cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Does It Mean to Understand a Risk? Evaluating Risk Comprehension

Risk communications are frequently intended to help people understand hazards they face, with the hope that this understanding will help them make better decisions about the need for action or help them choose among alternative actions. To evaluate the success of such communications, a definition of "understanding" is needed. This paper suggests that decisions about personal risks require, at a minimum, information about the nature and likelihood of potential ill effects, information about the risk factors that modify one's susceptibility, and information about the ease or difficulty of avoiding harm. Even if these attributes are accepted as essential criteria for understanding, research on risk perceptions suggests that assessing what people know or believe is sometimes quite difficult. The focus of the paper is on the several dimensions of risk comprehension. Examples of how each can be assessed are drawn from research on public perceptions of the risks from smoking. These examples demonstrate that the public has only a limited understanding of smoking risks.
Characterization of Provirus Clones of Simian Foamy Virus Type 1

We have cloned proviral DNA of simian foamy virus type 1 (SFV-1) from linear unintegrated DNA (pSFV-1). Transfection of pSFV-1 induces cytopathology in several cell lines with supernatants from the transfected cell culture containing infectious viral particles. Electron microscopy of the transfected cells revealed foamy virus particles. Deletion analysis of pSFV-1 indicated that the transcriptional transactivator (tas) gene located between env and the long terminal repeat is critical for virus replication, whereas the second open reading frame (ORF-2) in this region is dispensable. Although the tas and ORF-2 regions of foamy viruses have significantly diverged, the results presented here suggested that the gene products have similar functions. Recombinant pSFV-1 containing the cat gene was able to transduce the heterologous gene, indicating the utility of SFV-1 as a vector. An infectious clone of SFV-1 which is distantly related to the human foamy virus will provide a means to understand the biology of this unique group of viruses.
What is the cost of quality for diabetes care

Increasing the quality of care and reducing cost growth are core objectives of numerous private- and public-sector performance improvement initiatives. Using a unique panel data set for a commercially insured population and multivariate regression analysis, this study examines the relationship between medical care spending and diabetes-related quality measures, including provider-initiated processes of care and patient-dependent quality activities. Empirical evidence generated from this analysis of the relationship between a comprehensive set of diabetes quality measures and diabetes-related spending does not lend support for the assumption that high-quality preventive and primary care combined with effective patient self-management can lead to lower costs in the near term. Finally, we find no relationship between adjusted spending and intermediate clinical outcomes (e.g., HbA1c level) measured at the clinic level.
Tumor cell invasion of von Hippel Lindau renal cell carcinoma cells is mediated by membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase.

Background Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains the leading cause of mortality in patients with clear cell RCC arising from mutations in the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor. Successful RCC tumor suppression by VHL requires the negative regulation of hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF alpha) protein and its downstream targets. Thus, identification of HIF target genes responsible for RCC tumor progression will aid in the development of therapies for this disease. We previously identified membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) as a transcriptional target of HIF-2alpha in RCC cells null for VHL and showed that MT1-MMP is overexpressed in these cells. MT1-MMP is a key regulator of tumor progression through its functions as a matrix-degrading enzyme, as well as its ability to cleave factors, such as adhesion molecules and other MMPs. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of MT1-MMP to the invasive potential of RCC cells using in vitro type I collagen degradation and invasion assays.
Baudelaire's “Dark Zone”: The Poème en Prose As Social Hieroglyph; or The Beginning and the End of Commodity Aesthetics

Lyric poetry collides with the prose of history in Baudelaire's Petits poemes en prose (1869), one of modernite's inaugural aesthetic projects. While the “prose poem” persists today with its own canons, anthologies, and journals, Baudelaire's poeme en prose remains irreducible to the genre it is typically said to have originated. This essay makes a case for the generic singularity of Baudelaire's poeme en prose by way of Paul de Man and Theodor Adorno, whose oblique references to Baudelaire's innovation are rich in unexamined implications, implications which illuminate the work of both theorists as much as they help us to understand the stakes of Baudelaire's prosaic experiment. The essay goes on to argue that modern lyric's rarefied aim for an autonomy beyond language's referential function persists critically, albeit paradoxically, in the seeming transparency of the Petits poemes en prose, where poem and commodity collapse in an internal identification, while maintaining the distinctions of external dis...
Recent Evidence on Casinos and Economic Growth

The results from the previous chapter are interesting because they capture the economic effects of casinos at a state level, right as the industry began its spread outside of Nevada and Atlantic City. However, the results do not provide any evidence on whether the economic growth effects persist beyond a few years. In this chapter I provide additional empirical evidence on the impact of casinos on state-level economic growth. First, I repeat the casino analysis from the previous chapter, using updated data. Then I present an analysis of how the casino industry impacted the recovery from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 in the Gulf States. This newer evidence is consistent with the previous evidence we found.
Solution of ODE u″ + p(u)(u')2 + q(u) = 0 and Applications to Classifications of All Single Travelling Wave Solutions to Some Nonlinear Mathematical Physics Equations

