cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural entropy of glassy systems from graph isomorphism

Configurational entropy plays a central role in thermodynamic scenarios of the glass transition. As a measure of the number of basins in the potential energy landscape, configurational entropy for a glass-forming liquid can be evaluated by explicitly counting distinct inherent structures. In this work, we propose a graph-theory based method to examine local structure and obtain the corresponding entropy of hard-particle systems. Voronoi diagrams of associated clusters are classified using a graph isomorphism algorithm. The statistics of these clusters reveal structural motifs such as icosahedron-like order, and also allow us to calculate the structural entropy SG. We find the structural entropy of an n-particle subsystem grows linearly with n. Thus the structural entropy per particle can be obtained from the slope dSG/dn. Our results are consistent with previous values for configurational entropy obtained via thermodynamic integration. Structural entropies per particle are measured for hard-disk and hard-sphere polydisperse systems, and extrapolated for monodisperse hard disks, all of which are nonzero at the dynamic glass transition.
High-Performance Psychometrics: The Parallel-E Parallel-M Algorithm for Generalized Latent Variable Models

This report presents results on a parallel implementation of the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for multidimensional latent variable models. The developments presented here are based on code that parallelizes both the E step and the M step of the parallel-E parallel-M algorithm. Examples presented in this report include item response theory, diagnostic classification models, multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) models, and discrete mixture distribution models. These types of models are frequently applied to the analysis of multidimensional responses of test takers to a set of items, for example, in the context of proficiency testing. The algorithm presented here is based on a direct implementation of massive parallelism using a paradigm that allows the distribution of work among a number of processor cores. Modern desktop computers as well as many laptops are using processors that contain 2–4 cores and potentially twice the number of virtual cores. Many servers use 2, 4, or more multicore #central processing units (CPUs), which brings the number of cores to 8, 12, 32, or even 64 or more. The algorithm presented here scales the time reduction in the most calculation-intense part of the program almost linearly for some problems, which means that a server with 32 physical cores executes the parallel-E step algorithm up to 24 times faster than a single-core computer or the equivalent nonparallel algorithm. The overall gain (including parts of the program that cannot be executed in parallel) can reach a reduction in time by a factor of 6 or more for a 12-core machine. The basic approach is to utilize the architecture of modern CPUs, which often involves the design of processors with multiple cores that can run programs simultaneously. The use of this type of architecture for algorithms that produce posterior moments has straightforward appeal: The calculations conducted for each respondent or each distinct response pattern can be split up into simultaneous calculations.
Challenges in visual parking and how a developmental network approaches the problem

Many existing parking assistance systems use LIDAR and range sensors. However, such sensors may be fooled by dark surfaces, wet surfaces, and mirrors. The range information does not tell restricted parking spaces such as handicap parking spaces. Vision based autonomous navigation methods have a potential to use richer and more redundant intensity and color information but also require sophisticated processing and extensive computation. In this paper we present our vision based autonomous parking agent for large parking ramps using an object recognition neural network. After action-supervised learning, the network is able to find empty spaces in indoor parking ramps, park into space, and leave the parking space with no human guidance/supervision. An Finite Automaton as context-dependent rules emerge from the Developmental Network. The transitions between different parking states are facilitated by the recognized landmarks learned through on-line training process. Our experiments showed that the agent learned to maneuver in novel environments at a high action accuracy. Our future work includes training and testing the agent in real-time.
Conference Overview: Through the Patient’s Eyes, 2000—The Picker Institute’s Sixth Annual Symposium

Conference-at-a-Glance Background This overview summarizes the work presented at The Picker Institute's Sixth Annual Symposium, held in Boston July 13–14, 2000. Issues Health care in the United States may be the most expensive and the best in the world, but according to David M. Lawrence, it is characterized by great variations in quality, high rates of error, inefficiency and waste, and growing consumer concern. The National Forum for Health Care Quality Measurement and Reporting, as Kenneth W. Kizer stated, was established to improve health care quality by promoting the delivery of care that is known to be effective, achieving better health outcomes, and making health care more accessible and more satisfying to consumers. According to Paul D. Cleary, data suggest that although most people still trust their doctors and nurses, overall, as well as the technical quality of their care, they believe that intermediaries, such as health plans and managed care organizations, affect their doctors' priorities and clinical decisions. Lisa I. Iezzoni stated that even modern high-tech medicine has little to offer those who live daily with major and minor functional disabilities. John D. Halamka sees information technology as a critical tool for creating a delivery system capable of supporting the complex production processes that are characteristic of 21st century medicine. Two years before the release of the Institute of Medicine's 1999 report To Err Is Human, the Veterans Health Administration in the Department of Veterans Affairs had already identified safety as a high priority and launched a systemwide Patient Safety Improvement Initiative, as described by James P. Bagian and Jonathan B. Perlin. Case studies Presenters discussed success stories in using information about patients' experiences to target and support improvement efforts. Several participants, such as Charles J. Homer, reported on collaborative data gathering and improvement efforts among many, sometimes competing, health care organizations. Rhonda Clausen and Robert L. Sheridan described a systemwide approach to improvement among the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children. Charles G. Humble and Troy Sherrill described an intranet site that allows end users to mine patient survey data through custom queries and to generate data relevant to very specific, local interventions. Several presenters discussed how they engage physicians in patient-centered improvement activities. Involving staff in change to improve patient care may also require attending to their own needs, but little is known about the aspects of working life that most affect patients' perceptions of the quality of care.
A Land Ethic in a Handful of Soil

