cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Dynamic Expiratory CT With Bronchoscopy for Diagnosing Airway Malacia: A Pilot Evaluation

Abstract Objective: To assess the accuracy of dynamic expiratory CT for detecting airway malacia using bronchoscopy as the diagnostic “gold standard.” Materials and methods: A computerized hospital information system was used to retrospectively identify all patients with bronchoscopically proven airway malacia referred for CT airway imaging at our institution during a 19-month period. CT was performed within 1 week of bronchoscopy. All patients were scanned with a standard protocol, including end-inspiratory and dynamic expiratory volumetric imaging, using an eight-detector multislice helical CT scanner. For both CT and bronchoscopy, malacia was defined as ≥ 50% expiratory reduction of the airway lumen. CT and bronchoscopic findings were subsequently jointly reviewed by the radiologist and bronchoscopist for concordance. Results: Twenty-nine patients (12 men and 17 women; mean age, 60 years; range, 36 to 79 years) comprised the study cohort. CT correctly diagnosed malacia in 28 of 29 patients (97%). The most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea in 20 patients (69%), severe or persistent cough in 16 patients (55%), and recurrent infection in 7 patients (24%). The estimated radiation dose (expressed as dose-length product) for the dual-phase study is 508 mGy-cm, which is comparable to a routine chest CT. Conclusion: Dynamic expiratory CT is a highly sensitive method for detecting airway malacia and has the potential to serve as an effective, noninvasive test for diagnosing this condition.
Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis of lung cancer mortality in the U.S., 1968–1986. Rising lung cancer mortality is the natural consequence of competitive deterministic mortality dynamics

Abstract Age-adjusted mortality rates for lung cancer (LC) in the United States from 1968 to 1986 were subjected to longitudinal Gompertzian analysis. Age-adjusted LC mortality rate distribution between age 20 and 50 years were determined by a variable environmental factor and a common intersect point. The environmental factor declined (improved) 1.89-fold for men and 3.11-fold for women in 1986 as compared to 1968. The age at the common intersect point was 47.2 years for men and 39.1 years for women. Between 1968 and 1986, the non-age-standardized annual crude LC mortality rate increased 44.8% for men and 217.6% for women. Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis of LC mortality data suggests that the rising LC mortality rates in the United States are the natural consequence of competitive deterministic mortality dynamics and not a reflection of an environment that is directly more conducive to LC mortality. That is, more people are dying of LC because they are not dying from other diseases such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis demonstrates that single disease mortality should not be studied in isolation, but rather examined in relation to other causes of death. When viewed from this perspective, the basis for more dramatic rise in LC mortality in women becomes immediately evident.
In situ instrumentation for localized wear studies of magnetic thin-film disks

AbstractAn experimental set-up and a procedure to make in situ localized measurements of various wear processes on magnetic thin-film disks are developed. The coefficient of friction, acoustic emission and optical reflectance are monitored simultaneously. Results are analysed to determine ‘precursors to failure’ and to compare the effects of lubricant, surface roughness, overcoat and normal load on disk wear. Disk wear is observed to follow a pattern of lubricant depletion followed by head slider-overcoat asperity contact. Wear tracks are formed after asperity contact. Lubricant extends disk wear life, as does a polished surface texture, and an SiO2 overcoat wears more slowly than a diamond-like carbon overcoat. The experimental methodology developed in this study should be of interest in studying precursors to failure of any moving interface.
The Ductus Debate: Ligation in Prematurity?

Abstract This report describes 20 premature infants who have undergone surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), diagnosed solely by physical examination in all but 2 instances. There were no operative deaths. Eleven of these 20 infants had severe associated hyaline membrane disease (HMD) necessitating mechanical ventilatory support from the first or second day of life. Only 3 of these 11 infants (27%) ultimately survived to leave the hospital. In contrast, 8 of 9 premature neonates (89%) with severe congestive heart failure but without HMD were discharged alive. Surgical ligation of the PDA in a premature infant is an appropriate and successful mode of treatment when congestive heart failure is refractory to medical management. Proof is lacking, however, to establish the efficacy of PDA ligation in the premature infant with HMD.
Offshore Service Vessel activity forecast and regulatory modeling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, 2012–2017

Abstract Offshore support vessels (OSVs) have important economic and environmental impacts on coastal communities in the Gulf Coast region and these impacts depend on the quantity and spatial distribution of vessel activity, which in turn depends on the type and geographic distribution of exploration and development. In this paper, port activity is quantified according to offshore activity expected to arise from current and new lease sales categorized according to water depth, planning area, and vessel class. Between 53,000 and 119,000 trips per year are expected to be required to support exploration, development and production in the Gulf of Mexico from 2012 to 2017, and approximately half of all trips are expected to emanate from Port Fourchon, Louisiana, with the next largest port, Cameron, Louisiana, contributing an additional 14% of activity. During the 2012–2017 period, the majority of trips are expected to support shallow water production operations.
Thermoelectric properties of Re6Te15 and Re6Se8Te7 cluster compounds

