cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eigen-based Doppler estimation for differentially coherent CPM

Eigen-based methods are developed for obtaining fast and accurate Doppler estimates in both land-mobile satellite and urban microcellular applications. By showing that the correlations of a set of differentially processed CPM signals have the same form as the autocorrelations of a complex exponential in noise, eigen-based spectral estimation techniques are used to provide improved Doppler estimates in noise. The eigen-based Doppler estimators are shown to have significantly less variance and mean square error than previously proposed Doppler estimators that use only simple averaging. >
Gradient methods for the optimization of dynamical systems containing neural networks

An extension of the backpropagation method, termed dynamic backpropagation, which can be applied in a straightforward manner for the optimization of the weights (parameters) of multilayer neural networks is discussed. The method is based on the fact that gradient methods used in linear dynamical systems can be combined with backpropagation methods for neural networks to obtain the gradient of a performance index of nonlinear dynamical systems. The method can be applied to any complex system which can be expressed as the interconnection of linear dynamical systems and multilayer neural networks. To facilitate the practical implementation of the proposed method, emphasis is placed on the diagrammatic representation of the system which generates the gradient of the performance function. >
Learning Words in Space and Time Probing the Mechanisms Behind the Suspicious-Coincidence Effect

A major debate in the study of word learning centers on the extension of categories to new items. The rational approach assumes that learners make structured inferences about category membership, whereas the mechanistic approach emphasizes the attentional and memory processes that form the basis of generalization behaviors. Recent support for the rational view comes from observations of the suspicious-coincidence effect: People generalize category membership narrowly when presented with three subordinate-level exemplars that share the same label and generalize category membership broadly when presented with one exemplar. Across three experiments, we examined the mechanistic basis of this effect. Results showed that the presentation of multiple subordinate-level exemplars led to narrow generalization only when the exemplars were presented simultaneously, even when the number of exemplars was increased from three to six. These data demonstrate that the suspicious-coincidence effect is firmly grounded in the general cognitive processes of attention, memory, and visual comparison.
“Putting the Blessings on him”: Vouching and Basketball Status Work

While being a basketball player is an important identity for kids, it is also an abiding interest for some black men in Philadelphia. Identity is a collective action, created through group interaction and made public through interaction in which friends “vouch” for each other. The criteria for social position and having high social status do not always transfer across social spaces; rather, the space and those who interact in it negotiate and determine which social traits are salient and of high status. This article examines two different types of basketball identity or status—direct and borrowed identity—and explores the way in which those identities are created and used in negotiating group membership and social interaction.
Banana-doughnut kernels and mantle tomography

SUMMARY Theoretical analyses suggest that finite-frequency effects should be considered in tomographic inversions of seismic phase ‘arrival times’ measured with waveform cross correlation at relatively low frequencies. This has led to the development of so-called ‘banana-doughnut [sensitivity] kernels’—hereinafter BDKs. Here we address a practical question: has the use of these kernels produced tomographic images of global mantle heterogeneity that are significantly better than those based on ray theory? A simple model comparison suggests that the answer is ‘not yet’. The effect of BDKs on both the pattern and the amplitude of mantle wavespeed perturbations appears to be smaller than that of practical (and subjective) considerations (such as the level of damping, the weighting of different data sets, and the choice of data fit) and does not exceed realistic estimates of image uncertainty due to, for instance, errors in the data. By itself, the fact that the better theory has not yet resulted in significant model improvements does not imply that models based on BDKs are incorrect. Deep ‘plumes’ may very well exist, but the benificial effect of BDKs on the tomographic images (and on ‘plume’ identification in particular) has been overstated.
Estate Taxes and the Investment Decision in Closely Held Firms

Closely held businesses differ from their publicly held counterparts in the relative importance assigned to planning for estate taxes. When faced with the prospect of an estate taxes liability, owners of closely held businesses may alter their investment behavior. This essay presents a simple model of the investment decision in a closely held business. While finance theory prescribes that firms maximize their value through funding capital projects with positive net present values, this model suggests that the presence of estate taxes may induce the firm to reject projects which, if funded, would add value to the firm. Further, the propensity to pass on value-adding projects increases with both the estate tax rate and the age of the business owner.
Short-Term Climate Extremes over the Continental United States and ENSO. Part I: Seasonal Temperatures

Abstract This study documents statistical relationships between the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon and extreme seasonal temperature anomalies over the continental United States. Relationships are examined for El Nino and La Nina conditions for each of the four standard seasons. Two complementary approaches are used. In the first approach, seasonal temperature anomalies are ranked from coldest to warmest over a 100-yr climate division dataset. Mean Southern Oscillation index (SOI) values are then computed for times preceding or concurrent with extreme seasonal temperature anomalies to define regions where relationships between the SOI and seasonal temperature extremes are statistically significant. In the second approach, seasonal extremes in the SOI, which are generally related to El Nino or La Nina, are first identified, and then the numbers of extreme temperature seasons occurring in association with these events are determined. Comparison of the observed number of extreme seasons with t...
Model of smart solar PV charge controller