An ethic is a set of moral principles relating to our conduct, primarily with other people. A few years before Aldo Leopold died, he told a group of land care profes- sionals that, for us, ethics are not only determined by religious or moral principles, but by our actions as part of the land. He presented his land ethic almost 70 years ago. He challenged us to make our lives a statement about the land we serve. We live in a country where big-box stores sell plant food, landscape companies deliver dirt by the truckload, farmers rent ground to grow hay, and real estate people own development property. Most land use decisions are based on economics rather than ethics, and are often implemented by a corporation, not a person. In such a world, the land ethic, as envisioned by Leopold, has yet to change this generation from conquerors of the land-community to citizens who respect it as part of their existence. Using pejorative words to describe land suggests it is a commodity to be owned and dominated to make money for the owner, not an asset for building community. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v36i4_box
Violence by Children Against Mothers in Relation to Violence Between Parents and Corporal Punishment by Parents

This article examines violence by children against parents, with particular emphasis on violence against mothers. The data are from interviews with parents of a nationally representative sample of ...
Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access with SIC Error Propagation in Downlink Wireless MIMO Networks

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is an emerging technology that can improve system spectral efficiency. In this paper, we propose a downlink multiple-input-multiple- output (MIMO) wireless system that incorporates NOMA. To make the system model more realistic, error propagation in successive interference cancellation (SIC) is considered during the decoding process. We formulate an optimization problem aiming at maximizing system throughput. The imposed error propagation increases the complexity to find a closed-form solution, so a heuristic way is proposed to solve the precoding matrix by an iterative algorithm. Case studies are performed to evaluate the impact of power allocation with residual interference afterwards. Simulation results show the superiority of the proposed precoding design and give an insight on power allocation.
Proximity‐Based Sortase‐Mediated Ligation

Protein bioconjugation has been a crucial tool for studying biological processes and developing therapeutics. Sortase A (SrtA), a bacterial transpeptidase, has become widely used for its ability to site-specifically label proteins with diverse functional moieties, but a significant limitation is its poor reaction kinetics. In this work, we address this by developing proximity-based sortase-mediated ligation (PBSL), which improves the ligation efficiency to over 95 % by linking the target protein to SrtA using the SpyTag–SpyCatcher peptide–protein pair. By expressing the target protein with SpyTag C-terminal to the SrtA recognition motif, it can be covalently captured by an immobilized SpyCatcher–SrtA fusion protein during purification. Following the ligation reaction, SpyTag is cleaved off, rendering PBSL traceless, and only the labeled protein is released, simplifying target protein purification and labeling to a single step.
The impact of frailty status on clinical and functional outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in nonagenarians with severe aortic stenosis.

Background The impact of frailty status on TAVR outcomes in nonagenarians is unknown. The present study aims to investigate the impact of frailty status on procedural outcomes and overall survival in nonagenarians after TAVR. Methods A frailty score (FS) was derived by using preoperative grip strength, gait speed, serum albumin, and daily activities. Patients were divided into two groups: Frail (FS ≥ 3/4) and Non-Frail (FS <3/4). Health status was assessed using the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared in both groups. The effect of frailty status on outcomes was investigated. Cox regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of overall all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate survival. Results Seventy-five patients >90 years underwent full assessment for frailty status. There was a significant improvement in overall health status of non-frail patients (mean difference: 11.03, P = 0.032). Unadjusted 30-day and 2-year mortality rates were higher in the frail group than the non-frail group. (14% vs. 2% P = 0.059; 31% vs. 9% P = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier estimated all-cause mortality to be significantly higher in the frail group (log-rank test; P = 0.042). Frailty status was independently associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio: 1.84, 95% C.I: 1.06–3.17; P = 0.028) after TAVR. Conclusion Among nonagenarians selected to undergo TAVR for severe aortic stenosis, a considerable number are frail. Nonfrail patients report a significant improvement in overall health status in the short term. Worse frailty is strongly associated with diminished long-term survival. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orthogonal Plating of Vancouver B1 and C-Type Periprosthetic Femur Fracture Nonunions:

