cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Muon capture and cooling dynamics, capture in solenoidal channels

Ionization cooling is a crucial component of either a muon collider or a neutrino factory based on muon decays. It determines the number of muons, per proton on target, that fall into the acceptance of the accelerator and storage ring. Current studies of cooling channels predominantly use simulations which track many particles, an often time consuming procedure. Analytic models [K.-J. Kim and C.X. Wang, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85(4):760-763; G. Penn and J.S. Wurtele, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85(4):764-767] using equations for the beam moments have been developed. These dynamic equations, similar to the Courant-Snyder description of quadrupole focusing, incorporate the basic aspects of ionization cooling: energy loss and scattering in material, acceleration by radio frequency (RF) cavities, and focusing in solenoid magnets. The moments method is compared to simulations and shown to provide for a reasonable prediction of the percentage of muons captured within a defined lattice acceptance, which is the figure of merit that is customarily used for evaluating the performance of cooling channels in simulations. The moments method is used to evaluate the impact on channel performance of engineering constraints and beam structure.
Service-Delivery Modeling and Optimization

Service-delivery modeling and optimization is a complex problem involving multiple service levels, skill sets, request classes, and service times. In this paper, we describe a comprehensive and scalable end-to-end analytical methodology that we developed and implemented at a global information technology service delivery provider. This methodology provides predictive insight and prescriptive solutions to the problem of staffing service-delivery units in this complex environment. Our solution has been deployed globally at more than 640 service-delivery units and has yielded more than $52 million in cost savings and cost avoidance to date.
Facilitating Difficult Discussions: Processing the September 11 Attacks in Undergraduate Classrooms

College and university educators have a unique and appropriate forum in which to address social issues, the classroom environment. On September 11, 2001, this opportunity became very real. With it came the challenge of facilitating classroom discussions that include myriad views and feelings. Instruction on conducting difficult discussions in a productive, versus destructive, manner is not commonly included in graduate training, leaving many educators without the tools of effective facilitation. An overview of some of the literature on conducting difficult discussions is presented and applied to classroom discussions of the September 11 events. Recommendations on the process component of facilitating are provided, as well as a rationale for why faculty may want to accept this educational challenge.
Cross-Sectional Dating of Novel Haplotypes of HERV-K 113 and HERV-K 115 Indicate These Proviruses Originated in Africa before Homo sapiens

The human genome, human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), of which HERV-K113 and HERV-K115 are the only known full-length proviruses that are insertionally polymorphic. Although a handful of previously published papers have documented their prevalence in the global population; to date, there has been no report on their prevalence in the United States population. Here, we studied the geographic distribution of K113 and K115 among 156 HIV-1+ subjects from the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians. In the individuals studied, we found higher insertion frequencies of K113 (21%) and K115 (35%) in African Americans compared with Caucasians (K113 9% and K115 6%) within the United States. We also report the presence of three single nucleotide polymorphism sites in the K113 5' long terminal repeats (LTRs) and four in the K115 5' LTR that together constituted four haplotypes for K113 and five haplotypes for K115. HERV insertion times can be estimated from the sequence differences between the 5' and 3' LTR of each insertion, but this dating method cannot be used with HERV-K115. We developed a method to estimate insertion times by applying coalescent inference to 5' LTR sequences within our study population and validated this approach using an independent estimate derived from the genetic distance between K113 5' and 3' LTR sequences. Using our method, we estimated the insertion dates of K113 and K115 to be a minimum of 800,000 and 1.1 million years ago, respectively. Both these insertion dates predate the emergence of anatomically modern Homo sapiens.
Ultra intelligence and general Douglas MacArthur's leap to Hollandia, January‐April 1944

(1990). Ultra intelligence and general Douglas MacArthur's leap to Hollandia, January‐April 1944. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 5, Intelligence and Military Operations, pp. 323-349.
A fourth-order numerical method for the planetary geostrophic equations with inviscid geostrophic balance

The planetary geostrophic equations with inviscid balance equation are reformulated in an alternate form, and a fourth-order finite difference numerical method of solution is proposed and analyzed in this article. In the reformulation, there is only one prognostic equation for the temperature field and the velocity field is statically determined by the planetary geostrophic balance combined with the incompressibility condition. The key observation is that all the velocity profiles can be explicitly determined by the temperature gradient, by utilizing the special form of the Coriolis parameter. This brings convenience and efficiency in the numerical study. In the fourth-order scheme, the temperature is dynamically updated at the regular numerical grid by long-stencil approximation, along with a one-sided extrapolation near the boundary. The velocity variables are recovered by special solvers on the 3-D staggered grid. Furthermore, it is shown that the numerical velocity field is divergence-free at the discrete level in a suitable sense. Fourth order convergence is proven under mild regularity requirements.
Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis Estimates for Moments of the System Time of an M/M/1 Queue

