An Orientation to the United States

The main purpose of this text is to provide a format through which a foreign student can gain a better understanding of the United States and its people. A secondary goal is to encourage students to use and improve their aural/oral skills. Due to the nature of the topic of the lessons, students should find it easy to contribute to active discussions. At times, the students are forced to mix with the target culture through activities provided at the end of each lesson. The text consists of fifty lessons with each lesson having a single topic as focus of contrast, discussion and investigation. The topics fall into the following general categories: Home and Daily Activities, Social Customs, Transportation, Education and Miscellaneous. The first page of each lesson provides the student with a contrast between Iran and the United States. The second page of each lesson supplies additional information on the United States, and offers a variety of activities designed to further the students\u27 understanding of the United States. A majority of the lessons are accompanied by slides to be presented as an introduction to the topics. These slides serve to illustrate a particular aspect of the United States or its culture

Comparisons of IASI-A and AATSR measurements of top-of-atmosphere radiance over an extended period

This study examines the trustworthiness of the Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI-A), as on-orbit reference instruments that are useful in re-calibrating the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) series (Mittaz and Harris, 2011). To do this, a 39-month period (1 January 2008 to 31 March 2011) of AATSR and IASI-A inter-comparisons of top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance measurements is examined. Our inter-comparison reveals features of the AATSR and IASI-A bias with respect to scan angle, scene temperature, time and orbital maneuvers, and gives insight into their trustworthiness as an in-orbit reference instruments. The first feature that our study reveals is that the AATSR (nadir view) and IASI-A are both stable (have no perceptible trends in the period of study). The second feature is that IASI-A is perhaps more accurate ( ∼  0.05 K) than its stated accuracy (0.5 K). In fact the AATSR and IASI-A bias is close to the AATSR pre-launch bias (plus a small offset of +0.07 K) implying that IASI-A can get close to pre-launch levels of accuracy. Third, a very small scan angular dependence of AATSR and IASI-A bias indicates that the IASI-A response vs. scan angle algorithm is robust, while the instrument is in orbit. Inter-comparisons of AATSR with IASI-A further reveal the impact of orbital maneuvers of the ENVISAT, the platform carrying AATSR, done in October 2011 and not anticipated previously. Our study reveals that this maneuver introduced a temperature-dependent bias in the AATSR measurements for low temperatures (< 240 K) in the period following this maneuver (Cocevar et al., 2011). Our study also shows that the known AATSR 12 µm channel offset is in fact temperature dependent, grows up to 0.4 K, varies seasonally and is correlated with instrument temperature and cannot be corrected by shifting the spectral response function (SRF) of AATSR. We also present a set of recommendations to help identify the parameters under which these instruments can provide the most trustworthy observations for the AVHRR re-calibration

Maximising the potential of administrative data to examine homelessness in Northern Ireland

Objectives Homelessness is a growing public health concern in Northern Ireland. Our study intends to measure the scale of homelessness in Northern Ireland and identify the potential of using linked administrative data to understand the complex needs of people who experience homelessness (PEH) and contribute to policy and service development. Methods All formal applications for homelessness go to one central body the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). However, it is possible that a proportion might remain unknown to local housing authorities due to personal circumstances, changes in legislation or eligibility criteria etc, which might mean that formal applications underestimate the true scale of homelessness. In this study of the interplay of homelessness health and exposure to social services, we can identify emergency accommodation centres by using ArcGIS, a geographic information system that allows users to analyse maps and spatial data to identify individuals who have been residing at hostels, addiction centres or women's refuges. Results We identified 115 emergency accommodation centres. We plan to use this information to quantify the scale of homelessness in NI and compare the demographic profiles of those who may not be registered with local housing authorities. It is likely these individuals may represent a highly vulnerable population with complex needs and need tailored support packages. Conclusion We will discuss some of the limitations of housing-administrative data and the methodologies we explored to help identify those people who may not be known to local authorities that are experiencing homelessness. Our findings can be used to inform policy on providing continuity of care and support for all people experiencing homelessness and reduce barriers to timely access of this support

Overstory and understory vegetation interact to alter soil community composition and activity

