cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Methods for Solving Hydrodynamic Dispersion Equations

Consider the following two-dimensional advection-dispersion equation $$ L(c) \equiv \frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial t}} + {V_x}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial x}} + {V_y}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial y}} - \frac{\partial }{{\partial x}}({D_{xy}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial x}} + {D_{xy}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial y}}) - \frac{\partial }{{\partial y}}({D_{xy}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial x}} + {D_{yy}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial y}}) + QC - I = 0, $$ (5.1.1) which is subject to the initial condition $$ C(x,y,0) = f,{\kern 1pt} (x,y) \in (R), $$ (5.1.2) boundary conditions $$ C(x,y,t) = {g_1},{\kern 1pt} (x,y) \in ({\Gamma _1}), $$ (5.1.3) and $$ ({D_{xx}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial x}} + {D_{xy}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial y}}){n_x} + ({D_{yx}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial x}} + {D_{yy}}\frac{{\partial C}}{{\partial y}}){n_y} = - {g_2}(x,y) \in ({\Gamma _2}), $$ (5.1.4) where (R) is the flow domain, (Γ1) and (Γ2) are boundary sections of (R), f is a given function in (R), g 1 and g 2 are given functions along (Γ1) and (Γ2), respectively, and n x and n y are components of the unit outer normal vector to the boundary (Γ2). Equation (5.1.3) expresses the boundary condition of given concentration, i.e., the first-type boundary condition, while Eq. (5.1.4) expresses the boundary condition of given dispersion flux, i.e., the second-type boundary condition.
Exploring How Employee Sense of Brand Community Affects Their Attitudes and Behavior

The success of hospitality brands relies heavily on employees, collectively, to transform the tacit brand promise and unique brand values into a coherent brand experience for their guests. Thus, em...
Degree achievements and degree morphemes in competition in Southern Aymara

In this paper, I give an account of degree achievements in Southern Aymara, an understudied Andean language. I focus on degree achievements that are derived from gradable bases by means of the verbal suffix -cha, e.g., llusk’a -cha-na ‘to straighten’ or q’anu -cha-na ‘to dirty’. I provide arguments suggesting that Aymara should be analyzed as a degree language (Bochnak in Semant Pragmat 8(6):1–48, 2015b). I further propose an analysis of Aymara degree achievements in terms of a differential measure function (Kennedy and Levin, in: McNally, Kennedy (eds) Adjectives and adverbs: syntax, semantics and discourse. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 156–182, 2008) The main point argued for in this paper is that this language has two degree morphemes in competition (Heim, in: von Stechow, Wunderlich (eds) Semantik: ein internationales Handbuch der zeitgenossischen Forschung. Mouton de Gruyter, Berlin, pp 487–535, 1991) combining with degree achievements, namely, a covert verbal positive morpheme v.pos and the overt morpheme -su. The latter restricts the standard of comparison to change where maximal values are reached, so it is preferred over v.pos when such values are targeted. v.pos is thus felicitous when the maximum is not reached. I propose an initial typology that distinguishes how telicity is achieved cross-linguistically when degree achievements are considered.
Role of Chemical Composition of Recycling Agents in Their Interactions with Oxidized Asphaltene Molecules

AbstractThe use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in neat asphalt mixtures has received significant attention because of its economic and environmental advantages. However, bitumen contained in R...
GD2-specific CAR T cells encapsulated in an injectable hydrogel control retinoblastoma and preserve vision

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric retinal tumor that overexpresses the ganglioside GD2. Although it is treatable in patients with early diagnosis, patients may lose one or two eyes. We generated GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor T lymphocytes (GD2.CAR-Ts) and locally delivered them to mice with an in situ grafting RB. We showed that, when used in combination with the local release of interleukin-15 and an injectable hydrogel, GD2.CAR-Ts successfully eliminate RB tumor cells without impairing mouse vision. Han and colleagues develop a CAR T cell directed at GD2, a molecule overexpressed in retinoblastoma, which showed efficacy against murine retinoblastoma when combined with IL-15 in a hydrogel delivery system.
When Special Education and Disability Studies Intertwine: Addressing Educational Inequities Through Processes and Programming

