cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond PAINs: Chemotype Sensitivity of Protein Methyltransferases in Screens

Screening of the relatively new target class, the lysine and arginine methyltransferases (MTases), presents unique challenges in the identification and confirmation of active chemical matter. Examination of high throughput screening data generated using Scintillation Proximity Assay (SPA) format for a number of protein MTase targets reveals sensitivity to both the known pan assay interference compounds (PAINS) and also other scaffolds not currently precedented as assay interferers. We find that, in general, true actives show significant selectivity within the MTase family. With the exception of slight modifications of SAM-like compounds, scaffolds that are observed frequently in multiple MTase assays should be viewed with caution and should be carefully validated before following up.
An Analysis of the Subject Construction of Secretary Study That Can Meet the Demands of Professionalization

One of the main methods to control the secretary corruption is to realize the specialization of the secretary group, while to build a complete subject system of secretary study is the inner requirement of it. In this paper, the significance of the position and effect of the secretary to social development is emphasized, the subject of secretary study and the way to construct the specialty is explored, with cultivating a qualified secretary group as the start point.
The Research on Fuzzy Language and Evaluative Methods of Credibility During Teacher Career Planning

The paper elaborates the significance of the management of the teacher career,planning in community colleges,and reveals the practical necessity and feasibility in operation,using fuzzy mathematical methods for the evaluation of teacher career planning.The paper narrates the concept of multiple dimensions,representing methods,operational rules,the concept of trapezoidal fuzzy number,as well as clarifying methods-based on credibility theory.The paper advances the basic evaluation steps based on the multi-dimension fuzzy language and credibility theory,and moreover advances the evaluation for the teacher career planning index system,which is composed of is composed of four first grade indexes and the fifteen second grade indexes,as well as its basic implication.Take the Shanghai C Community College as an example,the paper carries out the empirical research on seven teachers' evaluation of teacher career planning,and thus concludes that u_5 superior to u_7 superior to u_3 superior to u_1 superior to u_6 superior to u_4 superior to u_2
Epicurus Philosophy on the View of Life and Death

Epicurus,late philosopher of ancient Greece,researched into the problems on life and death on the basis of atomism.Being against the view of religionary undead spirit,Epicurus put forward the necessity of death,which consequently got rid of the bondage that religion impacted on individual immanent life.Also he put forward his significant opinions about temporal life-hedonism.The happy life,which Epicurus emphasized wasn't the material and carnal enjoyment,but the quiet and equanimity of soul.If one wanted to reach this,he thought one had to deal with it from two aspects: one was that people in temporal life could get along with each other harmoniously(that is tolerance);the other was that one should satisfy with material life and refrain from desire.Unlike other philosophers,Epicurus treated the disease on individual immanent life by claiming the view of life and death,so as to make people gain the real liberty.
Laparotomy and Splenectomy in Hodgkin's Disease

In the brief period since its introduction, this procedure has shown itself highly useful in the staging and management of Hodgkin's disease, overcoming some of the limitations of other techniques in determining the extent of involvement below the diaphragm. A bonus has been expanded knowledge of the natural history of the disorder. It is still too soon, however, to know whether surgical staging will improve prognosis.
An exome-wide analysis of low frequency and rare variants in relation to risk of breast cancer in African American Women: the AMBER Consortium

A large percentage of breast cancer heritability remains unaccounted for, and most of the known susceptibility loci have been established in European and Asian populations. Rare variants may contribute to the unexplained heritability of this disease, including in women of African ancestry (AA). We conducted an exome-wide analysis of rare variants in relation to risk of overall and subtype-specific breast cancer in the African American Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk (AMBER) Consortium, which includes data from four large studies of AA women. Genotyping on the Illumina Human Exome Beadchip yielded data for 170 812 SNPs and 8287 subjects: 3629 cases (1093 estrogen receptor negative (ER-), 1968 ER+, 568 ER unknown) and 4658 controls, the largest exome chip study to date for AA breast cancer. Pooled gene-based association analyses were performed using the unified optimal sequence kernel association test (SKAT-O) for variants with minor allele frequency (MAF) ≤ 5%. In addition, each variant with MAF >0.5% was tested for association using logistic regression. There were no significant associations with overall breast cancer. However, a novel gene, FBXL22 (P = 8.2×10(-6)), and a gene previously identified in GWAS of European ancestry populations, PDE4D (P = 1.2×10(-6)), were significantly associated with ER- breast cancer after correction for multiple testing. Cases with the associated rare variants were also negative for progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptors-thus, triple-negative cancer. Replication is required to confirm these gene-level associations, which are based on very small counts at extremely rare SNPs.
Nichiei Immersion School

