cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cavitation and water storage capacity in bole xylem segments of mature and young Douglas-fir trees

Hydraulic specific conductivity, vulnerability to cavitation and water storage capacity of Douglas-fir sapwood was determined for samples from six young (1.0–1.5 m tall) and six mature trees (41–45 m tall). Measurements on samples from young trees showedthere were no effects of two contrasting sample types (entire stem segments vs sectors chiseled out of entire stems) on any of the calculated hydraulic parameters, for vulnerability to cavitation and water storage capacity. Measurements on mature trees were made on wood from four heights on the bole and from two sapwood depths. Outer and inner sapwood at the base of the tree had higher water storage capacities and were more vulnerable to cavitation than was sapwood from the tree top. At every height, old trees were more vulnerable to cavitation than at 1.0 m from the ground in young trees. The water storage capacities showed three distinct phases at the base of the trunk. Young trees had similar water storage capacity (per unit volume of sapwood) to the topof the mature trees, which was lower than the water storage capacity throughout the rest of the bole xylem. The way in which capacitance was calculated (on a volumetric basis vs a relative water content basis) affected the conclusion one would draw at the low water potentials (<–3 MPa). Within a tree, we found an apparent trade-off between having both hydraulic specific conductivity and stem water storage, and vulnerability to cavitation.
Adult-onset hereditary cerebellar ataxia and neurosensory deafness.

A family has been studied in which four sibs were affected with an adult-onset form of cerebellar ataxia and deafness. The ataxia and hearing loss have been slowly progressive over a 10 year follow-up period, and no other neurological signs have developed in the interim. This variety of hereditary ataxia, which appears to be a distinct autosomal recessive entity, is compared and contrasted with other genetic types, compiled in tabular form. It is emphasized that closer attention to other symptoms, either in the central nervous system or elsewhere, might have considerable use in the differential diagnosis of these conditions and thus provide for more effective genetic counselling.
Análisis crítico comparativo de prostatectomía radical abierta, laparoscópica y robótica: resultados de morbilidad perioperatoria y control oncológico (Parte I)

Resumen es: Objetivo: El tratamiento quirurgico del cancer de prostata clinicamente localizado ha demostrado ser una opcion excelente en lo que ha resultados oncolog...
Artificial liver: Review and Cedars‐Sinai experience

During the past decade, whole organ transplantation has become the only clinically effective method of treating fulminant hepatic failure and chronic liver failure due to specific genetic, hepatocellular, and anatomic defects of liver function. However, wider application of liver transplantation is restricted by shortage of organ donors, high cost, relatively high morbidity, and need for life-long immunosuppression. As a result, investigators have attempted to develop alternative methods to treat liver insufficiency. These ranged from use of plasma exchange to utilization of detoxification columns and extracorporeal devices loaded with various liver tissue preparations. Recently, advances in hepatocyte isolation and culture techniques, improved understanding of hepatocyte-matrix interactions, availability of new biomaterials, improved hollow-fiber technology, and better understanding of flow and mass transport across semipermeable membranes have resulted in the development of a new generation of liver assist devices. Some of these devices, including the one developed by the authors, are currently being tested in the clinical setting. In this paper, the past experience with liver support systems is reviewed, the present status of the field is critically examined, and the results of a phase I clinical trial with the bioartificial liver, utilizing primary porcine hepatocytes, are summarized.
Growing pulmonary nodule with increased 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in a former smoker.

(CHEST 2005; 127:1848–1851) A 65-year-old white woman was evaluated for a solitary pulmonary nodule. While undergoing a commercial whole-body CT screening examination 1.5 years earlier, she was found to have a 9-mm poorly marginated lesion in the right lower lobe of her lung. A short-term follow-up and/or diagnostic evaluation was strongly recommended, but the patient deferred. During the current evaluation, a follow-up chest CT scan demonstrated the presence of a 16-mm nodule in the right lower lobe with irregular margins (Fig 1). The patient denied dyspnea, fever, cough, hemoptysis, or weight loss. Her medical history was only pertinent for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Two years earlier, she had undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophrectomy for treatment of a borderline stage IA ovarian tumor. The patient had a remote cumulative 25-pack-year smoking history. Her family history was negative for cancer or lung disease. Her physical examination showed normal vital signs. The chest, lung, cardiac, and abdominal examinations were unremarkable. She had no palpable lymphadenopathy. The results of her musculoskeletal examination were normal, and her neurologic examination did not reveal any deficits. The parameters of her laboratory test results were normal and included a CBC count, a blood chemistry profile, liver function tests, and measurement of serum calcium level. A whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) study showed an isolated focus of abnormal, increased 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity (standardized uptake ratio, 4.8) corresponding to the location of the pulmonary nodule visualized on the chest CT scan (Fig 2). A bronchogenic carcinoma was strongly suspected based on the history, the results of the imaging studies, and the doubling time of the nodule. The patient was scheduled for a bronchoscopy followed by a wedge resection of the nodule. The treatment plan was to proceed with a right lower lobe lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection in the same operative setting if the intraoperative histologic examination confirmed a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
The Merging of Fuzzy and Crisp Information

