cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Child

PART I: CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY: CURRENT STATUS 1. Introduction PART II: CLINICAL ISSUES 2. Behavioural Assessment 3. Communicating Results: The Interpretative Session and the Written Report PART III: DOMAINS AND TESTS 4. Preliminary Assessment and Classification Scales 5. Intelligence Testing: General Considerations 6. Executive Function 7. Attention 8. Language 9. Motor and Sensory-Preceptual Evaluation 10. Visuoperceptual, Visuospatial, and Visuoconstructional Function 11. Learning and Memory
Blockade of maitotoxin-induced oncotic cell death reveals zeiosis.

Background Maitotoxin (MTX) initiates cell death by sequentially activating 1) Ca2+ influx via non-selective cation channels, 2) uptake of vital dyes via formation of large pores, and 3) release of lactate dehydrogenase, an indication of cell lysis. MTX also causes formation of membrane blebs, which dramatically dilate during the cytolysis phase. To determine the role of phospholipase C (PLC) in the cell death cascade, U73122, a specific inhibitor of PLC, and U73343, an inactive analog, were examined on MTX-induced responses in bovine aortic endothelial cells.
Testing a Warning System for Anthracnose Fruit Rot on Day-neutral Strawberry—Year 3

Introduction Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) of strawberry is caused by three Colletotrichum spp. In the Midwest, however, only Colletotrichum acutatum is found. This fungus can attach itself to apparently healthy plants and spread throughout the field without causing symptoms on the foliage. When fruit begins to ripen and weather conditions are rainy and warm, AFR can suddenly cause great damage to the fruit. To protect against AFR where it has appeared in the past, growers need to spray every 7 to 10 days beginning at the start of bloom until harvest.
Discourses of diasporic responsibility in Ireland: The modern moment and the discursive costs of moving

In this paper, I offer a critical reflection regarding the rhetorical employment of an analogy between mid-nineteenth-century, Famine-age emigrants from Ireland and non-Irish-national immigrants that have been increasingly present in the Republic of Ireland since the mid-1990s. While this discursive device is considered to be politically correct, cosmopolitan, and/or accepting of recent migrants to Ireland, I maintain that drawing the comparison between Famine-age and earlier emigrants from Ireland and current-day immigrants to the island supports the characterization of non-Irish-national residents as less than modern and incapable of integration into Irish society.
Betas, Characteristics and the Cross-Section of Hedge Fund Returns

I group individual hedge funds on their ex ante betas into portfolios that have reliably different ex post betas. This approach constitutes an alternative to classifying funds by investment style and offers a way to accurately quantify individual funds' exposure to systematic risk. Hedge funds' characteristics predict returns in ways that are unrelated to risk exposures. Abnormal returns associated with characteristics are minimal. On average, betas (and characteristics) do not explain more than 20% (30%) of the cross-sectional variation in hedge fund returns. Under some assumptions about the data, hedge funds' abnormal returns justify their fees.
Convergence rates for MCMC algorithms for a robust Bayesian binary regression model

Most common regression models for analyzing binary random variables are logistic and probit regression models. However it is well known that the estimates of regression coefficients for these models are not robust to outliers [26]. The robit regression model [1, 16] is a robust alternative to the probit and logistic models. The robit model is obtained by replacing the normal (logistic) distribution underlying the probit (logistic) regression model with the Student’s $t-$distribution. We consider a Bayesian analysis of binary data with the robit link function. We construct a data augmentation (DA) algorithm that can be used to explore the corresponding posterior distribution. Following [10] we further improve the DA algorithm by adding a simple extra step to each iteration. Though the two algorithms are basically equivalent in terms of computational complexity, the second algorithm is theoretically more efficient than the DA algorithm. Moreover, we analyze the convergence rates of these Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms. We prove that, under certain conditions, both algorithms converge at a geometric rate. The geometric convergence rate has important theoretical and practical ramifications. Indeed, the geometric ergodicity guarantees that the ergodic averages used to approximate posterior expectations satisfy central limit theorems, which in turn allows for the construction of asymptotically valid standard errors. These standard errors can be used to choose an appropriate (Markov chain) Monte Carlo sample size and allow one to use the MCMC algorithms developed in this paper with the same level of confidence that one would have using classical (iid) Monte Carlo. The results are illustrated using a simple numerical example.
Linking river-flood dynamics to hyperpycnal-plume deposits: Experiments, theory, and geological implications

