Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Empiricism in Cognitive Therapy: A Definition and Theory for the Relationship Construct

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 18: 47–61, 2011] Despite the consensus regarding the importance of collaborative empiricism (CE) in Beck’s cognitive therapy, absent are operational definitions, measures, or empirical investigations of the construct. Existing research has centered on constructs such as the working alliance and has produced inconsistent findings. It is unclear whether CE is related to treatment outcomes, or whether it mediates other cognitive change processes. This article argues that the core meaning of collaboration in CE, “sharing the work,” is not captured by the most frequently used construct of the therapeutic alliance in cognitive therapy research. A theory of CE, based on self-determination theory, is developed that integrates the collaborative and empirical aspects of CE and addresses the motivational aspect of the construct.
What Can We Learn About Effective Early Mathematics Teaching? A Framework for Estimating Causal Effects Using Longitudinal Survey Data

Abstract This study investigates the impact of teacher characteristics and instructional strategies on the mathematics achievement of students in kindergarten and first grade and tackles the question of how best to use longitudinal survey data to elicit causal inference in the face of potential threats to validity due to nonrandom assignment to treatment. We develop a step-by-step approach to selecting a modeling and estimation strategy and find that teacher certification and courses in methods of teaching mathematics have a slightly negative effect on student achievement in kindergarten, whereas postgraduate education has a positive effect in first grade. Various teaching modalities, such as working with counting manipulatives, using math worksheets, and completing problems on the chalkboard, have positive effects on achievement in kindergarten, and pedagogical practices relating to explaining problem solving and working on problems from textbooks have positive effects on achievement in first grade. We show that the conclusions drawn depend on the estimation and modeling choices made and that several prior studies of teacher effects using longitudinal survey data likely neglected important features needed to establish causal inference.
Multi-Scale Agent-Based Multiple Myeloma Cancer Modeling and the Related Study of the Balance between Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts

Research Background Currently, multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in the U.S., constituting 1% of all cancers. With conventional treatment, the median survival time is typically 3–4 years, although it can be extended to 5–7 years or longer with advanced treatments. Recent research indicated that an increase in osteoclast (OC) activity is often associated withmultiple myeloma (MM) and that a decrease inosteoblast (OB) activity contributesto the osteolytic lesions in MM. Normally, the populations of OCs and OBs are inequilibrium, and an imbalance in this statecontributes to the development of lesions. Research procedures A multi-scale agent-based multiple myeloma model was developed to simulate the proliferation, migration and death of OBs and OCs. Subsequently, this model was employed to investigate the efficacy of thethree most commonly used drugs for MM treatment under the following two premises: the reduction in the progression of MM and the re-establishment of the equilibrium between OCs and OBs. Research purposes The simulated results not only demonstrated the capacity of the model to choose optimal combinations of the drugs but also showed that the optimal use of the three drugs can restore the balance between OCs and OBs as well as kill MMs. Furthermore, the drug synergism analysis function of the model revealed that restoring the balance between OBs and OCs can significantly increase the efficacy of drugs against tumor cells.
Image Quality Assessment Using Non-Linear Multi- Metric Fusion Approach

This paper presents a new approach for objective image quality assessment using multi-metric fusion. The current research is motivated by the observation that there is no single metric that provides the best performance scores in all conditions. To attain MMF, we approve an analytical formula based approach. First, we collect a large number of test images, each of which has a score labeled by human observers and scores linked with different metrics. The new MMF score is evaluated as the nonlinear combination of multiple metrics. It is shown by experimental results that the suggested MMF metric outperforms all existing metrics by a significant margin. Keywords—Image Quality Assessment (IQA), Multi-metric fusion (MMF), Mean Opinion Score (MOS).
Critical realist review: exploring the real, beyond the empirical

This article defines the ‘critical realist review’, a literature-based methodological approach to critical analysis of health care studies (or any discipline charged with social interventions) that is robust, insightful and essential for the complexities of twenty-first century evidence-based health and social care. We argue that this approach, underpinned by a critical realist philosophy and methodology, will facilitate students and researchers to employ relevant theoretical insights from a range of disciplines that have necessary contributions to make to our understanding of health and social care practice and provision. We explore the limitations of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the systematic review for informing evidence-based health and social care. The article also offers some suggestions on method, although, as we argue, the approach deliberately eschews a ‘cookbook’ approach. A glossary of terms is provided in the Appendix.
A cloud-based scene recognition framework for in-home assistive robots