Nichiei Immersion School is a private school that offers a K-12 early partial English immersion program (K-8 at the time of my fieldwork). The immersion program is paired with a regular (i.e., non-immersion) program. The majority of the immersion students are native Japanese-speaking children who have never lived abroad and come into the program with little or no English proficiency. The students in grades 1–2 receive approximately two thirds of the instruction in English (math, science, social studies, music, fine arts, physical education, and computer) and one third in Japanese (language arts). In grade 3, music is switched to Japanese, taught by a specialist. From grade 4, social studies and fine art are added to the Japanese component, bringing the proportion of Japanese instruction up to approximately 50 percent (see Figure 3.1). The immersion students use an English translation of the textbooks that the students in the regular program use. After the completion of each unit, students in both programs are given the same test in Japanese.
Is the association between neighborhood characteristics and sleep quality mediated by psychological distress? An analysis of perceived and objective measures of 2 Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

Abstract Background Living in disadvantaged neighborhood environments is associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes and higher overall mortality. However, the specific mechanisms underlying associations of neighborhood characteristics with health are not fully understood. Sleep quality represents an important potential mediator of these associations. Objectives The objectives were to investigate associations of perceived and objective neighborhood characteristics with sleep and the extent to which associations are explained by psychological distress. Design The sample includes randomly selected households from 2 racially/ethnically and socioeconomically similar Pittsburgh communities. Methods Participants included 873 African American adults (77% female) with a median per capita household income of $13,300. Data were collected from in-person household surveys (sociodemographics, psychological distress, perceived neighborhood characteristics), daily sleep diaries, objective neighborhood street segment audits, and city crime data. We analyzed perceived and objective neighborhood characteristics and their association with sleep quality, and the degree to which psychological distress explained observed associations. Results Perceived neighborhood characteristics, including perceived safety ( β = 0.13), neighborhood satisfaction ( β = 0.14), social cohesion ( β = 0.08), and perceived infrastructure ( β = 0.07), were significantly associated with sleep quality ( P values
Residential mobility of low-income, subsidized households: a synthesis of explanatory frameworks

AbstractMobility, residential quality, and life outcomes are linked in the literature and these relationships have influenced low-income housing policy. This research investigates the determinants of mobility for households with a federal housing subsidy. Combining unique data from a survey of Housing Choice Voucher households, client program files, and secondary data, this study uses logistic regression to test several explanations for mobility, including the life cycle, housing market perceptions, and perceived and actual neighborhood conditions. The results indicate that a synthesis of explanations produce the best model to predict residential mobility. Neighborhood quality, perceived and actual, variables most strongly influence mobility, but life cycle factors and perception of the local housing market also impact moving choices. At the same time, the results suggest a gap in our understanding of the relationship among individuals’ environmental perceptions, formation of feelings of neighborhood sati...
School absenteeism among school-aged children with medically attended acute viral respiratory illness during three influenza seasons, 2012-2013 through 2014-2015

Background Acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) are common in school-aged children, but few studies have assessed school absenteeism due to specific respiratory viruses. Objective To evaluate school absenteeism among children with medically attended ARI due to common viruses. Methods We analyzed follow-up surveys from children seeking care for acute respiratory illness who were enrolled in the influenza vaccine effectiveness study at Marshfield Clinic during the 2012-2013 through 2014-2015 influenza seasons. Archived influenza-negative respiratory swabs were retested using multiplex RT-PCR to detect 16 respiratory virus targets. Negative binomial and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between school absence and type of respiratory viruses; endpoints included mean days absent from school and prolonged (>2 days) absence. We examined the association between influenza vaccination and school absence among children with RT-PCR-confirmed influenza. Results Among 1027 children, 2295 days of school were missed due to medically attended ARIs; influenza accounted for 39% of illness episodes and 47% of days missed. Mean days absent were highest for influenza (0.96-1.19) and lowest for coronavirus (0.62). Children with B/Yamagata infection were more likely to report prolonged absence than children with A/H1N1 or A/H3N2 infection [OR (95% CI): 2.1 (1.0, 4.5) and 1.7 (1.0, 2.9), respectively]. Among children with influenza, vaccination status was not associated with prolonged absence. Conclusions School absenteeism due to medically attended ARIs varies by viral infection. Influenza B infections accounted for the greatest burden of absenteeism.
A Practice-Based Evaluation of Distress Screening Protocol Adherence and Medical Service Utilization

