Predicting treatment completion: A study of the Federal Bureau of Prisons\u27 Residential Drug Abuse Program

Substance abuse and criminal behavior are two commonly associated social concerns. It is not surprising that substance abuse treatment also has demonstrated a reduction not only substance abuse, as well as criminal behavior. The Federal Bureau of Prisons\u27 Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) has demonstrated wide-reaching benefits. Understanding the 33% non-completion rate of RDAP, then, is an important component of the treatment process. This study, therefore, sought to identify factors present prior to RDAP participation that may predict program completion, which may also guide efforts to reduce relapse and recidivism rates. RDAP completers were slightly more likely to have fewer adulthood incarcerations and significantly more likely to have longer duration of cannabis use. Non-completers were significantly more likely to have shorter current sentences and a trend towards having shorter duration of alcohol and amphetamine use. Elevated PAI Drug Problem scale and longer length of current sentence were found to help predict RDAP completion. The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) was not found to predict RDAP completion. Post-hoc analyses of early non-completers versus late non-completers found that early non-completers demonstrated more Cluster B characteristics than late non-completers. Future research should examine the heterogeneity of non-completers

Is history repeating itself? The future of opticianry and its effect on optometry

This article discusses the current issue of opticians and certified ophthalmic technicians in the United States and sight testers in Canada. The background of this topic will be discussed as well as a review of the legislation that has occurred to see where the issue stands at this point

Draft genome sequences of gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs isolated from lake washington sediment.

The genomes of Methylosarcina lacus LW14(T) (=ATCC BAA-1047(T) = JCM 13284(T)), Methylobacter sp. strain 21/22, Methylobacter sp. strain 31/32, Methylomonas sp. strain LW13, Methylomonas sp. strain MK1, and Methylomonas sp. strain 11b were sequenced and are reported here. All the strains are obligately methanotrophic bacteria isolated from the sediment of Lake Washington

Peran Panti Sosial Dalam Membina Dan Meningkatkan Life Skills Anak Terlantar

The aim of this research was to explain the role of the orphanage in building and increasing the life skills for homeless children. The method used in this research was descriptive method with quantitative approach. The samples of this research were 50 children. The data were analyzed by using Chi quadrate and Questionnaire. The result showed that: there was a role of the orphanage to build and increase the life skills for homeless children in PSBR Radin Intan. This research proved that when the role of the orphanage more higher, so in building and increasing the life skills for homelsess children will be higher too.Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menjelaskan peran panti sosial dalam membina dan meningkatkan life skills anak kurang mampu dan terlantar di Pelayanan Sosial Bina Remaja (PSBR) Radin Intan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif.Sampel dalam penelitian ini 50 orang. Analisis data menggunakan Chi Kuadrat dan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan Angket. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: terdapat peran panti sosial dalam membina dan meningkatkan life skills anak kurang mampu dan terlantar di Pelayanan Sosial Bina Remaja (PSBR) Radin Intan. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi peran panti sosial maka dalam membina dan meningkatkan life skills semakin tinggi juga

Extended mixed integer quadratic programming for simultaneous distributed generation location and network reconfiguration

