Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Misunderstood Pastoral Counselor: Knowledge and Religiosity as Factors Affecting a Client’s Choice

Counseling Association by Dr. Garry R. Walz and Dr. Jeanne C. Bleuer of Counseling Outfitters, LLC. Its purpose is to provide a means of capturing the ideas, information and experiences generated by the annual ACA Conference and selected ACA Division Conferences. Papers on a program or practice that has been validated through research or experience may also be submitted. This digital collection of peer-reviewed articles is authored by counselors, for counselors. VISTAS Online contains the full text of over 500 proprietary counseling articles published from 2004 to present.
Incidence of primary hypothyroidism in patients exposed to therapeutic external beam radiation, where radiation portals include a part or whole of the thyroid gland

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a known consequence of external-beam radiotherapy to the neck encompassing a part or whole of the thyroid gland. In this non-randomized prospective study, we have tried to evaluate the response of the thyroid gland to radiation by assessing thyroid function before irradiation and at regular intervals after irradiation. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study were to assess in the cancer patients, who were exposed to the therapeutic external beam radiation, where radiation portals include a part or whole of the thyroid gland: the incidence of primary hypothyroidism, the time required to become hypothyroid, any relation between the total dose for the development of hypothyroidism, and whether there are any patient or treatment-related factors that are predictive for the development of hypothyroidism, including the use of concurrent chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This non-randomized, prospective study was conducted for a period of 2 years in which thyroid function was assessed in 59 patients (cases) of head and neck cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma patients and other malignancies, who had received radiotherapy to the neck region. 59 euthyroid healthy patients (controls) were also taken, who had not received the neck irradiation. These patients/controls were assessed periodically for 2 years. Results: The incidence of hypothyroidism after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to neck where radiation portals include part or whole of the thyroid gland was 16.94%, seven cases had subclinical hypothyroidism (11.86%) and three cases had clinical hypothyroidism (5.08%). Mean time for development of hypothyroidism was 4.5 months. There was no effect of age, gender, primary tumor site, radiation dose and chemotherapy, whether neoadjuvant or concurrent with the development of hypothyroidism. Conclusion: In summary, we found that thyroid dysfunction is a prevalent, yet easily treatable source of morbidity in patients undergoing radiation therapy to neck where radiation portals include a part or whole of the thyroid gland.
NKG2C+NKG2A− Natural Killer Cells are Associated with a Lower Viral Set Point and may Predict Disease Progression in Individuals with Primary HIV Infection

Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against pathogens of the immune system and also play an important role in resistance against HIV. The activating receptor NKG2C and the inhibitory receptor NKG2A co-modulate the function of NK cells by recognizing the same ligand, HLA-E. However, the role of NKG2A and NKG2C on viral set point and the prediction of HIV disease progression have been rarely reported. In this study, we determined the expression of NKG2C or NKG2A on the surface of NK cells from 22 individuals with primary HIV infection (PHI) stage and 23 HIV-negative normal control (NC) subjects. The CD4+ T cell count and plasma level of HIV RNA in the infected individuals were longitudinally followed-up for about 720 days. The proportion of NKG2C+NKG2A− NK cells was higher in subjects from the low set point group and was negatively correlated with the viral load. In addition, strong anti-HIV activities were observed in NKG2C+ NK cells from the HIV-positive donors. Furthermore, a proportion of NKG2C+NKG2A− NK cells >35.45%, and a ratio of NKG2C/NKG2A >1.7 were predictive for higher CD4+ T cell counts 720 days after infection. Collectively, the experimental results allow us to draw the conclusion that NKG2C+ NK cells might exert an antiviral effect and that the proportion of NKG2C+NKG2A− NK cells, and the ratio of NKG2C/NKG2A, are potential biomarkers for predicting HIV disease progression.
Overview of the Evalita 2016 SENTIment POLarity Classification Task

English. The SENTIment POLarity Classification Task (SENTIPOLC), a new shared task in the Evalita evaluation campaign , focused on sentiment classification at the message level on Italian tweets. It included three subtasks: subjectivity classification, polarity classification, and irony detection. SENTIPOLC was the most participated Evalita task with a total of 35 submitted runs from 11 different teams. We present the datasets and the evaluation methodology, and discuss results and participating systems. Italiano. Descriviamo modalit a e risultati della campagna di valutazione di sistemi di sentiment analysis (SENTIment POLarity Classification Task), proposta per la prima volta a " Evalita–2014: Evaluation of NLP and Speech Tools for Ital-ian ". In SENTIPOLC e stata valutata la capacit a dei sistemi di riconoscere il sentiment espresso nei messaggi Twitter in lingua italiana. Sono stati proposti tre sotto-task: subjectivity classification, polarity classification e un sotto-task pilota di irony detection. La campagna ha susci-tato molto interesse e ricevuto un totale di 35 run inviati da 11 gruppi di partecipanti.
The effect of cochlear implant processing on speaker intelligibility: a perceptual study and computer model