Background: This study examined the extent to which cancer programs demonstrated adherence to their own prescribed screening protocol, and whether adherence to that protocol was associated with medical service utilization. The hypothesis is that higher rates of service utilization are associated with lower rates of adherence to screening protocols. Methods: Oncology social workers at Commission on Cancer-accredited cancer programs reviewed electronic health records (EHRs) in their respective cancer programs during a 2-month period in 2014. Rates of overall adherence to a prescribed distress screening protocol were calculated based on documentation in the EHR that screening adherence and an appropriate clinical response had occurred. We examined documentation of emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization within 2 months after the screening visit. Results: Review of 8,409 EHRs across 55 cancer centers indicated that the overall adherence rate to screening protocols was 62.7%. The highest rates of adherence were observed in Community Cancer Programs (76.3%) and the lowest rates were in NCI-designated Cancer Centers (43.3%). Rates of medical service utilization were significantly higher than expected when overall protocol adherence was lacking. After controlling for patient and institutional characteristics, risk ratios for ED use (0.82) and hospitalization (0.81) suggest that when overall protocol adherence was documented, 18% to 19% fewer patients used these medical services. Conclusions: The observed associations between a mandated psychosocial care protocol and medical service utilization suggest opportunities for operational efficiencies and costs savings. Further investigations of protocol integrity, as well as the clinical care models by which psychosocial care is delivered, are warranted.
Legislators’ Need for Civil Society Expertise: Tunisian Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Opportunity

The primacy of the Tunisian revolution and the country’s successful democratic transition (Stepan 2012, “Tunisia’s Transition and the Twin Tolerations.” Journal of Democracy 23:89–103) make Tunisia an exemplar for analyzing legislators’ demand for advocacy by civil society organizations or CSOs. Several researchers (Cavatorta 2012, “Arab Spring: The Awakening of Civil Society. A General Overview.” http://www.iemed.org/observatori-es/arees-danalisi/arxius-adjunts/anuari/med.2012/Cavatorta_en.pdf, Benoit 2011, “The Counter-Power of Civil Society and the Emergence of a New Political Imaginary in the Arab World.” Constellations: an International Journal of Critical and Democratic Theory 18:271–283. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8675.2011.00650.x, Kubba 2000, “Arabs and Democracy: The Awakening of Civil Society.” Journal of Democracy 11:84–90) have explored the role of Tunisian civil society in the democratic transition; however, no study examined legislators’ demand for CSOs’ legislative advocacy in Tunisia. By exploring factors influencing legislators and their demand and need for legislative advocacy, this study sheds light on the inner works of policy makers and ways to influence them. This study finds that, contrary to the idea that governments in developing countries do not want civil society participation in politics, Tunisian legislators are open to and eager for legislative advocacy. Based on 40 survey conducted face to face with Tunisian legislators in the National Constituent Assembly, and archival analysis of the National Constituents Assembly sessions’ minutes from 2011 until 2014, this study finds that Tunisian legislators have a high level of trust in CSOs, want their expertise, and are influenced by them when voting in parliament. These results have several potential impacts on understanding of the relationship between CSOs and government and more specifically legislature.
Effect of hydrothermal conditions on superconductivity and magnetism in [Li1−xFexOH]FeS

Abstract Recent reports of superconductivity and magnetism in single crystals of [Li1−xFexOH]FeS show unexplained variations in both superconducting and magnetic properties. We investigate the effect of hydrothermal growth conditions on these properties and find that increasing the growth temperature systematically increases the superconducting transition temperature (Tc), sharpens the magnetic transition, and decreases the scattering rate (Γ). The slow rate of Tc suppression with increasing Γ indicates a conventional s-wave superconducting state according to the Abrikosov-Gorkov expression. Samples with higher scattering rate show broader magnetic transitions and a stronger temperature dependence in the magnetic susceptibility. These results identify disorder, due to interstitial iron impurities, as the unique internal parameter responsible for the unexplained variations in Tc and magnetic ordering. We demonstrate the optimal hydrothermal growth conditions to minimize disorder and maximize Tc in [Li1−xFexOH]FeS crystals.
Production of Biofuels from Biomass by Fungi

Fungal whole-cell biocatalysts have been used for the pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation, and enzymatic biodiesel production. Fungal whole cells or enzymes bound to whole-cell membrane have significantly reduced the production costs of biocatalysts while also increasing the reusability of biocatalysts. Various strategies based on the advances in genomics and genetic engineering have been developed to improve the biocatalysis efficiency. Genetic engineering of the fungal cells and enzymes via directed evolution has significantly increased the yields and productivity of biofuels in biological processes. Future research on the use of fungal whole-cell biocatalysts can lead to a more sustainable production of biofuels, biodiesel, and other value-added bioproducts.
Cloning, sequencing, and expression of Brucella abortus heat shock 70 gene