BackgroundPeriprosthetic femoral shaft fractures are a significant complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Plate osteosynthesis has been the mainstay of treatment around well-fixed stems. ...
History matters...through partnerships that advance research, education, and public service

The article deals with the ongoing strategic partnership between the History of Medicine Division at the National Library of Medicine and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) to allow researchers, educators, and students access to new forms of cooperative work through a growing network of resources.
Timing is everything: Where status epilepticus treatment fails

Status epilepticus is an emergency; however, prompt treatment of patients with status epilepticus is challenging. Clinical trials, such as the ESETT (Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial), compare effectiveness of antiepileptic medications, and rigorous examination of effectiveness of care delivery is similarly warranted. We reviewed the medical literature on observed deviations from guidelines, clinical significance, and initiatives to improve timely treatment. We found pervasive, substantial gaps between recommended and "real-world" practice with regard to timing, dosing, and sequence of antiepileptic therapy. Applying quality improvement methodology at the institutional level can increase adherence to guidelines and may improve patient outcomes. Ann Neurol 2017;82:155-165.
Initiation of a Multidisciplinary, Rapid Response Team to Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can result in rapid clinical decompensation in many patients. With increasing patient complexity and advanced treatment options for PE, multidisciplinary, rapid response teams can optimize risk stratification and expedite management strategies. The Massive And Submassive Clot On-call Team (MASCOT) was created at our institution, which comprised specialists from cardiology, pulmonology, hematology, interventional radiology, and cardiac surgery. MASCOT offers rapid consultation 24 hours a day with a web-based conference call to review patient data and discuss management of patients with high-risk PE. We reviewed patient data collected from MASCOT's registry to analyze patient clinical characteristics and outcomes and describe the composition and operation of the team. Between August 2015 and September 2016, MASCOT evaluated 72 patients. Seventy of the 72 patients were admitted to our institution, accounting for 32% of all patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of PE. Average age was 62 ± 17 years with a female predominance (63%). Active malignancy (31%), recent surgery or trauma (21%), and recent hospitalization (24%) were common. PE clinical severity was massive in 16% and submassive in 83%. Patients were managed with anticoagulation alone in 65% (n = 46), systemic fibrinolysis in 11% (n = 8), catheter-directed therapy in 18% (n = 13), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in 3% (n = 2), and an inferior vena cava filter was placed in 15% (n = 11). Thirteen percent (n = 9) experienced a major bleed with no intracranial hemorrhage. Survival to discharge was 89% (64% with massive PE and 93% with submassive PE). In conclusion, multidisciplinary, rapid response PE teams offer a unique coordinated approach to patient care.
Kenema Government Hospital: From Lassa to Ebola

Ebola’s Curse: 2013–2016 Outbreak in West Africa , a timely, needed and well-presented book by Michael Oldstone and Madeleine Rose Oldstone, unlocks the mysteries of the largest outbreak of one of the world’s most fearsome viruses. What is Ebola? Why did this happen? Here you will find the answers to these questions, while meeting fascinating people thrust into a situation as dramatic as any that could be imagined in a blockbuster novel or movie.
Building a Replisome from Interacting Pieces: Sliding Clamp Complexed to a Peptide from DNA Polymerase and a Polymerase Editing Complex

We have solved the crystal structures of the bacteriophage RB69 sliding clamp, its complex with a peptide essential for DNA polymerase interactions, and the DNA polymerase complexed with primer-template DNA. The editing complex structure shows a partially melted duplex DNA exiting from the exonuclease domain at an unexpected angle and significant changes in the protein structure. The clamp complex shows the C-terminal 11 residues of polymerase bound in a hydrophobic pocket, and it allows docking of the editing and clamp structures together. The peptide binds to the sliding clamp at a position identical to that of a replication inhibitor peptide bound to PCNA, suggesting that the replication inhibitor protein p21CIP1 functions by competing with eukaryotic polymerases for the same binding pocket on the clamp.
Kantian Group Agency

Although much work has been done on Kant’s theory of moral agency, little explored is the possibility of a Kantian account of the moral agency of groups or collectives that comprise individual human beings. The aim of this paper is to offer a Kantian account of collective moral agency that can explain how organized collectives can perform moral (or immoral) actions and be held morally responsible for their actions. Drawing on Kant’s view that agents act by incorporating an incentive into their maxims, it is argued that groups of agents can engage in practical deliberation in much the same way individual agents can, resulting in the formulation of a distinctive “group maxim” for which the group, as such, can be morally responsible.
Pentoxifylline, Vitamin E, and Modification of Radiation-Induced Fibrosis

