cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy-efficient real-time scheduling in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

Energy constraint has become an important factor in the design of MAC protocols. This paper addresses the issue of providing deterministic timing guarantees in the wireless LAN while minimizing energy consumption of the wireless nodes. We present a centralized energy efficient algorithm, Scheduled Contention Free Burst (S-CFB), which is built upon the recently proposed Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF) in the IEEE 802.11 standard. Two mechanisms are proposed: 1) bundling message transmissions into multiple contention free bursts in order to reduce control overhead; 2) allowing wireless nodes to sleep by avoiding preemption whenever possible. Our performance stud), shows that SCFB meets the timing requirement for real-time messages, allows wireless nodes to switch to idle state for a longer period of time, and reduces the number of control frames required to maintain contention free transmission.
Xylazine does not Induce Retrograde Flow of Spermatozoa into the Urinary Bladder of Sexually Rested Boars

Summary The effect of xylazine on the retrograde flow of spermatozoa from their storage sites in the epididymides and vasa deferentia into the urinary bladder of sexually rested boars was examined. The bladder of four boars was evacuated through a surgically implanted urinary catheter and the urine was examined for the presence of spermatozoa. Boars were then given an injection of 2.2 mg of xylazine per kilogram of body weight and, immediately thereafter, 500 ml of saline was infused into the urinary bladder. Approximately 50 ml of the post-treatment mixture of urine and saline, referred to as ‘urine’, was collected through the catheter at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 45 min after the injection of xylazine, and examined immediately for the presence and motility of spermatozoa. At 60 min, the urinary bladder was evacuated and the remaining ‘urine’ was examined for the presence and motility of spermatozoa. None of the pre-xylazine urine and post-xylazine fractions of ‘urine’ had motile spermatozoa and xylazine did not increase (P > 0.1) the concentration and the number of spermatozoa in the post-treatment ‘urine’. Thus, in contrast to other species, xylazine does not induce retrograde flow of spermatozoa into the urinary bladder of boars.
Brainstem white matter integrity is related to loss of consciousness and postconcussive symptomatology in veterans with chronic mild to moderate traumatic brain injury.

We investigated associations between DTI indices of three brainstem white matter tracts, traumatic brain injury (TBI) injury characteristics, and postconcussive symptomatology (PCS) in a well-characterized sample of veterans with history of mild to moderate TBI (mTBI). 58 military veterans (mTBI: n = 38, mean age = 33.2, mean time since injury = 90.9 months; military controls [MC]; n = 20; mean age = 29.4) were administered 3T DTI scans as well as a comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation including evaluation of TBI injury characteristics and PCS symptoms (e.g., negative mood, dizziness, balance and coordination difficulties). Tractography was employed by seeding ROIs along 3 brainstem white matter tracts (i.e., medial lemniscus-central tegmentum tract [ML-CTT]; corticospinal tracts [CST], and pontine tegmentum [PT]), and mean DTI values were derived from fractional anisotropic (FA) maps. Results showed that there were no significant difference in FA between the MC and TBI groups across the 3 regions of interest; however, among the TBI group, CST FA was significantly negatively associated with LOC duration. Additionally, lower FA of certain tracts-most especially the PT-was significantly associated with increased PCS symptoms (i.e., more severe vestibular symptoms, poorer physical functioning, and greater levels of fatigue), even after adjusting for PTSD symptoms. Our findings show that, in our sample of veterans with mTBI, tractography-based DTI indices of brainstem white matter tracts of interest are related to the presence and severity of PCS symptoms. Findings are promising as they show linkages between brainstem white matter integrity and injury severity (LOC), and they raise the possibility that the pontine tegmentum in particular may be a useful marker of PCS symptoms. Collectively, these data point to important neurobiological substrates of the chronic and complex constellation of symptoms following the 'signature injury' of our combat-exposed veterans.
Effect of alternative video displays on postures, perceived effort, and performance during microsurgery skill tasks

Physical work demands and posture constraint from operating microscopes may adversely affect microsurgeon health and performance. Alternative video displays were developed to reduce posture constraints. Their effects on postures, perceived efforts, and performance were compared with the microscope. Sixteen participants performed microsurgery skill tasks using both stereo and non-stereoscopic microscopes and video displays. Results showed that neck angles were 9-13° more neutral and shoulder flexion were 9-10° more elevated on the video display than the microscope. Time observed in neck extension was higher (30% vs. 17%) and neck movements were 3x more frequent on the video display than microscopes. Ratings of perceived efforts did not differ among displays, but usability ratings were better on the microscope than the video display. Performance times on the video displays were 66-110% slower than microscopes. Although postures improved, further research is needed to improve task performance on video displays.
Thermoelectric properties of K2Bi8-xSbxSe13 solid solutions and Se doping