The rapidly increasing number of elderly people has led to the development of in-home assistive robots for assisting and monitoring elderly people in their daily life. To these ends, indoor scene and human activity recognition is fundamental. However, image processing is an expensive process, in computational, energy, storage and pricing terms, which can be problematic for consumer robots. For this reason, we propose the use of computer vision cloud services and a Naive Bayes model to perform indoor scene and human daily activity recognition. We implement the developed method on the telepresence robot Double to make it autonomously find and approach the person in the environment as well as detect the performed activity.
"I Wish You Could've Been There": College Students' Experiences of Performative Making Out

People have sex for many reasons (Meston & Buss, 2007). Although most intercourse occurs in private, some reasons for sexual behavior require an audience. For example, some heterosexual women report making out with other women to arouse men (Esterline & Galupo, 2013; Fahs, 2009). Some men report that patronizing strip clubs and talking about heterosexual sex makes them feel more masculine (Flood, 2008; Frank, 2003; Pascoe, 2007). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, motivations, and outcomes of college students’ experiences with wanting to be seen making out. Participants were 349 female and male college students. Thirty-six percent of women and 37% of men reported making out with someone and wanting others to see them. Significantly more women than men reported same-gender performative experiences. We used thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to identify themes in the qualitative data. Participants reported numerous motivations, including enhancing their image, making an ex-partner jealous, demonstrating a relationship, having fun, and sexually arousing men. Men reported that their reputations were enhanced more often than damaged as a result of their performances. Women reported the opposite pattern. These results provide insights into the functions of sexual behavior as a means of communication, as well as highlight important gender differences that are consistent with problematic cultural belief systems like “slut-shaming” and victim blaming.
Effects of Front-End Converter and DC-Link of a Utility-Scale PV Energy System on Dynamic Stability of a Power System

This paper presents a method for small-signal dynamic studies of power systems including utility-scale PV energy systems considering the effects of dc-side components. Existing methods commonly model a PV energy system as a dc source connected to a grid-tied inverter. This paper shows that the dc components of a PV energy system can also contribute in the dynamics of the power system in the range of small-signal studies. The paper first develops the model of a PV energy system by merging the submodels of dc- and ac-side components. Then, a method to obtain the augmented model of the power system including a PV energy system will be explained using a study system. The study system consists of a PV energy system in parallel with a synchronous generator connected to a grid. Then, based on eigenvalue analysis, verified by time-domain simulations, it is shown that the dc-link capacitor, front-end converter, and its controller can introduce oscillatory modes in subsynchronous range of frequencies. Furthermore, it is shown that the damping of the sensitive modes can significantly vary with respect to the parameters of the dc-side components.
Hypotensive reactions with a white cell‐reduction filter: activation of kallikrein‐kinin cascade in a patient

blood pressure changes have been recorded during these transfusions. We believe the above two cases are consistent with the acute generation of bradykinin during filtration of the RBC component. Bradykinin generation would ordinarily not cause symptoms, except for the presence of an inhibitor of an enzyme (ACE) that is important to its catabolism? Bradykinin causes hypotension by reducing peripheral resistanceJ; stimulation of smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract may well explain the abdominal cramps? The use of prestorage white cell-reduced RBCs was not associated with clinical symptoms, possibly because any bradykinin generated during filtration was catabolized during storage by carryover plasma containing ACE. It is also possible that the mannitol contained in AS-1 RBCs may be contributory, as it has been reported to have negative inotropic effects5 Mannitol is not present in AS-3. This phenomenon is rare in our experience, and the use of RBCs filtered with a similar negatively charged filter before storage appears to be effective in preventing hypotensive reactions. Joseph D. Sweeney, MD Michelle Dupuis, BS MT(ASCP1SBB Anthony J. Mega, MD Herbert C. Lichtman Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Research Unit The Miriam Hospital 164 SummitAvenue Providence. RI 02906
Localization of License Plates from Surveillance Camera Images: A Color Feature Based ANN Approach

Traffic monitoring system has now become an essential administrative part in most of the developed and developing countries. In general, such systems monitor/identify the vehicles exceeding speed limits, or monitor the vehicles crossing the stop line at red traffic signal. It may also be used for registering the vehicles getting entry in a shopping mall or in a railway station or in an airport. The key modules of these monitoring systems are: (i) localization of license plates within the image and (ii) recognizing the license number using an OCR system. The present work addresses the first module of the system. The color information of the license plate is used as the knowledge base for training an artificial neural network system using back propagation algorithm. The trained network is then used to find the potential license plate region within a new traffic image. The scheme is applied in a real life outdoor environment at some road crossings in an Indian city. The result is found to be quite satisfactory giving an accuracy of around 80%.
A Review of Audio Features and Statistical Models Exploited for Voice Pattern Design