Aim: To test if there is an interactive effect between tree and understory species on the soil microbial community (SMC), community level physiological profiles (CLPP) and soil micro-fauna. Method: A replicate pot experiment with five sapling tree species (Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Sorbus aucuparia, Quercus petraea and Pinus sylvestris) and a no-tree treatment with and without Calluna vulgaris was established. After 21 months samples were taken for phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, CLPP and soil microfauna assessment. Results: There was an interactive effect of tree species and Calluna on the SMC, CLPP and nematode densities. Calluna addition changed the SMC composition (increase in fungal PLFAs) and the CLPP (lower utilisation of most carbon sources but greater utilisation of phenolic acids). A multivariate test for homogeneity of dispersion showed that while Calluna addition resulted in the presence of an altered microbial composition, it did not result in there being less variability among the samples with Calluna than among the samples without Calluna. Sapling trees with Calluna present grew less well than trees without Calluna. Structural equation modelling showed that it is possible that Calluna had an indirect effect on the SMC via below-ground tree biomass as well as a direct effect. Conclusion: Interactions between trees and understory vegetation can impact on the composition of soil biota and their activity

Qualitative evaluation of web-based digital intervention to prevent and reduce excessive alcohol use and harm among young people age 14-15 years:A ‘Think-Aloud’ study

BACKGROUND: In the United Kingdom, despite some downward trends in alcohol use among young people, over one-fifth of young people reported excessive alcohol use in the past month, which is associated with short- and long-term harm to health. Digital interventions to reduce alcohol use, such as websites, among young people present an appealing and cost-effective mode of intervention that can be integrated into the education system. However, relatively few school-based digital alcohol-focused interventions have been developed and evaluated for young people in the United Kingdom. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a novel web-based intervention, Rethink Alcohol, to prevent and reduce excessive alcohol use and related harm among young people aged between 14 and 15 years, and explore the views of young people, teachers, and youth workers in relation to the content, design, and usability of the intervention. METHODS: Intervention development followed the person-based approach, using theories of social norms and social influence. Qualitative "Think-Aloud" interviews, either one-to-one or paired, were conducted while participants perused and worked through the web-based intervention, talking aloud. Participants included 20 young people (12 female, 8 male), 5 youth workers (4 female, 1 male), 3 teachers (2 male, 1 female), and 1 (male) clinical professional, recruited via youth groups and professional networks. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: The prototype web-based intervention included normative feedback, information, a quiz, interactive activities, and scenarios. On a rating scale of impressions from poor (1) to excellent (5), participants gave an average score of 3.6/5. A total of 5 themes were identified: content, credibility of the website, making the website easy to understand, design and navigation, and suitability for the audience. These themes reflected views that the content was interesting, credible, informative, and embodied a neutral and nonjudgmental tone, but stronger messaging was needed regarding social pressures and short-term risks regarding safety and risk behavior alongside clarity around pathways of risk; credibility and trustworthiness of information were critical features, determined in part, by the professionalism of design and referencing of sources of information provided; and messages should be succinct and come to life through design and interactive features. CONCLUSIONS: Together, the data illustrated the importance and challenge of communicating nuanced alcohol-focused public health messages to young people in concise, clear, nonjudgmental, and appealing ways. Young people report interest in clear, credible, neutral, and interactive messages regarding social pressures and short-term risks of alcohol use via a web-based intervention. There is scope for optimization and feasibility testing of the Rethink Alcohol intervention