Turbid river plumes entering ocean or lake water of lesser density (i.e., hyperpycnal plumes) can plunge to form turbidity currents providing an important link between terrestrial sediment sources and marine depositional sinks. A leading hypothesis suggests that hyperpycnal-plume deposits accurately record the rising and falling discharge of a flooding river (in terms of sediment-size grading, bedform sequence, and deposit thickness), which, if correct, has significant implications for unraveling river dynamics, reservoir potential, and Earth history from marine-event beds. Herein, we present one of the first experimental flume studies aimed at testing this hypothesis. Results indicate that depth-averaged hyperpycnal-plume velocities can be uncorrelated or even anti-correlated with river discharge at certain seabed locations because of translation of the plunge point resulting from temporal variations in discharge and sediment concentration through the duration of a river flood. An advection length scale of settling sediment is found to be an important control on hyperpycnal-plume deposits, where coarse sediment (sand) is most likely to record multiple flow accelerations and decelerations related to plunge-point translation even for a river flood with a single-peaked hydrograph. In contrast, fine sediment (mud) is relatively insensitive to local plunge-point dynamics and is most likely to preserve directly rising and falling river discharge. Finally, it was found that the necessary fluvial sediment concentration to form a plunging plume can be much larger than the concentration typically used assuming density equivalence because of deposition upstream of the plunge point.
Patterning of Cortical Efferent Projections by Semaphorin-Neuropilin Interactions

Cortical neurons communicate with various cortical and subcortical targets by way of stereotyped axon projections through the white matter. Slice overlay experiments indicate that the initial growth of cortical axons toward the white matter is regulated by a diffusible chemorepulsive signal localized near the marginal zone. Semaphorin III is a major component of this diffusible signal, and cortical neurons transduce this signal by way of the neuropilin-1 receptor. These observations indicate that semaphorin-neuropilin interactions play a critical role in the initial patterning of projections in the developing cortex.
Cross-Validating a Bidimensional Mathematics Anxiety Scale:

The psychometric properties of a 14-item bidimensional Mathematics Anxiety Scale-Revised (MAS-R) were empirically cross-validated with two independent samples consisting of 647 secondary school students. An exploratory factor analysis on the scale yielded strong construct validity with a clear two-factor structure. The results from a confirmatory factor analysis indicated an excellent model-fit (χ(2) = 98.32, df = 62; normed fit index = .92, comparative fit index = .97; root mean square error of approximation = .04). The internal consistency (.85), test-retest reliability (.71), interfactor correlation (.26, p < .001), and positive discrimination power indicated that MAS-R is a psychometrically reliable and valid instrument for measuring mathematics anxiety. Math anxiety, as measured by MAS-R, correlated negatively with student achievement scores (r = -.38), suggesting that MAS-R may be a useful tool for classroom teachers and other educational personnel tasked with identifying students at risk of reduced math achievement because of anxiety.
Using Discrete Event Simulation as a Supplemental Teaching Aid for Analyzing Staff Scheduling

This study utilized discrete event simulation (DES) to optimize staff scheduling within the housekeeping department for hotel operations during high occupancy conditions which can be used as a supplemental teaching aid for hospitality management teaching programs. A high occupancy level requires employees in the housekeeping department to perform efficiently in order to reduce the amount of time guests wait for a clean room. Literature review showed that DES has been used to optimize various types of schedules. This study was unique in that it incorporated computer modeling into the staffing portion of lodging establishments; an area in which there is a limited amount of research. Data was collected from historical records and through actual observations of the system. A computerized model of the hotel’s operational flow system was constructed using Arena v. 13 to determine an optimal staff schedule which would decrease guest waiting time and minimize payroll costs in the housekeeping department. The resu...
Clinical efficacy of a 308 nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 308 nm excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris patients. Method: Forty subjects with psoriasis vulgaris (26 macular type, and 14 chronic plaque type) were treated by a 308 nm excimer laser. The initial dose was based on multiples of a predetermined minimal erythema dose, while the subsequent doses were adjusted on the response to the intervention, which was twice per week for a total of 15 treatments. The therapeutic efficacy and safety were then evaluated. Results: Of the 40 patients who received and completed the entire 15 times of laser radiation, (1) the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was improved by 90.19±10.12% and 77.34±17.04% in macular type and chronic plaque type, respectively (P<0.05) and (2) the average treatment sessions were 13.7 times. The average cumulative doses for all patients were 6.86±2.48 J/cm2, in which it was 5.64±1.86 J/cm2 for macular type and 9.13±1.80 J/cm2 for chronic plaque type, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our clinical data suggest that treatment of psoriasis vulgaris by a 308 nm excimer laser is effective and safe, and it is more efficacious in macular type than in chronic plaque type.
Control of arthropod abundance by Anolis lizards on St. Eustatius (Neth. Antilles)

The two Anolis lizard species of St. Eustatius (Neth. Antilles) have large effects on the abundance of arthropods. Over a six-month period, we excluded Anolis lizards from three experimental areas and maintained three other areas with natural densities of lizards. Exclusion of anoles resulted in a two to three-fold increase in the abundance of arthropods on the forest floor (mainly Dipterans), and a twenty to thirty-fold increase in the abundance of three large web-building spiders. These abundant web-building spiders, in turn, caused approximately a 25% decrease in the abundance of insects between the forest floor and canopy. Exclusion of anoles had no observed effect on the degree of herbivory as assayed by the amount of leaf damage on two plant species.
Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Prevention

