Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Financial Factors and the Implementation of Medications for Treating Opioid Use Disorders

Objectives:Despite the established effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for treating opioid use disorders, implementation of medications for addiction treatment (MAT) by specialty treatment programs is limited. This research examined relationships between organizational factors and the program-level implementation of MAT, with attention paid to specific sources of funding, organizational structure, and workforce resources. Methods:Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted in 2008 to 2009 with administrators of 154 community-based treatment programs affiliated with the National Institute on Drug Abuse's Clinical Trials Network; none of these programs exclusively dispensed methadone without offering other levels of care. Implementation of MAT was measured by summing the percentages of opioid patients receiving buprenorphine maintenance, methadone maintenance, and tablet naltrexone. Financial factors included the percentages of revenues received from Medicaid, private insurance, criminal justice, the Federal block grant, state government, and county government. Organizational structure and workforce characteristics were also measured. Results:Implementation of MAT for opioid use disorders was low. Greater reliance on Medicaid was positively associated with implementation after controlling for organizational structure and workforce measures, whereas the association for reliance on criminal justice revenues was negative. ConclusionsThe implementation of MAT for opioid use disorders by specialty addiction treatment programs may be facilitated by Medicaid but may be impeded by reliance on funding from the criminal justice system. These findings point to the need for additional research that considers the impact of organizational dependence on different types of funding on patterns of addiction treatment practice.
Epitope Mapping of Antibodies to the C-Terminal Region of the Integrin β2 Subunit Reveals Regions that Become Exposed Upon Receptor Activation1

The cysteine-rich repeats in the stalk region of integrin β subunits appear to convey signals impinging on the cytoplasmic domains to the ligand-binding headpiece of integrins. We have examined the functional properties of mAbs to the stalk region and mapped their epitopes, providing a structure-function map. Among a panel of 14 mAbs to the β2 subunit, one, KIM127, preferentially bound to αLβ2 that was activated by mutations in the cytoplasmic domains, and by Mn2+. KIM127 also bound preferentially to the free β2 subunit compared with resting αLβ2. Activating β2 mutations also greatly enhanced binding of KIM127 to integrins αMβ2 and αXβ2. Thus, the KIM127 epitope is shielded by the α subunit, and becomes reexposed upon receptor activation. Three other mAbs, CBR LFA-1/2, MEM48, and KIM185, activated αLβ2 and bound equally well to resting and activated αLβ2, differentially recognized resting αMβ2 and αXβ2, and bound fully to activated αMβ2 and αXβ2. The KIM127 epitope localizes within cysteine-rich repeat 2, to residues 504, 506, and 508. By contrast, the two activating mAbs CBR LFA-1/2 and MEM48 bind to overlapping epitopes involving residues 534, 536, 541, 543, and 546 in cysteine-rich repeat 3, and the activating mAb KIM185 maps near the end of cysteine-rich repeat 4. The nonactivating mAbs, 6.7 and CBR LFA-1/7, map more N-terminal, to subregions 344–432 and 432–487, respectively. We thus define five different β2 stalk subregions, mAb binding to which correlates with effect on activation, and define regions in an interface that becomes exposed upon integrin activation.
Cotranslational Membrane Protein Biogenesis at the Endoplasmic Reticulum*