Abstract The thermoelectric power and electrical resistivity of cluster-type compounds Re 6 Se 8 Te 7 and Re 6 Te 15 have been measured over the temperature range 90–420 K. Samples were prepared by reacting elemental powders at 1150 K in a closed system for 170 h. X-ray analysis revealed orthorhombic and tetragonal lattices for Re 6 Te 15 and Re 6 Se 8 Te 7 , respectively. The lattice parameters and unit cell volume decrease from Re 6 Te 15 to Re 6 Se 8 Te 7 . Measurements indicate p-type semiconducting behavior for both Re 6 Te 15 and Re 6 Se 8 Te 7 . Electrical resistivity data suggest hopping conduction below 220 K for Re 6 Te 15 and 190 K for Re 6 Se 8 Te 7 . The presence of the energy gap is observed in both compounds at higher temperatures. The thermoelectric power of Re 6 Te 15 initially increases with temperature and reaches a peak value at 340 K. The thermoelectric power of Re 6 Se 8 Te 7 increases sharply as temperature increases and then levels off above 260 K. Analysis of the power factors indicates that selenium substitution in Re 6 Te 15 leads to a material with better thermoelectric properties above 320 K.
Generating sparse partial inductance matrices with guaranteed stability

This paper proposes a definition of magnetic vector potential that can be used to evaluate sparse partial inductance matrices. Unlike the commonly applied procedure of discarding the smallest matrix terms, the proposed approach maintains accuracy at middle and high frequencies and is guaranteed to be positive definite for any degree of sparsity (thereby producing stable circuit solutions). While the proposed technique is strictly based upon potential theory (i.e. the invariance of potential differences on the zero potential reference choice), the technique is, nevertheless, presented and discussed in both circuit and magnetic terms. The conventional and the proposed sparse formulation techniques are contrasted in terms of eigenvalues and circuit simulation results on practical examples.
Ab Initio Calculations of Enthalpies of Hydrogenation, Isomerization, and Formation of Cyclic C5 Hydrocarbons

We have obtained ΔfH298 for 11 C5 cyclic hydrocarbons by calculating ΔhydH298 and ΔisomH298 via the G2(MP2) and G2(MP2,SVP) ab initio methods, taking ΔfH298(cyclopentene) as a known reference point. The arithmetic mean deviation between G2(MP2) calculated ΔfH298 and experimental ΔfH298 values is <1 kcal mol-1 for the 5 compounds that have been studied experimentally.
Enzyme activity in classical and variant forms of maple syrup urine disease

The branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase activity has been determined in skinfibroblasts grown from six subjects with classical maple syrup urine disease and six with variant forms of the disease. The level of activity in the skin fibroblasts reflects the ability of the individual to degrade the amino acids, thus providing an index of the severity of the disease. Observations on sibling pairs indicate that the level of enzyme activity and the severity of the disease are genetically determined. A 3 grade classification is proposed based on tolerance for dietary protein. The metabolic defect in all instances involved the three branched-chain amino acids, providing further support for the concept that this degradative step is under the control of a single gene.
Sexual development, social oppression, and local culture

This article reviews some of the factors that have created and reproduced intellectual, historical, political, and disciplinary barriers to understanding the contribution of social oppression as a force in the development of young people’s sexuality. Social oppression in sexual development is common in many places and times and creates an impact on childhood sexual subjectivities and behaviors that has typically been ignored in research and policy. I argue in this paper for the expansion of the study of childhood sexuality through biopsychosocial approaches that are more inclusive of cross-cultural and intra-cultural diversity and subjectivity. Finally, optimal sexual development is viewed here as being more dependent upon the environment than previously suggested by theorists, and such a revised view places increased emphasis upon the importance of sexual health research that will better inform and help to shape the best practices and policies related to sexuality.
DNA-based molecular architecture with spatially localized components

Performing computation inside living cells offers life-changing applications, from improved medical diagnostics to better cancer therapy to intelligent drugs. Due to its bio-compatibility and ease of engineering, one promising approach for performing in-vivo computation is DNA strand displacement. This paper introduces computer architects to DNA strand displacement "circuits", discusses associated architectural challenges, and proposes a new organization that provides practical composability. In particular, prior approaches rely mostly on stochastic interaction of freely diffusing components. This paper proposes practical spatial isolation of components, leading to more easily designed DNA-based circuits. DNA nanotechnology is currently at a turning point, with many proposed applications being realized [20, 9]. We believe that it is time for the computer architecture community to take notice and contribute.
Estimation of the distribution of intramuscular current during electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle.

