Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of the Minnesota Model approach in the treatment of adolescent drug abusers.

AIMS The treatment outcome of drug-abusing adolescents treated with a 12-Step approach. DESIGN The study compares drug use outcome data at 6 and 12 months post-treatment among three groups of adolescents: those who completed treatment, those who did not and those on a waiting list. Also, among treatment completers, residential and outpatient samples were compared on outcome. SETTING The treatment site is located in the Minneapolis/St Paul area of Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred and forty-five drug clinic-referred adolescents (12-18 years old), all of whom met at least one DSM-III-R substance dependence disorder. One hundred and seventy-nine subjects received either complete or incomplete 12-Step, Minnesota Model treatment and 66 were waiting list subjects. MEASUREMENTS In addition to demographics and clinical background variables, measures included treatment involvement, treatment setting and drug use frequency at intake and follow-up. FINDINGS Absolute and relative outcome analyses indicated that completing treatment was associated with far superior outcome compared to those who did not complete treatment or receive any at all. The percentage of treatment completers who reported either abstinence or a minor lapse for the 12 months following treatment was 53%, compared to 15 and 28% for the incompleter and waiting list groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Favorable treatment outcome for drug abuse was about two to three times more likely if treatment was completed. Also, there were no outcome differences between residential and outpatient groups. Alcohol was the most common drug used during the follow-up period, despite cannabis being the preferred drug at intake.
#IranVotes: Political Discourse on Iranian Twitter during the 2016 Parliamentary Elections

In this study, we map and analyze the content and structural features of the Iranian Twittersphere as exhibited over the course of the 2016 legislative elections in order to identify the communities that developed around various political, social, and cultural issues and to assess the influence of online political campaigning that emerged on the platform over the course of the election campaign. Given Iran’s ongoing efforts to control and restrict freedom of expression in public spaces, we are interested to assess how users make use of the uncensored space provided by Twitter to speak out about various contentious issues. We achieve this by engaging in network analysis and content analysis of tweets and media content posted over the course of the election period.Although Twitter remains blocked by the Iranian authorities, the widespread use of circumvention tools by Iranian citizens has allowed them to make use of it as a free and open space for public engagement around contentious and divisive political and social issues. Using a mixed-methods approach combining social network analysis with qualitative content analysis of election-related content of the Iranian Twittersphere during the elections, we identify and analyze 46 clusters of users ranging from human rights activists through to reformist and conservative political commentators, technology advocates, and literature enthusiasts. In addition to these interestbound clusters, we also observe that the network is home to extensive networks of everyday users, who share jokes, idle chatter, and flirtatious messages. Although the Twittersphere hosts a significant volume of political content, it is by no means a purely political space.The intense online activity of the Iranian diaspora and the extent of its engagement with digital networks of activists and journalists inside the Islamic Republic is another major feature of the Iranian Twittersphere that we explore in this study — we observe that the level of interconnectedness between diasporic and domestic networks is remarkably high, indicating that the Iranian Twittersphere offers more than just an uncensored space for activists inside Iran, but provides Iranians in exile with the opportunity to engage with the development of political and social discourses inside the country.We find that the scale of Twitter activity amongst diaspora Iranians and more liberal segments of Iranian society has had two major impacts upon the political makeup of the Twittersphere: firstly, a general politicization of the Twittersphere; and secondly, the squeezing out of politically divergent voices — especially from conservative factions, who appear to have found their home on alternative (unblocked) social networking sites. Although it does not necessarily hold a hugely politically diverse or representative chunk of Iranian netizens, the Iranian Twittersphere does function as an important bridge to connect the country’s vast diaspora networks to politically engaged, reformist-leaning citizens living inside Iran.
Rapid background subtraction from video sequences

This paper presents a technique to detect the moving objects quickly and accurately by using a background subtraction algorithm called RaBS (Rapid Background Subtraction). The aim of RaBS is to distinguish between moving objects (referred as foreground) from the static one (referred as background) rapidly and efficiently. RaBS constructs for each pixel, a pixel model which is a collection of background samples taken in the past at the same location or in the neighborhood. The pixel model is constructed using the background pixels alone excluding the foreground pixels, if any. The current pixel is classified as foreground or background by comparing it with the corresponding pixel model. Before declaring a pixel as foreground it is passed through a shadow detection mechanism. If it is shadow then the current pixel will be classified as background but this pixel will not be used for updating the pixel model. The pixel model is then updated by using a random policy. Finally, the value of background pixel is propagated into the pixel model of a neighboring pixel. The update algorithm considers the pixels in the neighborhood also thereby exploiting the spatial dependencies. Spatial dependency makes the algorithm robust to camera oscillations. The algorithm relies exclusively on integer computations which makes it suitable for embedded applications.
Oxygen status algorithm, version 3, with some applications

