cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Asymptomatic IPMN in the Elderly

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) comprises a spectrum of mucin-producing cystic neoplasms of pancreatic ductal origin that range from benign adenoma to invasive carcinoma. The 2012 Updated Consensus Guidelines recommend resection of all main duct IPMN (MD-IPMN) with a main pancreatic duct diameter of ≥10 mm, and for branch duct IPMN (BD-IPMN) with high-risk stigmata. These broad categories include many patients who do not harbor an invasive carcinoma, and additional investigations such as cyst fluid analysis, pancreatic juice cytology or FNA of associated solid components may be employed to further characterize the malignant nature of an asymptomatic IPMN. There are limited data on the natural history of patients falling within resection criteria who do not undergo surgery, but the available studies suggest comparable disease-specific and overall survivals in older patients who are managed with observation/surveillance versus resection. Mortality for major pancreatic resection is 0–4 % in high-volume centers, and morbidity ranges from 16 % to 53 %, both of which are increased in patients >70 years old. Quality of life data extrapolated from non-IPMN post-pancreatectomy patients suggests that most domains return to preoperative levels within 3 months, and that malignancy is associated with poor quality of life at 2 years. Non-operative management of IPMN meeting resection criteria may be appropriate for select older patients based on co-morbidities or patient preference.
Activities for leptin in bovine trophoblast cells.

Leptin is involved in various reproductive processes in humans and rodents, including placental development and function. The specific ways that leptin influences placental development and function in cattle are poorly understood. This work was completed to explore how leptin regulates hormone, cytokine and metalloprotease transcript abundance, and cell proliferation in cultured bovine trophoblast cells. In the first set of studies, cells were cultured in the presence of graded recombinant bovine leptin concentrations (0, 10, 50, 250 ng/mL) for 6 or 24 h. Transcript profiles were examined from extracted RNA. Leptin supplementation did not affect abundance of the maternal recognition of pregnancy factor, interferon-tau (IFNT), but leptin increased (P < 0.05) abundance of chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 2 (CSH2; ie, placental lactogen) at both 6 and 24 h at each concentration tested. At 24 h, the greatest CSH2 abundance (P < 0.05) was detected in cells supplemented with 50 ng/mL leptin. Transcript abundance of the remodeling factor, metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), was greater (P < 0.05) in leptin-treated cells at 24 h but not at 6 h. The 24 h MMP2 response was greatest (P < 0.05) at 250 ng/mL. Transcript abundance for MMP9 was not altered by leptin treatment. In a separate set of studies, cell proliferation assays were completed. Leptin supplementation did not affect bovine trophoblast cell line proliferation at any dose tested. In conclusion, leptin supplementation did not affect bovine trophoblast cell proliferation or IFNT expression, but leptin increases CSH2 and MMP2 transcript abundance. Both of these factors are involved with peri-implantation and postimplantation placental development and function, and this implicates leptin as a potential mediator of early placental development and function in cattle.
Black Carbon Facilitated Dechlorination of DDT and its Metabolites by Sulfide

1,1-trichloro-2,2-di(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), are often detected in soils and sediments containing high concentrations of black carbon. Sulfide (∼5 mM) from biological sulfate reduction often coexists with black carbon and serves as both a strong reductant and a nucleophile for the abiotic transformation of contaminants. In this study, we found that the abiotic transformation of DDT, DDD, and DDE (collectively referred to as DDX) require both sulfide and black carbon. 89.3 ± 1.8% of DDT, 63.2 ± 1.9% of DDD, and 50.9 ± 1.6% of DDE were degraded by sulfide (5 mM) in the presence of graphite powder (21 g/L) after 28 days at pH 7. Chloride was a product of DDX degradation. To better understand the reaction pathways, electrochemical cells and batch reactor experiments with sulfide-pretreated graphite powder were used to differentiate the involvement of black carbon materials in DDX tr...
Technological Risks and Accidents

This chapter focuses on the technological risks taken in space exploration. In addition, the US accidents that resulted in loss of life are discussed—the Apollo 1 fire (1967), the Challenger explosion (1986), and the Columbia disintegration (2003). The resulting discussion addresses technical reasons for each accident as well as a look into the NASA culture and timeline issues that affected each program event. Recent private enterprise space accidents (SpaceShipTwo and SpaceX rocket) are also addressed with reflections on the associated risks of space flight.
Predicting fine particle erosion utilizing computational fluid dynamics

Abstract Sand flowing with produced fluids cause severe problems for the oil and gas industry, amid them material removal from pipelines has always been crucial. Solid particle erosion prediction in gases and liquids is challenging as many different parameters significantly affect erosion. Particle size is one of the parameters that has been investigated. Previous studies show that small, sharp particles cause severe erosion in both gas and liquid systems. This is particularly an important topic for oil and gas production conditions as small particles can pass through sand screens existing in sand exclusion and management systems. The current work utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to calculate erosion caused by these particles in different geometries. The geometries include submerged jet impingement and elbows. The CFD utilizes an Eulerian-Lagrangian approach for erosion calculation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of CFD mesh and different turbulence models on predicting the behavior of small particles. A low-Reynolds number k-ɛ turbulence model is employed to account for the turbulence effects. A very fine grid spacing is used near the walls to resolve the viscous sublayer and boundary layer and to aid in the examination of the effects of particle-fluid interaction in the near-wall region. Moreover, simulation results are compared with experimental data available in the literature for elbows and conducted during this investigation for fine particles submerged in an impinging slurry jet in order to validate the presented modeling approach.
Central Nervous System Stimulants: Historical Aspects and Clinical Effects