In eukaryotic cells, most polypeptides destined to become membrane proteins are initially integrated into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before being sorted to the location at which they function. Integration occurs at sites in the ER membrane termed translocons that are comprised of a specific set of membrane proteins (1, 2). In most cases, proteins are integrated into the bilayer cotranslationally, i.e. at the same time that they are being synthesized by ribosomes. During this process, the biosynthetic machinery mediates the integration of transmembrane sequences (TMSs) into the nonpolar core of the bilayer and delivers aqueous cytoplasmic and luminal domains to the appropriate compartments. Simultaneously, a nascent protein may undergo covalent modification (e.g. signal sequence cleavage, disulfide bond formation, and N-glycosylation), folding, and interactions with other proteins (e.g. chaperones) that ultimately lead to the assembly of the polypeptide into a functional monomeric or multimeric complex (1–3). Membrane protein biogenesis is therefore exceedingly complex, especially because the mechanisms involved are further constrained by the need to maintain the permeability barrier of the membrane. Here we highlight the most recent advances in our understanding of cotranslational integration at the ER membrane, focusing on four overlapping areas: translocon structural and functional states; nascent chain topogenesis; insertion of TMSs into the bilayer; and nascent chain regulation of integration. Other processes coupled with integration (e.g. covalent modification, folding, assembly, and quality control) and protein integration at other membranes are beyond the scope of this minireview.
Embracing Alter-Identities: Socio-Cultural Development for Graduate Education.

This qualitative case study examines one faculty member’s approach toward instilling culturally immersive experiences into graduate curriculum. Participants completed course assignments designed to enhance their multicultural understanding and competence. Course assignments culminated in an immersive experience where students embodied an alter-identity representative of a culture, sub-culture, or group either foreign to the student or opposite themselves. Results indicated that the designed cultural immersion did assist students in transitioning their cultural knowledge from a basic understanding to a greater cultural competence.
Particle swarm optimization with Gaussian mutation

In this paper we present particle swarm optimization with Gaussian mutation combining the idea of the particle swarm with concepts from evolutionary algorithms. This method combines the traditional velocity and position update rules with the ideas of Gaussian mutation. This model is tested and compared with the standard PSO and standard GA. The comparative experiments have been conducted on unimodal functions and multimodal functions. PSO with Gaussian mutation is able to obtain a result superior to GA. We also apply the PSO with Gaussian mutation to a gene network. Consequently, it has succeeded in acquiring better results than those by GA and PSO alone.
Functions of the Multifaceted Family of Sphingosine Kinases and Some Close Relatives*

Sphingosine kinases (SphK)3 are prototypical members of a highly conserved family of signaling enzymes. They are present in organisms as diverse as mammals, flies, worms, yeast, and plants and catalyze the phosphorylation of sphingosine to form the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Two distinct mammalian isoforms have been identified, SphK1 and SphK2. Other close relatives, ceramide kinase (CerK) and the more promiscuous acylglycerol kinase (AGK), are now emerging as lipid-signaling kinases with important functions. This brief reviewwill focus on the biochemical properties of this novel family of lipid kinases with emphasis on recent studies that have begun to uncover the biological functions of their phosphorylated products.
Predicting Corporate Financial Distress Using Data Mining Techniques An Application in Tehran Stock Exchange

Purpose – Financial distress is the most notable distress for companies. During the past four decades, predicting corporate bankruptcy and financial distress has become a significant concern for the various stakeholders in firms. This paper aims to predict financial distress of Iranian firms, with four techniques: support vector machines, artificial neural networks (ANN), k-nearest neighbor and na i ve bayesian classifier by using accounting information of the firms for two years prior to financial distress. Design/methodology/approach – The distressed companies in this study are chosen based on Article 141 of Iranian Commercial Codes, i.e. accumulated losses exceeds half of equity, based on which 117 companies qualified for the current study. The research population includes all the companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange during the financial period from 2011-2012 to 2013-2014, that is, three consecutive periods. Findings – By making a comparison between performances of models, it is concluded that ANN.
Performance constrained floorplanning based on partial clustering [IC layout]

In this paper, we propose a partial clustered floorplanning method based on a corner block list (CBL) representation. The hierarchical strategies in this paper are designed for localizing the performance-constrained nets. We devise a sub CBL to represent the cluster and embed the sub CBL into the final CBL list. We combine the iterative optimization of the cluster packing into the annealing process. Therefore, the shape of the cluster can be optimized not only for the area and wirelength within the cluster, but also for the performance of the total packing. Our method can achieve a very stable performance and the feasibility of the final solution is guaranteed. Experimental results on an MCNC benchmark show the effectiveness of the method.
Experimental Epilepsy Models and Morphologic Alterations of Experimental Epilepsy Models in Brain and Hippocampus