We consider infinitesimal perturbation analysis estimates for the derivative of moments of the system time in an M/M/1 queue in steady state. The unbiasedness of these estimates is established for derivatives with respect to the mean service time and the arrival rate. A similar result is obtained for the system time of the ith customer in a GI/G/1 queue with fixed initial conditions.
Concepts of Statistical Inference and the Binomial Distribution

Most readers of this book will already be well acquainted with the binomial probability distribution, since it arises in a wide variety of statistical problems, is simple to understand and use, and is extensively tabled. Our study of nonparametric statistics will begin with a rather thorough discussion of the basic concepts of statistical inference, developed and explained in the context of the binomial model. This approach has been chosen for two reasons. First, some important nonparametric procedures lead to the binomial model, and the properties of these nonparametric procedures therefore depend on properties of binomial procedures. Second, the binomial model provides a familiar and easy context for the illustration of many of the concepts, terms and notations which are necessary for an understanding of the nonparametric procedures developed later in this book. Some of these ideas will be familiar to the reader, but many belong especially to the area of nonparametric statistics and will require more careful study. The reader may also find that even the “simple” binomial situation is less simple than it may have seemed on previous acquaintance.
Effects of Mechanized Thinning and Prescription Fire on Stand Structure, Live Crown, and Mortality in Jeffrey Pine

ABSTRACT Forest thinning, using cut-to-length and whole-tree harvesting systems with subsequent underburning were assessed for their influence on stand structure, health, and fire resilience in uneven-aged Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf). Stand attributes, derived from measuring trees ≥ 10.2 cm diameter at breast height (DBH), were collected from permanent plots. Trees were divided into three size classes that generally corresponded to dominant/codominant, intermediate, and suppressed crown classes. Comparisons of post- to pre-burning mortality revealed significant thinning and fire main treatment effects as well as significant interaction between these two treatments in the two larger size classes. Mortality increased by 250% in the intermediate crown class within the burned stand portion of the whole-tree treatment, whereas among dominant/codominant trees mortality rose by 160% in the burned cut-to-length treatment combination. Pre- to post-burning shifts in live crown, expressed as a percent...
Petri net synthesis and analysis of a flexible manufacturing system cell

The modeling and analysis of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) cell using Petri nets is presented. In order to illustrate how a Petri net with desirable properties can be constructed, the detailed synthesis process for this cell is described. During the process, top-down refinement, system decomposition, and modular composition ideas are used to achieve the hierarchy and preservation of important system properties. These properties include liveness, boundedness/safeness, and reversibility that guarantee the system to operate in a stable, deadlock-free, and cyclic manner. Furthermore, the analysis of a timed Petri net for cycle time is presented. The timed Petri net is first converted into an equivalent timed marked graph by a reduction technique. Then the standard procedure to find the cycle time for marked graphs is applied. >
Human invariant natural killer T cells acquire transient innate responsiveness via histone H4 acetylation induced by weak TCR stimulation

Invariant NKT cells (iNKT cells) are innate T lymphocytes that are thought to play an important role in producing an early burst of IFN-γ that promotes successful tumor immunosurveillance and antimicrobial immunity. The cellular activation processes underlying innate IFN-γ production remain poorly understood. We show here that weak T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation that does not directly activate iNKT cell IFN-γ messenger RNA transcription nevertheless induces histone H4 acetylation at specific regions near the IFNG gene locus. This renders the iNKT cells able to produce IFN-γ in an innate manner (i.e., not requiring concurrent TCR stimulation) upon exposure to IL-12 and IL-18. The iNKT cells retain the capacity for innate activation for hours to days after the initial weak TCR stimulation, although their innate responsiveness gradually declines as a function of histone deacetylation. These results explain how iNKT cells are able to mediate rapid innate IFN-γ secretion in a manner that does not require them to undergo permanent TH1 differentiation. Moreover, our results also indicate that iNKT cell motility is maintained during activation by IL-12 and IL-18. Therefore, iNKT cells activated through this pathway can continue to migrate and may thus disseminate the IFN-γ that they produce, which may amplify its impact.
Single event upset characterization of the SMJ320C6701 digital signal processor using proton irradiation

The proton induced SEU cross-section of the functional blocks of the SMJ320C6701 digital signal processor (DSP) are presented. The cross-sections are used to estimate the upset rates in the space radiation environment.
Studies on the pathogenesis of experimental Candida albicans infections in mice

