Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence on long head movement in Mandarin predicate cleft

This thesis investigates the predicate cleft (PC) constructions in Mandarin Chinese. Cheng & Vicente conclude that the topicalized verb and the lower verb in bare PC form a long head movement relation, discarding a remnant movement analysis based on vPexternal scrambling. However, to be complete, the argument also needs to consider vPinternal scrambling observed by Soh and a selective deletion analysis. I show that vPinternal scrambling cannot serve to derive a plausible remnant movement analysis; nor can a selective deletion analysis be accomplished. Long head movement is necessary to account for Mandarin bare PC. However, although this conclusion converges with cross-linguistic treatment of predicate clefts, I point out the unreliability of idiom interpretation as a diagnostic for long head movement used in several studies. Moreover, I present the puzzling restriction on the types of categories that can undergo pied-piping with the fronted verb. Last, I show that the verb doubling effect, an unresolved issue in Cheng & Vicente, can be accounted for, if the proposal on parallel chains is adopted. The necessity of a long head movement analysis supports bare phrase structure whereby head-to-spec movement is expected. In addition, it constitutes as an empirical argument against eliminating syntactic head movement. The compositionality of idiom interpretation and the restriction on full PC are worth further study.
Predictors and time course of response among panic disorder patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy.

OBJECTIVE Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is well documented as an efficacious treatment for panic disorder. We provided open CBT treatment to patients who subsequently participated in a maintenance treatment study. This article reports on predictors and trajectory of response in 381 participants who completed treatment at 4 sites. METHOD Participants who met criteria for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (N = 381) completed assessment and entered treatment. Of these, 256 completed 11 sessions of CBT delivered by trained and supervised research therapists. Raters trained to reliability obtained demographic data and administered structured diagnostic interviews and the Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety and the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) measures at baseline and posttreatment. We obtained self-report (SR) measures of anxiety sensitivity and adult separation anxiety at baseline and posttreatment and PDSS-SR ratings weekly. The study was conducted between November 1999 and July 2002. RESULTS Treatment response rate was 65.6% for completers and 44.1% for the intent-to-treat sample. Greater severity of panic disorder and lower levels of adult separation anxiety predicted response. Beginning at week 4, responders showed greater mean decreases in PDSS scores than non-responders and maintained the advantage throughout the treatment. By week 6, 76% of responders, compared to 36% of nonresponders, recorded PDSS scores at least 40% below baseline on 2 consecutive weeks (odds ratio = 5.42, 95% CI = 3.10 to 9.48). CONCLUSION These results suggest that CBT is just as effective for more severe panic disorder patients as it is for those with less severe panic disorder, regardless of other comorbid disorders, including agoraphobia. However, patients experiencing adult separation anxiety disorder are less likely to respond. Our results further inform clinicians that many people who will respond to 11 weeks of treatment will have done so by the middle of the treatment.
Improving LBP and its variants using anisotropic diffusion

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new preprocessing step in order to improve local feature descriptors and texture classification. Preprocessing is implemented by using transformations which help highlight salient features that play a significant role in texture recognition. We evaluate and compare four different competing methods: three different anisotropic diffusion methods including the classical anisotropic Perona-Malik diffusion and two subsequent regularizations of it and the application of a Gaussian kernel, which is the classical multiscale approach in texture analysis. The combination of the transformed images and the original ones are analyzed. The results show that the use of the preprocessing step does lead to improved texture recognition.
Divalia: a practical framework for anonymous peer-to-peer file exchange in wireless ad-hoc networks

We describe Divalia, a new peer-to-peer (P2P) file exchange framework that targets mobile wireless ad-hoc networks. The framework supports anonymous transfers, to protect user privacy, as well as pre-authentication of data to be received, to reduce the likelihood of spoofs and the resulting bandwidth wastage. Divalia is composed of two parts: the hash set dual-request protocol, to challenge a would-be provider to prove the possession of the requested file; and, a form of Direct Anonymous Broadcast, for anonymous acquisition of information to be used for the challenge. One goal of this paper is to demonstrate how an original and secure P2P system can be constructed within the constraints and opportunities of mobile wireless ad-hoc networks through the use of well known and extensively studied component cryptographic methods
Temperature-Aware NBTI Modeling Techniques in Digital Circuits