Introduction. To minimise power loss, maintain the voltage within the acceptable range, and improve power quality in power distribution networks, reconfiguration and optimal distributed generation placement are presented. Power flow analysis and advanced optimization techniques that can handle significant combinatorial problems must be used in distribution network reconfiguration investigations. The optimization approach to be used depends on the size of the distribution network. Our methodology simultaneously addresses two nonlinear discrete optimization problems to construct an intelligent algorithm to identify the best solution. The proposed work is novel in that it the Extended Mixed-Integer Quadratic Programming (EMIQP) technique, a deterministic approach for determining the topology that will effectively minimize power losses in the distribution system by strategically sizing and positioning Distributed Generation (DG) while taking network reconfiguration into account. Using an efficient Quadratic Mixed Integer Programming (QMIP) solver (IBM ®), the resulting optimization problem has a quadratic form. To ascertain the range and impact of various variables, our methodology outperforms cutting-edge algorithms described in the literature in terms of the obtained power loss reduction, according to extensive numerical validation carried out on typical IEEE 33- and 69-bus systems at three different load factors. Practical value. Examining the effectiveness of concurrent reconfiguration and DG allocation versus sole reconfiguration is done using test cases. According to the findings, network reconfiguration along with the installation of a distributed generator in the proper location, at the proper size, with the proper loss level, and with a higher profile, is effective.  Вступ. Для мінімізації втрат потужності, підтримки напруги в допустимому діапазоні та покращення якості електроенергії у розподільчих мережах представлена реконфігурація та оптимальне розміщення розподіленої генерації. При дослідженнях реконфігурації розподільної мережі необхідно використовувати аналіз потоку потужності та передові методи оптимізації, які можуть вирішувати серйозні комбінаторні проблеми. Підхід до оптимізації, що використовується, залежить від розміру розподільної мережі. Наша методологія одночасно вирішує дві задачі нелінійної дискретної оптимізації, щоби побудувати інтелектуальний алгоритм для визначення найкращого рішення. Пропонована робота є новою, оскільки вона використовує метод розширеного змішано-цілочисельного квадратичного програмування (EMIQP), детермінований підхід до визначення топології, що ефективно мінімізує втрати потужності в системі розподілу за рахунок стратегічного визначення розмірів та позиціонування розподіленої генерації (DG) з урахуванням реконфігурації мережі. При використанні ефективного солвера Quadratic Mixed Integer Programming (QMIP) (IBM®) результуюча задача оптимізації має квадратичну форму. Щоб з'ясувати діапазон та вплив різних змінних, наша методологія перевершує передові алгоритми, описані в літературі, з точки зору одержаного зниження втрат потужності, згідно з великою числовою перевіркою, проведеною на типових системах з шинами IEEE 33 і 69 при трьох різних коефіцієнтах навантаження. Практична цінність. Вивчення ефективності одночасної реконфігурації та розподілу DG у порівнянні з єдиною реконфігурацією проводиться з використанням тестових прикладів. Відповідно до результатів, реконфігурація мережі разом із установкою розподіленого генератора в потрібному місці, належного розміру, з належним рівнем втрат і з більш високим профілем є ефективною

Extended mixed integer quadratic programming for simultaneous distributed generation location and network reconfiguration

Introduction. To minimise power loss, maintain the voltage within the acceptable range, and improve power quality in power distribution networks, reconfiguration and optimal distributed generation placement are presented. Power flow analysis and advanced optimization techniques that can handle significant combinatorial problems must be used in distribution network reconfiguration investigations. The optimization approach to be used depends on the size of the distribution network. Our methodology simultaneously addresses two nonlinear discrete optimization problems to construct an intelligent algorithm to identify the best solution. The proposed work is novel in that it the Extended Mixed-Integer Quadratic Programming (EMIQP) technique, a deterministic approach for determining the topology that will effectively minimize power losses in the distribution system by strategically sizing and positioning Distributed Generation (DG) while taking network reconfiguration into account. Using an efficient Quadratic Mixed Integer Programming (QMIP) solver (IBM ®), the resulting optimization problem has a quadratic form. To ascertain the range and impact of various variables, our methodology outperforms cutting-edge algorithms described in the literature in terms of the obtained power loss reduction, according to extensive numerical validation carried out on typical IEEE 33-and 69-bus systems at three different load factors. Practical value. Examining the effectiveness of concurrent reconfiguration and DG allocation versus sole reconfiguration is done using test cases. According to the findings, network reconfiguration along with the installation of a distributed generator in the proper location, at the proper size, with the proper loss level, and with a higher profile, is effective. References 24, table 4, figures 14

The Impact of Sex, Circadian Disruption, and the Clock\u3csup\u3e∆19/∆19\u3c/sup\u3e Genotype on Alcohol Drinking in Mice