After intravenous infection with six strains of Candida albicans, the kidney was the only tissue in which infection progressed. More virulent strains of C. albicans could grow out of viable leukocytes after phagocytosis, and produce death in the absence of demonstrable fungal multiplication.Renal infection appeared to be related to penetration of and growth within the renal tubular lumen. In addition, the inflammatory response in the kidneys appeared four hours later than in other tissues. If confirmed, this may be of considerable importance in the well-documented susceptibility of the kidneys to infection with many microorganisms. There was no evidence that invasiveness could be correlated specifically with either the mycelial or the yeast phase; transformation into the mycelial phase was followed by progressive infection only in the kidney.
A Place of Emergent Democratic Practices: Urban Freeway Disputes 1970-1990

This paper aims to work at the intersection of policy and political theory while it considers the interaction between transportation technology and democratic practices located in past disputes regarding the construction of urban interstate freeways in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Interstate policy is an interesting place to look at changing democratic practices because people are engaged as citizens of a particular place rather than as consumers or merely voters. Past confrontations between citizen activists and transportation experts in urban areas offer a rich source of experiences from which we can gain understanding of the conflict between technocratic, administrative agencies and public life defined in human terms at the local level. Additionally, transportation problems require a public solution because it is not possible for members of the public to opt out of the given transportation system. In this paper I argue that incipient forms of deliberative democratic political practices broke through a previously exclusionary bureaucracy via the citizen protests of urban interstates in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the two decades from 1970 to 1990. Although citizens moved further into the design and planning process at this time, further development of structures for meaningful citizen engagement was halted due to lack of funds, lack of commitment, and lack of vision.
On Dummett’s “Proof-Theoretic Justifications of Logical Laws”

This paper deals with Michael Dummett’s attempts at a proof-theoretic justification of the laws of (intuitionistic) logic, pointing to several critical problems inherent in this approach. It discusses in particular the role played by “boundary rules” in Dummett’s semantics. For a revised approach based on schematic validity it is shown that the rules of intuitionistic logic can indeed be justified, but it is argued that a schematic conception of validity is problematic for Dummett’s philosophy of logic.
Technical communique: Deadbeat control of discrete-time systems with singular state matrix using canonical decomposition

The problem of deadbeat control of controllable discrete-time systems with singular state matrix is considered. Our approach is based on the representation of the system obtained by isolating the reachable part of the system and the controllable but unreachable part using the Kalman structure theorem. It is shown that, eigenvalue assignment for controllable but unreachable single-input systems does not lead to a unique control law. In fact, the extra degrees of freedom available can be used to shape the transient response characteristics of the system.
The Supreme Court and the Class Action: Where We Are and Where We Might Be Going

In 2010 and 2011, the Supreme Court decided five class action cases. In 2012, it has agreed to hear four more. This piece summarizes what the Court has done and where it appears to be going concerning aggregate litigation. The goal of this piece is more practical than theoretical: to place all nine cases in context and draw preliminary conclusions about the impact these cases have had and will have -- not only on class action practice, but in other areas, including the Erie Doctrine, waivers of class arbitration, anti-suit injunctions, the binding effect of judgments on class members, enforcement of Rule 10b-5, and the apparent efforts of defendants to front-load litigation by demanding greater consideration of merits-based facts (and qualification of experts) at the class certification stage. The cases dealing with waivers of class arbitration implicate the role of the civil suit in law enforcement. If small (usually consumer) claims cannot be pursued on an aggregate basis, they may never be vindicated; individuals and lawyers will not find it economically feasible to do so. Yet the Court appears unwilling to recognize a public-policy exception to the primacy of contract. Thus, if the underlying contract waives aggregate litigation or arbitration, apparently this will not be trumped by the concern that the relevant law (often consumer protection laws) will not be enforced through civil litigation.
Fault-Tolerant Simulations

IN THIS chapter we discuss the simulation of fault-free prams on fault-prone prams. The simulation is based on a technique for executing arbitrary pram steps on a pram whose processors are subject to fail-stop failures. In each of the specific simulations, the execution of a single N-processor pram step on a fail-stop P-processor pram has the same asymptotic complexity as that of solving a N-size instance of the Write-All problem using P fail-stop processors. We also show that in some cases it is possible to develop fault-tolerant algorithms that improve on the efficiency of the oblivious simulations. Finally, we discuss parallel efficiency classes and closures with respect to fault tolerant simulations.
Exploring the Potential for Technology-Based Nutrition Education for Alaska Native WIC Recipients in Rural Southwest Alaska

Alaska Native People are disproportionately impacted by nutrition-related diseases, and those living in remote communities (e.g. off the road system) are particularly hard to reach with traditional...
Diagnosing Supraventricular Tachycardia: When Physical Examination Trumps the Electrocardiogram.

