Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Rural and Urban Substance Abuse Treatment Counselor Characteristics on Client Outcomes

ABSTRACT Focus group data were collected from 28 substance abuse treatment counselors employed in rural and urban areas to examine their perceptions of factors influencing treatment outcomes. The influence of the counselor characteristics (i.e., education, experience, and recovery status) on client outcomes and geographic differences is explored. Focus group data were analyzed by three raters using line-by-line coding, focused coding, and memoing. This analytic approach revealed geographic differences in the counselors’ perceptions of the effect of counselor education, experience, and recovery status on client outcomes. Recommendations for treatment planning and future research are provided.
On the Returns of Trend-Following Trading Strategies

Paper [I] tests the success rate of trades and the returns of the Opening Range Breakout (ORB) strategy. A trader that trades on the ORB strategy seeks to identify large intraday price movements and trades only when the price moves beyond some predetermined threshold. We present an ORB strategy based on normally distributed returns to identify such days and find that our ORB trading strategy result in significantly higher returns than zero as well as an increased success rate in relation to a fair game. The characteristics of such an approach over conventional statistical tests is that it involves the joint distribution of low; high; open and close over a given time horizon. Paper [II] measures the returns of a popular day trading strategy; the Opening Range Breakout strategy (ORB); across volatility states. We calculate the average daily returns of the ORB strategy for each volatility state of the underlying asset when applied on long time series of crude oil and SP and of around 150 basis points per day for the SP but do not separate between short-term and long-term CTA strategies. When separating between short-term and long-term CTA strategies; this paper finds that only short-term CTA strategies provide a significant; and consistent; exposure to unanticipated risk shocks while long-term CTA strategies do not. For the purpose of diversifying a portfolio during equity market crisis situations; this result suggests that an investor should allocate to short-term CTA strategies rather than to long-term CTA strategies.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition restores endothelial but not medial connexin expression in hypertensive rats

Objective and design Remodelling in the media and decreases in connexin (Cx) expression and size of endothelial cells occur in the caudal artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The objective of this study was to determine whether similar changes are found in the aorta and whether effects in both aorta and caudal artery are present in the pre-hypertensive period or can be reversed by antihypertensive treatment. Methods and results In the aorta of SHR, there was no difference in endothelial cell size although Cxs 37 and 40 were decreased, compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Cxs 37 and 43 were also reduced in the media. These differences were not apparent in pre-hypertensive SHR. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in SHR decreased blood pressure and restored Cx expression in the endothelium of both aorta and caudal artery. The decreased endothelial cell size in the caudal artery or the reduced Cxs in the media of the aorta of SHR were unaffected by ACE inhibition. Conclusion We conclude that cellular coupling is reduced in the endothelium of arteries of SHR, but this can be restored by inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. Decreased cellular coupling in the media or decreased endothelial size in SHR were not reversed by this antihypertensive treatment.
The relationship between anisometropia, patient age, and the development of amblyopia.

PURPOSE Anisometropia is a common cause of amblyopia. The relationship between anisometropia, patient age, and the development of amblyopia is unknown. Photoscreening identifies children with anisometropia in a manner that is not biased by visual acuity and allows a unique opportunity to evaluate how patient age influences the prevalence and depth of anisometropic amblyopia. METHODS A statewide preschool photoscreening program screened 120,000 children and identified 792 with anisometropia greater than 1.0 diopter. Age was correlated with visual acuity and amblyopia depth. Data were compared with those from 562 strabismic children similarly identified. RESULTS Only 14% (6/44) of anisometropic children aged 1 year or less had amblyopia. Prevalence was 40% (32/80) for 2-year-olds, 65% (119/182) for 3-year-olds, and peaked at 76% (age 5). Amblyopia depth also increased with age. Moderate amblyopia prevalence was 2% (ages 0 to 1), 17% (age 2), and rose steadily to 45% (ages 6 to 7). Severe amblyopia was rare prior to age 4, 9% at age 4, 14% at age 5, and 9% at ages 6 to 7. In contrast, children with strabismus had a stable prevalence of amblyopia (30% at ages 0 to 2, 42% at ages 3 to 4, 44% at ages 5 to 7). CONCLUSIONS Younger children with anisometropic refractive error have a lower prevalence and depth of amblyopia than do older children. By age 4, when most children undergo traditional screening, amblyopia has usually already developed. New vision screening technologies that allow early detection of anisometropia provide ophthalmologists an opportunity to intervene early, perhaps retarding, or even preventing, the development of amblyopia.
Regulation of Hippocampal 5-HT Release by P2X7 Receptors in Response to Optogenetic Stimulation of Median Raphe Terminals of Mice

