cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a cefazolin-based stewardship pathway for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections paired with infectious diseases consultation

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections have been successfully treated both with cefazolin and antistaphylococcal penicillins; cefazolin appears effective in MSSA bloodstream infections (BSIs). Thus, our antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) implemented a clinical pathway supporting cefazolin use in MSSA-BSIs and restricting oxacillin use to infectious diseases (ID) consultation due to cefazolin's lower cost and more convenient dosing. This before and after quasi-experimental study was conducted to describe the impact on outcomes and process of care measures associated with implementing this pathway among patients with MSSA-BSI. Definitive treatment with cefazolin increased over the study period from 17.3% to 69.8% post-implementation. Clinical failure (5.8% vs. 2.3%; P = 0.62) and in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs. 0%; P = 0.50) were rare pre- and post-implementation. Median hospital length of stay among survivors was similar between pre- and post-implementation periods (P = 0.31). Duration of bacteraemia [median (IQR) 3 (2–4) days vs. 2 (2–3) days; P = 0.002] and rates of re-infection after culture clearance (9.6% vs. 0%; P = 0.06) were reduced post-implementation. Frequency of source control (P = 0.71) and time to source control (P = 0.52) were similar between study periods. Significant increases in ID consultations (33.3% [3/9] vs. 73.3% [22/30]; P = 0.047) and median (IQR) 24-h daily doses [2 (1–3) g vs. 6 (3–6) g; P < 0.01] were seen for patients treated with cefazolin post-implementation. ASPs may find implementation of a similar pathway to be an effective means of improving the care of patients infected with MSSA.
Ribosome Rescue Inhibitors Kill Actively Growing and Nonreplicating Persister Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cells.

The emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains that are resistant to most or all available antibiotics has created a severe problem for treating tuberculosis and has spurred a quest for new antibiotic targets. Here, we demonstrate that trans-translation is essential for growth of MTB and is a viable target for development of antituberculosis drugs. We also show that an inhibitor of trans-translation, KKL-35, is bactericidal against MTB under both aerobic and anoxic conditions. Biochemical experiments show that this compound targets helix 89 of the 23S rRNA. In silico molecular docking predicts a binding pocket for KKL-35 adjacent to the peptidyl-transfer center in a region not targeted by conventional antibiotics. Computational solvent mapping suggests that this pocket is a druggable hot spot for small molecule binding. Collectively, our findings reveal a new target for antituberculosis drug development and provide critical insight on the mechanism of antibacterial action for KKL-35 and related...
Power conversion process in magnetoelectric gyrators

We have investigated the power conversion and loss processes in magnetoelectric gyrators. Two types of loss mechanisms were identified by using a transformer-gyrator structure, which transfers power between magnetic and magnetomechanical forms. A missing portion of the power in a gyrator was then identified to be a returned power from the load resistor under low drive conditions. Under high drive conditions, decreases in both the magnetostriction and mechanical quality factor resulted in additional inefficiencies. Power transfer efficiencies of greater than 70% and 50% were achieved for magnetoelectric (ME) gyrators based on Metglas/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 laminated composites under low power drive and high power density drive (60 W/in.3) conditions, respectively.
THE CURRENT STATE OF THE N-BODY PROBLEM

This chapter describes the current state of the N -body problem. It highlights the physical conditions corresponding to the occurrence of a singularity in the analytic solution of the problem. The major classical result concerning problem asserts that a singularity occurs at time t 1 if and only if r → 0 as t → t , where r is the minimum distance between pairs of particles. This does not assert the occurrence of a collision. The chapter presents an assumption that T is the kinetic energy, h = T − U the total energy, I is one half the moment of inertia related to the preceding quantities by the Lagrange–Jacobi identity I = 2T − U . A standard theorem states that if I and T remain bound for all time, then the time averages and U exist. A particle must escape from a system of positive energy. The chapter presents a proof that if U is square-integrable, then a particle must escape.
Rapid Liquid Fuel Mixing for Lean-Burning Combustors: Low-Power Performance

Designers of advanced gas turbine combustors are considering lean direct injection strategies to achieve low NOx emission levels. In the present study, the performance of a multipoint radial airblast fuel injector (“Lean Burn Injector—LBI”) is explored for various conditions that target low-power gas turbine engine operation. Reacting tests were conducted in a model can combustor at 4 atm and 6.6 atm, and at a dome air preheat temperature of 533 K, using Jet-A as the liquid fuel. Emissions measurements were made at equivalence ratios between 0.37 and 0.65. The pressure drop across the airblast injector holes was maintained at 3% and 7–8%. The results indicate that the LBI performance for the conditions considered is not sufficiently predicted by existing emissions correlations. In addition, NOx performance is impacted by atomizing air flows, suggesting that droplet size is critical even at the expense of penetration to the wall opposite the injector. The results provide a baseline from which to optimize the performance of the LBI for low-power operation.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
Case 2: Seizures in a four-month-old infant.