With readily available access to technology and imaging modalities, the art of physical examination is seldom emphasized in the contemporary practice of medicine. Occasionally, however, the most efficient method by which to make a diagnosis is based on our ability to discern physical signs during examination. A 79-year-old man with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension who underwent 2 previous catheter ablation procedures for treatment of atrial fibrillation, presented with palpitations and a heart rate of 97 beats per minute. His ECG is shown in Figure 1. The differential diagnosis includes sinus rhythm with first-degree atrioventricular block or atrial tachycardia with 2:1 atrioventricular conduction, with a second P wave concealed within the QRS complex. The latter diagnosis should be suspected whenever the P waves of a supraventricular tachycardia are …
Comorbidity in psychosis at first hospitalization.

Objective The authors sought to determine the prevalence and effects of medical and psychiatric comorbidity on initial outcome in a group of patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Method Patients with a first episode of psychosis who were consecutively admitted to a hospital (N = 102) were examined for the presence of psychiatric and medical disorders. Patients were given psychiatric diagnoses with the use of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and were rated weekly on symptom rating scales. Outcome variables at discharge were final symptom rating scale scores, length of hospitalization, and recovery on the basis of operationalized criteria. Results Comorbid diagnoses were present in 52.0% (N = 53) of the patients, and 37.7% (N = 20) had multiple comorbid diagnoses. The most common comorbid diagnosis was substance abuse. Patients with affected psychoses were significantly more likely than those with nonaffective psychoses to have a comorbid substance abuse diagnosis. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity had poorer initial outcomes, while those with medical comorbidity had fewer symptoms at discharge. Conclusions Comorbidity is common and may be a useful predictor of the outcome of a first episode of psychosis.
Kernel-based reconstruction of space-time functions via extended graphs

Signals evolving over graphs emerge naturally in a number of applications related to network science. A frequently encountered challenge pertains to reconstructing such signals given their values on subsets of vertices at possibly different time instants. Spatiotemporal dynamics can be leveraged so that a small number of vertices suffices to achieve accurate reconstruction. The present paper broadens the existing kernel-based graph-function reconstruction framework to handle time-evolving functions over (possibly dynamic) graphs. The proposed approach introduces the novel notion of graph extension to enable kernel-based estimators over time and space. Numerical tests with real data corroborate that judiciously capturing time-space dynamics markedly improves reconstruction performance.
Enhancing accurate prediction of survival outcomes and aiding decision making in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) using a three-item index from the LCSS-meso PRO measure: Results from a randomized 444 patient (pt) prospective trial.

7588 Background: Accurate prediction of survival of patient groups is required for appropriate trial design, while attention to the effect of treatment on PROs can help guide individual patient management. No pt reported factor is routinely used for these purposes, as performance status (PS) is not pt rated; nor is PS change known to guide accurately treatment changes. Methods: This study analyzes data from the prospective MPM EMPHACIS study comparing pemetrexed + cisplatin with cisplatin in 444 pts. LCSS-meso was given to all pts. An index of the 3 global LCSS items (symptom distress, activity level, quality of life) was correlated with survival outcomes. Results: Baseline and 6 week LCSS results and survival data were available for 83% of pts. Survival results were analyzed for differences for those scoring less than or greater than the median for each LCSS symptom and global factor. Unlike individual symptoms which are found only in subsets of pts, the 3 LCSS pt reported global items each apply to all ...
Optimizing the Nutritional Support of Adult Patients in the Setting of Cirrhosis

Aim: The aim of this work is to develop a pragmatic approach in the assessment and management strategies of patients with cirrhosis in order to optimize the outcomes in this patient population. Method: A systematic review of literature was conducted through 8 July 2017 on the PubMed Database looking for key terms, such as malnutrition, nutrition, assessment, treatment, and cirrhosis. Articles and studies looking at associations between nutrition and cirrhosis were reviewed. Results: An assessment of malnutrition should be conducted in two stages: the first, to identify patients at risk for malnutrition based on the severity of liver disease, and the second, to perform a complete multidisciplinary nutritional evaluation of these patients. Optimal management of malnutrition should focus on meeting recommended daily goals for caloric intake and inclusion of various nutrients in the diet. The nutritional goals should be pursued by encouraging and increasing oral intake or using other measures, such as oral supplementation, enteral nutrition, or parenteral nutrition. Conclusions: Although these strategies to improve nutritional support have been well established, current literature on the topic is limited in scope. Further research should be implemented to test if this enhanced approach is effective.
Examination of China's performance and thematic evolution in quantum cryptography research using quantitative and computational techniques.