Epilepsy is a neurological disease arising from abnormal and uncontrollable electrical firings of a group of neurons appearing in the central nervous system. Experimental epilepsy models have been developed to assess the pathophysiology of epileptic seizures and to search for new effective anti-epileptic drugs. This chapter is designed to describe characteristics of experimental epilepsy models and morphological and anatomical changes of brain, particularly hippocampus (Figure 1), in these models. Because of the hippocampal neuronal hyperexcitability during epileptic seizures, hippocampus has been one of the best choices in terms of target area that reveals most efficiently the effects of seizures in experimental epilepsy models. The purpose of the study determines which model should be chosen for epilepsies. This type of studies may have three purposes: 1. Developing new drugs, 2. Exploring the mechanisms, 3. Determining the relationships between basic events and the development of events for epilepsy. An ideal model of epilepsy should have the following characteristics: 1. Seizures should be as the spontaneous recurrent seizures, 2. Seizures should be similar to seizures in humans, 3. The EEG pattern should be similar to related type of epilepsy, and 4. The frequency of seizures should be sufficient to test acute and chronic effects of drugs. However, there is no single model that meets all these criteria. Some researchers classify seizures according to generation of the epilepsy model, not according to seizures in humans. Experimental models are divided into three groups according to this classification: 1. experimental seizures induced by chemical convulsants or by electrical stimulation, 2. reflex epilepsies, and 3. idiopathic epilepsies. Epileptic seizures are classified in three groups: 1. Partial seizures, which can be further subdivided into simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures. 2. Generalized seizures which can be further subdivided into tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic (grand mal), absence (petit-mal) seizures, and status epilepticus. 3. Unclassified seizures. In experimental epilepsy studies, animal models have been developed according to this classification (Table-1).
Recognition of Speech Presented at Soft to Loud Levels by Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients of Three Cochlear Implant Systems