A four-month-old previously healthy boy was brought to the emergency department after an episode of left arm “shaking”. His mother reported that she was at the grocery store earlier that day, carrying the patient, at which point she tripped over her three-year-old son. The patient fell out of her arms onto the floor on his left side. He did not lose consciousness and cried immediately. After arriving home, he fell asleep for approximately 2 h, and on awakening, his mother noted that he was “breathing funny” and “shaking his left arm”. His mother called 911 immediately and the patient was taken to the emergency department. On arrival in the emergency department, tonic clonic movements of the left arm were noted, which were successfully treated with rectal diazepam. Physical examination revealed vital signs as follows: temperature 37.2° C, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, heart rate 120 beats/min, blood pressure 95/56 mmHg and oxygen saturated 99% in room air. He was awake but lethargic. He had a boggy area of edema over the left scalp and a 12 cm × 12 cm round, brownish-red bruise in the middle of the chest. His abdomen was soft and not distended. His pupils were reactive, and the rest of his cranial nerves were symmetrical. He had good tone and no clonus. Initial laboratory results were as follows: white blood cell count 23 × 109/L (normal 5 × 109/L to 19.5 × 109/L), hemoglobin 83 g/L (normal 97 g/L to 136 g/L), platelets 200 × 109/L (normal 150 × 109/L to 450 × 109/L), prothrombin time 16.4 s (normal 11.5 s to 15.5 s) and partial thromboplastin time 40 s (normal 27.8 s to 42.5 s). A computed tomography (CT) scan (Figure 1) of the head was obtained and showed a subdural hematoma with areas of different attenuation, suggesting the presence of blood of differing ages. He had a comminuted fracture of the right parietal bone (Figure 2) and a parenchymal contusion. Because of the bruise on his chest, possible blood loss suggested by his low hemoglobin and other suspicious injuries, further investigations were done. Figure 1) Subdural hemorrhage along the right frontal and temporal regions, which demonstrates difference in attenuation. Mild mass effect and midline shift is also present Figure 2) Bone window showing evidence of a comminuted calvarial fracture involving the right parietal bone with overlapping fragments
The Effects of Text-to-Speech on Reading Outcomes for Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities.

This study investigated the effectiveness of text-to-speech (TTS) on the outcomes of reading comprehension and oral reading fluency (ORF) for four secondary students with learning disabilities. The...
Dynamics of the lignin glass transition.

The dynamics of lignin, a complex and heterogeneous major plant cell-wall macromolecule, is of both fundamental and practical importance. Lignin is typically heated to temperatures above its glass transition to facilitate its industrial processing. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the segmental (α) relaxation of lignin, the dynamical process that gives rise to the glass transition. It is found that lignin dynamics involves mainly internal motions below Tg, while segmental inter-molecular motions are activated above Tg. The segments whose mobility is enhanced above Tg consist of 3–5 lignin monomeric units. The temperature dependence of the lignin segmental relaxation time changes from Arrhenius below Tg to Vogel–Fulcher–Tamman above Tg. This change in temperature dependence is determined by the underlying energy landscape being restricted below Tg but exhibiting multiple minima above Tg. The Q-dependence of the relaxation time is found to obey a power-law up to Qmax, indicative of sub-diffusive motion of lignin above Tg. Temperature and hydration affect the segmental relaxation similarly. Increasing hydration or temperature leads to: (1) the α process starting earlier, i.e. the beta process becomes shortened, (2) Qmax decreasing, i.e. the lengthscale above which subdiffusion is observed increases, and (3) the number of monomers constituting a segment increasing, i.e. the motions that lead to the glass transition become more collective. The above findings provide molecular-level understanding of the technologically important segmental motions of lignin and demonstrate that, despite the heterogeneous and complex structure of lignin, its segmental dynamics can be described by concepts developed for chemically homogeneous polymers.
ATLAS TileCal low voltage power supply upgrade hardware and testing

Abstract The Phase II upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will raise the luminosity of the LHC by at least five times. Due to the aging of the current electronics in the detectors and increased expected radiation from higher luminosity, all electronics of the ATLAS central hadronic calorimeter will be upgraded. Improved prototypes of all the front-end detector electronics have been designed, manufactured and tested for the Phase II upgrade. The results of the design and upgrade process of the Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) of TileCal are reported.
Repeatability of Meibomian Gland Contrast, a Potential Indicator of Meibomian Gland Function.