The inception of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) in 1975 provided hope and the opportunity for equitable educational experiences for individuals with disabilities. Forty-five years later, the United States remains in a deficit-driven, medical model educational system with deeply rooted inequities continuing to segregate students because of their disability. A disability studies in education framework allows for complex components of teaching and programming for students with disabilities to be explored in a practical way that promotes inclusive education for all students. Examining special education practices through a social model of disability with a focus on ability and access can eliminate the existing narrative. When impairment is viewed as a difference rather than a deficit, it compels educators to consider alternatives to pedagogy and programming. More importantly, it allows educators to focus more on access to curricula and less on students overcoming their disability. This manuscript examines how educational leaders can shape school culture, guide special education processes, and influence educators in their teaching practices, with a disability studies in education framework to address the educational injustices students with disabilities continue to face in our educational system.
Low vitamin D status is associated with hearing loss in the elderly: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The elderly are at increased risk of both hearing loss (HL) and osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD) has been putatively linked to HL. However, the roles of serum calcium concentrations and vitamin D status have yet to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between vitamin D status, parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium, BMD, and HL in a nationally representative sample of elderly adults. METHODS Using the NHANES (2005-2010), audiometry and BMD data of 1123 participants aged ≥70 y were analyzed in a cross-sectional manner. HL was defined as pure tone averages >25 dB HL at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz (low frequency); 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (speech frequency); and 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz (high frequency) in either ear. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relation between HL and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], PTH, total calcium, and BMD, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, total 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL was found to be associated with greater odds of low-frequency HL (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.19) and speech-frequency HL (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.44). A 1-unit decrease in femoral neck BMD (OR: 4.55; 95% CI: 1.28, 16.67) and a 1-unit decrease in total spine BMD (OR: 6.25; 95% CI: 1.33, 33.33) were found to be associated with greater odds of low-frequency HL. Serum PTH and total calcium were not found to be associated with HL. CONCLUSIONS In the elderly, low vitamin D status was associated with low-frequency and speech-frequency HL. Low vitamin D status may be a potential risk factor for age-related HL.
THRIFTY: training with hyperdimensional computing across flash hierarchy

Hyperdimensional computing (HDC) is a brain-inspired computing paradigm that works with high-dimensional vectors, hypervectors, instead of numbers. HDC replaces several complex learning computations with bitwise and simpler arithmetic operations, resulting in a faster and more energy-efficient learning algorithm. However, it comes at the cost of an increased amount of data to process due to mapping the data into high-dimensional space. While some datasets may nearly fit in the memory, the resulting hypervectors more often than not can't be stored in memory, resulting in long data transfers from storage. In this paper, we propose THRIFTY, an in-storage computing (ISC) solution that performs HDC encoding and training across the flash hierarchy. To hide the latency of training and enable efficient computation, we introduce the concept of batching in HDC. It allows us to split HDC training into sub-components and process them independently. We also present, for the first time, on-chip acceleration for HDC which uses simple low-power digital circuits to implement HDC encoding in Flash planes. This enables us to explore high internal parallelism provided by the flash hierarchy and encode multiple data points in parallel with negligible latency overhead. THRIFTY also implements a single top-level FPGA accelerator, which further processes the data obtained from the chips. We exploit the state-of-the-art INSIDER ISC infrastructure to implement the top-level accelerator and provide software support to THRIFTY. THRIFTY runs HDC training completely in storage while almost entirely hiding the latency of computation. Our evaluation over five popular classification datasets shows that THRIFTY is on average 1612× faster than a CPU-server and 14.4× faster than the state-of-the-art ISC solution, INSIDER for HDC encoding and training.
On the serial correlation in multi-horizon predictive quantile regression

Abstract This note presents a result on the serial correlation of the score process of the predictive quantile regression with multi-horizon outcomes. The result indicates that inference of multi-horizon quantile (or median) regression is more robust to serial correlation induced by overlapping observations, than the standard multi-horizon mean regression. The finding is illustrated by stock return data.
The Commercial Paper Funding Facility

In mid-September 2008, prime money market mutual funds (MMMFs) began experiencing run-like redemption requests sparked by one fund that had “broken the buck” because of large exposure to Lehman Brothers commercial paper (CP). As a result, MMMFs, which are significant investors in CP, became reluctant to hold CP. Within a week, outstanding CP had been reduced by roughly $300 billion. The CP market experienced severe shortening of maturities and increased rates, making it difficult for issuers to place new paper. When government efforts to assist the MMMFs did not resolve the stresses in the CP market, the Federal Reserve announced, on October 7, 2008, the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF), which sought to backstop the CP market and revive term lending. The CPFF (through a special purpose vehicle) purchased highly rated US dollar–denominated three-month unsecured and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) from eligible US issuers. Purchases were funded with loans from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY). The CPFF was highly utilized in its first weeks, purchasing the overwhelming majority of new term CP; its usage then waned as market conditions improved. At its highest level, in January 2009, the CPFF held $350 billion—20% of all outstanding CP. The CPFF expired on February 1, 2010, with all loans paid in full. The program accumulated approximately $5 billion in earnings that was paid to the FRBNY. The program is credited with backstopping the market, providing a rollover option for maturing paper, and providing much needed year-end financing. Its role in helping to revive the term-lending market, however, has been debated, but there is evidence that it did help increase lending between CPFF participants and their relationships with nonfinancial corporate borrowers.
Y-Stator Vibrating Magnet Antenna