Our efforts to improve the thermoelectric properties of β-K2Bi8Se13, led to systematic studies of solid solutions of the type β-K2Bi8−xSbxSe13. The charge transport properties and thermal conductivities were studied for selected members of the series. Lattice thermal conductivity decreases due to the mass fluctuation generated in the lattice by the mixed occupation of Sb and Bi atoms. Se excess as a dopant was found to increase the figure-of merit of the solid solutions.
Correlation Analysis between Maximal Clique Size and Centrality Metrics for Random Networks and Scale-Free Networks

The high-level contribution of this paper is a comprehensive analysis of the correlation levels between node centrality (a computationally light-weight metric) and maximal clique size (a computationally hard metric) in random network and scale-free network graphs generated respectively from the well-known Erdos-Renyi (ER) and Barabasi-Albert (BA) models. We use three well-known measures for evaluating the level of correlation: Product-moment based Pearson's correlation coefficient, Rank-based Spearman's correlation coefficient and Concordance-based Kendall's correlation coefficient. For each of the several variants of the theoretical graphs generated from the ER and BA models, we compute the above three correlation coefficient values between the maximal clique size for a node (maximum size of the clique the node is part of) and each of the four prominent node centrality metrics (degree, eigenvector, betweenness and closeness). We also explore the impact of the operating parameters of the theoretical models for generating random networks and scale-free networks on the correlation between maximal clique size and the centrality metrics.
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 31-2007. A 41-year-old man with abdominal pain and elevated serum creatinine.

A 41-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal pain, nausea, and an elevated serum creatinine level. Six days earlier, he had had chills and malaise and had taken ibuprofen. Symptoms persisted, and weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, and anorexia developed. He went to an emergency room, where elevated serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were noted. The urinary sediment contained granular casts.
Herbivory increases diversification across insect clades

Insects contain more than half of all living species, but the causes of their remarkable diversity remain poorly understood. Many authors have suggested that herbivory has accelerated diversification in many insect clades. However, others have questioned the role of herbivory in insect diversification. Here, we test the relationships between herbivory and insect diversification across multiple scales. We find a strong, positive relationship between herbivory and diversification among insect orders. However, herbivory explains less variation in diversification within some orders (Diptera, Hemiptera) or shows no significant relationship with diversification in others (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera). Thus, we support the overall importance of herbivory for insect diversification, but also show that its impacts can vary across scales and clades. In summary, our results illuminate the causes of species richness patterns in a group containing most living species, and show the importance of ecological impacts on diversification in explaining the diversity of life.
Gd-DTPA-enhanced 3D MR imaging of cervical degenerative disk disease : initial experience

PURPOSE To assess whether a single enhanced T1-weighted gradient echo volume sequence, with the appropriate reformatted images, could be equivalent to a more conventional 2D set of MR sequences for the evaluation of cervical extradural degenerative disk disease (bony canal and foraminal stenosis; disk herniation). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-one patients evaluated for extradural degenerative disease by MR were imaged with a "standard" MR examination (Sagittal T1-weighted spin echo, axial low flip angle gradient echo), were then given 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA intravenously, and reimaged with either a 3D FLASH (fast low angle shot), TR 40/TE 7/1 excitation), 40 degree flip angle, acquired as 64, 2-mm sagittal partitions, or a 3D turbo FLASH (MP RAGE-magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo) (10/4/1), 10 degree flip angle acquired as 128, 2-mm coronal partitions. The volume sequences were reconstructed in the axial plane, and right and left 45 degree oblique coronal planes. The two sets of examinations (standard vs volume) were prospectively interpreted by two neuroradiologists for quality of examination, and location, type, and severity of extradural degenerative disease in a random, blinded, independent fashion. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the standard examination and the 3D MP RAGE for central extradural disease. The 3D FLASH examination was significantly worse than the standard examination in identification of central extradural disease, with an average of 21 herniations not identified, or underestimated in size. Neither the 3D FLASH, nor the 3D MP RAGE examinations showed any significant improvement compared to the routine 2D examination for the location and severity of foraminal disease. CONCLUSION If extradural degenerative disk disease is being evaluated, then a single enhanced 3D T1-weighted imaging sequence taking 6 minutes can be equivalent to a routine set of mixed 2D spin echo and low flip angle gradient echo sequences.
Effect of Polysaccharides of Radix Rosa loevigata and Caulis Rosa laevigata on Intestinal Flora of Mouse