The effects of central stimulants were identified early in the history of mankind; plants containing these substances are among the most ancient of known drugs. The use of ma huang (Ephedra vulgaris) in China, khat (Catha edulis) in Africa, and coca (Erythroxylon coca) in South America are examples of this early recognition. Thus, the Chinese herb ma huang, of acknowledged central stimulating activity, had been in use as a circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, antipyretic, and antitussive agent (Chen and Schmidt, 1925) for some 5100 years before its main active ingredient, the sympathomimetic ephedrine, was introduced into clinical practice in the West for the treatment of asthma and similar conditions.
CAREGIVING AND THE ALASKA NATIVE ELDER: SPIRITUALIZING AND INDIGENIZING SYSTEMS OF CARE

Alaska Native (AN) peoples represent eight distinct tribal groups comprised of over 220 federally recognized tribes. The diversity and complexity of AN culture is vast and ubiquitous. However, in the face of tribal autonomy, AN peoples share common beliefs, goals, and challenges to care which are made manifest by geography, cultural expectations, access to resources, and the predominance of Western systems of care and caregiving. Preliminary, qualitative analyses of interviews with AN Elders (n =11) concerning indigenous perspectives on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia resulted in perceptions rooted in cultural belief systems, spirituality, and holistic approaches to systems of care and familial caregiving. Findings reflect the imperativeness of indigenizing care for AN Elders that represents their lived realities, cultural practices, and accounts for geographic location, cultural diversity, and community-focused, collectivist approaches to the AN lifecycle. Healthcare systems providing services to AN populations could benefit from Elder-centered conceptualizations and approaches to caregiving.
The prevalence of congenital C1 arch anomalies

To determine the prevalence, radiographic features and reporting rate of, and the association between the congenital anterior and posterior C1 arch anomalies. The computed tomography (CT) images of the cervical spines of all patients over 18 years who had CT examinations in our hospital during the study period were reviewed to evaluate for congenital anomalies of the anterior and posterior C1 arches. Radiology reports of the corresponding CT examinations were reviewed to determine the reporting rate of these defects. Of 3273 subjects, 185 (5.65%) had congenital atlas anomalies: 169 isolated posterior (5.16%), 15 combined anterior and posterior (bipartite, 0.46%), and one isolated anterior (0.031%) arch defects. Females had a higher prevalence than males (7.46 versus 4.72%, P = 0.0013). Eighty-three cases (44.9%) of C1 arch anomalies were not reported. The Currarino type A, B, C and E posterior arch defects accounted for 81.6, 8.1, 1.1, and 0.5% of all arch anomalies while type D was not observed. Fifteen patients (0.46%) had combined anterior and posterior arch anomalies (bipartite atlas) versus only one with an isolated anterior C1 defect, indicating a significant association between the anterior and posterior arch defects (P < 0.0001). Although some types of congenital C1 arch anomalies are rare, type A defects are relatively common radiological findings that are unreported approximately 45% of the time. Based on the significant association between the anterior and posterior arch defects, we propose possible mechanisms for the formation of the bipartite atlas.
Flat and conformal optics with dielectric metasurfaces

I discuss our dielectric metasurface platform based on high index nano-posts on a low index substrate, and its applications in imaging, dispersion control, retroreflection and conformal optics.
Filling in the Gaps: Listening Through Dialogue

Over the past 30 years, technology has been introduced into higher education shifting the ways in which learning and student engagement occurs. While the literature suggests that technology offers benefits for improving educational outcomes, few studies have examined how benefits are achieved. This case study presents how the students and instructor of a course on postmodern theory and family therapy developed a praxis-based approach using a digital platform to improve pedagogy. Specifically, using a reflective approach based on ethnomethodology, this paper presents how the members of this course achieved a transformative generative dialogue using an online, simultaneous multi-user document, file-sharing and editing platform. This paper stresses the importance of all members of a course participating in the use of an interactive technological platform to facilitate open dialogue and collaboration.
Characterization of the mechanism of action of the fungicide fenpicoxamid and its metabolite UK-2A.