A vibrating magnet antenna shows promise as an efficient, compact source for ultralow frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves. ULF signals are able to penetrate through earthen materials, making this regime desirable for subterranean communication and detection of subterranean features. Oscillating a permanent magnet back and forth across a novel soft-magnet Y-stator projects a switching magnetic field capable of kilohertz frequencies. Arrays with multiple oscillators are favored due to energy scaling and parasitic losses. The permeability of magnetic circuits can be adjusted to change the potential energy of the magneto-mechanical oscillator, altering the natural frequency of vibration for frequency modulation. This article presents a theoretical justification of the Y-stator design, a simulation study performed using COMSOL Multiphysics Modeling Software, and preliminary laboratory results.
Despotic regimes instilling fear in citizens to suppress protests

Fear of reprisals such as violence and punishment can inhibit citizens from speaking out, or make them more reluctant to act, in opposition to a repressive regime. Protests are one form of opposition, and their growth has been successfully modeled as an influence-based contagion process within a social network (representing a population). In these models, an individual joins a protest if a sufficient number of her neighbors has already joined. This required number of neighbors is often called a "threshold." In this study, we model a regime's ability to suppress protests by instilling fear in a subset of a population, and this fear is manifested by an increase in a person's threshold. We consider different social networks, numbers of seed nodes, and amounts of fear. Through simulations, we present several results. For example, we demonstrate that, for the objective of reducing the size of a protest, inducing fear can be more advantageous than removing nodes from a network.
A case of hepatic splenosis in the setting of iron overload; multimodal and literature review.

Abstract Hepatic splenosis, a rare entity, is the ectopic implantation of splenic tissue into the hepatic parenchyma, most often incidentally seen in patients with a history of splenic trauma and splenectomy. We present a unique case of hepatic splenosis in a patient with hemosiderosis and splenectomy following the incidental finding of hepatic masses on pretransplant imaging. Final diagnosis was made based on cross-sectional imaging characteristics matching that of the left upper quadrant splenules alone. We discuss common characteristics of hepatic splenosis on multiple modalities, the effect of iron deposition on the imaging characteristics of hepatic and splenic tissue and how that impacts the differential and diagnosis. This case highlights the unique imaging characteristics hepatic splenosis can have particularly in the setting of hemosiderosis. Hepatic splenosis imaging diagnosis has a significant advantage over tissue diagnosis in terms of decreased risk, time and cost.
An Analysis of Augmented Reality Aided Vehicle Operation

In this study, we investigated the effect of augmented reality aided dashboard information projected on the windshield on car driving performance. As augmented reality technology becomes more popular and accessible, essential driving information such as the current velocity can be projected to where the traffic happens in terms of location and distance. In comparison with a Heads Up Display (HUD) on a windshield, augmented reality devices offer the possibility to place the data farther in front of the car. Because of this, the eyes of the driver do not need to re-focus constantly to a closer object, when most of the imminent attention needs to be set to the space in front of the vehicle. To test in a safe environment, we developed a virtual reality car parkour and conducted a user study. Splitting our participants in two equally big groups, one with a conservative dashboard and the other with the velocity displayed 10 m ahead and over the horizon. Assessing the participant’s performance in areas such as maintaining the speed limit, distance to the traffic, and time to match up with the given speed limit, we found striking positive results using the augmented reality solution.
Improving water scarcity footprint capabilities in arid regions through expansion of characterization factor methods.

