cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating effectiveness of twitter messages with a personalized machine learning approach

To improve a tweet in Twitter, we would like to estimate the effectiveness of a draft before it is sent. The total number of retweets of a tweet can be considered as a measure for the tweet’s effectiveness. To estimate the number of retweets for an author, we propose a procedure to learn a personalized model from his/her past tweets. We propose three types of new features based on the contents of the tweets: Entity, Pair, and Topic. Empirical results from seven authors indicate that the Pair and Topic features have statistically significant improvements on the correlation coefficient between the estimates and the actual numbers of retweets. We study different combinations of the three types of features, and many of the combinations significantly improve the result further.
Aspects of sintering CdTe nanoparticles into functional bulk absorber layers

Sintering semiconductor nanocrystals represents a possible low-cost route to creating functional bulk absorber layers for photovoltaic applications. Here we highlight the critical aspects of sintering CdTe tetrapods into smooth, dense, polycrystalline films that are capable of yielding >7% efficient solar cells with just ∼500 nm thick active layers. Despite respectable performance, we find that there is room for improvement regarding the current state-of-the-art processing and device structure. Namely, ‘optimal’ films/devices have exceptionally low photoluminescence yield, grain sizes on the order of 50–100 nm, a metastable ITO/CdTe hole-collecting contact, and CdTe that is not phase pure. Our findings further suggest that this approach to creating functional CdTe absorber layers has great potential beyond the already encouraging results reported in the literature.
Normal pelvic ultrasound or MRI does not rule out neoplasm in patients with gonadal dysgenesis and Y chromosome material.

Summary Introduction Patients with gonadal dysgenesis (GD) with a Y chromosome have an increased risk of gonadal neoplasm. Few data exist on the ability of imaging to detect malignancy in intra-abdominal gonads in these patients. Objective We aimed to determine the correlation between preoperative imaging findings and gonadal pathology in GD patients with Y chromosome material. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients with XY or XO/XY GD who underwent gonadectomy at our institution from 2003 to 2017. Patients were assessed preoperatively with ultrasonography; some additionally underwent MRI. Results The series consisted of 10 patients, all with female gender and non-palpable gonads. Median age was 13.1 years (range 2.4–18.3 years). Overall, four of the ten patients (40%) had a tumor (gonadoblastoma or dysgerminoma) on final pathology. Four patients had a gonad or gonads that were definitively seen on ultrasonography. All visualized gonads were described as “normal” or “small” with the exception of one patient, who had a normal MRI. Three of the four patients in this group had a tumor on final pathology. The remaining six patients had a gonad or gonads that were not definitively visualized on ultrasound; one patient in this group had a tumor on final pathology. Overall, five of seven gonads (71%) definitively visualized on ultrasound had tumor on final pathology, and two of thirteen gonads (15%) not visualized on ultrasound had tumor on final pathology; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Three patients were imaged with MRI. Of the gonads that could be visualized on MRI, no definitive abnormalities were seen. All patients imaged with MRI had tumors on final pathology. Discussion Both ultrasound and MRI are relatively poor at identifying and characterizing intra-abdominal gonads in GD patients. The majority of patients who had a neoplasm had normal imaging findings. Gonads that were definitively visualized on ultrasound were more likely to contain neoplasms that could not be visualized, which perhaps because of tumor growth. No other consistent imaging findings of malignancy were found. Our study included ultrasound evaluations that were completed over 10 years ago and not performed by pediatric ultrasonographers, which may have biased the results. However, results suggest that when discussing gonadectomy with GD patients, one should not be reassured by “normal” imaging findings. Neither ultrasound nor MRI should be relied on for surveillance in GD patients who decide against gonadectomy. Conclusion A normal ultrasound or MRI does not rule out neoplasm in GD patients with intra-abdominal gonads.
Proton therapy for thoracic reirradiation of non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death with frequent local failures after initial curative-intent treatment. Locally recurrent non-small cell lung cancer represents a challenging clinical scenario as patients have often received prior radiation as part of a definitive treatment regimen. Proton beam therapy, through its characteristic Bragg peak and lack of exit dose is a potential means of minimizing the toxicity to previously irradiated organs and improving the therapeutic ratio. This article aims to review the rationale for the use of proton beam therapy for treatment of locally recurrent non-small cell lung cancer, highlight the current published experience on the feasibility, efficacy, and limitations of proton beam reirradiation, and discuss future avenues for improved patient selection and treatment delivery.
Hardware Trojans in Analog and Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuits

Modern designs are a mix of digital and analog circuits, and they exist in many real-life applications such as smart phones, sensors, and wireless communications. While there has been a relatively high concentration on the security of digital circuits, the security of analog and mixed-signal (AMS) integrated circuits (ICs) has not gained enough attention. This chapter studies hardware Trojan design, prevention and detection in AMS ICs, and highlights some of major challenges that demand further research.
A Domain-Based Multinumeric Method for the Steady-State Convection-Diffusion Equation