BACKGROUND Fenpicoxamid is a new fungicide for control of Zymoseptoria tritici, and is a derivative of the natural product UK-2A. Its mode of action and target site interactions have been investigated. RESULTS UK-2A strongly inhibited cytochrome c reductase, whereas fenpicoxamid was much less active, consistent with UK-2A being the fungicidally active species generated from fenpicoxamid by metabolism. Both compounds caused rapid loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in Z. tritici spores. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, amino acid substitutions N31K, G37C and L198F at the Qi site of cytochrome b reduced sensitivity to fenpicoxamid, UK-2A and antimycin A. Activity of fenpicoxamid was not reduced by the G143A exchange, responsible for strobilurin resistance. A docking pose for UK-2A at the Qi site overlayed that of antimycin A. Activity towards Botrytis cinerea was potentiated by salicylhydroxamic acid, showing an ability of alternative respiration to mitigate activity. Fungitoxicity assays against Z. tritici field isolates showed no cross-resistance to strobilurin, azole or benzimidazole fungicides. CONCLUSION Fenpicoxamid is a Qi inhibitor fungicide that provides a new mode of action for Z. tritici control. Mutational and modeling studies suggest that the active species UK-2A binds at the Qi site in a similar, but not identical, fashion to antimycin A.
Bettering the educational attainment for Latino families: How families view the education of their children

The immigrant Latino population of North Central Indiana has hopes of improving youth’s academics, but must overcome tremendous obstacles to do so. The current study addresses the needs of immigran...
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Dismembered Ureteral Reimplantation with Extracorporeal Tapering for Megaureter

Abstract Introduction: Children with symptomatic megaureter may have elements of obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), or both, and are at risk for upper tract deterioration if left uncorrected. Although the gold standard is currently open reimplantation with ureteral tapering, some authors have advocated a laparoscopic/robotic approach.1–5 We present a series of seven pediatric patients with symptomatic megaureter and describe a novel technique for surgical correction involving a minimally invasive, three-port robot-assisted laparoscopic approach with a dismembered extravesical posterior ureteroneocystostomy after extracorporeal ureteral tapering through the ipsilateral port site. Materials and Methods: Since 2012, symptomatic pediatric megaureter has been managed at our institution by robot-assisted laparoscopic reimplantation with extracorporeal tapering. Chart review identified seven pediatric cases, including nine megaureters (two bilateral presentations). Baseline demographics collected included...
Measuring Devices and Dosage Units

The choice of a system of units is ultimately an arbitrary agreement for the facilitation of communication among different investigators. It is evident that units appropriate for the measurement of biologically injurious exposure to solar UV should be available and comprehensible to workers in the field. Any decision regarding units requires very careful consideration; systems of units must be practical and useful as well as scientifically correct to receive general acceptance and avoid frequent changes of unit. Units for specialties may arise from the larger framework of units, i.e., the SI system. In particular, it would be most desirable if photobiological exposures could be expressed in the SI system as joules/m2; however, this is impossible and a unit incorporating biological factors is required.
Multilevel Packaging for Low Cost Microwave Functions

Today’s hybrid Microwave Integrated Circuit technology, utilizing active devices (transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits) integrated with passive devices by microstrip transmission lines, provides a high level of performance in a small module size at a reasonable cost. For the future, however, a step function improvement in size, weight, and cost of microwave circuit functions is needed. At Texas Instruments, to increase the density and reduce the cost of integrated microwave functions, we are developing a range of techniques for multilevel horizontal and vertical interconnects and an embedded transmission line MMIC especially well suited for wire-bond-free packaging.
Performance of crosses among Hereford, Angus and Simmental cattle with different levels of Simmental breeding. I. Preweaning growth and survival.

Performance through weaning of 543 calves raised on 3-yr-old and older Hereford dams was studied. Calf breed groups were straightbred Hereford, 50% Angus-50% Hereford, 25% Simmental-75% Hereford and 50% Simmental-50% Hereford. Breed group was a significant source of variation for gestation length, birth weight, calving difficulty, late survival (from 24 h to weaning), percentage of calves weaned per cow calving, 180-d weight, 180-d withers height and 180-d weight:height ratio. Breed group differences were not significant for early survival or weaning condition score and approached significance (P less than .10) for net kilograms weaned (zero if no calf was weaned and 180-d weight if a calf was weaned). Fifty percent Simmental calves had the heaviest birth weight (41.4 kg), most calving difficulty (1.19 score), heaviest 180-d weight (200.5 kg) and tallest 180-d height (101.3 cm). Fifty percent Simmental calves also had the longest gestation length (287.5 d), lowest late survival rate (95%) and largest weight:height ratio (2.00), although they did not differ significantly in the first two traits from 25% Simmentals and in the latter trait from 50% Angus. Herefords differed (P less than .05) from 50% Simmentals in all traits for which breed group was significant except for percentage of calves weaned. Fifty percent Angus and 25% Simmental calves were similar to Herefords for many traits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reoperation for Freestyle stentless aortic valves.

