cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LogTM-SE: Decoupling Hardware Transactional Memory from Caches

This paper proposes a hardware transactional memory (HTM) system called LogTM Signature Edition (LogTM-SE). LogTM-SE uses signatures to summarize a transactions read-and write-sets and detects conflicts on coherence requests (eager conflict detection). Transactions update memory "in place" after saving the old value in a per-thread memory log (eager version management). Finally, a transaction commits locally by clearing its signature, resetting the log pointer, etc., while aborts must undo the log. LogTM-SE achieves two key benefits. First, signatures and logs can be implemented without changes to highly-optimized cache arrays because LogTM-SE never moves cached data, changes a blocks cache state, or flash clears bits in the cache. Second, transactions are more easily virtualized because signatures and logs are software accessible, allowing the operating system and runtime to save and restore this state. In particular, LogTM-SE allows cache victimization, unbounded nesting (both open and closed), thread context switching and migration, and paging
The Suburban Spy and the Rise of the New Right: Negotiating Gender Politics in Scarecrow and Mrs. King

This article analyzes how Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983-87) negotiated the political values embedded in the New Right movement and the lived experiences of its female viewers, as divorce rates significantly increased in the 1980s and many women were raising children on their own while holding full-time jobs in the paid labor market. Ultimately, the article concludes that Scarecrow and Mrs. King successfully allowed viewers to adopt both a feminist and postfeminist relationship to the text, but the show privileged notions of sexual difference that bolstered ideologies of the New Right.
Global aerosol remote sensing from MODIS

Global aerosol concentration and size parameters derived from MODIS sensors onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites are continuously being evaluated with ground-based measurements and used for various aerosol studies. These parameters have enabled a two-year assessment of aerosol loading and seasonal trends over several important regions on land and ocean, based on 5 � 5 monthly averages. Similar studies were conducted at higher spatial (50 � 50-km) and temporal (daily) resolutions over selected sites representative of pollution, smoke, dust, and sea-salt aerosol types. Also, a two parameter clustering technique has been employed successfully for categorizing the predominant aerosol types and events affecting selected locations over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In addition, results of regional aerosol radiative forcing calculations over a few regions are reported. 2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
SEX-RATIO BIAS AND CLONAL REPRODUCTION IN THE BRITTLE STAR OPHIACTIS SAVIGNYI

Although the sex ratios of many groups conform to Fisher's (1930) prediction that parents should invest equally in daughters and sons, a number of taxa are characterized by excesses of one gender. A variety of mechanisms may lead to sex ratio biases, but in organisms that reproduce clonally as well as sexually, gender differences in the rate of cloning could drive the development of sex-ratio biases. In this study, I demonstrate that males of the clonal brittle star Ophiactis savignyi were significantly more likely to divide than females and that the magnitude of this difference was sufficient to explain the consistent and significant excess of males in natural populations. Females were significantly more likely to lose sexual reproductive capabilities following division, and this greater cost associated with division may explain why females are less likely to divide. Gender differences in mortality rates are unlikely to explain the excess of males in this species. Because of their potential influence on the operational sex ratio, gender differences in division rates may have important ecological and evolutionary implications including effects on the direction and strength of selection.
Selective elimination of leukemia stem cells: Hitting a moving target

Despite the widespread use of chemotherapeutic cytotoxic agents that eradicate proliferating cell populations, patients suffering from a wide variety of malignancies continue to relapse as a consequence of resistance to standard therapies. In hematologic malignancies, leukemia stem cells (LSCs) represent a malignant reservoir of disease that is believed to drive relapse and resistance to chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKIs). Major research efforts in recent years have been aimed at identifying and characterizing the LSC population in leukemias, such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which represents an important paradigm for understanding the molecular evolution of cancer. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that promote LSC-mediated therapeutic recalcitrance have remained elusive. It has become clear that the LSC population evolves during disease progression, thus presenting a serious challenge for development of effective therapeutic strategies. Multiple reports have demonstrated that LSC initiation and propagation occurs as a result of aberrant activation of pro-survival and self-renewal pathways regulated by stem-cell related signaling molecules including β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). Enhanced survival in LSC protective microenvironments, such as the bone marrow niche, as well as acquired dormancy of cells in these niches, also contributes to LSC persistence. Key components of these cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic pathways provide novel potential targets for therapies aimed at eradicating this dynamic and therapeutically recalcitrant LSC population. Furthermore, combination strategies that exploit LSC have the potential to dramatically improve the quality and quantity of life for patients that are resistant to current therapies.
Diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis by examination of stool and duodenal aspirate with Weber's modified trichrome and Uvitex 2B strains.