Objective: The purpose of this study was to conduct a large-scale investigation with adult recipients of the Clarion, Med-El, and Nucleus cochlear implant systems to (1) determine average scores and ranges of performance for word and sentence stimuli presented at three intensity levels (70, 60, and 50 dB SPL); (2) provide information on the variability of scores for each subject by obtaining test-retest measures for all test conditions; and (3) further evaluate the potential use of lower speech presentation levels (i.e., 60 and/or 50 dB SPL) in cochlear implant candidacy assessment. Design: Seventy-eight adult cochlear implant recipients, 26 with each of the three cochlear implant systems, participated in the study. To ensure that the data collected reflect the range of performance of adult recipients using recent technology for the three implant systems (Clarion HiFocus I or II, Med-El Combi 40+, Nucleus 24M or 24R), a composite range and distribution of consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) monosyllabic word scores was determined. Subjects using each device were selected to closely represent this range and distribution of CNC performance. During test sessions, subjects were administered the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) sentence test and the CNC word test at three presentation levels (70, 60, and 50 dB SPL). HINT sentences also were administered at 60 dB SPL with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of +8 dB. Warble tones were used to determine sound-field threshold levels from 250 to 4000 Hz. Test-retest measures were obtained for each of the speech recognition tests as well as for warble-tone sound-field thresholds. Results: Cochlear implant recipients using the Clarion, Med-El, or Nucleus devices performed on average equally as well at 60 compared with 70 dB SPL when listening for words and sentences. Additionally, subjects had substantial open-set speech perception performance at the softer level of 50 dB SPL for the same stimuli; however, subjects' ability to understand speech was poorer when listening in noise to signals of greater intensity (60 dB SPL + 8 SNR) than when listening to signals presented at a soft presentation level (50 dB SPL) in quiet. A significant correlation was found between sound-field thresholds and speech recognition scores for presentation levels below 70 dB SPL. The results demonstrated a high test-retest reliability with cochlear implant users for these presentation levels and stimuli. Average sound-field thresholds were between 24 and 29 dB HL for frequencies of 250 to 4000 Hz, and results across sessions were essentially the same. Conclusions: Speech perception measures used with cochlear implant candidates and recipients should reflect the listening challenges that individuals encounter in natural communication situations. These data provide the basis for recommending new candidacy criteria based on speech recognition tests presented at 60 and/or 50 dB SPL, intensity levels that reflect real-life listening, rather than 70 dB SPL.
A randomized, blinded trial of high-dose epinephrine versus standard-dose epinephrine in a swine model of pediatric asphyxial cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether high-dose epinephrine administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a swine pediatric asphyxial cardiac arrest model improves outcome (i.e., resuscitation rate, survival rate, and neurologic function) compared with standard-dose epinephrine. DESIGN A randomized, blinded study. SETTING A large animal cardiovascular laboratory at a university. SUBJECTS Thirty domestic piglets (3 to 4 months of age) were randomized to receive standard-dose epinephrine (0.02 mg/kg) or high-dose epinephrine (0.2 mg/kg) during CPR after 10 mins of cardiac standstill with loss of aortic pulsation after endotracheal tube clamping. INTERVENTIONS Two minutes of CPR were provided, followed by advanced pediatric life support. Successfully resuscitated animals were supported in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting for 2 hrs and then observed for 24 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Electrocardiogram, thoracic aortic blood pressure, and right atrial blood pressure were monitored continuously until the intensive care period ended. Survival rate and neurologic outcome were determined. Return of spontaneous circulation was obtained in 13 of 15 high-dose epinephrine piglets vs. ten of 15 standard-dose epinephrine piglets (p < .20). Four of 13 high-dose piglets died in the ICU period after initial resuscitation vs. 0 of ten standard-dose piglets (p < or = .05). Nine high-dose piglets survived 2 hrs vs. ten standard-dose piglets. Three piglets in each group survived for 24 hrs, but all were severely neurologically impaired. Two minutes after resuscitation, piglets treated with high-dose epinephrine had higher heart rates (210 +/- 24 vs. 189 +/- 40 beats/min, p < .05) and higher aortic diastolic pressures (121 +/- 39 vs. 74 +/- 40 mm Hg, p < .01). Within 10 mins of return of spontaneous circulation, severe tachycardia (> 240 beats/min) was more frequently noted in the high-dose group than in the standard-dose group (p < .05). All four high-dose piglets that died in the ICU period experienced ventricular fibrillation within 10 mins of return of spontaneous circulation. CONCLUSIONS High-dose epinephrine did not improve 2-hr survival rate, 24-hr survival rate, or neurologic outcome. High-dose epinephrine resulted in severe tachycardia and hypertension immediately after resuscitation and in a higher mortality rate immediately after resuscitation.
PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil and vardenafil, reverse multidrug resistance by inhibiting the efflux function of multidrug resistance protein 7 (ATP‐binding Cassette C10) transporter

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Recently, several groups have evaluated the ability of PDE5 inhibitors for their anticancer activities. Previously, we had shown that sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil could reverse P‐glycoprotein (ATP‐binding cassette B1)‐mediated MDR. In the present study, we determined whether these PDE5 inhibitors have the potential to reverse multidrug resistance protein 7 (MRP7; ATP‐binding cassette C10)‐mediated MDR. We found that sildenafil and vardenafil dose‐dependently enhanced the sensitivity of MRP7‐transfected HEK293 cells to paclitaxel, docetaxel and vinblastine, while tadalafil had only a minimal effect. Accumulation and efflux experiments demonstrated that sildenafil and vardenafil increased the intracellular accumulation of [3H]‐paclitaxel by inhibiting the efflux of [3H]‐paclitaxel in HEK/MRP7 cells. In addition, immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses indicated that no significant alterations of MRP7 protein expression and localization in plasma membranes were found after treatment with sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil. These results demonstrate that sildenafil and vardenafil reverse MRP7‐mediated a MDR through inhibition of the drug efflux function of MRP7. Our findings indicate a potentially novel use of PDE5 inhibitors as an adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent in clinical practice. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02328.x, 2012)
Perceptual distortions of the human body image produced by local anaesthesia, pain and cutaneous stimulation