Serotonergic and glutamatergic neurons of median raphe region (MRR) play a pivotal role in the modulation of affective and cognitive functions. These neurons synapse both onto themselves and remote cortical areas. P2X7 receptors (P2rx7) are ligand gated ion channels expressed by central presynaptic excitatory nerve terminals and involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. P2rx7s are implicated in various neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression. Here we investigated whether 5-HT release released from the hippocampal terminals of MRR is subject to modulation by P2rx7s. To achieve this goal, an optogenetic approach was used to selectively activate subpopulation of serotonergic terminals derived from the MRR locally, and one of its target area, the hippocampus. Optogenetic activation of neurons in the MRR with 20 Hz was correlated with freezing and enhanced locomotor activity of freely moving mice and elevated extracellular levels of 5-HT, glutamate but not GABA in vivo. Similar optical stimulation (OS) significantly increased [3H]5-HT and [3H]glutamate release in acute MRR and hippocampal slices. We examined spatial and temporal patterns of [3H]5-HT release and the interaction between the serotonin and glutamate systems. Whilst [3H]5-HT release from MRR neurons was [Ca2+]o-dependent and sensitive to TTX, CNQX and DL-AP-5, release from hippocampal terminals was not affected by the latter drugs. Hippocampal [3H]5-HT released by electrical but not OS was subject to modulation by 5- HT1B/D receptors agonist sumatriptan (1 μM), whereas the selective 5-HT1A agonist buspirone (0.1 μM) was without effect. [3H]5-HT released by electrical and optical stimulation was decreased in mice genetically deficient in P2rx7s, and after perfusion with selective P2rx7 antagonists, JNJ-47965567 (0.1 μM), and AZ-10606120 (0.1 μM). Optical and electrical stimulation elevated the extracellular level of ATP. Our results demonstrate for the first time the modulation of 5-HT release from hippocampal MRR terminals by the endogenous activation of P2rx7s. P2rx7 mediated modulation of 5-HT release could contribute to various physiological and pathophysiological phenomena, related to hippocampal serotonergic transmission.
Direct and rapid detection of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae DNA in animals by PCR

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a gram-positive rod capable of causing erysipelas in swine. To establish a method for specifically detecting E. rhusiopathiae for practical applications, such as for the inspection of slaughterhouses, the feasibility of using primers derived from the DNA sequence coding for 16S rRNA in a PCR-specific detection system was investigated. Oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a 407-bp DNA fragment by PCR. The amplification was specific to the Erysipelothrix DNA but not to that of other bacterial genera tested. This PCR-based method efficiently and specifically detected the Erysipelothrix DNA sequence in joint and spleen samples from mice within 6 h, and application of the 407-bp DNA segment from samples containing very low numbers of bacteria (< 20 bacteria per spleen from mice) was possible. Although this PCR amplification is specific for the Erysipelothrix genus, which contains at least two species, E. rhusiopathiae and E. tonsillarum, it can be concluded that all Erysipelothrix strains detected by this PCR system in diseased pigs are E. rhusiopathiae because only E. rhusiopathiae is virulent for pigs. These results show that this PCR amplification system using the DNA sequence coding for 16S rRNA is very rapid and reliable and avoids cumbersome and lengthy cultivation steps, demonstrating that this system could be used for practical applications.
Twist-mediated Activation of the NK-4 Homeobox Gene in the Visceral Mesoderm of Drosophila Requires Two Distinct Clusters of E-box Regulatory Elements*