The development of smart solar grids will help to provide concentration of power within the grid and eliminate the power losses seen when panels are working insufficiently. It will also allow switching between panels to provide optimal battery charging. Each panel will be characterized by their open circuit voltage and short-circuit currents. This paper presents approaches to implementation of this idea and various uses which will help analyze the functionality of a smart solar grid in the residential market. In particular, implementation of such a system would allow users to program switching between two, and eventually more, independently controlled solar cells, allowing for optimal battery charging according to the panels' electrical outputs. This platform therefore requires a large portion of programming to be integrated with the solar cells as well as the switching interface. Data will need to be stored and computations made to determine the optimal circuitry configuration. One constraint that is already a problem would be the number of cells which can be continually monitored by the program. More cells require either more time to compute data or a faster data processing center, either of which would cost money in the end. In the case of multiple solar cells producing similar output voltages, more than one switch may need to be turned on therefore allowing multiple solar cells, or panels, to take part in charging the battery. With a large portion of this design based solely on a software interface, it becomes hard to design hardware architecture that allows for faster processing. The limitations of the project are based on the limitations of the software developed. Overall performance increases in battery charging efficiency will help balance out any cost or time constraints that may occur during the implementation of such a project.
Diversity and Abundance of Breeding Birds in a Managed Loblolly Pine Forest in Louisiana

ABSTRACT Declines of numerous Neotropical migrant birds have been attributed to habitat destruction and alteration. Forest management activities may promote changes to habitat components and, with the increase in commercial forestry in the South, information on Neotropical migrants in managed forests is needed. We examined the avian communities and habitat characteristics of four forest age classes at Ben's Creek Wildlife Management Area, a managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forest in eastern Louisiana during the 2003 and 2004 summer breeding seasons. Mean species richness and relative diversity in 4–5 and 13–23 y stands were similar and greater than 7–9 y stands, and similar in 1 y stands to other age classes. Of 17 guilds (habitat, foraging and nesting) examined, relative abundance was similar across stand age only for second growth inhabitants and ground gleaning foragers. Frequency of occurrence varied across stand age for 17 of 19 species analyzed. Late-successional bird species occurred with greate...
Heffron v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness

This is the prepublication draft of the Heffron v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness entry for the Encyclopedia of the United States Supreme Court. It contains a summary of the case facts and holdings.
Recent Advances in the Ecology of Rhizobium

Microbial ecology deals with the interactions between microorganisms and their environment. These interactions regulate the biochemical transformations carried out by microorganisms in nature and hence are of great theoretical and practical importance. Information on the ecology of those microorganisms with the ability to transform atmospheric nitrogen into biologically useful nitrogen is particularly critical to the goal of enhancing biological nitrogen fixation. This review will concentrate on the ecology of the nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria of the genus Rhizobium prior to its entry into the root of a crop legume host plant.
Manuscripts and psychohistory.

A review of some recent studies of the kinds of work historians do, written by Maynard Brichford and published in the July 1973 issue of the American Archivist, reminds us again how closely allied the archival and historical professions are and how much new developments in historical research can affect archival work.1 The much-discussed rapprochement between history and the social sciences is a case in point. In i960 H. Stuart Hughes predicted that historians in the decade ahead would try to make their work more substantial by using quantitative methods in the analysis of historical data and by applying the insights of modern psychology to historical problems.2 Fourteen years later, we know that Hughes was right. The American historical profession's fascination with quantification is, as Jacob Price described it, "almost a commonplace,"3 and psychohistory, having survived a less than enthusiastic initial reception, is now the respectable subject of instruction and discussion in college seminars, scholarly journals, and sessions of historical associations. Of special interest and importance to manuscript curators are attempts by historians to combine social science theories with information from documents found in manuscript repositories. Some researchers, like the British historian Alan Macfarlane, insist that the most significant future historical work will rest on such a combination.4 Manuscript curators familiar with the literature on quantitative history and data archives can appreciate the validity of Macfarlane's contention and realize the extent to which the emergence of a new tool of historical investigation can affect the work of people responsible for the sources without which any "scholarly tool, old or
Traders Reacting to Bad News: The SEC versus Goldman Sachs

