Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Achieving cocaine abstinence with a behavioral approach.

OBJECTIVE The authors compared the efficacy of a multicomponent behavioral treatment and drug abuse counseling for cocaine-dependent individuals. METHOD The 38 patients were enrolled in outpatient treatment and were randomly assigned to the two treatments. Counseling in the behavioral treatment was based on the community reinforcement approach, while the drug abuse counseling was based on the disease model of dependence and recovery. Patients in the behavioral, but not the drug counseling, treatment also received incentives contingent on submitting cocaine-free urine specimens. RESULTS Of the 19 patients who received behavioral treatment, 58% completed 24 weeks of treatment, versus 11% of the patients who received counseling. In the behavioral treatment group 68% and 42% of the patients achieved at least 8 and 16 weeks of documented continuous cocaine abstinence, respectively, versus 11% and 5% in the drug abuse counseling group. CONCLUSIONS This multicomponent behavioral treatment appears to be an effective intervention for retaining outpatients in treatment and establishing cocaine abstinence.
Alarming emergence, molecular characterization, and outcome of blaNDM-1 in patients infected with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) in general and bla NDM-1 in particular. It also aimed at evaluating clinical characteristics and outcome in patients infected with MBLs. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CRGNB) were evaluated in the study. These CRGNB were tested for MBL production both phenotypically for MBLs and genotypically for bla NDM-1 gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Representative stains of NDM-1 isolates were further sequenced by Triyat Scientific Co., (Nagpur, India). Results: Among 116 CRGNB Citrobacter species 28 (24.13%) was the most common pathogen. Phenotypically, MHT, imipenem-EDTA (IPM-EDTA) double-disk synergy test and IPM-EDTA combined disk synergy test (CDST) detected MBL production in 105 (90.51%), 96 (81.03%), and 87 (75%) CRGNB, respectively. However, bla NDM-1 genes were detected in 66 (56.89%) isolates. The prevalence of bla NDM-1 gene was highest among Escherichia coli 26 (100%). Considering PCR as gold standard, it was observed that IMP-EDTA CDST was most specific (78.38%) while MHT was most sensitive (97.47%). Results of bla NDM-1 gene by PCR were further confirmed by sequencing (Triyat genomics, Nagpur). All the 11 representative strains were confirmed to be an NDM-1 gene. The presence of MBLs in our group of patients (non-Intensive Care Unit patients) is a cause for concern. However, on tracing their outcome, it was interesting to note that while the duration of stay lengthened in a large number of patients 112 (96.5%), mortality was relatively low 5 (4.31%). Conclusion: The results of this study provide insight into the prevalence of MBLs, including bla NDM-1, in a tertiary care hospital. Antibiotic stewardship implemented in all seriousness may to a great extent stave off the impending pan-drug resistance. The surprising outcome of our patients suggests either that the bacteria trade off virulence for drug resistance or the relatively robust immune response of non ICU patients fights back.
L5 Satellite Based Augmentation Systems Protection Level Equations

The current L1 Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) protection level equations were agreed upon nearly a decade ago. These equations are provided for L1-only users and are based upon covariance propagation of zero-mean gaussian errors. While this description is reasonably accurate for some nominal error sources, it is not always a good model for actual error characteristics. When departures from the zero-mean gaussian model are significant, the broadcast confidence terms must be inflated in order to provide protection for all user geometries. This leads to a loss of availability even for users who do not observe the satellite with the problematic errors. Since these equations were first adopted, a significant amount of work has gone into accurate characterization of the error sources and the treatment of non-zero and non-gaussian errors. New SBAS signals planned for the L5frequency offer an opportunity to revisit these decisions and make changes to improve integrity and availability.
A decreased tubular uptake of dopa results in defective renal dopamine production in aged rats.