This study performed two phases of analysis to shed light on the performance and thematic evolution of China’s quantum cryptography (QC) research. First, large-scale research publication metadata derived from QC research published from 2001–2017 was used to examine the research performance of China relative to that of global peers using established quantitative and qualitative measures. Second, this study identified the thematic evolution of China’s QC research using co-word cluster network analysis, a computational science mapping technique. The results from the first phase indicate that over the past 17 years, China’s performance has evolved dramatically, placing it in a leading position. Among the most significant findings is the exponential rate at which all of China’s performance indicators (i.e., Publication Frequency, citation score, H-index) are growing. China’s H-index (a normalized indicator) has surpassed all other countries’ over the last several years. The second phase of analysis shows how China’s main research focus has shifted among several QC themes, including quantum-key-distribution, photon-optical communication, network protocols, and quantum entanglement with an emphasis on applied research. Several themes were observed across time periods (e.g., photons, quantum-key-distribution, secret-messages, quantum-optics, quantum-signatures); some themes disappeared over time (e.g., computer-networks, attack-strategies, bell-state, polarization-state), while others emerged more recently (e.g., quantum-entanglement, decoy-state, unitary-operation). Findings from the first phase of analysis provide empirical evidence that China has emerged as the global driving force in QC. Considering China is the premier driving force in global QC research, findings from the second phase of analysis provide an understanding of China’s QC research themes, which can provide clarity into how QC technologies might take shape. QC and science and technology policy researchers can also use these findings to trace previous research directions and plan future lines of research.
Application of amplitude spectrum and genetic inversion to determine shaly facies distribution: a case study: Murzuq Basin, Libya

ABSTRACT Late Ordovician glacial deposits of the Mamuniyat Formation are the main oil reservoir in the Murzuq Basin in Libya. Autopicking the strong reflection at the base of the Silurian shales can be used to map the top of the Mamuniyat reservoir in the area where it is in direct contact with the Silurian shales. However, in areas where the Bir Tlacsin Formation, a mud‐prone unit, is between the Silurian shales and the Mamuniyat reservoir, the top of the Mamuniyat is difficult to pick because the units juxtaposed across the boundary are too similar to produce a strong reflection. Defining the Bir Tlacsin facies is important because it impacts hydrocarbon accumulation and migration. To predict the distribution of the shaly facies of Bir Tlacsin and enhance mapping of the top Mamuniyat reservoir, we utilized a continuous wavelet transform to identify the distinctive thickness of the Hot Shale and Bir Tlacsin units. We also used genetic inversion to distinguish the bulk density of the Bir Tlacsin facies. A 64 Hz frequency gave good time resolution to the amplitude spectrum and was used to predict the facies distribution of the Bir Tlacsin. In contrast, the 24 Hz frequency showed good frequency resolution of the amplitude spectrum and was used to estimate the temporal thickness of the non‐reservoir unit of Bir Tlacsin and Hot Shale. That estimate was then used to modify the autopick horizon for the base of the Silurian reflector to approximate the top of the Mamuniyat reservoir. Because of the large density contrast between the shaly facies of the Bir Tlacsin and the underlying and overlying units, inverted density also provides a way to predict the distribution of the Bir Tlacsin through estimated temporal thickness and to enhance mapping of the top Mamuniyat reservoir through mapping the base of the inverted density of the Bir Tlacsin. A comparison between mapping of the top reservoir using spectral decomposition and inverted density with respect to autopick shows that both methods improved the top of the Mamuniyat reservoir mapping. Prediction of the presence of Bir Tlacsin and improved accuracy of the top of the Mamuniyat reservoir mapping reduce the risk of drilling the shaly facies of Bir Tlacsin and provide a better estimate of the reservoir reserve.
Malaria in Farmed Ungulates: an Exciting New System for Comparative Parasitology.

ABSTRACT A wide array of vertebrates can serve as the intermediate hosts to malaria parasites (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida), such as birds, lizards, and several groups of mammals, including primates, bats, rodents, and ungulates. The latter group of hosts has not been intensively studied since early descriptions of a small set of taxa were published, but new reports of these parasites in both expected and new hosts have recently been published. A new paper reports the presence of Plasmodium odocoilei in farmed white-tailed deer in Florida, particularly in animals less than 1 year old, and provides evidence that the parasites may contribute to mortality in fawns. That paper opens new opportunities to study the malaria parasite-mammal interface in North America.
See-through smart glass with adjustable focus

The design proposed in this abstract, for a monocular see through smart glass, i.e. Design Challenge #1, leverages a varifocal lens to accommodate human eyes with different focusing abilities. The eyepiece is made of three separate segments. The varying focus of the system is achieved by using two freeform Alvarez surfaces. The Alvarez lens proposed here has the advantage of achieving different focal lengths by laterally shearing the optics with respect to each other. As a proof of concept, it is shown that the Alvarez lenses provide the ability of a constant performance for different eye conditions.
Corn Stover Harvesting: Potential Supply and Water Quality Implications