Crisp information is defined as countable data for which moments are available. These moments are then used as constraints on the information entropy to obtain an unbiased probability distribution. In opposition to this objective viewpoint, subjective information in the form of verbal statements are also available. A quantitative statement of these is obtained by fuzzy support measures. This statement has two parts which refer to the gravity of information and its effect on the objective probability. These two parts are then analyzed by fuzzy set theory and established by a fuzzy conditional relation as a modification of the probability. The modification is obtained by a merging process which allows the subjective support for the objective probability to be detected.
Janaway on Nietzsche, Genealogy, and Naturalism: A Critical Review

This is a review essay (forthcoming in Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews) discussing Christopher Janaway's book "Beyond Selfessness: Reading Nietzsche's 'Genealogy'" (OUP, 2007). Particular attention is given to the question of Nietzsche's style, and the relationship between his philosophical positions and his therapeutic objectives; to Janaway's critique of my account of Nietzsche's naturalism; and to Nietzsche's conception of agency and the meaning of the image (from GM II:2) of "the sovereign individual."
Air-Stable NNS (ENENES) Ligands and Their Well-Defined Ruthenium and Iridium Complexes for Molecular Catalysis

We introduce ENENES, a new family of air-stable and low-cost NNS ligands bearing NH functionalities of the general formula E(CH2)mNH(CH2)nSR, where E is selected from −NC4H8O, −NC4H8, or −N(CH3)2, m and n = 2 and/or 3, and R = Ph, Bn, Me, or SR (part of a thiophenyl fragment). The preparation and characterization of more than 15 examples of well-defined Ru and Ir complexes supported by these ligands that are relevant to bifunctional metal–ligand M/NH molecular catalysis are reported. Reactions of NNS ligands with suitable Ru or Ir precursors afford rich and diverse solid-state and solution chemistries, producing monometallic molecules as well as bimetallics in which the ligand coordinates to the metal via either bidentate (κ2[N,N′] or κ2[N′,S]) or tridentate (κ3[N,N′,S]) binding modes, depending on the basicity of the sulfur atom, CH2 chain length (m or n parameter), or identity of the transition metal. In the case of Ir, ligands bearing benzyl substituents lead to unprecedented κ4[N,N′,S,C]-tetradentate ...
Lid Deformity Secondary to Fat Transfer

The most common complication of autologous fat transfer to the lower eyelids is the creation of contour deformities in the form of visible lumps or bulges. Improper placement of any filler, in terms of location, quantity and texture may result in significant deformity. The best treatment is prevention; any AFT to the lower lid should be performed using minute aliquots of fat (0.05–0.1 mL) per injection. For small irregularities, the first line treatment should be massage between a fingertip and the underlying bone. A minimally invasive option involves intralesional injection of steroids. For larger amounts of excessive fat in the lower lid, some have advocated SAL. Alternatively, excess fat can be excised directly via a subciliary incision
Introduction: Neogene tectonics and climate-tectonic interactions in the southern Alaskan orogen themed issue

Interest in Alaskan tectonic studies has varied through time as different events have focused attention toward and away from this North American frontier. In 1964 the great Alaskan earthquake focused attention on Alaska, and was a major factor in the establishment of the concept of subduction in the early days of plate tectonics. In the 1980s, the northern Cordillera, including Alaska, was the subject of extensive study using the terrane analysis approach, which spawned a series of new tectonic syntheses. Topical studies continued in Alaska through the 1990s and into the early part of the first decade of the twenty-first century, but in smaller research groups primarily working on specific, focused studies. Larger multidisciplinary research projects were focused in Alaska at about the time of the 2002 Denali earthquake, which occurred while a large, collaborative research group was being assembled with a goal of understanding the general problems of the Neogene tectonics of Alaska associated with the collision of the Yakutat terrane. The St. Elias Erosion/tectonics Project (STEEP; http://www.ig.utexas.edu/steep/) arose in large part because of increasing evidence that erosion-tectonic interactions within mountain belts were poorly understood, and southern Alaska is in an ideal setting for examining the role of glacial erosional processes in this type of interaction. Although subsequent studies indicated that the original highest estimates of glacial erosion rates were overestimated, even these revised estimates indicated that fast moving, temperate ice was capable of removing rock at rates of centimeters per year. Since most of the world9s moderate- to high-latitude mountain systems are either no longer active or are marginally active tectonically, and erosion rates are orders of magnitude lower, the southern Alaskan orogen represents a premier site for studies of the interactions between tectonic processes and glacial erosion. STEEP efforts, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Continental Dynamics Program, together with other ongoing studies of Alaskan tectonics by the U.S. Geological Survey and other academic researchers, have focused attention back on Alaskan tectonics. The next decade promises to see even more profound changes in our level of knowledge of this last frontier for geologic studies in the United States. Research reported in this Geosphere themed issue was launched by members of the STEEP research group with the intent of showcasing some of the unusual data sets that were being assembled in this project.
Inhibition of rapid production of antibody by cortisone; study of secondary response.