SUMMARY Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) has become a critical reliability phenomena in advanced CMOS technology. In this paper, we propose an analytical temperature-aware dynamic NBTI model, which can be used in two circuit operation cases: executing tasks with different temperatures, and switching between active and standby mode. A PMOS Vth degradation model and a digital circuits’ temporal performance degradation estimation method are developed based on our NBTI model. The simulation results show that: 1) the execution of a low temperature task can decrease ΔVth due to NBTI by 24.5%; 2) switching to standby mode can decrease ΔVth by 52.3%; 3) for ISCAS85 benchmark circuits, the delay degradation can decrease significantly if the circuit execute low temperature task or switch to standby mode; 4) we have also observed the execution time’s ratio of different tasks and the ratio of active to standby
BreadCrumbs: forecasting mobile connectivity

Mobile devices cannot rely on a single managed network, but must exploit a wide variety of connectivity options as they travel. We argue that such systems must consider the derivative of connectivity--the changes inherent in movement between separately managed networks, with widely varying capabilities. With predictive knowledge of such changes, devices can more intelligently schedule network usage. To exploit the derivative of connectivity, we observe that people are creatures of habit; they take similar paths every day. Our system, BreadCrumbs, tracks the movement of the device's owner, and customizes a predictive mobility model for that specific user. Combined with past observations of wireless network capabilities, BreadCrumbs generates connectivity forecasts. We have built a BreadCrumbs prototype, and demonstrated its potential with several weeks of real-world usage. Our results show that these forecasts are sufficiently accurate, even with as little as one week of training, to provide improved performance with reduced power consumption for several applications.
Evaluation of Two Absorbed Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays and a Complement Fixation Test as Replacements for Fecal Culture in the Detection of Cows Shedding Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis

Control of paratuberculosis in dairy herds is based on preventing the transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mptb) from cows to calves by management measures, supported by removal of cows excreting these bacteria by the fecal route (Mptb shedders). Fecal culture is the most accurate test for identifying Mptb shedders, but this technique is expensive and takes up to 16 weeks for results to be available. Serologic tests are inexpensive, rapid, and easy to perform. Of serologic tests, the complement fixation test (CFT) and absorbed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are the serologic tests used most frequently; the CFT is considered less accurate than the ELISA with respect to sensitivity and specificity. The commonly accepted absorbed ELISA is from the Australian Central Serum Laboratory. However, a European supplier has marketed a second ELISA that is supposed to be more sensitive in detecting Mptb shedders. These 2 absorbed ELISAs, designated ELISA-A and ELISA-B, and an in-house CFT were compared with data from 2 serum panels. The Mptb shedding panel consisted of sera from 198 culture-positive cows from 53 infected herds. The method used for culture of fecal samples was a modified Jørgensen method on individual samples. The Mptb shedder detection rate by the 3 serologic tests ranged from 29.8% to 39.4%. Detection rate for ELISA-A was lower than that for ELISA-B and CFT. For all 3 tests, detection rate was dependent on the level of Mptb shedding and the age of the animals. Detection rates increased as cattle age increased to 4 years. The specificity panel was initially composed of sera from 811 cows randomly selected from 41 herds without clinical paratuberculosis that were negative for Mptb based on whole-herd fecal culture. The modified Jørgensen method for culture was used on pooled fecal samples. Serologic test specificity ranged from 93.4% to 99.8%. The specificity of ELISA-A was higher than that of ELISA-B and CFT. Specificity of ELISA-B between herds was 75–100%. Specificity of CFT between herds was 62–100%. The low specificity of ELISA-B and CFT could not be explained by a higher sensitivity for Mptb-infected cows before onset of shedding, because in the 19 herds with 8 more subsequent negative whole-herd fecal cultures in the 4 years after sampling, specificity was not improved. The insufficient specificity of ELISA-B was not corrected sufficiently by heightening the cutoff value because Mptb shedder detection rate was lowered to 28.9%, equal to that of ELISA-A, and specificity only rose to 97%, much lower than that of ELISA-A. Taking into account the different test characteristics, serologic tests are a cost-effective alternative to fecal culture in high-prevalence herds. For certification programs, only ELISA-A is recommended because in a large number of nonsuspect herds specificity remained almost 100%.
Integer-valued Lévy processes and low latency financial econometrics

Motivated by features of low latency data in financial econometrics we study in detail integer-valued Lévy processes as the basis of price processes for high-frequency econometrics. We propose using models built out of the difference of two subordinators. We apply these models in practice to low latency data for a variety of different types of futures contracts.
Do Dietary Antioxidants Alleviate the Cost of Immune Activation? An Experiment with Greenfinches