Corn stover is a likely bioenergy feedstock, but whether farmers would find harvesting stover profitable depends on its price as well as on the prices of corn and other agricultural commodities. We analyze the potential supply of corn stover and the associated changes in crop rotations and tillage practices for a major US corn production region, the state of Iowa. Using remote-sensing crop-cover maps and digitized soils data as inputs to integrated economic, geographical, and environmental models, we simulate the land use changes in response to alternative crop and corn stover prices. The ensuing changes in soil erosion, nitrogen runoff, and phosphorus runoff are predicted with the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model. We find that the amount and the location of corn stover available for sale at a viable stover market are greatly influenced by the primary product (crop) markets. High corn stover prices can significantly affect land use, which in turn may incur significant soil erosion as well as nitrogen and phosphorus runoff in the region.
Prochlorophyte Evolution and the Origin of Chloroplasts: Morphological and Molecular Evidence

Prochlorophytes have been distinguished from cyanobacteria by their use of chlorophylls a and b as light-harvesting pigments, their lack of phycobiliproteins, and their closely spaced thylakoids. The prochlorophytes share these characteristics with plant and euglenoid chloroplasts, however, which has led to a debate on whether these chloroplasts arose from an endosymbiotic prochlorophyte or a cyanobacterium. (Lewin and Cheng 1989; Stackebrandt 1989; Cavalier-Smith 1982). Recent analyses of 16S rRNA and RNA-polymerase gene sequence data suggest that none of the three known prochlorophyte lineages — Prochloron (Lewin and Cheng 1989), Prochlorothrix (Burger-Wiersma et al. 1986), and Prochlorococcus (Chisholm et al. 1988, 1991) — includes the endosymbiotic ancestor of the chloroplast. The problem we now face is to reconcile the morphological and molecular sequence data with a coherent picture of prochlorophyte and chloroplast evolution. To that end we summarize in this paper current evidence from both kinds of investigations, with an emphasis on our own research.
Ultra-Thin Silicon Membrane as a Sensitive Substrate for Active Bioscreening

This research article concentrates on evaluating ultra-thin silicon membrane as a candidate material for monitoring biophysiological cell events. Electrochemical Impedance Spectral (EIS) studies were used to extract and explain the reduction in substrate parasitics when compared to commonly used plain Si substrate. A two electrode system comprising planar interdigitated gold transducers (IDTs) immobilized with human endothelial cells (HUVEC) buffered in Hank’s Blank Salt Solution (HBSS) formed the electrochemical cell. Impedance measurements was carried out using a Cascade MicroChamberTM probe station attached to an Agilent 4294A Impedance Analyzer over a frequency ranging from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. The optimized cell constant of the IDT was found to be 10.1 m-1 tailored for low impedance biodiagnostics. Extraction of EIS parameters from cell capacitance plot (Bode Magnitude) as well as extrapolation suggested five orders of magnitude reduction in parasitics when compared to plain Si substrate. The HUVEC (Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells) capacitance and resistance was found to be around 3.33 nF and 35.6 KΩ respectively for the membrane device of equal IDT width and spacing.
Multi-color anti-reflection coating with silicon micro-lens photodiode for image sensor

A silicon micro-lens is proposed and analyzed when it is integrated into the photodiode for the application of a backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor (Pixel size is around 1 um). Due to the small dimension of the BSI pixel, each pixel of the image sensor receives from its adjacent pixels cross-talk (x-talk) due to large light incident angle and light diffraction, resulting in reduced sensor MTF and possible color artifacts. A silicon ulens formed between the photodiode and RGB color filter works as an inner lens to improve the focus of the light and guide it into its corresponding pixel, thus decreasing optical x-talk and reducing noise. Since the silicon ulens is integrated into the photodiode and could be doped as part of the photodiode, this design would eliminate any internal reflection caused by traditional inner micro lens solutions (made of Si oxide, Si nitride or polymer). ‘By color' anti-reflection coatings (ARC) on top of the silicon ulens can work as a versatile optical filter to compensate the light spectrum and angular mismatch. Our design and analysis provide a solution to improve the quantum efficiency (QE) and x-talk of the BSI image sensor and the QE enhancement for each pixel are discussed in detail.
Multiperiod stochastic programming portfolio optimization for diversified funds

We investigate a multiperiod, stochastic portfolio optimization model for diversified funds choices associated with traditional 401K or 403B plans. This optimization model minimizes the L1‐norm for negative return rate risk (the downside mean absolute deviation) while examining parameters that maintain model feasibility. Important components of the model are the incorporation of appropriate time‐series components and evaluation of scenarios based on investor outlook. A case study experimentation of the model on five potential investment funds using historical data from 2003 to 2013 was conducted, and parameter constraints for diversification and minimum acceptable return rates were manipulated to produce contour plots. The maximum geometric rate of return investment strategy provided by the optimization would have resulted in a 9.7% geometric return rate in 2014 as compared with a 5.0% for a uniform distribution of investment funds across choices.
Modulation of Inflammation to Control Tuberculosis Disease