Brucella abortus is a gram negative bacteria that can infect and cause serious disease in many mammals including humans. Any organism, including Brucella, that can survive as an intracellular parasite must be able to survive the stress of a foreign and often hostile environment of the host. Stress usually results in a dramatic change in gene expression including an elevated synthesis of heat shock proteins. We have subcloned, sequenced and expressed the Brucella HSP70 and the upstream sequences. The gene was put under the control of the strong "tac" promoter. However, when expressed, we saw a high accumulation of a 23 kDa polypeptide. Upon sequencing, this peptide was shown to be from the N-terminus of the protein. Upstream of the initiation codon of the Brucella HSP70 gene is a small ORF complete with it's own initiation and termination codon and a good ribosome binding site. Various subclones were made and western blots from these showed that if the Brucella HSP70 gene is expressed without the ORF, the 23 kDa polypeptide accumulates. If the ORF is present, the protein accumulates intact. So, we concluded that this ORF is an important upstream regulatory element. Such a system has not been reported before and seems to be unique to Brucella. However, Brucella is an unusual parasite in that it can survive and multiply in the macrophage the cell type of the immune system designed to kill it. It's unknown whether this form of regulation has any relationship to survival as an intracellular parasite. To facilitate expression we also constructed seven expression vectors, pJE1 pJE7. All these plasmids were derived from pKK223-3. They all carry the M13 origin of replication to facilitate production of single stranded DNA and an expanded polycloning site to facilitate cloning. pJE1 -6 are in vivo constitutive expression vectors with modified promoters such that there is a graded expression with pJE1 carrying the
Eira barbara (Tayra)

The skin biopsy of the male specimen was kindly provided by Dr. C. Gray, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., USA, and that of female was from an animal in the Houston Zoological Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA. The chromosomes in the second row may also be regarded as subtelocentrics, the last pair of that row has secondary constrictions on the long arm near the centromere and represents the “carnivore marker.”
Nontraumatic Pericardiophrenic Defect with Tamponade

A 2-year-old boy with multiple congenital anomalies, including bilateral club feet, arthrogryposis, and multilevel aortic coarctation and aneurysms, presented with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distention, and lethargy. An unusual intraluminal air collection projecting over the left heart was seen on the chest radiograph. Echocardiography showed a structurally normal heart with a small concentric pericardial effusion and an echogenic mass posterior to the left ventricle (Fig. 1). There were echo-free spaces and cavitations evident within the mass. In addition, the left atrium was compressed, and there was respiratory variability of mitral valve inflow seen on spectral Doppler echocardiography, which suggested borderline tamponade. Urgent computed tomography of the chest and abdomen confirmed the presence of dilated loops of bowel within the pericardial space (Fig. 2). On computed tomography, there was a diaphragmatic defect posterior to the left lobe of the liver, rather than anterior, as would be expected with a Morgagni hernia. Fig. 1 Four-chamber echocardiographic view shows concentric pericardial effusion with an echogenic mass posterior to the left ventricle. Fig. 2 An oblique coronal reconstruction of a computed tomogram shows the pericardial effusion with dilated loops of bowel within the pericardial space. The patient was subsequently taken to the operating room, where he was noted to have a dilated transverse colon and several loops of small intestine herniating through a diaphragmatic defect that was anterior and just to the left of the esophageal hiatus. Inspection of the bowel revealed no areas of frank ischemia or necrosis. The bowel was easily reduced through the diaphragmatic defect, and the defect was closed primarily with pledgeted sutures. In this patient, the diagnosis of distal aortic coarctation with multiple regions of aortic narrowing in combination with aortic aneurysms was suspected antenatally. At several days of age, he underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization, which confirmed severe coarctation of the upper abdominal aorta just below the level of the diaphragm, with multiple aneurysmal dilations distal to the coarctation. At 3 weeks of age, he underwent an uncomplicated interventional cardiac catheterization, during which 5 overlapping intravascular stents were placed in the abdominal aorta. The most proximal stent was in the distal thoracic aorta at the level of the diaphragm.
Sources of Increased in vivo Cyclooxygenase Product Release Following Whole-Body Irradiation of Rats

