cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An analysis of distributed shared memory algorithms

Results obtained in a study of algorithms to implement a distributed-shared memory in a distributed (loosely coupled) environment are described. Distributed-shared memory is the implementation of shared memory across multiple nodes in a distributed system. This is accomplished using only the private memories of the nodes by controlling access to the pages of the shared memory and transferring data to and from the private memories when necessary. Alternative algorithms are analyzed to implement distributed-shared memory. The algorithms are analyzed and compared over a wide range of conditions. Application characteristics are identified which can be exploited by the algorithms. The conditions under which the algorithms analyzed perform better or worse than the other alternatives are shown. Results are obtained via simulation using a synthetic reference generator. >
Vision-based neural network road and intersection detection and traversal

The use of artificial neural networks in the domain of autonomous driving has produced promising results. ALVINN has shown that a neural system can drive a vehicle reliably and safely on many different types of roads, ranging from paved paths to interstate highways. The next step in the evolution of autonomous driving systems is to intelligently handle road junctions. In this paper the authors present an addition to the basic ALVINN driving system which makes autonomous detection of roads and traversal of simple intersections possible. The addition is based on geometrically modelling the world, accurately imaging interesting parts of the scene using this model, and monitoring ALVINN's response to the created image.
Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a case series of nine patients and review of the literature.

Background Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFD/NSF) is a fibrosing cutaneous disorder recently recognized to have systemic manifestations. The disease is characterized clinically by an acute onset of hardening and thickening of the skin of the extremities and trunk, often resulting in flexion contractures, and histologically by an increase in spindle-shaped cells, collagen, and sometimes mucin deposition in the dermis. The only common exposure amongst patients is acute or chronic renal failure. The pathophysiology of the disease remains to be elucidated, and there is currently no consistently effective treatment for this unremitting disease. Methods We report a case series of nine patients seen at the University of Pennsylvania between 1998 and mid-2004. The clinical, laboratory, and pathologic data of these patients are reviewed. Results All patients had renal disease, received peritoneal or hemodialysis, and five had received at least one renal transplant. All patients had characteristic fibrotic cutaneous lesions involving the trunk, extremities, or both, and eight of the nine patients had scleral plaques. There were no other common findings amongst the histories, medications, or laboratory results of the patients. Conclusion Our report confirms the clinical and histologic characteristics of NFD that have been described previously, and raises new issues regarding the possible subtypes. A review of the current literature stresses that further basic science and translational studies are necessary to understand the disease mechanism and to propose effective therapy, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the systemic effects of NFD.
The reactivity of cisplatin in plasma. Implications for handling in pharmacokevetic studies

Abstract Cisplatin reacts with blood and plasma at 37°C with a half-life of about 2 h. The effects of adding chloride and freezing of samples on the stability of cisplatin in plasma samples have been studied. It was found that addition of up to 0.2 M chloride does not noticeably decrease the rate of loss of cisplatin in biological fluids. However, rapid freezing of the samples and storage at ⩽-10°C results in good stability of cisplatin for limited periods. The implications of these findings to sample handling in pharmacokinetic studies are discussed.
Probe Diffusion in Aqueous Poly(vinyl alcohol) Solutions Studied by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

We report fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements of the translational diffusion coefficient of various probe particles in dilute and semidilute aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions. The range of sizes of the particles (fluorescent molecules, proteins, and polymers) was chosen to explore various length scales of the polymer solutions as defined by the polymer-polymer correlation length. For particles larger than the correlation length, we find that the diffusion coefficient, D, decreases exponentially with the polymer concentration. This can be explained by an exponential increase in the solution viscosity, consistent with the Stokes-Einstein equation. For probes on the order of the correlation length, the decrease of the diffusion coefficient cannot be accounted for by the Stokes-Einstein equation, but can be fit by a stretched exponential, D approximately exp(-alphacn), where we find n = 0.73-0.84 and alpha is related to the probe size. These results are in accord with a diffusion model of Langevin and Rondelez (Polymer 1978, 19, 1875), where these values of n indicate a good solvent quality.
Rb-Sr Study of Isotopic Redistribution in a Precambrian Mylonite-Bearing Shear Zone, Northern Front Range, Colorado