Ten patients who initially underwent Freestyle stentless aortic valve implantation required reoperation. The goal of this study was to describe the reoperative techniques used and to review the outcomes of reoperation in patients with Freestyle stentless aortic valves. From September 1992 to April 2001, at the University of Michigan, a total of 552 Freestyle stentless aortic valves were implanted, and in 10 (1.8%) of these patients (7 men, 3 women) a reoperation was required. The mean age at the time of the initial implantation was 53.5 +/- 14.1 years. Implantation techniques included both modified inclusion root (7) and inclusion root (3). Reasons for reoperation included endocarditis (7), aortic aneurysm (1), valve dehiscence (1), and subvalvular outflow tract obstruction (1). Eight patients underwent homograft reimplantations and in 2 Freestyle reimplantations. In all cases, the previous aortotomy was re-entered, the pseudoendothelial layer over the distal suture line of the noncoronary sinus was incised and continued into the other 2 sinuses. Utilizing a ganglion knife, the Freestyle valve was freed from the native aortic tissue to the proximal suture line. The Dacron sewing ring was then separated using sharp dissection and the lower suture line excised. No calcification was noted in any case. The mean time interval between the first and second operative procedure was 13.4 +/- 21.5 months. There were no operative deaths and only one late death. Mean long-term follow-up was 43 +/- 29 months. Reoperation on a Freestyle stentless aortic valve, when necessary, can be accomplished without increased operative risk and with excellent survival.
Monte Carlo Study of Equilibrium and Steady-State Two-Dimensional Lattices

This chapter follows closely published research papers on this subject. It is written primarily for statistical physicists rather than biochemists; the emphasis is on the critical point and on phase transitions. Hence a modest acquaintance with the two-dimensional equilibrium Ising problem is assumed. The Ising problem is dealt with in almost any statistical mechanics text for physicists. However, the number of exact analytical results is rather small. An easy introduction will be found in Ref. 1. Because of its limited applicability, at present, to biophysical and biochemical problems, it does not seem appropriate to repeat this material here. Our treatment of the equilibrium problem, using the Monte Carlo method, is intended only to provide the necessary reference material for the primary subject of this chapter: two-dimensional steady-state lattices of enzyme molecules. The Monte Carlo method can also be applied to one- and three-dimensional steady-state lattices; a few results for one-dimensional systems will be presented in Section 45. Almost all of the chapter will be concerned with lattices of two-state enzyme molecules, but one-way three-state enzyme molecules are considered briefly in Section 46.
Thermal Expansion of Single Crystal Sapphire from 293 to 2000 K Standard Reference Material 732

This single crystal sapphire is the fifth Standard Reference Material (SRM) to be certified for thermal expansion by the National Bureau of Standards. Expansion measurements to 1000 K on three samples indicate that the stock of material is of consistent quality suitable for certification. In the temperature range from 293 to 1000 K measurements were made using an interferometer apparatus resulting in $$ \frac{{{L_{1000}} - {L_{293}}}}{{{L_{293}}}} = 5500 \times {10^{ - 6}} $$ with a standard deviation of 5 × 10-6. Above 1000 K length measurements were made using twin tele-microscopes with the sample heated in a tungsten mesh furnace. From 293 to 2000 K $$ \frac{{{L_{2000}} - {L_{293}}}}{{{L_{293}}}} = 15700 \times {10^{ - 6}} $$ with a standard deviation of 25 × 10-6. Measurements were made parallel to the rod axis which is oriented 59° from the c-axis of the crystal. Smoothed values of the expansion and coefficients of expansion were obtained by fitting the expansion with a variation of Guneisen’s equation $$ \frac{{{L_T} - {L_{293}}}}{{{L_{293}}}} = \frac{1}{{3a}}\;\quad \frac{{E\left( {\frac{ \odot }{T}} \right)}}{{{Q_o} - kE\left( {\frac{ \odot }{T}} \right)}} + \frac{{1 - a}}{a}\quad $$ Final values of the four parameters were obtained by minimizing the standard deviation in a least-squares analysis. The results of this study are generally in good agreement with expansion values found in the literature. Major differences, however, are observed in the comparison with x-ray diffraction studies and with extrapolated data appearing in the literature. No systematic deviations of the data from the final equation were observed. A comparison of the results of this study with data found in the literature will be presented.
UBXN2A enhances CHIP-mediated proteasomal degradation of oncoprotein mortalin-2 in cancer cells

Overexpression of oncoproteins is a major cause of treatment failure using current chemotherapeutic drugs. Drug-induced degradation of oncoproteins is feasible and can improve clinical outcomes in diverse types of cancers. Mortalin-2 (mot-2) is a dominant oncoprotein in several tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In addition to inactivating the p53 tumor suppressor protein, mot-2 enhances tumor cell invasion and migration. Thus, mot-2 is considered a potential therapeutic target in several cancer types. The current study investigated the biological role of a ubiquitin-like protein called UBXN2A in the regulation of mot-2 turnover. An orthogonal ubiquitin transfer technology followed by immunoprecipitation, in vitro ubiquitination, and Magnetic Beads TUBE2 pull-down experiments revealed that UBXN2A promotes carboxyl terminus of the HSP70-interacting protein (CHIP)-dependent ubiquitination of mot-2. We subsequently showed that UBXN2A increases proteasomal degradation of mot-2. A subcellular compartmentalization experiment revealed that induced UBXN2A decreases the level of mot-2 and its chaperone partner, HSP60. Pharmacological upregulation of UBXN2A using a small molecule, veratridine (VTD), decreases the level of mot-2 in cancer cells. Consistent with the in vitro results, UBXN2A+/- mice exhibited selective elevation of mot-2 in colon tissues. An in vitro Anti-K48 TUBE isolation approach showed that recombinant UBXN2A enhances proteasomal degradation of mot-2 in mouse colon tissues. Finally, we observed enhanced association of CHIP with the UBXN2A-mot-2 complex in tumors in an azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse CRC model. The existence of a multiprotein complex containing UBXN2A, CHIP, and mot-2 suggests a synergistic tumor suppressor activity of UBXN2A and CHIP in mot-2-enriched tumors. This finding validates the UBXN2A-CHIP axis as a novel and potential therapeutic target in CRC.
Addition by subtraction: Integrating product deletion with lean and sustainable supply chain management