A multinumeric approach is formulated. The computational domain is partitioned into several subdomains. On each subdomain, either a discontinuous Galerkin method is used or a cell-centered finite volume is used. Both methods are locally mass conservatives and therefore well-suited for modeling porous media flows. Convergence of the method is obtained by deriving a priori error estimates.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE OF THE PANCREATIC SURGICAL PATIENT: The Role of the Intensivist

Improved patient selection and intraoperative techniques have reduced the need for an intensivist in the care of the pancreaticoduodenectomy patient. Perioperative hemodynamic fine-tuning and the precise management of postoperative complications, however, are areas in which an intensivist can offer expert help. An approach to hemodynamic management and the use of mechanical ventilation is offered. Meticulous detail in each organ system is stressed.
Partial Safety Analysis for a Reduced Uranium Enrichment Core for the High Flux Isotope Reactor

A computational model of the reactor core of the High Flux Isotope Rector (HFIR) was developed in order to analyze non-destructive accidents caused by transients during reactor operation. The reactor model was built for the latest version of the nuclear analysis software package called Program for the Analysis of Reactor Transients (PARET). Analyses performed with the model constructed were compared with previous data obtained with other tools in order to benchmark the code. Finally, the model was used to analyze the behavior of the reactor under transients using a different nuclear fuel with lower enrichment of uranium (LEU) than the fuel currently used, which has a high enrichment of uranium (HEU). The study shows that the presence of fertile isotopes in LEU fuel, which increases the neutron resonance absorption, reduces the impact of transients on the fuel and enhances the negative reactivity feedback, thus, within the limitations of this study, making LEU fuel appear to be a safe alternative fuel for the reactor core.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Retinal Diseases

In humans, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene resides on chromosome 6p21.3 (1). Northern blot and primer extension analysis have shown that the human VEGF gene has a single major transcription start site, 1038 bp upstream from the ATG initiation codon. This start site is located near a cluster of potential Sp1 factor binding sites, and the promoter contains potential binding sites for the transcription factors AP-1 and AP-2 (2). A hypoxia response element located upstream of the VEGF genes can bind hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 and may act as an enhancer (3,4). Hypoxia can also increase the half-life of VEGF mRNA, which is intrinsically labile. Binding of HuR, a hypoxia-induced stability factor that is a member of the Elav-like protein family, to an AU-rich element in the 3′-UTR of VEGF mRNA increases the half-life of VEGF mRNA by three- to eightfold (5).
Worsening Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy After Pembrolizumab Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report (P1.458)

Objective: We report a case of severe chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) weakness in a patient with metastatic melanoma treated with pembrolizumab. Background: Management of CIDP associated with cancer remains a therapeutic challenge. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets PD-1 receptor and is indicated for certain types of cancers including metastatic melanoma. Treatment with immunotherapy such as pembrolizumab can result in severe and potentially life-threatening neuromuscular complications such as respiratory compromise due to neuromuscular junction failure and severe neuropathic weakness of GBS type due to cumulative neurotoxicity. Design/Methods: Case report. Results: A 64-year-old man with CIDP presented with two weeks of progressive proximal leg weakness with inability to walk. CSF protein was abnormally elevated at 310 mg/dL. Other CSF and laboratory studies were normal, including CK titer and EKG. He was given full dose IVIG with significant improvement. CT of chest demonstrated multiple lung nodules, whose biopsy revealed metastatic melanoma with unknown primary site. Serum paraneoplastic panel was negative including anti-ganglioside antibody. Pembrolizumab bi-weekly treatments were instituted, with rapid deterioration of his CIDP weakness to near-complete quadriparesis without respiratory or bulbar compromise. Full dose IVIG infusions were continued and timed in a way as not to diminish pembrolizumab benefit for melanoma. For two months, melanoma immunotherapy had to be withheld due to severe and worsening CIDP weakness. Serial CT scans showed resolution of metastatic process. Since cancer remission, pembrolizumab was discontinued. Patient has continued to improve with full dose IVIG every three weeks. Conclusions: Our case demonstrates the need for proactive and inter-disciplinary management of neuromuscular weakness from CIDP in patients with concurrent malignancy treated with new immunotherapies, some of which are associated with considerable neurotoxic effect. Disclosure: Dr. Shimamoto has nothing to disclose. Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rakocevic has nothing to disclose.
CD16a with oligomannose-type N -glycans is the only "low-affinity" Fc γ receptor that binds the IgG crystallizable fragment with high affinity in vitro .