A major proportion of urinary dopamine derives from the renal decarboxylation of circulating dopa. This study evaluates the effects of aging on renal production of dopamine using 3- and 12-mo-old male Wistar rats. Urinary excretion of Na+, norepinephrine (NE), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, and dopa were similar in the two groups. Urinary dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were lower in older animals (dopamine, 20 +/- 6 vs. 47 +/- 7 nmol/24 h, P < 0.001; DOPAC, 142 +/- 36 vs. 304 +/- 56 nmol/24 h, P < 0.03). Urinary 3-O-methyldopa (OM-dopa) was higher in 12-mo-old rats (6.2 +/- 2.0 vs. 3.3 +/- 0.20 nmol/24 h, P < 0.03). Levels of dopa and NE in renal cortex from 12-mo-old rats were higher (P < 0.001) than in younger animals. Dopamine content in renal cortex from 3-mo-old rats was 295 +/- 64 pmol/g, whereas it was undetectable in 12-mo-old animals. Aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase and monoamine oxidase activities were higher (P < 0.001) in renal cortex from 12-mo-old animals. Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity was similar in both groups. The uptake of dopa by the luminal membrane was explored using brush-border membrane vesicles. The Na(+)-gradient-driven (100 mM) uptake of dopa into vesicles from 3-mo-old animals showed at 10 s an overshoot threefold greater than the equilibrium uptake. The overshoot was blunted in 12-mo-old rats. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Role of the Special Services Coordinator in Dutch Primary Schools

The focus of this study is the role of the special services coordinator in Dutch primary schools, whose function is to act as a consultant for colleagues regarding students with special needs, and to coordinate the delivery of special services in the school. The question is how the new role is interpreted in primary schools, and whether this interpretation will provoke counterproductive effects. This question is answered by means of an exploratory study in 12 primary schools. The study consists of a survey and interviews with special service coordinators, principals and teachers of Grade 3. Findings suggest that the interpretation of this new role promotes the development of a separated system of special education within the regular school. The delivery of services for students with special needs remains the exclusive task of specialists, and classroom teacher’s learning is not promoted. To promote inclusive education the professional aspects of the special service coordinator’s role as a consultant should be strengthened, and the middle management aspects of the role should be kept in the background.
A Hypersexual Paraphilic Patient Treated with Leuprolide Acetate: A Single Case Report

This article presents the case of a young adult paraphilic patient with no comorbid psychiatric or medical pathology. This patient's history is notable for hypersexuality and exhibitionistic behaviors. He was treated with the Luteinizing Hormone–releasing Hormone (LHRH) agonist leuprolide acetate. Shortly after he commenced treatment, his sexual drive and his urge to expose himself diminished significantly. Serial penile plethysmograph and hormonal profile data will also be reviewed.
The implications of choice: prescribing generic or preferred pharmaceuticals improves medication adherence for chronic conditions.

BACKGROUND A large proportion of Americans are enrolled in 3-tier pharmacy benefit plans. We studied whether patients enrolled in such plans who receive generic or preferred brand-name agents when initiating chronic therapy were more adherent to treatment than those who received nonpreferred brand-name medications. METHODS We analyzed pharmacy claims filled between October 1, 2001, and October 1, 2003, from a large health plan for 6 classes of chronic medications: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives, orally inhaled corticosteroids, angiotensin receptor blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We measured adherence as the proportion of days covered (PDC) in each drug class during the first year of therapy. We evaluated how the formulary status of the initial prescription (generic, preferred, or nonpreferred) influenced PDC and adequate adherence, defined as PDC greater than 80%, over the subsequent year. RESULTS A total of 7532 new prescriptions were filled in 1 of the classes evaluated: 1747 (23.2%) for nonpreferred medications, 4376 (58.1%) for preferred drugs, and 1409 (18.7%) for generic drugs. After controlling for patient sociodemographic characteristics and drug class, PDC was 12.6% greater for patients initiated on generic medications vs nonpreferred medications (58.8% vs 52.2%; P<.001). The PDC was 8.8% greater for patients initiated on preferred vs nonpreferred medications (56.8% vs 52.2%; P<.001). Patients initiated on generic and preferred medications had 62% and 30% greater odds, respectively, of achieving adequate adherence compared with those who received nonpreferred medications. CONCLUSION In 3-tier pharmacy benefit plans, prescribing generic or preferred medications within a therapeutic class is associated with improvements in adherence to therapy.
Effects of aerobic exercise training on hemodynamic responses during psychosocial stress in normotensive and borderline hypertensive type A men: a preliminary report.