Pressure ulcers are associated with substantial health burdens but may be preventable. This systematic review examined the utility of pressure ulcer risk assessment instruments and the benefits and...
Radiographic characterization and energy spectrum of the IoGold 125I source Model 3631‐A

Despite the growing popularity of permanent implants using encapsulated 125 I seeds, only two types were commercially available, Models 6702 and 6711. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new type of 125 I seed, Model 3631-A, called IoGold (apparent activity 0.28–0.63 mCi). Due to the large demand for 125 I seeds for prostate implants, IoGold seeds will be available in January 1998. In this paper, the basic properties of the IoGold seeds have been evaluated in comparison to the established Models 6702 and 6711.
Risk Assessment vs Real Prediction: The Prediction Problem and Public Trust

Confusing risk assessment and the prediction of individual behavior has led to false claims which, if translated into juvenile court or adult sentencing policies (selective incapacitation, for example), may lead to further erosion in public confidence in the justice system. Considerable emphasis has been placed on the consequences of false positives in the literature and in this paper. The false negative has different but equally damaging effects because the impression may be given that increasing the severity of sanctions for selected serious offenders is the solution to juvenile delinquency and adult crime. Analysis of official police records for three birth cohorts from Racine, Wisconsin, reveals that, although high-risk groups produce a disproportionate share of the delinquent and criminal behavior recorded in police reports and juveniles in high-risk groups continue into adult crime disproportionately to others, serious juvenile offenders still account for only a portion of the serious offenses that will ultimately be committed by adults. Therefore, selective incapacitation of early offenders may take only a small bite out of crime. When referrals rather than police contacts were utilized as the predictor variable, there was little difference in predictive efficiency.
Variability in Drift Macroalgal Abundance in Relation to Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Two Seagrass Dominated Estuaries in the Western Gulf of Mexico

We examined the spatial and temporal variability in drift macroalgal abundance in two seagrass dominated estuarine systems on the Texas coast: Redfish Bay (in the Copano-Aransas Estuary) and Lower Laguna Madre. Measurements of benthic macroalgal variability were made in conjunction with a suite of biotic (seagrass biomass, percent cover, blade width and length, shoot density, epiphyte biomass, seagrass blade C:N ratios, and drift macroalgal abundance and composition) and abiotic (inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, light attenuation, salinity, temperature, total organic carbon and porewater NH4 + ) indicators. All parameters were measured at 30 sites within each estuary semiannually from July 2002 to February 2004. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to examine relationships between drift macroalgal abundance and biotic and abiotic parameters. In both Redfish Bay and Lower Laguna Madre, drift macroalgal distribution was widespread, and during three of four sampling periods, abundance was equal to aboveground biomass of Thalassia testudinum, the dominant seagrass. Drift macroalgal abundance was highly variable within sites, between sites, and between seasons in both estuaries. No significant differences in drift macroalgal abundance were found between Redfish Bay and Lower Laguna Madre. In Redfish Bay, drift macroalgae (90.1 6 10.2 g m 22 ) tended to accumulate in bare patches within seagrass beds. In Lower Laguna Madre, drift macroalgae (72.7 6 10.7 g m 22 ) tended to accumulate in areas of dense seagrass cover rather than in bare areas. We found no relationship between drift macroalgal abundance and low (, 2 mM) water column nutrient concentrations, and although several of our measured parameters were related to drift macroalgal abundance, none alone sufficiently explained the variability in abundance noted between the two estuarine systems. The contrasting patterns of macroalgal accumulation between Redfish Bay and Lower Laguna Madre likely reflect differences in water circulation characteristics between the two regions as dictated by local physiography, including the shape and orientation of the lagoons, with seasonal variations in macroalgal abundance related to changes in freshwater inflow and nutrient loading.
Brainstem dysfunction in chiari malformation presenting as profound hypoglycemia: presentation of four cases, review of the literature, and conjecture as to mechanism.