Fc γ receptors (FcγRs) bind circulating IgG (IgG1) at the surface of leukocytes. Antibodies clustered at the surface of a targeted particle trigger a protective immune response through activating FcγRs. Three recent reports indicate that the composition of the asparagine-linked carbohydrate chains (N-glycans) of FcγRIIIa/CD16a impacted IgG1-binding affinity. Here we determined how N-glycan composition affected the affinity of the "low-affinity" FcγRs for six homogeneous IgG1 Fc N-glycoforms (G0, G0F, G2, G2F, A2G2, and A2G2F). Surprisingly, CD16a with oligomannose N-glycans bound to IgG1 Fc (A2G2) with a KD = 1.0 ± 0.1 nm This affinity represents a 51-fold increase over the affinity measured for CD16a with complex-type N-glycans (51 ± 8 nm) and is comparable with the affinity of FcγRI/CD64, the sole "high-affinity" FcγR. CD16a N-glycan composition accounted for increases in binding affinity for the other IgG1 Fc glycoforms tested (10-50-fold). This remarkable sensitivity could only be eliminated by preventing glycosylation at Asn162 with an Asn-to-Gln mutation; mutations at the four other N-glycosylation sites preserved tighter binding in the Man5 glycoform. None of the other low-affinity FcγRs showed more than a 3.1-fold increase upon modifying the receptor N-glycan composition, including CD16b, which differs from CD16a by only four amino acid residues. This result indicates that CD16a is unique among the low-affinity FcγRs, and modifying only the glycan composition of both the IgG1 Fc ligand and receptor provides a 400-fold range in affinities.
Associations Between Physical Activity and Chronic Pain Severity in Youth With Chronic Abdominal Pain.

Objectives The present study aimed to: (1) better understand physical activity levels in youth with chronic abdominal pain and (2) investigate the relationship between day-level physical activity related to next day pain intensity to identify any intraindividual heterogeneity. Methods Seventy-one youth (M=13.34 y, SD=2.67 y) with chronic abdominal pain provided reports of pain severity and continuous objective reports of sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and total sleep time using accelerometers over 14 days. Results Findings revealed that youth with chronic abdominal pain do not meet recommended levels of MVPA per day (M=34.64 min, SD=33.31 min). Further, results indicated a random effect of the previous day's MVPA predicting pain severity. There was a small significant negative effect of within-person total sleep time as a predictor of pain severity. Discussion The current study highlights the importance of separating between-person and within-person differences when examining the relationship between physical activity and pain severity. Future studies should explore moderating factors that may help to explain random effects to better understand the types of individuals with positive or negative relationships between physical activity and pain severity.
Artillery Fungus Sporulation on 27 Different Mulches — A Field Study

Abstract During the last decade, the ‘artillery fungus’ has emerged from an interesting mycological curiosity that grows in landscape mulch to a problem of major financial concern to homeowners, in...
Variety and multiplicity for partitioned factors in Christoffel and Sturmian words

The fundamental results in mathematical music theory due to Clough and Myerson, Cardinality equals Variety (CV) and Structure yields Multiplicity (SM), correspond to statements about Christoffel wo...
Behavior problems, academic skill delays and school failure among school-aged children in foster care: Their relationship to placement characteristics

We describe the level of behavior problems, academic skill delays, and school failure among school-aged children in foster care. We also examine how behavior problems are associated with academic problems, and explore how these outcomes are related to children's placement characteristics. Foster parent and child home interviews, as well as teacher telephone interviews were conducted from a randomly selected sample of 302 children aged 6 through 12 years living in out-of-home placement. Interviews included standardized screening measures. Results showed that 27% of the children scored in the clinical range for a behavior problem, and 34% were rated as having at least one behavior problem in the classroom. Twenty-three percent of the children had severe delays in reading or math, 13% had repeated a grade, and 14% had a history of school suspension and/or expulsion. Behavior problems by foster parent report were related to child suspension and/or expulsion from school, but were not associated with severe academic delays or grade retention. Placement characteristics were only sometimes related to these outcomes. Future studies examining the mental health and educational needs of this population should take into account the child's sociodemographic and placement characteristics.
Minimizing Energy Consumption and Peak Power of Series Elastic Actuators: A Convex Optimization Framework for Elastic Element Design

Compared to rigid actuators, series elastic actuators (SEAs) offer a potential reduction of motor energy consumption and peak power, though these benefits are highly dependent on the design of the torque-elongation profile of the elastic element. In the case of linear springs, natural dynamics is a traditional method for this design, but it has two major limitations—arbitrary load trajectories are difficult or impossible to analyze and it does not consider actuator constraints. Parametric optimization is also a popular design method that addresses these limitations, but solutions are only optimal within the space of the parameters. To overcome these limitations, we propose a nonparametric convex optimization program for the design of the nonlinear elastic element that minimizes energy consumption and peak power for an arbitrary periodic reference trajectory. To obtain convexity, we introduce a convex approximation to the expression of peak power; energy consumption is shown to be convex without approximation. The combination of peak power and energy consumption in the cost function leads to a multiobjective convex optimization framework that comprises the main contribution of this paper. As a case study, we recover the elongation-torque profile of a cubic spring, given its natural oscillation as the reference load. We then design nonlinear SEAs for an ankle prosthesis that minimize energy consumption and peak power for different trajectories and extend the range of achievable tasks when subject to actuator constraints.
Principles of Orthoplastic Surgery for Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Why Is This Important?