Electrical stimulation is commonly used for strengthening muscle but little evidence exists as to the optimal electrode size, waveform, or frequency to apply. Three male and three female subjects (22–40 years old) were examined during electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle. Two self adhesive electrode sizes were examined, 2 cm × 2 cm and 2 cm × 4 cm. Electrical stimulation was applied with square and sine waveforms, currents of 5, 10 and 15 mA, and pulse widths of 100–500 μs above the quadriceps muscle. Frequencies of stimulation were 20, 30, and 50 Hz. Current on the skin above the quadriceps muscle was measured with surface electrodes at five positions and at three positions with needle electrodes in the same muscle. Altering pulse width in the range of 100–500 μs, the frequency over a range of 20–50 Hz, or current from 5 to 15 mA had no effect on current dispersion either in the skin or within muscle. In contrast, the distance separating the electrodes caused large changes in current dispersion on the skin or into muscle. The most significant finding in the present investigation was that, while on the surface of the skin current dispersion was not different between sine and square wave stimulation, significantly more current was transferred deep in the muscle with sine versus square wave stimulation. The use of sine wave stimulation with electrode separation distances of less then 15 cm is recommended for electrical stimulation with a sine wave to achieve deep muscle stimulation.
Introduction: The Materiality of Traces and Legacies

This Special Issue presents issues in contemporary archaeological theory and practice as influenced by the work of H. Martin Wobst. Wobst came to study in the U.S. nearly 50 years ago and has contributed to many changes in the theory and practice of archaeology since then. Though the papers cover a wide range of topics they share common interests in seeing materiality as constitutive of culture, archaeologists as participants in the present as well as observers of the past, and an interest in transcending traditional definitions of archaeological research.
Design Guidelines for Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive Assemblies in Microelectronics Packaging

Multiple parameters are involved in the design of anisotropic conductive adhesive assemblies, and the overlapping influences that they have on the final electrical contact resistance represent a difficult challenge for the designers. The most important parameters include initial bonding force F, number of particles N, the adhesion strength GA, and modulus of elasticity E of the cured resin. It is well known that as the bonding force increases, the contact resistance decreases. However when the bonding force reaches a certain maximum value, the contact between conductive particle and conductive track is disrupted due to delamination of the cured resin during the elastic recovery. The authors have shown in previous studies that the delamination is caused by high residual stresses and that it largely depends on the adhesion strength of the assembly and on the modulus of elasticity of the cured resin. Additionally, the authors have provided a methodology to quantify the maximum threshold value of the bonding force for different numbers of particles trapped between mating conductive tracks. In this paper; the relationships between contact resistance R and each one of these parameters are systematically investigated to create diagrams that give regions of robust design. Given the number of particles and their size, adhesion strength, and modulus of elasticity of the resin, the required bonding force can he found in order to achieve a desired range in contact resistance.
Evolutionary trade-offs among decomposers may constrain responses to nitrogen

We tested the extent to which evolutionary trade-offs among species traits might constrain the responses of different functional groups of decomposers to global change. Specifically, we hypothesized that bacteria targeting large recalcitrant compounds require relatively high levels of nitrogen (N) availability to support the construction costs of requisite extracellular and carrier enzymes. Conversely, bacteria adapted to N-poor environments may invest scarce resources in enzymes targeting organic N instead of recalcitrant carbon. We cross-referenced carbon substrate use profiles (from Biolog plates), functional genes from published bacterial genomes, the global ocean sampling (GOS) expedition, and a global synthesis of environmental DNA sequences of bacteria in soils. Altogether, 628 taxa were assessed. We defined recalcitrant users as those that used a larger proportion of cyclic compounds (based on Biolog assays). Recalcitrant users were detected in ocean waters with higher nitrate concentrations (phylogenetic independent contrasts, r = 0.888, P < 0.001), and they contained a greater proportion of genes related to inorganic N uptake and transformation (r = 0.665, P < 0.001) than did labile users. Compared to recalcitrant users, labile users targeted more organic N compounds in Biolog plates (r = -0.484, P < 0.001), carried a greater proportion of genes related to the use of organic N (r = -0.203, P < 0.001), and fewer genes for complex organic carbon compounds (r = 0.957, P < 0.001). Taxa that preferred organic N sources were more common in higher latitude soils than in lower latitude soils (r = 0.850, P < 0.001), which is consistent with the paradigm that N-limitation is stronger at higher latitudes. Altogether, evolutionary trade-offs may limit recalcitrant users to habitats with higher N availability. As a potential consequence, anthropogenic N enrichment may lead to the breakdown of recalcitrant organic compounds and a rise in the release of carbon to the atmosphere.
Generalized Motor Abilities and Timing Behavior in Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose To examine whether children with specific language impairment (SLI) differ from normally developing peers in motor skills, especially those skills related to timing. Method Standard measures of gross and fine motor development were obtained. Furthermore, finger and hand movements were recorded while children engaged in 4 different timing tasks, including tapping and drawing circles in time with a metronome or a visual target. Fourteen children with SLI (age 6 to 8 years) and 14 age-matched peers who were typically developing participated. Results As expected, children with SLI showed poorer performance on a standardized test of gross and fine motor skill than did their normally developing peers. However, timing skill in the manual domain was equivalent to that seen in typically developing children. Conclusions Consistent with earlier findings, relatively poor gross and fine motor performance is observed in children with SLI. Surprisingly, rhythmic timing is spared.
Using Feature Films as the Primary Instructional Medium to Teach Organizational Behavior

