Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vocational adjustment following separation from military service : a qualitative investigation of work integration challenges for Gulf War-Era II vetrans with PTSD

OF THE THESIS Vocational Adjustment Following Separation from Military Service: A Qualitative Investigation of Work Integration Challenges for Gulf War-Era II Vetrans with PTSD by Paul J. Hayes Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling San Diego State University, 2013 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Gulf War-era II veterans has resulted in psychological wounds attributed to military duty in Afghanistan and Iraq warzones. In the U.S., PTSD is now in fifth place trailing in prevalence more common psychological disorders of depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, specific phobia, and social phobia as ranked in previous surveys, with social service and societal costs soaring into the billions of dollars. Many veterans returning from these wars are transitioning to civilian life after military separation without trauma stressor mitigation or jobs. Warzone-related stress disorders among veterans are sometimes responsible for struggles experienced with entering or reentering the workforce often requiring appropriate work adjustment and work integration. The conceptual framework for this study was derived from three three sequentially developing interactive specific subsystem components that comprise the model of work adjustment. The model was chosen to examine the work personalities, work competencies, and work goals of homeless and unemployed Gulf War-era II veterans with PTSD in relation to successful work adjustment and work integration. The purposes of the present investigation were to address the following questions (1) How do veterans with PTSD view their work competencies? , (2) What significant work integration and work adjustment challenges do veterans with PTSD experience? , and (3) To what extent have veteran’ work goals changed from preto post-military service? Participants were 10 Gulf War-era veterans with PTSD, separated from military service at a minimum of one year preceding the investigation, and living in a southwestern city residential substance addiction treatment facility. The research consisted of 12 open-ended or semi-structured questions asked of the participants. Data revealed five emergent themes of: (a) veterans PTSD experiences; (b) overcoming homelessness; (c) motivation to change; (d) family support and quality of life; and (e) rehabilitation counseling, education, and career preparation strategies, resulting in 19 sub-themes. The sub-themes indicated congruence between each other and the participants’ perceptions, thoughts, and beliefs. Also strongly indicated were the participants’ employment capabilities after work adjustment, worth as viable assets in the workforce, ability to restore their work identities, re-establish self-sufficiency, and ability to attain an ample quality of life. Study results emphasize the significance of recognizing and treating the effects of PTSD on veterans seeking workforce inclusion. Future research should incorporate more
Induction of micronuclei and initiation of enzyme-altered foci in the liver of female rats treated with cyproterone acetate, chlormadinone acetate, or megestrol acetate.

The synthetic anti-androgen and progestin cyproterone acetate (CPA), recently found to be genotoxic for the liver, and two structurally similar progestins, chlormadinone acetate (CMA) and megestrol acetate (MGA), have been compared for clastogenic and tumor-initiating activities in female rats. In the micronucleus assay, carried out in rats given a single p.o. dose of 100 mg/kg, CPA induced the maximum increase in the frequency of micronucleated hepatocytes (6.6-fold as compared to controls) when treatment was performed 3 days before partial hepatectomy and cell sampling 2 days later. Under the same experimental conditions the clastogenic potencies of CMA and MGA were 69% and 36% of that of CPA respectively. In the liver foci assay, p.o. dosing with 100 mg/kg CPA once a week for 6 successive weeks induced, as compared to controls, a significant increase in the number and area of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase-positive foci. At the same dosage schedule the tumor-initiating activity of CMA and MGA was 7- to 10-fold lower than that of CPA. These findings suggest that the 1,2 alpha-methylene group, present in CPA but absent in both CMA and MGA, favours the activation to a reactive species and/or hinders the biotransformation to non-toxic metabolites.
Examining adversarial growth in illness: The factor structure of the silver lining questionnaire (SLQ-38)

The Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ-38) is purported to measure 10 aspects of adversarial growth in illness. To date however, no empirical evidence exists to support this claim. Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the factor structure of the SLQ-38 in a sample of 560 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer, cardiac, and renal disease. The results demonstrate that 24 SLQ-38 items can be factored into five subscales: improved personal relationships, greater appreciation for life, positive influence on others, personal inner strength and changes in life philosophy, all of which are in accordance with the literature on adversarial growth. Individuals with MS experienced lower adversarial growth compared to other illness groups. Gender, age and time since diagnosis were unrelated to adversarial growth in illness. The utility of the revised SLQ-38 is discussed along with suggestions for future research on the convergent and divergent validity of this revised instrument.
Optimizing Thermal Sensor Allocation for Microprocessors