Objective We report four patients whose cases resulted in our observation that profound hypoglycemia resulting from intermittent hyperinsulinism plays a significant role in patients with brainstem dysfunction from Chiari I or II malformations who have intermittent autonomic dysfunction ("blue spells"). Methods The records of four children with severe brainstem dysfunction associated with hindbrain herniation (Chiari I or II malformation) were reviewed retrospectively. Each patient had severe lower cranial nerve dysfunction that required tracheotomy and feeding tube placement. After we found that profound hypoglycemia had occurred during a spell of autonomic dysfunction in one patient, the charts of the other three patients were reviewed for evidence of hypoglycemia. Now, whenever one of them has evidence of autonomic dysfunction, prospective studies of glucose and insulin levels are performed. Three of the patients had Chiari II malformation in association with myelomeningocele, and one patient had a Chiari I malformation resulting from Pfeiffer's syndrome. Results Hypoglycemia occurred in these patients episodically, and usually when their shunts were functioning. The hypoglycemia was associated with hyperinsulinemia in each patient. The brainstem structures of these children (presumably the dorsal motor nuclei of the vagus) were extremely sensitive to changes in local or regional intracranial pressure. These changes were triggered by intermittent shunt failure, agitation from pain, abdominal distention from constipation, and retention of CO2. In patients with Chiari malformations, even mild increases in intracranial pressure lead to brainstem dysfunction. One possible explanation is that pressure on the deformed Xth cranial nerve nuclei may lead to insulin release and life-threatening hypoglycemia. Continuous-drip feeds are necessary to prevent this complication. Conclusion Patients with severe intermittent brainstem dysfunction after decompression of Chiari I or Chiari II malformations should have laboratory studies of glucose levels performed at the time of the episodes to rule out hypoglycemia.
Near concurrent MIR, SSM/T-2, and SSM/I observations over snow-covered surfaces

Abstract The airborne Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (MIR) and MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) measurements over the Arctic region and the Midwest region of the US are used to derive surface emissivities ξ ( ν ) for three frequencies, ν =89, 150, and 220 GHz, as well as Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) and R87 (0.87-μm reflectance). These derived parameters are compared with parameters estimated from near concurrent measurements made by the SSMI and SSM/T-2 over snow-covered areas. It is shown that the MIR-estimated ξ ( ν ) values at ν =89 and 150 GHz agree well with those estimated from the SSM/T-2 at ν =91 and 150 GHz, respectively. Low MIR-estimated ξ ( ν ) values are generally associated with high NDSI and R87 over the snow-covered areas. Over forested areas, more fluctuations in the values of MIR-estimated ξ ( ν ), NDSI and R87, as well as a reduction in polarization index (PI) at 37 and 85 GHz are observed. Both observations and results from radiative transfer calculations show a change in the difference between brightness temperatures ( T b ) at 19 and 37 GHz, as well as PI at 37 and 85 GHz, when measured at satellite altitudes and at the surface. The amplitude of the T b difference and PI is reduced by about 10–15% from surface to high altitudes when integrated water vapor is ≤1.5 g/cm 2 . This effect is readily correctable and requires consideration when validating satellite retrieval algorithms based on surface and low-elevation aircraft measurements.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Asthma

Based on considerations of the underlying epidemiology, pathophysiology, histopathology, clinical relationships and treatment outcomes, the links between rhinosinusitis and asthma become evident supporting the unified airway concept.
Femto Cells: Current Status and Future Directions

is a survey paper on the recently developed and rapidly evolving field of femtocells. Quite often, it is noticed that cell-phone signals are strongly attenuated, when indoors, leading to call dropping or poor call quality. Femtocells are mini base stations that are deployed in users' homes so that the user can directly connect to the cellular network through the femtocell instead of the outdoor macrocell, thereby increasing call quality. In the later stages of the paper, we also discuss the integration of the femtocell into the 3G architecture, as well as the various interference issues that the femtocell faces.
Outcomes Among Drug Court Participants: Does Drug of Choice Matter?

The link between drug and alcohol abuse and criminal behavior is clearly illustrated in the literature. The options of how to respond to these offenders, however, has widely fluctuated over time. Currently, many states have reconsidered their "get tough" approach to one that is more rehabilitative in nature. One particular community-based intervention that has gained in popularity is the drug court model. The literature on drug courts is generally supportive; however, there is a need to examine effectiveness by target population. The purpose of this study is to explore recidivism rates of drug court clients by drug of choice. Using a 2-year follow-up period, this study finds that drug of choice does not significantly influence either successful graduation or arrest. Policy implications are discussed.
Absence of appreciable tolerance and morphine cross-tolerance in rats with adrenal medullary transplants in the spinal cord

Adrenal medullary transplants in the spinal subarachnoid space may be a means of achieving sustained local delivery of pain-reducing neuroactive substances on a continually renewable basis. However, a potential limitation of this approach is tolerance development to agents released from the transplanted cells. In particular, since adrenal medullary chromaffin cells release opioid peptides, reduced antinociceptive efficacy of opioids is possible. To determine this, alterations in the dose-effectiveness of morphine were assessed in animals with adrenal medullary transplants. Results indicated that, not only was there no apparent tolerance, but that adrenal medullary transplants could potentiate the analgesic efficacy of morphine. An additional goal of these studies was to determine whether chronic or intermittent nicotine could produce increased antinociception, since stimulation of cell surface nicotinic receptors increases release of neuroactive substances from chromaffin cells. This was assessed using subcutaneously implanted nicotine pellets or repeated systemic administration of nicotine. Findings indicated that exposure to nicotine results in an acute tolerance, or tachyphylaxis, to nicotine which is rapidly reversed following cessation of nicotinic stimulation. Together, these results suggest that adrenal medullary transplants may provide a constant source of opioid peptides, augmentable by intermittent nicotinic stimulation, without the development of appreciable tolerance to these pain-reducing neuroactive substances.
Solvent self-diffusion, polymer NMR relaxation and free volume in polymer solutions

