Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of the state policy environment and adoption of medications in the treatment of substance use disorders.

OBJECTIVE Despite growing interest in the use of evidence-based treatment practices for treating substance use disorders, adoption of medications by treatment programs remains modest. Drawing on resource dependence and institutional theory, this study examined the relationships between adoption of medications by treatment programs and their perceptions about the state policy environment. METHODS Data were collected through mailed surveys and telephone interviews with 250 administrators of publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs in the United States between 2009 and 2010. Multiple imputation and multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate the associations between perceptions of the state policy environment and the odds of adopting at least one medication for the treatment of substance use disorders. RESULTS A total of 91 (37%) programs reported having prescribed any medication for treatment of a substance use disorder. Programs were significantly more likely to have adopted at least one medication if they perceived greater support for medications by the Single State Agency. The odds of adoption were significantly greater if the program was aware that at least one medication was included on their state's Medicaid formulary and that state-contract funding permitted the purchase of medications. CONCLUSIONS States may play significant roles in promoting the adoption of medications, but adequate dissemination of information about state policies and priorities may be vital to further adoption. Future research should continue to study the relationships between the adoption of medications for treating substance use disorders and the evolving policy environment.
Transcription Factor Functional Protein-Protein Interactions in Plant Defense Responses

Responses to biotic stress in plants lead to dramatic reprogramming of gene expression, favoring stress responses at the expense of normal cellular functions. Transcription factors are master regulators of gene expression at the transcriptional level, and controlling the activity of these factors alters the transcriptome of the plant, leading to metabolic and phenotypic changes in response to stress. The functional analysis of interactions between transcription factors and other proteins is very important for elucidating the role of these transcriptional regulators in different signaling cascades. In this review, we present an overview of protein-protein interactions for the six major families of transcription factors involved in plant defense: basic leucine zipper containing domain proteins (bZIP), amino-acid sequence WRKYGQK (WRKY), myelocytomatosis related proteins (MYC), myeloblastosis related proteins (MYB), APETALA2/ ETHYLENE-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTORS (AP2/EREBP) and no apical meristem (NAM), Arabidopsis transcription activation factor (ATAF), and cup-shaped cotyledon (CUC) (NAC). We describe the interaction partners of these transcription factors as molecular responses during pathogen attack and the key components of signal transduction pathways that take place during plant defense responses. These interactions determine the activation or repression of response pathways and are crucial to understanding the regulatory networks that modulate plant defense responses.
In Response

The objective of our manuscript was to present an alternate hypothesis on large-scale climatic controls on epidemic cholera. Within this context data from Indus River Valley and Haiti were used to show that episodes of warm air temperature, followed by high rainfall may contribute to cholera occurrence. It appears that Gaudart and colleagues are not interpreting our results correctly. We did not challenge the idea of importation, but rather disagree on the timing of such an event. Climate can play a role in a primary cholera outbreak. Spread of the disease within a population is a secondary route of transmission. Regarding references in our manuscript, we have provided all necessary and appropriate references within the context of our results and interpretations (such as Chin and others, 2011). We now present evidence, indicating our disagreement with the interpretation by Gaudart and colleagues.
The European map of the geogenic radon potential

As part of its projected European Atlas of Natural Radiation (EANR), the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, in cooperation with research institutions and radioprotection authorities all over Europe, is currently developing a map of the geogenic radon potential. In an accompanying report the state of knowledge, mapping approaches and problems are discussed. We explain the rationale and the legal situation in Europe and present an overview on the main problems stemming from the heterogeneity of input datasets between participating countries and from the definition of input variables and their differently implemented sampling procedures or protocols. Further topics are definition of the target variable which quantifies the geogenic radon potential and its estimation from heterogeneous input and proxy variables, as well as problems specific to mapping, such as choice of mapping support and resolution. The geogenic map was preceded by a European map of indoor radon concentrations, which is still growing as ever more countries decide to participate, and which served as training for harmonisation problems occurring in the European data realm. We shall also briefly discuss its main results and implications for the geogenic map.
Biocomm – a cross-layer medium access control (MAC) and routing protocol co-design for biomedical sensor networks

