Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parent attributional style and early termination from child and parent therapy

PARENT ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE AND EARLY TERMINATION FROM CHILD AND PARENT THERAPY Ryan J. Mattek, M.A. Marquette University, 2013 Behavior problems are prevalent in young children and represent a threat to a child’s typical development. These early behavior problems are even more common in children from low-income, urban settings. If left untreated, such challenging behaviors may become ingrained and lead to later more severe behaviors including aggression, violence, and anti-social behaviors. Research has demonstrated that participation in child and parent therapy (CPT) programs significantly reduces problematic child behaviors while increasing positive behaviors in both the child and the parent. However, CPT programs report rates of early termination as high as 70%. Research to reduce these early termination rates have historically focused on barriers to treatment including logistical conflicts, race, culture, socioeconomic status, child age, and symptom severity. However, several years of implementing intervention enhancements specifically designed to address these barriers have yielded only moderate and inconsistent results and early termination rates in CPT programs have remained essentially unchanged. More recent research has focused on a new category of barriers to treatment, parent cognitive variables. One such cognitive variable is parental attributions – the spontaneous explanations that parents make to explain the reason for their child’s behaviors. This study examined whether attributional style can predict treatment compliance in a CPT program specifically targeting low-income, urban, minority parents of children with behavior problems. For the study, 425 parents of children with behavior problems completed the Parent Cognition Scale – Adapted (PCS-A) to assess their parent-referent and child-referent attributions at pretest and posttest. Results indicated that parents of children with behavior problems tended to have a more negative attributional style at pretest, but that these attributions underwent a positive shift after receiving CPT treatment. Results also indicated that caregivers who viewed themselves as more of the cause of their child’s behavior problems at pretest were significantly more likely to successfully complete the CPT program. Alternatively, caregivers who viewed their child as more responsible for their own behavior problems at pretest were significantly more likely to prematurely terminate from the CPT program. Limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and implications for CPT programs serving similar populations were discussed.
Political argument in Edmund Burke's Reflections : a contextual study

The present thesis offers a historical interpretation of Edmund Burke‟s classic text, Reflections on the Revolution in France. By contrast to the existing literature, it studies Burke‟s work as a purposive intervention in a domestic problem complex that turned upon the ways in which the French Revolution was refracted in various British contexts of argument. In short, British radicals put the principles and the very idea of the French Revolution to unique uses, employing them to increase the legitimacy and potency of their own arguments. To this end, they appealed to the authority of the French Revolution to augment their dynamic reading of the English Revolution of 1688, and denounced the lack of liberty in Britain by holding the French system of representation up as a model which would provide a genuinely accountable and participatory government. The thesis illustrates Burke‟s alarm at these developments, which he perceived as constituting a democratic threat to Britain‟s mixed constitution; such fears were compounded by the political behaviour of his moderate contemporaries, many of whom embraced natural rights arguments that were at odds with their aristocratic conceptions of politics. Guided by a critical acceptance of Quentin Skinner‟s interpretative injunctions, the thesis investigates Burke‟s response to these dilemmas by situating his utterances on the English Revolution of 1688, representation, and the French army in prevailing intellectual and political contexts. Adopting this approach, it highlights the complexity and originality of Burke‟s political argument by demonstrating that, in each case, Burke was manipulating the ideological conventions of Whiggism. Most significantly however, it stresses the anti-democratic character of his illocutionary intentions, for, in countering the democratic danger, Burke was stripping Whiggism of its populist potential and recommending increasingly conservative forms of political action.
Identification of a Novel Protein-Protein Interaction Motif Mediating Interaction of GPCR-Associated Sorting Proteins with G Protein-Coupled Receptors

GPCR desensitization and down-regulation are considered key molecular events underlying the development of tolerance in vivo. Among the many regulatory proteins that are involved in these complex processes, GASP-1 have been shown to participate to the sorting of several receptors toward the degradation pathway. This protein belongs to the recently identified GPCR-associated sorting proteins (GASPs) family that comprises ten members for which structural and functional details are poorly documented. We present here a detailed structure–function relationship analysis of the molecular interaction between GASPs and a panel of GPCRs. In a first step, GST-pull down experiments revealed that all the tested GASPs display significant interactions with a wide range of GPCRs. Importantly, the different GASP members exhibiting the strongest interaction properties were also characterized by the presence of a small, highly conserved and repeated “GASP motif” of 15 amino acids. We further showed using GST-pull down, surface plasmon resonance and co-immunoprecipitation experiments that the central domain of GASP-1, which contains 22 GASP motifs, is essential for the interaction with GPCRs. We then used site directed mutagenesis and competition experiments with synthetic peptides to demonstrate that the GASP motif, and particularly its highly conserved core sequence SWFW, is critically involved in the interaction with GPCRs. Overall, our data show that several members of the GASP family interact with GPCRs and highlight the presence within GASPs of a novel protein-protein interaction motif that might represent a new target to investigate the involvement of GASPs in the modulation of the activity of GPCRs.
Human Relationship Skills: Training and Self-help