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by metabolism and immune defenses can cause extensive damage to biomolecules. To counteract this damage, organisms rely on exogenous and endogenous antioxidants, although their relative importance in maintaining redox balance is unclear. We supplemented captive greenfinches with dietary antioxidants—carotenoids and vitamin E—and injected them with an inflammatory agent, phytohemagglutinin. Compared to controls, immune‐challenged birds circulated more lipid peroxidation products but also increased total plasma antioxidativity. Carotenoid (but not vitamin E) supplementation generally reduced lipid peroxidation, but this did not compensate for the effects of immune activation. Levels of an endogenous antioxidant—uric acid—strongly contributed to plasma antioxidativity. We found no evidence that dietary antioxidants are immunostimulatory. These results demonstrate the antioxidant function of carotenoids in birds and show that simultaneous assessment of oxidative stress‐driven damage, antioxidant barrier, and individual antioxidants is critical for explaining the potential costs of immune system activation.
A TNF Receptor 2 Selective Agonist Rescues Human Neurons from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a dual role in neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas TNF receptor (TNFR) 1 is predominantly associated with neurodegeneration, TNFR2 is involved in tissue regeneration and neuroprotection. Accordingly, the availability of TNFR2-selective agonists could allow the development of new therapeutic treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. We constructed a soluble, human TNFR2 agonist (TNC-scTNFR2) by genetic fusion of the trimerization domain of tenascin C to a TNFR2-selective single-chain TNF molecule, which is comprised of three TNF domains connected by short peptide linkers. TNC-scTNFR2 specifically activated TNFR2 and possessed membrane-TNF mimetic activity, resulting in TNFR2 signaling complex formation and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Protection from neurodegeneration was assessed using the human dopaminergic neuronal cell line LUHMES. First we show that TNC-scTNFR2 interfered with cell death pathways subsequent to H2O2 exposure. Protection from cell death was dependent on TNFR2 activation of the PI3K-PKB/Akt pathway, evident from restoration of H2O2 sensitivity in the presence of PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Second, in an in vitro model of Parkinson disease, TNC-scTNFR2 rescues neurons after induction of cell death by 6-OHDA. Since TNFR2 is not only promoting anti-apoptotic responses but also plays an important role in tissue regeneration, activation of TNFR2 signaling by TNC-scTNFR2 appears a promising strategy to ameliorate neurodegenerative processes.
Training of Paraeducators for Physical Education for Children with Visual Impairments

Introduction Children with visual impairments are often behind their peers in physical and motor skills. It is often necessary for these children to work one to one with a paraeducator to gain the benefits of physical education, improve physical activity and motor skills, and attain the basic standards of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). Paraeducators are trained to work in classrooms, yet are rarely, if ever, trained in the subject of physical education. The purpose of the study presented here was to determine current training practices for paraeducators in the classroom and what is needed to ensure proper training for physical education for paraeducators who work with children with visual impairments. Methods In the study, 143 professionals and parents were given a validated questionnaire related to the training needs of paraeducators for physical education. Results The results indicated that although the majority of children with visual impairments attended physical education classes with their paraeducators, only 11% of the paraeducators were trained in physical education. The participants thought that the training should consist of safety practices, guiding techniques, teaching strategies, information on visual impairments, and most areas of the ECC. They thought that this information should be delivered in the form of a video or guest speakers and that the children with visual impairments should be included when possible. Discussion Because of the large and varied sample in the study, the information gained could be used to create a training video for paraeducators who work with children with visual impairments in physical education. Implications for practitioners The results of the study highlight areas that should be included as the foundation of training paraeducators for physical education.
Religious Considerations and Self-Forgiveness in Treating Complex Trauma and Moral Injury in Present and Former Soldiers

Being in the military, especially if deployed in combat or combat potential settings, can create opportunities for self-condemnation—occurring through moral injury or apart from and within the context of complex trauma. Moral injury is internal conflict due to doing or witnessing acts not in line with one's morals. Complex trauma involves a prolonged history of subjection to totalitarian control and involves danger, stress, and inability to escape from the situation. Combat can be interpreted as fitting these criteria. We first examine how military deployment might lead to self-condemnation due to moral failures by wrongdoing or when soldiers let down their peers and themselves. We examine soldiers who develop complex trauma and explore its contributions to self-condemnation. Religious issues are likely to be involved. Active wrongdoing, moral failure, and failures of church- and culture-created religious expectations contribute. Soldiers need the skill of self-forgiveness through secular and religiously tailored programs delivered via psychoeducational groups, workbook, or online.
Prevalence and Correlates of HIV-Risk Behaviors among Homeless Adults in a Southern City