On the 16th of April 2010 the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that they were bringing charges against Goldman, Sachs & Co. for alleged fraudulent dealings. In this paper I study the actions which financial market participants took in response to this dramatic, negative announcement. Specifically, I study trading in the stock, bond and options markets for Goldman, Sachs securities to examine the choices that traders made when acting upon the news. I find abnormally high volume in all of these markets. Trading volume immediately spiked in the stock market, but showed a delayed increase in the bond market. Volume in Put options spiked immediately following the announcement, and the evidence suggests that such trading was highly profitable for at least 30 minutes following the announcement, a surprising length of time. Traders also implemented volatility trades in the options market, although evidence suggests that they lost money on this activity. Finally, the announcement prompted unusually large volumes of spread trading in both Call and Put options, with the surprising finding that this volume spike was considerably larger in Calls than Puts. All together, the results indicate huge interest in the part of traders to profit from the announcement, even though its public nature in theory could have precluded profit opportunities.
Marketing's Role in the Change to the Metric System

Practically all the nations of the world use the metric system of weights and measures. Yet the United States continues to offer goods, produced according to nonmetric standards, in the world marke...
Daniel Webster and the Politics of Foreign Policy, 1850–1852

S CHOLARS generally assume that, to at least some extent, American foreign policy derives from and reflects domestic policy. Some authorities such as James N. Rosenau accord priority to international events in explaining United States foreign policy, while others such as Lloyd C. Gardner believe that it is fundamentally determined by "domestic pressures."' Wayne S. Cole adopts a middle position, reasoning that "America ' role in world affairs has been the product of both international and domestic influences -both external and internal forces. "2 Regardless of which of these interpretations is advocated, the links between domestic and foreign policy, as Rosenau writes, "are not easily observed and are thus especially resistant to coherent analysis."3 Daniel Webster's incumbency at the Department of State from 1850 to 1852 presents an unusual opportunity to explore the intersection between domestic and foreign affairs. He had served as secretary of state from 1841 to 1843 and had no particular desire to serve in that capacity again when Millard Fillmore asked him to do so in 1850. Webster's main objective in accepting the post for a second time was not to bring his experience to bear on issues of international politics, but rather to further the Compromise of 1850. Accordingly, he made deliberate efforts in specific instances to use his office and foreign policy to promote national unity. The republic was in peril in 1850, not by threat from without but by dissension from within. The internal crisis centered on the issue of whether to exclude slavery from the territories acquired during the Mexican War and was complicated by the boundary dispute between Texas and New Mexico, the Texas debt, the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793, the slave trade in the District of Columbia, and the petition for Mormon Utah's admission into the Union.
Contemporary Religion and the Cisgendering of Reality

This article outlines a generic process in the reproduction of inequality we name cisgendering reality. Based on 114 responses from transgender Mormons and systematic reviews of religious, transgen...
Common Inflammatory Disorders and Neoplasia of the Ileal Pouch: A Review of Histopathology

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the standard restorative procedure after proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who require colectomy. The ileal pouch is susceptible to a variety of insults including mechanical injury, ischemia, fecal stasis, and infectious agents. In addition, the development of recurrent and idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease and neoplasia may occur in the ileal pouch. Although clinical, endoscopic, and radiographic examination can diagnose many ileal pouch diseases, histologic examination plays an essential role in diagnosis and management, particularly in cases with antibiotic refractory chronic pouchitis and pouch neoplasia.
The X(3872) boson: Molecule or charmonium

It has been argued that the mystery boson X(3872) is a molecular state consisting of primarily D{sup 0}{bar D}*{sup 0} + {bar D}{sup 0}D*{sup 0}. In contrast, apparent puzzles and potential difficulties have been pointed out for the charmonium assignment of X(3872). They examine several aspects of these alternatives by semi-quantitative methods since quantitatively accurate results are often hard to reach on them. they point out that some of the observed properties of X(3872), in particular, the binding and the production rates are incompatible with the molecule interpretation. Despite puzzles and obstacles, X(3872) may fit more likely to the excited {sup 3}P{sub 1} charmonium than to the molecule after the mixing of c{bar c} with D{bar D}* + {bar D}D* is taken into account.
The Political Marginalization of Latinos: Evidence from Three Field Experiments

Elected officials have clear electoral incentives to respond to their constituents, however recent experimental studies find evidence of racial bias. We contribute to the growing literature on representation and responsiveness by investigating discrimination against Latinos, the largest minority group in the United States. Through a series of three field experiments at both the national and state level, we examine whether race and immigration status affect how responsive legislators are to constituent requests for assistance. Our analysis reveals that strategic partisan behavior, not racial group membership best explains the differential treatment we observe. Republican legislators are significantly less responsive to undocumented Latino immigrants than they are to white citizens. Democrats, in contrast, do not discriminate against undocumented Latinos. These results indicate that racial minority groups in the United States have dissimilar political experiences and that undocumented Latinos in particular face barriers to inclusion.
Deviant Pornography Use: The Role of Early-Onset Adult Pornography Use and Individual Differences