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) in the breast, skin, and head and neck sites can result in pain, poor cosmesis, and functional limitations. In addition, RIF in the lung, kidney, and bowel, can result in functional loss that can be extremely morbid or life threatening. Studies with pentoxifylline (PTX) have demonstrated the ability of PTX to prevent or improve chronic RIF. Endogenous tocopherol (vitamin E) protects cell membranes against lipid peroxidation. The majority of clinical studies involving PTX and/or vitamin E have investigated their potential role in reversing late radiation changes while only a few studies have focused on their possible role in prevention of delayed radiation effects. The extensive clinical trial experience from 1989 to the present suggests that PTX with or without vitamin E is effective at both preventing and reversing some manifestations of RIF. Mechanisms may include reversal of local hypoxia, inhibition of fibroblast proliferation, and reduction of oxidative stress via multiple pathways. The change in perception of RIF as fixed and irreversible to the realization that it represents a dynamic and continuous process invites us to continue to explore the mechanisms involved and to develop appropriate treatments.
Molecular testing in advanced non-squamous NSCLC in a community setting.

e21204Background: Genomic testing became an important tool for the individualized treatment of lung cancer. With the availability of predictive biomarkers, such as EGFR, it is possible to identify ...
CNN-based radiographic acute tibial fracture detection in the setting of open growth plates

Pediatric tibial fractures are commonly diagnosed by radiographs and constitute one of the common tasks performed by pediatric radiologists. Here, we assess the performance of a convolutional neural network for the detection of acute tibial fractures trained with a limited number of cases in skeletally immature patients. This retrospective study was performed on radiology reports manually classified as normal or tibial fracture. Classified images of orthopaedic implants, casting, and images including other pathology were excluded. The remaining cases constituted 516 studies containing 2118 radiographs. These radiographs were truncated to include a limited investigated field of view which included the distal third of the leg, inclusive of the distal physis. After exclusions, the culled dataset was randomly divided into a training set containing 784 radiographs, a validation set containing 98 radiographs, and a test set 98 radiographs. We used a modified transfer learning approach based on the Xception architecture with additional fully convoluted reasoning and drop-out layers. Of 49 distal Tibial fractures, two were misdiagnosed as normal. Of 49 normal exams, none were misdiagnosed. This led to model accuracy of 97.9%, sensitivity 95.9%, and specificity 100%, comparable to or better than human radiologists. In no instances were normal physes or normal developmental epiphyseal fragmentation of the tibial tuberosity or medial malleolus misclassified as a fracture. We report an efficient method to use a pre-trained network and adapt it to a medical classification task using only a small number of radiographs dedicated to precise anatomical location.
Characterizing historical textiles and clothing with proteomics

Este artigo e uma revisao das tecnicas de proteomica e de espectrometria de massa aplicadas ao estudo de texteis e vestuario historicos. Inicialmente usada para o estudo de fibras animais arqueologicas ha mais de uma decada, a proteomica tem proporcionado contribuicoes importantes para a analise de proteinas antigas e para os estudos do patrimonio cultural. A proteomica tem a vantagem de oferecer uma melhor compreensao sobre os modos de fabrico de texteis historicos, a sua composicao e os processos de degradacao, assim como sobre o desenvolvimento de fibras animais atraves de processos de domesticacao e reproducao. Esta revisao apresenta os metodos analiticos actuais, descreve as diferentes fibras animais, as suas caracteristicas biomoleculares e respectivos metodos de analise e, por ultimo, apresenta as principais aplicacoes da proteomica ao estudo de texteis e vestuario historicos.
"It's not fair!" Mothers' experiences with perinatal loss upon confirmation of a lethal prenatal diagnosis

The loss of a child does not agree with most people’s perceptions of the natural order of life and death. It marks an end to the hopes and dreams that parents have made for their children (Znoj & Keller, 2002). This feminist narrative inquiry explores mothers’ experiences with decision-making and grief after receiving a lethal prenatal diagnosis for their unborn child. In such circumstances, mothers are often faced with two options: 1) expectant management/continue the pregnancy, or 2) termination of the pregnancy (Rapp, 1999; Hoeldtke & Calhoun, 2001). Through interviewing, participant observation, and personal narrative, I uncover the grief experiences of mothers as they reflect on their child’s terminal diagnosis, decision-making pertaining to pregnancy management, and the unavoidable death of their child. These women’s stories inform policy, practice, and future research by providing insight into the support services offered, or lack thereof, depending on the option chosen for pregnancy management.
Insights into the Structure of Liquid Water from Nuclear Quantum Effects on the Density and Compressibility of Ice Polymorphs.