The self-diffusion coefficient of chloroform in poly(isopropyl acrylate)—chloroform solutions has been studied as a function of concentration and temperature by using the pulsed-field-gradient spin-echo NMR method. It is found that the self-diffusion coefficient of the solvent can be adequately fitted by using a simple free-volume approach with either a concentration or temperature superposition. It was noted that the free-volume parameters derived from the self-diffusion data are the same as those derived from deuterium NMR transverse relaxation-time measurements of the polymer in the same system. The equality of these two sets of experiments suggests a fundamental relationship between the two different processes. The simplest explanation is that the free volume necessary for the local segmental motion of the polymer and the translation of the solvent are similar.
A High Prevalence of Corrosion at the Head-Neck Taper with Contemporary Zimmer Non-Cemented Femoral Hip Components.

Abstract Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) occurs at metal/metal modular junctions in which at least one of the components is fabricated from cobalt–chromium alloy and may lead to adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) in patients with metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) total hip arthroplasty. This type of reaction has been previously described in hips with head/neck modularity, but the prevalence is unknown. We found a prevalence of 1.1 percent in a consecutive series of 1356 contemporary Zimmer non-cemented femoral hip components followed for a minimum of 2 years. The average time to presentation was 3.7 years (range, 9–105 months); delay in treatment led to irreversible soft tissue damage in three patients. We recommend usage of ceramic heads until this problem is further understood.
Book selection responsibilities for the reference librarian: professional benefit or burden?☆

Full-time bibliographers are not common in smaller and medium sized academic libraries. In this setting, reference librarians typically serve as selectors of books and other library material. However, reference librarians for the most part are hired to perform public service duties revolving around a busy reference desk. In the past few years, additional responsibilities have been added to the reference librarians’ workload, making it difficult to perform collection development duties. Acquisitions and collection development librarians are frequently frustrated at how reference librarians seemingly put off or defer their collection development responsibilities. However, there are ways to utilize reference librarians in a collection development team and help them become effective part-time bibliographers.
Interpersonal and emotional experiences of social interactions in borderline personality disorder.

General Aim:We examined interpersonal experiences of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) using a time-contingent diary procedure to collect information about social interactions for 7 days.Method:We examined the (1) quantity of social interactions and (2) interpersonal and emotional
The spectral flux distribution of the candidate BL Lacertae object 1218 + 304 /identically equal to 2A 1219 + 305/

A break in the optical-infrared spectrum of the X-ray-discovered candidate BL Lac object 1218 + 304 has been observed at a wavelength of about 1 micron. Two possible causes of the break are considered. One is that it is a high-frequency break in a synchrotron spectrum, resulting from radiation losses. The other is that the observed spectrum is a composite of a power-law spectrum and a galaxian spectrum. The radio through X-ray spectral flux distributions of the two X-ray-discovered BL Lac objects, 1218 + 304 and 2155 - 304, are quite similar. If the radio, infrared, and optical radiation have a common origin in an inhomogeneous synchrotron source, then the observed slope of the X-ray spectrum makes it unlikely that the X-radiation is produced by Compton scattering. The observed soft X-radiation from BL Lac objects is better explained as the high-frequency tail of a synchrotron spectrum. The low radio:optical spectral-flux ratios of 1284 + 304 and 2155 - 304 suggest that this ratio may be inversely related to the break frequency for BL Lac objects. In that case, there may be BL Lac objects which have spectral breaks in the ultraviolet, flat optical spectra, and very weak radio emission. Such objects would most easily be discovered through their X-ray emission.
Molecular-Dynamics Study of Clustering in Hard Parallel Squares

A molecular-dynamics study of clustering in systems of 400 and 900 hard parallel squares shows that in the high-density region the distributions $N(n)$ of clusters of size $n$ depend only upon one dimensionless variable. Results are slightly different in the intermediate-density fluid region. For all densities and values of the clustering distance parameter $l$, $N(n)$ is a monotonic decreasing function of $n$. A simple free-volume theory predicts relatively well the results in the high-density region. The clusters are relatively compact. From an exponential fit to the function $\frac{N(n)}{N(1)}$ obtained for densities near the phase-transition region, one estimates the values of the parameters of the exponential law given by the classical theory of nucleation.
ZERO-BIAS ANOMALIES IN THE CURRENT-VOLTAGE AND CONDUCTANCE-VOLTAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH-CRITICAL-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTOR JUNCTIONS