SummaryCortisone markedly inhibited the rapid production of antibody associated with the specific anamnestic or secondary response. The effect of cortisone on antibody protein metabolism is discussed.
"WHITE" VULVAL LESIONS: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, leukoplakia, and “essential atrophy of the vulva” (which term the authors favor instead of “kraurosis vulvae”) are diseases to be considered in differential diagnosis of white or atrophic vulval lesions. Chloroquine phosphate is almost a specific remedy to relieve the pruritus in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Leukoplakia in early stages may respond to general protective measures, but surgical ablation may be indicated for advanced disease; moreover, malignant change must always be borne in mind.
Iron uptake by bone. Its relation to calcium ion concentration.

Iron uptake by osseous tissue was investigated by immersing frozen sections of fetal mouse bones in selected solutions at pH 7.4 and evaluating the changes microscopically. Iron uptake occurred when the phosphate concentration of the solution was normal and the calcium ion concentration was zero or very low compared with the concentration in interstitial fluid. The uptake was associated with decalcification of the sections. This low-calcium decalcification was not caused by a decrease in pH or by chelation of calcium ion, but seemed rather to be a simple dissolving of the bone salts. When the calcium ion concentration was normal or high iron uptake did not occur and the sections did not decalcify. When the calcium ion concentration was high and the phosphate concentration was normal or elevated supercalcification was observed wherein the trabeculae were thickened by a deposit of crystals resembling those in the normal bone. It appeared that when iron uptake occurred the iron was replacing calcium in the inorganic compartment of the bone, probably in the form of ferric phosphate.
The design and development of the dragoon intelligent tutoring system for model construction: lessons learned

ABSTRACTThis paper describes Dragoon, a simple intelligent tutoring system which teaches the construction of models of dynamic systems. Modelling is one of seven practices dictated in two new sets of educational standards in the U.S.A., and Dragoon is one of the first systems for teaching model construction for dynamic systems. Dragoon can be classified as a step-based tutoring system that uses example-tracing, an explicit pedagogical policy and an open learner model. Dragoon can also be used for computer-supported collaborative learning, and provides tools for classroom orchestration. This paper describes the features, user interfaces, and architecture of Dragoon; compares and contrasts Dragoon with other intelligent tutoring systems; and presents a brief overview of formative and summative evaluations of Dragoon in both high school and college classes. Of four summative evaluations, three found that students who used Dragoon learned more about the target system than students who did equivalent work with...
Case Study of Cuyahoga County, Ohio: The American Way of Ethics

The book opens with the case of influence peddling in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to illustrate “the American way of ethics”—a condition that treats governmental ethical breaches with quick apolitical fixes, including the conspicuous consumption of ethics products, such as ethics codes and training, and the adoption of legal sanctions, which fail as remedies because the partisan status quo remains intact. Although aimed at ameliorating public outrage over corrupted governments, the quick ethics fixes dismantle the discretion of career public servants by reducing their moral responsibility and criminalizing democratic public service. The book then suggests the political ethics of public service as an alternative providing a better approach for balancing change and continuity in morally tainted governments without demonizing career public servants.
Rodent macrophages metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D3in, vitro☆

Abstract Rodent macrophages metabolized 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to an unidentified metabolite during in , vitro incubations. The production of this macrophage-derived metabolite of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 increased as the substrate concentration was raised. A two step high pressure liquid chromatography system revealed a unique elution position of this macrophage-derived metabolite that did not match the elution positions of any of the vitamin D3 metabolites available in this laboratory. This unique metabolite was formed in , vitro within one minute by incubated macrophages although its formation increased gradually up to 60 minutes of incubation.
Laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A five-year experience.