Whole rock Rb-Sr techniques were used to study the effects of intense strain and recrystallization within a large mylonite-bearing, northeast-trending Precambrian shear zone in the Front Range of Colorado. Layered mylonites from the shear zone were examined on three scales of observation ranging from hand specimen to quadrangle to test the extent of Sr 87 /Sr 86 homogenization at the time of shearing. Whole-rock isochrons indicate homogenization occurred over volumes of at least a few meters. This chemical redistribution is compatible with evidence of recrystallization and neomineralization found within the shear zone. The whole-rock isochron age is approximately 1.2 b.y. The presence of similar fabrics in other mylonitic shear zones suggests, that this technique may have wide application in unraveling tectonic chronologies.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Skeletal Health

Bone and muscle constitute a functional unit, which is essential for locomotion. The muscle-bone unit is frequently affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in children especially by Crohn disease. Muscle mass is significantly reduced (cachexia) at diagnosis in children with Crohn disease. These deficits persist despite adequate clinical response to anti-inflammatory therapy and catch-up weight gain. Bone mass and bone architecture are both compromised in pediatric Crohn disease. Linear growth and bone modeling and remodeling are all affected. As a result, bones are shorter. Osteoclasts expand the bone marrow cavity of long bones, while osteoblasts do not expand the periosteal envelope at the same rate, producing a thinner cortex. The cortical bone density is however augmented, probably due to inhibited bone remodeling. Trabecular bone mass may be reduced secondary to decreased bone formation. These changes in IBD can affect bone and muscle by multiple mechanisms including malnutrition (resulting in deficits of macro- and micronutrients), inflammatory cytokines and activated T cells, inhibition of sex steroids and insulin-like growth factor 1, and inactivity. In addition, corticosteroids can directly cause muscle loss, inhibit bone formation, and indirectly increase bone resorption. Antitumor necrosis factor-α and exclusive enteral nutrition on the other hand can reconstitute linear growth and bone modeling and remodeling. In this chapter, we discussed in detail the muscle-bone phenotype in human IBD and animal models of IBD. We also present possible mechanisms by which IBD affects the muscle-bone unit and some options to ensure the achievement of peak bone mass in children with IBD.
Remarks on the Convex Minorant of Brownian Motion

Recently Groeneboom [1] studied the concave majorant process of a Brownian motion (Bt, t ≤ O). The purpose of this note is to take a fresh look at some of Groeneboom’s results in the context of path decompositions of Williams [7], and to give a simple new description of this concave majorant process.
Biomechanical Comparison of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Bracing Versus Modified Jobe Reconstruction.

Background:The number of throwing athletes with ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries has increased recently, with a seemingly exponential increase of such injuries in adolescents. In cases of acute proximal or distal UCL insertion injuries or in partial-thickness injuries that do not respond to nonoperative management, UCL repair and augmentation rather than reconstruction may be a viable option.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare a new technique of augmented UCL repair versus a typical modified Jobe UCL reconstruction technique. The hypotheses were that (1) the repaired specimens would have less gap formation and a higher maximal torque to failure compared with the reconstruction group, and (2) while both groups would show an increase in gap formation after the simulated tear, the repair group would return closer to the native values compared with the reconstruction group.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Nine matched pairs of cadaveric arms were...
Not Getting to Yes: Why the Media Should Avoid Negotiating Access Rights

This article cautions proponents of public access to government records from negotiating over the right to access. As support for this warning, this article details the high-profile events that lead to closure of access to autopsy and crime scene photographs in Florida, including the deaths of Dale Earnhardt and Gianni Versace, a killing spree by executed serial killer Danny Rollings, and the tragic death of Carlie Brucia, and focuses on how access to autopsy and crime scene photographs may have been greater had the media not chosen to negotiate over access.
Celebrating the Importance of the ADA

This Article introduces the special issue of the Iowa Law Review which commemorates the Tenth Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). During the past decade, the ADA has created economic and social opportunities for persons with disabilities. This Article briefly summarizes the history and the background which led to the ADA. The Article states that the entire issue of the Iowa Law Review, Volume 85, No. 5, looks at how Iowans and Americans of all abilities can continue to expand opportunities and change the world.
The Political Economy of NAFTA Chapter Eleven: Equality Before the Law and theBoundaries of North American Integration