Personality differences exist between consumers and non-consumers of Internet pornography, but limited attention has been given to the differences in nondeviant adult-only consumers and deviant adult + deviant pornography users. A recent study found individuals who consumed both adult + deviant pornography reported a significantly younger "age of onset" for adult pornography use compared to adult-only users. The current study investigated whether age of onset for adult pornography use and individual differences discriminated between adult-only and adult + deviant pornography use. 272 respondents completed an anonymous Internet-based survey; 46 respondents were non-pornography users, 165 respondents were adult-only pornography users, and 61respondents were adult + deviant pornography users. Results indicated that adult + deviant pornography users scored significantly higher on openness to experience and reported a significantly younger age of onset for adult pornography use compared to adult-only pornography users.
The psychiatry of Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) has been conceptualized as a psychological problem, a neurological problem, and more recently a neurobehavioral problem. Each conceptual model has had an impact on how persons with TS view themselves and how practitioners view individuals with TS, as well as an impact on what both clinicians and patients expect from diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews the common comorbid psychiatric disorders and their relationship to TS, and discusses how the evolving conceptions of TS have impacted psychologically on persons with tics and TS, as well as on the providers who treat them.
The Evolution of Economic Systems: Essays in Honor of Ota Sik

(1991). The Evolution of Economic Systems: Essays in Honor of Ota Sik. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 903-906.
Progeny of Radon (210Pb) as a Tracer and Chronometer in Continents and Aqueous Systems

One of the most widely used progeny of radon is 210Pb, which is utilized both as a chronometer and tracer. Diffusion of radon out of the Earth’s surface results in horizontal redistribution of 210Pb produced from the decay of atmospheric 222Rn, which eventually leads to higher activities of 210Pb in the surface layers of land, oceanic water column and snow/ice fields than that expected from equilibrium with 226Ra. The vertical variations of excess activity is used to obtain ages of the sedimentary layers which are useful for a large spectrum of researchers including biologists, paleoecologists, limnologists, geochemists, speleologists, atmospheric chemists, etc. Pb-210 is also used as a tracer to assess rates and patterns of soil redistribution and for tracing sediment movement in terrestrial and aquatic environments. In this chapter, a brief review of the geochemical behavior of Pb-210 in the environment is presented. Applications of 210Pb as a tracer for soil erosion studies require understanding of the variations of the inter-annual atmospheric depositional fluxes of 210Pb which is also briefly presented. Ice-rafted sediments in the Arctic sea-ice tend to accumulate large amounts of atmospherically-delivered 210Pb and its application as a tracer in the Arctic is summarized. In-depth discussion on most commonly employed 210Pb-based sedimentation-rate models that include constant flux:constant sedimentation (CF:CS) and variable sedimentation models (constant rate of supply (CRS) and constant initial concentration (CIC)) are included. It is now agreed by the scientific community that 210Pb-based chronology must be validated at least by one another independent method and a comparison of 210Pb method with another method (either 137Cs and/or historical time marker, e.g. Hg discharge) is discussed. An example for both cases, one in which there is a good agreement between 137Cs- and excess 210Pb-based chronologies and a case in which there is no agreement between the same nuclides-based chronologiesare presented. A brief discussion on the calculation of residence time of 210Pb in the oceanic water column is also included.
A combined treatment of hydration and dynamical effects for the modeling of host-guest binding thermodynamics: the SAMPL5 blinded challenge.

As part of the SAMPL5 blinded experiment, we computed the absolute binding free energies of 22 host-guest complexes employing a novel approach based on the BEDAM single-decoupling alchemical free energy protocol with parallel replica exchange conformational sampling and the AGBNP2 implicit solvation model specifically customized to treat the effect of water displacement as modeled by the Hydration Site Analysis method with explicit solvation. Initial predictions were affected by the lack of treatment of ionic charge screening, which is very significant for these highly charged hosts, and resulted in poor relative ranking of negatively versus positively charged guests. Binding free energies obtained with Debye-Huckel treatment of salt effects were in good agreement with experimental measurements. Water displacement effects contributed favorably and very significantly to the observed binding affinities; without it, the modeling predictions would have grossly underestimated binding. The work validates the implicit/explicit solvation approach employed here and it shows that comprehensive physical models can be effective at predicting binding affinities of molecular complexes requiring accurate treatment of conformational dynamics and hydration.
Long-term outcomes with transfascial sutures versus tacks in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a review

Although most surgeons report using both transfascial sutures and laparoscopically placed tacks to secure prostheses in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, a significant minority have reported large series in which sutures were omitted. A systematic review of the available literature was conducted for large case series and controlled trials documenting long-term follow-up. Forty-three articles were identified, including 6015 patients whose prostheses were secured with transfascial sutures (with or without tacks), and 2450 patients receiving tacks or staples alone. The mean follow-up time reported was 30.1 months. No significant difference was found in rates of hernia recurrence, mesh removal, prolonged postoperative pain, patient body mass index, or hernia defect size between the two groups. The suture group did experience a significantly higher rate of surgical site infection. Although suture tensile strength is greater than that of tacks, and despite numerous anecdotal reports of hernia recurrence secondary to suture failure or omission, the existing literature does not show superiority of one mesh fixation technique over the other for recurrence, whereas infection rates increase when transfascial suture is used.
Hip-related toxicity after prostate radiotherapy: Treatment related or coincidental?