Audio fingerprinting, also named as audio hashing, has been well-known as a powerful technique to perform audio identification and synchronization. It basically involves two major steps: fingerprint (voice pattern) design and matching search. While the first step concerns the derivation of a robust and compact audio signature, the second step usually requires knowledge about database and quick-search algorithms. Though this technique offers a wide range of real-world applications, to the best of the authors' knowledge, a comprehensive survey of existing algorithms appeared more than eight years ago. Thus, in this paper, we present a more up-to-date review and, for emphasizing on the audio signal processing aspect, we focus our state-of-the-art survey on the fingerprint design step for which various audio features and their tractable statistical models are discussed.
B′-protein phosphatase 2A is a functional binding partner of delta-retroviral integrase

To establish infection, a retrovirus must insert a DNA copy of its RNA genome into host chromatin. This reaction is catalysed by the virally encoded enzyme integrase (IN) and is facilitated by viral genus-specific host factors. Herein, cellular serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is identified as a functional IN binding partner exclusive to δ-retroviruses, including human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) and bovine leukaemia virus (BLV). PP2A is a heterotrimer composed of a scaffold, catalytic and one of any of four families of regulatory subunits, and the interaction is specific to the B′ family of the regulatory subunits. B′-PP2A and HTLV-1 IN display nuclear co-localization, and the B′ subunit stimulates concerted strand transfer activity of δ-retroviral INs in vitro. The protein–protein interaction interface maps to a patch of highly conserved residues on B′, which when mutated render B′ incapable of binding to and stimulating HTLV-1 and -2 IN strand transfer activity.
Conceptualizing students' written assignments in the context of information literacy and Schatzki's practice theory

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ways to practice the written assignment in a university setting in the context of information literacy and in perspective of Schatzki's practice theory. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on both a qualitative in-depth study involving individual interviews with students from higher education and the practice theoretical perspective. Findings – By analyzing informants’ negotiations of the “acceptable” way to perform the written assignment practice, a configuration of the particular practice has been made. In perspective of Schatzki's practice theory, a study into information literacy involves focussing on the changing character of the activities performing the practice in question. In this paper the changing character is analyzed by comparing the configuration of the written assignment practice with a description of the genre of scientific articles. The paper draws the conclusion that the configuration consists of both regular and irreg.
Rapid and sensitive determination of protein-nitrotyrosine by ELISA: Application to human plasma

3-Nitrotyrosine (3NT) is known as an important indicator of nitrosative stress and has been linked to various diseases. Our aim was to develop an indirect ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method suitable for the detection of protein-bound 3NT in clinical plasma and serum samples. Nitrated protein standards and reduced protein standards were prepared. Limit of detection was determined for standards; recovery and reproducibility were determined for human plasma samples. The limit of detection for this method is 1.82±0.56 pmol/mg protein. Mean recovery of standards was 95%. 3NT concentration in plasma samples of obese and normal weight subjects was determined to be between 2 pmol/mg and 19 pmol/mg. No time-consuming sample preparation or expensive laboratory equipment is required, and applied antibodies are commercially available. Sensitivity, rapid analysis time, possibilities of high throughput applications and small sample volumes make this ELISA attractive for use in clinical laboratories.
Differential Deployment of REST and CoREST Promotes Glial Subtype Specification and Oligodendrocyte Lineage Maturation

Background The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) is a master transcriptional regulator that binds to numerous genomic RE1 sites where it acts as a molecular scaffold for dynamic recruitment of modulatory and epigenetic cofactors, including corepressor for element-1-silencing transcription factor (CoREST). CoREST also acts as a hub for various cofactors that play important roles in epigenetic remodeling and transcriptional regulation. While REST can recruit CoREST to its macromolecular complex, CoREST complexes also function at genomic sites independently of REST. REST and CoREST perform a broad array of context-specific functions, which include repression of neuronal differentiation genes in neural stem cells (NSCs) and other non-neuronal cells as well as promotion of neurogenesis. Despite their involvement in multiple aspects of neuronal development, REST and CoREST are not believed to have any direct modulatory roles in glial cell maturation. Methodology/Principal Findings We challenged this view by performing the first study of REST and CoREST in NSC-mediated glial lineage specification and differentiation. Utilizing ChIP on chip (ChIP-chip) assays, we identified distinct but overlapping developmental stage-specific profiles for REST and CoREST target genes during astrocyte (AS) and oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage specification and OL lineage maturation and myelination, including many genes not previously implicated in glial cell biology or linked to REST and CoREST regulation. Amongst these factors are those implicated in macroglial (AS and OL) cell identity, maturation, and maintenance, such as members of key developmental signaling pathways and combinatorial transcription factor codes. Conclusions/Significance Our results imply that REST and CoREST modulate not only neuronal but also glial lineage elaboration. These factors may therefore mediate critical developmental processes including the coupling of neurogenesis and gliogenesis and neuronal-glial interactions that underlie synaptic and neural network plasticity and homeostasis in health and in specific neurological disease states.
Industrial control system security framework for ethiopia