Severe, chronic diarrhea is a frequent complication of human immunodeficiency virus disease, and intestinal microsporidiosis is being recognized with increasing frequency in patients with AIDS. Noninvasive, cost-effective techniques are needed to optimize its diagnosis. Weber's modified trichrome stain (MTS) and the fluorochrome Uvitex 2B stain were used to detect microsporidial spores in smears of stool and duodenal aspirate (DA) samples received from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients for examination for ova and parasites. Of 305 samples (292 stool and 13 DA samples) from 140 patients examined by MTS, 83 samples from 26 (18.6%) of the patients were positive for microsporidia (23 patients diagnosed initially and 3 diagnosed upon review). A subset of the samples studied by MTS consisting of 108 smears of stool and DA specimens from 60 patients was examined by Uvitex 2B. All 44 samples positive by MTS were also positive by Uvitex 2B. In addition, seven specimens and three patients were initially detected as positive by Uvitex 2B only (all three patients were positive also by MTS upon review). Confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained for 24 of 26 smear-positive patients by duodenal biopsy and/or stool transmission electron microscopy. Of 114 patients with stained smears negative for microsporidia, 23 had duodenal biopsies which showed no microsporidia. For the 43 patients who underwent duodenal biopsy, the sensitivity of both the MTS and the Uvitex 2B methods compared with biopsy results was 100%. Of six patients with negative duodenal biopsies and positive stained smears, four had microsporidia demonstrated by stool transmission electron microscopy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Structure and promoter/leader deletion analysis of mirabilis mosaic virus (MMV) full-length transcript promoter in transgenic plants.

A full-length transcript (FLt) promoter fragment was isolated from a genomic clone of mirabilis mosaic virus (MMV), a double-stranded DNA plant pararetrovirus belonging to the caulimovirus family. The boundaries required for maximal promoter expression were defined by 5′ and 3′ deletion analysis of the MMV promoter fragments coupled to a GUS reporter gene. The expression patterns of these chimeric gene constructs were evaluated both in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun NN plants and in protoplast transient expression experiments. A 360 bp FLt promoter fragment (sequence −297 to +63 from the transcription start site) was found sufficient for strong promoter activity. The transcription start site (TSS) of the MMV FLt promoter was determined by primer extension analysis using total RNA isolated from transgenic plants containing a MMV promoter:uidA fusion gene. Analysis of the 5′ and 3′ deletion constructs showed that an upstream region (sequence −248 to −193 from the transcription start site) is required for the MMV FLt promoter activity along with the as-1, TATA box regions. In addition, a 31 bp sequence (+33 to +63 from the transcription start site) located downstream of a TATA box is also essential for the maximum expression of the MMV FLt promoter. Analysis of transcripts (mRNA) from these chimeric constructs also indicated that the MMV FLt promoter fragment (−297 to +63 from the transcription start site) has the highest promoter activity. In a comparative analysis the MMV FLt promoter showed much greater activity than the CaMV 35S promoter.
Evaluating Conceptual Metaphor Theory

A major revolution in the study of metaphor occurred 30 years ago with the introduction of “conceptual metaphor theory” (CMT). Unlike previous theories of metaphor and metaphorical meaning, CMT proposed that metaphor is not just an aspect of language, but a fundamental part of human thought. Indeed, most metaphorical language arises from preexisting patterns of metaphorical thought or conceptual metaphors. This article provides an evaluation of the linguistic and psychological evidence supporting CMT, and responds to some of the criticisms of CMT offered by scholars within cognitive science. Some new ways of thinking of conceptual metaphors from the perspective of embodied simulations and dynamical systems theory are also presented.
Anatomical variation at the saphenofemoral junction

Background: This study was designed to document the surgical anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). Methods: The anatomy of the SFJ was recorded diagrammatically in 2089 consecutive groin dissections performed to treat primary varicose veins. The number of primary tributaries, bifid systems, junctional tributaries and the relationship of the external pudendal artery (EPA) to the long saphenous vein (LSV) were recorded. Results: The LSV was bifid in 18·1 per cent of legs. The number of tributaries at the SFJ varied from one to ten. In 33·4 per cent one or more (junctional) tributaries joined the LSV or common femoral vein deep to the deep fascia. The EPA crossed anterior to 16·8 per cent of LSVs. In 4·6 per cent it passed posterior to one large tributary or trunk of a bifid LSV and anterior to the second trunk, making identification of the second trunk particularly difficult. Conclusion: A thorough understanding of the anatomical variations of the SFJ is important in ensuring that the junction is managed safely and adequately in patients with varicose veins. Failure to appreciate these variations may account for a significant proportion of inadequate primary varicose vein surgery. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered mesothelial permeability in the guinea pig following bilateral vagotomy.