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has rapidly become the preferred surgical treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but its long-term efficacy for this disorder is unproved. This report documents the author's 5-year experience with, and long-term follow-up of, LS for ITP.
Clonal Propagation, Forest Trees

Because of the growing global demand for forest products, higher yields and uniform product quality are needed. This challenge can be addressed using clonal propagation and genetic improvement. In vitro cloning allows the mass propagation of trees in two ways, through organogenesis and through somatic embryogenesis, but the success of these procedures depends on the species. Organogenesis has been practical in several angiosperm trees. Somatic embryogenesis, especially in combination with cryopreservation, has also opened promising possibilities for conifers. Cloning techniques also include the regeneration of plants of different ploidy, embryo rescue, somatic hybridization and cybridization by protoplast fusion, and genetic transformation, and are being actively explored to improve the yield and quality of wood.
Topological resilience of complex networks against failure and attack

Complex networks describe a variety of systems in nature and society. The past ten years have seen a dramatic increase in research on these networks. Network science is now an emerging discipline that addresses the defining characteristics of complex networks. This paper presents some of the characteristics of complex networks that affect their performance. Complex networks in this paper are typified as random networks, small-world networks, and scale-free networks. In addition to discussing some of the generic properties of these networks, this paper focuses on a comparison among the networks for their resilience against failure and attack. The small-world (WS) network is found to have the best resilience compared to others because of its highly clustered feature. The results help one gain a better understanding of the field.
Feasibility of a Mobile Cognitive Intervention in Childhood Absence Epilepsy

Children with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) frequently present with cognitive comorbidities and school performance concerns. The present study evaluated the feasibility of an intervention for such comorbidities using a mobile cognitive therapy application on an iPad. Eight children with CAE and school concerns aged 7-11 participated in a four-week intervention. They were asked to use the application for 80 minutes per week (20 minutes/day, 4 times/week). Parents and children completed satisfaction surveys regarding the application. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Cognitive Domain of the NIH Toolbox and by parental completion of the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). All eight patients completed the study, using the iPad for an average of 78 minutes/week. Children and parents reported high satisfaction with the application. Though a demonstration of efficacy was not the focus of the study, performance improvements were noted on a processing speed task and on a measure of fluid intelligence. An iPad based cognitive therapy was found to be a feasible intervention for children with CAE.
The “5 Horsemen of the Apothecary”: Lessons to be learned by the top pharmaceutical performers for 2014–2009:

The years 2007 to March 2009 set in motion a severe economic global downturn. The pharmaceutical sector suffered less than other sectors. As global economies started to rise from the depths of the severe recession, some pharmaceutical firms outperformed their peers. This report analyzes the performance of the 22 top (by sales revenue) publicly traded drug firms over six metrics. The report concludes with an assessment of why certain pharmaceutical firms outperformed their peers over the time period: 2009–2014.
Global Stability of Nonlinear Stochastic SEI Epidemic Model with Fluctuations in Transmission Rate of Disease

We derive and analyze the dynamic of a stochastic SEI epidemic model for disease spread. Fluctuations in the transmission rate of the disease bring about stochasticity in model. We discuss the asymptotic stability of the infection-free equilibrium by first deriving the closed form deterministic ( ) and stochastic ( ) basic reproductive number. Contrary to some author’s remark that different diffusion rates have no effect on the stability of the disease-free equilibrium, we showed that even if no epidemic invasion occurs with respect to the deterministic version of the SEI model (i.e., ), epidemic can still grow initially (if ) because of the presence of noise in the stochastic version of the model. That is, diffusion rates can have effect on the stability by causing a transient epidemic advance. A threshold criterion for epidemic invasion was derived in the presence of external noise.
Background Limited 128×128 GaAs/AlGaAs Multiple Quantum well Infrared Focal Plane Array

The performance of 9 μm GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well focal plane arrays (FPA) is reported including the first achievement of background-limited infrared photodetector (BLIP) sensitivity at low photon backgrounds ( 99.4% pixel operability has been achieved at 35–40K operating temperature at background as low as 1.2×l010 photons/cm2-s. Mean D* of 4.51×l013 cm-Hz1/2/W was measured at 35K, which corresponds to 75% of BLIP for the measured effective quantum efficiency of ~1.0%. Typical noise equivalent temperature difference of ≈8 mK and detectivity >4×l010 cm-Hz1/2/W were measured at conventional imaging backgrounds at up to 65K operating temperature. Also reported is progress in improving the effective quantum efficiency to about 10% with low optical crosstalk using two-dimensional gratings, resonant cavity structure and mechanical thinning. This work was performed under DARPA Contract N00014-91-C-0163 for Mr. Raymond Balcerak.
Microstructure control of macroscopic graphene paper by electrospray deposition and its effect on thermal and electrical conductivities