Background Regardless of the antecedent etiology, lower extremity salvage and reconstruction attempts to avoid amputation, restore limb function, and improve quality of life outcomes. This goal requires a treatment team well versed in neurovascular pathology, skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction, and physical rehabilitation. Methods A review was performed of historical milestones that lead to the development of orthoplastic extremity reconstruction, principles of current management and the evidence that supports an orthoplastic approach. Based on available evidence and expert opinion, the authors further sought to provide insight into the future of the field centered around the importance of a multidisciplinary management protocol. Results Historically, orthopaedic and plastic surgeons worked separately when faced with challenging reconstructive cases involving lower extremity skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction. With time, many embraced that their seemingly separate skill-sets and knowledge could be unified in a collaborative orthoplastic approach in order to offer patients the best possible chance for success. First coined by the senior author (LSL) in the early 1990s, the collaborative orthoplastic approach between orthopaedic and plastic surgeons in limb salvage for the past several decades has resulted in a unique field of reconstructive surgery. Benefits of the orthoplastic approach include decreased time to definitive skeletal stabilization/soft tissue coverage, length of hospital stay, post-operative complications, need for revision procedures and improved functional outcomes. Conclusion The orthoplastic approach to lower extremity reconstruction is a collaborative model of orthopaedic and plastic surgeons working together to expedite and optimize care of patients in need of lower extremity reconstruction. The implementation of protocols, systems, and centers that foster this approach leads to improve outcomes for these patients. We encourage centers to embrace the orthoplastic approach when considering limb salvage, as the decision to amputate is irreversible.
Narrowband Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar Ambiguity Function Analysis and Design using Angular Harmonics

Bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BSAR) is an emerging remote sensing technology, which utilizes additional geometric complexity to improve the imaging capability. BSAR capabilities are dependent on a combination of waveform spectral properties and collection geometry. In order to develop new BSAR applications, new tools are needed to describe imaging performance for any bistatic collection geometry. The point spread function (PSF) and the associated ambiguity function (AF) fully describe coherent imaging performance but are nonlinear and spatially variant making them difficult to use as a design tool. In this study, a convolutional back projection kernel (CBPK) is used to approximate the PSF in order to overcomes the nonlinear and spatially variant limitations of the PSF, but the waveform spectrum is coupled with the collection geometry. Waveform spectrum is decoupled from collection geometry by transforming the CBPK in to a Fourier series. The PSF and the CBPK are periodic in angle and are represented as a multidimensional Fourier series. The Fourier coefficients can be decomposed into the product of a term dependent on frequency and scene radius and a second term solely dependent on collection geometry. Certain geometries have been identified that can be represented as a Fourier series with fewer dimensions and have more desirable characteristics than higher dimension series. A waveform that varies frequency with time can be used to compensate for a complex BSAR geometry such that the resulting CBPK is represented with a lower dimension Fourier series.
Infinite Impulse Response Echo Canceller in STFT Domain for Reverberant Environments

Acoustic echo cancellation and system identification in reverberant environments have been thoroughly studied in the literature. Theoretically, in a reverberant environment the Acoustic Impulse Response (AIR) relating the loudspeaker signal, denoted reference, with the corresponding signal component at the microphone, denoted echo, is of an infinite length and can be modeled as an Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter. Correspondingly, the echo signal can be modeled as an Auto Regressive Moving Average (ARMA) process. Yet, most methods for this problem adopt a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) system model or equivalently a Moving Average (MA) echo signal model due to their favorable simplicity and stability. Latter methods, denoted FIR-Acoustic Echo Canceller (AEC), employ an Adaptive Filter (AF) for tracking a possibly time-varying system and cancelling echo. Some contributions adopt an IIR system model and utilize it to derive a time-domain AEC and accurately analyze the room behaviour. An IIR system model has also been successfully applied in the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) domain for the dereverberation problem.In this contribution we consider an IIR model in the STFT domain and propose a novel online AEC algorithm, denoted IIR-AEC, which tracks the model parameters and cancels echo. The order of the feed-back filter, equivalent to the order of the Auto Regressive (AR) part of the echo signal model, can be designed to fit the acoustic model and the order of the feed-forward filter, equivalent to the order of the MA part of the echo signal model, is limited to a single tap, thereby requiring that the STFT window is longer than the early part of the AIR. The computational complexity of proposed IIR-AEC is comparable to a Recursive Least Squares (RLS) implementation of FIRAEC. These methods are evaluated using real measured AIRs drawn from a recording campaign and the IIR-AEC is shown to outperform the FIR-AEC.
Die persuasive Wirkung von Anekdoten und Statistiken – Stand der Forschung