SummaryThe Rb86 and P32-orthophosphate permeability of mesentery removed from vagotomized guinea pigs in terminal stages of pulmonary edema was greater than the permeability of mesentery from control animals. The exposure of guinea pigs to air diluted with nitrogen, producing a sometimes fatal anoxia, did not alter mesothelial permeability or lung weight. Exposure of vagotomized animals to an atmosphere rich in oxygen failed to prevent an increase in mesentery permeability or in lung weight. Vagotomy, however, did not alter the permeability of mesentery taken from reserpine-pretreated animals, although high lung weights indicated pulmonary edema. Because it is improbable that vagotomy affected the permeability only of mesenteric mesothelium, increased permeability of pulmonary membranes may play a role in vagotomy-induced pulmonary edema, whether or not hemodynamic abnormalities are also important. The results with reserpine, however, prove that the mechanism is not identical in lungs and mesentery.
Human Cytomegalovirus Tegument Protein pUL71 Is Required for Efficient Virion Egress

ABSTRACT The human cytomegalovirus virion is composed of a DNA genome packaged in an icosahedral capsid, surrounded by a tegument of protein and RNA, all enclosed within a glycoprotein-studded envelope. Achieving this intricate virion architecture requires a coordinated process of assembly and egress. We show here that pUL71, a component of the virion tegument with a previously uncharacterized function, is required for the virus-induced reorganization of host cell membranes, which is necessary for efficient viral assembly and egress. A mutant that did not express pUL71 was able to efficiently accumulate viral genomes and proteins that were tested but was defective for the production and release of infectious virions. The protein localized to vesicular structures at the periphery of the viral assembly compartment, and during infection with a pUL71-deficient virus, these structures were grossly enlarged and aberrantly contained a cellular marker of late endosomes/lysosomes. Mutant virus preparations exhibited less infectivity per unit genome than wild-type virus preparations, due to aggregation of virus particles and their association with membrane fragments. Finally, mutant virus particles accumulated within the cytoplasm of infected cells and were localized to the periphery of large structures with properties of lysosomes, whose formation was kinetically favored in mutant-virus-infected cells. Together, these observations point to a role for pUL71 in the establishment and/or maintenance of a functional viral assembly compartment that is required for normal virion trafficking and egress from infected cells. IMPORTANCE In addition to causing disease in immunocompromised individuals, human cytomegalovirus is the leading known infectious cause of birth defects. To induce these pathologies, the virus must spread from its site of introduction to various organs and tissues in the body. The processes of viral assembly and egress, which underlie the spread of infection, are incompletely understood. We elucidate a role for a virus-coded protein, pUL71, in these processes and demonstrate the importance of maintaining an intricate, virus-induced reorganization of host cell membranes for efficient virus spread.
Strain-Dependent Structural Variants of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 ICP34.5 Determine Viral Plaque Size, Efficiency of Glycoprotein Processing, and Viral Release and Neuroinvasive Disease Potential

The ability of certain strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to cause encephalitis or neuroinvasive disease in the mouse upon peripheral infection is dependent on a combination of activities of specific forms of viral proteins. The importance of specific variants of ICP34.5 to neuroinvasive disease potential and its correlation with small-plaque production, inefficient glycoprotein processing, and virus release were suggested by comparison of ICP34.5 from the SP7 virus, originally obtained from the brain of a neonate with disseminated disease, and the tissue culture-passaged progeny of SP7 (SLP5 and SLP10) and the KOS321 virus. SLP5, SLP10, and KOS321 are attenuated and exhibit a large-plaque phenotype, including efficient glycoprotein processing and viral release. We show that expression of the KOS321 ICP34.5 protein in cells infected with SP7 or ICP34.5 deletion mutants promotes large plaque formation and efficient viral glycoprotein processing, while expression of the SP7 ICP34.5 protein decreases efficiency of viral glycoprotein processing. In addition, a recombinant virus, 4hS1, with the SP7 ICP34.5 gene replacing the KOS321-like ICP34.5 gene in the SLP10a background, rescues the small-plaque phenotype and neuroinvasive disease. The major difference in the ICP34.5 gene product is the number of Pro-Ala-Thr repeats in the middle region of the protein, with 18 for SP7 and 3 for KOS321. Strain-dependent differences in the ICP34.5 protein can therefore alter the tissue culture behavior and the virulence of HSV-1.
A plate oscillating across a liquid interface: effects of contact-angle hysteresis

We consider the oscillatory motion of a solid plate into and out of a bath of liquid. Assuming that the displacement amplitude of the plate motion is small and that the capillary number is small, the problem reduces to solving an interfacial boundaryvalue problem for the response of the contact line. The characteristic contact angle versus contact-line speed relationship includes contact-angle hysteresis which is assumed small and comparable to the amplitude of the plate motion. Sinusoidal and square-wave plate motions are considered. We find that the contact line moves with the plate if the contact line is fixed, but has relative motion otherwise. It would then advance part of the time, recede part of the time, and remain stationary in the transition periods. Further, we find that both contact-angle hysteresis and steepening of the contact angle with increasing contact-line speed are dissipative effects.
The Calcineurin Pathway Inhibitor Tacrolimus Enhances the In Vitro Activity of Azoles against Mucorales via Apoptosis