1 Knowledge of the size and orientation of the hand is essential if it is to be moved accurately in space. We used two psychophysical methods to determine whether the perceived size of a body part changes when its sensory input is changed: first, the selection of scaled drawings which matched the apparent size of a body part, and second, a motor task in which the subject drew the body part to depict its perceived size. 2 Complete anaesthesia of the thumb (with a digital nerve block) significantly increased its perceived size by 60–70% when assessed with both psychophysical methods. During this anaesthesia, the perceived size of the adjacent index finger or digits on the contralateral side was unaltered. However, the size of the unanaesthetized lips increased (by ∼50%). 3 Marked sensory loss for the lips (produced by topical anaesthetics) significantly increased their perceived size when assessed with both methods of measurement. There was a small increase in apparent size of the thumb. 4 To determine whether changes in perceived size could also be produced by an elevation of peripheral inputs, innocuous electrical stimulation of the digital nerves and also painful cooling of the digit were used. Both procedures produced small but significant increases in perceived size of the stimulated part. 5 The results highlight lability in the perceived size of parts of the body and how this affects motor output. The data may reveal perceptual consequences of acute changes in central somatosensory maps, changes which are known to occur with deafferentation.
The Role of Alcohol in Adolescent Relapse and Outcome

Abstract Although adolescents entering treatment for substance abuse typically use several substances, alcohol is seldom the drug of choice. Given alcohol's role as a gateway substance in the initiation of substance misuse, the authors hypothesize that alcohol is substantially involved in adolescent relapse following substance abuse treatment. One hundred fifty-seven youths (39.5% female, mean age 15.91 years) were recruited from adolescent inpatient alcohol and drug treatment centers and assessed at six and 12 months after discharge. Of the youths studied, 79% had used one or more substances by 12-month follow-up. Although only 1% reported alcohol as their substance of choice while hospitalized, alcohol was involved in 46% of initial posttreatment use episodes. Almost a quarter (23%) of initial posttreatment substance use events involved multiple substances. Initial posttreatment use episodes involving multiple substances and preferred substances were associated with poorer outcomes during the year following treatment both in terms of rate of return to and severity of substance involvement. Youths who initially used only alcohol were also likely to resume harmful levels of substance involvement by one year after treatment. Results suggest two routes. gateway and preferred substance, for adolescents in the resumption of harmful substance use following treatment. This gateway role merits consideration by adolescent substance abuse treatment providers and families of treated youths.
Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Epidemiological Review

In this review, we have sought to examine the epidemiological, basic science, and public health data regarding the association between second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). SHS increases the risk of CHD by 25–30% according to multiple cohort, case-control, and meta-analytical studies. Physiologic and basic science research suggest that the mechanisms by which SHS affects the cardiovascular system are multiple and include increased thrombogenesis and low-density lipoprotein oxidation, decreased exercise tolerance, dysfunctional flow-mediated vasodilatation, and activation of inflammatory pathways with concomitant oxidative damage and impaired vascular repair. As a result, chronic exposure promotes atherogenesis and the development of cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of having an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). With the implementation of statewide and nationwide public smoke-free legislation across the United States and Europe, respectively, over the last 10–15 years, there has been a significant and reciprocal decline in the incidence of emergency admissions for ACS by an average 17% despite persistent attempts on the part of the tobacco industry to diminish the correlation between SHS exposure and CHD. These findings underscore the importance of the effects of smoking legislation on community health.