High-performance microprocessor families employ dynamic-thermal-management techniques to cope with the increasing thermal stress resulting from peaking power densities. These techniques operate on feedback generated from on-die thermal sensors. The allocation and the placement of thermal-sensing elements directly impact the effectiveness of the dynamic management mechanisms. In this paper, we propose systematic techniques for determining the optimal locations for thermal sensors to provide high-fidelity thermal monitoring of a complex microprocessor system. Our strategies can be divided into two main categories: uniform sensor allocation and nonuniform sensor allocation. In the uniform approach, the sensors are placed on a regular grid. The nonuniform allocation identifies an optimal physical location for each sensor such that the sensor's attraction toward steep thermal gradients is maximized, which can result in uneven concentrations of sensors on different locations of the chip. We also present a hybrid algorithm that shows the tradeoffs associated with number of sensors and expected accuracy. Our experimental results show that our uniform approach using interpolation can detect the chip temperature with a maximum error of 5.47degC and an average maximum error of 1.05degC . On the other hand, our nonuniform strategy is able to create a sensor distribution for a given microprocessor architecture, providing thermal measurements with a maximum error of 3.18degC and an average maximum error of 1.63degC across a wide set of applications.
Interaction of MxiG with the cytosolic complex of the type III secretion system controls Shigella virulence

Gram‐negative bacteria use the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) to colonize host cells. T3SSs are ring‐shaped macromolecular complexes specific for the transport of effector molecules into host cells. It was recently suggested that a cytosolic ring‐shaped protein complex delivers effector molecules to the T3SS. However, how transport of effector proteins is regulated is not known. Here, we report the high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structure of the whole cytosolic domain of MxiG (MxiG1‐126), a major component of the inner T3SS rings in Shigella flexneri. MxiG1‐126 folds as an FHA domain, which specifically binds phosphorylated threonines. Indeed, MxiG1‐126 binds to Spa33, a cytoplasmic‐ring component of Shigella, as revealed in pulldown studies. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed specific interaction of MxiG with a Spa33 peptide only if phosphorylated. In total, 24 copies of the MxiG1‐126 crystal structure were fitted into the cryo‐EM map of the Shigella T3SS. The phosphoprotein binding site of each MxiG molecule faces the channel of the T3SS, allowing interaction with cytosolic binding partners. Secretion assays and host cell invasion studies of complemented Shigella knockout cells indicated that the phosphoprotein binding of MxiG is essential for bacterial virulence. Our findings suggest that MxiG is involved in T3SS regulation. —Barison, N. , Lambers, J., Hurwitz, R. , Kolbe, M. Interaction of MxiG with the cytosolic complex of the type III secretion system controls Shigella virulence. FASEB J. 26, 1717‐1726 (2012). www.fasebj. org
Introducing Theologies of Religions

This volume shares insights into the positions of writers concerned with understanding Christianity among the world's great religious traditions. Avoiding tired labels of past debates (Exclusivism, Pluralism, and Inclusivism), Knitter suggests four different models (Replacement, Fulfillment, Mutuality, and Acceptance) that more adequately link together thirteen ways of approaching and understanding the variety of the world's religious expressions.
The AcrB multidrug transporter plays a major role in high-level fluoroquinolone resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium phage type DT204.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium phage type DT204 strains isolated from cattle and animal feed in Belgium were characterized for high-level fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms [MICs to enrofloxacin (Enr) and ciprofloxacin (Cip), 64 and 32 microg/ml, respectively]. These strains isolated during the periods 1991-1994, and in 2000 were clonally related as shown by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Selected strains studied carried several mutations in the quinolone target genes, i.e., a double mutation in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA leading to amino acid changes Ser83Ala and Asp87Asn, a single mutation in the QRDR of gyrB leading to amino acid change Ser464Phe, and a single mutation in the QRDR of parC leading to amino acid change Ser80Ile. Moreover, Western blot analysis showed overproduction of the AcrA periplasmic protein belonging to the AcrAB-ToIC efflux system. This suggested active efflux as additional resistance mechanism resulting in a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) phenotype, which was measurable by an increased level of resistance to the structurally unrelated antibiotic florfenicol in the absence of the specific floR resistance gene. The importance of the AcrAB-TolC efflux system in high-level fluoroquinolone resistance was further confirmed by inactivating the acrB gene coding for the multidrug transporter. This resulted in a 32-fold reduction of resistance level to Enr (MIC = 2 microg/ml) and actually in a susceptible phenotype according to clinical breakpoints. Thus, AcrB plays a major role in high-level fluoroquinolone resistance, even when multiple target gene mutations are present. The same effect was obtained using the recently identified efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) Phe-Arg-naphthylamide also termed MC207,110. Among several fluoroquinolones tested in combination with EPI, the MIC of Enr was reduced most significantly. Thus, using EPI together with fluoroquinolones such as Enr may be promising in combination therapy against high-level fluoroquinolone-resistant S. enterica serovar Typhimurium.
Effects of Azithromycin and Rifampin onChlamydia trachomatis Infection In Vitro