Under the travelling wave transformation, some nonlinear partial differential equations such as Camassa-Holm equation, High-order KdV equation, etc, are reduced to an integrable ODE expressed by u'' + p(u)(u')2 + q(u) = 0 whose general solution can be given. Furthermore, combining complete discrimination system for polynomial, the classifications of all single travelling wave solutions to these equations are obtained. The equation u'' + p(u)(u')2 + q(u) = 0 includes the equation (u')2 = f(u) as a special case, so the proposed method can be also applied to a large number of nonlinear equations. These complete results cannot be obtained by any indirect method.
Linoleic acid activates nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and induces NF-kappa B-dependent transcription in cultured endothelial cells

High dietary intakes of unsaturated fats may be atherogenic by disrupting normal functions of the vascular endothelium, due in part to the ability of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) to contribute to an increase in cellular oxidative stress and related injurious events. Exposing endothelial cells to 90 micromol linoleic acid/L for 6 h resulted in a significant increase in lipid hydroperoxides that coincided wih an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations. Treatment with this fatty acid caused an initial decrease in glutathione concentrations, which was followed by an increase at later time points. Most importantly, a significant activation of the oxidative stress-sensitive nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) was achieved after a 6-h exposure to 18:2n-6, which is the time point at which maximal depletion of cellular glutathione was observed. The fatty acid-mediated NF-kappa B activation was accompanied by induction of NF-kappa B-dependent transcription, as measured by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assay of an NF-kappa B-responsive promoter construct. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine inhibited the fatty acid-induced activation of NF-kappa B and formation of lipid hydroperoxides. These data suggest that oxidative stress-induced cellular changes are critical early events in fatty acid-mediated endothelial cell dysfunction.
Under God and Anti-Communist: How the Pledge of Allegiance Got Religion in Cold War America

In the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, the American flag became ubiquitous—in stores, on cars, at work, in neighborhoods, in churches, and on t-shirts and other assorted articles of clothing. Over a year later, the Stars and Sfripes continue to be in vogue, to say the least. Countless billboards and bumper stickers, often with the flag as a backdrop, declare the United States to be "One Na tion, Under God." Meanwhile, the stirring refrain of the patriotic invo cation "God Bless America" echoes in the collective national consciousness, whether it be sung by members of Congress on the steps of the Capitol, played by marching bands during football halftime shows, or proclaimed by ministers in churches across the nation. Civil religion, it seems, is back, and with it comes a number of familiar, but troubling, questions. Having noted this, however, it should be observed that American civil religion has never really gone away. As a cultural phenomenon, civil religion has been around since at least the revolutionary era, soci ologist Robert Bellah observed in his seminal 1967 essay, "Civil Relig ion in America." "What we have," Bellah writes, "from the earliest years of the republic is a collection of beliefs, symbols, and rituals with respect to sacred things and institutionalized in a collectivity." This religious understanding of the new nation, Bellah continues, "while not antithetical to, and indeed sharing much in common with, Christianity, was neither sectarian or in any specific sense Christian."1 It was, how ever, distinctively American. Since Bellah first raised the issue, count
High-speed GaAs Schottky barrier photodetectors for microwave fiber-optic links

In this paper we report on the fabrication and characterization of high-speed high-sensitivity GaAs Schottky barrier detectors designed for use in microwave fiber-optic links. Optical fibers offer several significant advantages over coaxial cables for the transmission of microwave signals. These include smaller size and weight, much lower losses, and immunity from electromagnetic interference. Transmission of microwave signals via fiber optics requires transmitters and receivers with bandwidths large enough to handle the microwave signals.
The Indirect Effect of Alcohol Use on GPA in First-Semester College Students: The Mediating Role of Academic Effort.

This study focused on first-semester college students, investigating (a) indirect effects of aggregate alcohol use on grade point average (GPA) through academic effort (skipping class and time on schoolwork) and (b) daily effects of alcohol use on reduced effort. Eighty students reported daily alcohol use and academic effort (skipping class and hours spent on schoolwork) during five selected weeks of their first semester; the university provided GPAs. We found strong evidence of an indirect effect of aggregate alcohol use on GPA through skipping class; there was weaker evidence for time on schoolwork as a mediator. Daily analyses showed increased skipping and reduced schoolwork on days during which students used alcohol. Intervention to increase persistence may focus on reducing alcohol use and on dealing with low effort (e.g., skipping class).
Research Progresses in the Corrosion and Protection of Condenser

Condenser is an important device guaranteeing the safe and economic operation of electrical equipments. The paper concluded the corrosion problems faced by the condenser in service environments. In this paper, the research progresses in the development of materials, the main form of corrosion and anticorrosion methods for condenser have been reviewed.
Study and application of support vector machines and particle swarm algorithm in optimization design