Ionizing radiation alters cyclooxygenase product synthesis in a time- and dose-related manner. Rats exposed to 10 or 20 Gy whole-body gamma radiation showed a significant increase (p <.05) in urine immunoreactive thromboxane B2 (iTXB2) 4-120 hours after 10 Gy as well as 4 and 12 hours after 20 Gy exposure. Irradiation with 2 Gy had no effect. The source(s) of this radiation-induced increase in iTXB2 excretion was studied by regional shielding. Rats were anesthetized and exposed to sham radiation, 15 Gy whole-body radiation, or a dose of 20 Gy radiation with either the abdomen or thorax shielded. Four hours after exposure, the animals were re-anesthetized and urine samples collected. Unshielded animals exposed to a 15 Gy dose of radiation showed a 2.5-fold (p <.05) increase in iTXB2 excretion. Abdominal shielding attenuated the radiation-induced increase in iTXB2 excretion by 41%, but thoracic shielding prevented the increase in iTXB2 excretion. Thus, the thoracic organs are an important source of the radiation-induced increase in iTXB2 excretion, and the abdominal organs may also contribute to the increased in vivo release of iTXB2. In the next series of experiments, the individual contribution of the kidneys and lungs to the increased excretion of cyclooxygenase products was studied. Rats were subjected to 20 Gy whole-body radiation and 4 hours after exposure, either the kidneys or lungs were isolated and perfused with a cell-free medium. Radiation did not alter urine acidification by the isolated perfused kidney. However, the concentration of urine from irradiated kidneys was 18.3% (p <.05) less than urine from control kidneys. Whole-body gamma radiation also elicited a 2.2-fold (p <.05) and 3.6-fold (p <.05) increase in the excretion of iPGE2 and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (i6KPGF1α) from isolated perfused kidneys. The excretion rate of iTXB2 from perfused kidneys after irradiation was not significantly different from sham-irradiated controls. On the other hand, isolated perfused rat lungs released 100% (p <.05) more iTXB2 following irradiation than lungs from sham-irradiated animals. The release of i6KPGF1α was also significantly elevated. These studies showed a regional release of cyclooxygenase products following irradiation. The elevated excretion rate of iTXB2 appears to be primarily due to an increased pulmonary release of this arachidonate metabolite.
Formulating a Pedicle Screw Fastening Strength Surrogate via Patient-Specific Virtual Templating and Planning

Traditional 2D images provide limited use for accurate planning of spine interventions, mainly due to the complex 3D anatomy of the and spine, and close proximity of nerve bundles and vascular structures that must be avoided during the procedure. Our clinician-friendly platform for spine surgery planning takes advantage of 3D pre-operative images, to enable oblique reformatting and 3D rendering of individual or multiple vertebrae, interactive templating and placement of virtual pedicle implants, and provide surrogate estimates of the “fastening strength” of implanted pedicle screws based on implant dimension and bone mineral density of the displaced bone substrate. Preliminary studies using retrospective clinical data have demonstrated the feasibility of the platform in assisting the surgeon with selection of appropriate size implant and trajectory that provides optimal “fastening strength”, given the intrinsic vertebral geometry and bone mineral density.
THE DESCRIPTION OF STUDENTS’ METACOGNITION IN MATHEMATICS PROBLEM SOLVING BASED ON PARENTS’ PARENTING PATTERNS

The research aims to describe students’ metacognition in mathematics problem solving based on parents’ parenting patterns. The subjects who were described in the research consisted of 4 students with each had parenting pattern of authoritative type, authoritarian type, permissive type, and rejecting/neglecting type. The data were collected by giving one problem solving test and interview. To review the credibility of the data, it was conducted source and time triangulation. The conclusion based on the results of the test and interview are: (1) Metacognition skills of the subject with parents’ parenting pattern of authoritative type are planning, predicting, monitoring, and evaluating skills; (2) Metacognition skills of the subjects with parents’ parenting pattern of authoritarian type and permissive type are planning, predicting, and monitoring skills; (3) Metacognition skills of the subject with parents’ parenting pattern of permissive type are planning and predicting skills
Simvastatin (SMV) ameliorates the progression of diabetic glomerulopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) mice

Studies indicate that SMV confers renoprotection in a variety of glomerular diseases. We hypothesized that SMV might decelerate or reverse the progression of nephropathy,in type 2DM, induced in mal...
A study on microstructural evolution and corrosion behavior of spark plasma sintered Fe–Cr alloy system

Iron (Fe) and chromium (Cr) powders at various concentrations of Cr (6, 9, 12 and 14 wt%) were mechanically alloyed via high-energy ball milling for 10 h. The milled Fe–Cr alloy powders were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for understanding the impact of varying chromium content on the characteristics of the milled powder. The powder samples were then consolidated via spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1000 °C for 45 min at 80 MPa pressure. The density of the consolidated samples was measured and found to reach a maximum of 98%. Microstructural characterization of the spark plasma sintered samples was performed using SEM and XRD. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performed on spark plasma sintered samples in 0.5 M H2SO4, 0.05 M NaH2PO4 and 1 M NaOH solutions using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis. The corrosion behavior of the spark plasma sintered materials was compared with that of a wrought HT-9 steel (12Cr based ferritic–martensitic steel). The work presented here is a comparative study of microstructural evolution and corrosion behavior between the different spark plasma sintered Fe–Cr model alloys and wrought HT-9 steel.
Operational Risk Management: Optimal Inspection Policy