Author(s): Yeh, Thao N; Lin, Meng C | Abstract: PurposeMeibomian gland contrast may be a potential indicator of gland health, especially among isotretinoin users. We aimed to develop a repeatable and reliable method for measuring Meibomian gland contrast from meibography images.MethodsLower lid (LL) and upper lid (UL) meibography were captured with the OCULUS Keratograph 5M (OCULUS, Inc) at 2 visits under the following 4 conditions: face centered with room lights on (C), left-turned face (L), right-turned face (R), and face centered with room lights off (CLO). Contrast was measured with Fiji (v2.0.0-rc-59). Coefficient of repeatability and limits of agreement (LOA) were determined using Bland-Altman plots.ResultsA total of 512 meibography images from 16 subjects (age ± SD = 24.8 ± 5.2 years; 13 female patients) were collected. Coefficient of repeatability between visits was 10.5 for UL and 14.9 for LL. Lower and upper LOA, respectively, for UL, compared with condition C, were -10.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), -13.5 to -8.3] and 6.2 (95% CI, 3.6-8.8) for L; -11.0 (95% CI, -13.8 to -8.1) and 7.0 (95% CI, 4.2-9.8) for R; and -9.0 (95% CI, -11.6 to -6.5) and 7.2 (95% CI, 4.7-9.8) for CLO. Lower and upper LOA, respectively, for LL, compared with condition C, were -18.1 (95% CI, -22.6 to -13.5) and 11.0 (95% CI, 6.5-15.5) for L; -15.3 (95% CI, -19.2 to -11.3) and 9.9 (95% CI, 6.0-13.9) for R; and -12.0 (95% CI, -15.1 to -8.8) and 8.2 (95% CI, 5.0-11.3) for CLO.ConclusionsMeibomian gland contrast is a repeatable and reliable measure for changes in Meibomian gland contrast greater than 11 in the UL and 18 in the LL.
Moving toward Developing Inquiry Skills: Inquiry-Based Learning in Physical Education.

Educational researchers suggest that physical education can not only address the physical fitness of students but can also provide students with unique opportunities to actively engage in learning ...
Towards a Critical Realist Methodology

The chapter explains the choice of research design and the methodological framework employed in the research for this monograph. It begins with a discussion of the dimensions of the research problem, explores the value of quantitative and qualitative approaches in researching gangs, and then describes the methods of data collection and analysis employed which are unapologetically diverse. The chapter is divided into the broad headings of a realist methodology outlined by Matthews (Realist Criminology. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, UK, 2014) who emphasizes the importance of the connection between theory and method. The chapter concludes by outlining some suggestions for a proposed critical realist methodology in the study of gangs.
Foliar fungicide application effects on whole plant BMR and floury corn varieties, and whole plant corn silage composition

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of foliar fungicide (FUN; Headline AMP; BASF Corp., applied at vegetative tassel growth stage) and ensiling time (0, 30, 90, 150 d) on fiber composition of 2 corn varieties (brown midrib; BMR and floury; FLY). Treatments were assigned to 16 3.38-ha plots in a completely randomized split-plot block design. Treatments were: BMR without FUN, FLY without FUN, BMR with FUN, and FLY with FUN. Samples of whole corn plants were collected and separated into leaves, stalks, flag leaf (FL), and cobs. Fresh-cut, whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) samples were collected at harvest and sealed inside mini silos for the duration of their respective ensiling times. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (v9.4). Brown midrib corn plants had a greater number of green leaves than FLY with 11.81 and 11.34 ± 0.09 leaves, respectively (P = 0.001). Corn plants in control (BMR without FUN and FLY without FUN; CON) had a greater number of yellow leaves than FUN corn plants with 0.28 and 0.08 ± 0.02, respectively (P
Responses of Native Plants and Downy Brome to a Water-Conserving Soil Amendment

Restoring native plants in rangelands threatened by downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) presents a serious challenge to land managers. Higher, more consistent soil moisture, as well as slightly compacted soils, may reduce the competitive abilities of downy brome. We manipulated these factors with three treatments: superabsorbent polymer (SAP), a soil-binding agent, and roller compaction at two restoration sites, Wagon Road Ridge (WRR) and Sagebrush (SGE), in northwestern Colorado. SAPs absorb water when soils are wet and then gradually release it, often reducing plant water stress. The binding agent we used is purported to increase water infiltration while reducing soil movement. In Experiment 1, we crossed an SAP, a binding agent, and rolling and found that SAP benefitted perennial grass establishment at the WRR site only. SAP also decreased downy brome cover and biomass at WRR. The binding agent increased soil moisture at both sites, and the highest level of binding agent reduced downy brome cover in the absence of SAP at the SGE site. In Experiment 2, we examined only SAP, with larger plots and a more complex seed mix. Again, SAP benefitted perennial grass establishment at WRR only. SAP reduced initial perennial forb density at both sites but did not affect forb cover in subsequent years. SAP effects on downy brome were site-specific. There was a trend for reduced downy brome cover with SAP at WRR, but SAP caused a large increase in downy brome cover in yr 3 at SGE. Granulated SAP can be applied easily along with drill seeding, making it potentially applicable for dryland restoration. However, site specific factors may influence whether perennial grasses or downy brome most benefit from SAP application.
Resting-State SEEG May Help Localize Epileptogenic Brain Regions.