The occurrence of zero-bias anomalies (ZBAs) in the current-voltage and conductance-voltage characteristics of high-critical-temperature superconductors (HTS) is reviewed. Following a historical introduction, we summarize studies noting HTS ZBAs. Several explanations of the ZBAs in HTS tunneling characteristics have been proposed including a resistance in series with a Josephson junction, a conductive channel near the Fermi energy eF, localized magnetic states on film surfaces, proximity effects, a peak in the electron density of states near eF, an array of junctions in an HTS ceramic sample, coupling between a film's normal surface layer and the superconducting layer below the surface, quasiparticle tunneling, and phase diffusion. The plausibility and implications of these suggested explanations are discussed. Experiments to answer questions that remain regarding the source and significance of the ZBAs are proposed.
Stability analysis in single screw extrusion of thermoplastic elastomers using simple design of experiments

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) exhibit a wide variation in viscosity and elasticity. A wide variation in morphology (i.e., copolymers, physical blends, and side-chain branched polymers) results in semi-Newtonian to highly shear-thinning behavior. In this study, a simple statistical design of experiments is used to optimize and characterize extrusion behavior of TPEs. Energy input to extrude and viscous dissipation are related to process parameters and polymer rheological characteristics using process physics based on fundamental mechanics of fluid flow of a polymer in a screw–barrel geometry. Metering zone temperature and rpm were observed to be the most significant parameters influencing melt temperature, extruder pressure, torque, and output. Extruder pressure and torque were lower for ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE) than for Santoprene. Screw torque was linearly proportional to rpm for ULDPE, whereas it was nonlinear for Santoprene due to the high shear-thinning nature of Santoprene. Mechanical energy to extrude at the same rpm was higher for Santoprene than for ULDPE. Extruder efficiency, considering output per unit energy expended, was three times higher for ULDPE than for Santoprene. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 17: 115–126, 1998
Enhancing preschool children's vocabulary: Effects of teacher talk before, during and after shared reading

Abstract This observational study analyzed patterns of teacher extratextual talk as it occurs before, during, and after reading books to children, and the frequency and duration of teacher questioning by type (label, define, associate) on preschoolers’ receptive and expressive vocabulary knowledge. Over the course of 18 weeks, 13 teachers and 100 children participated in ninety 20-min small-group sessions of teacher-guided shared reading instruction. Teachers’ reading instruction was examined through videotaped observations using the Multi-Option Observation System for Experimental Studies (MOOSES™; Tapp, Wehby, & Ellis, 1995 ). Two findings, in particular, yielded relevant educational and theoretical implications. First, time spent after reading was significantly related to expressive vocabulary. However, question timing did not seem to matter in terms of receptive vocabulary outcomes. Second, duration of teacher association questioning was significantly related to receptive vocabulary outcomes while both frequency and duration of teacher vocabulary-related association-level questioning were related to expressive vocabulary. For receptive vocabulary, both vocabulary- and comprehension-related association-level questioning mattered. These findings complement the body of work demonstrating that engaging children in interactive shared reading that elicits their active participation is related to meaningful gains in children's language and literacy growth. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
Cardiac dysrhythmia associated with the immediate postictal state after maximal electroshock in freely moving rat.

Summary: Purpose: Cardiac autonomic changes accompany complex partial seizures and generalized tonic–clonic seizures, and participate, at least partially, in the sudden and unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the simplest ways of providing insight into autonomic functions. The entropy quantifies the repetition of complex patterns in a signal and refers to systems randomness, regularity, and predictability. Clinical investigations have reported that entropy decreases in patients with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the maximal electroshock (MES) on the entropy of HRV, monitored in the immediate postictal stage in the model of the freely moving rat. Methods: Entropy changes were correlated with the high and low frequencies of spectral analysis, which reflect the participation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. Results: MES-induced arrhythmia is characterized by an HRV increase, an imbalance in favor of the parasympathetic activity, and a decrease in the entropy. Entropy decrease was restricted to the duration of the arrhythmia, suggesting that the postictal arrhythmia may be associated with a higher risk of lethal cardiac complications. Nevertheless, entropy changes did not correlate with spectral changes. Conclusions: The results suggest that the imbalance demonstrated in the spectral domain explains only partially the contribution of each autonomic system in the complexity of the heart rate during the postictal state.
Controller synthesis for linear systems with retarded state and control variables and quadratic cost

The problem of optimal control of a system whose mathematical model involves dependence on both a history of state type variables and the control variables is considered. The canonical equations which one obtains by application of a maximum principle for the optimal control problem are transformed into equivalent integral equations which can be solved by use of the Fredholm resolvent theory. A feedback solution is obtained.
Real-time customer probing and decision support in a call center

In customer-care contact centers, agents are sometimes tasked with selling products to customers. The state-of-the-art guided selling solutions augment available historical data about customers with real-time information collected during the call that is fed into the real-time product recommendation models to generate offers tailored to the customer's needs and preferences. However, the technology does not address the question of how to scientifically structure and design this real-time information gathering activity. We propose a scientific approach to question (probe) customers via a sequence of questions optimally selected for individual customers. We describe the design of a complete product recommendation tool that makes use of our customer probing approach and is deployed in the call center of a global bank to assist agents with cross-selling and upselling. Carefully controlled experiments show our solution helping agents achieve close to a 20% improvement in sales revenues and reducing the performance gap between novice and experienced agents.
Cysteine supplementation results in normalization of plasma taurine concentrations in children receiving home parenteral nutrition.