One of the most novel applications of wireless sensor networks in recent years has been in the field of biomedical research. Biomedical sensor networks are formed by tiny wireless sensor nodes, embedded inside the body. The communication protocol used in such networks must prevent the formation of hotspots in the network and at the same time route data efficiently, while conserving energy. In this paper we propose a cross-layer medium access control (MAC) protocol and routing protocol co-design for biomedical sensor networks. The cross-layer interactions among the network and MAC layers help optimise the overall performance of the in vivo network. Extensive simulations have been done to show that the proposed Biocomm protocol performs much better than the other existing MAC and routing protocols in terms of preventing the formation of hotspots, reducing energy consumption of nodes and preventing network congestion when used in an in vivo network. A variation of Biocomm, Biocomm-D has been proposed for delay-sensitive biomedical sensor network applications.
Application A Case Study of Environmental Justice and Federal Tourism Sites in Southern Appalachia : A GIS

This article uses an environmental justice framework to determine whether inequalities exist for certain socioeconomic and racial groups with respect to the distribution of federal tourism sites in Southern Appalachia (SA). Federal tourism sites and campsites were mapped along with the census block groups (CBGs) using geographic information systems. CBGs within a 1,500-meter radius of these federal lands were identified and examined based on five socioeconomic variables (race, education, household income, occupation , and local heritage). These CBGs were then compared with the remaining CBGs in SA that were outside the 1,500-meter radius. Results show that a negative relationship exists between income and occupation and location of a number of federal tourist sites. CBGs with a low-income, blue-collar makeup were significantly more likely to be situated within the 1,500-meter radius than outside. Additional study should determine the desirability of tourism-based land use with respect to factors such as urban sprawl, noise, and pollution.
Magnesium in Chronic Kidney Disease: Challenges and Opportunities

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease, which is partly explained by the fact that 40–70% of patients receiving dialysis have significant coronary artery disease. Recent clinical studies have shown that lower serum magnesium (Mg) levels are associated with vascular calcification and cardiovascular mortality among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). On the other hand, hypermagnesemia inhibits parathyroid hormone secretion, which is considered an important independent risk factor for vascular calcification, left ventricular hypertrophy and mortality in ESRD patients. Finally, increasing evidence points towards a link between Mg and cardiovascular disease, even in subjects without chronic kidney disease. The purpose of this review was to critically review the current literature examining the effects of plasma Mg levels on cardiovascular disease and parathyroid hormone homeostasis in ESRD, and renal transplant patients.
Well-being among older adults with OA: direct and mediated patterns of control beliefs, optimism and pessimism

Objectives: To assess the contribution of important psychological resources (i.e. optimism, pessimism, control beliefs) to the psychological well-being of older adults with Osteoarthritis (OA); to assess the direct and mediated association of these psychosocial resources to outcomes (depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and self-esteem). These objectives are important because OA is a significant stressor, treatments are limited, and psychological functioning is at risk for those coping with the condition, even compared to other chronic illnesses. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 160 community-dwelling older adults with OA (81% women). Participants were not randomly selected, but nonetheless reflected the demographic makeup of the selection area. Results: Ordinary least squares regression analyses using the PROCESS macro revealed that optimism and pessimism were associated with higher depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem indirectly through constraints beliefs. The analysis of life satisfaction showed that optimism and pessimism were each partially mediated through mastery and constraints beliefs. Discussion: These results suggest that prior research, which has assessed these psychological resources as having singular relationships to outcomes, may have underestimated the importance of the relationship between these variables. We discuss possible points of intervention for older adults with OA who may experience increasing constraints beliefs over time.
Distributions of positron-emitting nuclei in proton and carbon-ion therapy studied with GEANT4

Depth distributions of positron-emitting nuclei in PMMA phantoms are calculated within a Monte Carlo model for heavy-ion therapy (MCHIT) based on the GEANT4 toolkit (version 8.0). The calculated total production rates of 11C, 10C and 15O nuclei are compared with experimental data and with corresponding results of the FLUKA and POSGEN codes. The distributions of e+ annihilation points are obtained by simulating radioactive decay of unstable nuclei and transporting positrons in the surrounding medium. A finite spatial resolution of the positron emission tomography (PET) is taken into account in a simplified way. Depth distributions of β+-activity as seen by a PET scanner are calculated and compared to available data for PMMA phantoms. The obtained β+-activity profiles are in good agreement with PET data for proton and 12C beams at energies suitable for particle therapy. The MCHIT capability to predict the β+-activity and dose distributions in tissue-like materials of different chemical composition is demonstrated. For more information on this article, see medicalphysicsweb.org
Heterologous transplantation of human neoplasms including lymphomas