Objective:To research the effect of polysaccharides of Radix Rosa laevigata and Caulis Rosa laevigata on intestinal flora of mouse.Method: Intestinal microbe dysbiosis in mice were constructed by intragastric administration of lincomycin(15 g · kg-1,bid,3 d).The mice were given polysaccharides of Radix Rosa laevigata and Caulis Rosa laevigata(100 g · kg-1 of crude drug for 6 days,) and then normal intestinal flora of fresh fecal was taken on the 10th day to observe the changes in normal intestinal microflora in the first 10 days.The result was expressed as lg10n · g-1.The nomal control,positive control and spontaneous recovery groups were set up.Result: Intestinal microbe dysbiosis in mice was successfully established.After the intestinal microbial flora in mice was disturbed and then treatment by polysaccharides of Radix Rosa laevigata and Caulis Rosa laevigata for 6 days,alteration of intestinal flora in polysaccharides of Radix Rosa laevigata was basically regulated.For polysaccharides of Caulis Rosae laevigatae,comparing with the modle groups,only the quantity of Enterobacteriaceae and Bifidobacterrium was increased significantly(P0.01).Conclusion: The polysaccharides of Radix Rosa laevigata and Caulis Rosa laevigata have the function of regulating alteration of intestinal flora.Comparing with Caulis Rosae laevigatae,Radix Rosa laevigata has the better curative effect.
Oral Steroid Dosing in Acute-Stage Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

Practice Options from Beyond Our Pages focuses on identifyin g, critiquing, and placing into context research studies published in other journals that have the potential to change our clinical practices. It is written by Allergy-Immunology Fellows partnered with faculty members, and does not require an invitation for submission. This feature is coordinated by Editorial Board members Matthew Rank, MD and Julie Wang, MD.
Affinity Pull-Down of Proteins Using Anti-FLAG M2 Agarose Beads

FLAG is an affinity tag widely used for rapid and highly specific one-step protein purification. Native elution of protein from anti-FLAG antibody resins allows the identification of protein and nucleic acid binding partners and functional analysis using biochemical activity assays.
Some Puzzles About Species

In the Fall of 1974, my second year of teaching philosophy, I was giving a course in philosophy of science to a dozen or so bright undergraduates. After about three weeks, one of the students came to see me in my office. ‘We find this material interesting,’ he explained, ‘but most of us are pre-meds, and the science we know best is biology. It would really help if you could give us some examples from biology, and not talk about physics quite so much.’ The point was a good one. Like many philosophers of science of my generation, the standard examples came from physics — when I needed an illustration, I pointed to Newtonian dynamics, optics, electromagnetic theory, thermodynamics, and only occasionally ventured as far afield as chemistry. However, it was clear that the course would be improved if I honored my student’s reasonable request, so I set off for the library in search of a key to reform.
Asbestos Exposure in Demolition: An Analysis of Abatement Practices and Alternatives to Demolition

3 Introduction 4 Methods 7 Results 10 Discussion 15 Conclusion 21 References 20 Appendix 25 A: Raw Data for Table 3 25 B: Raw Data for Table 4 25 C: Asbestos Incident Report from The Rebuilding Center 26 D: Example Asbestos Survey 27 E: American Home Vinyl Tile Advertisement 35 F: Deconstruction Calculator Results 36 G: Deconstruction Requirements Code Language 39
Which Numbers are Real?: MULTI-DIMENSIONAL NUMBERS

The real numbers are the only complete, linearly ordered field. Any other system of numbers we construct will either be incomplete, not linearly ordered, or not a field. Consider these three possibilities briefly. The most fundamental aspect of any system of numbers is their algebra. Our intention is to consider number systems that can seriously be used in place of the reals. So number systems that are not fields, stray too far, we believe, from what makes the reals the reals. Thus, we avoid systems that are not fields (with one exception). Linear order is another matter. There are many practical problems to which the geometry of a line does not apply. Therefore, we shall consider number systems that are complete fields, but not linearly ordered. To simplify this situation, we only consider systems with the geometry of n -dimensional space (for some integer n ). With this restriction, we give a complete account of all such systems. Finally, there are several interesting number systems that preserve the algebra and the geometry of the reals, but are incomplete. They appear in Part III.
Essentials of Micro- and Nanofluidics: Essential Numerical Methods

Introduction Mechanical engineers design new products for consumer use: engines for automobiles, airplanes, and other devices; cars; air-conditioners; heat pumps; compressors; fans; hair dryers; and all sorts of other products. Increasingly, mechanical and chemical engineers are involved in the design of biomedical devices for drug delivery systems, biochemical sensing, and rapid molecular analysis. In this chapter, the basic numerical techniques used to provide design and performance criteria of these devices are described. A simplified view of a general design process is depicted in Figure 10.1. In this chapter, we shift gears a bit and discuss some basic concepts associated with numerical methods.1 These methods are required when no simple analytical solution is possible. What is meant by the term analytical is that no solution can be found in terms of simple functional forms such as the polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, or hyperbolic functions. In the following, much attention is focused on the basic methods required to solve a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. This requires several different capabilities: Numerical differentiation Solving sets of linear(ized) equations Numerical integration There are many situations for which numerical methods are required in micro- and nanofluidics. For example, determining the dependence of the ζ potential on pH in Chapter 7 requires a numerical zero-finding technique. The non-linear Poisson equation for the electrical potential discussed in the preceding chapter requires a numerical solution for the potential. In general, the solution of the potential equation for multicomponent and multivalent mistures requires a numerical solution.
The Queue GI/M/1 with Group Service