Abstract Background and purpose To evaluate the incidence and predictors of hip toxicity postradiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Methods and materials 4067 prostate cancer patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT; n =2569; 63%) or brachytherapy with or without supplemental EBRT ( n =1508; 27%). 43% ( n =1738) were treated with neo-adjuvant and concurrent ADT and 57% ( n =2329) with radiotherapy alone. Hip toxicity was defined as moderate or severe pain upon ambulation with or without the need for hip-revision surgery. Median follow-up was 7years (range, 3–21years). Results One hundred twenty-one (2.7%) patients developed moderate-to-severe hip pain after radiotherapy affecting ambulation. Of these, 73 (60%) required hip replacement secondary to persistent hip pain. Among patients with baseline degenerative joint disease (DJD) changes on scans, 10-year incidence of hip-related toxicity was 11% versus 3% for those without such changes ( P P P Conclusions Prostate EBRT or brachytherapy is associated with low incidence of long-term hip-related toxicity. The only variables identified associated with hip toxicity posttherapy was the presence of baseline DJD and prolonged salvage ADT posttreatment for patients developing recurrence.
Platelet-Targeted Expression of Coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) Shows Efficacy for Using the Dog as a Large Animal Model for Gene Therapy of Hemophilia a

In order to develop a large animal model for platelet-targeted gene therapy of Hemophilia A, we transduced normal canine bone marrow with a lentivirus vector under the transcriptional control of integrin αIIb gene promoter driving expression of human BDD-FVIII. Bone marrow was collected from normal dogs and transduced in the presence of recombinant canine c-SCF, c-IL-6, human h-TPO, and h-flt-3/flk-2 ligand differentiation factor. Immunofluorescence analysis using antibodies against human FVIII, and the megakaryocyte-specific marker integrin αIIb revealed synthesis of FVIII within tissue cultured megakaryocytes derived from lentivirus transduced bone marrow cells. This result appeared similar to synthesis, trafficking and storage of FVIII trafficked to α-granules of the murine “small animal” model for hemophilia A and human megakaryoyctes in vitro. To examine the effect of FVIII expression in platelets, in vivo , FVIII-transduced canine bone marrow was xenotransplanted into immune-compromised “NOD-SCID” mice treated with a sublethal dose (350 cGy) of irradiation. Flow cytometric analysis using antibodies specific for canine glycoproteins Ibα and integrin αIibβ3 revealed that circulating canine platelets comprised approximately 20–30% of the total platelet population in whole blood isolated from the mice within four weeks after xenotransplant. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy detected a punctuate staining for FVIII that co-localized with a platelet α–granule protein, P-selectin, within a subpopulation of canine platelets isolated from murine whole blood. In contrast, FVIII was not detected in platelets from control samples. In addition, chromogenic analysis of platelets isolated from mice transplanted with FVIII-transduced bone marrow demonstrated the presence of a biologically active form of FVIII, FVIII:C at 2 mU/ml/lysate of 1×10 8 platelets. These results indicate that canine megakaryocytes are able to synthesize and store a biologically active form of FVIII that can be retained within progeny platelets. We speculate that dogs affected with hemophilia A should serve as an ideal “large animal” model to test if FVIII can undergo regulated release from platelets following physiologic hemostatic response to vessel injury. This raises the possibility of developing a locally inducible secretory pool of FVIII in platelets of patients with Hemophilia A following autologous transplantation of FVIII-transduced hematopoietic stem cells.
New Forms of Evidence: Membership in a Particular Social Group

The category membership in a particular social group is increasingly used in asylum cases, and presents many challenges for how evidence is assessed. Although this is one of the original Convention grounds, the category has been expanded recently to include new types of claims to accommodate the recognition that people are persecuted for a broader range of reasons than was anticipated in the original plan, especially as a basis for claims on the basis of gender and LGBT persecution.We focus on the category of particular social group (PSG) because it has generated significant challenges to assessing deception. First, determining what constitutes a social group is difficult; and second, determining whether an individual applicant belongs to that group proves problematic. The authorities have used standard techniques that are often unhelpful for assessing credibility to make these determinations.
Comprehensive Stuttering Treatment for Adolescents: A Case Study

Purpose This article will focus on a hypothetical case study to highlight comprehensive assessment and treatment for adolescent children who stutter. Method Assessment and treatment are laid out wi...
Caveolin-1 is dispensable for early lymphoid development, but plays a role in the maintenance of the mature splenic microenvironment.