Abstract Water scarcity footprint (WSF) is a recent addition to life cycle assessment methodology that has advanced the understanding of freshwater environmental impact. The Available Water Remaining (AWARE) method is one approach that has gained significant traction in WSF applications. While an effective method for determining WSF, the methodology has limitations that constrain capabilities for determining freshwater environmental impact in arid regions. The primary limitation is the inability to compare regions when more water demand exists than what is available which typically occurs in arid regions. This limitation reduces resolution and therefore decision-making capabilities. This work proposes a novel method for determining WSF in arid regions by capturing and quantifying scarcity when water demand is greater than availability. The approach presented here, called the demand to availability (DTA) method, is intended to be used for small-scale, or subregion analyses in areas where truncation occurs using standard AWARE methods. With the regional specificity, unique characterization factors can be developed to enhance deterministic resolution and ultimately improve decision-making abilities. The DTA methods are presented universally, allowing for application and implementation to any region. A case study was developed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the DTA method by analyzing characterization factors (CFs) and alfalfa WSFs in the arid Southwestern United States. Using the standard AWARE methods, this region originally truncated 38% of counties resulting in zero resolution or decision-making abilities. Results of the case study that used the proposed DTA method show an improved resolution in 100% of these counties, both within CF and alfalfa WSF. Although the proposed method is an improvement for understanding WSFs in arid regions, limitations and constraints still exist and are discussed.
Impact of systematic lymphadenectomy at the time of interval debulking surgery on the survival of patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma following neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Objectives: In light of evidence from the LION trial, we aimed to evaluate the impact of systematic lymphadenectomy (LN) at the time of interval debulking surgery (IDS) for patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Methods: Patients with stage III-IV epithelial ovarian carcinoma without a history of another tumor who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent interval debulking with complete gross resection (CGR) were identified in the National Cancer Database (2010-2015). Based on pathology report patients who did not undergo any lymphadenectomy and those who underwent systematic lymphadenectomy (defined as at least 20 lymph nodes removed) were selected for further analysis. Median overall survival was compared with the log-rank test and a Cox multivariate model was constructed to control for confounders. Results: A total of 1060 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Median patient age was 64 years while the majority had serous tumors (95.8%) and did not have co-morbidities (79.2%). Systematic LND was performed for 125 (11.8%) patients with a median of 29 LNs (range 20-72) removed. Rate of positive LNs was 62.4%, while median number of positive LN was 5 (range 1-28). Patients who underwent systematic LND had higher rate of unplanned readmission (8.9% vs 1.6%, p Conclusions: Systematic lymphadenectomy is rarely performed at the time of interval debulking surgery and was not associated with a survival benefit.
Interpretation of Linewidths in the Infrared Photodissociation Spectra of Van Der Waals Molecules

The interpretation of lifetime-broadened linewidths for bound-free vibrational transitions of polyatomic van der Waals (vdW) molecules has been a subject of some controversy. One point of view is that these linewidths correspond to the vdW molecule vibrational predissociation rates, and the other is that they correspond to the rates of intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) within the undissociated complex. Measurements of the vdW molecule population decay in real time could, in principle, distinguish between these two possibilities, but so far there is no single system and transition for which both the spectroscopic linewidth and time-domain kinetics have been accurately determined. The issue may have been resolved, however, by recent observations of narrow-line structure within the broad-line absorption previously observed for υ7 excitation of ethylene dimers. It appears that a consistent interpretation of all these results can be made by taking the 10cm-1 width of the overall absorption profile to correspond to the IVR lifetime of 0.5ps, while the ≲ l0MHz widths of the rotationally-resolved structure correspond to the predissociation lifetimes of ≳ l0ns.
Mandates and Democracy: Neoliberalism by Surprise in Latin America

Sometimes politicians run for office promising one set of policies, and if they win, switch to very different ones. Latin American presidents in recent years have frequently run promising to avoid pro-market reforms and harsh economic adjustment, then win and transform immediately into enthusiastic market reformers. Does it matter when politicians ignore the promises they made and the preferences of their constituents? If politicians want to be reelected or see their party reelected at the end of their term, why would they impose unpopular policies? Susan Stokes develops a model of policy switches and tests it with statistical and qualitative data from Latin American elections over the last two decades. She concludes that politicians may change policies because unpopular policies are best for constituents and best serve their own political ambitions. Nevertheless, even though good representatives sometimes switch policies, abrupt change tends to erode the quality of democracy.
Purine ribonucleosidase g from Aspergillus foetidus.

Abstract Nucleosidase g was prepared by growing Aspergillus foetidus on bran, and was purified by passage through a diethylaminoethyl-Sephadex column. The enzyme acted on the purine ribosides (except xanthosine) and on their 5′-phosphates. Action on the latter was a good means for preparing ribose-5-phosphate.
Negotiating Language Policies in Schools: Educators as Policymakers by K. Menken and O. García (Eds.)

Menken and Garcia’s (2010) volume, with its barrage of rich, well-researched examples of teacher agency in the negotiation of language related education policies, definitively puts to rest the unfo...
A role for estrogen in progesterone production during baboon pregnancy

Abstract The present study determined whether estrogen is important in the production of progesterone (P) during primate pregnancy. Serum P production rates (metabolic clearance rate [MCR] × peripheral serum concentration) were determined in baboons prior to and following maternal administration of the antiestrogen ethamoxytriphetol (MER-25) at 30, 15, 6, or 3 mg/kg of body weight by mouth daily for 10 or 20 day periods during or throughout the last one third of gestation. Maternal peripheral serum P concentrations decreased (P
The Impact of Volcker Rule on Bank Profits and Default Probabilities.