ABSTRACT An in vitro cell culture model was used to investigate the long-term effects of azithromycin, rifampin, and the combination of azithromycin and rifampin on Chlamydia trachomatisinfection. Although standard in vitro susceptibility testing indicated efficient inhibition by azithromycin, prolonged treatment did not reveal a clear elimination of chlamydia from host cells. Chlamydia were temporarily arrested in a persistent state, characterized by culture-negative, but viable, metabolically active chlamydia, as demonstrated by the presence of short-lived rRNA transcripts. Additionally, azithromycin induced generation of aberrant inclusions and an altered steady-state level of chlamydial antigens, with the predominance of Hsp60 protein compared to the level of the major outer membrane protein. Treatment with azithromycin finally resulted in suppression of rRNA synthesis. Chlamydial lipopolysaccharide and processed, functional rRNA were detectable throughout the entire incubation period. These in vitro data show a good correlation to those from some recent clinical investigations that have reported on the persistence of chlamydia, despite appropriate antibiotic treatment with azithromycin. Rifampin was highly active by in vitro susceptibility testing, but prolonged exposure to rifampin alone for up to 20 days resulted in the emergence of resistance. No development of resistance to rifampin was observed when chlamydia-infected cells were incubated with a combination of azithromycin and rifampin. This combination was shown to be more efficient than azithromycin alone, in that suppression of rRNA synthesis occurred earlier. Thus, such a combination may prove more useful than azithromycin alone.
EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND CHLORPROMAZINE ON THE UPTAKE AND RELEASE OF TAURINE, γ‐AMINOBUTYRIC ACID AND GLUTAMIC ACID IN MOUSE BRAIN SYNAPTOSOMES

—The concentrations of taurine and GABA were determined in isolated mouse brain synaptosomes incubated in Krebs‐Ringer phosphate medium (pH 7·4). The concentration of GABA gradually decreased during incubation, but that of taurine remained approximately unchanged. In the presence of chlorpromazine the amount of GABA in the synaptosomes increased, but the efflux and influx of GABA were slightly reduced. The content and efflux of both taurine and GABA increased in electrically stimulated synaptosomes, and the influx of taurine, GABA and glutamate into the synaptosomes similarly increased. All three amino acids are taken up by the synaptosomes through at least two mechanisms: low‐affinity and high‐affinity. In the high‐affinity system the Km values were 33 μm for taurine, 24 μm for GABA and 68 μm for glutamate, and in the low‐affinity one 1·1 mil, 0·9 mm and 1·2mm, respectively. The influx capacity (Vmax) was highest for glutamate, second highest for GABA and lowest for taurine.
Scheduling Techniques for Improving Call Capacity for VoIP Traffic in MIMO-OFDMA Networks

Fourth Generation Networks will almost invariably adopt OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and MIMO (Multiple Input-Multiple Output technologies, in order to meet high data rate and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. The Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) MAC Layer, which is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is designed to support a variety of applications, including voice and multimedia services. The problem of providing QoS in broadband wireless systems is one of managing radio resources effectively. Efficient scheduling algorithms that balance the QoS requirements of each application and user with the available radio resources need to be developed. This paper considers a number of scheduling policies concentrating on real-time Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic. Via numerical results we show that the conventional notion of fairness fails to guarantee service for low latency applications such as VoIP for an increasing traffic load. We show better QoS is achieved via a greedy scheduling approach that manages to serve packets faster.
Human factors in haptic interfaces

Haptics is the study of how to couple the human sense of touch with a computer-generated world. One problem with current virtual reality systems is the lack of stimulus for the sense of touch. For example, if a user tries to grab a virtual cup there isn't a non-visual way to let the user know that the cup is in contact with the user's virtual hand. Also, there isn't a mechanism to keep the virtual hand from passing through the cup [8]. Haptic research attempts to solve these problems and can be subdivided into two subfields, force (kinesthetic) feedback and tactile feedback.
Plasma levels of soluble glycoprotein 130 in acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES Soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130), a circulating form of receptor subunit for the interleukin (IL) -6 cytokine family, modulates the biological actions of its ligands as an inhibitory regulator. The role of sgpl30 in cardiovascular diseases such as acute coronary syndrome remains unknown. METHODS Plasma levels of sgp130 were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 33 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI; mean age 67 +/- 2 years, 21 males and 12 females), who were admitted to our hospital within 24 hr of onset of AMI and survived for 4 weeks. RESULTS Plasma sgp130 levels were significantly higher at admission (260.5 +/- 7.3 ng/ml), and were significantly lower from day 2 to day 5 (202.4 +/- 5.1 ng/ml at day 3) as compared with normal control subjects (n = 38, 227.1 +/- 5.6 ng/ml). The lowest sgp130 levels inversely correlated with white blood cell count at admission (r = -0.42, p < 0.05) and with peak C-reactive protein levels (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). Additional in vitro study revealed that incubation of AMI plasma with exogenous IL-6 plus soluble IL-6 receptor resulted in a decrease in plasma sgp130 levels, suggesting the possible reason for reduced plasma sgp130 levels in AMI. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that plasma sgp130 levels were modulated during the time course of AMI and inversely associated with inflammation in AMI.
Measuring reversal learning: Introducing the Variable Iowa Gambling Task in a study of young and old normals