Issues regarding the NAFTA Chapter 11 investment dispute mechanism are part of a larger context of issues that arose in connection with the transformation of the GATT dispute settlement mechanism into the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding, and were reflected in the breakdown of the OECD negotiations on a Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) and the Seattle Ministerial Conference (SMC). These issues relate to multilateral and regional governance: who is authorized to make decisions, and how are those decisions made and carried out on behalf of international society? In short, there are increasing public demands for transparency, democratic representation and account-ability that, on the one side, are legitimate and useful but, on the other side, are creating tremendous stresses on multilateral governance mechanisms. At the moment, we are reaching something of a crisis point reflecting the inability of governments to make and execute policy -- a situation that demands close attention and creative solutions. The question under NAFTA is whether we have the proper institutions to serve the ECJ-type function. It is very questionable whether we do. Are we comfortable with three private arbitrators ruling on critical questions of public health, even if their decisions only involve compensation, and not changes to legislation? I suspect not, because there are no adequate provisions for transparency, continuity or appellate review (except under New York Convention public policy exceptions). The NAFTA investment chapter attempted to provide financial risk guarantees that would be attractive to the investment community, but did not build a framework strong enough to accommodate social policies. As such, there is a need to limit how far the scope of investment-related review should extend until the juridical framework of the NAFTA is made more complete.
Delayed sclerotomy wound dehiscence after lensectomy and vitrectomy in Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is associated with abnormal fibrillin development that can cause morbidity and mortality. A case of acute onset hypotony due to sclerotomy wound dehiscence 13 years after 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy is reported in a patient with MFS. Slit lamp examination revealed a leaking sclerotomy wound and intraoperatively the source was noted to be the prior sclerotomy site. On postoperative follow-up, the patient's vision returned to baseline, and intraocular pressure normalized. Twenty-gauge sclerotomy wound dehiscence may occur years after surgery, especially in patients with abnormal collagen as in MFS.
GATS' Applicability to Transnational Lawyering and its Potential Impact on U.S. State Regulation of Lawyers

This Article examines the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services, or GATS, on legal services, and more specifically on the legal ethics rules in the United States. The Article begins by explaining background information about the global nature of legal services. Then, the Author details the structure and operation of the GATS, including its relevant exemptions, and its applicability to legal services. Next, the Article explores developments that have occurred since the signing of the GATS, including the possible significance to U.S. regulation of the legal profession. Subsequently, the Author identifies remaining questions about the effects of the GATS on U.S. legal ethics in the twenty-first century and identifies possible scenarios to which the GATS might be applied. Lastly, the Author calls for an increase in monitoring of, and participation in, the ongoing GATS negotiations by U.S. lawyers who may be affected by its results.
Sialendoscopy: Getting started, how long does it take?

Objectives/Hypothesis Dilation of the salivary gland papilla for access is well-recognized as one of the major rate-limiting steps to sialendoscopy and has been shown to be a major challenge for beginners. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that an algorithm involving multiple techniques for salivary duct access in sialendoscopy results in excellent success rates and acceptable operative times. Study Design A retrospective, observational review of 61 patients who underwent sialendoscopy of the parotid or submandibular gland, for a total of 65 papillas accessed (31 parotid, 34 submandibular) with seven different trainees utilizing a standard protocol for duct access, was performed. The time interval from the case start to endoscopic visualization of the ductal lumen was measured. Average values for time to duct access were then calculated. Results The papilla was identified in all but one case without difficulty. Five submandibular gland cases required sialodochotomy for access. The average time to duct access was 4.2 ± 4.7 minutes (range: 0.67–25 minutes). Exclusion of four difficult cases with access times over 15 minutes yielded an average access time of 3.2 ± 2.2 minutes. Conclusion This standardized protocol demonstrates high rates of success for salivary duct access via the papilla in a short time interval with infrequent need for sialodochotomy, even in the hands of novice surgeons. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2016
Two Component Velocity Correlations in Jets and Noise Source Modeling

This paper describes the measurement of second and fourth order correlations of two components of velocity in a low speed jet. The measurements are made with two cross-wire hot-wire anemometers. The measured covariances are relevant to the modeling of the source terms in acoustic analogy formulations for the prediction of noise from jets. First the general characteristics of the jet mean flow are established. Then tests are performed to assess probe interference effects in the correlations. Second and fourth order cross correlations are then presented at different locations in the jet: primarily on the jet lip line and centerline. The fourth order correlations are normalized by both local mean square values as well as by their value at zero separation. The measurements show that probe interference effects are unavoidable, though they appear negligible for sufficiently large probe separations. Comparisons are made of the longitudinal and lateral length scales based on the different velocity components. The overall convection speeds, based on the different components of velocity, are also given. In an appendix the analysis by Lighthill relating second and fourth order correlations, without statistical assumptions, is reexamined. In particular the assumptions made are reviewed. The analysis is also extended to additional fourth order correlations. Predictions based on the resulting formulas are assessed based on the correlation measurements.
Blue Shifting the Excitonic Transition in Multiple Quantum Wells by Rapid Thermal Processing