Customers arrive at time t0 (=0), t1, t2 ... and the inter-arrival times tn - tn-1 (n=1, 2...) form a sequence of identically distributed independent random variables with a common distribution function B(t) (t ≥ 0) with a finite non-zero mean. Let ψ(θ) = 0∫∞ e-θt dB(t), Re(θ) ≥ 0.
Physiologic pelvic intraperitoneal fluid

Imaging description Given the frequency that CT of the abdomen and pelvis is performed to evaluate the trauma patient, intraperitoneal “free” fluid is encountered quite often. Although a small quantity of isolated free intraperitoneal fluid is usually attributed to physiologic fluid in women of reproductive age, it is also seen in males. Whilst in the past it was believed that free fluid identified on CT was an indicator of occult bowel, mesenteric, or solid organ injury, and it mandated laparotomy [1], it is now generally accepted that conservative management with a non-operative approach for hemodynamically stable patients who have a small quantity of free pelvic fluid is safe (Figure 69.1). These patients should have no clinical or imaging signs of bowel injury [2, 3]. The change in approach to small quantities of free pelvic fluid is likely related to the evolution of CT itself. Decreasing reconstruction slice thickness, and the introduction of routine multiplanar reformations likely increases the sensitivity of CT for the detection of small quantities of free intraperitoneal fluid [4].
Pressurised feeding systems

Pressurised feeding is by no means new. Whitworth patented a method for pressurising steel in refractory lined ingot moulds in the mid 1800s, while accounts of pressurising aluminium castings durin...
Treatment with Pegylated Interferon-Alfa-2A (PEG-IFN-α-2A; PEGASYS™) for Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Polycythemia Vera (PV).

Patients (pts) with high-risk Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) are customarily treated with cytoreductive agents such as recombinant human interferon-alpha (IFN-α), hydroxyurea (HU), and anagrelide (AG). Despite the significant activity of IFN-α in MPDs, responses have been frequently limited by poor tolerance and inconvenient dosing schedules. PEG-IFN-α is formulated by covalently attaching polymers of ethylene glycol to the native IFN-α molecule, which results in increased serum half-life, decreased renal excretion, thus allowing for weekly administration while maintaining acceptable toxicity profile. Based on the superior pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of PEG-IFN-α relative to IFN-α we designed a phase II study of subcutaneous (sc) PEG-IFN-α-2a (Pegasys™) for pts with ET and PV. A total of 23 pts have been enrolled so far (13 ET, 10 PV). First 3 pts received PEG-IFN-α-2a at 450mcg weekly but experienced toxicity and had to reduce the dose; next 3 pts started at 360mcg weekly and again had to reduce the dose due to toxicity; last 17 pts started at 270mcg weekly and tolerated therapy well. Dose modifications of 90 mcg are allowed according to response or toxicity. Median age is 54 years (range, 23 to 73), time from diagnosis to PEG-IFN-α-2a therapy 64 months (range, 1 to 282), Hb 13.5 g/dL (range, 8.9 to 18.5), WBC 5×10 9 /L, (range, 4.3 to 49), platelets 592×10 9 /L (range, 298 to 1000). All pts had prior therapies (median 2, range 1–6), including HU (n=17), AG (n=13), IFN-α (n=6: 4 oral and 2 sc), imatinib mesylate (n=2) and others (n=3). In addition, 8 PV pts had received phlebotomies. The JAK2 V617F mutation was detected in 6 (46%) of 13 ET pts and in 9 (90%) of 10 PV pts. All pts had diploid cytogenetics. After a median follow-up of 6 months (range, 1 to 15), 11 of 13 (85%) ET pts have achieved a complete response (platelets 9 /L, off HU and AG, in the absence of thromboembolic events); 2 pts without response received less than 2 months of therapy so far. Six of 10 (60%) PV pts achieved complete remission (Hb 2 weeks). Overall, 17 pts (74%) reduced the dose so far, while 6 pts (all on 270mcg weekly) remain at the same initial dose. Only 2 pts (1 ET, 1 PV) discontinued therapy, due to retinal infiltrates and depression after 8 and 6 months on therapy, respectively. In summary, therapy with PEG-IFN-α-2a has an acceptable toxicity profile and significant activity in pts with ET and PV. Updated clinical and molecular results will be presented.
Caffeine consumption and telomere length in men and women of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