BACKGROUND Stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical method to localize epileptogenic brain regions in epilepsy but requires days in the hospital with interventions to trigger several seizures. OBJECTIVE To make initial progress in the development of network analysis methods to identify epileptogenic brain regions using brief, resting-state SEEG data segments, without requiring seizure recordings. METHODS In a cohort of 15 adult focal epilepsy patients undergoing SEEG, we evaluated functional connectivity (alpha-band imaginary coherence) across sampled regions using brief (2 min) resting-state data segments. Bootstrapped logistic regression was used to generate a model to predict epileptogenicity of individual regions. RESULTS Compared to nonepileptogenic structures, we found increased functional connectivity within epileptogenic regions (P < .05) and between epileptogenic areas and other structures (P < .01, paired t-tests, corrected). Epileptogenic areas also demonstrated higher clustering coefficient (P < .01) and betweenness centrality (P < .01), and greater decay of functional connectivity with distance (P < .05, paired t-tests, corrected). Our functional connectivity model to predict epileptogenicity of individual regions demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.78 and accuracy of 80.4%. CONCLUSION Our study represents a preliminary step towards defining resting-state SEEG functional connectivity patterns to help localize epileptogenic brain regions ahead of neurosurgical treatment without requiring seizure recordings.
Limitations of Knockout Mice and Other Tools in Assessment of the Involvement of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Wound Healing and the Means to Overcome Them.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in wound healing, but attribution of their functions in repair of wounds has been challenging. Commonly used tools such as MMP-knockout mice an...
All hail DNA: the constitutive rhetoric of AncestryDNA™ advertising

Although the scientific community has frequently criticized the reliability and validity of direct-to-consumer ancestry DNA testing (DTC DNA), sales continue to rise, with an estimated 26 million U...
Identifying incident Parkinson's disease using administrative diagnostic codes: a validation study.

Abstract Background Administrative databases that capture diagnostic codes are increasingly being used worldwide for research because they can save time and reduce costs. However, assessing validity is necessary before defining diseases using only diagnostic codes in research applications. Objective Our objective was to assess the validity of using diagnostic codes to identify incident Parkinson's disease (PD) cases in Olmsted County, Minnesota using an established standard for comparison (1976–2005). Methods Cases were identified solely using computer programs applied to administrative diagnostic code indexes from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). Two codes >30 days apart or one code on the death certificate constituted PD. The standard was a clinical diagnosis by movement disorders specialists based on medical record review. Validity was assessed using positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity. Numbers of incident cases and incidence rates were compared between the two ascertainment methods by sex. Results The codes only method over-counted the number of incident PD cases by 73% (804 versus 464), and this over-counting generally increased with calendar year. Sensitivity was 80% (95% CI [76%, 84%]) and PPV was 46% (95% CI [34%, 50%]). Disease status misclassification accounted for two-thirds of falsely identified cases, where individuals were found to not have PD (43%) or even parkinsonism (23%) after medical record review. The codes only method also over-estimated the incidence rate time trend for men and women by approximately two-fold. Conclusion In our context, using administrative diagnostic codes only to identify incident PD cases is not recommended unless more accurate algorithms are developed.
Roles of bandgrading, lifetime, band alignment, and carrier concentration in high-efficiency CdSeTe solar cells

CdSeTe alloying has significantly increased the efficiency of CdTe-based solar technology. Here, computational modeling compares how different CdSeTe bandgrading, carrier lifetimes, band alignment, and carrier concentrations contribute to transport, recombination, and performance. We find that the gain in photocurrent caused by bandgap narrowing alone is insufficient to describe experimental efficiency gains. Performance can be increased by adjusting CdSeTe compositions and bandgrading depths. However, these performance gains are small relative to the contributions of enhanced lifetime by Se alloying, which can explain record cell efficiency gains with minimal open-circuit voltage loss despite significant bandgap narrowing. Similarly, CdSeTe band alignment shifts can significantly increase performance if front interface recombination is prevalent. For a wide range of CdSeTe grading profiles, the hole density is a critical component to achieve efficiencies exceeding 25%.
Does Information Sharing Matter for Gen Z Social Media Users? Effects of Motivations on Purchase Intentions through Social Commerce

The purpose of this study is to uncover motivational factors that influence Gen Z’s intention to purchase fashion products through social commerce. A data was collected from 526 college students attending a large university in the U.S. The majority of respondents were Caucasian American female students with ages from 18-23. Findings of the study suggest that the feelings of entertainment and social interaction are key motivational factors that augment Gen Z consumers' apparel purchase through social commerce. The results reveal information sharing do not significantly impact Gen Z's attitudes toward social commerce. Compared to social interaction, entertainment had much stronger impact on attitudes. These findings suggest that fashion brand retailers need to develop a new form of social commerce as a form of entertainment that creates shared feeling of friendliness and togetherness on social media.
When Does the Market Matter? Stock Prices and the Investment of Equity-Dependent Firms

We use a simple model to outline the conditions under which corporate investment will be sensitive to non-fundament al movements in stock prices. The key cross-sectional prediction of the model is that stock prices will have a stronger impact on the investment of firms that are “equity dependent” – firms that need external equity to finance their marginal investments. Using an index of equity dependence based on the work of Kaplan and Zingales (1997), we find strong support for this prediction. In particular, firms that rank in the top quintile of the KZ index have investment that is almost three times as sensitive to stock prices as firms in the bottom quintile. We also verify several other predictions of the model.
Delegation and the Continuity Thesis