Aiming at addressing the optimization design problems of computationally intensive simulation models with implicit objective performance functions,this paper proposed a framework based on the support vector machine and particle swarm optimization for structure optimization design.Selected appropriate design parameter samples by experimental design theories,obtained the response samples from the experiments or numerical simulations.Used the SVM method to establish the metamodels of the objective performance functions and other constraints,and reconstructed the original optimal problem.The reconstructed metamodels was solved by PSO algorithm.Adopted the structure optimization of the microwave power divider as an example to illustrate this methodology.Obtained the learning samples from uniform design theory and the high frequency electromagnetic field finite element analysis codes(HFSS).Obtained three metamodels of the magnitude,phase and VSWR of the microwave power divider performance and solved the multi-objective optimization problem.The results show that this methodology is feasible and highly effective,and thus can be used in the optimum design of engineering fields.
Probing the limitations for recycling cellulase enzymes immobilized on iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles

A major determining factor for a viable cellulosic ethanol industry is the utilization of cellulase enzymes in a more cost-efficient manner during the hydrolytic process. The hydrophobic nature of the enzyme and inhibition by reaction intermediates and end products greatly decreases its efficacy following the initial reaction. To improve efficiency and lower enzyme costs, a method for recycling cellulase enzymes by immobilization on Fe3O4 nanoparticles was evaluated. The Fe3O4 particles used had a mean diameter of 13 nm and carbodiimide activation was employed for enzyme immobilization. The immobilized enzyme complex retained 30.2 % of the free enzyme activity and was successfully recycled six times with a reduction in activity following each recycle. An activity loss of 47.5 % resulted following the initial hydrolysis reaction, after which a more gradual loss ensued. A protein assay performed on the reaction supernatant confirmed varying degrees of enzyme detachment following each recycle. However, immobilized enzymes were determined to have higher stability as compared to free enzyme when assessing their activities over time. Following 72 h of hydrolysis, immobilized enzymes retained 57.9 % of their activity, which was slightly better than the 51.2 % retained by free enzyme. From a practicality point of view, a performance comparison of enzyme-bound nanoparticles over all recycles determined that total reducing sugars produced after 96 h of hydrolysis was 76.8 % of that produced by a single reaction with free enzyme, therefore indicating a need for deeper understanding and improvements in the enzyme recycling process. Further probing indicated that the contribution from enzyme activity loss far exceeds any possible losses from enzyme detachment.
WE-DE-209-04: 3D Surface Image-Guided

Breast radiation therapy is associated with some risk of lung toxicity as well as cardiac toxicity for left-sided cases. Radiation doses to the lung and heart can be reduced by using the deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique, in which the patient is simulated and treated during the deep inspiration phase of the breathing cycle. During DIBH, the heart is usually displaced posteriorly, inferiorly, and to the right, effectively expanding the distance between the heart and the breast/chest wall. As a result, the distance between the medial treatment field border and heart/lung is increased. Also, in a majority of DIBH patients, the air drawn into the thoracic cavity increases the total lung volume. The DIBH was discussed by an AAPM Task Group 10 years ago in the AAPM TG 76 report. However, DIBH is still not the standard of care in many clinics, which may be partially due to challenges associated with its implementation. Therefore, this seccion will focus primarily on how to clinically implement four different DIBH techniques: (1) Active Breathing Control, (2) Spirometric Motion Management, (3) 3D Surface Image-Guided, and (4) Self-held Breath Control with Respiratory Monitoring and Feedback Guidance. Learning Objectives: 1.Describe the physical displacement of the heart and the change in lung volume during DIBH and discuss dosimetric consequences of those changes. 2.Provide an overview of the technical aspects. 3.Describe work flow for patient simulation and treatment. 4.Give an overview of commissioning and routine. 5.Provide practical tips for clinical implementation.
Reduced survival in adult cystic fibrosis despite attenuated lung function decline

Abstract Background There is limited data on disease progression and survival in adult diagnosis cystic fibrosis (CF). This study evaluates change of lung function over time and rates of death/lung transplant in adult diagnosis CF. Methods The CF Foundation Patient Registry was reviewed for patients diagnosed 1993–2003. Rate of FEV1 decline was calculated up to 2010 for age groups 6–11, 12–17, and 18 and above. Kaplan Meier method was used for 10 and 15year survival rate calculations for patients diagnosed as adults. Cox Proportional hazards models using predictors affecting disease progression and survival without transplant were run. Results Between 1993 and 2003, 11,884 patients were diagnosed with CF, of which 2848 were ages 6 and older. Annual rate of change of FEV1% predicted over 5years differed by diagnosis age group: −1.42% per year for ages 6–11, −2.04% for ages 12–17 and −1.13% for ages 18–65 (p Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was associated with faster rates of lung function decline in all age groups. Survival without transplant for CF patients diagnosed at ≥18years were 76% and 65% by 10 and 15years, respectively. Of adults with FEV1 of >70% predicted at diagnosis, 95% were alive without transplant at 10years, whereas of those with FEV1 Conclusions Lung function declines at a slower rate in adult diagnosis CF. However, particularly in those with low lung function at diagnosis, rates of death or transplant in adult diagnosis CF after 10 and 15years is not negligible.
Revision Arthroplasty for the Management of Stiffness After Primary TKA