The Oxygen Status Algorithm is a computer program which uses measurements from a pH & blood gas analyser and a haemoximeter to calculate the oxygen status and the acid‐base status of the arterial blood. Version 3 features on‐line data collection from the analyser; storage of up to 2000 patient cases in a Lotus 123 file format; printing of a Cumulated Patient Report in addition to the Patient Status Report; combination of arterial and mixed venous data for calculation of the shunt and the oxygen consumption rate (when cardiac output is keyed in); calculation of reference values for fetal haemoglobin for newborns (when gestational age is keyed in). Examples of applications answer the following questions:
Low-Loss and Low-DMD 6-Mode 19-Core Fiber With Cladding Diameter of Less Than 250 μm

We investigate a few-mode multicore fiber structure suitable for realizing a high spatial density while maintaining a feasible cladding diameter. First, we discuss the impact of cladding diameter on mechanical reliability, and set a target cladding diameter of less than 250 μm to maintain a comparable reliability to conventional fiber. We then optimize the 6-mode core profile to obtain a low differential mode delay (DMD) characteristic and reveal that a hexagonally arranged 19-core structure can realize more than 100 spatial channels with a cladding diameter of less than 250 μm. Finally, we fabricate 6-mode 19-core fiber with a 246 μm cladding diameter and realize a relative core multiplicity factor of more than 60 with a low loss and a DMD of less than 0.24 dB/km and 0.33 ns/km, respectively.
Use of Asymptotic Waveform Evaluation Technique in the Analysis of Multilayer Structures With Doubly Periodic Dielectric Gratings

The reflection and dispersion characteristics of multilayer structures that involve periodically implanted material blocks are obtained by using the MoM solution of the volume integral equation. The asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE) technique is utilized to obtain a Pade approximation of the solution in terms of a parameter such as frequency or incident angle. The use of AWE technique enables a fast sweep with respect to the approximation parameter. Moreover, a robust method for extracting the dispersion characteristics of periodic structures via Pade approximation is proposed. The AWE procedure requires the calculation of high order derivatives of the complicated kernel function that consists of Green's functions for stratified medium. These derivatives are calculated by employing the automatic differentiation theory. The reflection coefficient, propagation constant and band diagram of the structure are obtained both via point-by-point simulations and through the use of AWE technique. It is observed that AWE technique increases the computational efficiency without losing accuracy.
Designing Haptic Assistive Technology for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

This paper considers issues relevant for the design and use of haptic technology for assistive devices for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in some of the major areas of importance: Braille reading, tactile graphics, orientation and mobility. We show that there is a wealth of behavioral research that is highly applicable to assistive technology design. In a few cases, conclusions from behavioral experiments have been directly applied to design with positive results. Differences in brain organization and performance capabilities between individuals who are “early blind” and “late blind” from using the same tactile/haptic accommodations, such as the use of Braille, suggest the importance of training and assessing these groups individually. Practical restrictions on device design, such as performance limitations of the technology and cost, raise questions as to which aspects of these restrictions are truly important to overcome to achieve high performance. In general, this raises the question of what it means to provide functional equivalence as opposed to sensory equivalence.
A Qualitative Approach to Convergence of Higher Education Policies in Europe

This chapter analyzes the state of convergence in European higher education, in the Bologna framework (as set in the Bologna declaration of 1999), based on the indicators of national policies. The authors analyzed the research papers dedicated to the topic in mainstream literature, and on that basis, they proposed a set of models for discussing policies and select relevant indicators. These indicators were debated with 10 knowledgeable experts in the field of higher education and university management, and stemming from the discussions, a questionnaire was drafted. The questionnaire was then sent out to 500 people in the HE system (following a snowball sampling). The authors received 109 valid questionnaires, which were qualitatively analyzed in the study. Thus, they find and discuss the most suitable indicators for characterizing the convergence of policies in higher education. Simona Vasilache Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Rapid Effects of Calciotropic Hormones on Female Rat Enterocytes: Combined Actions of 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3, PTH and 17β-Estradiol on Intracellular Ca2+ Regulation