Basic skills are reviewed and expanded as students work through 58 pages of activities. Each page gives an example and step-by-step solution of the problem presented. Some of the many skills covered include a review of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, plus challenges in decimal fractions, exponential and scientific notation, primes, probability, percents, and basic geometric principles. This workbook presents a variety of drill and practice activities for students in a two-color format. Six answer pages are provided.
Comparison of approximations of complex objects used for approximation-based query processing in spatial database systems

The minimum bounding box, the convex hull, the minimum bounding four- and five-corner, rotated boxes, and the minimum bounding ellipses and circles convex conservative approximation methods for handling complex spatial objects in spatial access methods are discussed. Results indicate that, depending on the complexity of the objects and the type of queries, the approximations five-corner, ellipse and rotated bounding box clearly outperform the bounding box. It is the reduced number of false hits that yields a considerable improvement in total query time when using the proposed approximations. <<ETX>>
Identification and characterisation of a novel GHR defect disrupting the polypyrimidine tract and resulting in GH insensitivity

Objective GH insensitivity (GHI) is caused in the majority of cases by impaired function of the GH receptor (GHR). All but one known GHR mutation are in the coding sequence or the exon/intron boundaries. We identified and characterised the first intronic defect occurring in the polypyrimidine tract of the GHR in a patient with severe GHI. Design We investigated the effect of the novel defect on mRNA splicing using an in vitro splicing assay and a cell transfection system. Methods GHR was analysed by direct sequencing. To assess the effect of the novel defect, two heterologous minigenes (wild-type and mutant L1-GHR8-L2) were generated by inserting GHR exon 8 and its flanking wild-type or mutant intronic sequences into a well-characterised splicing reporter (Adml-par L1–L2). 32P-labelled pre-mRNA was generated from the two constructs and incubated in HeLa nuclear extracts or HEK293 cells. Results Sequencing of the GHR revealed a novel homozygous defect in the polypyrimidine tract of intron 7 (IVS7-6T>A). This base change does not involve the highly conserved splice site sequences, and is not predicted in silico to affect GHR mRNA splicing. Nevertheless, skipping of exon 8 from the mutant L1-GHR8-L2 mRNA was clearly demonstrated in the in vitro splicing assay and in transfected HEK293 cells. Conclusion Disruption of the GHR polypyrimidine tract causes aberrant mRNA splicing leading to a mutant GHR protein. This is predicted to lack its transmembrane and intracellular domains and, thus, be incapable of transducing a GH signal.
A research about the perception levels of their bodies of female athletes and gender roles.

It is observed that female athletes have behaved like masculine which is known sport branches special to males participation with females. This research is done with the aim of determining the gender roles and perception levels of their bodies of female athletes who are involved in individual and team sports with the ones, who are not; exploring the effects of the state of doing sports to the body perception – gender roles and determining the relationship between them. 180 elite female athletes constitute the precedent of the research, during 2006-2007 season with 180 female university students who do not have sports and are chosen by random selection from Gazi Universities and Selcuk Universities. In the research, “Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire”was used to determine the perception levels of female athletes; “BEM Gender Roles Inventory” was used to determine the gender roles; and “Personal Information Form” was used to determine the characteristics of the students which is improved by the researcher as data collection means. To conclude; a meaningful relationship between the body perception and gender roles has been determined. As well as considering sports as a factor increasing individuals’ body perception level and gender role ,it is also thought that athletes care about health,appearance and physical competence and are glad of body parts because of their muscled body structure developing due to the exercises and have flexible personality to show feminine and masculine features that the environment needs in terms of gender role.
Advances in the Study of Hand Gesture Recognition Systems for Human Computer Interaction

Getting three-dimensional pose and orientation of parts of the body observed by one or more cameras is of great theoretical interest and widely applicable. Usually, computing devices interaction is accomplished by means of a mouse and a keyboard or by touching the screen, but otherwise, human beings relate to their surrounding world using hands, body, and voice in most of their daily activities, therefore, development of more natural and intuitive techniques for interacting with a variety of user interfaces is critical. In this paper, a review of recent research efforts in Human Computer Interaction (HCI), specifically in hand gesture recognition, is performed, analyzing the state-of-the-art methodology and discussing some important issues about.
An automatic vacuum microgripper