Nuclear quantum effects lead to an anomalous shift of the volume of hexagonal ice; heavy ice has a larger volume than light ice. Furthermore, this anomaly in ice increases with temperature and persists in liquid water up to the boiling point. To gain more insight, we study nuclear quantum effects on the density and compressibility of several ice-like structures and crystalline ice phases. By calculating the anisotropic contributions to the stain tensor, we analyze how the compressibility changes along different directions in hexagonal ice, and find that hexagonal ice is softer along the x–y plane than the z-direction. Furthermore, by performing ab initio density functional theory calculations with a van der Waals functional and with the quasiharmonic approximation, we find an anomalous isotope effect in the bulk modulus of hexagonal ice: heavy ice has a smaller bulk modulus than light ice. In agreement with the experiments, we also obtain an anomalous isotope effect for clathrate hydrate structure I. For ...
Resounding the Rhetorical: Composition as a Quasi-Object

Consider the recording studio. Its walls absorb and release sound waves, filtering and reflecting them. It is filled with electronics that further direct and diffract sound: mics, processors, audio...
"El campesino nació para el campo”: un enfoque multiespecies hacia la paz territorial en Colombia

Based on the ethnographic fieldwork with the social movement, the Peaceful Process of Reconciliation and Integration of the Alta Montana, this article explores practices of peacebuilding in rural Colombia. I use a multispecies lens to interrogate the discourse of territorial peace (paz territorial), revealing how both violence and peace intertwine human and non-human lives and relations in the Alta Montana. Through analysis of the everyday assemblages forged among people, animals, forests, and crops, I demonstrate how the multispecies approach to peacebuilding in the Alta Montana sharpens our understanding of the mutually reinforcing processes of violent conflict and environmental degradation. As a result, I argue that multispecies anthropological analysis also enables a capacious conceptualization of peace, one that recognizes the complex life-worlds of people, as they seek, in their everyday lives, to reweave —and to create new— the social and ecological fabric of their communities.
Law of Incipient Separation over Curved Ramps as Inferred by Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes

In this study, numerical simulations of spatially developing incompressible turbulent boundary layers (SDTBLs) with adverse pressure gradient (APG) over two-dimensional smooth curved ramps have bee...
Sealed Lead Acid Battery and Supercapacitor Power Configurations for Electric Drag Racing

This work presents methods of introducing sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries in combination with supercapacitors for powering a high performance electric vehicle. SLA batteries and their charging systems are readily available; however, these batteries are heavy and have poor discharge energy efficiency. Supercapacitors capable of higher discharge currents could complement the power available from the battery or replace batteries in short range electric vehicles (EV). Power levels greater than 100 kW were tested. Experimentally, supercapacitor and Pb battery configurations were analyzed to increase the power delivered to an electric motorcycle purposed for quarter-mile drag racing.
Imaging Inflammatory Processes of the Oral Cavity and Suprahyoid Neck

SUMMARY The use of sectional imaging techniques facilitates the management of patients with clinical evidence of infection. CT and MRI may be used to both identify and localize abscesses within the oral cavity and suprahyoid neck. The proper use of imaging techniques requires a thorough understanding of the radiologic principles and anatomic details described in this article.
A Phase II Trial of Melphalan Based Reduced-Intensity Conditioning for Transplantation of T-Replete HLA-Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cells with Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

T-replete haploidentical donor transplants using posttransplant cyclophosphamide (haplo) have greatly expanded donor availability and are increasingly utilized. Haplo were originally performed using truly nonmyeloablative conditioning and a bone marrow graft. We have also developed myeloablative conditioning and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts for use with haplo. However, some patients may not tolerate myeloablative conditioning but may still benefit from a more dose-intensified preparative regimen to control malignancy and diminish graft rejection. To this end, we enrolled 25 patients on a prospective phase II trial utilizing a regimen of fludarabine 30 mg/m2/day × 5 days and Melphalan 140 mg/m2 on day -1 (flu/Mel) followed by infusion of unmanipulated PBSC graft from a haploidentical donor. GVHD prophylaxis included cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg/day on days 3 and 4, mycophenolate mofetil on day 35, and tacrolimus on day 180. Median age was 57 years (range from 35 to 68). Transplantation diagnosis included AML (n = 11), ALL (n = 4), MDS/MPD (n = 6), NHL/CLL (n = 3), and MM (n = 1). Using the refined Disease Risk Index (DRI), patients were low (n = 1), intermediate (n = 13), and high/very high (n = 11). 22 out of 25 patients engrafted with a median time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment of 18 days and 36 days, respectively. All engrafting patients achieved full peripheral blood T-lymphocyte and myeloid donor chimerism at day 30. The 180-day cumulative incidence for acute GVHD grades II–IV and III-IV was seen in 20% (95% CI 8%–37%) and 8% (95% CI 2%–22%), respectively. The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 16% (95% CI 5%–33%) (moderate-severe 12% (95% CI 3%–27%)). After a median follow-up of 28.3 months, the estimated 2-year OS, DFS, NRM, and relapse were 56% (95%CI 33–74%), 44% (95%CI 23%–64%), 20% (95% CI 8%–37%), and 36% (95% CI 17%–55%), respectively. Among patients with high/very high risk DRI, 2-year OS was 53% compared to 69% for low/intermediate DRI. When compared with a contemporaneous cohort of patients at our center receiving haploidentical transplant with nonablative fludarabine, Cytoxan, and total body irradiation flu/Cy/TBI regimen, the outcomes were statistically similar to the 2-year OS at 56% vs. 63% and DFS at 44% vs. 46% .
Examining the Relation Between Technical and Global Competence in Two Treatments for Youth Anxiety.