1,25(OH)(2)-Vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], PTH and 17beta-estradiol increase intracellular Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat enterocytes by stimulating inner Ca(2+) store mobilization and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels through non-genomic activation of second-messenger cascades. The participation of store-operated Ca(2+) (SOC) channels in 17beta-estradiol regulation of enterocyte [Ca(2+)](i) has also been suggested. The aim of this work was to investigate whether PTH and/or 17beta-estradiol exert additive or synergistic effects acting in concert with the classic intestinal calciotropic hormone 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Fura-2-loaded rat duodenal cells were stimulated using rPTH (10 nM), 17beta-estradiol (0.1 nM) or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (0.1 nM). The resulting Ca(2+) signal was characterized by an almost immediate rise in [Ca(2+)](i) (within 30 s) rapidly reaching peak levels, followed by a plateau phase that remained sustained as long as the cells were exposed to the stimulus. The addition of PTH at the sustained phase induced by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) or, conversely, the addition of the secosteroid after the PTH-induced effect, did not induce additional increases in [Ca(2+)](i). Simultaneous treatment with both hormones resulted in an elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) equivalent to the maximal level caused by either agonist alone, suggesting common components for [Ca(2+)]i stimulation by PTH and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Treatment with 17beta-estradiol at the sustained phase induced by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) or, conversely, treatment with the secosteroid after the 17beta-estradiol effect, induced additional increments in [Ca(2+)](i) (58 % and 63 %, respectively). Simultaneous treatment of enterocytes with both steroids potentiated their individual effects to the same extent as when added sequentially, also indicative of additive actions mediated by different sources of calcium signaling cascades. Moreover, 17beta-estradiol failed to further increase the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced initial Ca(2+) elevation in Ca(2+)-free medium, thus suggesting that extracellular influx mechanisms rather than intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization account for estrogen potentiation of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) modulation of [Ca(2+)](i) in duodenal cells.
Effectiveness of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a scoping review

Objective Frequent users of healthcare services are a vulnerable population, often socioeconomically disadvantaged, who can present multiple chronic conditions as well as mental health problems. Case management (CM) is the most frequently performed intervention to reduce healthcare use and cost. This study aimed to examine the evidence of the effectiveness of CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services. Design Scoping review. Data sources An electronic literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, Scopus and CINAHL databases covering January 2004 to December 2015. A specific search strategy was developed for each database using keywords ‘case management’ and ‘frequent use’. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies To be included in the review, studies had to report effects of a CM intervention on healthcare use and cost or patient outcomes. Eligible designs included randomised and non-randomised controlled trials and controlled and non-controlled before–after studies. Studies limited to specific groups of patients or targeting a single disease were excluded. Three reviewers screened abstracts, screened each full-text article and extracted data, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Results The final review included 11 articles evaluating the effectiveness of CM interventions among frequent users of healthcare services. Two non-randomised controlled studies and 4 before–after studies reported positives outcomes on healthcare use or cost. Two randomised controlled trials, 2 before–after studies and 1 non-randomised controlled study presented mitigated results. Patient outcomes such as drug and alcohol use, health locus of control, patient satisfaction and psychological functioning were evaluated in 3 studies, but no change was reported. Conclusions Many studies suggest that CM could reduce emergency department visits and hospitalisations as well as cost. However, pragmatic randomised controlled trials of adequate power that recruit the most frequent users of healthcare services are still needed to clearly confirm its effectiveness.
Ontogeny of serotonergic neurons in Aplysia californica

Although the identity, projection patterns, and functions of serotonergic neurons in juvenile and adult Aplysiaare relatively well understood, little is known about the development of these cells. We have used light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to investigate the genesis, differentiation, identity, and fate of the serotonergic cells in the embryonic, larval, and metamorphic stages of the life cycle of Aplysia. The results indicate that the first serotonergic cells emerge at midembryogenesis and that a total of five cells makes up the entire serotonergic system by hatching. These cells are part of a newly discovered ganglion in Aplysia, called the apical ganglion. This serotonergic system of five cells remains essentially intact throughout larval development. The apical ganglion, together with its serotonergic cells, is resorbed at metamorphosis. A distinct set of serotonergic cells, which begins to emerge by the end of the larval period, is rapidly elaborated during the metamorphic and early juvenile periods to form the adult serotonergic system. These results support the view that the larval and adult forms of the Aplysia nervous system consist of entirely distinct sets of serotonergic cells, each adapted to the stage‐specific morphological and behavioral characteristics of the animal. J. Comp. Neurol. 386:477‐490, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation and Research of the Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller of the Ship Test Bed

Because of the perturbations and disturbances of electro-hydraulic servo systems, the normal controller can't obtain good output responses under various conditions. The sliding mode control (SMC) based on fuzzy logic was presented for the system, and this approach can adjust parameters of reaching law at real time. Simulation results show that the improved system has nice robustness, and it is not sensitive to load variances and external disturbances. This fuzzy sliding mode controller has good dynamic performance, suppresses the undesirable chattering of control signal completely, and provides valuable reference for actual application
CHIP Is an Essential Determinant of Neuronal Mitochondrial Stress Signaling.