Persuasive Botschaften – wie sie auch im Sozialmarketing eingesetzt werden – nutzen zur argumentativen Unterstutzung haufig unterschiedliche Arten von Belegen (vgl. Reynolds & Reynolds, 2002). Die Anfuhrung eines solchen Belegs erhoht dabei die Uberzeugungswirkung einer Botschaft (Reinard, 1988). Die am meisten verbreiteten Formen von Belegen sind sogenannte anekdotische und statistische Belege (Greene & Brinn, 2003).
Job Insecurity and Financial Concern During the COVID-19 Pandemic Are Associated With Worse Mental Health.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether job insecurity due to COVID-19 and financial concern were associated with worse mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Participants (Nâ=â474 employed U.S. individuals) completed an online survey from April 6 to 12, 2020. Linear regressions were used to examine factors associated with mental health. RESULTS: After accounting for demographic characteristics, health status, other COVID-19 experiences, and anxiety symptoms, greater job insecurity due to COVID-19 was related to greater depressive symptoms. Conversely, after accounting for covariates and depressive symptoms, greater financial concern was related to greater anxiety symptoms. Further, greater job insecurity was indirectly related to greater anxiety symptoms due to greater financial concern. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that employers should aim to reduce job insecurity and financial concern among employees during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the associated mental health consequences.
Design and methods of NYC care calls: An effectiveness trial of telephone-delivered type 2 diabetes self-management support

Abstract Although problems with type 2 diabetes (T2D) self-management and treatment adherence often co-occur with emotional distress, few translatable intervention approaches are available that can target these related problems in primary care practice settings. The New York City (NYC) Care Calls study is a randomized controlled trial that tests the effectiveness of structured support for diabetes self-management and distress management, delivered via telephone by health educators, in improving glycemic control, self-management and emotional well-being among predominantly ethnic minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged adults with suboptimally controlled T2D. English- and Spanish-speaking adults treated for T2D in NYC primary care practices were recruited based on having an A1C ≥ 7.5% despite being prescribed medications for diabetes. Participants (N = 812) were randomly assigned to a telephonic intervention condition with a stepped protocol of 6–12 phone calls over 1 year, delivered by a health educator, or to a comparison condition of enhanced usual care. The primary outcome is change in A1C over one year, measured at baseline and again approximately 6- and 12-months later. Secondary outcomes measured on the same schedule include blood pressure, patient-reported emotional distress, treatment adherence and self-management behaviors. A comprehensive effectiveness evaluation is guided by the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) to gather data that can inform dissemination and implementation of the intervention, if successful. This paper describes the study rationale, trial design, and methodology.
Contracting exceptional divisors by the Kähler–Ricci flow

We give a criterion under which a solution g(t) of the Kahler–Ricci flow contracts exceptional divisors on a compact manifold and can be uniquely continued on a new manifold. As t tends to the singular time T from each direction, we prove the convergence of g(t) in the sense of Gromov–Hausdorff and smooth convergence away from the exceptional divisors. We call this behavior for the Kahler–Ricci flow a canonical surgical contraction. In particular, our results show that the Kahler–Ricci flow on a projective algebraic surface will perform a sequence of canonical surgical contractions until, in finite time, either the minimal model is obtained, or the volume of the manifold tends to zero.
Stock Return and the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Canada and the US

Abstract We investigate the dynamic responses of stock return to the unexpected changes in the COVID-19 cases and the uncertainty associated with the pandemic. Using daily data from Canada and the US, we find there is a negative effect of an increase in the COVID-19 cases on the stock market in general. Moreover, the stock return responses are asymmetric in the increase and decrease in the cases in Canada. The asymmetry is caused by the negative impact of uncertainty about the pandemic. We also find that uncertainty adversely affects the US stock market. However, the magnitude is small.
Relationship of Neurofilament Light (NfL) and Cognitive Performance in a Sample of Mexican Americans with Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.

Introduction This study characterized the relationship between plasma NfL and cognition in a community-based sample of older Mexican Americans. Methods 544 participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests and were diagnosed using clinical criteria. NfL was assayed using Simoa. NfL levels across groups and tests were analyzed. Results Difference in NfL was found between normal and impaired groups and was related to global cognition, processing speed, executive functions and a list of learning tasks with a significant negative effect for all diagnostic groups. NfL had a negative impact on processing speed, attention, executive functions and delayed and recognition memory for both normal and MCI groups. Discussion The research supports plasma NfL as a marker of cognitive impairment related to neurodegenerative processes in Mexican Americans and may be a marker of early changes in cognition in those with normal cognition and at risk for developing MCI.
Epidemiology of HIV in the USA: epidemic burden, inequities, contexts, and responses