The use of film to assist with teaching various theoretical concepts has been integrated into the classroom for many years. However, the use of films has been primarily as a supplementary material to the typical textbook instruction. This article bridges the gap in the literature and discusses one approach whereby feature films were incorporated into an organizational behavior class as the primary instructional medium. Student exam results, coupled with their in-class discussion and evaluation comments, reflected great success with this approach.
Expression of the boc gene during murine embryogenesis

BOC is a receptor-like protein that, with the related factor CDO, belongs to a newly recognized subfamily within the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell-surface molecules. BOC and CDO form complexes that positively regulate myogenesis in vitro. To gain a better understanding of the role of boc during vertebrate embryogenesis and whether it could cooperate with cdo in vivo, we carried out an extensive in situ hybridization analysis of boc expression in mouse embryos from E7.0 to E17.5. Our results show that boc is widely expressed during murine embryogenesis, in a spatially and temporally restricted pattern. Overall, the highest levels of boc expression are detected between E10.5 and E15.5, with the strongest signals observed in the developing musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. At late stages of development, boc expression becomes more restricted and is limited primarily to regions harboring proliferating cells, undifferentiated cells, or both. This expression pattern is strikingly similar to that described for cdo (Mulieri et al., 2000). The overlapping expression patterns of cdo and boc in vivo, combined with the promotion of myogenesis by CDO/BOC complexes in cultured cells, strongly suggests that these proteins play a role together in the determination, differentiation, or both, of numerous cell types during vertebrate embryogenesis.
Early massive bleeding after duodenal self-expandable metal stent placement for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (with video).

v Enteral stenting is a safe and effective treatment option for palliation of gastroduodenal obstruction. A myriad of complications can occur after self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement.1 Severe complications of bleeding and perforaion are uncommon, and early massive bleeding after duoenal stent placement has not been reported. We describe a ase of massive bleeding within 72 hours of duodenal SEMS lacement.
Cell-mediated lysis of murine target cells by nonimmune salmonid lymphoid preparations.

Abstract Lymphoid preparations from nonimmune rainbow and brook trout were found to lyse murine tumor cells (EL-4 & P815Y) in vitro in an 18 hr 51Cr-release assay conducted at 16–18°C. Lysis was proportional to the effector: target cell ratio, required direct cell to cell contact, and was not depleted by the removal of nylon wool adherent cells. Lymphoid populations from peripheral blood, the thymus, and the anterior kidney, but not the spleen, were active in the cytotoxicity assay. Individual fish varied considerably in their ability to lyse one or both target cells. These data and the results of unlabelled target cell inhibition studies suggest that the reaction is selective if not specific. The addition of PHA to the reaction mixture resulted in markedly enhanced cytotoxic reactivity. In the presence of PHA lysis was readily detectable at 4 hr. The data demonstrate that nonimmune Salmonids possess a cytolytic effector cell population which has considerable cytotoxic potential and may represent a heterogeneous “natural killer cell” population.
Mechanical Stresses Affecting Deep Borehole Disposal of High Level Nuclear Waste

While extensive stress field data are available from crystalline rock boreholes drilled in France (Soultz), Germany (KTB), and the USA (Cajon Pass, Monticello Reservoir), Canada and Sweden, the data and methods used to analyze them have yet to be applied to very deep geologic disposal facilities. Typically, to alleviate the stress fields that are intensified in a borehole, muds (mixtures of clay and water) are a critical component and are widely used in the drilling industry. In the first portion of this paper, we review the available mechanical data and analysis methods. Based on the most applicable measurements (in Canada and Germany), we propose values of stress fields and rock properties to be used for generic assessment of deep borehole disposal. The minimum horizontal stress can be approximated as Sh=23.2D, the maximum horizontal stress as SH=43.1D, and the vertical stress as SV=27.5D, where the stresses are in MPa and D is depth in km. This analysis also incorporates the effect of thermal stresses (relieved) by the cool drilling mud. Using an average uniaxial compressive strength results (C=212 MPa) and conservatively neglecting the increase in strength of crystalline rock under polyaxial conditions, a stable borehole can be drilled to 4.55 km with mud density of 1020 kg/m3. This is based on a stability limit such that at the bottom of the hole, a significant portion of the wall (180°/360°) reaches a critical state of stress (i.e., experiences spalling). Using relations developed for shallow mines (which may be overly conservative) the spalled zone is estimated to have a radius that is approximately twice that of the borehole. To reach 5 km, the mud density should be raised to 1420 kg/m3, or be actively cooled (90°C) below the ambient temperature of the rock (∼135°C) at that depth.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Serum dopamine- -hydroxylase (D H) activity and affective states.