Macroscopic graphene paper is fabricated by an electrospray deposition approach, and the microstructure can be controlled from highly porous to highly compact geometries by varying deposition parameters including graphene colloid concentration and deposition rate. Free-standing graphene films can be separated from substrates via a simple water exfoliation method in which the surface properties of graphene films and substrates control film exfoliation. Specifically, water exfoliation can be achieved when the contact angle of substrates is 64° or below. Thermal and electrical conductivities of the macroscopic graphene paper upon thermal annealing are measured, enabling the establishment of the process-microstructure-property correlation beneficial for further development and property manipulation of graphene-based materials.
US Media Coverage of Tobacco Industry Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Media coverage of tobacco industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives represents a competitive field where tobacco control advocates and the tobacco industry vie to shape public and policymaker understandings about tobacco control and the industry. Through a content analysis of 649 US news items, we examined US media coverage of tobacco industry CSR and identified characteristics of media items associated with positive coverage. Most coverage appeared in local newspapers, and CSR initiatives unrelated to tobacco, with non-controversial beneficiaries, were most commonly mentioned. Coverage was largely positive. Tobacco control advocates were infrequently cited as sources and rarely authored opinion pieces; however, when their voices were included, coverage was less likely to have a positive slant. Media items published in the South, home to several tobacco company headquarters, were more likely than those published in the West to have a positive slant. The absence of tobacco control advocates from media coverage represents a missed opportunity to influence opinion regarding the negative public health implications of tobacco industry CSR. Countering the media narrative of virtuous companies doing good deeds could be particularly beneficial in the South, where the burdens of tobacco-caused disease are greatest, and coverage of tobacco companies more positive.
Thermodynamic analysis of coupled mechanical and power systems in data centers

Efficient power system design in modern data centers is of great importance due to the rapid growth of their energy demand. This study determines the impact of modeling the inherent coupling between data center power distribution and cooling systems on their predicted data center energy consumption. A novel solution technique that performs this coupling was created in the flow network modeling tool Villanova Thermodynamic Analysis of Systems (VTAS). First, a standalone power distribution framework and its associated component models were implemented into the tool, which were used to compare the energy efficiency of AC and DC-based power distribution strategies. Then, the power and cooling systems were coupled in an analysis of a test data center, showing that the inclusion of the electrical system power losses in the calculations results in a fourfold increase in predicted cooling system partial power usage effectiveness (pPUE). The results demonstrate the significance of including the aforementioned coupling in predictions of data center energy efficiency.
DNA methylation in demyelinated multiple sclerosis hippocampus

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the human central nervous system (CNS). Memory impairments and hippocampal demyelination are common features in MS patients. Our previous data have shown that demyelination alters neuronal gene expression in the hippocampus. DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modifier of gene expression. In this study, we investigated whether DNA methylation is altered in MS hippocampus following demyelination. Our results show that mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase were increased in demyelinated MS hippocampus, while de-methylation enzymes were decreased. Comparative methylation profiling identify hypo-methylation within upstream sequences of 6 genes and hyper-methylation of 10 genes in demyelinated MS hippocampus. Genes identified in the current study were also validated in an independent microarray dataset generated from MS hippocampus. Independent validation using RT-PCR revealed that DNA methylation inversely correlated with mRNA levels of the candidate genes. Queries across cell-specific databases revealed that a majority of the candidate genes are expressed by astrocytes and neurons in mouse and human CNS. Taken together, our results expands the list of genes previously identified in MS hippocampus and establish DNA methylation as a mechanism of altered gene expression in MS hippocampus.
Perioperative Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Lobectomy on Clopidogrel

Background Perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy for patients undergoing pulmonary resection must balance the risk of cardiovascular events with that of hemorrhage. An optimal approach has not been defined in this population. We sought to characterize outcomes of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy on antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel. Methods A prospective institutional database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy from 2007 to 2015 who received perioperative clopidogrel. Patients were grouped according to the timing of clopidogrel discontinuation before operation: group I, 5 days or less; group II, 6 to 14 days; and group III, more than 14 days. Analyses were performed to assess the effect of timing of discontinuation on adverse events. Results Sixty-two patients were identified and included in the analysis. The indication for clopidogrel was coronary artery disease in 44 patients (71%), 35 (56%) of whom had prior stent placement. The overall incidences of transfusion and major cardiovascular events were 16% (10 of 62) and 6.5% (4 of 62), respectively. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions occurred in 4 patients. Three were in patients with stents, all placed more than 1 year before the operation. There were no significant differences identified in estimated blood loss, operative duration, or perioperative deaths. Conclusions No significant outcome differences in perioperative cardiovascular or hemorrhagic events were identified among the groups. Although these findings suggest that clopidogrel may be discontinued shortly before the operation with limited risk of bleeding, we also found that holding therapy for more than 14 days preoperatively may be safe in appropriately selected patients.
Killer T cells with a beta-flavi(r) for dengue.