Abstract Although technical (quality of delivering techniques from a specific treatment) and global (general clinical expertise) competence are believed to be important ingredients of successful psychosocial treatment with youth, there have been few empirical efforts to measure both dimensions. Efforts to understand the role that each competence dimension plays in the process and outcome of youth treatment starts with determining whether the dimensions can be measured separately. This study examined whether scores from measures designed to assess technical and global competence were distinct. Treatment sessions (N = 603) from 38 youths (M age = 9.84 years, SD = 1.65; 60.5% White; 52.6% male) treated for primary anxiety problems within a randomized effectiveness trial were coded. Four coders used observational measures designed to assess technical competence, global competence, protocol adherence, and the alliance. Mean item interrater reliability was .70 (SD = .09) for technical competence and .66 (SD = .05) for global competence. While most components of global competence were distinct from technical competence scores, two components showed redundancy (r > .70). Scores on both competence measures were empirically distinct (r
Redevelopment or retreat for informal settlers? A case study in Shezidao, Taipei, Taiwan

This article explores managed retreat as a climate change adaptation option for small-scale, yet complicated, informal settlements in a flood-prone urban area. Shezidao is located at the confluence of the Keelung and Tamsui rivers in the heart of Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei. Since floods are common in Shezidao, dwellers have attempted to mitigate the risks with improvised structures that fall short of a comprehensive solution. This article suggests the issue of informal settlement on a flood plain must be solved through managed, rather than haphazard, retreat. The article further suggests aligning the central and local governments’ public objectives and connecting social housing policy for the potential relocation of informal settlers as main strategies to provide solutions to the communities at risk. As climate change continues unabated, adaptation measures should be planned to mitigate future disaster risks that might occur in urban informal settlements.
«E-LEARNING» AS AN INNOVATIVE METHOD FOR TRAINING FUTURE WATER TRANSPORT SPECIALISTS

The article describes e-learning as an innovative method for the training of water transport specialists. Describes its importance as an auxiliary and inalienable tool for training in higher and vocational education institutions not only in Ukraine but also in the world.The article states that in recent years, e-learning has become an integral part of the educational process in higher education institutions and is used in all forms of education. Using e-learning can improve the quality of education by using current global educational resources and, moreover, they use the elements of e-learning and distance education.E-learning is considered from the point of view of the use of e-learning tools for different learning purposes, ranging from additional functions in regular classes to the complete replacement of direct meetings at an online meeting, namely: - the use of electronic technologies to provide educational and training programs; - education through all electronic media; - training on the basis of information and communication technologies (ICT) for the pedagogical interaction of students and curricula, using access to the Internet. The author of the article notes that modern pedagogical technologies, and to a greater extent, e-learning technologies for future water transport specialists, are person-oriented and are aimed at the development of individual student skills.The article outlines the benefits of using e-learning in the training of future water transport professionals, the benefits of using e-learning for instructors trained by future water transport specialists, as well as benefits for the administration of the Academy (University).
Effect of losartan on hospitalized patients with COVID-19-induced lung injury: A randomized clinical trial

Background SARS-CoV-2 viral entry may disrupt angiotensin II (Ang II) homeostasis in part via ACE2 downregulation, potentially contributing to COVID-19 induced lung injury. Preclinical models of viral pneumonias that utilize ACE2 demonstrate Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade mitigates lung injury, though observational COVID-19 data addressing the effect of AT1R blockade remain mixed. Methods Multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial of losartan (50 mg PO twice daily for 10 days) versus placebo. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and a respiratory sequential organ failure assessment score of at least 1 and not already taking a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor were eligible. The primary outcome was the imputed partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio at 7 days. Secondary outcomes included ordinal COVID-19 severity, oxygen, ventilator, and vasopressor-free days, and mortality. Losartan pharmacokinetics (PK) and RAAS components [Ang II, angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)), ACE, ACE2] were measured in a subgroup of participants. Findings From April 2020 - February 2021, 205 participants were randomized, 101 to losartan and 104 to placebo. Compared to placebo, losartan did not significantly affect PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 7 days [difference of -24.8 (95% -55.6 to 6.1; p=0.12)]. Losartan did not improve any secondary clinical outcome, but worsened vasopressor-free days. PK data were consistent with appropriate steady-state concentrations, but we observed no significant effect of losartan on RAAS components. Interpretation Initiation of orally administered losartan to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and acute lung injury does not improve PaO2 / FiO2 ratio at 7 days. These data may have implications for ongoing clinical trials. Trial Registration Losartan for Patients With COVID-19 Requiring Hospitalization (NCT04312009), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04312009
Carbonate-Catalyzed Reverse Water-Gas Shift to Produce Gas Fermentation Feedstocks for Renewable Liquid Fuel Synthesis