We analyze the impact of the Volcker Rule on a bank's earnings and default probability by using a stochastic control model where the bank maximizes its value by selecting an optimal dividend, recapitalization, and investment strategy. We calibrate the model to a sample of U.S. banks. Since the Volcker Rule decreases the trading book size and this way raises the illiquid banking book portfolio that is more difficult to control, our calibrated model implies that the rule raises the banks' default probability.
Expression of Interleukin-22 in Sjögren’s Syndrome: Significant Correlation with Disease Parameters

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease targeting the exocrine glands resulting in xerostomia/keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Presently, we examined the levels and clinical correlations of IL-22 in SS. Patients with SS together with normal controls were randomly selected. IL-22 was detected at significantly higher levels in sera of patients with SS. The levels of IL-22 present in sera showed statistically significant direct correlations with hyposalivation, anti-SSB, anti-SSA/SSB combined, hypergammaglobulinemia and rheumatoid factor. IL-22 showed a direct correlation with major clinical parameters. The data suggest that IL-22 plays a critical role in the development of SS, and further study is needed to examine its function in human SS.
Predicting dissolution patterns in variable aperture fractures: Evaluation of an enhanced depth-averaged computational model

[1] Water-rock interactions within variable aperture fractures can lead to dissolution of fracture surfaces and local alteration of fracture apertures, potentially transforming the transport properties of fractures over time. Because fractures often provide dominant pathways for subsurface flow and transport, developing models that effectively quantify the role of dissolution on changing transport properties over a range of scales is critical to understanding potential impacts of natural and anthropogenic processes. Dissolution of fracture surfaces is controlled by surface reaction kinetics and transport of reactants and products to and from the fracture surfaces. We present a depth-averaged model of fracture flow and reactive transport that explicitly calculates local dissolution-induced alterations in fracture apertures. The model incorporates an effective mass transfer relationship that represents a smooth transition from reaction-limited dissolution to transport-limited dissolution. We evaluate the model through direct comparison to previously reported physical experiments in transparent analog fractures fabricated by mating an inert, transparent rough surface with a smooth single crystal of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). These experiments allowed direct measurement of fracture aperture during dissolution experiments using well-established light transmission techniques. Comparison of experiments and simulations at different flow rates demonstrates the relative impact of the dimensionless Peclet and Damkohler numbers on fracture dissolution and the ability of the computational model to simulate dissolution. Despite some discrepancies in the small-scale details of dissolution patterns the simulations predict the evolution of large-scale features quite well for the different experimental conditions. This suggests that the depth-averaged approach is useful for modeling fracture dissolution in the context of geological processes and applied problems such as CO2 sequestration and fracture acidization.
TU-G-BRB-03: IROC Houston's Proton Beam Validation for Clinical Trials

Proton therapy, in particular, and ion therapy, just beginning, are becoming an increasing focus of attention in clinical radiation oncology and medical physics. Both modalities have been criticized of lacking convincing evidence from randomized trials proving their efficacy, justifying the higher costs involved in these therapies. This session will provide an overview of the current status of clinical trials in proton therapy, including recent developments in ion therapy. As alluded to in the introductory talk by Dr. Schulte, opinions are diverging widely as to the usefulness and need for clinical trials in particle therapy and the challenge of equipoise. The lectures will highlight some of the challenges that surround clinical trials in particle therapy. One, presented by Dr. Choy from UT Southwestern, is that new technology and even different types of particles such as helium and carbon ions are introduced into this environment, increasing the phase space of clinical variables. The other is the issue of medical physics quality assurance with physical phantoms, presented by Mrs. Taylor from IROC Houston, which is more challenging because 3D and 4D image guidance and active delivery techniques are in relatively early stages of development. The role of digital phantoms in developing clinical treatment planning protocols and as a QA tool will also be highlighted by Dr. Lee from NCI. The symposium will be rounded off by a panel discussion among the Symposium speakers, arguing pro or con the need and readiness for clinical trials in proton and ion therapy. Learning Objectives: 1. To get an update on the current status of clinical trials allowing or mandating proton therapy. 2. Learn about the status of planned clinical trials in the U.S. and worldwide involving ion therapy. 3. Discuss the challenges in the design and QA of clinical trials in particle therapy. 4. Learn about existing and future physical and computational anthropomorphic phantoms for charged particle clinical trial development and support. Research reported in this presentation is supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National; Institutes of Health under Award Number P20CA183640.
SIMULINK based hardware-in-the-loop rapid prototyping of an electric vehicle battery balancing controller

Large strings of battery cells require a conditioning system to avoid parameter divergence, especially for Lithium based battery cells. The development procedure of a real time, central-control system with a high control loop rate, sophisticated battery internal state estimation, low cost and short developing time is presented. The method is based on a real plant and controller emulating system. The emulating system is implemented using a standalone PC, running a Real-Time SIMULINK environment. The approach does not require a computationally powerful DSP, or ECU, no additional programming skills are needed, and it could be implemented using software and hardware readily available in most laboratories. The computationally intensive algorithm used in this study was a sigma-point Kalman filter SOC estimator. Validation of the method was carried out on a battery pack consisting of 21 series 25 Ah Li-ion NMC cells, and a total conditioning power of 650 W.
Constructing Short Forms from Composite Tests: Reliability and Validity