Fourteen-year experience with homovital homografts for aortic valve replacement

Two hundred seventy-five unprocessed, viable homograft (“homovital”) aortic valves were used for aortic valve replacement in patients aged 1.5 to 79 years (mean 45.8±19 years) with maximum follow-up of a 14-year period (mean 4.8 years). Ninety-two percent (252 patients) had New York Heart Association class III or IV functional status before operation and 25 underwent emergency operation. Valves were harvested under sterile conditions and kept in nutrient medium 199. Freehand (subcoronary) technique was used in 147 patients and freestanding root replacement was used in 128. Cumulative survival rates for the whole group were 92%±2% at 5 years and 85%±3% at 10 years, as compared with 96%±2% and 94%±4%, respectively, for the 98 patients who underwent isolated root replacement. Multivariate analysis determined that root replacement with associated procedures and operation for prosthetic endocarditis were risk factors for death, whereas previous xenograft valve, operation for endocarditis, and operation for aortic regurgitation were risk factors for reoperation. Actuarial rates for freedom from degenerative valve failure diagnosed at operation, by postmortem examination, or by routine echocardiography were 94%±2% at 5 years and 89%±3% at 10 years. Recipient age younger than 30 years and previous xenograft valve were risk factors for late degeneration. We conclude that homovital valves demonstrate good durability, particularly in patients older than 30 years, who had a 10-year freedom from degeneration rate of 97%

Immunophenotyping and Transcriptomic Outcomes in PDX-Derived TNBC Tissue

Cancer tissue functions as an ecosystem of a diverse set of cells that interact in a complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Genomic tools applied to biopsies in bulk fail to account for this tumor heterogeneity while single cell imaging methods limit the number of cells which can be assessed or are very resource intensive. The current study presents methods based on flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting using known cell surface markers (eg, CD184, CD24, CD90) to identify and interrogate distinct groups of cells in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) clinical biopsy specimens from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The results demonstrate that flow cytometric analysis allows a relevant subgrouping of cancer tissue and that sorting of these subgroups provides insights on cancer cell populations with unique, reproducible and functionally divergent gene expression profiles. The discovery of a drug resistance signature implies that uncovering the functional interaction between these populations will lead to deeper understanding of cancer progression and drug response. Implications: PDX-derived human breast cancer tissue was investigated at the single cell level and cell subpopulations defined by surface markers were identified which suggest specific roles for distinct cellular compartments within a solid tumor

A randomized trial of deferred stenting versus immediate stenting to prevent no- or slow-reflow in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (DEFER-STEMI)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether deferred stenting might reduce no-reflow and salvage myocardium in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: No-reflow is associated with adverse outcomes in STEMI. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept trial in reperfused STEMI patients with ≥1 risk factors for no-reflow. Randomization was to deferred stenting with an intention-to-stent 4 to 16 h later or conventional treatment with immediate stenting. The primary outcome was the incidence of no-/slow-reflow (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction ≤2). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed 2 days and 6 months after myocardial infarction. Myocardial salvage was the final infarct size indexed to the initial area at risk. Results: Of 411 STEMI patients (March 11, 2012 to November 21, 2012), 101 patients (mean age, 60 years; 69% male) were randomized (52 to the deferred stenting group, 49 to the immediate stenting). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to the second procedure in the deferred stenting group was 9 h (IQR: 6 to 12 h). Fewer patients in the deferred stenting group had no-/slow-reflow (14 [29%] vs. 3 [6%]; p = 0.006), no reflow (7 [14%] vs. 1 [2%]; p = 0.052) and intraprocedural thrombotic events (16 [33%] vs. 5 [10%]; p = 0.010). Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction coronary flow grades at the end of PCI were higher in the deferred stenting group (p = 0.018). Recurrent STEMI occurred in 2 patients in the deferred stenting group before the second procedure. Myocardial salvage index at 6 months was greater in the deferred stenting group (68 [IQR: 54% to 82%] vs. 56 [IQR: 31% to 72%]; p = 0.031]. Conclusions: In high-risk STEMI patients, deferred stenting in primary PCI reduced no-reflow and increased myocardial salvage

Phenotypic and genetic analysis of milk and serum element concentrations in dairy cows

This research, including the Langhill experiment at Crichton Dairy Research Centre and all authors, was funded by the Scottish Government Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment (RAFE) Strategic Research Portfolio 2016-2021. Samples collected pre-2016 were collected as part of a BBSRC project awarded to EW (grant no. BB/K002260/1) and TNM (BB/K002171/1). The authors gratefully acknowledge the high standard of work by all staff at Crichton farm (SRUC, Dumfries, Scotland) in the collection of samples and management of animals, and Ian Archibald (SRUC, Edinburgh, Scotland) for managing the Langhill database and assisting with data extraction.Peer reviewedPublisher PD