Abstract Product management activities have typically focused on the innovation, acquisition, expansion and management of product lines and products. However, product deletion or discontinuation is also critical. Despite its strategic importance, product deletion has received relatively less attention in both academia and practice. Researchers have conceptually investigated product deletion, its influence on firm's resources, the factors influencing product deletion decisions, and the product deletion process. However, very few papers have related product deletion decisions to supply chain management, especially when leanness and sustainability are major objectives. This paper aims to integrate lean and sustainable supply chain dimensions with product deletion by proposing a multilevel decision model that can facilitate a product deletion decision with an objective of developing a leaner and more sustainable supply chain. The model has three major decision dimensions with 8 factors with 29 influencing determinants. The model uses an integrated analytical hierarchy/network process (AHP/ANP) and a benefits, opportunities, cost and risks (BOCR) analysis. An illustrative company scenario is provided for the model application. The paper contributes by filling an important gap by integrating lean and sustainable supply chain management and product deletion literature to formulate a product deletion decision making model which aids in enhancing the leanness and sustainability of supply chains. The model also allows for cross-functional participation involving marketing, operations, finance, and environmental sustainability fields.
A molecular dynamics approach towards evaluating osmotic and thermal stress in the extracellular environment

Objective: A molecular dynamics approach to understanding fundamental mechanisms of combined thermal and osmotic stress induced by thermochemical ablation (TCA) is presented.Methods: Structural mod...
Risk stratification of salivary gland cytology utilizing the Milan system of classification.

Background The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is based on risk stratification. Our study is a retrospective review of salivary gland fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with the goal of determining the risk of malignancy (ROM) in each of the categories proposed by the MSRSGC. Methods FNAC of salivary gland lesions with corresponding surgical resection specimens were retrieved over a 5-year period. Metastatic tumors were excluded. BothFNAC and corresponding surgical resections were reviewed blindly and classified as per criteria published by the MSRSGC. The ROM for each of the diagnostic categories was determined and compared with the ROM published by the MSRSGC. Results The total number of entities and ROM in 199 reviewed cases were as follows: Nondiagnostic 18 (9.2%) (ROM 0%), non-neoplastic 4(2%) (ROM 0%), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) 12(6%) (ROM 33%), benign neoplasm 118(59.2%) (ROM 0.8%), salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP) 22(11%) (ROM 40.9%), suspicious for malignancy 3(1.5%) (ROM 100%), malignant 22(11%) (ROM 100%). Conclusion The ROM reported in our study was mostly concordant with ROM published by the MSRSGC. This classification is helpful for the management of categories; nondiagnostic, non-neoplastic, benign neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy and malignant. The management is not standardized for the category, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, as clinical information plays an important role in planning surgical procedures at an individual basis. Further studies will need to be performed using this new classification to help define appropriate management and predict ROM more accurately.
Pre-Grasp Sliding Manipulation of Thin Objects Using Soft, Compliant, or Underactuated Hands

We address the problem of pregrasp sliding manipulation, which is an essential skill when a thin object cannot be directly grasped from a flat surface. Leveraged on the passive reconfigurability of soft, compliant, or underactuated robotic hands, we formulate this problem as an integrated motion and grasp planning problem, and plan the manipulation directly in the robot configuration space. Rather than explicitly precomputing a pair of valid start and goal configurations, and then in a separate step planning a path to connect them, our planner actively samples start and goal robot configurations from configuration sampleable regions modeled from the geometries of the object and support surface. While randomly connecting the sampled start and goal configurations in pairs, the planner verifies whether any connected pair can achieve the task to finally confirm a solution. The proposed planner is implemented and evaluated both in simulation and on a real robot. Given the inherent compliance of the employed Yale T42 hand, we relax the motion constraints and show that the planning performance is significantly boosted. Moreover, we show that our planner outperforms two baseline planners, and that it can deal with objects and support surfaces of arbitrary geometries and sizes.
The resegregation of public schools?: examining "Parents Involved" in practice

This study investigated the efficacy of race-neutral student assignment policies following the 2007 Supreme Court decision in Parents Involved. Highlighting one urban school district—Chicago Public Schools—we examined differences in racial composition at their elite, “selective enrollment” high schools before and after voluntary race-based policies became unconstitutional. Using repeated measures ANOVA, we found the transition from racial to socioeconomic criteria have resegregated these schools— significantly reducing African- and Asian-American enrollment. We argue the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down voluntary race-based student assignment policies has contributed to local policy changes for urban districts like Chicago, reducing minority access and opportunity.
Population genetic and phylogeographic insights into the phyllosomal odyssey