Cochlear implant (CI) users have great difﬁculty understanding speech in noise. However, some speakers are found to be more intelligible than others. This paper tests whether a glimpse-based model, that was previously used to successfully explain speaker intelligibility in normal-hearing listeners, can also predict speaker intelligibility for CI users. The model employs a front-end that mimics the effects of energetic masking. This is coupled with a back-end that employs statistical models of CI-processed speech to recognise the unmasked glimpses of the target signal. Listening tests were conducted using signals that simulate the effect of hearing speech mixed with speech-shaped noise through a CI, at signal-to-noise ratios ranging from -4 to 6 dB. The intelligibility of 34 different talkers was measured at each noise level. The model is able to explain the variation in the speaker intelligibilities: the correlation between listener and model intelligibilities varies between 0.87 and 0.91 depending on noise level. This is higher than correlations previously found for normal hearing listeners. Our results have the potential to inform future CI signal processing strategies.
Comparative study between three subspace identification algorithms

Since the appearance of subspace system identification in literature different subspace algorithms are available in practice. The most commonly used algorithms are CVA, N4SID and MOESP. Although they all follow the same philosophy, their practical implementation can differ considerably. In the present paper it is our intention to make a direct comparison between these different subspace system identification algorithms. The comparison is made on the basis of 15 publicly available practical data sets on which the algorithms have been applied. The quality measure for the identification we considered is the computational complexity of the method on the one hand and the prediction/simulation error on the other hand. The influence of the identification parameters on the identification quality is studied and analyzed.
Integrated Circuits and Electrode Interfaces for Noninvasive Physiological Monitoring

This paper presents an overview of the fundamentals and state of the-art in noninvasive physiological monitoring instrumentation with a focus on electrode and optrode interfaces to the body, and micropower-integrated circuit design for unobtrusive wearable applications. Since the electrode/optrode-body interface is a performance limiting factor in noninvasive monitoring systems, practical interface configurations are offered for biopotential acquisition, electrode-tissue impedance measurement, and optical biosignal sensing. A systematic approach to instrumentation amplifier (IA) design using CMOS transistors operating in weak inversion is shown to offer high energy and noise efficiency. Practical methodologies to obviate 1/f noise, counteract electrode offset drift, improve common-mode rejection ratio, and obtain subhertz high-pass cutoff are illustrated with a survey of the state-of-the-art IAs. Furthermore, fundamental principles and state-of-the-art technologies for electrode-tissue impedance measurement, photoplethysmography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and signal coding and quantization are reviewed, with additional guidelines for overall power management including wireless transmission. Examples are presented of practical dry-contact and noncontact cardiac, respiratory, muscle and brain monitoring systems, and their clinical applications.
The Medicare prescription drug benefit.

PUBLIC REPORTING BURDEN: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0938-0936. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 12.0 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, and gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Attn: PRA Reports Clearance Officer, Mail Stop C4-26-05, Baltimore, Maryland 212441850.
Teaching English Idioms as Metaphors through Cognitive-Oriented Methods: A Case in an EFL Writing Class.

Idioms have long been regarded as problematic for L2 learners due to the arbitrariness of their meanings and forms. Traditional methods of teaching idioms focus on rote learning and memorization. Recent developments in cognitive linguistics research have considered idioms as analyzable expressions which are motivated by conceptual metaphors and whose meanings can derive from associations between source and target concepts. Believed to be imageable and comprehensive, idioms should be learned through the process of raising L2 learners’ awareness of conceptual metaphors behind these expressions. Nevertheless, these methods fail to notice culture entailments embedded in conceptual metaphors. Especially for FL learners who share neither common cultural background nor living environment with the target language users, difficulties resulting from transferability between L1 and L2 idioms owing to cultural similarities and differences may be serious. To bridge the gap between idioms and conceptual metaphors caused by cross-cultural differences, this study suggests a teaching method by incorporating the idea of metaphoric mappings. A case study was conducted in an EFL writing class to investigate the effect of the methods. Essays written by the students before and after the instruction were analyzed. Results showed that the students increased frequencies of using not only common idiomatic expressions but also creative analogies comprising vivid images based on the conceptual metaphors taught. Additionally, they used L2 expressions whose conceptual metaphors also existed in L1 more often then expressions whose conceptual metaphors were exclusive in L2. Such findings affirm the importance of culture and provide valuable insight to EFL teachers in adopting cognitive-oriented method to teach English idioms.
Dual strip weaving