The HIV epidemic in the USA began as a bicoastal epidemic focused in large cities but, over nearly four decades, the epidemiology of HIV has changed. Public health surveillance data can inform an understanding of the evolution of the HIV epidemic in terms of the populations and geographical areas most affected. We analysed publicly available HIV surveillance data and census data to describe: current HIV prevalence and new HIV diagnoses by region, race or ethnicity, and age; trends in HIV diagnoses over time by HIV acquisition risk and age; and the distribution of HIV prevalence by geographical area. We reviewed published literature to explore the reasons for the current distribution of HIV cases and important disparities in HIV prevalence. We identified opportunities to improve public health surveillance systems and uses of data for planning and monitoring public health responses. The current US HIV epidemic is marked by geographical concentration in the US South and profound disparities between regions and by race or ethnicity. Rural areas vary in HIV prevalence; rural areas in the South are more likely to have a high HIV prevalence than rural areas in other US Census regions. Ongoing disparities in HIV in the South are probably driven by the restricted expansion of Medicaid, health-care provider shortages, low health literacy, and HIV stigma. HIV diagnoses overall declined in 2009-18, but HIV diagnoses among individuals aged 25-34 years increased during the same period. HIV diagnoses decreased for all risk groups in 2009-18; among men who have sex with men (MSM), new diagnoses decreased overall and for White MSM, remained stable for Black MSM, and increased for Hispanic or Latino MSM. Surveillance data indicate profound and ongoing disparities in HIV cases, with disproportionate impact among people in the South, racial or ethnic minorities, and MSM.
Multi-Round Double Auction-Enabled Peer-to-Peer Energy Exchange in Active Distribution Networks

Distributed energy resources, together with information and communication technologies, have transformed the traditional electricity consumers into proactive consumers, namely prosumers. Prosumers can exchange their surplus energy with consumers through peer-to-peer (P2P) energy sharing. In this paper, the framework of P2P energy exchange in active distribution networks is developed using a multi-round double auction (MRDA) with average pricing mechanism (APM) integrated with distributional locational marginal price. The advantages of the proposed P2P framework include, 1) modeling and integration of the costs of voltage regulation, congestion, and power loss into the payments of agents for each transaction; 2) the entire distribution network clustered into multiple zones with transactions cleared at different levels, which decreases the additional costs for successful transactions, reduces the computational time, and increases the number of successful transactions; and 3) the matching algorithm encourages more prosumers and consumers to participate in P2P energy sharing and increases the efficiency and benefit from P2P market. The proposed MRDA-APM framework is validated by testing on the 33-node and 141-node distribution test systems. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism for P2P energy exchange from both technical and computational viewpoints.
Piercing the (Sovereign) Veil

Sovereign nations own more than ten percent of the world’s largest firms and often use these ownership stakes to pursue economic, social, and political objectives unrelated to profit maximization. Sovereign nations also have attributes that other owners lack. Sovereigns do not need an owner's control rights to direct entity behavior; they have the power to regulate. Sovereigns do not need an owner’s economic rights to extract value; they have the power to tax. And sovereigns do not need to hide behind the principle of limited liability; they have sovereign immunity in both domestic and foreign courts. Despite these differences, when deciding whether to respect the separate legal status of state-owned entities, the law generally treats foreign sovereigns just like other owners. This Article highlights flaws in that approach. These flaws derive from the fact that the principle of limited liability does different work for sovereign states than for ordinary shareholders. Because of sovereign immunity, states do not need organizational law (as much) to partition sovereign assets from those belonging to the entity. State owned entities, by contrast, do rely on organizational law for asset protection. Put differently, in the sovereign context, organizational law mostly protects entities, not owners. Indeed, an argument can be made that courts should be more receptive to traditional veil piercing claims when raised against foreign states.
Helping School Psychologists and Districts Estimate the Cost of Adopting the Dual Discrepancy/Consistency PSW Method for SLD Identification

The objective of this study is to assist school psychologists and school districts in understanding the cost of implementing the Dual Discrepancy/Consistency (DD/C) method, which is the most widely...
Appendix C: Astronomical and Calendrical Data in the Tres Riches Heures

It is not surprising that a work of the artistic excellence displayed in the Tres Riches Heures also shows competence on the part of the makers of the calendar which precedes in traditional fashion the devotional sections. What “competent” means in this line of work in the early 15th century is perhaps not obvious to historians of art. We therefore hope to contribute a little to the appreciation of the Tres Riches Heures when we draw attention to some aspects of medieval astronomy embedded in the tables and miniatures which open the book.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Anterior Lunge During 4 External-Load Conditions