Silicon doped multiple quantum well (MQW) detector structures were rapid thermally processed (RTP) for the purpose of blue shifting the excitonic transition. Structures were encapsulated with Sio2 prior to the anneal as such enhanced the degree to which interdiffusion occurred within the structure. This further lead to a blue shift in the exciton energy corresponding to the n=l transition which was observed by photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Having examined the PL spectra of various SiO2 encapsulated samples and performing variable intensity PL measurements, a peak corresponding to a defect at ∽ 80meV above the valence band was further observed. In addition, a variation in the degree to which disordering occurs has been observed under various physical conditions including doping and GaAs capping.
Antagonism of Coenzyme Q10 to Short Wavelength Ultraviolet Radiation B-induced Mouse Fibroblast Injury

Objective To observe the antagonism of coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) to short wavelength ultraviolet radiation B(UVB)-induced mouse fibroblast injury.Methods CoQ10-containing and CoQ10-free sera were prepared by pharmacological method.NIH3T3 cells were inoculated onto 12-well culture plate,and radiated with UVB at dosages of 0,10,30,60 and 90 mJ / cm2 respectively,then determined for proliferative activity by MTT method.The cells were added with 10,20 and 40 μl of CoQ10-containing serum respectively,then radiated with UVB and determined for proliferative activity by MTT method,setting blank control and CoQ10-free serum control.The culture supernatants of cells were collected,and determined for the MDA content as well as SOD,CAT and GSH-Px activities by the corresponding kits.Results The proliferative activities of NIH3T3 cells decreased significantly after radiation with UVB at dosages of 30,60 and 90 mJ / cm2(P 0.01).However,after radiation,the proliferative activity of cells treated with serum containing 40 μl of CoQ10 increased significantly as compared with those with CoQ10-free serum(P 0.05).Compared with those in blank control group,the MDA content in cells treated with CoQ10-free serum increased significantly,while the SOD,GSH-Px and CAT activities decreased significantly(both P 0.05);compared with those treated with CoQ10-free serum,the MDA content in cells treated with 40 μl of CoQ10-containing serum decreased significantly,while the SOD and GSH-Px activities increased significantly(both P 0.05),but the CAT activity showed no significant difference(P 0.05).Conclusion CoQ10 antagonized UVB-induced mouse fibroblast injury significantly.
Temporal Causal Diagrams for Diagnosing Failures in Cyber Physical Systems

Resilient and reliable operation of cyber physical systems of societal importance such as Smart Electric Grids is one of the top national priorities. Due to their critical nature, these systems are equipped with fast-acting, local protection mechanisms. However, commonly misguided protection actions together with system dynamics can lead to un-intentional cascading effects. This paper describes the ongoing work using Temporal Causal Diagrams (TCD), a refinement of the Timed Failure Propagation Graphs (TFPG), to diagnose problems associated with the power transmission lines protected by a combination of relays and breakers. The TCD models represent the faults and their propagation as TFPG, the nominal and faulty behavior of components (including local, discrete controllers and protection devices) as Timed Discrete Event Systems (TDES), and capture the cumulative and cascading effects of these interactions. The TCD diagnosis engine includes an extended TFPG-like reasoner which in addition to observing the alarms and mode changes (as the TFPG), monitors the event traces (that correspond to the behavioral aspects of the model) to generate hypotheses that consistently explain all the observations. In this paper, we show the results of applying the TCD to a segment of a power transmission system that is protected by distance relays and breakers.
Extensions and Applications

In this chapter we note some extensions of the theorems of chapter 6 and some applications. We first state a problem in optimal control and characterize its solutions as applications of chapter 6. The optimal control problem with scaler criterion is presented in section 1. In section 2 we present extensions of the control problem to: a) problems with time lags, b) problems with bounded state variables and, c) problems with finite vector criteria. For these problems we discuss only the first order necessary conditions and the Weierstrass conditions. In sections 3 and 4 we present some economic applications.
Disorders of Hair and Nail

There are a wide variety of hair and nail disorders which occur in the pediatric population. These disorders can cause significant distress to children and their parents, but also can present a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. This chapter assists the clinician by providing a detailed overview of the most common and uncommon hair and nail disorders that are encountered in pediatric dermatology. In addition to in-depth clinical descriptions and pictures, each disorder described in the chapter includes what recommend confirmatory tests should be performed, associated disorders, and treatment approaches that make handling these disorders easier for the treating clinician.
Oscillatory magnetotransport in Nb Se 3 and Ta Se 3

Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ and Ta${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ have been observed in the field range 0-170 kG using both ac and dc techniques. The Fermi-surface sections have been tracked over a substantial angular range and the observed anisotropies are consistent with elongated ellipsoids. In Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ a single section with a minimum frequency of 0.28 MG dominates the oscillatory behavior and develops a strong harmonic content at high fields. Fits of the data to expressions including the spin splitting of the Landau levels gives a minimum $g$ factor of 3.2 and a Dingle temperature of ${T}_{D}=2.3$ K. The temperature dependence of the amplitude gives an effective mass of 0.24 for this section. The Hall effect has also been measured in Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ and shows a sign change from positive to negative as the temperature is decreased below the 59-K transition in Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$. No significant change is observed near the 145-K transition. In Ta${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ at least 20 frequencies in the range 0.7-22 MG have been observed and these exhibit a distribution of fairly strong amplitudes with no single frequency dominating. The crystals of Nbs${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ and Ta${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ are of comparable quality and resistance ratio so the results indicate that the Fermi surfaces have quite different parameters in the two metals.
Supporting English language learners through effective feedback

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION:Here at GMU, we have a wonderfully diverse student population that greatly enriches our community of learners. As instructors, it is critical to draw out the many talents and contributions of all of our students as we support their academic development. In online and blended classrooms, it can be especially challenging to support English Language Learners. It is critical to have high, but realistic goals for our ELLs and to allow ample time for practice, response and reflection. Our classrooms and discussion boards should be â€œinvitationalâ€ to all students and we should be prepared to allow for flexibility. Throughout our instruction,it is critical to assess factual recall as well as higher cognitive thinking and assimilation of ideas/concepts. After attending this session, participants will be able to better identify and support the needs of ELLs in online/in person formats. Specifically, faculty members across disciplines will be able to: recognize how ELLs develop language skills, establish clear objectives for ELLs, provide effective feedback (employing 7 key factors), evaluate and grade constructed-response items, grade papers as â€œoutlinesâ€, provide feedback and support for in-class and online discussions/discussion posts, and for presentations/group projects.Â ________________________________________________________________FULL ABSTRACT: Here at GMU, we have a wonderfully diverse student population that greatly enriches our community of learners. As instructors, it is critical to draw out the many talents and contributions of all of our students as we support their academic development. In online and blended classrooms, it can be especially challenging to support English Language Learners. It is critical to have high, but realistic goals for our ELLs and to allow ample time for practice, response and reflection. Our classrooms and discussion boards should be â€œinvitationalâ€ to all students and we should be prepared to allow for flexibility. Throughout our instruction,it is critical to assess factual recall as well as higher cognitive thinking and assimilation of ideas/concepts. Â After attending this session, participants will be able to better identify and support the needs of ELLs in online/in person formats. Specifically, faculty members across disciplines will be able to: recognize how ELLs develop language skills, establish clear objectives for ELLs, provide effective feedback (employing 7 key factors), evaluate and grade constructed-response items, grade papers as â€œoutlinesâ€, provide feedback and support for in-class and online discussions/discussion posts, and for presentations/group projects.
Transcranial MRI‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of essential tremor: A pilot study on the correlation between lesion size, lesion location, thermal dose, and clinical outcome

Background Transcranial MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) is a promising noninvasive method to treat medication-refractory essential tremor. Purpose/Hypothesis To define the correlation between lesion size after ablation, thermal dose, and clinical outcome in tcMRgFUS treatment of essential tremor. Study Type Retrospective. Population/Subjects/Phantom/Specimen/Animal Model Eight patients with medication-refractory essential tremor were treated using a tcMRgFUS system at 3T. Field Strength/Sequence T2-weighted images were acquired immediately and at 1 year posttreatment at 3T. Assessment An atlas of the thalamic nuclei and dose maps were warped to the posttreatment images. The thermal dose, the immediate posttreatment lesion volume and 1-year final lesion volume, and the volumes confined inside the ventral division of the ventral lateral posterior thalamic nucleus (VLpv) were correlated to clinical outcome at 1 month and 1 year using Pearson's coefficient. The spatial region of treatment correlating with maximal clinical outcome was derived in a normalized space from average maps of clinical tremor score improvement at 1 year. Statistical Tests Statistical significance was assessed using the Wilcoxon two-tailed rank test. Results The correlations between thermal dose, lesion volume posttreatment and at 1 year, and outcome at 1 year were good (r = 0.73, 0.65, 0.73, respectively), and were slightly better than at 1 month (r = 0.57, 0.49, 0.65). Reducing the measurement to include only the portion within the VLpv did not significantly modify the correlations (P = 0.09). The center of the spatial region of treatment was found in the anterior commissure – posterior commissure plane, 14.3 mm lateral from the midline, and 8.3 mm rostral to the posterior commissure. Data Conclusion In this pilot study a good correlation was found between the size of the lesion, the thermal dose, and the clinical outcome in patients treated for essential tremor with ablation of the VLpv with tcMRgFUS. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Impact of Complete Spinal Cord Injury on Healing of Skin Ulcers in Mouse Models