Abstract We evaluated plasma sulfur amino acid concentrations in children with short gut syndrome receiving home parenteral nutrition (n = 6). Cysteine HCl addition to solutions formulated with a pediatric amino acid product will increase plasma taurine concentrations to within the normal reference range. (J Pediatr 1999;134:358-61)
A learning-based wrapper method to correct systematic errors in automatic image segmentation: consistently improved performance in hippocampus, cortex and brain segmentation.

Abstract We propose a simple but generally applicable approach to improving the accuracy of automatic image segmentation algorithms relative to manual segmentations. The approach is based on the hypothesis that a large fraction of the errors produced by automatic segmentation are systematic, i.e., occur consistently from subject to subject, and serves as a wrapper method around a given host segmentation method. The wrapper method attempts to learn the intensity, spatial and contextual patterns associated with systematic segmentation errors produced by the host method on training data for which manual segmentations are available. The method then attempts to correct such errors in segmentations produced by the host method on new images. One practical use of the proposed wrapper method is to adapt existing segmentation tools, without explicit modification, to imaging data and segmentation protocols that are different from those on which the tools were trained and tuned. An open-source implementation of the proposed wrapper method is provided, and can be applied to a wide range of image segmentation problems. The wrapper method is evaluated with four host brain MRI segmentation methods: hippocampus segmentation using FreeSurfer ( Fischl et al., 2002 ); hippocampus segmentation using multi-atlas label fusion ( Artaechevarria et al., 2009 ); brain extraction using BET ( Smith, 2002 ); and brain tissue segmentation using FAST ( Zhang et al., 2001 ). The wrapper method generates 72%, 14%, 29% and 21% fewer erroneously segmented voxels than the respective host segmentation methods. In the hippocampus segmentation experiment with multi-atlas label fusion as the host method, the average Dice overlap between reference segmentations and segmentations produced by the wrapper method is 0.908 for normal controls and 0.893 for patients with mild cognitive impairment. Average Dice overlaps of 0.964, 0.905 and 0.951 are obtained for brain extraction, white matter segmentation and gray matter segmentation, respectively.
Locomotor inhibition induced by procaine injections into the nucleus accumbens core, but not the medial ventral striatum: implication for cocaine-induced locomotion.

We examined whether injections of the local anesthesia procaine into the nucleus accumbens core disrupts locomotion more readily than those into the medial ventral striatum. Spontaneous locomotion decreased during the first 10 min immediately following injections of procaine into the core. When procaine was co-administered with d-amphetamine into the core, the injections also decreased amphetamine-induced locomotion during the initial 10 min. On the other hand, no detectable effect on spontaneous or amphetamine-induced locomotion was found when procaine was injected into the medial ventral striatum, including the medial shell and medial olfactory tubercle. We replicated our recent finding that cocaine injections into the core induced delayed, modest locomotion, while cocaine injections into the medial ventral striatum induced immediate, vigorous locomotion. Injections of amphetamine into the core induced as equally vigorous locomotion as that of the medial ventral striatum. These results show that the neurons of the core involved in locomotion are more vulnerable to local anesthesia than the neurons of the medial ventral striatum. In other words, cocaine at the doses inducing vigorous locomotion in the medial ventral striatum induces local anesthesia when applied to the core.
ATTRACTOR BUBBLING IN COUPLED HYPERCHAOTIC OSCILLATORS

We investigate experimentally attractor bubbling in a system of two coupled hyperchaotic electronic circuits. The degree of synchronization over a range of coupling strengths for two dierent coupling schemes is measured to identify bubbling. The circuits display regimes of both attractor bubbling and high-quality synchronization. For the coupling scheme where high-quality synchronization is observed, the transition to bubbling is \soft" and its scaling with coupling strength near the transition point does not t into the known categories of transition types. We also compare the observed behavior to several proposed criteria for estimating the regime of high-quality synchronization. It is found that none of these methods is completely satisfactory for predicting accurately the regimes of attractor bubbling and high-quality synchronization.
An interpretation of the solute-solvent interactions in supercritical binary fluids as monitored by interaction-induced Raman light scattering

Abstract Recent results from our laboratory have strongly indicated that interaction-induced Raman spectroscopy is an important tool for analyzing the local interactions between solute and solvent in supercritical binary mixtures. Moreover, the use of integral equations (as well as molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations) to interpret the Raman data is essential. Some of these results have recently been reported, but we now offer additional data as well as a more detailed discussion of how the integral equations results are able to interpret the Raman data, In other words, this paper offers a better understanding the physical state of the binary solutions as a function of density.
Children's Achievement in Early Elementary School: Longitudinal Effects of Parental Involvement, Expectations, and Quality of Assistance