Using a sensitive assay system recently developed, dopamine-Β-hydroxylase (DΒH) was examined in the serum of 56 psychiatric patients and 33 normal control subjects. Blood values of this enzyme failed to differentiate between the various diagnostic populations explored and were compatible with values obtained for normal control subjects within the same age range. The findings are critically evaluated and their possible relevance discussed with regard to the role of catecholamines in affective disorders.
Computer graphics at a large IBM installation

Heavily used plotter- and computer-independent graphics facilities are supported for a large IBM batch and time-sharing installation. JCL-selectable plotter drivers present a common interface to the supported graphics packages. Their selection can be made at linkedit or at execution time. Driver output can go to line printers, pen plotters, electrostatic plotters, microfilm recorders, or terminals for plotting; or driver output can go to OS datasets for later post-processing. The drivers self-initiate, their output is self-identifying, they self-terminate at either normal or abnormal job end, and they provide for automatic accounting. Extensive documentation and user support is supplied.
Polyuria and Abdominal Pain in a Young Jamaican Woman

History of Present Illness The patient had come to the United States from Jamaica and developed polyuria with abdominal discomfort. During a 2-week period, her symptoms did not improve and after developing nausea and vomiting, she presented to our emergency department (ED). She reported that eating did not appear to make her abdominal pain worse. She denied melena (black stools or vomit), hematochezia (passage of bloody stools), diarrhea, fever, chills or night sweats, weight loss, and alcohol or drug use.
Age related changes in hormone binding by target cells and tissues; possible role in altered adaptive responsiveness.

Abstract Alterations in adaptive responsiveness to certain hormones and other biochemical stimuli are characteristic of aging organisms. The initial step required for induction of such responses is the binding of hormones to specific target cell receptors. In addition, the degree of response is directly proportional to the amount of hormone binding to specific receptors. This review presents evidence which suggests that specific binding of various hormones by target cells and tissues may change during the process of senescence. Such changes offer at least a partial explanation for age related alterations in adaptive responsiveness.
EFFECT OF DISCHARGE ENERGY AND CAVITY GEOMETRY ON FLAME IGNITION BY TRANSIENT PLASMA

Effects of number of ignition site on burning times and comparison between pulsed corona and spark discharges with single ignition site and the same energy show that there are two possible mechanisms— chemical and geometric effects, which contribute to shortening delay and rise times of pulsed corona ignitions, respectively. Burning time shortening has also be demonstrated in a geometrically IC engine like combustion chamber at elevated pressure. Discharge efficiency of pulsed corona discharge is observed much higher than spark discharge.
A pseudorandom number generator

A simple deterministic algorithm produces a finite sequence which exhibits three iniportant statistical properties. This algo rithm should prove to be useful in simulating some random processes.
Rehabilitation of the rheumatoid cripple; a five year study.

A follow-up report of the results of intensive rehabilitation procedures applied to selected patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis over a five year period stresses the fact that the problem is complex but not insoluble. The multiple factors relating to the cause and amelioration of rheumatoid disability are cited. Iste reporto del resultatos de un intense programma de rehabilitation usate con un gruppo seligite de patientes con avantiate arthritis rheumatoide durante un periodo de cinque annos sublinea le facto que le problema es complexe sed non irresolubile. Le multiple factores relationate al causa e al amelioration de invaliditate rheumatoide es citate.
Auditory Attentional Control and Selection during Cocktail Party Listening

In realistic auditory environments, people rely on both attentional control and attentional selection to extract intelligible signals from a cluttered background. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine auditory attention to natural speech under such high processing-load conditions. Participants attended to a single talker in a group of 3, identified by the target talker's pitch or spatial location. A catch-trial design allowed us to distinguish activity due to top-down control of attention versus attentional selection of bottom-up information in both the spatial and spectral (pitch) feature domains. For attentional control, we found a left-dominant fronto-parietal network with a bias toward spatial processing in dorsal precentral sulcus and superior parietal lobule, and a bias toward pitch in inferior frontal gyrus. During selection of the talker, attention modulated activity in left intraparietal sulcus when using talker location and in bilateral but right-dominant superior temporal sulcus when using talker pitch. We argue that these networks represent the sources and targets of selective attention in rich auditory environments.
Association Between Parents' and Children's Use of Oral Health Services