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is known for its role as both a tumor suppressor and an oncogene, harboring a highly context-dependent role within a myriad of malignancies and cell types. In an immunological context, dysregulation of CAV1 expression has been shown to alter immunological signaling functions and suggests a pivotal role for CAV1 in the facilitation of proper immune responses. Nonetheless, it is still unknown how Cav1-deficiency and heterozygosity would impact the development and composition of lymphoid organs in mice. Herein, we investigated the impacts of Cav1-dysregulation on the lymphoid organs in young (12 weeks) and aged (36 weeks) Cav1+/+, Cav1+/−, and Cav1−/− mice. We observed that only Cav1-deficiency is associated with persistent splenomegaly at all timepoints. Furthermore, no differences in overall body weight were detected (and without sexual dimorphisms). Both aged Cav1+/− and Cav1−/− mice present with decreased CD19+CD22+ B cells and secondary-follicle atrophy, specifically in the spleen, compared with wild-type controls and irrespective of splenomegaly status. Consequently, the demonstrated effects on B cell homeostasis and secondary follicle characteristics prompted our investigation into follicle-derived human B-cell lymphomas. Our investigation points toward CAV1 as a dysregulated protein in follicle-derived B-cell malignancies without harboring a differential expression between more aggressive and indolent hematological malignancies.
The Impact of Incarceration on African American Families: Implications for Practice:

African American men constitute a disproportionate percentage of state-prison inmates throughout me United States. The author examines the reasons for this phenomenon and how imprisonment affects t...
A 179-Lux Energy-Autonomous Fully-Encapsulated 17-mm 3 Sensor Node with Initial Charge Delay Circuit for Battery Protection

We propose a fully encapsulated 17-mm3 sensor node with perpetual operation enabled by light harvesting with as little as 179 lux. A battery charging and management circuit is self-starting and supports rapid charging of the battery with a custom GaAs stacked photovoltaic cell. It delays charging until the assembly process is complete to protect the battery from exposure to high temperatures while charged and premature discharge prior to operation.
Rapid Progression of Metastatic Panspinal Epidural Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Discontinuation of Alectinib.

Background Rapid progression of metastatic non−small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors has been described and is associated with a poor prognosis. We describe the first reported case of accelerated NSCLC tumor extension throughout the entire spinal epidural space. Case Description A 68-year-old woman with stage IV ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC presented with acute neck pain, urinary retention, and lower extremity weakness 15 days post discontinuation of alectinib. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast was significant for a new compressive lesion spanning the entire cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, which was new compared with MRI obtained 20 days before and was suspicious for infection. Cervical (C3-C7), thoracic (T9-T12), and lumbar (L3-L5) decompression were performed with collection of culture and pathology specimens. Repeat MRI obtained for acute neurologic deterioration on postoperative day 2 noted further progression of disease and continued thoracic cord compression. After urgent T1-9 laminectomy, specimens were again sent for pathology, cultures, and cytology. No evidence of infection was noted, and all pathologic specimens evaluated were consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma. Despite operative intervention, the patient continued to decline, suffering from recurrent pleural effusions, and eventual cardiopulmonary arrest 11 days after admission. Conclusions The differential diagnosis when evaluating presumed spine epidural abscess should include tumor and metastatic disease, even in cases of rapid development. Recent termination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or ALK inhibitors may result in severe disease flares, and a history of such should raise clinical suspicion for metastatic progression. In addition to cultures, biopsy for pathologic diagnosis should be collected during decompressive surgery.
Symmetrization in Analysis

Symmetrization is a rich area of mathematical analysis whose history reaches back to antiquity. This book presents many aspects of the theory, including symmetric decreasing rearrangement and circular and Steiner symmetrization in Euclidean spaces, spheres and hyperbolic spaces. Many energies, frequencies, capacities, eigenvalues, perimeters and function norms are shown to either decrease or increase under symmetrization. The book begins by focusing on Euclidean space, building up from two-point polarization with respect to hyperplanes. Background material in geometric measure theory and analysis is carefully developed, yielding self-contained proofs of all the major theorems. This leads to the analysis of functions defined on spheres and hyperbolic spaces, and then to convolutions, multiple integrals and hypercontractivity of the Poisson semigroup. The author's 'star function' method, which preserves subharmonicity, is developed with applications to semilinear PDEs. The book concludes with a thorough self-contained account of the star function's role in complex analysis, covering value distribution theory, conformal mapping and the hyperbolic metric.
Resisting Normal: Questioning Media Depictions of Autistic Youth and Their Families