The calcineurin pathway regulates antifungal drug resistance and the virulence of several major human-pathogenic fungi, including the recalcitrant Mucorales. We hypothesized that the fungistatic triazoles posaconazole (PCZ) and itraconazole (ICZ) become fungicidal in the setting of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (TCR) and that such an effect is mediated through apoptosis. Fungicidal activity and apoptosis were studied using standard microbiological techniques and hyphal metabolic and vital dye reduction assays at 37°C in RPMI 1640. Apoptosis was characterized by detecting intracellular Ca(2+), phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, DNA fragmentation, plasma membrane integrity, chromatin condensation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, caspase-like activity, ATP, and cytochrome c release. MICs for PCZ and ICZ alone were significantly higher (8 to 128 μg/ml) than those of PCZ or ICZ plus TCR (0.25 to 4 μg/ml) for Rhizopus oryzae, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, and Mucor circinelloides. Both PCZ and ICZ in combination with TCR became fungicidal, and their activity was mediated through increased apoptotic cell death of R. oryzae (10 to 50%), C. bertholletiae (5 to 50%), and M. circinelloides (5 to 55%) germlings, with morphological apoptotic changes characterized by externalization of PS, nuclear condensation, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, activation of the caspase-like activity was correlated with cell death induced by TCR plus PCZ or ICZ. These changes correlated with elevated intracellular Ca(2+) and ROS levels and disturbance of mitochondrial potential. We found that PCZ or ICZ in combination with TCR renders Mucorales sensitive to triazoles via apoptotic death. These observations could serve as a new paradigm for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
A survey of metabolic databases emphasizing the MetaCyc family

Thanks to the confluence of genome sequencing and bioinformatics, the number of metabolic databases has expanded from a handful in the mid-1990s to several thousand today. These databases lie within distinct families that have common ancestry and common attributes. The main families are the MetaCyc, KEGG, Reactome, Model SEED, and BiGG families. We survey these database families, as well as important individual metabolic databases, including multiple human metabolic databases. The MetaCyc family is described in particular detail. It contains well over 1,000 databases, including highly curated databases for Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mus musculus, and Arabidopsis thaliana. These databases are available through a number of web sites that offer a range of software tools for querying and visualizing metabolic networks. These web sites also provide multiple tools for analysis of gene expression and metabolomics data, including visualization of those datasets on metabolic network diagrams and over-representation analysis of gene sets and metabolite sets.
Resistant Hypertension and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Primary-Care Setting

We ascertained the prevalence of resistant hypertension (RH) among blacks and determined whether RH patients are at greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than hypertensives. Method. Data emanated from Metabolic Syndrome Outcome Study (MetSO), a study investigating metabolic syndrome among blacks in the primary-care setting. Sample of 200 patients (mean age = 63 ± 13 years; female = 61%) with a diagnosis of hypertension provided subjective and clinical data. RH was defined using the JNC 7and European Society guidelines. We assessed OSA risk using the Apnea Risk Evaluation System ARES), defining high risk as a total ARES score ≥6. Results. Overall, 26% met criteria for RH and 40% were at high OSA risk. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for effects of age, gender, and medical co morbidities, showed that patients with RH were nearly 2.5 times more likely to be at high OSA risk, relative to those with hypertension (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.03-5.88, P < .05). Conclusion. Our findings show that the prevalence of RH among blacks fell within the range of RH for the general hypertensive population (3-29%). However, patients with RH were at significantly greater risk of OSA compared to patients with hypertension.
Is it time to move beyond the "O" in early COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally [1] and is the focus of primary and tertiary prevention programmes [2, 3]. Primary prevention has focused on reduction of risk factors, such as tobacco smoke exposure [4] whereas tertiary prevention has focused on reducing exacerbations or improving symptoms among patients with established disease [5]. Missing from prevention approaches are secondary prevention strategies that find disease because it becomes clinically apparent. The US Preventive Services has recommended that spirometry (which detects obstruction) not be used to screen for COPD [6] and recommendation was confirmed in a guideline document from the American College of Physicians, the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society [7]. The reasons for this recommendation are complex but one of the factors is that, while spirometry can detect mild airflow limitation, not all people with this limitation go on to develop more severe airflow limitation and its clinical consequences or, stated more simply, early COPD may not be the same as mild COPD. Obstruction may not be present in early COPD
PROPOSED NEW STANDARDIZED ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR THE TANAIDACEA (PERACARIDA)