This essay reviews John Gardner’s recent books, From Personal Life to Private Law, and Torts and Other Wrongs. Both books offer profound insights into private law’s concerns with justice and our reasons for action. The essay focuses on Gardner’s continuity thesis, and in particular on his idea that a third party (such as the state) may act on behalf of a wrongdoer as her delegee. Three settings are considered. First, I will discuss settings in which the state or another third party acts to remedy a wrong without the wrongdoer’s consent. Second, I will review settings in which the legal remedies at issue – e.g., general damages or punitive damages – may not fit well with the idea that the state is acting on behalf of a wrongdoer. Third, I will analyze settings in which the state may be acting on behalf of right holders (including plaintiffs), yet still be concerned with the continuity thesis. Assessing each of these contexts offers further insights into the purpose of private law remedies.
Human error and the search for blame

Human error is a frequent topic in discussions about risks in using computer systems. A rational analysis of human error leads through the consideration of mistakes to standards that designers use to avoid mistakes that lead to known breakdowns. The irrational side, however, is more interesting. It conditions people to think that breakdowns are inherently wrong and that there is ultimately someone who is responsible. This leads to a search for someone to blame which diverts attention from: learning from the mistakes; seeing the limitations of current engineering methodology; and improving the discourse of design.
UK Car-Flipping: The VAT Fraud Market-Place and Certified Solutions

Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud and its offspring carousel fraud and contra trading fraud are siphoning huge amounts of VAT revenue from the UK Treasury. This fraud is not a function of the goods involved. It is a function of the market-place. Recently another type of market-place dependent VAT fraud has taken hold in the UK - car-flipping. In some instances the market-place where these frauds festers is a pre-existing or natural market-place, one that grows out of legitimate commercial practices. Fraudsters enter this market-place (so the argument goes) and take advantage of legitimate businesses who unwittingly get caught up in the fraud of others. In other instances the market-place is a wholly artificial construct of the fraudsters. In this case, almost everyone involved has direct knowledge of the fraud. But make no mistake about it, it is the market-place that makes these frauds work. Car-flipping is a type of VAT fraud that is analytically very similar to MTIC, carousel and contra-trading frauds. All of these frauds exploit exemptions in the VAT, sometimes the exemption is intended to prefer a minority group (disabled, status Indians), other time the exemption is a necessary attribute of a federal VAT (the zero-rating of intra-community sales). Certified software solutions are proposed to counter these frauds. Doing it digitally is what the Lisbon Strategy is all about. UK car-flipping is not just a UK problem. The single market allows any disabled citizen of any of the other 26 Member States to travel to London, purchase (and take possession of) a Lamborghini Gallardos, and with a UK address register the car (probably displaying UK plates) and then "flip" it for a profit. The actual "flipping" need not occur in London. If one wanted more, one could take the car to Denmark, or Sweden where the margin scheme, a local dealer and a 25% standard rate will put more "profit" in the "flip."
A Simple Technique for Power Distribution With Better Characteristics Than Electromagnetic Bandgap Structures

This paper presents a simple power delivery design for mitigating the coupling of power supply noise in mixed-signal electronics. Digital circuitry operating at high data rates generates supply noise that can interfere with sensitive RF components. Currently used methods, such as split planes and ferrite beads, have limited isolation bandwidth and can pose difficulties for signal integrity. Electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures have been shown to exhibit excellent noise isolation characteristics. In this paper, a set of parallel digital buffers and a low-noise amplifier are powered by a power transmission line (PTL) instead of a voltage plane. An embedded bandstop filter in the PTL significantly reduces the amount of coupled noise between the digital and RF supply voltage pins. In addition, a source terminating the PTL provides good noise isolation with even lower supply noise. The proposed methods are easy to design and implement and use much less space than an equivalent EBG structure. Test vehicles using these proposed methods, as well as using an EBG structure, were fabricated and tested with regard to power supply noise, jitter, and noise isolation. The proposed methods show up to 13-dB decrease in coupled power compared with the EBG. In addition, the measured supply noise is decreased by 75% and the total jitter in the transmitted eye diagram is improved by 23% using the proposed method.
Long-Term Follow-Up of TIPS Created with Expanded Poly-Tetrafluoroethylene Covered Stents