Operational risk is one of the major risks in the financial industry; major banks around the world lost nearly $210 billion from operational risk events between 2011 and 2016 (Huber and Funaro 2018) and inspection on operational risk is required by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Motivated by the importance of operational risk and its current industry regulation, we study how a financial firm can optimally design inspection policies to manage operational risk losses. Specifically, we propose a continuous-time principal-agent model framework to examine a financial firm's (principal) optimal inspection policy and their employees' (agent) effort towards lowering the risk event occurrences. We first consider two commonly used inspection policies, namely, random and periodic policies, and characterize the optimal inspection strategy under each policy. We identify conditions for two different modes of inspection (effort inducement and error correction) as well as nuanced interactions among inspection frequency, penalty charged on errors, and wage paid to employees. We then compare the performances of random and periodic policies. We find that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the random policy is not always optimal; it is dominated by the periodic policy if the inspection cost is sufficiently low. Furthermore, we construct a hybrid policy that strictly dominates random policy and weakly dominates periodic policy, which suggests that a proper reduction of the random element in the inspection policy can always improve its performance. Finally, calibrating model parameters using operational risk data from a major bank in China, we numerically show that our key insights about random, periodic, and hybrid policies are robust to various model extensions.
High-Density Embedded Electronics in Textiles with 3D Flex Package Transfer

Hybrid device-flex-textile interconnect and integration technologies were developed to realize smart wireless sensing systems. Test vehicles were fabricated to emulate high-density 3D flex packages in textiles. Representative test chips were assembled onto patterned copper traces on Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) flex substrates. These flex circuits were embedded into textiles with deformable silver adhesive interconnects. Fluoroelastomers were utilized as encapsulants to suppress moisture permeation and interaction with the embedded electronics. Contact resistances of the flex-to-textile and device-to-flex interconnects were investigated after fabrication, flexing, thermal and humidity treatments. DC resistances were extracted through Kelvin Probe structures and their stability during thermal and humidity exposure conditions were investigated. In addition to DC resistance, RF loss performance was also improved when we use silver adhesive interconnects to replace bulky and inflexible solder interconnects.
Analytical Study of $$(3+1)$$ ( 3 + 1 ) -Dimensional Fractional-Reaction Diffusion Trimolecular Models

This paper employs two efficient iterative schemes for solving the $$(3+1)$$ -dimensional fractional diffusion-reaction trimolecular models also known as Brusselator models which arises in the mathematical modeling of chemical reaction-diffusion processes. This model is a famous model of chemical reactions with oscillations. The two iterative methods used in this study are the q-homotopy analysis method and the fractional reduced differential transform method. These methods produce exact solutions in some special cases. Error estimates are done when the exact solution is known. The effect of the fractional order on the solutions profile of the system considered is investigated. The numerical results obtained show that these iterative methods are competitive, reliable, and powerful for solving strongly nonlinear higher-order differential equation of fractional type.
Association of Resident Shift Length with Procedural Complications

Abstract Background Training programs for resident physicians struggle to balance the need for clinical experience with the impact of fatigue on patient safety. The length of shifts worked by emergency medicine (EM) residents is likely an important determinant of resident fatigue. Objective Assess the impact of a longer clinical shift on procedural competency. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of arterial line placements, central venous catheterizations, tube thoracostomies, endotracheal intubations, and lumbar punctures performed by EM residents working 12-h shifts in the emergency department of an academic medical center over an academic year. We compared complication rates between procedures performed in the first 8 vs. the last 4 h of a 12-h shift. Procedures without complication were defined as successful on first-pass attempt and without a downstream mechanical or medical complication. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to simultaneously control for possible confounders affecting procedure success. Results We identified 548 eligible procedures: 307 performed in the first 8 h of a 12-h shift and 241 in the last 4 h. The complication rate across all procedures was higher in the last 4 h of the shift (pooled risk ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.67). This effect persisted when adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted risk ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.19–1.69). Conclusion Overall, complication rates of included procedures performed by EM residents were higher during the last 4 vs. first 8 h of a 12-h shift. Training programs should consider the impact of resident fatigue on patient safety when making work schedules.
Daily Intake and Serum Levels of Copper, Selenium and Zinc According to Glucose Metabolism: Cross-Sectional and Comparative Study.