Context: Comprehensive analysis of ankle, knee, and hip kinematics and kinetics during anterior lunge performance in young adults has not been studied. In addition, the effects of adding external resistance on the kinematics and kinetics are unknown. Objective: To determine the effects of external load on ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics and kinetics during the anterior lunge. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Laboratory environment. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 16 recreationally active, college-aged adults (8 men, 8 women). Intervention(s): Anterior lunges under 4 external-load conditions, 0% (control), 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of body mass. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ankle, knee, and hip peak flexion, net joint extensor moment impulse, and eccentric and concentric work were computed during the interval when the stepping limb was in contact with the ground. Additionally, 3 summary lunge characteristics were calculated. Results: No significant (P > .05) load effects were noted for peak flexion...
Putting the Diabetes Prevention Program into practice: a program for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction for patients with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The increasing incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have significant implications on health world-wide. Large clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of a comprehensive lifestyle program with a goal of moderate weight loss (5–7%) and regular exercise (150 minutes/week), resulting in a significant decrease in the incidence of type 2 DM and cardiovascular risk.Methods: This study reports on the translation of the multi-center Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) into a cardiac rehabilitation program, utilizing the expertise and experience of a cardiac rehabilitation program staff. The study adapted materials from the DPP to develop a program that fit local needs for diabetes prevention.Results: Most participants completed the program (11 months) and their moderate weight loss was maintained for 11–12 months. At 11–12 months, waist circumference was reduced by approximately 2 inches, percent body fat was reduced by 5% (11% relative decrease, p<.05), weight was decreased by 10.1 pounds (p<.05), and blood pressure was reduced 8/3 mm Hg (p<.05). Exercise, nutrition, glucose, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDLcholesterol were all were significantly improved at 11–12 months (p<.05).Conclusions: Efforts to improve lifestyle and reduce body weight are important to patients at risk of developing diabetes. This program demonstrates that an intensive effort can significantly improve lifestyle and reduce body weight in patients with DM or at risk for DM. A program that simulates cardiac rehabilitation, translated from a successful clinical trial into practice, resulted in significant reduction and improvement in metabolic outcomes and cardiovascular risk. Support for cardiac rehabilitation from insurers to develop similar programs is encouraged and deserves further study.
Pulsed amperometric detection of sulfur compounds: Part I. Initial studies of platinum electrodes in alkaline solutions

Abstract Conventional voltammetric and amperometric techniques at Pt or Au electrodes have not been considered applicable for quantitative detection of most sulfur compounds. This is the result of the observed loss of electrode activity caused by accumulation of sulfurous adsorbates and surface oxides. Pulsed Amperometric Detection (PAD) at Pt and Au is highly sensitive for the anodic detection of sulfur compounds, organic and inorganic, which adsorb on the electrode surface. The detection of thiourea by PAD at Pt is described here, and is concluded to correspond to the surface-oxide catalyzed oxidation of the sulfur moiety of adsorbed thiourea to sulfate. Results reported here for detection in a flow-injection system (FI/PAD) produce linear calibration plots of I p vs. c b at low concentration and linear plots of 1/ I p vs 1/ c b at high concentrations. The detection limit for thiourea is 0.38 ppm (i.e., ca 17 ng/45 μl sample) for the FI system used.
Measurement of vaccination coverage at age 24 and 19-35 months: a case study of multiple imputation in public health.

Childhood immunization coverage in the United States (U.S.) is often measured at age 24 months or, in the National Immunization Survey (NIS) at age of interview, which is between 19 and 35 months. This paper compares these standards. Data from the NIS is used to compare immunization coverage at time of interview, retrospectively among all children aged 24 or more months at time of interview, and obtained via multiple imputation (with 10 imputations) for all children, both nationally, by state, and by demographic groups. At the national level, the difference between the 19–35 month estimate and the 24 month complete-case estimate was 1.9 percentage points. For most but not all states and subgroups, the 19–35 month estimate was higher than the 24 month complete-case estimate. The difference between vaccination coverage measured at 19–35 months and 24 months ranged from -2.3 to 7.5 percentage points among states. For three states, the difference between the 19–35 month and 24 month complete-case estimate was more than 6 percentage points, in twelve states there was a 4–6 percentage point difference, and in sixteen states a 2–4 percentage point difference. Conversely, five states had higher 24 month complete-case estimates than 19–35 month estimates. We found that the coverages at 19–35 and 24 months differ such that they would rarely be adequate surrogates for one another, particularly at a state level. Multiple imputation, which is easily implemented, increases precision of estimates of coverage at age 24 months.
Minimizing the scatter in the Tully-Fisher relation.

The observed scatter in the H-band Tully-Fisher relation is O.45 — O.5 O mag (Aaronson and Mould 1983, Aaronson et al. 1986). In order to yield more reliable information concerning the local form of the velocity-distance relation, it is desirable to obtain relative distances to galaxies that are accurate to 1O%. The present scatter in the Tully-Fisher relation thus needs to be reduced by a factor of 2. In this contribution, we report on the sources of scatter in the Tully-Fisher relation and elaborate on a possible scheme which yields a scatter of only O.25 mag.
Fibrous material in feedlot waste fermented by Trichoderma viride.