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of revision surgery for the treatment of stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed to identify patients who were revised due to stiffness after a primary TKA. Patients were included when at least one major component had to be revised due to stiffness after primary TKA with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients with history of previous infection and those treated with isolated polyethylene exchange were excluded. Results The study group involved 42 knees. Mean follow-up was 47 months (24-109 months). Mean flexion contracture improved from 9.7° (0°-35°) preoperatively to 2.3° (0°-20°) postoperatively ( P P .02). Mean range of motion improved from 72.0° preoperatively (10°-100°) to 92° (15°-140°) postoperatively ( P Conclusion Revision surgery appears to be a reasonable option for patients presenting with pain and stiffness after TKA. However, the benefits may be modest as the outcomes still do not approach those achieved with primary TKA.
Two-way talks.

Nurse managers can create a setting where staff share concerns and learn from each other. Clinical discussions offer you a chance to educate staff, measure learning needs, and develop their critical thinking skills.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Mutations in the AVPR2 gene encoding the receptor for arginine vasopressin in the kidney (V2 ADHR) have been reported in patients with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a predominantly X-linked disorder of water homeostasis. We have used restriction-enzyme analysis and direct DNA sequencing of genomic PCR product to evaluate the AVPR2 gene in 11 unrelated affected males. Each patient has a different DNA sequence variation, and only one matches a previously reported mutation. Cosegregation of the variations with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was demonstrated for two families, and a de novo mutation was documented in two additional cases. Carrier detection was accomplished in one family. All the variations predict frameshifts, truncations, or nonconservative amino acid substitutions in evolutionarily conserved positions in the V2 ADHR and related receptors. Of interest, a 28-bp deletion is found in one patient, while another, unrelated patient has a tandem duplication of the same 28-bp segment, suggesting that both resulted from the same unusual unequal crossing-over mechanism facilitated by 9-mer direct sequence repeats. Since the V2 ADHR is a member of the seven-transmembrane-domain, G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, the loss-offunction mutations from this study and others provide important clues to the structure-function relationship of this and related receptors.
Technology convergence and the performance of boundary spanning products

This study examines the performance of products that span their category boundaries in technologically converging industries. While few studies systematically explore the demand side implications o...
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurring in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report.

Group A streptococcal (GAS) toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare life-threatening illness. Most reported cases have occurred in the post-partum period. Here, we report a rare case of a primigravid who developed GAS TSS in the third trimester. We also review the potential preventive measures and treatment modalities for this syndrome. A 29-year-old primigravid presented at 36 weeks' gestation with diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and fetal bradycardia. She underwent an emergency cesarean section and was subsequently diagnosed with GAS TSS. She had a complicated post-partum course marked by a 3-month hospital stay and major sequelae. Her infant died on post-partum day 4. GAS TSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pregnant patients presenting with fever and rapid onset of septic shock. A consideration to treat GAS that is detected incidentally during routine screening for group B streptococcus is suggested.
The Anatomy of the Umbilicus

The umbilicus is a median depression in the abdomen, located above the pubis about one third of the distance from the pubic symphysis to the xiphoid process which is a relatively consistent position in adults. The authors will discuss the umbilical location, basic anatomic overview of the abdominal wall, vascular and lymphatic components of the periumbilical region, innervation of the periumbilical region, normal development of the umbilicus and abdominal wall, and congenital anatomic abnormalities of the umbilicus and abdominal wall. The complexity of the anatomy as it relates to the abdomen collectively is essential for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired deformities
Three-Year Results of the Endurant Stent Graft System Post Approval Study

Background Long-term data following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) exist but are limited to endografts that are no longer in use. The aim of the ENGAGE Post Approval Study is to describe the long-term safety and effectiveness data following EVAR using the Endurant stent graft system. Methods From August 2011 to June 2012, 178 patients were enrolled and treated with the Endurant stent graft system. Clinical and radiologic data were prospectively collected and analyzed. The primary end point was abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)-related mortality, and secondary end points were overall mortality, endoleak, secondary interventions, and device-related complications. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for late outcomes. Results A total of 178 patients underwent EVAR with the Endurant stent graft across 24 centers (82% men; median age 71, interquartile range [IQR] 66–79). Median aortic diameter was 55 mm (IQR 51–58 mm). There was a 98.9% technical success rate. Three-year clinical and radiographic follow-up data were available for 87% and 74% of patients, respectively. Median follow-up was 37 months (IQR 30–38 months). Three-year aneurysm-related mortality rate was 1.1%, with 2 deceased patients in the perioperative period. All-cause mortality rate at 3 years was 13%. No patients suffered from aneurysm rupture or underwent conversion to open repair through 3 years of follow-up. Only 11 patients (6.2%) had undergone reintervention at 3 years. Younger age was associated with reintervention (HR 3.3 per younger decade, 95% confidence interval 1.3–7.6, P Conclusions The Endurant stent graft system provides a safe, durable approach to treating infrarenal AAA. No patients experienced late rupture or aneurysm-related mortality, and only 1 in 16 patients underwent reintervention by 3 years. The rate of reintervention with the Endurant graft appears to be lower than other contemporary grafts, despite more liberal “Instructions For Use” parameters, but further research including direct graft comparisons will be necessary to guide appropriate graft selection.
Radiculomegaly: a case report of this rare dental finding with review of the associated oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome.