Trace elements play an important role in metabolism. We compared the daily intake and serum concentrations of copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance status in a representative U.S. population. Daily intake and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se in 5087 adults from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were examined and compared to normal (NGT) and abnormal (AGT) glucose tolerance and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Other than Zn deficiency (21.15%), the prevalence of Zn, Se, and Cu excess and Se and Cu deficiency were low (<4.00%). As compared to the NGT group, Cu and Se supplementation was higher in the AGT and DM groups (p < 0.0001 for all). Serum Se and Zn, but not Cu, concentrations were highly correlated with daily intake (p < 0.0001 for both). As compared to the NGT group, serum Cu concentration was highest in the AGT group (p = 0.03), serum Se concentration was highest in the DM group (p < 0.0001), and serum Zn concentration was highest in the AGT group (p < 0.0001). Serum Se and Zn concentration was correlated with daily Se and Zn intake. Even within the reference range for serum Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations, a higher serum concentration of Cu, Se, and Zn was associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Although the casual relationship remains to be elucidated, these data suggest caution in Cu, Se and Zn supplementation in non-deficient individuals.
Magnesium in Normal and Pathological Calcifications

Magnesium, Mg, is a minor but important constituent in some biological calcium phosphates, Ca-P (e.g., tricalcium phosphate, TCP or whitlockite, apatites (AP) and amorphous calcium phosphates, ACP) occuring in normal and pathological calcifications [1–5]. Mg, with carbonate, CO3, was also associated with caries [6,7]. In synthetic systems, the presence of Mg in solution was shown to have the following effects: stabilizes octacalcium phosphate, OCP [8] and ACP [9,10] against transformation to AP; allows the formation of b-TCP [11,12] and promotes the formation of ACP [10,11]. The purpose of this paper is to present some of the findings from our past and current studies on the role of Mg on the formation of synthetic Ca-P and to discuss into its role in the formation of biological Ca-P.
Biosynthesis and transport of glycoproteins in the small intestinal epithelium of rats: I. Developmental change and effect of hypophysectomy

The biosynthesis and intracellular transport of glycoproteins in duodenal absorptive cells of intact rats at 6 and 24 days and hypophysectomized rats at 24 days of age were studied after 20 min intralumenal pulse-labeling of D-[3H]galactose, L-[3H]fucose, or D-[3H]mannose. Autoradiographic studies showed that the incorporation of sugars increased significantly in intact rats between 6 and 24 days. When rats were hypophysectomized at 6 days of age, the intestinal epithelium at 24 days incorporated D-[3H]galactose at a level significantly lower than that of intact rats at 24 days. Hypophysectomy also interfered with the developmental increase in D-[3H]mannose, but not in L-[3H]fucose, incorporation. Biochemical study indicated that the radioactivity in the lipid-free acid-precipitable glycoproteins in the intestine of 24-day-old intact rats at 20 min after D-[3H]galactose injection was 129% and 97% higher than that in 6-day-old rats and in 24-day-old hypophysectomized rats, respectively. The patterns of intracellular transport of newly synthesized galactosylated or fucosylated glycoproteins in all animal groups were similar; the labeled glycoproteins were initially present in the Golgi and were transported through the smooth endoplasmic reticulum to either the lateral membrane or the brush-border membrane within 60 min after the injection of labeled sugars. The proportion of labeled glycoproteins that migrated to the brush-border membrane, however, increased about twofold in the intact rats between 6 and 24 days of age at 60-240 min after D-[3H]galactose injection. Hypophysectomy interfered with developmental increase in the transport of glycoproteins from the apical cytoplasm to the brush-border membrane. It was concluded that the incorporation of monosaccharide precursors into glycoproteins and the proportion of newly synthesized galactosylated or fucosylated glycoproteins transported to the brush-border membrane increase during postnatal development. The developmental changes are regulated, at least partially, by the pituitary gland.
16 Sequential and Group Sequential Designs in Clinical Trials: Guidelines for Practitioners