Trichoderma viride QM9123 fermented fiber isolated from feedlot waste at concentrations up to 16.7% solids. The fermented fiber solids decreased by 32%, and carbohydrate decreased by 60%. Cellulolytic enzyme production was better with fiber substrates that had been alkali pretreated and had a lower hemicellulose-to-cellulose ratio.
Dirt Lawyers, Dirty REMICs

It is appropriate that the day-to-day practice of real estate law did not touch on the intricacies of the securitization of mortgages, let alone the tax laws that apply to mortgage-backed securities. Securitization professionals did not, however, account for the day-to-day practices of real estate lawyers as they relate to the transfer and assignment of mortgage notes and mortgages when structuring mortgage-backed securities. The consequences of this may turn out to be severe for investors, underwriters, and securitization professionals.One of the consequences of the sale of a negotiable note not done in accordance with the requirements of the holder in due course doctrine is that the purchaser of the note may not be free of the personal defenses that the note maker (borrower) would have had against the original lender. Another consequence of the sale of a note that is not done properly is that the beneficial owner (as opposed to the legal owner) may not be able to collect on the debt if the borrower is in default. And a third – and until recently hidden -- consequence of an improper sale of a note to a secondary market participant is that the purchaser may fail to comply with requirements necessary to obtain favorable tax treatment as a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, a REMIC.
Attenuation of Colitis by Lactobacillus casei BL23 Is Dependent on the Dairy Delivery Matrix

The role of the food delivery matrix in probiotic performance in the intestine is not well understood. Because probiotics are often provided to consumers in dairy products, we investigated the contributions of milk to the health-benefiting performance of Lactobacillus casei BL23 in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine model of ulcerative colitis. L. casei BL23 protected against the development of colitis when ingested in milk but not in a nutrient-free buffer simulating consumption as a nutritional supplement. Consumption of (acidified) milk alone also provided some protection against weight loss and intestinal inflammation but was not as effective as L. casei and milk in combination. In contrast, L. casei mutants deficient in DltD (lipoteichoic acid d-alanine transfer protein) or RecA (recombinase A) were unable to protect against DSS-induced colitis, even when consumed in the presence of milk. Mice fed either L. casei or milk contained reduced quantities of colonic proinflammatory cytokines, indicating that the L. casei DltD(-) and RecA(-) mutants as well as L. casei BL23 in nutrient-free buffer were effective at modulating immune responses. However, there was not a direct correlation between colitis and quantities of these cytokines at the time of sacrifice. Identification of the cecal microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that L. casei in milk enriched for Comamonadaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae; however, the consumption of neither L. casei nor milk resulted in the restoration of the microbiota to resemble that of healthy animals. These findings strongly indicate that probiotic strain efficacy can be influenced by the food/supplement delivery matrix.
States, social capital and cooperation: looking back on 'Governing the Commons'

This paper reflects on Elinor Ostrom’s classic book, Governing the Commons , and much work in sociology, political science and organization studies that has appeared since its publication. We do so in order to expand our understanding of the conditions under which cooperation occurs resulting in the production of collective goods. We explore two issues that were underdeveloped in her book that have subsequently received much attention. First, we discuss how states can facilitate cooperative behavior short of coercively imposing it on actors. Second, we discuss how social capital can facilitate or undermine cooperative behavior. In both cases we focus on the important mechanisms by which each one contributes to the development of cooperative behavior and collective goods. We conclude by extending our arguments to a brief analysis of one of the world’s newest and largest collective goods – the Internet.
High molecular weight tau: preferential localization in the peripheral nervous system

Using epitope mapping we have demonstrated that a high molecular weight protein (Mr approximately 115 × 10(3)) present in brain and spinal cord is a member of the tau family of microtubule-associated proteins. Antibodies directed against the amino-terminal, middle and carboxyl-terminal portions of tau recognize this protein. A limited survey of neuronal tissues has shown that this high molecular weight tau protein is present in brain, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, dorsal and ventral roots and peripheral nerves. High molecular weight tau protein is expressed at higher levels in spinal cord than in brain and is the only form of tau detected in the adult peripheral nervous system.
Metamagnetic Phases and Interplay with Superconductivity of Single Crystal DyNi2B2C

DyNi2B2C with Tc~ 6 K, less than the Neel temperature TN, is particularly interesting. Crystal electric field splitting locks the magnetic moments in the ab-plane at low temperature and a series of metamagnetic transitions is observed with increasing field below TN. Detailed measurments of in-plane magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and resistivity of DyNi2B2C single crystals have been carried out in order to investigate the anisotropic interplay between superconductivity and the magnetic phases.