Carbon-neutral liquid fuel generation is essential for decarbonizing sectors that cannot readily electrify. Recently commercialized acetogenic gas fermentation offers an alternative to conventional biofuels that circumvents efficiency limitations and land requirements, provided the requisite H2/CO feedstocks can be generated efficiently using renewable inputs. CO2 electrolysis to CO is under development for this purpose, but suffers from scalability challenges and impurity sensitivity. We describe an alternative that utilizes dispersed alkali carbonates as reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) catalysts to convert H2 and CO2 to an appropriate ratio of CO/CO2/H2 for acetogenic fermentation. Using a fixed bed reactor operating at industrially relevant space velocity, we demonstrate equilibrium RWGS conversion starting at 410 °C that remains stable over days, even with 50 ppm H2S impurity. The combination of carbonate-catalyzed RWGS, water electrolysis, and gas fermentation could convert electricity to ethanol with nearly 50% energy efficiency, providing a compelling option for renewable liquid fuel production.
Myeloproliferative syndrome with leukemia preceding polycythemia vera; a case report.

A case of chronic erythroleukemia is reported in which a picture of chronic granulocytic leukemia preceded the erythremic proliferation by one to three years. The patient was followed throughout his entire 10-year course and the clinical impressions were confirmed initially by biopsy and eventually at necropsy. The rare examples of this occurrence usually cited in the literature are reviewed and briefly discussed. In every case the development of erythremia was preceded by radiation therapy for the leukemic dyscrasia. A set of criteria for evaluating such cases in order to provide definite evidence for this sequence of events is suggested. The transformation of chronic granulocytic leukemia into polycythemia vera or chronic erythroleukemia lends further support to the concept of fundamental similarity and close inter-relation of these myeloproliferative disorders.
Relative Importance of Political Instability and Economic Variables on Perceived Country Creditworthiness

This paper examines the relative importance of political instability and economic variables on perceived country creditworthiness. Our results indicate that both political instability and economic variables are taken into account in evaluating country creditworthiness; however, it appears that bankers assign larger weight to economic variables. Hence, it seems that the country creditworthiness perceptions are largely based on a country's economic performances, which we except to reflect longer term political stability. In addition, the frequency of changes in the regime and armed conflict, both proxying for political instability, also affect the credit ratings.
Metformin induces ER stress-dependent apoptosis through miR-708-5p/NNAT pathway in prostate cancer

Although the antitumor role of metformin has been widely reported, the molecular mechanism of this biguanide agent in the inhibition of tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we identified miR-708-5p as a novel target of metformin in prostate cancer cells. Metformin promotes increased expression of miR-708-5p, leading to suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein neuronatin (NNAT) expression and subsequently induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells through the ER stress pathway. Further, miR-708-5p-induced knockdown of NNAT is associated with downregulated intracellular calcium levels and induced malformation of ER-ribosome structure revealed by electronic microscopy. Meanwhile, the unfolded protein response regulator CHOP, p-eIF2α, calreticulin, GRP78 and ATP2A1, all of which are also considered as ER stress markers, are upregulated by metformin and miR-708-5p. Taken together, our findings clearly demonstrate that metformin stimulates increased expression of miR-708-5p to target the NNAT-mediated response to ER stress and apoptosis. This novel regulatory mechanism of metformin in prostate cancer cells not only advances our knowledge on the molecular mechanism of metformin but also provides a promising therapeutic strategy by targeting miR-708-5p and NNAT for prostate cancer treatment.
Approximations on the Aggregate MPEG Video Traffic and Their Impact on Admission Control

In this paper, we investigate the aggregate traffic approximations for the Motion Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) coded variable bit rate (VBR) video traffic and their impact on admission control at a desired Quality of Service (QoS) level. In order to generate the MPEG coded VBR video traffic, we use a novel source model that employs a mixture of two first-order autoregressive processes with lognormally distributed residuals (2LAR). The model parameters are found based on least square estimates to capture the marginal distribution and autocorrelation function as well as the single server queuing behavior of an MPEG coded empirical bitstream. We also present two candidate approximations to estimate the aggregate traffic: Gaussian and lognormal approximations, such that the former relies on the central limit theorem and the latter, which relies on the residual sequence of the 2LAR process, is further estimated based on moment expectations by a lognormal distribution. Finally, we show a set of Monte-Carlo simulation results for these approximations based on an admission control strategy that is specified by a QoS threshold determined by the value of the probability of aggregated traffic exceeding the link capacity.
Surface Telemetry Engineering Mooring (STEM)