The majority of marine species maintain genetic connectivity through pelagic propagules, with pelagic duration hypothesized to limit dispersal potential. This dissertation investigates the geographic scale of genetic connectivity when pelagic duration is likely not limiting. I analyzed mtDNA sequences and microsatellites to determine patterns of genetic structure across the geographic distributions of three lobster species: Panulirus penicillatus (Red Sea to the East Pacific Ocean), P. interruptus (sub- tropical East Pacific), and P. marginatus (Hawaiian endemic). At the broadest spatial scale, significant genetic discontinuities for P. penicillatus correspond to provincial biogeographic boundaries, including putative species-level disjunction across the East Pacific Barrier. On a smaller scale, novel kinship analy- ses combined with traditional F-statistics indicate that larval behavior and oceanographic processes re- sult in localized recruitment for P. interruptus. Geographic scales of connectivity differ by location and species, even in Hawai'i, where P. marginatus and P. penicillatus co-occur. These findings indicate the combined effects of geography, ocean currents, and biology overcome extremely long pelagic periods and result in variable degrees of genetic connectivity.
Dual polar graphs, the quantum algebra Uq(sl2), and Leonard systems of dual q-Krawtchouk type

Abstract In this paper we consider how the following three objects are related: (i) the dual polar graphs; (ii) the quantum algebra U q ( sl 2 ) ; (iii) the Leonard systems of dual q -Krawtchouk type. For convenience we first describe how (ii) and (iii) are related. For a given Leonard system of dual q -Krawtchouk type, we obtain two U q ( sl 2 ) -module structures on its underlying vector space. We now describe how (i) and (iii) are related. Let Γ denote a dual polar graph. Fix a vertex x of Γ and let T = T ( x ) denote the corresponding subconstituent algebra. By definition T is generated by the adjacency matrix A of Γ and a certain diagonal matrix A * = A * ( x ) called the dual adjacency matrix that corresponds to x . By construction the algebra T is semisimple. We show that for each irreducible T -module W the restrictions of A and A * to W induce a Leonard system of dual q -Krawtchouk type. We now describe how (i) and (ii) are related. We obtain two U q ( sl 2 ) -module structures on the standard module of Γ . We describe how these two U q ( sl 2 ) -module structures are related. Each of these U q ( sl 2 ) -module structures induces a C -algebra homomorphism U q ( sl 2 ) → T . We show that in each case T is generated by the image together with the center of T . Using the combinatorics of Γ we obtain a generating set L , F , R , K of T along with some attractive relations satisfied by these generators.
Piezoelectric frequency up-conversion harvester under sawtooth wave excitation

This work studied an impact based frequency up-conversion mechanism via discontinuous dynamics analysis. The mechanism consists of a piezoelectric beam and a moving stopper. The moving stopper is excited by a sawtooth wave and impacts with the piezoelectric beam, which makes the beam vibrate with its national frequency repeatedly. In the system complex dynamics are induced by impacts, hence to better understand the energy harvesting performance of the piezoelectric beam, we first seek the periodic motions of the system. As the system parameters vary, the output voltage and power of the piezoelectric beam with periodic motions were obtained. The piezoelectric beam was modeled as a mass-spring-damper system, and the linear piezoelectric constitutive law was used to obtain the lumped model of the piezoelectric beam. Using discontinuous dynamics analysis, the generated power and voltage were obtained, and the effect of frequency-up-conversion was demonstrated by comparing the generated power of two cases at low excitation frequencies: (1) the piezoelectric beam was excited via impact with the stopper and (2) the piezoelectric beam was directly subjected to the sawtooth wave. In order to better understand the energy harvesting performance of the piezoelectric harvester, the stable and unstable periodic motions were obtained. The bifurcation diagram of the period-1 and period-2 motions were studied analytically with varying excitation frequency and the initial distance between the stopper and the beam.
Relative Moving Target Tracking and Circumnavigation

This paper develops observers and controllers for relative estimation and circumnavigation of a moving ground target using bearing-only measurements or range with bearing measurements. A bearing-only observer, range with bearing observer, a general circumnavigation velocity command for an arbitrary aircraft, and nonlinear velocity-based multirotor controller are developed. The observers are designed in the body-fixed reference frame, while the velocity command and multirotor controller are developed in the body-level frame, independent of aircraft heading. This enables target circumnavigation in GPS-denied environments when only a camera-IMU estimator is used for state estimation and ensures observable conditions for the estimator. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the observers, velocity command, and multirotor controller under various target motions.
Purified Gr1+CD11b+ Cells Induce Neovascularization in An Ischemic Hind Limb Mouse Model.