Dysfunctional immunity is associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Structural analyses reveal that a key germline-encoded contact between the T cell antigen receptor and a peptide underpins the immunodominance of dengue-virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses of weak affinity.
Identification of Potential Location and Extent of Localized Interface Debonding in the Wheelpath of Asphalt Pavements

Debonding between asphalt layers is usually modeled as a global or “smeared” phenomenon across the entire lane. However, field evidence indicates debonding may be limited to a portion of the interf...
Perioperative Management of the Gynecologic Patient on Long-term Anticoagulation

The perioperative management of patients taking antithrombotic or antiplatelet medications is based on an assessment of the individual patient's risk for thrombosis or bleeding, the specific medication involved, and the nature of the planned procedure. This article describes specific strategies for whether and how these medications should be interrupted before gynecologic procedures, when they can be restarted following the procedure, and whether bridging therapy should be considered.
Regulation of Hepatic Amino Acid Transport and Partial Purification of the System A Carrier

Amino acid transport across the plasma membrane is an important site for metabolic regulation. Indeed, in many instances transport actually represents the first step of catabolism. Evidence from several laboratories suggests that transport into the hepatocyte is the rate-limiting step for alanine metabolism when tested at physiological levels of the substrate (Christensen, 1983). The general importance of amino acid flows between the major tissues of the body has been reviewed by Christensen (1982). The concept of metabolic control via translocation of nutrients across the plasma membrane is not new; Exton et al. (1970) proposed that substrate supply was a key regulator of amino acid-dependent gluconeogenesis nearly two decades ago. More recently, Christensen (1983) has postulated that concurrent changes in hepatic amino acid metabolism and accumulation ensure that transport across the plasma membrane remains rate-limiting over a wide range of extracellular substrate concentrations. Data from our laboratory indicate that the hepatic utilization of several amino acids for de novo glucose synthesis may be limited by availability.
Sex Differences in Human Social Behavior: Meta-Analytic Studies of Social Psychological Research

The extent to which women and men differ in their characteristics and behavior is a controversial issue among psychologists and other social scientists. Debates about human sex differences and similarities often have strong political overtones because the conclusions that scientists draw from research findings can have implications for the treatment of women and men in society. Despite the obvious difficulties of addressing a scientific topic that is politicized and therefore especially vulnerable to ideological influences, a very substantial research literature that allows comparisons between men’s and women’s social behavior has been amassed, primarily from research by social psychologists. For a subgroup of these psychologists who are committed to using empirical research to test theories of gender and sex differences, summarizing and interpreting these investigations has become an important activity. This chapter reports these psychologists’ efforts to integrate and understand studies that have compared the social behavior of women and men.
Highlights in the early history of the International Association of Wood Anatomists

The vision of Laurence Chalk (Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford), B.J. Rendle (Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough), and Samuel J. Record (Yale School of Forestry) led to meetings among wood anatomists at the Fifth International Botanical Congress, Cambridge, England during August 1930 for the purpose of holding ‘an informal conference on Systematic Wood Anatomy.’ Following these discussions a committee was formed to consider the question of a formal organisation and to report at the next conference. This was provisionally fixed for July 1931 in Paris coincident with meetings of the Congres International du Bois et de la Sylviculture. At these meetings a constitution was drafted and an Organizing Committee of 9 was established with Record as secretary and Rendle as deputy. This group was charged with enrolling members and carrying out the affairs of the infant Association until a formal Council, as provided in the constitution, could be elected. To this end Record invited a group of internationally known wood anatomists to join the Association as founder or charter members. Thirty-six persons from 14 countries signified their intent to associate with the new society and to participate in its activities. Among the latter were the interchange of ideas and information on wood anatomy, development of a standard terminology, collection and exchange of wood specimens, and encouragement of teaching, research, and publication on wood structure. Members were formally nominated and admission to membership was controlled by the Council. Since these early days the Association has broadened its activities and objectives in conjunction with new technology and expanded fields of anatomical interest. Membership is open, without formal vote, to any actively participating in the aims of the Association.
Postsynaptic localization and regulation of AMPA receptors and Cav1.2 by β2 adrenergic receptor/PKA and Ca2+/CaMKII signaling.