A mooring has been developed to collect and transmit oceanographic and meteorological data via satellite links. Data telemetered included currents (from 50 to 250 m), water and air temperature, wind, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and various engineering parameters. The unique aspect of the STEM design was the use of electromechanical cable for both the strength member of the mooring and the electrical connection between the subsurface instruments and the surface buoy. The surface mooring was deployed 150 m south of Cape Cod in 2700 m of water in November 1987 and retrieved in May 1988. It operated successfully through the harsh North Atlantic winter. >
Rationality, Inaccurate Mental Models, and Self-confirming Equilibrium A New Understanding of the American Revolution

Rational choice theorists have long been ambivalent about the rationality postulate. Although many agree that humans have imperfect foresight and inaccurate understandings of the world within which they act, no satisfactory approach relaxing the rationality postulates exists. In this article, we apply a new method that allows us to model directly rational action when agents have incomplete or inaccurate mental models of their world. In particular, we utilize the game theoretic notion of self-confirming equilibrium. The self-confirming equilibrium framework allows us to model an environment where a player's predictions about one another's behavior are inaccurate. It also allows us to model a common aspect of disputes; viz., that both sides believe they are acting reasonably while the other side is acting unreasonably. Finally, the approach allows a type of surprise in which a player's mis-conjectures about another's behavior results in behavior that was not anticipated. We apply this framework to the probl...
QE and Unemployment: A Financial Friction DSGE Model with LSAPs and Labor Market Search

In response to the disruption of credit markets and the zero lower bound during the recent financial crisis, the Federal Reserve introduced a variety of new policy tools. Perhaps, the most visible of these tools is large scale asset purchases (LSAP) programs, often referred to as "quantitative easing" (QE). Among the policy objectives, unemployment rate is a crucial target to the central bank. However, exactly which factors could account for the impact of QE programs on unemployment has yet to be resolved. Also, agreement on the effectiveness of QE has stimulated the economic recovery is far from universal. This paper is to have a financial friction DSGE model with labor market search to assess the impact of regime switching between conventional and unconventional monetary policy on aggregate economic activity, especially on labor market, and to evaluate the effect of QE policy on the unemployment rate during the recent recession. The paper reveals channels through which the credit policy shocks transmit to labor market and the impacts of financial shock is amplified. The paper finds that bond purchasing policy has stronger effect on labor market and the security purchase policy creates more volatility to the unemployment rate. Both policies have effective short-run effect yet ineffective even negative long-run effect. Also, timing effects of asset purchase policy reactions are different.
Effect of Nanopowder Content on Properties of NiFe 2 O 4 Matrix Inert Anode for Aluminum Electrolysis

Two-step sintering process was adopted to prepare NiFe2O4 matrix inert anode for aluminum electrolysis in this research. In the process of synthesizing NiFe2O4 spinel, Fe2O3 and NiO powders as raw materials added additives were synthesized at 1000 °C for 6h. Through crushing and screening, adding NiFe2O4 nanopowder, particle gradation and compression molding, the nickel ferrite matrix ceramic inert anode was sintered secondarily at 1300 °C for 6h. The effect of NiFe2O4 nanopowder content on the density and porosity, bending strength and impact toughness was investigated in details. The results showed the addition of NiFe2O4 nanopowder had considerable influence on the properties of NiFe2O4 matrix ceramic inert anode. Inert anodes had the best comprehensive properties while adding 30 wt% nanopowder. The values of density and porosity were 4.86 g/cm3 and 3.5% respectively, the value of bending strength was 42.47 MPa and the value of impact toughness was 3.31 J/cm2.
Simultaneous enhancements in photon absorption and charge transport of bismuth vanadate photoanodes for solar water splitting

n-Type bismuth vanadate has been identified as one of the most promising photoanodes for use in a water-splitting photoelectrochemical cell. The major limitation of BiVO4 is its relatively wide bandgap (∼2.5 eV), which fundamentally limits its solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. Here we show that annealing nanoporous bismuth vanadate electrodes at 350 °C under nitrogen flow can result in nitrogen doping and generation of oxygen vacancies. This gentle nitrogen treatment not only effectively reduces the bandgap by ∼0.2 eV but also increases the majority carrier density and mobility, enhancing electron-hole separation. The effect of nitrogen incorporation and oxygen vacancies on the electronic band structure and charge transport of bismuth vanadate are systematically elucidated by ab initio calculations. Owing to simultaneous enhancements in photon absorption and charge transport, the applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of nitrogen-treated BiVO4 for solar water splitting exceeds 2%, a record for a single oxide photon absorber, to the best of our knowledge.