We developed a modification of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to test whether it is primarily a measure of reversal learning. Named the Variable IGT (VIGT), the design involves a contingency reversal midway through the task. Two versions of the task enabled us to study the effect of a stronger prepotent response on the ability to identify and adapt to contingency reversal. A significant reversal delay was observed among normal young players with a more dominating reward response. Although transitory, this delay is comparable to the characteristic behavioural impairment observed in patients with damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VM), addicts, psychopaths and individuals with other self-destructive disorders: They persist in a previously rewarding behaviour despite long-term heavy costs. We also conducted the VIGT in a sample of healthy elderly adults. Results from this sample do not support VM-like or risk-aversive theories of ageing but are inconclusive regarding the frontal ageing hypothesis. Overall, our findings indicate that the VIGT is a sensitive and versatile measure of reversal learning and will serve as a useful instrument in future studies of affective decision making, addiction, and other self-destructive behaviour.
Does a retrovirally encoded superantigen cause multiple sclerosis?

Retroviruses are commonly associated with neurological disease in animals, for example, inflammatory encephalomyelopathies of sheep (visna virus),' horses (equine infectious anaemia virus), goats (caprine encephalitis/arthritis virus)2 and mice (murine leukaemia virus). 3 The first retrovirus shown to be pathogenic in humans was discovered by Gallo's group4 who demonstrated that human lymphotrophic virus type-i (HTLV1) was the cause of adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL). Subsequently this virus was associated with a myelopathy endemic in the Caribbean56 and Japan,' a condition now called tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) or HTLV-1 myelopathy (HAM). TSP is an inflammatory demyelinating and degenerative myelopathy predominantly affecting the thoracic and lumbar regions causing a progressive paraparesis with sphincter involvement.89 Immune mechanisms probably play an important part in the pathogenesis of this condition. '0 The discovery of the association of HTLV-1 with TSP and the similarities between TSP and the primary progressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS) led to an intensive search for retroviruses in the latter condition. Two groups of workers" 12 claimed that an HTLV-1 like agent was indeed associated with MS and considerable excitement engendered by the observation that using DNA amplification techniques (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) sequences of DNA homologous with parts of the HTLV1
Negative-pressure wound therapy for management of diabetic foot wounds: a review of the mechanism of action, clinical applications, and recent developments

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) plays an important role in the treatment of complex wounds. Its effect on limb salvage in the management of the diabetic foot is well described in the literature. However, a successful outcome in this subgroup of diabetic patients requires a multidisciplinary approach with careful patient selection, appropriate surgical debridement, targeted antibiotic therapy, and optimization of healing markers. Evolving NPWT technology including instillation therapy, nanocrystalline adjuncts, and portable systems can further improve results if used with correct indications. This review article summarizes current knowledge about the role of NPWT in the management of the diabetic foot and its mode of action, clinical applications, and recent developments.
Gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis Increase the Chemotactic and Respiratory Burst-Priming Properties of the 77-Amino-Acid Interleukin-8 Variant

ABSTRACT Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative anaerobe which is implicated in the etiology of active periodontitis, secretes degradative enzymes (gingipains) and sheds proinflammatory mediators (e.g., lipopolysaccharides [LPS]). LPS triggers the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from immune (72-amino-acid [aa] variant [IL-872aa]) and nonimmune (IL-877aa) cells. IL-877aa has low chemotactic and respiratory burst-inducing activity but is susceptible to cleavage by gingipains. This study shows that both R- and K-gingipain treatments of IL-877aa significantly enhance burst activation by fMLP and chemotactic activity (P < 0.05) but decrease burst activation and chemotactic activity of IL-872aa toward neutrophil-like HL60 cells and primary neutrophils (P < 0.05). Using tandem mass spectrometry, we have demonstrated that R-gingipain cleaves 5- and 11-aa peptides from the N-terminal portion of IL-877aa and the resultant peptides are biologically active, while K-gingipain removes an 8-aa N-terminal peptide yielding a 69-aa isoform of IL-8 that shows enhanced biological activity. During periodontitis, secreted gingipains may differentially affect neutrophil chemotaxis and activation in response to IL-8 according to the cellular source of the chemokine.