The investigation evaluated the relationship between caffeine intake and coffee consumption and leukocyte telomere length, a biomarker of the senescence of cells. A total of 5826 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were studied cross-sectionally. Using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, telomere length was compared to standard reference DNA. Caffeine intake from foods and beverages and coffee consumption were measured using a validated, multi-pass, computer-assisted, 24-h recall system administered by NHANES interviewers. The following covariates were controlled: age, gender, race, marital status, education, housing, smoking, BMI, physical activity, alcohol use, and coffee intake (or caffeine consumption). Caffeine consumption was inversely related to telomere length (F = 15.1, P = 0.0005). For each 100 mg of caffeine consumed, telomeres were 35.4 base pairs shorter, after adjusting for the covariates. For each 100 mg of caffeine consumed among coffee drinkers only, telomeres were 36.7 base pairs shorter (F = 9.0, P = 0.0054), and among non-coffee drinkers only, 40.0 base pairs shorter (F = 8.5, P = 0.0067). Conversely, coffee intake was positively related to telomere length (F = 12.6, P = 0.0013), independent of the covariates. Results suggest that caffeine consumption accounts for shorter telomeres in U.S. adults, independent of numerous covariates, whereas coffee intake predicts longer telomeres.
Single-step PCR-based genetic sex determination of rat tissues and cells

The advent of genome editing strategies has expanded the range of animal models available for gene manipulation and renewed research interest in the rat. Gender is a key variable for in vivo gene function analyses. Here, we present a simple PCR-based method to determine genetic sex in the rat.
Uncovering young children’s transformative digital game play through the exploration of three-year-old children’s cases:

In contrast to studies focusing on digital games as learning tools, this study shows how young children use digital games as a means of facilitating spontaneous play in their everyday lives. This article highlights how 4 three-year-old children’s play with digital games revealed their ability to create new forms of play by mixing their digital game play and other play in real life. In addition, this study shows various examples of young children breaking game boundaries (e.g. rule-breaking; using virtual space as a source for their spontaneous play; navigating between virtual and physical space for their play) in their digital game playing. This finding suggests that digital games do not entirely change or displace other practices in early childhood, but young children’s digital game play is very closely related to their spontaneous play as it occurs in their everyday lives. Young children are agentic and capable users of digital technologies, incorporating the digital world for their own purposes.
Home Computer Access, IT Skills, and Employment Opportunities

Abstract This study analyzes home computer access of workers and their IT skills over time and their effects on employment opportunities. We model direct and indirect impacts of home computer access on the employment probability of workers with IT skills having indirect effects. We use household and individual IT use surveys from 2007-2012 provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute that include detailed questions on technology access and use coupled with data on IT skills that vary from very basic office skills to more advanced networking and even more advanced programming skills. The results show that the direct effect of home computer access on employment diminishes when IT skills are controlled for. We develop mediation models and estimate them by seemingly unrelated regressions that determine employment probability, household computer access, and IT skills simultaneously. Having access to computers at home increases the probability of employment only through increased IT skills. This mediation effect is driven by increase in basic rather than advanced IT skills. This is consistent with our finding that advanced skills are usually gained through formal training rather than informal or self-training at home. These effects vary across urban versus rural location and key demographics, such as gender, education, and age.
Does Growing the Number of Academic Departments Improve the Quality of Higher Education

One educator claims that the education system is useless for most students since it does not provide skills or make learning enjoyable. This may be one reason a researcher asserts that half of the 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States will be bankrupt within the next few decades. Colleges have been focusing on meaningless metrics rather than finding ways to make higher education more valuable to employers and students. This paper demonstrates that reducing the number of departments via mergers may benefit a college or university in many ways. It can help reduce wasteful administrative bloat, eliminate the silo mentality, encourage interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs and research, and improve organizational agility. Moreover, merged departments have the ability to provide students with a broader outlook than those whose major departments are too narrow. Procedures for determining which departments to merge are also discussed. Colleges and universities have no choice but to become more efficient.
Rivers Lost, Rivers Regained: Rethinking City–River Relations

Rivers have character, much so that scientists and writers alike use these alluring ecosystems and landscapes as inspiration for their work. But these waters, for centuries, have struggled with the...
Idioms in phonology acquisition and phonological change

Abstract The speech of children includes not only regularly formed utterances which exhibit the phonological structure which has been acquired, but also idiomatic utterances which deviate in interesting ways from that structure. Among children’s idioms are those which are progressive (which superficially manifest phonetic dexterity far greater than that of the child’s regular speech and simultaneously are more primitive phonologically) and those which are regressive (which are both phonologically and phonetically more primitive than regular speech). Progressive idioms have important implications for the structure of a theory of phonology acquisition, and dramatically emphasize the distinction between the acquisition processes relevant to phonology versus those relevant to phonetics, and the conflicts between those processes. A model of phonology acquisition within which phonetics acquisition can be explained is summarized, and it is argued that idioms need to be identified among the data of child speech before an accurate grammatical analysis can be performed. Regressive idioms appear to be exempt from phonological changes affecting the bulk of the lexicon, and this exemption results from their aberrant phonological encoding. Both idiolectal and dialectal regressive idioms occur in adult language also. Perhaps the most elaborate dialectal idiom systems are the ideophones of some African languages. A categorization of the kinds of phonological changes which occur during the acquisition period leads to some parallels between the mechanisms of change in children and adults and lends support to the lexical diffusion theory of diachronic change which has been proposed by Wang. Evidence relating to the different neurophysiological encoding of regular vs. idomatic speech suggests some possible causes of the differential vulnerability of distinct lexical items to phonological change.
Conceptual Foundations of Citizen Competence