Abstract Pressure ulcers (PUs) are common debilitating complications of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and tend to occur in soft tissues around bony prominences. There is, however, little known about the impact of SCI on skin wound healing because of the lack of suitable animal models for studies in controlled experimental settings. Herein, we describe a reproducible and clinically relevant mouse model of PUs in the context of complete SCI. Adult male mice (BALB/c) were subjected to thoracic (T9–T10) complete SCI. Immediately after, a skin fold on the back of mice was lifted and sandwiched between two magnetic discs held in place for 12 h, thus creating an ischemic area that developed into a PU over the following days. The wounded areas demonstrated tissue edema and epidermis disappearance by day 3 post-magnet removal. PUs spontaneously healed, although slower in SCI mice compared to control non-SCI mice (5 vs. 3 weeks; p < 0.001). A similar delay in healing was observed for full-thickness excisional ...
Mori Dream Spaces and blow-ups of weighted projective spaces

Abstract For every n ≥ 3 , we find a sufficient condition for the blow-up of a weighted projective space P ( a , b , c , d 1 , ⋯ , d n − 2 ) at the identity point not to be a Mori Dream Space. We exhibit several infinite sequences of weights satisfying this condition in all dimensions n ≥ 3 .
The Gut and Cervical Microbiome Promote Immune Activation and Response to Chemoradiation in Cervical Cancer

Composition of the intestinal microbiome has been shown to impact generation of a tumor-specific immune response following chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade. We hypothesized that the local and intestinal microbiota may also impact immune activation and radiation response. We prospectively assessed the microbiota and T-cell repertoire of 30 cervical cancer patients throughout CRT. Greater diversity of the intestinal microbiome was associated with exceptional response and development of clonal T-cell expansion. Predominance of immunosuppressive Lactobacillus species in the cervix was associated with failure to expand clonal T-cells and decreased relapse-free survival. Patients with a robust response to CRT developed clonal expansion of T-cells, suggesting that highly radiation responsive cervical cancers generate an antigen specific immune response. Depletion of gut microbiome diversity and presence of vaginal Lactobacillus were associated with decreased presence of activated CD8 T-cell infiltration and decreased radiation response in an orthotopic model of HPV cancer, suggesting that microbial diversity is required for generation of effective antitumor immunity in radiation responsive HPV cancers.
Pentoxifylline in End-Stage Renal Disease

Little information is available about the clearance of pentoxifylline and its metabolites in renal failure. Consequently, when a dialysis patient required this drug, we started at a low dose and gradually increased the dosage while monitoring the patient for signs or symptoms of toxicity and following plasma concentrations of parent drug and its metabolites. Our patient appeared to develop evidence of drug toxicity after about six days on two-thirds of the usual recommended adult dose of the drug. The pentoxifylline half-life and apparent half-life of metabolite I were both substantially prolonged as compared with data from healthy volunteers. Both accumulated rapidly in plasma. Concentrations of metabolites IV and V were also very high.
A Matter of Life and Death of T-Lymphocytes in Immunosenescence

Aging is associated with progressive decline in T-cell functions. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain immunosenescence. In this chapter I will discuss a role of apoptosis of T-lymphocytes in immunosenescence. Molecular signaling of different pathways of apoptosis and their alterations in human aging will be reviewed.
Return to R&D Investment and Spillovers in the Chinese Semiconductor Industry: A Tale of Two Segments

This study asks how a firm’s market orientation influences its returns to R&D investment and its capability to benefit from external technology opportunities brought about by the globalization of manufacturing and innovation activities. We use a panel of firm-level data on production and R&D activities to study China’s semiconductor industry. Building upon an earlier qualitative study, we find supporting evidence that this dynamic industry sector is characterized by two segments with very different market orientation: a domestically focused one with lagged technology, and a globally focused one employing advanced technology. While the former comprised the bulk of revenue and employment in the industry in 1998, the latter segment has grown substantially faster, and has now overtaken the former. We hypothesize that these two segments will differ in their R&D productivity, and ability to absorb external R&D. We test this hypothesis by examining the productivity consequence of in-house R&D investment and spillovers for each industry R&D investment. More specifically, we hypothesize that firms in the globally oriented sectors are more likely to receive higher returns to in-house R&D investment and positive spillovers from external R&D capital, especially from multinational firms, compared with domestically oriented firms. As a result, we expect that firms with higher in-house R&D capital will be more likely to receive positive spillovers from external knowledge. The empirical results support some but not all of our hypotheses. We find that firms in the global-oriented segment enjoy higher returns to R&D investment than those in the domestic- oriented segment and a larger positive spillover from external R&D capital. As the globally focused segment has grown to become the majority of firm activity in the industry, though, the competitive effects of more firms exporting appear to reduce the spillover benefits such firms enjoy from external R&D resources.
Carbon Nanotube Schottky Photodiodes