Abstract A summary of terminologies and nomenclature currently or previously employed to describe tanaidacean appendages and somites are presented together with a proposed new standardized terminology for the order Tanaidacea. Standardized expressions and nomenclatures are suggested for all tanaidacean somites, appendages, and their articles, as well as for the orientation of tanaidacean appendages.
Lasting Effects? Hiring Through Referrals and the Post-Entry Career Outcomes of African Americans and Women

The authors examine the effects of referral-based hiring on the number of promotions employees receive after entering organizations and the differences in this effect across demographic groups using a two-study multi-method approach. The first study uses data collected from a single organization on approximately 16,000 employees hired over an eleven-year period, while a second study uses data collected from two experiments. The authors theorize that referral-based hiring will disproportionately increase African American’s and women’s number of promotions because it legitimates otherwise traditionally illegitimate employees within organizations. Consistent with this expectation, the authors find evidence that referral-based hiring has a positive effect on promotions for African Americans compared to Caucasians but no disparate effect on the promotions of women compared to men in the first study. In the second study, and in line with their theorizing, they find evidence that the positive benefits of referrals that accrue to African Americans stem from legitimation benefits that affect careers.
Gastrointestinal allergy in infancy; significance of eosinophiles in the stools.

The syndrome of gastrointestinal allergy as observed in 60 infants is a clinical entity characterized by diarrhea, colic or vomiting, alone or in varying combinations. Diarrhea is almost twice as common as colic or vomiting. The syndrome may be suspected upon the demonstration of clumps of eosinophiles, or large numbers of scattered eosinophiles in the stools. The stools are generally high in mucus content, and the eosinophiles are most numerous in the mucus. A rapid, easy method for demonstrating eosinophiles in the stool mucus is described. The allergic nature of the signs and symptoms is further suggested by: a. The positive family background of allergy. b. The development of other major allergic manifestations in the subsequent course of these patients. c. The striking frequency with which symptoms disappear after the removal of the offending food from the diet. This may be anything in the diet, but is generally cow9s milk. Results may not be apparent until a week has elapsed after specific food elimination. d. Recurrence of symptoms may be demonstrated upon readministration of the offending substance. The ultimate fate of these babies with regard to the development of later allergic disturbances will have to await long range follow-up studies. It is hoped that the control of these early allergic manifestations may minimize later allergic symptomatology. Evidence is presented that the first allergic disturbances may occur in the newborn period.
Exploring the efficacy of an aquatic invasive species prevention campaign among water recreationists

Water recreationists regularly engage in behavior that can contribute to the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), which can result in costly consequences for managers. As AIS prevention is more cost-effective than response, educational campaigns are implemented as a preventative management strategy. However, little is known about the efficacy of education campaigns in promoting recreationists’ knowledge, personal responsibility, and engagement in behaviors that can prevent AIS spread. This study explored the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!™ (SAH!) campaign by conducting survey and focus group research with water recreationists’ in Illinois and Indiana. Results from the survey research indicate moderate campaign success (55 % were aware of the SAH! campaign), and that awareness is significantly related to increases in knowledge, personal responsibility, and engagement in four of the six recommended control behaviors. Additionally, findings demonstrate that boater-anglers were most aware of the campaign (69 %), most knowledgeable of AIS species, and felt the most personal responsibility for AIS control. However, focus group results demonstrate the need for campaign enhancement, including streamlining campaign messaging and increasing campaign exposure. Policy informed by our recommendations may improve the efficacy of educational campaigns to manage recreation behavior and corresponding environmental impacts among multiple water recreationist groups.
Deterlab testbed for cybersecurity research and education

This tutorial will introduce the participants to the DeterLab testbed and demonstrate how to use it in research and in education. DeterLab is publicly available and free network testbed hosted by USC/ISI and UC Berkeley that is geared towards security experimentation. It has 500+ nodes, 3,000+ users and is extensively used both for research and for education. It also has many shared education materials for illustrative hands-on exercises in security that could be used as homework or project assignments in classes. Attendees will learn about DeterLab, its experimentation interfaces and tools, and shared education materials. They will also practice use of several tools to create and manipulate several security experiments. At the end of the tutorial, attendees will be able to create DeterLab experiments and manipulate them with ease.
Analysis of AIDS epidemic from 1997 to 2012 in Jiulongpo District of Chongqing