Short forms of individual assessment instruments are often used as screening devices which are economical of time and money. Their construction is usually based on empirical maximization of reliability through item selection, but construction is possible utilizing technical manual normative data. Reliability equations are presented here based .on classical true score theory. Validity estimation equations are presented which are especially useful when short forms of revised instruments are created. They can utilize information from the old form validities.
Lacosamide and Epilepsy

We will review all available studies on the use of lacosamide in the treatment of partial-onset seizures. The available evidence includes two open-label studies and three randomized controlled trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of oral lacosamide. One open-label study and one randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of intravenous lacosamide was also identified. Lacosamide was found to be efficacious with significant reduction in seizure frequency dosed 400-600 mg daily. Moreover, its adverse drug effects were mild and infrequently reported in the literature. Findings suggest that lacosamide is an effective agent for adjunctive treatment of refractory partial-onset seizures.
Hierarchical MRF model for model-based multi-object tracking

To track multiple objects, top-down (model-based methods) and bottom-up (multi-layer analysis) methods have been proposed separately. A hierarchical MRF model is proposed to integrate these two trends into a MAP framework for tracking non-rigid objects such as human hands or faces. Parametric models of color, shape and frame difference for both foreground and background are given. Dynamic constraints are used to update the observation models and present an initial segmentation for the new frame. A novel hierarchical MRF model is proposed to efficiently refine the segmentation based on local smoothness constraints. The algorithm does not need to initialize and can detect new moving objects and track them. It can also handle the stopped objects because of the utilization of spatial-temporal constraints. Promising results are reported.
A CASE OF CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDING: French Anthropology in a Comparative Perspective

This paper offers a study of French anthropological tradition in a comparative perspective. It focuses on French anthropologists' writing practices and, in particular, on a strikingly recurrent phenomenon: that French ethnographers, in addition to their scholarly work, often write a ‘second book,’ a literary account of their experience in the field. The study of the divide between these two books allows for a comparison with other national anthropological traditions, particularly the American one. It sheds light on some difficulties in cultural and intellectual translation between national traditions in social sciences.
Oxygen and the inflammatory cell

The discovery that a single protein allows certain immune cells both to respond to low oxygen levels and to induce inflammation may provide a new target for drugs to treat diseases characterized by excessive inflammation.
Advertising to ethnic subcultures: a study with bilingual Korean‐Americans

Examines the issue of how variations in language used in advertising affect advertising preference with a sample of bilingual, Korean Americans. Uses past literature to hypothesise that the level of acculturation would moderate ethnic consumers’ preference for advertisements in English versus their native language. Extends previous research in the field of ethnic advertising by considering whether findings from studies conducted with Hispanic American consumers are applicable to Asian Americans. Shows that no significant differences were detected in bilingual Korean American preferences for advertisements in which the message was presented in English as compared with those that used Humgul (Korean language) to communicate with the audience. Concludes with suggestions for further research.
Food Physical Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry

Food Physical Chemistry is considered to be a branch of Food Chemistry^1,2^ concerned with the study of both physical and chemical interactions in foods in terms of physical and chemical principles applied to food systems, as well as the applications of physical/chemical techniques and instrumentation for the study of foods^3,4,5,6^. This field encompasses the "physiochemical principles of the reactions and conversions that occur during the manufacture, handling, and storage of foods"^7^. Two rapidly growing, related areas are Food Biotechnology and Food Biophysical Chemistry.
On the Approximate Solutions of Singular Integral Equations Using Galerkin-Type and Collocation Methods

AMS (MOS): 54E05, 41A05 Polynomial approximations to the solution of Cauchy-type singular integral equations usually are constructed either by satisfying the equation at a finite discrete set of collocation points or by minimizing the difference between the two sides of the equation in an appropriate norm. The paper points out an interesting relationship between these two approximations.
Searching the genome for our adaptations

The current genomic revolution represents a turning point in our understanding of human evolution. For the first time, we are able to begin to investigate human evolutionary adaptations by comparing our entire genome with the genomes of other animal species with which we are related by descent. We are also able to begin fully investigating the genetic differences within and among human populations to understand exactly how human populations have evolved and adapted over time.
Fatigue and fracture assessment of cracks in steel elements using acoustic emission

Single edge notches provide a very well defined load and fatigue crack size and shape environment for estimation of the stress intensity factor K, which is not found in welded elements. ASTM SE(T) specimens do not appear to provide ideal boundary conditions for proper recording of acoustic wave propagation and crack growth behavior observed in steel bridges, but do provide standard fatigue crack growth rate data. A modified versions of the SE(T) specimen has been examined to provide small scale specimens with improved acoustic emission(AE) characteristics while still maintaining accuracy of fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) versus stress intensity factor (ΔK). The specimens intend to represent a steel beam flange subjected to pure tension, with a surface crack growing transverse to a uniform stress field. Fatigue test is conducted at low R ratio. Analytical and numerical studies of stress intensity factor are developed for single edge notch test specimens consistent with the experimental program. ABAQUS finite element software is utilized for stress analysis of crack tips. Analytical, experimental and numerical analysis were compared to assess the abilities of AE to capture a growing crack.
Long-term results of the fenestrated Fontan operation. Progress of patients with patent fenestrations.