I N RECENT years there has been a distinct revival of interest in the subject of heterologous tissue transplantation, in particular the ti-ansplantation oE human neoplasms to the anterior ocular chambers of various animals. Historical reviews of the subject can be found in the current literature.3jy 37 As stated by these authors, the procedure of anteriorchamber ocular transplants of human tumors was suggested as early as 1873 by van Dooremaal, though it was apparently not until 1913 that the first successful reports appeared in the foreign literature-those of Hegner and Kcysser-and later, of Smirnova in 1937. In 1938, Greene,9 in this country, reported the first of a series of heterologous transplantations of human and other mammalian tumors in the anterior chamber of the guinea-pig eye. Greene and his associates have published numerous stimulating reports23, 8-19, 22-2G, 2o and have put forth a dynamic approach to the problem of neoplasia that is highly provocative. On the basis of both animal and human material,Q, 23, s4, 25 Greene postulates that the transition from neoplastic benignancy to malignancy is a progressive process and that the attainment of the latter status is synonymous with the attainment of complete autonomy of growth as judged by the ability of the tumor to grow heterologously. Of great interest is the demonstration by these workers13 14% 1 7 that this capacity of malignant tumors for heterologous growth is shared by embryonic tissue in early stages of development. The implications of these findings as regards a future experimental approach are striking. Perhaps of more ininiediate value are two obscrvations made by Greene in stressing
Twin Domains in Organometallic Halide Perovskite Thin-Films

The perovskite is a class of material with crystalline structure similar to CaTiO3. In recent years, the organic-inorganic hybrid metallic halide perovskite has been widely investigated as a promising material for a new generation photovoltaic device, whose power conversion efficiency (PCE) record reaches 22.7%. One of its underlying morphological characteristics is the twin domain within those sub-micron sized crystal grains in perovskite thin films. This is important for discussion since it could be the key for understanding the fundamental mechanism of the device’s high performance, such as long diffusion distance and low recombination rate. This review aims to summarize studies on twin domains in perovskite thin films, in order to figure out its importance, guide the current studies on mechanism, and design new devices. Firstly, we introduce the research history and characteristics of widely known twin domains in inorganic perovskite BaTiO3. We then focus on the impact of the domain structure emerging in hybrid metallic halide perovskite thin films, including the observation and discussion on ferroelectricity/ferroelasity. The theoretical analysis is also presented in this review. Finally, we present a spectroscopic method, which can reveal the generality of twin domains within perovskite thin films. We anticipate that this summary on the structural and physical properties of organometallic halide perovskite will help to understand and improve the high-performance of photovoltaic devices.
Deep brain stimulation in children: experience and technical pearls.

OBJECT Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established technique for the treatment of several movement disorders in adults. However, the technical approach, complications, and results of DBS in children have not been well documented. METHODS A database of DBS implantations performed at a single institution, prospectively established in 1998, was reviewed for patients who received DBS prior to the age of 18. Diagnoses, surgical technique, and complications were noted. Outcomes were assessed using standard rating scales of neurological function. RESULTS Of 815 patients undergoing DBS implantation over a 12-year period, 31 were children (mean age at surgery 13.2 years old, range 4-17 years old). Diagnoses included the following: DYT1 primary dystonia (autosomal dominant, Tor1AΔGAG mutation, 10 cases), non-DYT1 primary dystonia (3 cases), secondary dystonia (11 cases), neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA, 3 cases), levodopa-responsive parkinsonism (2 cases), Lesch-Nyhan disease (1 case), and glutaric aciduria Type 1 (1 case). Six children ages 15-17 years old underwent awake microelectrode-guided surgery. For 25 children operated under general anesthesia, the surgical technique evolved from microelectrode-guided surgery to image-guided surgeries using real-time intraoperative MR imaging or CT for lead location confirmation. Complications included 5 hardware infections, all in children younger than 10 years old. At 1 year after implantation, patients with DYT1 dystonia had a mean improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement subscore of 75%, while those with secondary dystonia had only small improvements. Outcomes in the 3 children with NBIA were disappointing. CONCLUSIONS Results of DBS in children with primary and secondary dystonias were similar to those in adults, with excellent results for DYT1 dystonia in children without fixed orthopedic deformity and much more modest results in secondary dystonia. In contrast to reported experience in adults with NBIA, these results in children with NBIA were poor. Infection risk was highest in the youngest patients.
Is It a Dangerous World Out There? The Motivational Bases of American Gun Ownership

Americans are the world’s best armed citizens and public polling suggests protection/self-defense is their main reason for gun ownership. However, there is virtually no psychological research on gun ownership. The present article develops the first psychological process model of defensive gun ownership—specifically, a two-component model that considers both the antecedents and consequences of owning a gun for protection/self-defense. We demonstrate that different levels of threat construal—the specific perceived threat of assault and a diffuse threat of a dangerous world—independently predict handgun ownership; we also show how utility judgments can explain the motivated reasoning that drives beliefs about gun rights. We tested our model in two independent samples of gun owners (total N = 899), from just before and after the Orlando mass shooting. This study illustrates how social-cognitive theories can help explain what motivates Americans to own handguns and advocate for broad rights to carry and use them.
Plasma aldosterone concentration and cardiovascular response to low sodium intake in horses in training.