Picking and releasing the micro parts is one of the most important tasks for the microassembly robot. Downsizing the grippers used in the macro world is not suitable to fulfill the manipulation in the micro world because of the different scaling of gravity and adhesion. Therefore, a microgripper based on vacuum absorption is designed for the requirement of microassembly tasks. The design and production of the vacuum gas circuit and vacuum pipette are the key for the vac-sorb microgripper. Thus, the structure of the vac-sorb microgripper is discussed in particular as well as the requirement of the design, especially the vacuum gas circuit. The microgripper can automatically pick and release the object by means of the PC monitoring system. The experiment results testify the gripper can work reliably and safely, it satisfies the needs of the microassembly system.
Fourth-Generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antigen and Antibody

ABSTRACT The VIDAS HIV DUO Ultra, a fourth-generation immunoassay under development for the simultaneous detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, was evaluated. The enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay, performed on the automated VIDAS instrument, is claimed to detect early and established HIV infection. The assay was challenged with a total of 2,847 samples that included 74 members of 10 seroconversion panels, 9 p24 antigen-only-reactive members of a panel of group M clades, 503 consecutively collected samples from individuals seeking care in the University of Maryland Medical System, 1,010 samples from U.S. blood donors, 1,141 samples from patients in a high-incidence population in Trinidad, 83 samples from a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in the Bahamas, 10 confirmed HIV-1 group O samples, and 16 confirmed HIV-2 samples from the Cote d'Ivoire. Reference tests were U.S. Food and Drug Administration-licensed HIV antibody screening, p24 antigen tests, HIV confirmatory assays, and the Roche Diagnostics Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor. The VIDAS HIV DUO Ultra demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity overall, with a 99.7% specificity in low-risk individuals. The analytical sensitivity, as assessed by seroconversion panels and p24 antigen in samples, was equivalent to the sensitivity of the reference assays used to characterize these panels. The VIDAS HIV DUO Ultra is accurate, offers potential advantages over conventional HIV testing for time and cost savings, has walk-away capability, and correctly identifies both early and established HIV infections.
Diagnosing invasive fungal disease in critically ill patients

Fungal infections are increasing, with a changing landscape of pathogens and emergence of new groups at risk for invasive disease. We review current diagnostic techniques, focusing on studies in critically ill patients. Microbiological cultures, the current “gold standard”, demonstrate poor sensitivity, thus diagnosis of invasive disease in the critically ill is difficult. This diagnostic dilemma results in under- or over-treatment of patients, potentially contributing to poor outcomes and antifungal resistance. While other current diagnostic tests perform moderately well, many lack timeliness, efficacy, and are negatively affected by treatments common to critically ill patients. New nucleic acid-based research is promising.
Metamaterial wideband circular polarized microstrip antenna for C and X band

In this paper design and simulation of reconfigured microstrip patch antenna using metamaterial is proposed. A well known technique of effective substrate thickness is incorporated to improve the impedance bandwidth. The U shape modified ground plan with defective meander shape parasitic patch has been designed and the simulated results are presented. A much more improved bandwidth is obtained when patch is loaded with an open meander line shape. Permeability (μρ) and permittivity (£r) are reconfigured using the Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) method. The simulation parameters satisfy required limits hence making the proposed antenna suitable for C-X Band applications. The antenna is simulated using IE3D software. The percentage impedance bandwidth obtained is 78.79%.
Telemedicine enhances quality of forced spirometry in primary care

Forced spirometry is pivotal for diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, but its use in primary care is suboptimal. The aim of the present study was to assess a web-based application aiming at fostering high-quality spirometry in primary care. This was a randomised controlled trial with 12 intervention primary care units (PCi) and six control units (PCc) studied over 12 months. All 34 naïve nurses (PCi and PCc) received identical training. The PCi units had access to educational material and remote expert support. Quality of spirometry and usability of the web application were assessed. We included 4,581 patients (3,383 PCi and 1,198 PCc). At baseline, quality was similar (PCi 71% and PCc 67% high-quality tests). During the study, PCi showed higher percentage (71.5%) of high-quality tests than PCc (59.5%) (p<0.0001). PCi had 73% more chance of high-quality performance than PCc. The web application was better for assessing quality of testing than the automatic feedback provided by the spirometer. Healthcare professionals’ satisfaction and usability were high. The web-based remote support for primary care by specialists generated a sustained positive impact on quality of testing. The study expands the potential of primary care for diagnosis and management of patients with pulmonary diseases.
Software-Defined Underwater Acoustic Modems: Historical Review and the NILUS Approach