&NA; This study assessed the effects of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular responses to a 5‐min reaction time competition task. Twenty‐seven Type A men (aged 30–56) participated in this randomized study in which 14 underwent supervised aerobic training and 13 strength training, with sessions scheduled three times per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Aerobic exercise training was associated with a 13.6% increase in VO2max compared to 2.9% for the strength group. The effects of aerobic exercise training were most evident in subjects whose initial casual blood pressure readings fell in the borderline hypertensive range (N = 5). These individuals exhibited a general reduction in diastolic blood pressure (i.e., during rest, competition, and recovery) which was associated with a fall in both heart rate and total peripheral vascular resistance. Furthermore, diastolic pressure reactivity to the competition task was attenuated in borderline hypertensive subjects who underwent aerobic conditioning. These data are interpreted as preliminary findings suggesting that borderline hypertensives may be particularly responsive to the cardiovascular benefits of aerobic conditioning. For patients who have progressed to this stage of hypertensive disease, aerobic exercise may be of ameliorative value.
Opportunity Costs and Non-Scale Free Capabilities: Profit Maximization, Corporate Scope, and Profit Margins

The resource-based perspective on firm diversification, subsequent to Penrose (1959), has focused primarily on the fungibility of resources across domains. We make a clear analytical distinction between scale-free capabilities and those that are subject to opportunity costs and must be allocated to one use or another, thereby shifting the discourse back to Penrose’s original argument regarding the stock of organizational capabilities. The existence of resources and capabilities that must be allocated across alternative uses implies that profit-maximizing diversification decisions should be based upon the opportunity cost of their use in one domain or another. This opportunity cost logic provides a rational explanation for the divergence between total profits and profit margins. Firms make profit-maximizing decisions to increase total profit via diversification when the industries in which they are currently competing become relatively mature. Due to the spreading of these capabilities across more segments, we may observe that firms' profit-maximizing diversification actions lead to total profit growth but lower average returns. The model provides an alternative explanation for empirical observations regarding the diversification discount. The self-selection effect noted in recent work in corporate finance may not be indicative of inferior capabilities of diversifying firms but of the limited opportunity contexts in which these firms are operating.
High shear stress induces atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation through angiogenesis

Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques causing thrombosis is the main cause of acute coronary syndrome and ischemic strokes. Inhibition of thrombosis is one of the important tasks developing biomedical materials such as intravascular stents and vascular grafts. Shear stress (SS) influences the formation and development of atherosclerosis. The current review focuses on the vulnerable plaques observed in the high shear stress (HSS) regions, which localizes at the proximal region of the plaque intruding into the lumen. The vascular outward remodelling occurs in the HSS region for vascular compensation and that angiogenesis is a critical factor for HSS which induces atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation. These results greatly challenge the established belief that low shear stress is important for expansive remodelling, which provides a new perspective for preventing the transition of stable plaques to high-risk atherosclerotic lesions.
Network Centrality and Stock Market Volatility: The Impact of Communication Topologies on Prices

We investigate the impact of agent communication networks on prices in an artificial stock market. Networks with different centralization measures are tested for their effect on the volatility of prices. Trading strategies diffuse through the different network topologies, mimetic contagion arises through the adaptive behavior of the heterogeneous agents. Short trends may trigger cascades of buy and sell orders due to increased diffusion speed within highly centralized communication networks. Simulation results suggest a correlation between the network centralization measures and the volatility of the resulting stock prices.
Why Don't Lenders Renegotiate More Home Mortgages? Redefaults, Self-Cures, and Securitization

We document the fact that servicers have been reluctant to renegotiate mortgages since the foreclosure crisis started in 2007, having performed payment reducing modifications on only about 3 percent of seriously delinquent loans. We show that this reluctance does not result from securization: servicers renegotiate similarly small fractions of loans that they hold in their portfolios. Our results are robust to different definitions of renegotiation, including the one most likely to be affected by securitization, and to different definitions of delinquency. Our results are strongest in subsamples in which unobserved heterogeneity between portfolio and securitized loans is likely to be small and for subprime loans. We use a theoretical model to show that redefault risk, the possibility that a borrower will still default despite costly renegotiation, and self-cure risk, the possibility that a seriously delinquent borrower will become current without renegotiation, make renegotiation unattractive to investors.
Impact of clinical pharmacist intervention on diabetes related quality-of-life in an ambulatory care clinic