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and initiates damaging pathology within lung tissue of infected individuals. Combating tuberculosis requires an effective host response that balances protective and destructive modalities to allow control and eventual eradication of the invading organism. The underlying premise for effective control entails induction of inflammation in a way that continuously adjusts for pathological outcomes; too aggressive a response leads to host pathology and tissue destruction, while too little leads to pathogen dissemination. Development of therapeutic interventions should be cognizant of this, so as to target key factors of the focused host immune responses in a way to limit pathology. This review offers insights into the pathological immune responses that occur during TB disease and offers potential targets for immune modulation that can make a significant impact on patient outcome and recovery from infection.
Interventions for Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children

The phenomenon of a Trauma-and Stressor Related Disorder masquerading as an Autism Spectrum Disorder seems poorly understood by the majority of primary caregivers, teachers, doctors, and therapists, who are the very persons responsible for identifying kids at risk for ASDs and TSRDs. There is a sense of urgency instilled in pediatricians to provide early detection of children at risk for an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and therefore early diagnosis to ensure rapid acquisition of appropriate therapies, and thus potentially optimized developmental outcomes. However, there does not appear to be an equal sense of urgency assigned to the early identification of TSRDs, despite the growing body of evidence substantiating the biological changes that occur in pathologically stressed children, and the evidence-based therapies available to help steer their developmental trajectories towards that of typicality and health. In this chapter, we will explore the components of effective trauma treatment as well as specific interventions that have demonstrated promising results in preschool populations. Where applicable, we will review the evidence regarding the impacts of early trauma and how these evidence-based treatments were designed to address them.
The political offence exception in international extradition

In the ligtht of increasing political terrorism throughout the world, the criminal acts of individuals should clearly not be excused by their political colourings.
The Arab Spring: Remembering Ibn Khaldun’s Notion of “Asabiyah”

Ibn Haldun’un eserleri ve su anki dunya ile alakasi ele alindiginda, “Asabiyet” kavrami icinde bulundugumuz durumu analiz etmede onemli bir teori olarak karsimiza cikar. “Asabiyet” ya da sosyal uyum kavrami Ibn Haldun'un eserlerindeki en onemli fikirlerden biri ve toplumun Ibn Halduncu perspektiften anlasilabilecegi en onemli fikirlerden biridir. Dahasi, Ibn Haldun icin “Asabiyet” iyi organize olmus bir toplumun ilk prensibidir ve ortak bir dil, gelenekler, ortak yasam bicimleri ve amaclari araciligiyla toplumu bir araya getiren umdedir. Boylece, Ibn Haldun acisindan, herhangi bir toplumun butunlugu onun “Asabiyet” seviyesi ile birlesik ve baglantilidir. Bu nedenle bu makale, Ibn Haldun'un “Asabiyet” kavramini kullanarak Arap Bahari'nin arkasindaki gercek nedenleri ele almaya calismaktadir. Daha da onemlisi, Ibn Haldun'un teorisinin Arap ve Musluman dunyasindaki ve hatta otesindeki mevcut durum uzerinde hala gecerli oldugu gercegini ortaya koymaya calismaktadir.
Pedagogy that Supports Computer Science for All

The Computer Science (CS) for All movement has taken hold of the United States and CS education is rapidly expanding across nations throughout the world. Yet, as curricula and professional development opportunities are developed, key questions remain about what “works” for engaging youth in CS education, especially those who are historically underrepresented in the field (including young women, students of color, low-income students). In response, this study answers the questions: What teaching practices do students—who are historically underrepresented in CS—believe are most effective for engaging their interest in CS learning? What pedagogical actions do CS teachers identify as most effective for engaging students? And what do these engaging teaching practices look like in the classroom? Through a qualitative study following three different urban high school Exploring Computer Science classrooms over an entire school year (n = 70 students, 3 teachers; >105h of observation data; >50 interviews with students and teachers), key pedagogical practices that had greatest impact on youth's interest and engagement with CS included: (1) demystifying CS by showing its connections to everyday life; (2) addressing social issues impacting both CS and students’ communities; and (3) valuing students’ voices and perspectives. This article shares testimonies from students and teachers, as well as examples of these teaching practices in the classroom.
Pharmaconutrigenetics: The Impact of Genetics on Nutrient–Drug Interactions