This article considers some of the challenges that attend efforts to assess citizen performance. We begin by demonstrating the often- unarticulated complexity of evaluating performance in any domain. To do this, we identify four distinct conceptual elements that comprise an evaluation—identification of task, selection of criterion, choice of empirical indicator, and explication of standard—and illustrate with an example that is relatively free of ambiguity: performance in basketball. Using this framework, we then review research in three general areas of study: mass belief systems and issue consistency, political knowledge, and the use of political heuristics. We find that no study articulates all four elements (or adequate substitutes associated with an alternative framework). As a result, problems arise. Most significantly, any particular study is likely to use criteria that are unsatisfactory in important respects or to employ empirical indicators that do not validly measure the criteria. Across studies, conclusions often vary as a function of unarticulated differences in assumptions, definitions, and measures. We conclude by drawing a few lessons for future research, while also recognizing the impressive progress that the study of public opinion and citizen competence has made over the last 40 years.
Femtosecond time-resolved transmissivity of laser heated thin copper films

The phenomenon of inequality between electron and lattice temperatures in metals subjected to ultrafast heating (laser pulse width ≤ electron-phonon energy relaxation time) was postulated some time ago.1 However, very few experimental observations of such inequality have been accomplished. In an experimental observation of pico- second (~5-ps FWHM) tlme-resolved reflectivity of copper during laser heating of up to a few degrees, a fast transient was observed by Eesley.2 This observation was interpreted to be due to rapid electronic heating which subsequently thermalizes with the lattice. In an experiment by Fujimoto et al.,3 thermally enhanced multiphoton photoemission in tungsten heated by amplified 75-fs laser pulses has provided evidence of nonequilibrium heating. We report results on thermomodulation transmissivity of thin copper films heated by amplified 150-fs laser pulses, which were sufficient to time resolve th6e initial fast transient.
Influence of barbed suture on leak pressures after double-layer inverting closure of cystotomy sites in sheep.

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of barbed suture on double-layer inverting closure of cystotomy sites in sheep. STUDY DESIGN Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION Urinary bladders harvested from ovine (n = 26) cadaveric specimens. METHODS After collection and specimen preparation, a 3-cm-long incision was created on the ventral aspect of the urinary bladder. The cystotomy was repaired with barbed (n = 13) or nonbarbed analogous monofilament absorbable suture (n = 13) in a double-layer inverting suture pattern. Time required for closure in seconds was recorded for each test. Each bladder was connected to a pressure transducer to monitor intraluminal pressure during infusion with dyed Hartmann's solution until leakage occurred. Intraluminal pressure at time of initial leakage and leakage site were also recorded. Two-sample t tests were used to compare initial leakage pressure and closure time between the 2 types of suture (P = .05). RESULTS The mean ( ± SD) leakage pressure of ovine urinary bladder incisions did not differ between closures with barbed sutures (42.3 ± 21.7 mmHg) and nonbarbed closures (32.5 ± 14.4 mmHg, P = .187). Cystorrhaphies were performed faster with barbed suture (307 ± 50 seconds) than with nonbarbed suture (390 ± 62 seconds, P = .001). CONCLUSION The use of barbed suture did not affect mean leakage pressure of ovine urinary bladder incisions but decreased the time required to complete cystorrhaphies in this model. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence to support the use of knotless barbed suture for open ovine cystorrhaphies. Use of such suture for laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures in sheep warrants caution until cyclic and in vivo testing is performed with appropriate laparoscopic instrumentation.
Using Neutron Radiography to Quantify the Settlement of Fresh Concrete

Specifications have been implemented for concrete bridge decks in North America that restrict the use of higher slump concrete mixtures primarily because of concerns about differential settlement and settlement cracking. However, the use of higher slump mixtures is frequently desired by contractors motivated by pumping and placement concerns. Research is needed to determine whether specifications that limit slump are appropriate for modern concrete mixtures. This article investigates plastic settlement and water movement in fresh concrete using neutron radiography. Mortar mixtures were examined with different slump values that were obtained by either varying the water-to-cement ratio (w/c) or using a high-range water reducer (HRWR). Results showed that the addition of an HRWR to improve workability in low w/c mixtures has a minor impact on plastic settlement. Therefore, results from this study suggest that specifications that limit the use of higher slump concrete mixtures to control plastic settlement cracking may require re-examination. Settlement appears to be largely related to water content.
Structure refinements of superconducting Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 and Tl2Ba2Cu3O10 from neutron diffraction data.