The fenestrated Fontan operation was introduced as a modification of the “completed” Fontan operation for patients with high risk factors, and low operative mortality has frequently been reported. However, use of the umbrella device is now restricted, and this procedure should be performed without subsequent closure. In this paper, we review our clinical experience with this procedure and discuss ongoing problems. Sixteen patients (4 tricuspid atresia and 12 other cardiac anomalies including 5 cases of univentricular heart) underwent the fenestrated Fontan operation (7 atriopulmonary and 9 total cavopulmonary connection). All of them have some risk factors for a completed Fontan operation. There were three early deaths of the 16. Two experienced an anticipated thromboembolic accident, one of which involved the pulmonary aspect while the other involved the arterial aspect. Patients who survived the operation have progressed well and have a clinical status of New York Heart Association class I, with the exception of one late death due to congestive heart failure. There have been no thromboembolic accidents in this group during the late follow-up period. Spontaneous closures of the fenestrations were noted in two patients. The late mean Qp/Qs value in patients with patent fenestrations was 0.80 ± 0.1, SaO2 was 88.8 ± 5.6%, and right atrial pressure was 9.7 ± 3.8 mmHg. No major problems have been encountered in patients with a patent fenestration over extended periods. A modified Fontan operation to fit a permanently open fenestration may be considered as a final surgical option for certain high-risk patients.
Alcohol intoxication reduces visual sustained attention

Effects of alcohol intoxication on visual sustained attention were studied using a vigilance task entailing detection of degraded target stimuli. Data were obtained in separate sessions under four ethanol doses, ranging from 0 (placebo) to 1.05 g/kg lean body weight, with periodic maintenance dosing of 0.12 g/kg. Intoxication lowered the overall level of detection performance, and in addition produced dose-related increases in the rate of performance decrement over time. Analysis of performance data using techniques derived from Signal Detection Theory indicated that the decrements were due specifically to alterations in perceptual sensitivity. Examination of eye movements and blinks indicated that the effects of ethanol were not mediated peripherally. Rather, alcohol appears to have deleterious effects on central processing capacity and the availability of capacity over time. The alcohol-related failure of sustained attention may contribute to increased accident risk in tasks requiring continuous performance.
Network thermodynamic analysis and simulation of isotonic solute-coupled volume flow in leaky epithelia: An example of the use of network theory to provide the qualitative aspects of a complex system and its verification by simulation

A network thermodynamic model was developed to provide insights into the nature of isotonic solute-coupled volume flow in "leaky" epithelia, where the transepithelial volume flow is assumed to be primarily through the cellular pathway. The coupled flows of solute and volume at each membrane in this four membrane model are described by the practical phenomenological equations as developed by Kedem & Katchalsky (1958). The model contains one permeable non-electrolyte solute (s) and a fixed amount of an impermeable non-electrolyte (i) inside the cell. The cell is assumed to be capable of volume regulation under the steady-state experimental conditions simulated. A solute-pump, located in the basolateral membrane, uses feedback regulation to adjust Cs in the cell in order to maintain cell volume at or near control levels in all simulations. Model behavior is, in general, very consistent with experimental observations with respect to tonicity and magnitude of volume flow over a wide range of experimental conditions. Examination of the parameter space suggests the following important features when isotonic solute-coupled volume flow moves primarily through the cellular pathway: (1) the apical membrane reflection coefficient must be less than that of the basolateral membrane; (2) the basement membrane reflection coefficient must be small; (3) the apical membrane solute permeability and reflection coefficient are the two most "sensitive" parameters and need to vary in an inverse manner in order to maintain isotonicity when both solute and volume flows increase; and (4) relationships (1) and (3) above imply the need for at least two separate solute pathways in the apical membrane, one that is shared with volume flow and one that is not.
Crustal thickness variations beneath the peninsular ranges, southern California