OBJECTIVE: Several parental factors influence children9s use of oral health services. Some localized studies have shown that children9s dental use patterns correlate positively with those of their parents. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between parents9 and children9s oral health–seeking behaviors among a representative sample of US children. METHODS: We used the 2007 National Health Interview Survey to analyze a sample of children aged 2 to 17 years, matched with 1 parent. Using logistic regression, we examined associations between parents9 and children9s use of dental services and deferred dental care because of cost. RESULTS: The sample included 6107 child–parent pairs. Overall, 77% of children and 64% of parents had a dental visit in the previous 12 months. Adjusting for sociodemographic and use variables, children were more likely to have a dental visit when their parents also had a dental visit (adjusted odds ratio: 3.36 [95% confidence interval: 2.71–4.18]), compared with children of parents who did not have a dental visit. In addition, compared with children of parents who did not defer seeking dental care, children of parents who deferred their dental care because of cost were more likely to have care deferred because of cost as well (adjusted odds ratio: 12.47 [95% confidence interval: 9.09–17.11]). CONCLUSIONS: Parental oral health–seeking behaviors for themselves may have an important effect on oral health–seeking behaviors on behalf of their children, regardless of the child9s insurance status. Comprehensive strategies to eliminate barriers that target parents and not just children may help to address children9s underuse of oral health services.
Implementation of patient-reported outcome measures in U.S. Total joint replacement registries: rationale, status, and plans

Background In the U.S. and abroad, the use of patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate the impact of total joint replacement surgery on patient quality of life is increasingly common. Analyses of patient-reported outcomes have documented substantial pain relief and functional gain among the vast majority of patients managed with total joint replacement. In addition, postoperative patient-reported outcomes are useful to identify persistent pain and suboptimal outcomes in the minority of patients who have them. The leaders of five U.S. total joint replacement registries report the rationale, current status, and vision for the use of patient-reported outcome measures in U.S. total joint replacement registries. Methods Surgeon leaders of the Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement registry, American Joint Replacement Registry, California Joint Replacement Registry, Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative, and Virginia Joint Registry report the rationale supporting the adoption of patient-reported outcome measures, factors associated with the selection and successful implementation of patient-reported outcome measures, and barriers to complete and valid data. Results U.S. registries are at varied stages of implementation of preoperative surveys and postoperative total joint replacement outcome measures. Surgeon leaders report unified rationales for adopting patient-reported outcome measures: to capture data on pain relief and functional gain following total joint replacement as well as to identify suboptimal implant performance. Key considerations in the selection of a patient-reported outcome measure include its ability to measure both joint pain and physical function while limiting any burden on patients and surgeons related to its use. Complete patient-reported outcomes data will be associated with varied modes of survey completion, including options for home-based completion, to ensure consistent timing and data capture. Conclusions The current stage of implementation of patient-reported outcome measures varies widely among U.S. registries. Nonetheless, evidence from the Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement registry supports the feasibility of successful implementation of patient-reported outcome measures with careful attention to the selection of the outcome measure, mode and timing of postoperative administration, and minimization of any burden on the patient and surgeon.
The social bases of language acquisition

A language is composed of conventional symbols shaped by their social-communicative functions. Children acquire these symbols, both lexical and syntactic, in the context of culturally constituted event structures that make salient these functions. In the acquisition process children rely on cultural learning skills (i.e., imitative learning). These skills emanate from their ability to participate intersubjectively with adults in cultural activities (i.e., joint attention), which underlies their ability to understand the ways adults are using particular pieces of language. The development of communicative competence as a whole, including not only lexical and syntactic skills but also various pragmatic skills, depends largely on feedback about communicative efficacy that children receive from different interactants. This feedback is used by children to make further inferences about the conventional functional significance of particular linguistic expressions. This social-pragmatic view of language acquisition obviates the need for a priori, specifically linguistic, format constraints on the language acquisition process.
Solid State Drives: A New Problem

This paper explores the characteristics of solid state drives (SSDs) with regard to the probability that an update to the data will require a page be relocated. Storage characteristics of SSDs are described and the problem of drive wear is explained. Probabilities are developed for increases and decreases in value at the byte level. The byte-level probabilities are then extended to the SSD storage page. The implications of those probabilities for drive wear are examined and extended to file design considerations. In addition, the wear implications of current practices are pointed out where appropriate. In the end, the issue of frequency of data update becomes a new consideration that must be taken into account in all phases of system design.
Where Is the Natural Rate? Rational Policy Mistakes and Persistent Deviations of Inflation from Target