Flexible/adaptive acoustic modems that are reprogrammable/reconfigurable at all layers of the communication stack, either by a user or by means of autonomous decisions, are considered as an important enabler for interoperability and cognitive networking in the underwater domain. In this paper, we review the existing literature on software-defined acoustic modems (SDAMs) for underwater communications and networking, considering past and ongoing academic efforts, as well as industrial developments and European collaborations centered on software-defined modem structures and functionalities. We then zoom in on relevant R&D efforts currently taking place in a defense cooperation between The Netherlands and Norway, targeting the design of a software-defined modem for the NILUS MK 2 sensor node. This modem is built using general-purpose (GP) computing architectures running open-source operating system and tools, thereby making a further step toward software-defined open-architecture underwater acoustic modems. The first field tests of the NILUS MK 2 node in multihop underwater acoustic networks are presented, showing satisfactory performance in shallow and open waters.
A TOWER-BASED TOMOGRAPHIC AND POLARIMETRIC RADAR EXPERIMENT IN THE BOREAL FOREST AT P-, LAND C-BAND

This paper describes BorealScat, a tower-based radar campaign for acquiring multitemporal polarimetric, tomographic and Doppler radar measurements at P-, Land C-band over a hemi-boreal forest site in Remningstorp, Sweden. The facility consists of a 50-m high tower equipped with a radar system including an array of 30 antennas. The site will also be equipped with meteorological instruments and moisture sensors. The aim of the experiment is the temporal survey of radar signatures over time scales ranging from sub-seconds to years in varying environmental conditions. This experiment will provide fundamental information about the electromagnetic scattering mechanisms in boreal forests at P-, Land C-band.
Release of sunflower seed dormancy by cyanide: cross-talk with ethylene signalling pathway

Freshly harvested sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds are considered to be dormant because they fail to germinate at relatively low temperatures (10 °C). This dormancy results mainly from an embryo dormancy and disappears during dry storage. Although endogenous ethylene is known to be involved in sunflower seed alleviation of dormancy, little attention had been paid to the possible role of cyanide, which is produced by the conversion of 1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylic acid to ethylene, in this process. The aims of this work were to investigate whether exogenous cyanide could improve the germination of dormant sunflower seeds and to elucidate its putative mechanisms of action. Naked dormant seeds became able to germinate at 10 °C when they were incubated in the presence of 1 mM gaseous cyanide. Other respiratory inhibitors showed that this effect did not result from an activation of the pentose phosphate pathway or the cyanide-insensitive pathway. Cyanide stimulated germination of dormant seeds in the presence of inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis, but its improving effect required functional ethylene receptors. It did not significantly affect ethylene production and the expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis or in the first steps of ethylene signalling pathway. However, the expression of the transcription factor Ethylene Response Factor 1 (ERF1) was markedly stimulated in the presence of gaseous cyanide. It is proposed that the mode of action of cyanide in sunflower seed dormancy alleviation does not involve ethylene production and that ERF1 is a common component of the ethylene and cyanide signalling pathways.
Precise 3D Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Location based on Multimodal Neuroimage Fusion

The success of neurosurgery strongly depends on the pre-neurosurgical evaluation phase, in which the delineation of the areas to be removed or to be stimulated must be very accurate. For patients undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) it is vital the delineation of the target area prior to surgery, and after the implantation of the DBS lead to confirm the electrodes positioning. In this paper we present a system to accurately determine the 3D position of DBS electrodes implanted within the brain of Parkinson and Dystonia patients. The system was tested using a multimodal dataset from 16 patients (8 with Parkinson`s disease and 8 with dystonia) and, on average, the differences between the detected electrodes positions and the ones estimated manually by an experienced physician were less than a voxel in all cases.
TRAC: Truthful auction for location-aware collaborative sensing in mobile crowdsourcing

In this paper, we tackle the problem of stimulating smartphone users to join mobile crowdsourcing applications with smartphones. Different from existing work of mechanism design, we uniquely take into consideration the crucial dimension of location information when assigning sensing tasks to smartphones. However, the location awareness largely increases the theoretical and computational complexity. In this paper, we introduce a reverse auction framework to model the interactions between the platform and the smartphones. We rigorously prove that optimally determining the winning bids is NP hard. In this paper we design a mechanism called TRAC which consists of two main components. The first component is a near-optimal approximate algorithm for determining the winning bids with polynomial-time computation complexity, which approximates the optimal solution within a factor of 1 + ln(n), where n is the maximum number of sensing tasks that a smartphone can accommodate. The second component is a critical payment scheme which, despite the approximation of determining winning bids, guarantees that submitted bids of smartphones reflect their real costs of performing sensing tasks. Through both rigid theoretical analysis and extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed mechanism achieves truthfulness, individual rationality and high computation efficiency.