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) created with expanded poly-tetrafluoroethylene-covered stents have largely replaced bare metal stents. Short-term shunt patency is typically assessed with protocol Doppler ultrasound (US), while little information exists with regard to long-term patency. We investigated the value of Doppler US in assessing TIPS patency as well as long-term clinical outcomes. A retrospective analysis of 59 patients with covered stents used for TIPS between January 2001 and December 2011 was performed. Fifty-four patients had early (median 9 days) Doppler US follow-up. Seven of eight patients with an abnormal baseline US required stent revisions. None of the 46 patients with normal baseline Doppler US required revisions within the first 6 months; six of these patients subsequently had a portogram because of symptoms, but all TIPS were patent. Fifty-two patients survived for long-term (>6 months) follow-up, averaging 654 days and three Doppler US exams. Five of six patients with abnormal follow-up Doppler US required revisions, whereas none of the 46 patients with normal follow-up US had revisions. The recurrence of symptoms of portal hypertension and/or hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was low (4/52 patients). No significant predictors of long-term stenosis were identified. Post-TIPS HE was independent of pre-TIPS HE or Child-Pugh score. Short-term patency and that at approximately 2 years after TIPS placement was 87 and 77 %, respectively. We conclude that Doppler US at least 1 week after TIPS is warranted, but repeated Doppler US follow-up is probably not necessary in the absence of clinical symptoms.
Reach‐scale geomorphology affects organic matter and consumer δ13C in a forested Piedmont stream

Summary 1. We investigated the spatial (longitudinal position and reach geomorphology) and seasonal (spring and autumn) influences on the variation of δ13C among organic matter sources and consumers in a forested Piedmont river, South Carolina, U.S.A. 2. Six sites were sampled along a continuum and varied in basin area from approximately 30 to 300 km2. Sites fell into two geomorphic categories (i) high-gradient, rock bed (‘rock’) or (ii) low-gradient, sand bed (‘sand’) sites. 3. Variation in δ13C was more strongly related to reach geomorphology than longitudinal position. δ13C of biofilm and consumers was consistently enriched at rock sites. Leaf litter (i.e. coarse particulate organic matter, CPOM) δ13C did not vary with bed type. There was significant δ13C enrichment at rock sites for biofilm, seston, fine benthic organic matter (FBOM), and eight of nine consumer trophic guilds (e.g. grazing invertebrates, insectivorous fishes). δ13C of biofilm and four trophic guilds was also positively correlated with drainage area, but the magnitude of enrichment was less than between bed types. 4. δ13C was generally enriched in spring, but this varied among organic matter types, consumers, and by bed type. CPOM and seston were enriched in spring, FBOM was enriched in autumn, and biofilm showed no trend. Five consumer guilds were enriched in spring, and only one fish guild, generalised carnivores, showed enrichment of muscle tissue in autumn. 5. Consumer δ13C enrichment at rock sites suggests greater reliance on algal carbon than for consumers at sand sites, but we also found δ13C enrichment of biofilm at rock sites. Thus, differences in consumer δ13C between bed types could be related to (i) increased consumption of biofilm at rock compared with sand sites, or (ii) consumption of biofilm at rock sites that is enriched relative to biofilm at sand sites or (iii) both mechanisms. 6. δ13C signatures in local food webs appear to respond to processes operating at multiple spatial scales. Overall downstream enrichment of biofilm and consumers was disrupted by strong local effects related to bed morphology. These results suggest that human alteration of channel habitat will have corresponding effects on stream food webs, as assessed by changes in δ13C.
Age, sex and escape behaviour in the Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) and the Mountain Spiny Lizard (S. jarrovii), with a review of age and sex effects on escape by lizards

Escape behaviour often differs between sexes, reproductive states and ages. Escape theory predicts that flight initiation distance (FID = predator–prey distance when escape begins) increases as predation risk and fitness increase, and decreases as cost of escaping increases. Similar predictions hold for distance fled and refuge entry, suggesting that age and sex differences in escape behaviour may occur when risk, fitness, and opportunity costs differ. I studied such differences in two lizard species and reviewed relevant literature on escape by lizards. In Sceloporus virgatus no difference occurred between sexes or female reproductive states in FID, distance fled, distance from refuge, or probability of entering refuge. In S. jarrovii juveniles had shorter FID and distance fled than adults; juveniles were closer than females to refuge, but this did not affect FID or distance fled. Juveniles were more likely than adults to be on rocks and use them as refuges. The literature review showed that sexual dimorphism in FID occurs in about 1/5 of species (male FID usually > female FID), but distance fled differed between sexes in only 1 of 21 species. Juveniles had shorter FID than adults in all of five species; the relationship between age and distance fled was highly variable. Reasons for patterns of age/sex differences are discussed. Because age and sex differences in these factors and escape strategy can alter multiple components affecting optimality, sometimes in opposite ways, these factors and escape strategy must be known to predict effects of age, sex and reproductive state on escape.
Approximation of analytic by Borel sets and definable countable chain conditions