Objective To analyze the trends of AIDS epidemic in recent years in Jiulongpo District of Chongqing city in order to find out the methods of prevention. Methods The methods of descriptive epidemiology were used to analyze AIDS epidemic report from 1997 to 2012 in Jiulongpo District of Chongqing city. Results A total of 754 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in Jiulongpo District of Chongqing from 1997 to 2012, including 104 cases of death. The reports distributed over all streets and towns, mainly in the city(accounting for 71.49%), then rural areas(accounting for 27.72%). The ratio of male to female was 3.19:1. The patients were found to mainly in the age of 20~49 years old(76.13%), with occupations mainly covering domestic, household chores, the unemployed and worker(41.51%). The paths of transmission mainly included sexual contact(accounting for 80.51%), of which heterosexual transmission accounted for 52.26% and homosexual transmission accounted for 28.25%(MSM). The education degree of the patients included junior school(38.33%), senior shool(25.33%), college and above(21.49%), primary school(13.13%), illiteracy(1.19%) and unknown(0.53%). Conclusion The transmission of AIDS epidemic appears up-down state, spreading from high-risk groups to general population and appearing the trend of fast growth.
Enabling safe freeway driving for automated vehicles

The development of automated vehicles brings new challenges to road safety. The behavior of the automated vehicles should be carefully designed in order to interact with the environment and other vehicles efficiently and safely. This paper is focused on the learning and decision making methods for the automated vehicles towards safe freeway driving. Based on a multi-agent traffic model, the decision making problem is posed as an optimal control problem, which is solved by 1) behavior classification and trajectory prediction of the surrounding vehicles, and 2) a unique parallel planner architecture which addresses the efficiency goal and the safety goal separately. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
On Designing a Social Coach to Promote Regular Aerobic Exercise

Our research aims at developing interactive, social agents that can coach people to learn new tasks, skills, and habits. In this paper, we focus on coaching sedentary, overweight individuals to exercise regularly. We employ adaptive goal setting in which the coach generates, tracks, and revises personalized exercise goals for a trainee. The goals become incrementally more difficult as the trainee progresses through the training program. Our approach is model-based - the coach maintains a parameterized model of the trainee's aerobic capability that drives its expectation of the trainee's performance. The model is continually revised based on interactions with the trainee. The coach is embodied in a smartphone application which serves as a medium for coach-trainee interaction. We show that our approach can adapt the trainee program not only to several trainees with different capabilities but also to how a trainee's capability improves as they begin to exercise more. Experts rate the goals selected by the coach better than other plausible goals, demonstrating that our approach is effective.
Recent Trends and Perspectives for Non-State Actor Participation in World Trade Organization Disputes

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has sparked global attention for the forces which support and combat international trade. Although membership of the WTO is limited to political entities, non-State actors play a vital role in influencing the development of global trade. Non-State actors such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private corporations closely observe and seek to influence international trade.1 Because of the economic, social, political, and environmental effects of trade, there is a nexus between international trade and the concerns of non-State actors. As a way to remedy trade disputes and challenge national trade policies, the WTO dispute resolution mechanism plays a vital role in the WTO’s objectives. Because of its vital role in the WTO, non-State actors closely observe disputes brought before the WTO dispute resolution mechanism. With this, this article asks: does the WTO dispute resolution mechanism provide non-State actors with the ability to participate in WTO trade disputes?2
A Brief History of Radiological Imaging and Its Application in Urology

Soon after X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, abdominal plain films were used to evaluate the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Eventually, contrast was used to further delineate structures and cross sectional imaging techniques were refined. Genitourinary imaging became more specific and integral in surgical planning and monitoring response to treatment. Before these advanced techniques, invasive procedures were often required to confirm the suspected diagnosis as imaging findings often relied on secondary signs. Today there is a wide selection of imaging modalities and protocols that are optimized for the detection of specific urologic conditions, ranging from diagnosing adrenal myelolipomas to staging testicular cancer. Imaging techniques have progressed to include both anatomic and functional imaging such as PET-CT as well as biomarkers which can help predict a patient’s response to treatment. Uroradiology crosses all imaging modalities including radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine. Given the broad range of conditions and modalities, this chapter will focus on the brief history of uroradiology with regards to three common urologic conditions: renal cell carcinoma, urolithiasis, and urothelial carcinoma.
Comparison of dietary habits and plans for dietary changes in black and white women seeking bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Achieving weight loss after bariatric surgery depends on the individual's ability to sustain lifestyle changes involving dietary modifications. Presurgical dietary assessment is critical to evaluate usual dietary habits and identify the need for intervention before surgery. Objectives The objective of this study was to identify usual dietary habits of black and white women seeking bariatric surgery and to examine potential differences between these ethnic groups. An additional aim was to describe participants' plans to change dietary behaviors after surgery. Setting This study examined data from an observational study sponsored by a benefits management group in Louisiana. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a presurgical dietary assessment interview questionnaire collected information on dietary habits. Participants (n = 200) were adult women being screened for bariatric surgery; 54% were white, and 46% were black. Descriptive statistics were calculated and differences between groups were tested using 2-way analysis of the variance. Results Participants reported consuming fast food 2.9 ± 2.6 times per week, fried foods 2.1 ± 1.8 times per week, and desserts 3.4 ± 3.2 times per week. Blacks reported more frequent consumption of fast food ( P P P Conclusions Findings indicated that frequent consumption of fast foods, fried foods, desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages was common among women seeking bariatric surgery. Blacks tended to consume these foods and beverages more often than whites. Current dietary habits and future plans to change dietary behaviors should be addressed before surgery for success. Follow-up studies investigating the assessment instrument's ability to predict dietary adherence and weight loss after surgery are warranted.
Crowdsourcing to promote HIV testing among MSM in China: study protocol for a stepped wedge randomized controlled trial