Abstract The synapse transmits, processes, and stores data within its tiny space. Effective and specific signaling requires precise alignment of the relevant components. This review examines current insights into mechanisms of AMPAR and NMDAR localization by PSD‐95 and their spatial distribution at postsynaptic sites to illuminate the structural and functional framework of postsynaptic signaling. It subsequently delineates how β 2 adrenergic receptor (β 2 AR) signaling via adenylyl cyclase and the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase PKA is organized within nanodomains. Here, we discuss targeting of β 2 AR, adenylyl cyclase, and PKA to defined signaling complexes at postsynaptic sites, i.e., AMPARs and the L‐type Ca 2+ channel Ca v 1.2, and other subcellular surface localizations, the role of A kinase anchor proteins, the physiological relevance of the spatial restriction of corresponding signaling, and their interplay with signal transduction by the Ca 2+ ‐ and calmodulin‐dependent kinase CaMKII. How localized and specific signaling by cAMP occurs is a central cellular question. The dendritic spine constitutes an ideal paradigm for elucidating the dimensions of spatially restricted signaling because of their small size and defined protein composition.
Context-Aware Deep Learning-Driven Framework for Mitigation of Security Risks in BYOD-Enabled Environments

The proliferation of smart phones and ubiquitous Internet access enable the emergence of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) as an effective policy to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace. The adoption of BYOD, however, gives rise to a number of security threats, including sensitive information infiltration and exfiltration, DoS attacks and privacy violation. This work proposes a framework to address precisely this issue. The main focus of the paper is on exploring the viability of BYOD in supporting collaboration among team members, in a heterogeneous mobile computing environments. The basic tenet of this work is to leverage artificial neural networks (ANN) and decision tree (DT) machine learning (ML) techniques to identify any attempts for access to sensitive information by nonlegitimate users and to facilitate the framework to baffle their access, in order to protect the data. The goal becomes even more challenging, incorporating the demands for low latency and high accuracy of the framework. The main contributions of the include the formulation of the BYOD unauthorized access control problem, a framework that uses ANN and DT ML techniques to detect anomalous behaviors and to identify unauthorized access to resources on BYOD devices. The proposed security techniques are implemented and evaluated, using a real dataset.
The Effects of Visual Context on Construal Level in Online Shopping: An Abstract

When shopping online, consumers can’t be as certain of the characteristics or quality of what they’re buying as they would be when shopping in a retail store. This uncertainty is often due to a lack of visual information about the product, which can lead consumers to be less likely to make a purchase.
Computational Study of Geometrical Designs for Source/Drain Contacts to Reduce Parasitic Resistance in Extremely Scaled MOSFETs

Comprehensive simulation results are reported for the source/drain (S/D) geometry effects on the drive current of various n-type (Si, In0.53Ga0.47As, Ge) and p-type (Si, Ge) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Full-band Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are run for different S/D structures (“raised” versus “lateral”) at a relevant International Technology Roadmap on Semiconductors node (gate length 14 nm). The “lateral” S/D gives higher drive currents (lower parasitic resistance) than the “raised” S/D because carriers do not need to make large momentum changes through scattering to get injected into the channel or to get collected by the drain, unlike in the “raised” S/D where 90°-turns are required. The S/D geometry effect is significant for novel materials with light effective mass and low scattering rate (e.g., ~20% on-current change in In0.53Ga0.47As) while it is still not negligible (up to ~5%) for conventional Si. The effect is more pronounced with small contact resistivity and low-S/D doping density. The classical model (drift–diffusion) captures only a part of the S/D geometry effect. In MOSFET benchmarking for future technology nodes, it should be critical to consider the S/D structure effect using rigorous models (such as MC) to correctly project the drive current performance, especially for novel materials with high mobility.
On the development of an early warning safety monitor for articulated freight vehicles

An early warning safety monitor (EWSM) that can detect and warn drivers of an impending dynamic instability is proposed to improve the operational safety of articulated freight vehicles. Development of an EWSM involves: (1) quantitative description of onset of roll and yaw instabilities via directly measurable dynamic response quantities; (2) on–line monitoring of dynamic state of the vehicle and analyses; and (3) generation of an early warning on impending instabilities. Directional dynamics of articulated vehicles are investigated to determine vital response parameters related to onset of rollover and jack–knife. Parametric sensitivity analyses are conducted to quantify the dependency of identified response parameters on various design and operating conditions, and to establish reliable response parameters related to onset of dynamic instabilities. The response parameters are further examined in view of ease of on–line acquisition and analyses, and stability criteria are established to identify impending roll and jack–knife instabilities. The design of an EWSM to generate an early warning of the impending instabilities is discussed such that the driver can undertake a corrective action in appropriate time.
Epiaortic Ultrasound for Assessment of Intraluminal Atheroma; Insights from the REGROUP Trial