Let I be a σ-ideal on a Polish space such that each set from I is contained in a Borel set from I. We say that I fails to fulfil the Σ_1^1 countable chain condition if there is a Σ_1^1 equivalence relation with uncountably many equivalence classes none of which is in I. Assuming definable determinacy, we show that if the family of Borel sets from I is definable in the codes of Borel sets, then each Σ_1^1 set is equal to a Borel set modulo a set from I iff I fulfils the Σ_1^1 countable chain condition. Further we characterize the σ-ideals I generated by closed sets that satisfy the countable chain condition or, equivalently in this case, the approximation property for Σ_1^1 sets mentioned above. It turns out that they are exactly of the form MGR(F)={A : ∀F ∈ F A ∩F is meager in F} for a countable family F of closed sets. In particular, we verify partially a conjecture of Kunen by showing that the σ-ideal of meager sets is the unique σ-ideal on R, or any Polish group, generated by closed sets which is invariant under translations and satisfies the countable chain condition.
Specification, implementation and application of randomized regular registers (brief announcement)

This paper presents a definition of a randomized regular register, shows that the definition is implemented by the probabilistic quorum algorithm of [3], and shows how to program with such registers using the framework of [4]. Consequently, existing iterative algorithms for a large class of problems (including solving systems of linear equations, finding shortest paths, etc.) will converge with high probability if executed in a system in which the shared data is implemented with registers satisfying the new condition. A modified definition is presented and its expected time for convergence is calculated and compared experimentally with that for the original definition.We define a random regular register to satisfy: every operation invocation has a matching response; every read reads from a write that starts before the read ends; and for every finite execution that ends in a write invocation, the probability that this write W is read from infinitely often is 0, if an infinite number of writes are performed in the extension. We show in [1] that the probabilistic quorum algorithm of [2, 3] implements a random regular register, by showing that the probability that at least one replica from W's quorum survives e subsequent writes is at most k(n-k/n)e, where n is the number of processes and k is the quorum size.The class of algorithms considered in [4] are those in which a function is applied repeatedly to a vector to produce another vector. In typical applications, each vector component may be computed by a separate process, based on that process' current best estimate of the values of all the vector components — estimates which might be out of date. Uresin and Dubois show that if the function satisfies certain properties and if the outdatedness of the vector component estimates is not too extreme, then this iterative procedure will eventually converge to the fixed point of the function, in increments called pseudocycles. Functions satisfying the desired properties are called asynchronously contracting operators (ACOs). In [1] we prove: If F is an ACO, then in every execution using random regular registers, the computed vector eventually converges to the fixed point of F with probability 1.Our second definition requires the register to be monotone, meaning that if a read reads from a certain write, then no subsequent read by the same process reads from an earlier write. Additionally, let Y be a random variable whose value is the number of reads by a process after a write W until W or a later write is read from by that process. Then there must exist p, 0
A tea catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is a unique modulator of the farnesoid X receptor.

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor and serves as a key regulator to maintain health of the liver and intestine. Bile acids are endogenous ligands of FXR, and there are increasing efforts to identify FXR modulators to serve as biological probes and/or pharmaceutical agents. Natural FXR ligands isolated from plants may serve as models to synthesize novel FXR modulators. In this study, we demonstrated that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major tea catechin, specifically and dose-dependently activates FXR. In addition, EGCG induced FXR target gene expression in vitro. Surprisingly, in a co-activator (SRC2) recruitment assay, we found that EGCG does not recruit SRC2 to FXR, but it dose-dependently inhibits recruitment of SRC2 to FXR (IC50, 1 μM) by GW6064, which is a potent FXR synthetic ligand. In addition, EGCG suppressed FXR target gene expression induced by either GW4064 or chenodeoxycholic acid in vitro. Furthermore, wild-type and FXR knockout mice treated with an acute dose of EGCG had induced mRNA expression in a subset of FXR target genes in the intestine but not in the liver. In conclusion, EGCG is a unique modulator of FXR in the intestine and may serve as an important model for future development of FXR modulators.
One- versus Two-Shock Heliosphere: Constraining Models with Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph Lyα Spectra toward α Centauri

Redshifted Lyα absorption toward α Cen has been interpreted by Linsky & Wood and Frisch et al. as evidence for decelerated interstellar hydrogen piled up on the upstream side of the heliosphere. We utilize newly developed two-dimensional multifluid models of the solar wind interaction with the interstellar material to corroborate this interpretation by synthesizing the Lyα absorption profile predicted for this "hydrogen wall." Both subsonic and supersonic inflow into the heliosphere are considered, corresponding to one-shock and two-shock global morphologies, respectively. We find that these two extremes give observably different redward absorption characteristics in the Lyα profiles, and our preliminary conclusion is that the Lyα profiles seen toward α Cen favor a barely subsonic model (Mach number 0.9). For such a model to hold, additional interstellar pressure terms, such as cosmic-ray or magnetic pressures, must contribute. To make this conclusion more certain, an extended-model parameter survey is required, coupled with Lyα data along other lines of sight.
Structural packaging in the input to language learning: contributions of prosodic and morphological marking of phrases to the acquisition of language.