We introduce Dual Strip Weaving, a novel concept for the interactive design of quad layouts, i.e. partitionings of freeform surfaces into quadrilateral patch networks. In contrast to established tools for the design of quad layouts or subdivision base meshes, which are often based on creating individual vertices, edges, and quads, our method takes a more global perspective, operating on a higher level of abstraction: the atomic operation of our method is the creation of an entire cyclic strip, delineating a large number of quad patches at once. The global consistency-preserving nature of this approach reduces demands on the user's expertise by requiring less advance planning. Efficiency is achieved using a novel method at the heart of our system, which automatically proposes geometrically and topologically suitable strips to the user. Based on this we provide interaction tools to influence the design process to any desired degree and visual guides to support the user in this task.
Reliability of Radiologic Assessment of Fusion: Cervical Fibular Allograft Model

Study Design. Prospective assessment of the reliability of determining cervical fusion success based on plain radiographs. Objectives. Determination of the reliability of plain static radiographs in predicting the presence or absence of fusion. Summary of Background Data. The ability of plain radiographs to assess the presence of fusion is limited. In addition, variations in the definition of “fusion” make this entity an important aspect for study. Methods. A study was carried out to determine the reliability of plain radiographs in predicting bony fusion. Cases of cervical spondylosis undergoing a single or multilevel corpectomy with an allograft fusion and anterior instrumentation were chosen for the model. The definition of “bony fusion” was obtained from the literature. Bony fusion was defined by the presence of bony trabeculation across the graft–host interfaces, the assessment of the change in strut height over time, and the development of a kyphotic angulation over time. Data were collected at a tertiary care institution over a 5-year period. Descriptive statistics regarding baseline patient characteristics, the underlying disease process, and the surgical intervention, were obtained. Reliability of plain static radiographs in assessing fusion was evaluated by two independent neuroradiologists blinded to any subsequent clinical outcome. The Cohen Kappa statistic was used to determine the degree of agreement regarding the presence or absence of fusion at the superior and inferior aspect of the graft at the 6-week and the 12-week follow-up. Results. The study involved 57 patients (30 males and 27 females), with a median age of 49 years. The number of levels decompressed was 1, 2, and 3 in 36, 20, and 1 patients, respectively. Fourteen patients had a history of smoking. The Cohen Kappa statistic revealed variable results depending on the time period and aspect evaluated. The degree of agreement at 6 weeks was 0.61 (95% confidence interval = 0.32–0.89) and 0.44 (95% confidence interval = 0.017–0.86) and at 12 weeks was 0.18 (95% confidence interval = –0.21–0.58) and 1.00 for the superior and inferior aspect of the graft, respectively. Conclusions. Plain radiographs are generally quite unreliable in predicting fusion based on presence or absence of trabeculation.
Removal of Phenylurea Herbicides from Waters by using Chemical Oxidation Treatments

Four phenylurea herbicides (isoproturon, chlortoluron, diuron and linuron) were dissolved in different water matrices in order to study their chemical degradation by using UV radiation, ozone and some advanced oxidation processes (UV/H2O2, O3/H2O2, Fenton reagent and the photoFenton system). The waters used were: ultra-pure water, a commercial mineral water, a groundwater and a surface water taken from a reservoir. Elimination levels were established for each herbicide and for several global quality parameters, and a kinetic study was performed in order to determine basic kinetic parameters of each reaction between the target phenylureas and these oxidizing systems. Keywords—Phenylurea herbicides; UV radiation; Ozone; Fenton reagent; Hydroxyl radicals; Rate constants; Quantum yields.
Four Fs of anti-malware testing: A practical approach to testing endpoint security products

This paper presents a practical approach to testing anti-malware products, focusing on the following four areas: 1. Defining the scope of the test, 2. Interpreting the test results, 3. Methods of data collection and 4. Managing the financial costs of a test. I will also note a number of common mistakes that testers make and explore some of the technical and non-technical challenges that testers face, including attacks on test methodologies by the anti-malware industry and other third-parties. While the principles discussed apply to many types of anti-malware testing, on different platforms, this paper addresses specific issues relating to testing anti-malware products that run on x86/64 platforms and exposing them to `live' malware threats that actively attack systems on the internet at the same time.
Delayed neurological deterioration after anoxia.