ICSs are typically used in Ethiopia in industries such as electric, water, sugar factories and different discrete types of manufacturing industries. These control a system which includes supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS) are critical to the operation of Ethiopian critical infrastructures that are becoming highly interconnected and mutually dependent systems. It is important to note that most of the nation's critical infrastructures and industrial processes mentioned above are publicly owned and operated. Thus, to minimize the risks of critical systems, preparing industrial control system security framework by considering Ethiopian Context is a must. In this paper, we prepare ICS security framework based on industry good practice from the fields of ICS and IT security and aims to help organizations address the challenges of increased use of standard IT technologies in the ICS environment. The paper provides recommended ICS security architecture, network security and communication protocol in the context of Ethiopian ICS requirement.
Abnormal hepatic methionine and glutathione metabolism in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

BACKGROUND Abnormal methionine metabolism occurs in animals fed ethanol and in end-stage cirrhotic patients. Expected consequences of these abnormalities include reduced hepatic S-adenosylmethionine and glutathione (GSH) levels, impaired transmethylation, and reduced homocysteine catabolism, resulting in the often-observed hyperhomocystinemia in cirrhotic patients. These parameters have not been examined simultaneously in patients with less advanced alcoholic liver disease. METHODS Six patients hospitalized for alcoholic hepatitis were studied. Plasma was analyzed for homocysteine, methionine, and GSH levels. Liver biopsies diagnosed acute alcoholic hepatitis and underlying fibrosis. Liver specimens were processed for messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and various metabolites and were compared with those of six normal controls. RESULTS Three patients had cirrhosis, and three had only portal fibrosis. Plasma levels of homocysteine and methionine were increased in two of the three patients with cirrhosis but not in the patients with fibrosis. All patients had markedly lower plasma GSH levels (mean +/- SD: 0.27 +/- 0.19 microM, which is at least 10-fold lower than the normal range). Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine levels were reduced by 50%, whereas methionine, GSH, and cysteine levels were reduced by 70-80%. The mRNA levels of most enzymes involved in methionine metabolism and GSH synthesis were decreased, whereas albumin expression was unchanged. Despite the well known induction of cytochrome P450 2E1 in chronic alcoholics, its mRNA levels were nearly 70% lower in these patients. CONCLUSIONS In alcoholic hepatitis, abnormal hepatic gene expression in methionine and GSH metabolism occurs and often contributes to decreased hepatic methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, and GSH levels. It may be important to replenish these thiols in patients hospitalized with alcoholic hepatitis.
Neuroprotective Anesthesia Regimen and Intensive Management for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: a Review and Initial Experience

This article describes our proposal for routine anesthesia, intraoperative medical management, cerebral and physiological monitoring during pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass that intend to provide appropriate anesthesia (analgesia, hypnosis), neuroprotection, adequate cerebral and systemic oxygen supply, and preventing against drugs neurotoxicity. A concise retrospective data is presented.
Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation with Regular Deworming Is Cost-Effective in Preventing Anaemia in Women of Reproductive Age in Vietnam

Background To estimate the cost and cost-effectiveness of a project administering de-worming and weekly iron-folic acid supplementation to control anaemia in women of reproductive age in Yen Bai province, Vietnam. Methods and Findings Cost effectiveness was evaluated using data on programmatic costs based on two surveys in 2006 and 2009 and impact on anaemia and iron status collected in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Data on initial costs for training and educational materials were obtained from the records of the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology and the Yen Bai Malaria Control Program. Structured questionnaires for health workers at district, commune and village level were used to collect ongoing distribution and monitoring costs, and for participants to collect transport and loss of earnings costs. The cost per woman treated (defined as consuming at least 75% of the recommended intake) was USD0.76 per annum. This estimate includes financial costs (for supplies, training), and costs of health care workers' time. Prevalence of anaemia fell from 38% at baseline, to 20% after 12 months. Thus, the cost-effectiveness of the project is assessed at USD 4.24 per anaemia case prevented per year. Based on estimated productivity gains for adult women, the benefit:cost ratio is 6.7∶1. Cost of the supplements and anthelminthics was 47% of the total, while costs of training, monitoring, and health workers' time accounted for 53%. Conclusion The study shows that weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and regular de-worming is a low-cost and cost-effective intervention and would be appropriate for population-based introduction in settings with a high prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency and low malaria infection rates.