Neovascularization in ischemic tissues is enhanced by circulating endothelial precursor cells, some of which have been identified as bone marrow (BM)-derived (BMEPC). However the identity of BM-derived populations that participate in the process of neovascularization is not clear; and indeed several subsets have been proposed as important to this process. Gr1+CD11b+ cells have been recently described as myeloidderived suppressor cells that may be involved in tumor angiogenesis. However, there has been little investigation of the role of Gr1+CD11b+ cells in non-tumor angiogenesis. To study the relationship of Gr1+CD11b+ cells to neovascularization in an ischemic hindlimb model of C57BL/6 mice, we tested the following hypotheses: The number of tissue-resident Gr1+CD11b+ cells increases in BM and ischemic muscle after the ischemic injury; prospectively isolated Gr1+CD11b+ cells can manifest characteristics of endothelial differentiation; and Gr1+CD11b+ cells modulate neovascularization in ischemic hind-limbs of C57BL/6 mice upon direct injection into ischemic muscle. Results demonstrated that the number of Gr1+CD11b+ cells markedly increased in the ischemic muscle at 4 days post-surgery (n=5 each; 1.08±0.65x10 5 /g tissue in non-surgically treated mice vs 13.43± 7.52x10 5 /g tissue in the ischemic muscle, p 7 /2 femur+ 2 tibia in ischemic group vs 0.70±0.32x10 7 /2 femur+ 2 tibia in non-surgically treated C57BL/6 mice). Following culture under endothelial cell growth conditions, purified Gr1+CD11b+ cells from BM exhibited cobblestone and spindle-shaped morphology. FACS analysis demonstrated that cobblestone-shaped cells exhibited development of a CD144+ phenotype, a marker for mature endothelium; while spindle-shaped cells expressed desmin. Following direct injection of purified Gr1+CD11b+ cells from BM or medium control, laser Doppler imaging revealed an increase in blood flow recovery by 14 days post-femoral artery dissection in the cell injected group compared to the control group (n=7 each , 41.14±1.28% in Gr1+CD11b+ cell injected group vs 35.83±2.57% in control group). The mobilization of Gr1+CD11b+ to regions of muscle ischemia, taken together with the novel finding of endothelial differentiation from this BM-derived population, and enhanced flow recovery following local provision of exogenous Gr1+CD11b+ cells, support the hypothesis that this cell population plays an important role in the systemic and local response to ischemic injury.
Asymmetric interdependence and the politics of energy in Europe: Hirschman’s ‘influence effect’ redux

In 1945, Albert Hirschman proposed that countries can use asymmetric trade relations as a weapon of political influence at the direct expense of the security of their trading partners. This paper argues that Hirschman’s theory of asymmetric interdependence can be applied to the contemporary case of European-Russian gas relations given that Russia uses its monopoly on gas to promote its regional political and security interests. At the same time, we argue that Hirschman’s concepts of ‘supply effect’ and ‘influence effect’ must be reevaluated in light of the deepening economic interdependence in European gas trade. By exploring three different types of dependent states, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Germany, we find that the interdependent network of trade relations in Europe, and the shared vulnerability and political influence of European gas importers, have weakened both types of economic statecraft. Yet, more indirect and diffuse forms of political influence are possible through forging ties of asymmetric interdependence.
Perspectives on Synthetic Materials to Guide Tissue Regeneration for Osteochondral Defect Repair

Regenerative engineering holds the potential to treat clinically pervasive osteochondral defects (OCDs). In a synthetic materials-guided approach, the scaffold's chemical and physical properties alone instruct cellular behavior in order to effect regeneration, referred to herein as "instructive" properties. While this alleviates the costs and off-target risks associated with exogenous growth factors, the scaffold must be potently instructive to achieve tissue growth. Moreover, toward achieving functionality, such a scaffold should also recapitulate the spatial complexity of the osteochondral tissues. Thus, in addition to the regeneration of the articular cartilage and underlying cancellous bone, the complex osteochondral interface, composed of calcified cartilage and subchondral bone, should also be restored. In this Perspective, we highlight recent synthetic-based, instructive osteochondral scaffolds that have leveraged new material chemistries as well as innovative fabrication strategies. In particular, scaffolds with spatially complex chemical and morphological features have been prepared with electrospinning, solvent-casting-particulate-leaching, freeze-drying, and additive manufacturing. While few synthetic scaffolds have advanced to clinical studies to treat OCDs, these recent efforts point to the promising use of the chemical and physical properties of synthetic materials for regeneration of osteochondral tissues.
Long-term respiratory and developmental outcomes in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and history of tracheostomy.

Objective The long-term morbidity among children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia who require tracheostomy (tBPD) relative to those without tracheostomy (sBPD) is not well characterized. We compared childhood lung function and neurodevelopmental outcomes in tBPD and sBPD. Study design Retrospective case-control study of N = 49 tBPD and N = 280 sBPD subjects in Boston Children's Hospital Preterm Lung Patient Registry and medical record. We compared NICU course, childhood spirometry, and neurodevelopmental testing. Result tBPD subjects were more likely than sBPD to be Black, have pulmonary hypertension, and have subglottic stenosis. tBPD subjects had lower maximal childhood FEV1 % predicted (β = -0.14) and FEV1/FVC (β = -0.08); spirometry curves were more likely to suggest fixed extrathoracic obstruction. tBPD subjects had greater cognitive and motor delays 24 months. Conclusion Compared to subjects with sBPD who did not require tracheostomy, tBPD subjects suffer from increased long-term impairment in respiratory function and neurodevelopment.
Oxidative stress in cancer biology and therapy