Background Radiculomegaly, or root gigantism, is a rare dental abnormality with important clinical implications. It is highly specific for oculo-facio-cardio-dental (OFCD) syndrome, which places dentists at the forefront of diagnosis of this syndrome. Only 1 case of nonsyndromic radiculomegaly has been reported in the literature since the description of OFCD syndrome in 1996. We present the second confirmed, nonsyndromic/nonfamilial case and review the literature for dental treatments in patients with this dental finding. Study Design A review of the English language literature was performed in PubMed for patients with radiculomegaly or OFCD syndrome. Teeth affected by radiculomegaly, gender, orodental findings, presence of OFCD syndrome, and dental treatment methods were recorded. Results Sixty-seven cases of radiculomegaly and 92 cases of OFCD syndrome were found in the literature. Only 1 confirmed case of nonsyndromic/nonfamilial radiculomegaly had been reported previously. Ten reports described dental treatment or treatment plan details, and even fewer included specific methods. Conclusions Because dental anomalies, especially radiculomegaly, are a primary feature of OFCD syndrome, dentists should be aware of the clinical and radiographic features. Radiculomegaly poses a distinct challenge to dentists, and reports of dental therapy provided to these patients are sparse. Early diagnosis of the syndrome may prevent dental challenges and improve prognosis.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus Conventional Radiation for Anal Cancer in the Veterans Affairs System.

Author(s): Bryant, Alex K; Huynh-Le, Minh-Phuong; Simpson, Daniel R; Mell, Loren K; Gupta, Samir; Murphy, James D | Abstract: PurposeCompared with conventional radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) may reduce acute toxicity from anal cancer treatment, potentially leading to improved long-term outcomes. We analyze the effect of IMRT on short- and long-term outcomes among a large sample of US veterans.Methods and materialsFrom a national Veterans Affairs database, we identified 779 patients (n = 403 conventional radiation therapy, n = 376 IMRT) with locally advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 and treated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Radiation treatment planning and dosimetric constraints were not standardized across patients. We analyzed the effect of IMRT on short-term outcomes (acute toxicity, treatment breaks, and incomplete chemotherapy) and long-term outcomes (survival and ostomy placement) in multivariable logistic regression, Fine-Gray, and frailty models, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsIMRT was associated with decreased radiation treatment breaks ≥5 days (odds ratio [OR] 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.91; P = .02), increased rates of receiving 2 cycles of mitomycin C chemotherapy (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.22-3.45; P = .007), increased rates of receiving 2 cycles of any chemotherapy (OR 3.45; 95% CI 1.82-6.25; P l .001), and decreased risk of ostomy related to tumor recurrence or progression (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.99; P = .045). IMRT was not associated with a decrease in grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity (P = .79), hospitalization for gastrointestinal toxicity (P = .59), or cancer-specific survival (P = 0.18).ConclusionsAmong a large sample of US veterans with anal cancer, IMRT was associated with higher rates of receiving 2 chemotherapy cycles, decreased radiation treatment breaks, and decreased rates of ostomy placement. IMRT appears to offer substantial benefits over conventional radiation therapy for patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy for anal cancer.
Geochronological studies of fault-related rocks

Review of geochronological studies of mylonites and cataclasites indicates that results have been equivocal. For example, mylonites from the Brevard fault zone in the southern Appalachians have been sampled at different locations and dates have been obtained using several techniques: 460 Ma, U-Pb zircon; 384, 381, 348, 273 Ma, Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron. This fault zone has a complex history and records several episodes of ductile and brittle deformation and metamorphism. Investigators concluded that several of these dates are times of specific events (e.g., mylonitization). It also was suggested that some Rb-Sr dates may be spurious, perhaps due to the mixing of two components; this could result in mixing lines rather than isochrons. Interpretation of data from Brevard zone mylonite samples is discussed here, along with examples from other shear zones.
Translational Research: It's not 1960s Behavior Analysis.