Shift work is associated with increased alcohol drinking, more so in males than females, and is thought to be a coping mechanism for disrupted sleep cycles. However, little is presently known about the causal influence of circadian rhythm disruptions on sex differences in alcohol consumption. In this study, we disrupted circadian rhythms in female and male mice using both environmental (i.e., shifting diurnal cycles) and genetic (i.e., Clock∆19/∆19 mutation) manipulations, and measured changes in alcohol consumption and preference using a two-bottle choice paradigm. Alcohol consumption and preference, as well as food and water consumption, total caloric intake, and weight were assessed in adult female and male Clock∆19/∆19 mutant mice or wild-type (WT) litter-mates, housed under a 12-hour:12-hour light:dark (L:D) cycle or a shortened 10-hour:10-hour L:D cycle. Female WT mice (under both light cycles) increased their alcohol consumption and preference over time, a pattern not observed in male WT mice. Compared to WT mice, Clock∆19/∆19 mice displayed increased alcohol consumption and preference. Sex differences were not apparent in Clock∆19/∆19 mice, with or without shifting diurnal cycles. In conclusion, sex differences in alcohol consumption patterns are evident and increase with prolonged access to alcohol. Disrupting circadian rhythms by mutating the Clock gene greatly increases alcohol consumption and abolishes sex differences present in WT animals

Efficacy and Safety of Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Previously Treated With Sorafenib The CheckMate 040 Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed with advanced disease not eligible for potentially curative therapies; therefore, new treatment options are needed. Combining nivolumab with ipilimumab may improve clinical outcomes compared with nivolumab monotherapy. OBJECTIVE To assess efficacy and safety of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with advanced HCC who were previously treated with sorafenib. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS CheckMate 040 is a multicenter, open-label, multicohort, phase 1/2 study. In the nivolumab plus ipilimumab cohort, patients were randomized between January 4 and September 26, 2016. Treatment group information was blinded after randomization. Median follow-up was 30.7 months. Data cutoff for this analysis was January 2019. Patients were recruited at 31 centers in 10 countries/territories in Asia, Europe, and North America. Eligible patients had advanced HCC (with/without hepatitis B or C) previously treated with sorafenib. A total of 148 patients were randomized (50 to arm A and 49 each to arms B and C). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to either nivolumab 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg, administered every 3 weeks (4 doses), followed by nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks (arm A); nivolumab 3 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg, administered every 3 weeks (4 doses), followed by nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks (arm B); or nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks (arm C). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Coprimary end points were safety, tolerability, and objective response rate. Duration of response was also measured (investigator assessed with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1). RESULTS Of 148 total participants, 120 were male (81%). Median (IQR) age was 60 (52.5-66.5). At data cutoff (January 2019), the median follow-up was 30.7 months (IQR, 29.9-34.7). Investigator-assessed objective response rate was 32% (95% CI, 20%-47%) in arm A, 27% (95% CI, 15%-41%) in arm B, and 29% (95% CI, 17%-43%) in arm C. Median (range) duration of response was not reached (8.3-33.7+) in arm A and was 15.2 months (4.2-29.9+) in arm B and 21.7 months (2.8-32.7+) in arm C. Any-grade treatment-related adverse events were reported in 46 of 49 patients (94%) in arm A, 35 of 49 patients (71%) in arm B, and 38 of 48 patients (79%) in arm C; there was 1 treatment-related death (arm A; grade 5 pneumonitis). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, nivolumab plus ipilimumab had manageable safety, promising objective response rate, and durable responses. The arm A regimen (4 doses nivolumab 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks then nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks) received accelerated approval in the US based on the results of this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0165887

COVID-19 y Embarazo: Perspectivas para Venezuela

In this article we make a review evaluating the current sanitary conditions in Venezuela, in relation to the situation of COVID-19. This particular situation and factors associated with the complex humanitarian crisis that this Latin American country is experiencing could have an additional negative impact on access and quality of care for pregnant women in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Urgent international cooperation and humanitarian aid interventions are needed in this population segment in order to provide better care and assistance, particularly to those infected with COVID-19 and their newborns.En el presente artículo hacemos una revisión evaluando las condiciones sanitarias actuales en Venezuela, en relación a la situación del COVID-19. Esta situación particular y factores asociados a la crisis humanitaria compleja que experimenta este país latinoamericano, pudieran tener un impacto negativo adicional en el acceso y la calidad de la atención de las embarazadas en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19. Se necesitan intervenciones urgentes de cooperación y ayuda humanitaria internacional en este segmento poblacional con la finalidad de brindar mejores cuidados y asistencia en particular a las infectadas con COVID-19 y sus recién nacidos