NK-4, also called msh2and tinman, encodes a homeodomain transcription factor that is required for the development of the dorsal mesoderm and its derivatives in the Drosophila embryo. Genetic analyses indicate that NK-4 resides downstream of the mesodermal determinant twist, which encodes a basic helix-loop-helix-type transcription factor. However, the regulation ofNK-4 by twist remains poorly understood. Using expression assays in cultured cells and transgenic flies, we show that two distinct clusters of E-box regulatory sequences, present upstream of the NK-4 gene, mediate NK-4 expression in the visceral mesoderm. These elements are conserved between the Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis NK-4 genes and serve as binding sites for Twist (E1 cluster) and NK-4 (E2 cluster) proteins. In cultured cells, Twist and NK-4 binding results in activation of NK-4 gene expression. In transgenic animals, the E1 and E2 clusters are functionally connected, and both elements are required for NK-4 activation in cells of the visceral mesoderm and also for NK-4 repression in cells of the somatic musculature. These results demonstrate that NK-4 is a direct transcriptional target for Twist and its own gene product in visceral mesodermal cells, supporting the idea that twistand NK-4 function in the subdivision of the mesoderm duringDrosophila embryogenesis.
Cloning and Functional Characterization of Octβ2-Receptor and Tyr1-Receptor in the Chagas Disease Vector, Rhodnius prolixus

Octopamine and tyramine, both biogenic amines, are bioactive chemicals important in diverse physiological processes in invertebrates. In insects, octopamine and tyramine operate analogously to epinephrine and norepinephrine in the vertebrates. Octopamine and tyramine bind to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) leading to changes in second messenger levels and thereby modifying the function in target tissues and insect behavior. In this paper, we report the cDNA sequences of two GPCRs, RhoprOctβ2-R, and RhoprTyr1-R, have been cloned and functionally characterized from Rhodnius prolixus. Octopamine and tyramine each activate RhoprOctβ2-R and RhoprTyr1-R in a dose-dependent manner. Octopamine is one order of magnitude more potent than tyramine in activating RhoprOctβ2-R. Tyramine is two orders of magnitude more potent than octopamine in activating RhoprTyr1-R. Phentolamine and gramine significantly antagonize RhoprOctβ2-R, whereas yohimbine and phenoxybenzamine are effective blockers of RhoprTyr1-R. The transcripts of both receptors are enriched in the central nervous system (CNS) and are expressed throughout the adult female reproductive system. It has been shown in other insects that Octβ2-R is essential for processes such as ovulation and fertilization. We previously reported that octopamine and tyramine modulate oviducts and bursa contractions in R. prolixus. Our data confirm the importance of octopamine and tyramine signaling in the reproductive system of R. prolixus.
Quality of powdered substitutes for breast milk with regard to members of the family Enterobacteriaceae

Members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were cultured from 52.5% of 141 milk substitute infant formulas which were obtained in 35 countries. The concentration did not exceed a level of 1 CFU/g in any product. The species which were isolated most frequently were Enterobacter agglomerans, cloacae, Enterobacter sakazakii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. If infections due to these organisms occur, it can be useful to include a check of the hygienic precautions which are taken during the preparation and storage of the formula. Milk powders without members of the Enterobacteriaceae might offer extra protection to the newborn if some multiplication does occur in the formula.
Concentration–Profitability Nexus: New Approach from Causality

Abstract The study revisits the concentration–profitability nexus of the structure–conduct–performance (SCP) paradigm. It contributes to the literature by considering the argument from the perspective of causality since existing empirical works only consider a unidirectional relationship of concentration as being determined by profitability, neglecting the feedback relationship. Unlike the existing studies, this study includes loan and advances, and the deposit concentration besides the total asset to capture concentration for robustness. Using Nigerian banking industry to test our proposition, the empirical results show the existence of bi-directional relationship between profitability and banking concentration indices, implying that past banking industry concentration indices can explain the present level of profitability in the Nigerian banking industry and vice versa. Furthermore, the results of the study also show a negative relationship between banking concentration and profitability levels in Nigeria.
Response of Thlaspi caerulescens to Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilisation

The main limiting factor for cleaning-up contaminated soils with hyperaccumulator plants is the low production of aerial biomass and the number of successive crops needed to reach the objective of remediation. The aim of this study was to contribute to the determination of a fertilisation strategy to optimise soil metal phytoextraction by Thlaspi caerulescens. A pot experiment was conducted on an agricultural soil and on a contaminated soil from the vicinity of a former Pb/Zn smelter. The nitrogen (N) treatment consisted of 4 levels (0, 11, 21.5 and 31 mg N kg−1 dry soil (DS)) added as NH4NO3. The highest N treatment was combined with 4 levels of phosphorus (P) (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg P kg−1 DS as KH2PO4) and sulfur (S) additions (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg S kg−1 DS as MgSO4). The highest N fertilisation contributed significantly to enhance biomass production of T. caerulescens and to decrease the concentration of Cd and Zn in the biomass. At constant N addition, P supply did not affect metal extraction by T. caerulescens but negatively affected plant health. Sulfur supply slightly increased phytoextraction of Cd. Our results show that N and S fertilisation might interact but further investigations on the effect of such interaction on Cd extraction efficiency are needed.
Parametric analysis and design of ultra fine assembly of micro dies

Feature size reduction of silicon IC has led to denser circuitries. An example of die size reduction is the emergence of 'dust-like' silicon dies used in radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which is well beyond the ability of commercial assembly machines to pick and place onto substrates for mounting. Self-assembly approaches based on liquid surface tension driven processes are used in place of individual pick and place for these micro dies. The process is capable of aligning and interconnecting large number of micro dies simultaneously. However, die tilting had been observed if the alignment design is not controlled. Self-alignment of micro dies on planar surfaces driven by liquid surface tension is analyzed using thermodynamics in this study. Numerical models developed in this study revealed that the tilting is not thermodynamically favored in alignment of regular dies because the system is dominated by body force. Micro dies have smaller body forces, and thermodynamics revealed that tilting is favored. Based on the model, the parameters that control tilting criteria are presented. Alignment with high accuracy can be achieved by adjusting the liquid volume and the binding site geometry.
Fabrication Techniques for Multilayer Metalization and Patterning, and Surface Mounting of Components on Cylindrical Substrates for Tube-Shaped Micro-Tools

This paper reports fabrication techniques for multilayer microstructures and surface mounting of small components on cylindrical substrates for tube-shaped high-performance micro-tools. A cylindrical shape is an ideal shape for micro medical tools inserted temporarily or implanted in the human body. Miniaturization, multifunctional capabilities, and high-performance are required for these tools. Tubular lumens, which are useful for the insertion of medical tools and for the injection of drugs, are necessary for endoscopes and catheters. Micro-fabrication on cylindrical substrates meets these demands. Multilayer metallization and patterning, as well as three-dimensional resist patterning have been performed using maskless lithography techniques on glass tubes with 2 and 3 mm outer diameters. Using laser soldering techniques, a high-speed OP amp has been mounted on a multilayer circuit formed on a glass tube to amplify small signals from micro medical sensors. These techniques will realize multifunctional and high-performance tube-shaped micro medical tools with small diameters
Peaking profiles for achieving long-term temperature targets with more likelihood at lower costs

How can dangerous interference with the climate system be avoided? Science can help decision-makers answer this political question. Earlier publications have focused on the probability of keeping global mean temperature change below certain thresholds by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations at particular levels. We compare the results of such “stabilization profiles” with a set of “peaking profiles” that reduce emissions further after stabilization and thus result in a concentration peak. Given the inertia in the climate system, stabilization profiles lead to ongoing warming beyond 2100 until the temperature reaches equilibrium. This warming partly can be prevented for peaking profiles. In this way, these profiles can increase the likelihood of achieving temperature thresholds by 10–20% compared with the likelihood for the associated stabilization profiles. Because the additional mitigation efforts and thus costs for peaking profiles lie mainly beyond 2100, peaking profiles achieving temperature thresholds with the same likelihood as the original stabilization profile, but at considerably lower cost (up to 40%), can be identified. The magnitude of the cost reductions depends on the assumptions on discounting. Peaking profiles and overshoot profiles with a limited overshoot may, in particular, play an important role in making more ambitious climate targets feasible.
Chirped Photonic Crystals for spatial filtering of light beams