We like Critchfield’s (2011) article,which is scholarly, clear, and insight-ful. In it, Critchfield provides anexcellent overview of translationalresearch in behavior analysis andsuggests several general strategiesfor increasing the likelihood that suchresearch, which has been scarce inpast years, will become more com-mon and benefit the discipline as wellas humanity at large. As he pointsout, a small number of people havebeen responsible for most of thetranslational research that has ap-peared, and relatively few behavioranalysts are well trained in both thebasic science and applied areas of ourdiscipline. In an attempt to provide acrude index of how many contempo-rary behavior analysts are produc-tive, and hence at least somewhatskilled, in the basic science andapplied areas of our discipline, weused PsycINFO to determine thenumber of people who authored atleast one article in both the Journal ofthe Experimental Analysis of Behavior(JEAB) and the Journal of AppliedBehavior Analysis (JABA)from2006through 2010 (i.e., in the last 5 years).Thirty-eight people did so. This is asubstantial number, but it is impor-tant to note that during this period381 people were listed as JEABauthors and 718 people were listedas JABA authors. Thus, only 3.6% ofthe total number of authors (38 of1,061) published in both journals.Their names and the number ofarticles they published in each journalduring this period are shown inTable 1.Although publishing in a givenarea is not strong evidence of exper-tise in that area (an author could,e.g., contribute just by collectingdata), it is likely that most, andprobably all, of these people knowquite a bit about both the basicscience and applied areas of ourdiscipline and hence could play lead-ership roles in increasing the amountand quality of translational researchproduced. Some of them, such asTom Critchfield and Bud Mace,obviously do so (e.g., Mace & Critch-field, 2010).Both Critchfield (2011) and Poling(2010) suggested that current gradu-ate training programs might be inad-equate for producing competenttranslational researchers, but neitheroffered specific strategies for im-provement. Examining the formaland informal training received bythe researchers listed in Table 1 couldprovide clues regarding the experienc-es that develop the repertoire neededto bridge the basic-to-applied chasm.Critchfield pointed out that he wasinfluenced by Bill Redmon in a coursethat combined basic and appliedreadings, and our hunch is that manyof those listed in Table 1 studied withmentors who had broad interests. Forwhat it’s worth, one of us (Poling) wasmentored by Andy Lattal and TravisThompson, both of whom have pub-lished applied, basic, and translation-al studies, and Poling has donelikewise. Many of his students, in-cluding the coauthor of this article(Edwards), are also generalists.As generalists, they use a variety ofresearch methods while they retain acommitment to the tactics and strat-egies characteristic of behavior anal-ysis (e.g., Poling, Methot, & LeSage,1995; Sidman, 1960) and to use them
Interpretation and Disclosure in Insurance Contracts

This Essay has two goals: one descriptive and one normative. Descriptively, it explicates the connection between interpretation of insurance contracts and the Insurer’s disclosure duty. Disclosure duties and interpretation rules constitute a two way street. The interpretation of insurance contracts by courts, ex post, influences the incentives of insurance companies to disclose information consumers, ex ante. Correspondingly, the scope of ex ante disclosure by insurance companies impacts the willingness of courts to use overwrite insurance contracts by broadly interpreting provision to increase the liability of insurance companies. To illustrate this claim, the Essay discusses the two principal interpretive tools used by the courts to expand the liability of insurance companies: the “Interpretation against the Drafter” rule and “The Reasonable
Mechanically Assisted Electrochemical Degradation of Alumina-TiC Composites

Alumina-TiC composite material is a tough ceramic composite with excellent hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance in dry and high-temperature conditions. In aqueous conditions, however, it is likely to be electrochemically active facilitating charge transfer processes due to the conductive nature of TiC. For application as an orthopedic biomaterial, it is crucial to assess the electrochemical behavior of this composite, especially under a combined mechanical and electrochemical environment. In this study, we examined the mechanically assisted electrochemical performance of alumina-TiC composite in an aqueous environment. The spontaneous electrochemical response to brushing abrasion was measured. Changes in the magnitude of electrochemical current with abrasion test conditions and possible causal relationship to the alteration in surface morphology were examined. Results showed that the alumina matrix underwent abrasive wear with evidence of microploughing and grain boundary damage. Chemical analysis revealed TiO2 formation in the abraded region, indicating oxidation of the conductive TiC domain. Furthermore, wear debris from alumina abrasion appeared to affect reaction kinetics at the composite-electrolyte interface. From this work, we established that the composite undergoes abrasion assisted electrochemical degradation even in gentle abrasive conditions and the severity of degradation is related to temperature and conditions of test environment.
Organizational and managerial problems of conservation, growth and improving the quality of the national scientific potential