In this prospective, longitudinal study, the authors examined the relations among parental behaviors, parental expectations, and children's academic achievement. Participants were 187 low-income children and their mothers, studied from birth of the child through 3rd grade. Mothers' quality of instruction prior to school entry had significant direct effects on IQ and indirect effects on achievement in 1st and 3rd grades. Parental expectations in 3rd grade had significant direct effects on parental involvement in 3rd grade. Children's achievement in 1st grade had significant direct effects on parental involvement and expectations in 3rd grade. Parental involvement in 3rd grade had a significant direct effect on achievement in 3rd grade. Results suggest that early parenting factors are important for children's academic achievement.
Spin diffusion and orientation dependence of deuterium T1 in solids

Mesures de la variation de T 1 du deuterium avec l'orientation dans le terephtalate dimethylique monocristallin
Controlled over-relaxation method and the general extrapolation method

For solving systems of linear equations, relaxation methods have been used to accelerate the convergence of iterative methods; especially SOR methods in which, discussion of convergence and the choice of the relaxation parameter is restricted to the Gauss-Seidel splitting of various classes of matrices. This paper is concerned with a wider range of splittings of coefficient matrices. With a geometric and analytic approach, a two parameter COR method is developed. The choice of appropriate parameters are calculated so that the first parameter controls the spectral radius of the iteration matrix and guarantees convergence. The second , modifies the acceleration. This method can be useful as last resort in the numerical procedures that systems of linear equations have to be solved as an intermediate step (such as Newton's method or predictor-corrector methods for ODEs). For all splittings appropriate for COR, existence of the optimum parameter for general extrapolation method is shown and approximations for the parameters are derived.
Work Interaction in Quasi-One-Dimensional Flows

Theoretical work addition is derived in a form analogous to that of classical Rayleigh heat addition. From this derivation it is evident that work terms can be added to the Navier ‐Stokes momentum and energy equations representing work interaction. A second-law-based effectiveness parameter controlling the ratio of realizable work interaction to theideal work interaction isrequired fornonidealanalysis.Thus, thetheoreticallimitson work interaction are parameterized, and a method is developed for easily modeling isentropic and nonisentropic work interaction in computational e uid dynamics. This fundamental theoretical approach is independent of the method employed for the work interaction, that is, turbomachinery, magnetohydrodynamics, etc....
Lattice Reduction Techniques in MIMO Systems with Correlated Channels

Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) technology has become mature, and adopted in modern wireless systems. With multiple antennas at both transmitter and receiver, system data rate and throughput are greatly improved. Meanwhile, lattice reduction (LR)-aided detection has emerged as a promising scheme for signal detection in MIMO systems because of its low complexity and high performance. But in reality, channels between different antenna pairs are likely to be correlated, which impacts system capacity and performance. In this paper, the effect of spatial correlation on the performance and complexity of LR-aided detectors in MIMO systems is examined. Incorporating Kronecker model, first, we prove the diversity orders collected by LR-aided detectors over correlated MIMO channels, next, we measure their performance degradation through the parameter SNR gap when both transmit and receive correlation are present, and show that LR-aided detectors are more robust to spatial correlation compared to linear and SIC detectors, lastly, we study the effect of spatial correlation on the complexity of LR algorithm, and demonstrate through simulations that receive correlation affects LR-aided detectors more in terms of complexity compared to transmit correlation when MIMO size and correlation coefficient are large.
Gas Hydrate and Humans

: The potential effects of naturally occurring gas hydrate on humans are not understood with certainty, but enough information has been acquired over the past 30 years to make preliminary assessments possible. Three major issues are gas hydrate as (1) a potential energy resource, (2) a factor in global climate change, and (3) a submarine geohazard. The methane content is estimated to be between 1015 to 1017 m3 at STP and the worldwide distribution in outer continental margins of oceans and in polar regions are significant features of gas hydrate. However, its immediate development as an energy resource is not likely because there are various geological constraints and difficult technological problems that must be solved before economic recovery of methane from hydrate can be achieved. The role of gas hydrate in global climate change is uncertain. For hydrate methane to be an effective greenhouse gas, it must reach the atmosphere. Yet there are many obstacles to the transfer of methane from hydrate to the atmosphere. Rates of gas hydrate dissociation and the integrated rates of release and destruction of the methane in the geo/hydro/atmosphere are not adequately understood. Gas hydrate as a submarine geohazard, however, is of immediate and increasing importance to humans as our industrial society moves to exploit seabed resources at ever-greater depths in the waters of our coastal oceans. Human activities and installations in regions of gas-hydrate occurrence must take into account the presence of gas hydrate and deal with the consequences of its presence.