Abstract Whereas the focus of this textbook is on the ways in which genetics affects the body's response to nutrients, this is one of many factors that explain variations in health status observed among individuals. The medications to which our bodies are exposed is another factor that can affect our health status, and genetic variations can alter the way these medications are processed in the body. The emerging field of pharmaconutrigenetics lies at the intersection where genetic variation shapes individual responses to the combination of nutrients and drugs. In the future, a feature of precision medicine will likely incorporate individualized therapies that tailor both nutritional and pharmacological interventions in closely coordinated fashion to achieve better outcomes in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some clinical sites have started to use genetic testing as a valued component of patient care to guide nutrition and drug interventions, although widespread adoption has not yet occurred. For many genes, there is enough evidence for its incorporation into patient care because the impact it has on health is well-defined, but barriers to moving genetic information into patient care are associated with implementation challenges. Factors such as a lack of training among health care providers or a lack of supporting infrastructure within the health care system to integrate genetic information efficiently within electronic health care records are some examples of major implementation barriers that are keeping genetic information from being integrated into patient care. In addition, the nutrition and pharmacy fields do not typically collaborate to ensure that the interventions with which they are providing patients work synergistically. Shifting toward stronger collaboration between the fields could improve outcomes in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Background information on the main genes implicated in drug biotransformation and several examples of the genetic impact on nutrient–drug interactions will be offered to demonstrate some ways in which the nutrition and pharmacy fields can work collaboratively to achieve better patient outcomes.
Introduction to the Clinical Handbook of Psychological Consultation in Pediatric Medical Settings

As the introduction to the Clinician’s Handbook of Pediatric Psychological Consultation in Medical Settings, this chapter sets the stage for the book by defining consultation-liaison (CL) and differentiating it from other forms of pediatric psychology practice. Competencies for the practitioner of CL pediatric psychology, including the necessary training experiences, are addressed along with strategies for becoming an effective CL psychologist. A brief historical overview is provided to help the reader develop the context and evolution of current CL practice. Finally, the authors introduce the framework for the handbook to guide the reader through the book.
Two Case Studies on the Financing of Forest Conservation

A variety of factors is leading to fresh approaches to the ownership and management of forestland, with an emphasis on the combination of conservation goals and private investments. But the barriers to successfully achieving attractive financial returns and desirable social outcomes can be daunting. This working paper, which features two short case studies that examine the challenges and opportunities associated with forest conservation finance, explores these important issues.
The potential impact of timing of IVIG administration on the efficacy of rituximab for immune tolerance induction for patients with Pompe disease

Immune modulation with rituximab, methotrexate, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has shown great success in inducing immune tolerance in a large cohort of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)-naive infantile Pompe disease patients. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, the principal mechanism by which rituximab depletes B-cells, requires CD20 binding by Fab'2 of rituximab on B-cells and the concomitant binding of its Fc region to Fc receptors on effector cells or to complement. To protect patients against microbial infections when using rituximab, IVIG was added to the immunomodulation regimen used in Pompe disease. Administration of IVIG can saturate neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn), which recycle endogenous as well as administered polyclonal/monoclonal antibodies via the binding of the Fc moiety to FcRn. As such, the administration of IVIG prior to rituximab, a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody, may sharply reduce the half-life of rituximab and in turn, its efficacy. Based on this understanding, it is vital to understand the optimal timing of IVIG administration in relation to rituximab administration for the purposes of inducing immune tolerance.
Achieving Trustworthy Biomedical Data Solutions.

Privacy and trust of biomedical solutions that capture and share data is an issue rising to the center of public attention and discourse. While large-scale academic, medical, and industrial research initiatives must collect increasing amounts of personal biomedical data from patient stakeholders, central to ensuring precision health becomes a reality, methods for providing sufficient privacy in biomedical databases and conveying a sense of trust to the user is equally crucial for the field of biocomputing to advance with the grace of those stakeholders. If the intended audience does not trust new precision health innovations, funding and support for these efforts will inevitably be limited. It is therefore crucial for the field to address these issues in a timely manner. Here we describe current research directions towards achieving trustworthy biomedical informatics solutions.
When Nutrients Become Contaminants in Aquatic Systems: Identifying Responses to Guide Terrestrial-Derived Detrital Endpoint Development for Managers

This chapter evaluates the case for inclusion of terrestrial-derived detrital endpoints, which are those metrics that describe changes to detrital pathways in freshwater ecosystems, into the regulatory framework for US wadeable streams. Terrestrial detritus consisting of dead plant and animal matter is an important resource subsidy to forested-aquatic stream ecosystems, and detrital form and function can be negatively modified by elevated nutrient and salt contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Of concern to regulators, a large proportion of US wadeable streams with poor water quality and biological condition due to nutrient and salt contamination occur in temperate-forested biomes where detritus is essential for aquatic life. This chapter reviews existing US water quality endpoint response characteristics and proposes a suite of endpoints derived from a literature review that can be used to detect changes in detrital-based wadeable streams caused by elevated nutrient and salt contaminants. These detrital endpoints may serve as sentinels of impending species loss and better allow managers to detect and prevent changes to critical ecosystem functions. Furthermore, this review illustrates how research on contaminants and ecological subsidies in linked aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems can be used to inform management of these ecosystems.