It is widely recognized that anoxia produces acute neurological deficits, but many are unaware that severe neurological reactions may sometimes be delayed for days or weeks after anoxic exposure. Between the original anoxic coma and the relapse, intellectual and neurological recovery may seem complete, providing no hint that potentially fatal cerebral reactions have been initiated. The problem is not rare; 10 cases have been seen on this service in recent years. However, the syndrome has been discussed predominantly in the neurological literature and has attracted little attention in standard medical texts and periodicals. This paper describes 5 patients to illustrate the clinical course of delayed neurological damage after anoxia. Pathological studies show the predominant nervous system abnormality in white matter rather than in neurones. Materials and Methods All patients except Patient 5 were seen. and examined by us. Most were patients in one of the University of Washington's Affiliated Hospitals.
Distinct structure and activity of monoamine oxidase in the brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein involved in the metabolism of, e.g., aminergic neurotransmitters and the parkinsonism‐inducing neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We have reported earlier MPTP‐related alterations of brain catecholaminergic system in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain. Here we describe the structural and functional properties of zebrafish MAO and the distribution of MAO mRNA and activity in zebrafish brain. The gene is located in chromosome 9 and consists of 15 exons. The amino acid composition of the active center resembles both human MAO‐A and MAO‐B. The enzyme displayed the highest substrate specificity for tyramine, followed by serotonin, phenylethylamine, MPTP, and dopamine; isoform‐specific antagonists blocked the activity of the enzyme with equal potency. Zebrafish MAO mRNA, which was present in several tissues, and enzyme displayed differential distribution in the brain; dopaminergic cell clusters had low to moderate levels of MAO activity, whereas the highest levels of MAO activity were detected in noradrenergic and serotonergic cell groups and the habenulointerpeduncular pathway, including its caudal projection to the medial ventral rhombencephalon. The results of this study confirm the presence of functionally active MAO in zebrafish brain and other tissues and characterize the neural systems that express MAO and areas of intense activity in the brain. They also suggest that MPTP toxicity not related to MAO may affect the zebrafish brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 498:593–610, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of an injectable tendon hydrogel: the effects of platelet-rich plasma and adipose-derived stem cells on tendon healing in vivo.

INTRODUCTION Acute and chronic tendon injuries would benefit from stronger and more expeditious healing. We hypothesize that supplementation of a biocompatible tendon hydrogel with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) would augment the tendon healing process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using 55 Wistar rats, a full-thickness defect was created within the midsubstance of each Achilles tendon with the addition of one of five experimental conditions: (i) saline control (50-μL), (ii) tendon hydrogel (50-μL), (iii) tendon hydrogel (45-μL)+PRP (5-μL), (iv) tendon hydrogel (45-μL)+2×10(6)-ASCs/mL in phosphate buffered saline (5-μL), and (v) tendon hydrogel (45-μL)+2×10(6)-ASCs/mL in PRP (5-μL). Hydrogel was developed from decellularized, human cadaveric tendons. Fresh rat PRP was obtained per Amable et al.'s technique, and green fluorescent protein/luciferase-positive rat ASCs were utilized. Rats were sacrificed at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after injury. Real-time in vivo bioluminescence imaging of groups with ASCs was performed. Upon sacrifice, Achilles tendons underwent biomechanical and histological evaluation. Comparisons across groups were analyzed using the two-sample Z-test for proportions and the Student's t-test for independent samples. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS (i) Bioluminescence imaging demonstrated that total photon flux was significantly increased for hydrogel+PRP+ASCs, versus hydrogel+ASCs for each postoperative day imaged (p<0.03). (ii) Mean ultimate failure load (UFL) was increased for hydrogel augmented with PRP and/or ASCs versus hydrogel alone at week 2 (p<0.03). By week 4, hydrogel alone reached a similar mean UFL to hydrogel augmented with PRP and/or ASCs (p>0.3). However, at week 8, hydrogel with PRP and ASCs demonstrated increased strength over other groups (p<0.05), except for hydrogel with PRP (p=0.25). (iii) Upon histological analysis, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining showed increased extracellular matrix formation in groups containing PRP and increased cellularity in groups containing ASCs. Groups containing both PRP and ASCs demonstrated both of these characteristics. CONCLUSION PRP and ASCs are easily accessible bioactive products that have potentiating effects on tendon hydrogel. Augmentation with these two factors encourages earlier mechanical strength and functional restoration. Thus, biochemically, tendon hydrogel augmented with PRP and/or ASCs, serves as a promising therapeutic modality for augmenting the tendon healing process after injury.
A Developmental Examination of Adolescents'Fears

Fear, one of the most powerful of all human emotional reactions, is a normal response to an active or perceived threat that precipitates both physiological and psychological changes. Research with elementary and preschool children has revealed developmental trends in the types and realism of expressed fears. This study examined specific fears of adolescents and the existence of developmental changes and gender differences. Adolescents in grades 7 through 11 (N=478) in a suburban public high school completed a questionnaire that requested that they provide a list of their fears. An analysis of variance revealed that girls reported more fears than boys, and that older students reported more fears than younger students. Results of Chi Square analyses reveal clear developmental trends in the fear of AIDS, drugs, career, and political instability. Gender differences were noted with more females being concerned about peer pressure, the future, and moral and social values.