A critical social sciences perspective, critical race and disability studies, media studies, lived experience, and the neurodivergence movement shape a conceptual framework in this paper to critique and resist popular media tropes of autistic people and their families. ‘Normal’ and its modern meanings are presented, followed by a theoretical re-framing. Then, an irreverent and informal critique of one example US newscast highlights the dominant narrative and invites readers to unlearn these myths of normal. Recurring hegemonic news frames reflect a larger culture where familial abuse and violence against autistic people is dangerously presented as reasonable. Counter narratives exist, however. Autism can be understood as a natural, integral, welcome part of a wider human neurodiversity that enriches society. Families and autistic advocates must work together to resist and respond to pressure to conform to myths of normality.
Surviving Dangerous Waters: Teaching Critical Consciousness Against a Tide of Post-truth:

In an analysis based upon an original cartoon image by artist Michael Scalzo, this sociological essay proposes an allegory of critical consciousness within the context of our contemporary sociocult...
Layering Silicon Dioxide (SiO 2 ) Spray Coatings for Improved Photovoltaic Module Efficiency

Due to the negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment, people have been starting to look at renewable energy as an alternative source of power - specifically solar energy (Perkins-Kirkpatrick, & Gibson, 2017; Saboori, Rasoulinezhad, & Sung, 2017; Sturve et al., 2014). Photovoltaic modules are used to harvest energy from the sun by converting solar radiation into electricity. However, the glass on photovoltaic modules, that is used to protect itself from rain and dust, reflects potentially useful light away from the solar cells – thus lowering the amount of transmitted light; this causes the efficiency of photovoltaic modules to drop, making it difficult for people to switch to renewable energy (Ali, Khan, & Jafri, 2014). By layering SiO 2 anti-reflective spray coatings on the glass of a photovoltaic module, the researchers would be able to allow more light to transmit into the solar cells, thus increasing the efficiency of the photovoltaic modules.The researchers had six set-ups, one control and five experimental, with different amounts of layers each (single layer to five layers). The power produced by each set-up was measured using a digital multimeter at seventeen time intervals between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on December 6, 2018; the average temperature on that day was 30 degrees Celsius.It was discovered that the photovoltaic module with two layers of SiO 2 spray coatings performed the best by having a mean power of 4.34 W, while the photovoltaic module with four layers performed the worst by having a mean power of 2.15 W. Using a two-tailed independent samples t-Test, the researchers found out that the difference between the means of the control group and the experimental group with two layers of coating were not statistically different.Layering SiO 2 spray coatings probably improves the efficiency of the module, but the difference is not significant statistically. It is recommended to use an actual SiO 2 film to ensure the purity and thickness of the layers.
What Can the School Do on Behalf of the Psychologically Maltreated Child and the Community.

Schools are capable of taking important roles in preventing and combating maltreatment occurring in the home and community. This article describes these roles and their implications for five catego...
Mandatory employee vaccination as a strategy for early and comprehensive health care personnel immunization coverage: Experience from 10 influenza seasons.

Background Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States and presents particular challenges in health care facilities with a greater prevalence of people at increased risk for adverse outcomes. Annual influenza vaccination has long been recommended, and employer policies influence the likelihood health care personnel are immunized. Methods This is a review of vaccination data maintained by a large health care organization to assess the effects of a mandatory health care personnel vaccination policy implemented during 2008-2009. Vaccination rates, timing of immunizations, and requests for medical or religious exemptions were assessed from 2006-2007 to 2017-2018. Results The health care personnel vaccination rate was 70% during the influenza season before the mandatory policy was implemented and increased to 98.4% immediately afterward. Vaccination rates exceeded 97% during the subsequent 9 years. Religious and medical exemptions decreased at academic medical centers and remained consistent at community hospitals. Among immunized employees, the peak date for vaccination shifted to late September or early October compared to late October or early November before the mandatory policy. Conclusions Requiring vaccination led to sustained increases in staff vaccination coverage at academic medical centers and community hospitals. The mandatory policy also appeared to encourage earlier vaccination.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting Social Security Benefits, and What to Do about It

The economic contraction precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis is causing severe problems in Social Security. These problems include further weakening of Social Security finances, as payroll tax collections plunge during the recession, and a sharp decline in benefits for those eligible to begin collecting Social Security old-age benefits two years from now. To their credit, members of Congress are studying this unfolding crisis, and some are stepping forward with proposed responses. Many of these problems have their roots in Social Security law long predating the COVID-19 crisis, and they are simply being exacerbated or exposed by current conditions. Unfortunately, it is too easy for elected officials to react in a way that makes Social Security’s various problems even worse, as a recently introduced House bill—H.R. 7499, the Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act—would do. This policy brief explains the latest crises as well as other persistent problems facing Social Security and offers guidance on how to address them.
Geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede aggressiven Verhaltens und der Anwendung von Zwangsmaßnahmen bei stationär psychiatrischen Patienten und Patientinnen