REASON FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY Horses in training lose large amounts of sodium but little is known about the cardiovascular response to low sodium intake. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of low sodium intake on plasma aldosterone (pAldo) concentrations and the cardiovascular system of athletic horses, and to identify markers of low sodium intake. METHODS Seven Standardbred geldings in training (trained twice a week) were randomly offered a standardised diet supplemented (NaS, 58 mg Na/kg bwt) and not supplemented (NaN, 3 mg Na/kg bwt) with NaCl for 5 weeks in a changeover design. Blood samples were taken once a week and in Week 5, before and following an exercise test until 22.30 h and analysed for blood sodium (bNa), total plasma protein (TPP), pAldo, troponin I and packed cell volume (PCV). Blood pressure (BP) was measured and pulse wave recorded at rest with high definition oscillometric-technique (HDO). ECG and echocardiography were recorded. Water intake was measured before and on the day of exercise and voluntary saline intake was measured for 2 days after each period. Faecal samples were taken weekly and analysed for sodium and potassium content. RESULTS The pAldo and the PCV was higher in NaN compared to NaS. There were no differences between diets in BP, ECG, plasma troponin I and echocardiogram but HDO pulse amplitude tended to be smaller on diet NaN. Water intake was lower on diet NaN and saline intake higher. The response to exercise in bNa, pAldo, PCV and TPP was different on the 2 diets. Faecal potassium/sodium ratio was higher on NaN than on NaS. CONCLUSION This study shows that 5 weeks of low sodium intake increased plasma aldosterone concentration and PCV but no alterations in heart function was observed. Faecal potassium/sodium ratio could be used to assess sodium status in horses.
Numerical Modeling of Excimer Laser Curved Surface Ablation

Laser ablation has been widely used in the fabrication of miniature parts. The technique is also used in the fabrication of micro lens or micro-curved surfaces which find potential applications in various optical, biomedical, electronics, MEMS applications. This work presents development of two novel techniques employing profile path approach and beam profile approach for fabrication of curved surfaces by Excimer laser ablation. Laser ablation is widely used for their fabrication on account of its exceptional capabilities. In this paper, a two-dimensional finite element model is developed to predict temperature distribution and ablation depth in a laser ablation process. A correlation between the incident laser fluence and depth of the ablated crater is analytically generated based on the FEM model. Using this correlation, the profiles of the surface ablated using profile path and beam path approach is predicted based on a finite element model incorporating the pulse variation in profile path approach and spatial variation of intensity of the incident beam in the beam path approach. Modeling of various profiles like flat, circular, Gaussian and other is also presented. An attempt has been made to validate the proposed techniques experimentally.
The Cellular Chaperone Heat Shock Protein 90 Facilitates Flock House Virus RNA Replication in Drosophila Cells

ABSTRACT The assembly of viral RNA replication complexes on intracellular membranes represents a critical step in the life cycle of positive-strand RNA viruses. We investigated the role of the cellular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in viral RNA replication complex assembly and function using Flock House virus (FHV), an alphanodavirus whose RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, protein A, is essential for viral RNA replication complex assembly on mitochondrial outer membranes. The Hsp90 chaperone complex transports cellular mitochondrial proteins to the outer mitochondrial membrane import receptors, and thus we hypothesized that Hsp90 may also facilitate FHV RNA replication complex assembly or function. Treatment of FHV-infected Drosophila S2 cells with the Hsp90-specific inhibitor geldanamycin or radicicol potently suppressed the production of infectious virions and the accumulation of protein A and genomic, subgenomic, and template viral RNA. In contrast, geldanamycin did not inhibit the activity of preformed FHV RNA replication complexes. Hsp90 inhibitors also suppressed viral RNA and protein A accumulation in S2 cells expressing an FHV RNA replicon. Furthermore, Hsp90 inhibition with either geldanamycin or RNAi-mediated chaperone downregulation suppressed protein A accumulation in the absence of viral RNA replication. These results identify Hsp90 as a host factor involved in FHV RNA replication and suggest that FHV uses established cellular chaperone pathways to assemble its RNA replication complexes on intracellular membranes.