Empirical research has shown that there is large uncertainty concerning the value of the natural rate of unemployment at any point in time. I incorporate this feature in a model of monetary policy where the policymaker targets an inflation rate and the natural rate of unemployment and solve for the optimal policy. Two interesting results emerge. First, under a realistic shock profile, the model generates long-lasting deviations of inflation from target, providing an alternative (but also a complement) to the popular Barro-Gordon framework. Second, the economy exhibits large inflation persistence and can have very rich inflation dynamics. The model is able to account for approximately one third of the increase in inflation in the United States in the late 1970s, and suggests an explanation for the low inflation of the late 1990s. Moreover, I present empirical evidence for the United States and other countries that support the model including a new empirical finding: across countries there is a positive statistical relation between the persistence of unemployment and the persistence of inflation.
Joint optimization of a protocol stack for sensor networks

In this work, we present protocols for routing, MAC and power-control in sensor networks and jointly optimize these protocols. The joint optimization aims to capture the impact of cross-layer interaction on the efficiency and performance of the protocol stack. We model the protocol stack as a whole, rather than a collection of individually modeled layers. In our model, the protocol stack has tunable parameters that affect the operation of each layer to achieve globally specified performance and efficiency. In the paper, we begin by presenting the randomized protocols at each layer that exploit node density in order to achieve reliable communication. First, we present a region-based opportunistic routing protocol. Then, at the medium access layer, we consider an asynchronous rendezvous scheme called TICER. Third, a randomized sleep discipline is set forth that allows nodes to power down periodically. Finally, we combine the routing, MAC and power-control protocols to obtain a constrained optimization problem. Results show that it is possible to minimize energy consumption while satisfying application requirements on end-to-end delay.
Long-term water balance and conceptual model of a semi-arid mountainous catchment

summary Long-term water balance investigations are needed to better understand hydrologic systems, especially semi-arid mountainous catchments. These systems exhibit considerable interannual variability in precipitation as well as spatial variation in snow accumulation, soils, and vegetation. This study extended a previous 10-year water balance based on measurements and model simulations to 24 years for the Upper Sheep Creek (USC) catchment, a 26 ha, snow-fed, semi-arid rangeland headwater drainage within the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed in southwestern Idaho, USA. Additional analyses afforded by the additional years of data demonstrated that the variability between streamflow and annual precipitation (r 2 = 0.54) could be explained by the timing of precipitation and antecedent moisture conditions. Winter–spring precipitation and soil moisture deficit at the beginning of the water year accounted for 83% of the variability in streamflow, which was almost as accurate as applying the more complex physically-based Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) numerical model (r 2 = 0.85) over the three dominant land cover classes. A conceptual model was formulated based on field observations, numerical simulations and previous studies. Winter precipitation and spring snowmelt must first replenish the deficit within the soil water profile and ground water system before water is delivered to the stream. During this period, surface water and ground water are tightly coupled and their interaction is critical to streamflow generation. Shortly after snow ablation, however, water flux in the root zone becomes decoupled from the ground water system and subsequent precipitation does little to contribute to streamflow for the current year, but serves to offset ET and the soil moisture deficit at the beginning of the following year. This study demonstrates the merits of long-term catchment-scale research to improve our understanding of how climate and land cover interact to control hydrologic dynamics in complex mountainous terrain. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Another inconvenient truth: the failure of enforcement systems to save charismatic species

IN SPITE OF SIGNIFICANT recent advances in understanding how to conserve species we are failing to conserve some of the most beloved and charismatic, with severe population losses, shrinking ranges and extinctions of subspecies. The primary reason is hunting for illegal trade of highly valuable body parts, increasingly operated by sophisticated organized criminal syndicates supplying wealthy East Asian markets. Current enforcement systems were not established to tackle such crime, and weak governance, low capacity and inadequate resources facilitate the trade. To save these species this trade must be treated as serious crime, with allocation of sufficient resources, highly trained personnel, and appropriate technologies to allow it to be tackled effectively. Success in tackling this trade will necessitate commitment from governments and nongovernmental organizations and the support of civil society.
Voice-Graded Business Communication Documents.

Business communication instructors are often overwhelmed by the task of grading writing assignments. Instructors of writing are often frustrated by the complexities of the critiquing process. This article explores the benefits of using a uoice-graded writing approach which offers instructors an opportunity to engage in virtual office critiquing of student assignments.
Superstatistics of hydro‐climatic fluctuations and interannual ecosystem productivity

[1] Ecosystems driven by hydro-climatic fluctuations at different time scales can be interpreted as non-equilibrium dynamical systems. Here we explore the propagation of daily and interannual rainfall fluctuations through the soil-plant system using the theory of superstatistics. With the help of simplified stochastic models of rainfall, we show how interactions of daily and interannual rainfall fluctuations may qualitatively change the probability distributions of rainfall toward higher frequencies of extreme droughts and intense storms. This in turn is likely to induce marked changes in productivity of mesic ecosystems, while more xeric ecosystems might be insensitive or even benefit from them. This study provides a theoretical basis for predictions of ecosystem responses to the increased precipitation variability expected in future North American climate regimes.
Current-mode CMOS multiple-valued logic circuits