This paper aims to describe the prevalence and correlates of HIV-risk behaviors among adults receiving transitional and emergency housing services in Memphis, Tennessee. A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey was conducted with a convenience-based sample (N=116) of homeless adults. Sex without a condom, sex while on drugs or drunk, and sex with an unknown person emerged as the three most prevalent HIV-risk behaviors. Sex while drunk or high on drugs was also assessed as a significant predictor for sex without a condom and sex with an unknown person. Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that mental health status, duration of homelessness, incarceration history, and sex while drunk or high on drugs were significant predictors of HIV-risk behaviors. Consideration of these important correlates in designing HIV prevention programs for this vulnerable sub-group of adults is warranted.
Preventing Reverse Engineering Threat in Java Using Byte Code Obfuscation Techniques

Java programs are complied in to a platform independent byte code format. Much of the information contained in the source code is retained in the byte code. Consequently reverse engineering becomes much easier. Several software protection techniques have been developed, of which, code obfuscation seems to be a promising one. In this paper, two new byte code obfuscation techniques have been evolved. These techniques involve applying obfuscating transformations to the Java byte code. These techniques prevent automatic software analysis tools, de-compilers, from producing correct source code by introducing syntax and semantic errors in the generated source code. The proposed techniques are applied on sample Java class files to examine the effectiveness of the techniques in impeding reverse engineering. The results reveal the erroneous codes generated by the tested de-compilers
Religious and Spiritual Issues in Counseling: Applications Across Diverse Populations

A Tribute to the Life of Mary Thomas Burke. Acknowledgments. Foreword. Preface. Section 1. Introduction. Children and Adolescence. Men and Spiritual Development. The Elderly Population. Women. Gay and Lesbian Population. Persons with Disabilities. Spirituality and Grief. Section II. African Americans. Asian Americans. Latino Population. Native Americans. Judaic Population. Christianity. Islam and Other Eastern Traditions. Appendix A: ACA Code of Ethics ACA Standards of Practice References. Appendix B: Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Appendix C: APA Ethical Principles. Appendix D: AAMFT Code of Ethics. Index.
Utilization of PFGE as a Powerful Discriminative Tool for the Investigation of Genetic Diversity among MRSA Strains

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant challenge to the burn patient. The implementation of proper monitoring programs and prompt identification of epidemic MRSA strains are critical to consequently control and eradicate potential outbreaks. This study aimed to define the genetic relatedness of MRSA strains isolated from burn patients by analyzing the large fragments of DNA. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 126 pus/wound swabs from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) were collected from inpatients of Shahid Motahari Burn Center (Tehran, Iran) in 2013. Then, molecular typing of MRSA was achieved by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: The PFGE analysis of MRSA indicated 31 single types and 5 common types. There was a significant diversity in the chromosomal digestion pattern of the MRSA strains explained by the acquisition of MRSA from various sources. Conclusion: The permanent import of novel types of MRSA strains despite the rigorous infection control measures carried out within the center. The importance of PFGE in understanding the epidemiology of MRSA may serve as a basis for the development of rational control strategies.
The Chemokine Fractalkine in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and a Mouse Model of Closed Head Injury

The potential role of the chemokine Fractalkine (CX3CL1) in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was investigated in patients with head trauma and in mice after experimental cortical contusion. In control individuals, soluble (s)Fractalkine was present at low concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (12.6 to 57.3 pg/mL) but at much higher levels in serum (21,288 to 74,548 pg/mL). Elevation of sFractalkine in CSF of TBI patients was observed during the whole study period (means: 29.92 to 535.33 pg/mL), whereas serum levels remained within normal ranges (means: 3,100 to 59,159 pg/mL). Based on these differences, a possible passage of sFractalkine from blood to CSF was supported by the strong correlation between blood–brain barrier dysfunction (according to the CSF-/serum-albumin quotient) and sFractalkine concentrations in CSF (R = 0.706; P < 0.01). In the brain of mice subjected to closed head injury, neither Fractalkine protein nor mRNA were found to be augmented; however, Fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) mRNA steadily increased peaking at 1 week postinjury (P < 0.05, one-way analysis of variance). This possibly implies the receptor to be the key factor determining the action of constitutively expressed Fractalkine. Altogether, these data suggest that the Fractalkine-CX3CR1 protein system may be involved in the inflammatory response to TBI, particularly for the accumulation of leukocytes in the injured parenchyma.