The purpose of this one-year observational study was to evaluate quality of life in patients at the Medical University of South Carolina Family Medicine clinic who were followed by a clinical pharmacist diabetes educator. Methods Patients who have been seen by the clinical pharmacist for diabetes education and management services were contacted by telephone and asked to complete a previously validated Diabetes-related Quality of Life (DRQL) survey. In addition, the patient’s most recent hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, fasting lipid panel and aspirin use were obtained from the electronic medical record. Correlation and logistic regression analysis was completed in order to assess the quality of life score and clinical outcomes. Results A total of 47 patients completed the survey (37%). The median overall score was 1 (1-very satisfied; 5-very dissatisfied). Patients who were more satisfied with their current treatment tended to have lower LDL, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) values (r=0.32, 0.3, 0.33; p=0.03, 0.03, 0.02). In addition, patients taking more medications were more dissatisfied with the amount of time spent managing their disease (r=0.29, p=0.04), felt more pain associated with the treatment of their disease (r=0.32, p=0.02), and were more worried that their body looked different as a result of their diabetes (r=0.32, p=0.02). Conclusion Patients in this clinic were highly satisfied with their quality of life. The authors found that trends exist for relationships between several important clinical parameters and quality of life.
The SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES) – VII. Optical/IR photometry and stellar masses of submillimetre galaxies

We present estimates of the photometric redshifts, stellar masses and star formation histories of sources in the Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES). This paper describes the 60 SCUBA sources detected in the Lockman Hole covering an area of ∼320 arcmin 2 . Using photometry spanning the B band to 8 μm, we find that the average SCUBA source forms a significant fraction of its stars in an early period of star formation and that most of the remainder forms in a shorter more intense burst around the redshift it is observed. This trend does not vary significantly with source redshift. However, the sources show a clear increase in stellar mass with redshift, consistent with downsizing. In terms of spectral energy distribution types, only two out of the 51 sources we have obtained photometric redshifts for are best fitted by a quasar-like spectrum, with approximately 80 per cent of the sources being best fitted with late-type spectra (Sc, Im and starburst). By including photometry at 850 μm, we conclude that the average SCUBA source is forming stars at a rate somewhere between 6 and 30 times the rate implied from the rest-frame optical in a dust obscured burst and that this burst creates 15‐65 per cent of the total stellar mass. Using a simplistic calculation, we estimate from the average star formation history that between one in five and one in 15 bright (L∗ + 2 < Loptical < L∗ − 1 mag) galaxies in the field over the interval 0 < z < 3 will at some point in their lifetime
Multiple independent origins of the COII/tRNA(Lys) intergenic 9-bp mtDNA deletion in aboriginal Australians.

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Integrin-dependent phosphorylation and activation of the protein tyrosine kinase pp125FAK in platelets

We have investigated mechanisms involved in integrin-mediated signal transduction in platelets by examining integrin-dependent phosphorylation and activation of a newly identified protein tyrosine kinase, pp125FAK (FAK, focal adhesion kinase). This kinase was previously shown to be localized in focal adhesions in fibroblasts, and to be phosphorylated on tyrosine in normal and Src-transformed fibroblasts. We show that thrombin and collagen activation of platelets causes an induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK and that pp125FAK molecules isolated from activated platelets display enhanced levels of phosphorylation in immune-complex kinase assays. pp125FAK was not phosphorylated on tyrosine after thrombin or collagen treatment of Glanzmann's thrombasthenic platelets deficient in the fibrinogen receptor GPIIb-IIIa, or of platelets pretreated with an inhibitory monoclonal antibody to GP IIb-IIIa. Fibrinogen binding to GP IIb-IIIa was not sufficient to induce pp125FAK phosphorylation because pp125FAK was not phosphorylated on tyrosine in thrombin-treated platelets that were not allowed to aggregate. These results indicate that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK is dependent on platelet aggregation mediated by fibrinogen binding to the integrin receptor GP IIb-IIIa. The induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK was inhibited in thrombin- and collagen-treated platelets preincubated with cytochalasin D, which prevents actin polymerization following activation. Under all of these conditions, there was a strong correlation between the induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK in vivo and stimulation of the phosphorylation of pp125FAK in vitro in immune- complex kinase assays. This study provides the first genetic evidence that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK is dependent on integrin- mediated events, and demonstrates that there is a strong correlation between tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK in platelets, and the activation of pp125FAK-associated phosphorylating activity in vitro.