The structures of ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$Ca${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ and ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{10}$ were refined from neutron-powder-diffraction data. The data for ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$Ca${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ were taken at 298 K, and the data for ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{10}$ were obtained at both 150 and 13 K. The results are essentially in agreement with the structural refinements based on single-crystal x-ray-diffraction data and confirm the positional disorder of the oxygen atoms in the Tl-O planes. The low-temperature refinements for ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{10}$ indicate that the symmetry remains tetragonal down to 13 K and that there is no significant structural change or discontinuity in the cell parameters through the superconducting critical temperature near 125 K.
Environmental cooling provided by urban trees under extreme heat and cold waves in U.S. cities

Abstract Global urbanization drastically reshapes the land–atmosphere interactions, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystems in the integrated earth system. Urban trees are used extensively for providing desirable ecosystem services, especially to mitigate elevated thermal stress in cities. Urban trees differ markedly from their natural counterparts in the physiology due to their close interactions with anthropogenic stressors. Here we present the cooling capacity of urban trees in response to thermal extremes in cities of the contiguous United States. The cooling capacity is quantified as the surface cooling rate, which is expressed as the negative ratio of land surface temperature (LST) changes to fractional tree cover (FTC) changes, i.e., –ΔLST/ΔFTC. Results show that the surface cooling rate is dominated by plant transpiration up to 1.336 °C per percentage of FTC in heat waves; its temperature dependence remarkably resembles the thermodynamic liquid-water-vapor equilibrium. Urban trees also exert pseudo cooling effect in cold waves in contrast to the anthropogenic heat emission. The average surface cooling rate in cold waves is 0.022 °C per percentage of FTC, which is much smaller than that in heat waves (0.202 °C per percentage of FTC). The enhanced cooling capacity of urban trees will enable their provision of better ecosystem services to the urban environment for projected future increase of extreme heat.
High-energy lithium metal pouch cells with limited anode swelling and long stable cycles

Lithium metal anodes have attracted much attention as candidates for high-energy batteries, but there have been few reports of long cycling behaviour, and the degradation mechanism of realistic high-energy Li metal cells remains unclear. Here, we develop a prototypical 300 Wh kg−1 (1.0 Ah) pouch cell by integrating a Li metal anode, a LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathode and a compatible electrolyte. Under small uniform external pressure, the cell undergoes 200 cycles with 86% capacity retention and 83% energy retention. In the initial 50 cycles, flat Li foil converts into large Li particles that are entangled in the solid-electrolyte interphase, which leads to rapid volume expansion of the anode (cell thickening of 48%). As cycling continues, the external pressure helps the Li anode maintain good contact between the Li particles, which ensures a conducting percolation pathway for both ions and electrons, and thus the electrochemical reactions continue to occur. Accordingly, the solid Li particles evolve into a porous structure, which manifests in substantially reduced cell swelling by 19% in the subsequent 150 cycles. Much has been said about the high-energy, long-lasting potential of Li metal batteries, and yet little has been demonstrated at the cell scale. Here, Jun Liu and colleagues demonstrate a Li metal pouch cell with a 300 Wh kg−1 energy density and a 200-cycle lifetime.
Inclusivity in Baccalaureate Nursing Education: A Scoping Study

Abstract Background Inclusivity, the intentional incorporation of practices that foster a sense of belonging by promoting meaningful interactions among persons and groups representing different traits, perceptions and experiences, is a prerequisite for excellence in nursing education. Nevertheless, many faculty struggle to create an inclusive learning experience for baccalaureate nursing students. Purpose The purpose of this scoping study was to explore and summarize the extant literature on inclusivity, identify evidence-based strategies to promote inclusivity, and provide directions for further research on inclusivity in baccalaureate nursing education. Results Thirty studies, conducted in English-speaking countries, from 2001 through 2016, were included in the final analysis. Results from the mostly descriptive studies were organized into 3 themes. 1) Nursing students from underrepresented minority groups experience discrimination from peers, faculty, and clinicians in the classroom, the clinical setting and/or the larger institution. 2) The cumulative effect of discrimination is a lack of belongingness, which is associated with adverse outcomes. 3) All aspects of the undergraduate nursing students' learning community act as facilitators or barriers to inclusivity or a sense of belongingness. Conclusions This study provided a deeper understanding of underrepresented minority nursing students' experiences and perspectives related to inclusivity. This, in turn, can inform future action.
The Mystery of the Missing Minsky: Financial Instability as a Constraint on MMT Macroeconomic Policy

There is a deep paradox in the MMT analysis: on the one hand, key MMT theorists like Randall Wray are followers (and experts) on the work of Hyman Minsky. They have also written extensively on financial instability and financial regulation. Yet, in the context of their MMT macroeconomic policies, they fail to address the potential financial instability dangers that might arise from these policies. I call this the mystery of the missing Minsky. The explanation for the paradox is that they assume that sovereign money, by definition, solves the financial instability problems laid out by Minsky. In my view, this represents a misreading of both Minsky and reality, especially in the context of modern, globalized, financial market structures.
Are We Alone in the Universe? (The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence)