HIV testing for marginalized populations is critical to controlling the HIV epidemic. However, the HIV testing rate among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China remains low. Crowdsourcing, the process of shifting individual tasks to a group, has been increasingly adopted in public health programs and may be a useful tool for spurring innovation in HIV testing campaigns. We designed a multi-site study to develop a crowdsourced HIV test promotion campaign and evaluate its effectiveness against conventional campaigns among MSM in China. This study will use an adaptation of the stepped wedge, randomized controlled trial design. A total of eight major metropolitan cities in China will be randomized to sequentially initiate interventions at 3-month intervals. The intervention uses crowdsourcing at multiple steps to sustain crowd contribution. Approximately 1280 MSM, who are 16 years of age or over, live in the intervention city, have not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months, and are not living with HIV, will be recruited. Recruitment will take place through banner advertisements on a large gay dating app along with other social media platforms. Participants will complete one follow-up survey every 3 months for 12 months to evaluate their HIV testing uptake in the past 3 months and secondary outcomes including syphilis testing, sex without condoms, community engagement, testing stigma, and other related outcomes. MSM HIV testing rates remain poor in China. Innovative methods to promote HIV testing are urgently needed. With a large-scale, stepped wedge, randomized controlled trial our study can improve understanding of crowdsourcing’s long-term effectiveness in public health campaigns, expand HIV testing coverage among a key population, and inform intervention design in related public health fields. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02796963 . Registered on 23 May 2016.
UMOHOITE FROM CAMERON, ARIZONA

ABS>Studies indicate that the hydrous uranium-molybdate, umohoite, is a more widely distributed mineral than has been previously known. The original crystalline material was found at Marysvale, Utah. Similar crystalline material bas since been reported by Coleman and Appleman from the Gas Hills district, Wyoming. Recently, a new occurrence in a fine-grained form has been discovered at Cameron, Arizona. A similar fine aggregate has been recognized in recently collected material from Marysvale. The identification of fine-grained umohoite has also been confirmed from an undisclosed locality in the U.S.S.R. The change in lattice dimensions under x-ray bombardment or variable conditions of humidity and temperatare has constituted a problem in the x-ray-diffraction study of this mineral. In order to overcome this difficulty, the adsorption of the large ethylene glycol molecule into the water positions has been utilized to stabilize the umohoite structare. This may be accomplished without destruction of the structare. Three coexistent structaral modifications are recognized in umohoite. These are designated Modes 1, 2, and 3. The modes range in intensity of development as shown by x-ray diffraction. In fine-grained uinohoite (Caineron, fine Marysvale and U.S.S.R.) Modes 2 and3 are better developed than Mode 1. In coarser Marysvale uinohoite Mode 1 ismore » more prominent than Modes 2 and 3. The coexistence in the same mineral of three systematic sequences of lattice variation (or modes), each exhibiting a range in crystallinity in response to physical conditions, is an unusual mineralogical feature. (auth)« less
Progesterone: Mechanism of Action

In 1672, Regner de Graaf first published a description of the corpus luteum and recognized that the presence of a corpus luteum is associated with a fetus in utero. The definitive experiments of Comer (1), Allen and Reynolds (2) showed that pregnancy in rabbits is controlled by a product of the corpus luteum — the ovarian steroid progesterone. Nevertheless, at present there is no unifying concept which would define the major role of progesterone in animal tissues. Furthermore, the biochemical actions of this steroid at the molecular level of cell metabolism have been so elusive that it is difficult even to construct a good hypothetical mechanism of action. The biologic effects of progesterone may be grouped as follows: (1) uterine endometrial cells are transformed in such a way that they may receive the early embryo and facilitate its implantation; (2) myometric activity is suppressed, aiding in retention of the embryo during implantation and growth prior to normal parturition; (3) numerous and varied metabolic parameters may be altered which may have no direct impact on maintenance and termination of pregnancy.
Cognitive cross-layer design with QoS provisioning for cooperative wireless networking