Ziel der Studie In einer klinischen Gesamtpopulation aller vollstationaren Behandlungsfalle werden geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede uber 15 Jahre bei fremdaggressivem Verhalten und Zwangsmasnahmen (ZM) uberpruft. Methodik Aggressive Ereignisse werden mit der Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised (SOAS-R) und ZM mit einem hierzu entwickelten Erfassungsbogen von 2005–2019 standardisiert erfasst und retrospektiv hinsichtlich geschlechtsspezifischer Unterschiede ausgewertet. Ergebnisse 82 833 vollstationare Behandlungsfalle (Manner: 55,3 %; Frauen: 44,7 %) gingen in die Untersuchung ein. Wahrend des Erhebungszeitraums wurden 60,1 % der erfassten Ereignisse durch Patienten und 39,9 % durch Patientinnen verubt, allerdings war auf Fallebene das Risiko fur das Auftreten aggressiven Verhaltens fur Manner und Frauen vergleichbar (Odds Ratio: 1,1). Im SOAS-R wiesen Frauen signifikant schwerwiegendere aggressive Handlungen auf, nach subjektiver Einschatzung durch Mitarbeitende werden aber aggressive Vorfalle von Mannern schwerer eingestuft. Diese erhielten zudem signifikant mehr und langer andauernde ZM als Frauen. Schlussfolgerung Das subjektive Erleben aggressiven Verhaltens durch Mitarbeitende konnte dazu beitragen, dass ZM bei Patienten signifikant haufiger und langer eingesetzt werden.
Does Caregiver Participation in Advance Care Planning Using a Decision Support Tool Together With Patients Reduce Caregiver Strain, Burden and Anxiety Over Time? A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Context:Surrogate decision makers experience significant amounts of anxiety, burden, and strain in their role as caregivers and decision makers for loved ones.Objectives:To investigate longitudinal...
DNA double-strand break end synapsis by DNA loop extrusion

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur every cell cycle and must be efficiently repaired. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the dominant pathway for DSB repair in G1-phase. The first step of NHEJ is to bring the two DSB ends back into proximity (synapsis). However, although synapsis is generally assumed to occur through passive diffusion, we show here that passive diffusion is unlikely to be consistent with the speed and efficiency of NHEJ observed in cells. Instead, we hypothesize that DNA loop extrusion facilitates synapsis. By combining experimentally constrained simulations and theory, we show that the simplest loop extrusion model only modestly facilitates synapsis. Instead, a loop extrusion model with targeted loading of loop extruding factors (LEFs), a small portion of long-lived LEFs as well as LEF stabilization by boundary elements and DSB ends achieves fast synapsis with near 100% efficiency. We propose that loop extrusion plays an underappreciated role in DSB repair.
Statistical Computing Related to the Multivariate Normal Distribution

In this chapter we discuss some useful methods concerning statistical computing related to the multivariate normal distribution. Section 8.1 deals with methods for generating random variates from a multivariate normal distribution in simulation studies. The methods involve linear transformations of i.i.d. univariate normal variables, and the linear transformation used in a given application depends on the covariance matrix of the distribution. In Sections 8.2 and 8.3 we discuss numerical methods for evaluating probability integrals under a multivariate normal density function. Special attention will be focused on the computation of the distribution functions of normal variables and of their absolute values (called one-sided and two-sided probability integrals). Equi-coordinate percentage points and probability integrals for exchangeable normal variables and for their absolute values have been tabulated numerically, and the tables are given in the Appendix of this volume. The accuracy and uses of the tables are discussed in Section 8.4.
The superposition of two PH-renewal processes

A large variety of stochastic models may be viewed as systems of two interacting renewal processes. Unless at least one of these is a Poisson process, the analytic properties of the model are difficult to study and are often intractable. It is clear that the greater analytic tractability of such models as the M/G/1 and GI/M/1 queues is due to the memory-less property of the exponential distribution. This tractability is gained, however, at the price of a severe distributional assumption. A useful compromise is found in the introduction of the probability distributions of phase type (PH-distributions). For these, a formalism of matrix manipulations has been developed which extends the elementary properties of the exponential distribution, yet is general and versatile enough to cover the probability distributions needed in a large variety of modelling problems.
Essentialism and Human Nature

Current scientific attempts to characterize human nature have roots in a philosophic view of kinds that is inapplicable to any species in the wake of Darwin's work on evolution by natural selection. Keywords: evolution; philosophy; evolutionary psychology; behavioural ethology; human nature