Spatial filtering is broadly used to improve the spatial quality of light beams. The conventional technique of spatial filtering uses a confocal system of lenses. Recently, alternative methods for spatial filtering have been proposed, based on periodically micro-modulated refractive index materials on a wavelength scale - the Photonic Crystals (PhCs).
The influence of ankle dorsiflexion on jumping capacity and the modified agility t-test performance

Abstract Dorsiflexion sport shoes aim to increase jumping capacity and speed by means of a lower position of the heel in comparison with the forefoot, favouring additional stretching of the ankle plantar flexors. In previous studies, contradictory results have been found on the benefits of using this type of shoe. With the aim of comparing a dorsiflexion sport shoe model (DF) with a conventional sport shoe (CS), 41 participants performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) test and an agility test (MAT) with both models of shoe. There were no significant differences in the jump test [CS=35.3 cm (6.4) and DF=35.6 cm (6.4), P>0.05]. In the agility test, the conventional shoe obtained better results than the model with dorsiflexion with regard to time taken to complete the circuit [CS=6236 ms (540) and DF=6377 ms (507), P<0.05)]. In spite of producing pre-stretching of the plantar muscles, the DF sport shoes were not effective for improving either jump power or agility in a specific test.
Terpenoid secondary metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana: cDNA cloning, characterization, and functional expression of a myrcene/(E)-beta-ocimene synthase.

The Arabidopsis genome project has recently reported sequences with similarity to members of the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family of higher plants. Surprisingly, several Arabidopsis terpene synthase-like sequences (AtTPS) share the most identity with TPS genes that participate in secondary metabolism in terpenoid-accumulating plant species. Expression of a putative Arabidopsis terpene synthase gene, designated AtTPS03, was demonstrated by amplification of a 392-bp cDNA fragment using primers designed to conserved regions of plant terpene synthases. Using the AtTPS03 fragment as a hybridization probe, a second AtTPS cDNA, designated AtTPS10, was isolated from a jasmonate-induced cDNA library. The partial AtTPS10 cDNA clone contained an open reading frame of 1665 bp encoding a protein of 555 amino acids. Functional expression of AtTPS10 in Escherichia coli yielded an active monoterpene synthase enzyme, which converted geranyl diphosphate (C(10)) into the acyclic monoterpenes beta-myrcene and (E)-beta-ocimene and small amounts of cyclic monoterpenes. Based on sequence relatedness, AtTPS10 was classified as a member of the TPSb subfamily of angiosperm monoterpene synthases. Sequence comparison of AtTPS10 with previously cloned monoterpene synthases suggests independent events of functional specialization of terpene synthases during the evolution of terpenoid secondary metabolism in gymnosperms and angiosperms. Functional characterization of the AtTPS10 gene was prompted by the availability of Arabidopsis genome sequences. Although Arabidoposis has not been reported to form terpenoid secondary metabolites, the unexpected expression of TPS genes belonging to the TPSb subfamily in this species strongly suggests that terpenoid secondary metabolism is active in the model system Arabidopsis.
DRIVERS OF PRIVATE SAVING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

We utilize both the first-difference and the System GMM to estimate a dynamic private saving function for 39 Sub-Saharan African Countries. Parsimonious results show that the private saving rate is persistent; urbanization ratio, youth dependency ratio, elder dependency ratio, per capita income growth, terms of trade growth, public saving rate, general government consumption, real interest rate, credit to private sector, inflation and current account deficit exert a significant influence on the private saving rate. Apart from showing that the economic policy framework should take into account the persistent nature of the private saving rate, there are other policy insights from the estimation of the private saving model. There is especially the need to pursue growth-enhancing policies, to broaden the tax base, to implement trade-enhancing polices, to improve the functioning of the financial system and to design polices for prudent management of domestic resources in order to reduce current account deficits.