Various forms of cooperation occurred in wireless networks though multiple layers including physical, MAC and routing layers have broaden traditional cooperative communications concepts. Although several research have been successfully proposed to design efficient MAC and routing protocols for wireless cooperative networks, the individual cannot guarantee the overall network performance. The cross-layer design is being investigated as a promising approach for QoS provisioning for cooperative wireless networks. However, the cooperation may not be always the best choice when some situations are given, and there is a tradeoff between the cooperative and non-cooperative operations. In addition, the complexity of cross-layer control has also been remained as a challenge to hinder the cooperative cross-layer into real practice. In this paper, we proposed a novel crosslayer architecture with QoS Provisioning for Cooperative Wireless Networking, which can efficiently decide the cooperative operation and choose appropriate cross-layer parameters through sensitive analysis. Our contribution includes two folders: (1) Proposed a novel cross-layer framework for cooperative wireless networks (2) Proposed decision methods for cooperation choice and cross-layer parameter selection.
The Cellular Origin of the Fast Oscillation

We studied the cellular origin of the fast oscillation of the DCERT in two animal models. In the intact anesthetized cat eye, a step of illumination evoked a DCERG similar in waveform and time course to that in the human. The fast oscillation was evident as a Rough between the c-wave and the light peak. By recording with microelectrodes directly across the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), we demonstrated that a decrease in trans-epithelial potential (TEP) was the major source of the fast oscillation. Intracellular recordings from the RPE showed that this TEP decrease was accompanied by a hyperpolarization of the RPE basal membrane. In the lizard, Gekko gekko, a similar but slower sequence of potentials was recorded from an in vitro preparation of neural retina-RPE-choroid. As in cat, a decrease in TEP was generated primarily by a hyperpolarization of the RPE basal membrane. We have further studied this response in the isolated RPE of gecko where it can be produced solely by decreasing [K+] in the apical bathing solution. We conclude that the fast oscillation is initiated by a light-evoked decrease in subretinal [K+] that leads to an RPE basal membrane hyperpolarization.
Asymptotic Expansions of Hermite Functions on Compact Lie Groups

Let G be a compact, connected Lie group endowed with a bi-invariant Riemannian metric. Let ρt be the heat kernel on G; that is, ρt is the fundamental solution to the heat equation on the group determined by the Laplace–Beltrami operator. Recent work of Gross (1993) and Hijab (1994) has led to the study of a new family of functions on G. These functions, obtained from ρt and its derivatives, are the compact group analogs of the classical Hermite polynomials on \(\mathbb{R}^n \). Previous work of this author has established that these Hermite functions approach the classical Hermite polynomials on \(\mathfrak{g}\;\; = \;\;Lie(G)\) in the limit of small t, where the Hermite functions are viewed as functions on \(\mathfrak{g}\) via composition with the exponential map. The present work extends these results by showing that these Hermite functions can be expanded in an asymptotic series in powers of \(\sqrt t \). For symmetrized derivatives, it is shown that the terms with fractional powers of t vanish. Additionally, the asymptotic series for Hermite functions associated to powers of the Laplacian are computed explicitly. Remarkably, these asymptotic series terminate, yielding a polynomial in t.
Simultaneously spatially and temporally focused femtosecond vortex beams for laser micromachining

We combine conventional beam shaping with simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing (SSTF) to generate femtosecond SSTF vortex beams. We demonstrate the utility of these beam structures by producing single-shot encryption of doughnut-shaped ablation marks on the back surfaces of glass plates. The SSTF enables this type of machining by significantly reducing the nonlinear beam distortions on propagation through the glass.
Is It Safe to Fly Patients with Penetrating Trauma in a Rural State

Abstract Background There is limited data pertaining to the triage and transportation of patients with penetrating trauma in rural states. Large urban trauma centers have found rapid transport to be beneficial even when done by nonemergency medical staff. However, there is limited application to a rural state with only a single level 1 trauma center. Materials and methods This a retrospective observational study of 854 trauma patients transported by helicopter emergency services between 2009 and 2015 to the state's only level 1 trauma center. Results After excluding patients with other injuries or lack of data, 854 patients underwent final analysis. Compared with penetrating trauma, blunt trauma had a significantly different chance of survival (92.0% versus 81.2%, P = 0.002) and a significantly different injury severity score (17 ± 12 versus 12 ± 9, P = 0.002). After controlling for blunt injuries, age, gender, injury severity score, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, glasgow coma scale, and dispatch to hospital arrival time in multivariate analysis, blunt trauma had higher odds of survival than penetrating trauma (OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 2.52-14.12; P = Conclusions Penetrating trauma has a higher mortality when compared with blunt trauma in Helicopter Emergency Services transported patients in a rural state. Perhaps a new algorithm in the management of penetrating trauma would include hemorrhage control at a locoregional hospital before definitive care. Further study is required to understand the exact variables that lead to a higher mortality in penetrating trauma in a rural state.
Medication Reconciliation in the Hospital: An Interactive Case-Based Session for Internal Medicine Residents.

Introduction Medication reconciliation is a complex process of creating and maintaining the most accurate medication list for a patient to help guide therapy. Done incorrectly, the process of medic...