pain conditions in children.
CsFTL3, a chrysanthemum FLOWERING LOCUS T-like gene, is a key regulator of photoperiodic flowering in chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum is a typical short-day (SD) plant that responds to shortening daylength during the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)/Heading date 3a (Hd3a) plays a pivotal role in the induction of phase transition and is proposed to encode a florigen. Three FT-like genes were isolated from Chrysanthemum seticuspe (Maxim.) Hand. -Mazz. f. boreale (Makino) H. Ohashi & Yonek, a wild diploid chrysanthemum: CsFTL1, CsFTL2, and CsFTL3. The organ-specific expression patterns of the three genes were similar: they were all expressed mainly in the leaves. However, their response to daylength differed in that under SD (floral-inductive) conditions, the expression of CsFTL1 and CsFTL2 was down-regulated, whereas that of CsFTL3 was up-regulated. CsFTL3 had the potential to induce early flowering since its overexpression in chrysanthemum could induce flowering under non-inductive conditions. CsFTL3-dependent graft-transmissible signals partially substituted for SD stimuli in chrysanthemum. The CsFTL3 expression levels in the two C. seticuspe accessions that differed in their critical daylengths for flowering closely coincided with the flowering response. The CsFTL3 expression levels in the leaves were higher under floral-inductive photoperiods than under non-inductive conditions in both the accessions, with the induction of floral integrator and/or floral meristem identity genes occurring in the shoot apexes. Taken together, these results indicate that the gene product of CsFTL3 is a key regulator of photoperiodic flowering in chrysanthemums.
The Effect of Word Processing on the Quality of Writing and Self-Esteem of Secondary School English-As-Second-Language Students: Writing without Censure

Current research on the academic and social status of ESL students focuses upon the three major changes that have occurred in large urban centers throughout the United States: the increased population of limited-English-proficient youngsters, the increased dropout rate among these students despite a decrease among the native-speaking population, and the installation of microcomputers in all city secondary schools. The effect of using word processing on the self-esteem and quality of writing of sixty-six beginning ESL students in an urban secondary school was the focus of this research. A quasi-experimental study using a pretest/posttest design was conducted for a period of one cycle of thirteen weeks. It was hypothesized that the use of word processing would improve the quality of writing and self-esteem. The findings established that there was a statistically significant difference in the quality of writing between the experimental group, which used word processing, and the control group, which used traditional pen and paper procedures. The expectation of improvement of self-esteem was not supported.