The commercial towing vehicle Nostromo, en route back to Earth, with its cargo of ore and crew of seven in suspended animation, intercepts a radio signal from a planetary system along the way. The ship’s computer determines that the transmission has a very high probability of originating from an intelligent civilization. This triggers an override of the default programming to return home: the computer begins to awaken the crew from their sleep and deviates from its original course to investigate. At first unaware of the change in plans, the crew go about their normal routines, under the very reasonable assumption that they have completed their journey and are about to dock at Earth. They soon discover that they are only about half way home and are approaching an unfamiliar solar system. Most of the crew are only interested in getting their fair share of the mining profits and are annoyed at the unexpected detour. But their science officer points out a clause in their contract, which requires them to investigate any radio signal of potentially intelligent origin, on penalty of forfeiture of their shares.
Chapter 12 – Traumatic Brain Injury

Head injury was identified as a putative risk factor for AD in case-control studies conducted in the early 1980s. Subsequent studies confirmed this association and revealed that injuries closer in time to dementia onset had much stronger associations with AD than injuries that occurred decades earlier. Pooled analysis of case-control studies showed that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with AD with an OR of 2.20 (95% CI =1.14–4.22). An important finding of this analysis was that TBI is a risk factor for AD only in men, but not in women. Later studies, including an autopsy study, support this sex-specific association. Additionally it has been found that cases of AD with TBIs occur at a younger age than those without TBIs. Prospective cohort studies, in contrast to case-control studies, have mostly not shown associations between TBIs and AD. This may be due to nondemented participants who will soon become demented forgetting to report head injuries. In two historical cohort studies that used military records to document TBIs in young adulthood, strong associations with AD were demonstrated. Because of methodological shortcomings in the prospective cohort studies, the case-control and historical cohort studies provide more valid data and show that head trauma is likely an important risk factor for AD. Triggering of an AD neuropathological cascade by TBI has been found in about 30% of autopsied TBI cases, with APOE-e4 carriers overrepresented in this group. Inflammation appears to be a common mediating mechanism in TBI-associated AD. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which has been attributed to repetitive head trauma experiences by athletes in contact sports, appears to be a separate neuropathologic process, but can coexist with AD.
Association Between Methamphetamine Use and Psychiatric Hospitalization, Chemical Restraint, and Emergency Department Length of Stay

OBJECTIVES Methamphetamine intoxication is an increasing cause of emergency department (ED) visits in the United States, particularly in the west. In San Francisco, California, 47% of patients visiting psychiatric emergency services are intoxicated with methamphetamine. Such patients often visit the ED due to acute psychiatric symptoms, yet ED-based research investigating the outcomes and resource utilization of these visits is limited. METHODS We examined a retrospective cohort of ED patients requiring ED-based psychiatric consultation from June 2017 to July 2018. We evaluated the association between methamphetamine visits and need for chemical restraint, psychiatric hospitalization, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS We identified 2,087 ED visits with psychiatric consults. Based on urine toxicology results and discharge diagnosis, 403 visits involved methamphetamine with or without other drugs, 480 involved other drugs without methamphetamine, and 1,204 had no evidence of drug use. Methamphetamine visits were associated with increased odds of chemical restraint compared to visits without drug use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.2, 95% CI = 2.1 to 5.2, p < 0.001), but not other drug visits (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.8 to 1.9, p = 0.4). Methamphetamine visits had lower odds of psychiatric hospitalization than other drug visits (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.95, p = 0.03) and longer adjusted LOS than visits without drug use (+4.3 hours, 95% CI = 4.1 to 8.3 hours, p < 0.001) but not other drug visits (+1.5 hours, 95% CI = -0.6 to 3.7 hours, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS Methamphetamine ED visits were associated with increased odds of needing chemical restraint and of an increased ED LOS but not with psychiatric inpatient admission. These results indicate an opportunity to improve the efficiency of ED care for these patients.
F2R Polymorphisms and Clopidogrel Efficacy and Safety: Another Step Toward Precision Medicine

By definition, precision medicine aims to prevent, diagnose, and optimize individualized treatments on the basis of each patient's individual genetic makeup. While the broad clinical application of such efforts remains somewhat limited, this is not true regarding antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapeutics. Given the central role that these medications play in primary and secondary prevention of numerous cardiovascular disorders, considerable efforts to understand the genetic drivers influencing their effectiveness and adverse outcomes, primarily bleeding risk, have been performed successfully over the last decade. Specific to clopidogrel, and despite its proven benefits, it has been shown that ∼4%–30% of patients do not respond adequately to this drug, resulting in high on-treatment platelet reactivity and increased rates of cardiovascular events.1–3 Clopidogrel, being a prodrug, requires several hepatic enzymes to metabolize it into both biologically active and inactive derivatives. Numerous prior investigations have shown that the CYP2C19 enzyme is the major contributor regarding generation of the bioactive metabolite.1,2,4 Consistent with this observation, both loss of function (LOF) and gain of function genetic variants in CYP2C19 have been consistently associated with clopidogrel efficacy.