Здійснено теоретико-аналітичне дослідження стану розвитку науки як ключового чинника розвитку суспільства. Показані стійкі тенденції погіршення стану розвитку науки і встановлені причини, які на нього впливають. Проаналізовані засади підтримки розвитку науки з боку влади і доведено їх систематичне невиконання, що призводить до погіршення умов налагодження сталого потенціального руху і зростання темпів розвитку науки. Систематизовані показники динаміки чисельності вчених, зайнятих наукою, витрати держави на наукову галузь та інші показники державної статистичної звітності про результати наукової діяльності. Відмічена їх недостатність для отримання уявлення про стан науки і висунуто пропозицію щодо розширення їх складу.Проаналізовані суб’єкто-об’єкти наукового простору країни і документи, які відображають бачення стратегічного курсу розвитку науки, напрями, етапи і складники тощо. Доведено їх недостатнє організаційне, інституційне і змістовне обґрунтування, несвоєчасність розроблення і дотримання.Представлено схему наскрізного процесу підготовки кадрового потенціалу науки. Ключовим чинником розвитку наукової системи визначені концепція і стратегія розвитку науки. Їх розробка, на думку автора, повинна здійснюватися з використанням моделей інституційного, організаційно-управлінського і структурно-процесного підходів. Їх розробка і впровадження дозволять створити умови для налагодження тісної вертикальної і горизонтальної співпраці та інтеграції зусиль і ресурсів влади та суб’єктів наукової сфери для підвищення ефективності діяльності в системі науки і конкурентоспроможності країни. Запропоновано загальну структуру основних складників альтернативного проекту національної стратегії розвитку української науки.Подальшими науковими розробками в цьому напрямі повинні стати дослідження механізмів мультисуб’єктної взаємодії та співпраці органів влади, суб’єктів і учасників наукової діяльності у внутрішній сфері науки та зовнішньому оточенні на основі договорів співпраці з урахуванням інтересів усіх суб’єктів наукового потенціалу, їх ресурсних можливостей.
A synonymous germline variant PALB2 c.18G>T (p.Gly6=) disrupts normal splicing in a family with pancreatic and breast cancers

Mutations in PALB2 have been associated with a predisposition to breast and pancreatic cancers. This study aims to characterize a novel PALB2 synonymous variant c.18G>T (p.Gly6=) identified in a family with pancreatic and breast cancers. The PALB2 c.18G>T (p.Gly6=) variant in this family was identified using Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT™). RT-PCR and subsequent cloning were performed to investigate whether this variant affects normal splicing. This variant completely disrupts normal splicing and leads to several abnormal transcripts, which presumably leads to premature protein truncation. The major abnormal transcript resulted in a deletion of 32 base pairs in exon 1 and frameshift. Our results indicate that the PALB2 c.18G>T (p.Gly6=) variant is likely pathogenic. This study provided important laboratory evidence for classification of this variant and guided improved patient management.
A recombinant human protein targeting HER2 overcomes drug resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

Resistance to current human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitors, such as trastuzumab (Ttzm), is a major unresolved clinical problem in HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2-BC). Because HER2 remains overexpressed in drug-resistant HER2-BC cells, we investigated whether PEPDG278D can overcome the resistance. PEPDG278D is a recombinant enzymatically inactive mutant of human peptidase D, which strongly inhibits HER2 in cancer cells by binding to its extracellular domain. Here, we show that PEPDG278D is highly active in preclinical models of HER2-BC resistant to Ttzm and other HER2 inhibitors and also enhances the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel. The therapeutic activity is underscored by its ability to bind to HER2 and free it from protection by mucin 4, disrupt its interplay with other receptor tyrosine kinases, and subsequently direct HER2 for degradation. PEPDG278D also down-regulates epidermal growth factor receptor, which contributes to drug resistance in HER2-BC. In contrast, Ttzm, whose therapeutic activity also depends on its binding to the extracellular domain of HER2, cannot perform any of these functions of PEPDG278D PEPDG278D inhibits HER2-BC cells and tumors that carry clinically relevant molecular changes that confer resistance to Ttzm. Our results show that HER2 remains a critical target in drug-resistant HER2-BC and that PEPDG278D is a promising agent for overcoming drug resistance in this disease.
Survival of the Fairest: Examining HUD Reviews of Assessments of Fair Housing

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Rule, arguably the most significant federal effort in a generation to add...
Adipocyte lipolysis affects Perilipin 5 and cristae organization at the cardiac lipid droplet-mitochondrial interface.

This study investigated the effects of elevated fatty acid (FA) supply from adipose tissue on the ultrastructure of cardiac lipid droplets (LDs) and the expression and organization of LD scaffold proteins perilipin-2 (PLIN2) and perilipin-5 (PLIN5). Stimulation of adipocyte lipolysis by fasting (24 h) or β3-adrenergic receptor activation by CL316, 243 (CL) increased cardiac triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and LD size, whereas CL treatment also increased LD number. LDs were tightly associated with mitochondria, which was maintained during LD expansion. Electron tomography (ET) studies revealed continuity of LD and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), suggesting interconnections among LDs. Under fed ad libitum conditions, the cristae of mitochondria that apposed LD were mostly organized perpendicularly to the tangent of the LD surface. Fasting significantly reduced, whereas CL treatment greatly increased, the perpendicular alignment of mitochondrial cristae. Fasting and CL treatment strongly upregulated PLIN5 protein and PLIN2 to a lesser extent. Immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy demonstrated strong targeting of PLIN5 to the cardiac LD-mitochondrial interface, but not to the mitochondrial matrix. CL treatment augmented PLIN5 targeting to the LD-mitochondrial interface, whereas PLIN2 was not significantly affected. Together, our results support the concept that the interface between LD and cardiac mitochondria represents an organized and dynamic “metabolic synapse” that is highly responsive to FA trafficking.
Pacing threshold increase in nonthoracotomy implantable defibrillator leads: implications for battery longevity and margin of safety.