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the fabrication and investigation of carbon nanotubes-based Schottky photodiodes using different metals and structures. It is found that the work functions of metals play an important role in determining the properties of the photodiodes. Symmetric Schottky photodiodes using different metals have varied dark current and photocurrent of several orders of magnitude. Low built-in potentials resulted in large dark current and photocurrent, while high built-in potentials caused smaller dark current and photocurrent. Two Schottky barriers reversely connecting with each other in the symmetric metal structure, which was verified by position-dependent photocurrent measurements, can explain this. In order to improve the performance of CNT-based Schottky photodiodes, asymmetric structure photodiodes using metals with high/low work functions at two contacts were fabricated. Compared to the symmetric photodiodes, asymmetric photodiodes had lower dark current and higher photocurrent.
The influence of feature-rich computerized glosses on reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition

To investigate the influence of media-rich computerized glosses on reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, we assigned second language Spanish learners to five conditions: 1) no gloss, 2) gloss with text (English translation), 3) text and audio (spoken in Spanish and English), 4) text, audio and picture, 5) text, audio, picture and writing. Participants read a 608 word Spanish story with 25 glossed words, and completed comprehension and vocabulary tests. Gloss users had significantly higher reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition scores than non-gloss users. The quantity of gloss accesses was positively correlated to comprehension and vocabulary scores, especially when learners use glosses that include text, audio and picture. Results also found that reading time was positively correlated to comprehension. The more frequently second language learners consult computerized glosses the better they comprehend and acquire new words. Glosses with text, audio and carefully selected pictures are particularly beneficial in advancing the ability to produce new words.
Perspective: Fundamentals of coalescence-related dislocations, applied to selective-area growth and other epitaxial films

Although selective area growth (SAG) and coalesced SAG (cSAG) have been utilized extensively for many years to moderate the material quality of lattice-mismatched films, the geometrical factors controlling dislocations in coalesced films are difficult to visualize, and some confusion regarding the topology of dislocations for cSAG still persists. In this paper, we describe the topology of dislocations during island coalescence for cSAG, framed in terms of fundamental dislocation properties and virtual dislocations, which are used as a helpful visualization tool. We also show how the results and methods are generally applicable to coalescence of any other epitaxial film.Although selective area growth (SAG) and coalesced SAG (cSAG) have been utilized extensively for many years to moderate the material quality of lattice-mismatched films, the geometrical factors controlling dislocations in coalesced films are difficult to visualize, and some confusion regarding the topology of dislocations for cSAG still persists. In this paper, we describe the topology of dislocations during island coalescence for cSAG, framed in terms of fundamental dislocation properties and virtual dislocations, which are used as a helpful visualization tool. We also show how the results and methods are generally applicable to coalescence of any other epitaxial film.
The Therapist’s Needs: Beyond Mutual Recognition

AbstractAs early as 1965, Harold Searles argued that therapists’ needs for healing and growth are part and parcel of their work with patients. Since then, the relational movement has corroborated t...
Development and validation of a kinematically-driven discrete element model of the patellofemoral joint.