Mitochondria-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Cancer Therapy.- The Role of Akt Pathway Signaling in Glucose Metabolism and Metabolic Oxidative Stress.- Enhancement of Cancer Therapy Using Ketogenic Diets.- Superoxide Dismutase and Cancer Therapy.- Radiosensitization and Chemosesitization of Multicellular Spheroids by 2-deoxy-D-glucose is Stimulated by a Combination of TNFalpha and Glucodeprivation-Induced Oxidative Stress.- Chemotherapy-Induced Oxidative Stress in Non-Targeted Normal Tissues.- Tetrahydrobiopterin and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase: Implications for Radiation-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Normal Tissue Radiation Injury.- Amifostine and the Endogenous Cellular Antioxidant Enzyme Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Radioprotection.- Redox Regulation of Stem Cell Compartments: The Convergence of Radiation-Induced Normal Tissue Damage and Oxidative Stress.- Functional Imaging in the Assessment of Normal Tissue Injury Following Radiotherapy.- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors, Oxidative Stress, and Multiple Myeloma Therapy.- Curcumin, Oxidative Stress, and Cancer Therapy.- Oxidative Stress and Pancreatic Cancer.- Oxidative Stress and Photodynamic Therapy for Prostate Cancer.- Oxidative Stress in Prostate Cancer.- Role of Vitamin E in Prostate Cancer.- Pentoxifylline, Vitamin E, and Modification of Radiation Induced Fibrosis.- Antioxidants, Anorexia/Cachexia, and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Advanced-Stage Cancer.- Radiation Protection by MnSOD-Plasmid Liposome Gene Therapy.- Antioxidants and Inhibition of Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury: Role of Mitochondria.- Carrier-Mediated and Targeted Cancer Drug Delivery.
Teaching Diagnostic Problem Solving: Principles Learned from Studies of the Diagnostic Pathfinder

Three quasi-experimental studies, and a survey-based study examining the effectiveness of and principles embodied in the Diagnostic Pathfinder, a software tool for teaching diagnostic problem solving in veterinary medicine. It appears that when students learn diagnostic problem solving in the context of authentic cases, are required to consider all potentially relevant information that they have identified in their solution, and receive immediate feedback, their ability to solve diagnostic problems improves.
ERROR FEEDBACK IN L2 WRITING CLASSES: HOW EXPLICIT DOES IT NEED TO BE?

Abstract Though controversy continues as to whether error feedback helps L2 student writers to improve the accuracy and overall quality of their writing (Ferris, 1999a; Truscott, 1996, 1999), most studies on error correction in L2 writing classes have provided evidence that students who receive error feedback from teachers improve in accuracy over time. One issue which has not been adequately examined is how explicit error feedback should be in order to help students to self-edit their texts. In this experimental classroom study, we investigated 72 university ESL students' differing abilities to self-edit their texts across three feedback conditions: (1) errors marked with codes from five different error categories; (2) errors in the same five categories underlined but not otherwise marked or labeled; (3) no feedback at all. We found that both groups who received feedback significantly outperformed the no-feedback group on the self-editing task but that there were no significant differences between the “codes” and “no-codes” groups. We conclude that less explicit feedback seemed to help these students to self-edit just as well as corrections coded by error type.
Una poética de los márgenes urbanas: Lima y San José

Este ensayo explora como la poesia dialoga con el espacio urbano al fin del siglo veinte. A traves de ejemplos de dos poetas peruanos, Carlos Oliva y Jose Cerna Bazan, y tres costarricenses, Juan Hernandez, Adriano Corrales, y Oscar Castro Pacheco, observamos como su poetica del espacio urbano transforma la vision “oficial” de la ciudad. En contra de las imagenes dominantes de la ciudad moderna y el discurso del libre mercado que dominan las representaciones nacionales de ambos paises, se enfocan en el detritus de la economia y los que existen en las margenes del desarrollismo. Mas que maneras de interpretar o leer el espacio, sus obras representan “una manera de vivir en este espacio, de entenderlo, y de producirlo” (mi traduccion, Lefebvre, 1991: 47).
Understanding friction in layered materials

As we move to the digital age, we may forget that a lot of correspondence was accomplished by pencil and paper. Nonetheless, when we do still write with “lead” pencils, we are making use of the weak interlayer forces in graphite to strip off tiny flakes of graphite and deposit them on paper in a complex interplay between adhesion and friction. Understanding the nature of such weak interlayer forces and the attendant opportunities afforded by such understanding are becoming more important with the advent of nano- and microelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS); machines whose moving components are at the nanometer and micrometer scales embodied in their names. Because the surface area of such components is much larger than their volume, surface forces (for example, van der Waals, electrostatic, and capillary forces) become the dominant loading to be considered in the design and reliability of NEMS and MEMS devices ( 1 ). On page 679 of this issue, Koren et al. ( 2 ) have devised an innovative experiment that quantifies our day-to-day experience with lead pencils, but with much higher fidelity than we might expect. They show that two adjacent planes of carbon atoms can be sheared in highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and observe the interplay between adhesion and friction forces in this layered material. This experiment with HOPG can be considered as a model for two planes of graphene or other so-called two-dimensional materials sliding over one another. The findings are exciting because they point to new ideas for data storage at small scales, as well as novel actuation concepts in electromechanical devices.