AIMS Determine the mechanism by which C-terminus of HSC70-interacting protein (CHIP) induction alters neuronal survival under conditions of mitochondrial stress induced by oxygen glucose deprivation. RESULTS We report that animals deficient in the E3 ubiquitin ligase, CHIP, have high baseline levels of central nervous system protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidant defenses, and decreased energetic status. Stress-associated molecules typically linked to Parkinson's disease such as the mitochondrial kinase, PTEN-inducible putative kinase 1 (PINK1), and another E3 ligase, Parkin, are upregulated in brains from CHIP knockout (KO) animals. Utilizing a novel biotin-avidin capture technique, we found that the oxidation status of Parkin and the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), are altered in a CHIP-dependent manner. We also found that following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), the expression of CHIP, PINK1, and the autophagic marker, LC3, increase and there is activation of the redox-sensitive kinase p66(shc). Under conditions of OGD, CHIP relocalizes from the cytosol to mitochondria. Mitochondria from CHIP KO mice have profound impairments in stress response induced by calcium overload, resulting in accelerated permeability transition activity. While CHIP-deficient neurons are morphologically intact, they are more susceptible to OGD consistent with a previously unknown neuroprotective role for CHIP in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. INNOVATION CHIP relocalization to the mitochondria is essential for the regulation of mitochondrial integrity and neuronal survival following OGD. CONCLUSIONS CHIP is an essential regulator of neuronal bioenergetics and redox tone. Altering the expression of this protein has profound effects on neuronal survival when cells are exposed to OGD.
Mitigating Rogue-Trading Behavior by Means of Appropriate, Effective Operational Risk Management

This paper discusses the violation of applicable firm guidelines by individuals employed by a bank or financial institution and suggests specific metrics to identify and prevent such behavior by means of appropriate, effective operational risk management. Since the actor is usually socially inconspicuous, and since the associated financial damage does not necessarily have to be verifiable through classic valuation methods (e.g. financial statements), we feel that it is very difficult for banks and financial institutions to uncover such behavior. Nevertheless, in order to be able to react to this latent risk, we apply modern, basic criminological assumptions to analyse the relationship between the multiple causes of the risk and their effects in the underlying risk origination process. The analysis is performed based on Schneider's model, which is used to describe the criminal behavior of socially inconspicuous individuals. Based on the result of that analysis, we design a specific conceptual risk indicator that approximates the underlying risk exposure by means of a linear function. We then operate the developed risk indicators through a dashboard, tracking the development of each valid indicator value through time. The effectiveness of the measures taken to counteract the risk can be derived from the development of the displayed indicator value and the related trend.
Genetic variants associated with optic nerve vertical cup-to-disc ratio are risk factors for primary open angle glaucoma in a US Caucasian population.

PURPOSE Genetically complex disorders, such as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), may include highly heritable quantitative traits as part of the overall phenotype, and mapping genes influencing the related quantitative traits may effectively identify genetic risk factors predisposing to the complex disease. Recent studies have identified SNPs associated with optic nerve area and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between these SNPs and POAG in a US Caucasian case-control sample. METHODS Five SNPs previously associated with optic disc area, or VCDR, were genotyped in 539 POAG cases and 336 controls. Genotype data were analyzed for single SNP associations and SNP interactions with VCDR and POAG. RESULTS SNPs associated with VCDR rs1063192 (CDKN2B) and rs10483727 (SIX1/SIX6) were also associated with POAG (P = 0.0006 and P = 0.0043 for rs1063192 and rs10483727, respectively). rs1063192, associated with smaller VCDR, had a protective effect (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.90), whereas rs10483727, associated with larger VCDR, increased POAG risk (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08-1.65). POAG risk associated with increased VCDR was significantly influenced by the C allele of rs1900004 (ATOH7), associated with increased optic nerve area (P-interaction = 0.025; OR = 1.89; 95% CI, 1.22-2.94). CONCLUSIONS Genetic variants influencing VCDR are associated with POAG in a US Caucasian population. Variants associated with optic nerve area are not independently associated with disease but can influence the effects of VCDR variants suggesting that increased optic disc area can significantly contribute to POAG risk when coupled with risk factors controlling VCDR.
Cutting Edge: CTLs Rapidly Capture Membrane Fragments from Target Cells in a TCR Signaling-Dependent Manner1

Upon encounter of a CTL with a target cell carrying foreign Ags, the TCR internalizes with its ligand, the peptide-MHC class I complex. However, it is unclear how this can happen mechanistically because MHC molecules are anchored to the target cell’s surface via a transmembrane domain. By using antigenic peptides and lipids that were fluorescently labeled, we found that CTLs promptly capture target cell membranes together with the antigenic peptide as well as various other surface proteins. This efficient and specific capture process requires sustained TCR signaling. Our observations indicate that this process allows efficient acquisition of the Ag by CTL, which may in turn regulate lymphocyte activation or elimination.