Abstract Quantifying the complex loads at the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is vital to understanding the development of PFJ pain and osteoarthritis. Discrete element analysis (DEA) is a computationally efficient method to estimate cartilage contact stresses with potential application at the PFJ to better understand PFJ mechanics. The current study validated a DEA modeling framework driven by PFJ kinematics to predict experimentally-measured PFJ contact stress distributions. Two cadaveric knee specimens underwent quadriceps muscle [215 N] and joint compression [350 N] forces at ten discrete knee positions representing PFJ positions during early gait while measured PFJ kinematics were used to drive specimen-specific DEA models. DEA-computed contact stress and area were compared to experimentally-measured data. There was good agreement between computed and measured mean and peak stress across the specimens and positions (r = 0.63–0.85). DEA-computed mean stress was within an average of 12% (range: 1–47%) of the experimentally-measured mean stress while DEA-computed peak stress was within an average of 22% (range: 1–40%). Stress magnitudes were within the ranges measured (0.17–1.26 MPa computationally vs 0.12–1.13 MPa experimentally). DEA-computed areas overestimated measured areas (average error = 60%; range: 4–117%) with magnitudes ranging from 139 to 307 mm2 computationally vs 74–194 mm2 experimentally. DEA estimates of the ratio of lateral to medial patellofemoral stress distribution predicted the experimental data well (mean error = 15%) with minimal measurement bias. These results indicate that kinematically-driven DEA models can provide good estimates of relative changes in PFJ contact stress.
Ring Motor Front Wheel for Electric Motorcycle

A ring motor was sized as a replacement for the front wheel of an electric motorcycle. It makes use of a short axial length and large inner and outer diameter to fit within the wheel’s dimensions and minimize weight as best as possible. The motor utilizes an outer rotor, Halbach array, and concentrated windings. Heat pipes were used for its cooling to seal the active region as best as possible, and its electromagnetic and thermal performances were simulated with a small hardware test of the heat pipes performed. A packaging concept of the motor was made and rendered to showcase the usage of heat pipes.
Impact of Utilizing Construction Engineering and Inspection Consultants on Highway Construction Project Cost and Schedule Performance

State transportation agencies (STAs) are tasked with constructing and maintaining complex transportation networks while facing changes in agency construction staff with respect to age, experience l...
Prenatal Findings Associated with a Unilateral Nonfunctioning or Absent Kidney

Prenatal findings in infants who were postnatally found to have a unilaterally nonfunctioning cystic, dysplastic or absent kidney were evaluated to understand better the prenatal pathophysiology of these conditions. Of the 38 cases in which prenatal and postnatal renal imaging studies were done fetal renal conditions leading to postnatal dysplasia or absence included small echogenic kidneys in 3, typical multicystic dysplasia in 30, obstructive uropathy in 4 and perinephric urinoma in 1. Abnormalities were noted on postnatal imaging in 30% of the contralateral kidneys. Vesicoureteral reflux was the most commonly identified abnormality, occurring in 23% of the cases.
Bananas y otros frutos del deseo: divas y subversiones en la performance de Ney Matogrosso

Teniendo en cuenta el universo simbolico de las dictaduras civico-militares del Cono Sur como contexto, el presente articulo busca reflexionar en torno a los alcances esteticos y politicos de la figuracion de la diva en la performance de artistas locales, a traves del caso de Ney Matogrosso (1941) y su reapropiacion de Carmen Miranda (1909-1955). Desde una orientacion teorica feminista en clave poscolonial, es posible sospechar que la figuracion de la diva es estrategicamente infiltrada en su performance, desde una red de superposiciones esteticas que apuntan a desestabilizar el orden simbolico dominante, volviendo porosas las fronteras entre lo masculino y lo femenino, lo politico y lo espectacular. La relevancia de este estudio reside no solo en la tentativa de dar luz a este “gesto parodico de oropel” (Castillo 92) desde sus posibles efectos esteticos, sino tambien aportar al campo poco explorado de sus implicaciones (micro) politicas en el contexto latinoamericano.
Cultural Considerations and Sleep

Understanding the causes of health disparities across racial/ethnic groups is an important public health cause. One of the important health disparities to address is poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep. Cultural considerations and sleep problems are a specific area of significant health concerns, but sadly little is known of the effect of ethnicity on sleep. Newer studies suggest that sleep disturbances such as undiagnosed sleep apnea and insomnia occur more frequently among racial/ethnic minorities. Further, it has been proposed that a number of factors likely impact ethnic/racial differences in sleep. This can include sleep related beliefs and knowledge about socioeconomics differences in work/home/neighborhood environments, acculturation, bed sharing, access to health care, and trust in medical professionals all may play a role in impacting sleep beliefs and behaviors in ethnic populations. The challenge is often identifying the sleep disorder and prescribing treatment because often the diagnosis is based on patients’ subjective report. Thus, it is important that clinicians can recognize the difference between acute sleep problems and more chronic sleeping problems such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Historically, the most common approach to treatment of sleep disturbance is often prescription medications, but this comes with a cost for the consumer. Increasing literature now suggests that insomnia is a highly treatable condition via the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), but the research on the prevalence rate of insomnia among various ethnic groups is mixed. Therefore, it is crucial that cultural considerations be taken into consideration in order to target sleep-related difficulties.