Just as a stable defibrillation threshold is re-quired for implantable defibrillators to maintain efficacyand a margin of safety for the conversion of life-threateningventricular arrhythmias, a stable pacing threshold is alsorequired to provide bradycardia support and pacing to ter-minate ventricular tachycardias. This article reports thetemporal course of pacing thresholds in patients treatedwith a tripolar, tined endocardial defibrillator lead capableof bipolar sensing and pacing, and defibrillation. Seventeenpatients who underwent implantation of an implantabledefibrillator system using an integrated bipolar pac-ing/sensing system were prospectively studied over 18months. There were 16 males and one female, with a meanage of 69 ± 5 years (range 61–75 years). At implantation,predischarge, and every 2 months thereafter, the pacingpulse-width threshold was tested at both 2.5 and 5.0 Vstimulus amplitudes. After a mean follow-up of 363 ± 173days (range 34–597 days), the pacing threshold increasedfrom 0.08 ± 0.08 ms to 0.5 ± 0.3 ms at the 2.5 V amplitude(p≤0.01, CI-0.57 to -0.27) and from 0.04 ± 0.02 ms to 0.256 0.14 ms at the 5.0 V amplitude (p≤0.01, CI -0.28 to-0.14). Eight of the 17 patients (47%) received spontaneousimplantable defibrillator shocks for clinically detected ar-rhythmias, and the total number of joules delivered via theleads did not correlate with the pacing threshold changes.We conclude that the pacing threshold for the nonthoraco-tomy implantable defibrillator lead system studied is notstable and increases with time. This finding has implica-tions for defibrillator battery life in patients who use im-plantable defibrillators for bradycardia pacing.
The Impact of Information Technology and Communication on Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Health care organizations have substantially invested in Health Information Technology (HIT) as part of an effort to improve quality. However, many hospitals fail to generate positive returns on this significant investment, based on reimbursements for quality measures through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Given the high cost of lawsuits, we investigate if HIT adoption reduces lawsuits, and their attendant costs, as another consideration in HIT payoffs. We use operational transparency theory to develop hypotheses on the individual and joint impact of HIT and communication quality in influencing patients’ likelihood to file a lawsuit. We combine data on 168 hospitals in the state of Florida from 2007 to 2011 in order to investigate these relationships. Analysis using a fractional response model indicates that HIT has a direct impact in reducing the number of lawsuits, this effect being higher for hospitals with higher communication quality scores. These results remain consistent irrespective of the type of caregiver (physician vs nurse) communicating with the patient or the severity of injury resulting in the lawsuit. Our results also remain robust under different operationalization of key independent variables and alternate model specifications. These results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that reduce lawsuits.
Peer support for nurses as second victims: Resilience, burnout, and job satisfaction:

BackgroundAlthough there is a demonstrated need for peer support programs for healthcare workers like Resilience In Stressful Events, little is known about their utilization. This study evaluated a...
CHAPTER 2 – Approximation

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on approximation and explains how well a function can be approximated by polynomials. The earliest result concerning the degree, to which a polynomial can approximate a function, is Weierstrass' theorem. There exists a fixed interpolating array, which provides convergent interpolating polynomials for any continuously differentiable function. Equidistant interpolation can fail as an approximating device even for very smooth functions. Interpolation at a given set of points provides an easy means of obtaining approximating polynomials. In any calculation requiring repeated computation of some irrational function by means of an approximating polynomial, a significant reduction in computing time can be affected by using the polynomial of lowest degree, which approximates it with the desired accuracy. The chapter describes a definite algorithm for the computation of the Chebyshev approximating polynomial. The success of that algorithm depends on an elegant characterization of the best polynomial and the fact that the best polynomial is unique.
Endoscopic evaluation of perianal Crohn’s disease

Abstract The common forms of perianal Crohn’s disease (pCD) are skin tags, fissures, anal ulcers, fistulas-in-ano, rectovaginal fistulas, perianal fistulas or abscesses, anorectal strictures, and even cancer. Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy has been routinely used to assess the extent and degree of luminal bowel inflammation and, in some cases, the presence of primary internal openings. The proper identification of fistula opening at the distal rectum and anal canal has important diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Endoscopy is also useful to assess other complications of pCD, including surgical anastomotic leaks, strictures, abscesses, and adenocarcinoma or squamous carcinoma. Therapeutic implications of endoscopy, such as endoscopic fistulotomy and endoscopy-guided seton placement, have been explored. Endoscopic evaluation can be performed in the endoscopy suite or under general anesthesia in the operating room.