Current-mode CMOS circuits are receiving increasing attention. Current-mode CMOS multiple-valued logic circuits are interesting and may have applications in digital signal processing and computing. In this paper we review several of the current-mode CMOS multiple-valued logic (MVL) circuits that we have studied over the past decade. These circuits include a simple current threshold comparator, current-mode MVL encoders and decoders, current-mode quaternary threshold logic full adders (QFAs), current-mode MVL latches, current-mode latched QFA circuits, and current-mode analog-to-quaternary converter circuits. Each of these circuits is presented and its performance described. >
Rotating Disk Electrode Voltammetry Applied to the Kinetics of Uptake and Efflux in Wild‐Type and Mutant Catecholamine Transporters

Rotating disk electrode voltammetry has shown to be a simple, fast, and inexpensive method for studying substrate kinetics at wild-type and mutant catecholamine transporters. The transport of the substrates dopamine (DA) and meta- and para-tyramine (m-TYR, p-TYR) are examined at the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) expressed stably in LLC cells. Following uptake of DA, monitored at 450 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), efflux is induced by the uptake of a second substrate. The timecourse of induced efflux of DA is found to be dependent on the structure of the compound used to initiate efflux as well as the concentration of both the preloaded substrate and efflux inducing agent. A double electrode configuration for the electrochemical cell, including one rotating and one stationary working electrode, is described. A potential of 650 mV is applied across the stationary electrode to obtain the timecourse of single-hydroxyl substrates after correction for any catechol substrate oxidation. This dual electrode set-up is useful in that it allows the kinetics of two substrates interacting at the transporter to be monitored simultaneously. The kinetics of the above mentioned substrates are examined at wild-type and mutant hNETs using this two electrode configuration
Chronic renin inhibition lowers blood pressure and reduces upright muscle sympathetic nerve activity in hypertensive seniors.

Key points • Cardiovascular risk remains high in elderly patients with hypertension even with adequate blood pressure control; one possible mechanism may be sympathetic activation via the baroreflex in response to blood pressure reduction. • We found that chronic diuresis increased vasomotor sympathetic activity in both the supine and the upright positions, while chronic renin inhibition did not affect sympathetic activity in the supine position but attenuated its response to head-up tilt in elderly hypertensive patients. • The change of sympathetic activity by anti-hypertensive drug treatment was correlated with the change of aldosterone level in all patients. • Upright sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity remained unchanged after diuresis or renin inhibition. • These results suggest that chronic renin inhibition lowers blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients without sympathetic activation, in contrast to diuresis which increases sympathetic activity through the augmented renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Abstract Cardiovascular risk remains high in patients with hypertension even with adequate blood pressure (BP) control. One possible mechanism may be sympathetic activation via the baroreflex. We tested the hypothesis that chronic inhibition of renin reduces BP without sympathetic activation, but diuresis augments sympathetic activity in elderly hypertensives. Fourteen patients with stage-I hypertension (66 ± 5 (SD) years) were treated with a direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren (n= 7), or a diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (n= 7), for 6 months. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), BP, direct renin and aldosterone were measured during supine and a graded head-up tilt (HUT; 5 min 30° and 20 min 60°), before and after treatment. Sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was assessed. Both groups had similar BP reductions after treatment (all P < 0.01), while MSNA responses were different between hydrochlorothiazide and aliskiren (P= 0.006 pre/post × drug). Both supine and upright MSNA became greater after hydrochlorothiazide treatment (supine, 72 ± 18 post vs. 64 ± 15 bursts (100 beats)−1 pre; 60° HUT, 83 ± 10 vs. 78 ± 13 bursts (100 beats)−1; P= 0.002). After aliskiren treatment, supine MSNA remained unchanged (69 ± 13 vs. 64 ± 8 bursts (100 beats)−1), but upright MSNA was lower (74 ± 15 vs. 85 ± 10 bursts (100 beats)−1; P= 0.012 for pre/post × posture). Direct renin was greater after both treatments (both P < 0.05), while upright aldosterone was greater after hydrochlorothiazide only (P= 0.002). The change in upright MSNA by the treatment was correlated with the change of aldosterone (r= 0.74, P= 0.002). Upright sympathetic BRS remained unchanged after either treatment. Thus, chronic renin inhibition may reduce upright MSNA through suppressed renin activity, while diuresis may evoke sympathetic activation via the upregulated renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, without changing intrinsic sympathetic baroreflex function in elderly hypertensive patients.