We investigate the crustal thickness under the Peninsular Ranges using P-to-S converted phases of teleseismic body waves recorded on a temporary broadband seismometer array and isolated by the receiver function method. Ps minus P times at sites west of a compositional boundary that separates the Peninsular Ranges batholith into east and west zones indicate a relatively flat, deep Moho. Ps minus P times at sites east of the compositional boundary decrease eastward, Moho depth estimates (made from the Ps delays and crustal velocities from seismic tomography) indicate a relatively constant 36 to 41 km thick crust in the western zone. In the eastern zone the crust thins rapidly from 35 km thick at the compositional boundary to 25 km at the edge of the Salton trough, a lateral distance of 30 km. The lack of correlation between topography and Moho depths suggests compensation via lateral density variations in the lower crust or upper mantle. We propose that the compositional boundary decouples the eastern and western portions of the batholith, and that the eastern portion has thinned in response to regional Miocene extension, or Salton trough rifting, or both.
Contrasting effects of proinflammatory and T-helper lymphocyte subset-2 cytokines on the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in monocytes

Contrasting effects of proinflammatory and T-helper lymphocyte subset-2 cytokines on the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in monocytes. Human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBMs) express 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 5-LO activating protein (FLAP), and hence have an ability to synthesize proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTs). Regulation of 5-LO and FLAP expression is a major determinant of cellular LT synthesis. We examined the effects of proinflammatory [interleukin (IL)-1 and interferon (IFN)- γ ] and T helper lymphocyte subset 2 (TH-2; IL-4 and IL-13) cytokines on (1) LTB4 production, and (2) 5-LO and FLAP expression in HPBMs. We show that IL-1 and IFN- γ stimulate, whereas IL-4 and IL-13 inhibit ionophore-activated LTB4 release. The stimulatory effects of IL-1 and IFN- y were apparent at 16 to 36 hours of incubation. IL-1 modestly increased FLAP mRNA and significantly increased 5-LO mRNA steady state levels at 24 and 36 hours of incubation, respectively. IFN- γ did not change the mRNA or protein expression of either 5-LO or FLAP. The inhibitory effects of IL-4 and IL-13 were associated with decreased FLAP mRNA and protein steady state levels. These results demonstrate that regulation of monocyte LTB4 biosynthesis by different cytokines proceeds via different pathways that partly involve modulation of the expression of the key proteins, 5-LO and FLAP. In addition, the contrasting effects of proinflammatory and TH-2-derived cytokines on moncyte LTB4 production demonstrate mechanisms by which cytokine subpopulations may modulate monocyte function in inflammation.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (hlh) associated with t-cell lymphomas: broadening our differential for fever of unknown origin

Context: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), due to the excessive activity of histiocytes and lymphocytes, is a rare but aggressive disease that typically occurs in infancy but can be seen in all ages. If left untreated, patients with HLH may live for only a few months and die from multi-organ failure. Case Report: We present two cases of HLH diagnosis. Fever, spleen, and hepatic abnormalities were noted in both cases. Conclusion: Early diagnosis is the key and these two cases of similar etiology highlight how fever of unknown origin should force us to broaden our differential.
Impacts of positive and negative corporate social responsibility activities on company performance in the hospitality industry.

Abstract In spite of growing concern for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in various industries including the hospitality industry, the relationship between CSR activities and financial performance is a rarely examined subject in the hospitality context. Especially, research measuring the separate impacts of positive and negative CSR activities on companies’ financial performances remains, as yet, unconsidered. Thus, this study examines different impacts of positive and negative CSR activities on financial performance of hotel, casino, restaurant and airline companies, theoretically based on positivity and negativity effects. Findings suggest mixed results across different industries and will contribute to companies’ appropriate strategic decision-making for CSR activities by providing more precise information regarding the impacts of each directional CSR activity on financial performance.
Facemasks, hand hygiene, and influenza among young adults: a randomized intervention trial.

Limited vaccine availability and the potential for resistance to antiviral medications have led to calls for establishing the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical measures for mitigating pandemic influenza. Our objective was to examine if the use of face masks and hand hygiene reduced rates of influenza-like illness (ILI) and laboratory-confirmed influenza in the natural setting. A cluster-randomized intervention trial was designed involving 1,178 young adults living in 37 residence houses in 5 university residence halls during the 2007–2008 influenza season. Participants were assigned to face mask and hand hygiene, face mask only, or control group during the study. Discrete-time survival models using generalized estimating equations to estimate intervention effects on ILI and confirmed influenza A/B infection over a 6-week study period were examined. A significant reduction in the rate of ILI was observed in weeks 3 through 6 of the study, with a maximum reduction of 75% during the final study week (rate ratio [RR] = 0.25, [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.87]). Both intervention groups compared to the control showed cumulative reductions in rates of influenza over the study period, although results did not reach statistical significance. Generalizability limited to similar settings and age groups. Face masks and hand hygiene combined may reduce the rate of ILI and confirmed influenza in community settings. These non-pharmaceutical measures should be recommended in crowded settings at the start of an influenza pandemic. Trail Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00490633