Abstract In a classical fixed sample design, the sample size is set in advance of collecting any data. The main design focus is choosing the sample size that allows the clinical trial to discriminate between the null hypothesis of no difference and the alternative hypothesis of a specified difference of scientific interest. A disadvantage of fixed sample design is that the same number of subjects will always be used regardless of whether the true treatment effect is extremely beneficial, marginal, or truly harmful relative to the control arm. Often, it is difficult to justify because of ethical concerns and/or economic reasons. Thus, specific early termination procedures have been developed to allow repeated statistical analyses to be performed on accumulating data and to stop the trial as soon as the information is sufficient to conclude. However, repeated analyses inflate the false positive error to an unacceptable level. To avoid this problem, many approaches of group sequential methods have been developed. Although there is an increase in the planned sample size under these designs, due to the sequential nature, substantial sample size reductions compared with the single-stage design is also possible not only in the case of clear efficacy but also in the case of complete lack of efficacy of the new treatment. This feature provides an advantage in utilization of patient resource. These approaches are methodologically complex but advancement in software packages had made the planning, monitoring, and analysis of comparative clinical trials according to these approaches quite simple. Despite this simplicity, the carrying on of a trial under group sequential design requires efficient logistics with dedicated team of data manager, study coordinator, biostatistician, and clinician. Good collaboration, rigorous monitoring, and guidance offered by an independent data safety monitoring committee are all indispensable pieces for its successful implementation. In this chapter, we provide a review of sequential designs and discuss the underlying premise of all current methods. We present a recent example and an historical example to illustrate the methods discussed and to provide a flavor of the variety and complexity in decision making. A comprehensive list of softwares is provided for easy implementation along with practical guidelines. Few areas with potential for future research are also identified.
Effect of Prescribed Abdominal Exercises on Dysmenorrhea in College Women

Abstract In this study thirty-six college Freshmen who suffered from moderate or severe cases of primary dysmenorrhea were tested for abdominal strength and endurance and then required to perform daily specified abdominal exercises for a minimum of eight weeks. Upon being re-tested it was found that through an abdominal exercise program there is an increase in abdominal strength and endurance which is significant at the .01 per cent level of confidence and that approximately 87 per cent of those showing improvement in abdominal strength and endurance showed a decrease in one or more factors indicative of the severity of dysmenorrhea.
The LDL receptor: oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis of the cytoplasmic domain

Mutations at many different sites in the gene for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor can cause the disease familial hypercholesterolaemia. A particularly interesting class of mutations includes those producing 'internalization-defective' receptors-receptors which are expressed on the cell surface and which bind LDL normally, but which fail to cluster in coated pits. This defect was first observed in fibroblasts from patient J.D. Cloning and sequencing of the terminal exons of J.D.'s internalization-defective LDL receptor gene revealed a single point mutation which caused the substitution of cysteine for tyrosine at residue 807. On the basis of this observation, we have used techniques of oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis to make an extensive series of mutations in the full-length LDL receptor cDNA. Stable cell-lines expressing these mutant receptors have been analysed for receptor function. Of 13 different amino acids expressed at residue 807, only the aromatics tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan allowed rapid internalization. Position 807 seems to be a particularly sensitive site, since neither substitution of a cysteine for residue 806 or 808 nor deletion of two triplets downstream had any effect on receptor internalization. In addition, a series of truncations localize the signals for internalization to the membrane-proximal 22 amino acid residues.
Fall prevention among older adults: Case reports exemplifying the value of incorporating lumbar stabilization training during balance exercises

Background: Older adults are at risk of fallingeach year. Fall injuries results in many health care expenses anddisabilities, yet non-western countries lack the infra-structure andresources for prevention programs. Balance exercises have beenfound to be a cost effective evidence-based intervention in treatingand preventing falls among older adults in western countries.Purpose: The aim of this report was to show that lumbar stabilizationexercises are not only a beneficial addition to a balanceprogram for the prevention and treatment of falls in older adults,but to demonstrate that these exercise can more rapidly improve thefunctional status of older adults, limiting healthcare costs.Case description: Two high functional older adults with a historyof falls presented with poor balance and fear of falling. Both patientsreceived the same balance exercise regime however lumbar stabilization exercises were added to one of the patient’s exerciseprograms. Gait speed, lower extremity strength and balance were assessed with the Balance Evaluation systems test (BESTest),figure-of-eight, four-step-square (FSST), five-time-sit-to-stand tests (5TSTS) after two weeks and four weeks of treatment.Outcomes. All the outcome measures showed statistically significant improvements. Greater improvements in vertical stabilitylimits (14%), gait speed (9%), stability during gait (20%) and five-time-sit-to-stand test were seen with the addition of lumbarstabilization exercises.Discussion. The addition of lumbar stabilization exercises during balance training is of value to improve gait speed, balancetesting scores in stability in gait and vertical stability limits.
An efficient list representation and access scheme for artificial intelligence applications

The rapid increase in artificial intelligence utilization has increased the demand for list-oriented processing. For an architecture to support such environments, an efficient list representation and access scheme must be developed. Such a scheme, called implied CDR coding, which optimizes memory utilization by taking advantage of the linearity property of lists, while maintaining ease of implementation of list instruction primitives, is proposed. The further enhance performance, a hardware-supported pointer-access algorithm is introduced for use when list-access primitives encounter pointers within the list. >