Abstract The linguistic input to language learning is usually thought to consist of simple strings of words. We argue that input must also include information about how words group into syntactic phrases. Natural languages regularly incorporate correlated cues to phrase structure, such as prosody, function words, and concord morphology. The claim that such cues are necessary for successful acquisition of syntax was tested in a series of miniature language learning experiments with adult subjects. In each experiment, when input included some cue marking the phrase structure of sentences, subjects were entirely successful in learning syntax; in contrast, when input lacked such a cue (but was otherwise identical), subjects failed to learn significant portions of syntax. Cues to phrase structure appear to facilitate learning by indicating to the learner those domains within which distributional analyses may be most efficiently pursued, thereby reducing the amount and complexity of required input data. More complex target systems place greater premiums on efficient analysis; hence, such cues may be even more crucial for acquisition of natural language syntax. We suggest that the finding that phrase structure cues are a necessary aspect of language input reflects the limited capacities of human language learners; languages may incorporate structural cues in part to circumvent such limitations and ensure successful acquisition.
Wind Applications in Pacific: ABSTRACT

Hawaii shares with many other isolated areas and island communities of the Pacific a near-total dependence for energy on imported oil--a supply source which during the past decade has become increasingly expensive and less secure. Hawaii also shares with many of these areas which are deficient in conventional energy supplies, a variety of renewable energy resources which can serve as substitutes, or alternatives to seaborne petroleum. A case study showing what has been accomplished in Hawaii in moving one of these resources--wind energy--closer to commercialization is based on the limited amount of known information on the potential of wind energy in the Pacific region and studies which are underway to expand the knowledge on the extent of the wind resource throughout thi region. The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and the Department of Meteorology of the University of Hawaii have developed over the past 6 years an inventory of the wind resource in Hawaii. This effort involved an extensive system of 18 long-term wind data stations located on the five major islands, supplemented by a series of mobile, short-term stations and a loan program of wind measurement devices for specific site measurements. The Hawaii Wind Data Bank provides information both to wind researchers and to those who are seeking optimum sites for installing wind energy conversion systems (WECS). HNEI also is engaged in a WECS reliability verification program and is conducting research on various wind energy applications, including storage and nitrogen generation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 983------------
A fixation technique for the Steindler flexorplasty

A curved longitudinal incision is made over the medial side of the elbow beginning 8 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle and extending distally posterior to the medial epicondyle, and then along the anterior surface of the forearm in line with the course of the pronator teres muscle. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve in the distal portion of the incision is identified and protected. The ulnar nerve is isolated and retracted posteriorly. The median nerve and its branches to pronator teres and flexor digitorum superficialis are identified. The median nerve and brachial artery are retracted laterally. Common origins are defined of the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris at the medial epicondyle. The cortex of the medial epicondyle is drilled with a 2.0 mm drill bit. The epicondyle is then osteotomized, fashioning a 1.2 cm diameter, 1 cm deep, bone “plug” that is to be fixed subsequently to the anterior surface of the humerus. The flexor pronator muscles are freed distally for 5 to 6 cm taking care to preserve the median nerve branches to the pronator teres and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles and the ulnar nerve branches to flexor carpi ulnaris (Fig. 1, A). The brachialis muscle is split and the anterior surface of the humerus is exposed 5 to 7 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle. The mobility of the flexor pronator group is checked with the elbow in flexion to assure their proximal transfer without un-
Improved spectrograms using the discrete Fractional Fourier transform

The conventional spectrogram is a commonly employed, time-frequency tool for stationary and sinusoidal signal analysis. However, it is unsuitable for general non-stationary signal analysis [1]. In recent work [2], a slanted spectrogram that is based on the discrete Fractional Fourier transform was proposed for multicomponent chirp analysis, when the components are harmonically related. In this paper, we extend the slanted spectrogram framework to non-harmonic chirp components using both piece-wise linear and polynomial fitted methods. Simulation results on synthetic chirps, SAR-related chirps, and natural signals such as the bat echolocation and bird song signals, indicate that these generalized slanted spectrograms provide sharper features when the chirps are not harmonically related.
Review of "depression in the elderly-simulated patient small group activity".

This activity teaches knowledge and skills regarding the assessment and management of geriatric depression to second-year medical students. Students actively participate in a standardized patient scenario with a �collateral source,� which the authors define as a relative, friend, neighbor, healthcare power of attorney, or healthcare provider of a cognitively impaired patient who can provide additional history that might be more accurate than that obtained from the patient. Students also discuss proposed physical examination items, formulate a management plan with assistance from a handout on geriatric depression and facilitation by a faculty member, and receive feedback from the standardized patient and a �collateral source.� This activity is designed to take c approximately 2 hours to administer to small groups of learners and emphasizes that depression often presents atypically in older adults.
EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL NUCLEI IN ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY

Occasionally an electron paramagnetic resonance absorption line is accompanied by satellite lines which result from a weak magnetic dipole-dipole interaction coupling the electron spin to a neighboring nuclear spin. The satellites correspond to a change in spin state of the neighbor nucleus concurrent with the change in spin state of the electron. Expressions for the energy levels and transition probabilities for a spin-only electron coupled to neighboring nuclei are given. An example of atomic hydrogen in a glassy solid coupled to nearby protons is treated, and some of the more general consequences of the interaction are pointed out.