Objectives To assess the use of epiaortic ultrasound in contemporary cardiac surgery, as well as its impact on surgical cannulation strategy and cerebrovascular events. Design Epiaortic ultrasound data was prospectively collected in the Randomized Endovein Graft Prospective (REGROUP) trial (VA Cooperative Studies Program #588, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01850082), which randomized 1,150 coronary artery bypass graft patients between 2014 and 2017 to endoscopic or open-vein graft harvest. Setting Sixteen cardiac surgery programs within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System with expertise at performing endoscopic vein-graft harvesting. Participants Veterans Affairs patients, greater than 18 years of age, undergoing elective or urgent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest with at least one planned saphenous vein graft were eligible for enrollment. Interventions Epiaortic ultrasound was performed by the surgeon using a high frequency (>7 MHz) ultrasound transducer. Two-dimensional images of the ascending aorta in multiple planes were acquired before aortic cannulation and cross-clamping. Measurements and Main Results Epiaortic ultrasound was performed in 34.1% (269 of 790) of patients in REGROUP. Among these patients, simple intraluminal atheroma was observed in 21.9% (59 269), and complex intraluminal atheroma comprised 2.2% (6 of 269). The aortic cannulation or cross-clamp strategy was modified based on these findings in 7.1% of cases (19 of 269). There was no difference in stroke between patients who underwent epiaortic ultrasound and those who did not (1.9% v 1.2% p = 0.523). Conclusions Despite current guidelines recommending routine use of epiaortic ultrasound (IIa/B) to reduce the risk of stroke in cardiac surgery, in this contemporary trial, use remains infrequent, with significant site-to-site variability.
EUS guided gallbladder drainage

Cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, but it may not be appropriate for patients with significant comorbidities. Percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD) and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ET-GBD) are alternatives with good technical and clinical success rates, but are limited by technical challenges and the need for definitive therapy. EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is quickly becoming the preferred modality of treatment at expert centers in this cohort of patients due to increased efficacy and minimal adverse events. Technicalities of the procedure, including selection of access site, should be informed by the ultimate needs and anatomy of each patient. With the evolution of new stents and accessories, including a cautery-enhanced lumen apposing metal stent deployment system, success rates and adverse events are favorable. A review of published case series demonstrates an overall clinical success rate of approximately 97% for EUS-GBD. The most common complication is pneumoperitoneum, so the evolution of self-expanding LAMS is promising. EUS-GBD has been successfully described in cases where definitive therapy or a bridge to cholecystectomy is needed. As the procedure's applications continue to evolve, there should be greater discussion about specific details including access site and stent selection.
Regional Variation in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction With Cardiogenic Shock in the United States.

Background: There are few studies evaluating regional disparities in the care of acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). Methods and Results: Using the National Inpatient Sample fro...
Family Socioeconomic Status and Exposure to Childhood Trauma: Racial Differences

Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to weaker effects of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as parental educational attainment and family income in generating tangible childhood outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities compared to the majority group, a pattern prevalent in the US. Our existing knowledge is minimal, however, about diminished returns of family SES on reducing exposure to childhood trauma. Aim: To determine if there was a difference between non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) in the effect of SES on exposure to childhood trauma among children ages 8–11 years old. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 4696 NHW or NHB American 8–11-year-old children who were participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. The independent variables were parental educational attainment and family income. The primary outcome was exposure to 1 or 2+ childhood traumas, measured by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) semi-structured interview. Polynomial regression was used for data analysis. Results: Parental education and family income had statistically significant protective (negative) effects on childhood trauma, indicating children from high income and highly educated families were exposed to a lower level of childhood trauma. However, race/ethnicity showed statistically significant interactions with parental education and family income on exposure to childhood trauma, indicating weaker protective effects of parental education and family income on reducing exposure to trauma for NHB compared to NHW children. Race-specific models showed protective effects of parental education and family income on exposure to childhood trauma for NHW but not NHB children. Conclusion: The protective effects of parental education and family income against exposure to childhood trauma are systematically diminished for NHBs compared to NHWs. To minimize the racial/ethnic health gaps, diminished returns of parental education and family income should be addressed. There is a need for programs and interventions that equalize not only SES but also the marginal returns of SES for ethnic groups. Such efforts require addressing structural and societal barriers that hinder NHB families from translating their SES resources into tangible outcomes. There is a need for studies that can minimize MDRs for NHB families, such that SES can similarly secure tangible outcomes in the presence of SES resources.
Deletions in BCP-ALL result in a TAD more FLT3.

The molecular consequences of coding mutations can often be predicted simply from their effect on a gene’s sequence. Noncoding mutations require more work. In this issue of Blood, Yang and colleagues use 3D genomics to make an important contribution to the list of functional noncoding mutations in cancer. They show that microdeletions at 13q12.2 in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) eliminate the boundary of a topologically associated domain (TAD) at the FLT3 locus, which results in higher expression of FLT3, an important driver gene in acute leukemias.