cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population Heterogeneity and the Sociogenesis of Homicide

It has frequently been suggested that a high degree of social heterogeneity is conducive to a high rate of crime. This paper explores that hypothesis by providing an explicit statistical test of the relationship between a society's homicide rate and various measures of the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and economic heterogeneity of that society's population, using nationstates as units of observation. The results lend support to the theory that the interaction within a society of heterogeneous cultural groups tends to increase the rate of homicide. The empirical analysis controls for the effect on homicide rates of the age structure of the population, per capita GNP, urbanization, and population density; the results suggest that the first two of these factors are also important in explaining variations in homicide rates. Rates of crime, particularly rates of violent crime, vary enormously among nations. In the popular mind such varying rates of crime are commonly attributed to relative differences in the heterogeneity of population.1 Informal arguments to this effect have also been advanced by several researchers. For example, in comparing Japan's low crime rate to that of the United States, Bayley suggested that the substantial cultural homogeneity of the Japanese population has helped to establish a moral consensus in Japanese society, which in turn has enhanced the effectiveness of both formal and informal authority. Likewise Porterfield (b), commenting on crime in Finland, emphasized the considerable ethnic diversity of the nation's population. He concluded that, because of the stress that it creates, "this heterogeneity may well account for the fact that the nation as a whole has a higher than average rate of both suicide and homicide" (173).
Effects of Cloud Parameterization on the Simulation of Climate Changes in the GISS GCM

Abstract Climate changes obtained from five doubled CO2 experiments with different parameterizations of large-scale clouds and moist convection are studied by use of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM at 4° lat × 5° long resolution. The baseline for the experiments is GISS Model II, which uses a diagnostic cloud scheme with fixed optical properties and a convection scheme with fixed cumulus mass fluxes and no downdrafts. The global and annual mean surface air temperature change (ΔTs) of 4.2°C obtained by Hansen et al using the Model II physics at 8° lat × 10° long resolution is reduced to 3.55°C at the finer resolution. This is due to a significant reduction of tropical cirrus clouds in the warmer climate when a finer resolution is used, despite the fact that the relative humidity increases there with a doubling of CO2. When the new moist convection parameterization of Del Genio and Yao and prognostic large-scale cloud parameterization of Del Genio et al are used, ΔTs is reduced to 3.09°C ...
Hidden Abuse within the Home: Recognizing and Responding to Sibling Abuse.

Sibling abuse is a serious phenomenon in our society that often goes unaddressed. Victims of sibling abuse experience psychological effects similar to those of child abuse (Caspi, 2012; Wiehe, 2002). The purpose of this article is to provide school counselors with a definition of sibling abuse and a five-step model to recognize and respond. A decision-making tree for working with students and families serves as a framework for preventative and comprehensive services.
COPROPHILOUS FUNGAL COMMUNITY OF WILD RABBIT IN A PARK OF A HOSPITAL (CHILE): A TAXONOMIC APPROACH

During year 2005-through 2006 a study on coprophilous fungal communities present in wild rabbit dung was carried out in the park of a regional hospital (V Region, Chile), 21 samples in seven months under two seasonable periods (cold and warm) being collected. Sixty species and 44 genera as a total were recorded in the sampling period, 46 species in warm periods and 39 in the cold ones. Major groups were arranged as follows: Zygomycota (11,6 %), Ascomycota (50 %), associated mitosporic genera (36,8 %) and Basidiomycota (1,6 %). Ascomycetes genera having the highest occurrence were: Chaetomium (5), Saccobolus and Sordaria (3) Podospora, Schizothecium and Sporormiella (2). Constant and dominant species were : Chaetomium cuniculorum, Ch. murorum, Coprinus spp., Iodophanus carneus, Pilaira anomala, Schizothecium tetrasporum, Sordaria humana, Sporormiella teretispora and Stilbella fimetaria. Under a taxonomic approach focused on the majority of meiosporic fungi (Ascomycota), the presence of new records of fungi for Chile is emphasized: Fusariella hughesii, Neurospora caulospora, Pleuroascus nicholsonii, Rhytidospora bispora, Saccobolus globuliferellus, among others.
Hyperfine structure and isotope shift of the 1.3-μm transition of 129 l

High resolution Fourier transform spectra of the 1.3-μm emission from 127I and 129I electrodeless discharge lamps are presented and analyzed. The hyperfine splitting constants of 129I are: A = 18.35 ± 0.01 mK and B = 26.55 ± 0.07 mK for the J = 3/2 ground state and A = 146.32 ± 0.02 mK for the J = 1/2 excited state. The validity of the theoretical intensity and isotope relationships is confirmed. The isotope shift between 129I and 127I for the 1.3-μm transition was measured to be <1 mK.
The Puzzle of 32 Mg

An analysis of results of the ${}^{30}$Mg($t$,$p$) ${}^{32}$Mg reaction demonstrates that the ground state is the normal state and the excited 0${}^{+}$ state is the intruder, contrary to popular belief. Additional experiments are suggested.
The Sinking STONE: What a Failed Validation Can Teach Us About Clinical Decision Rules

Clinical decision rules are common and widely promoted in emergency medicine, yet their quality varies widely. Few decision rules undergo the rigorous external validation necessary to confirm their function, as should appropriately occur before their incorporation into clinical practice. This issue of Annals features 3 articles on urolithiasis, including 2 on a clinical decision rule called the STONE score. Wang et al report a large and compelling external evaluation, the original STONE investigators test whether ultrasonography enhances score performance, and Wang provides a short review of urolithiasis management. These articles—in particular the external evaluation by Wang et al—illustrate key principles about clinical decision rule validity, purpose, and function that can be applied when evaluating other rules. We will discuss 4 such issues here, referring readers interested in greater background discussion to Annals’ guidelines for the appraisal of clinical decision rules.
LC‐MS/MS of permethylated N‐glycans derived from model and human blood serum glycoproteins

LC-MS/MS is one of the most powerful tools for N-glycan structure elucidation; however, it is still challenging to identify some glycan structures with low abundance. In this study, we investigated the chromatographic behavior of permethylated N-glycans. The relationship between retention times versus molecular weight of dextran, dextrin, and model glycans was investigated. Also, the nonpolar surface area of glycans was calculated and compared to their experimental retention times. Both retention time and nonpolar surface area trends are similar when the intermolecular interaction is included in the calculation. Moreover, retention time corresponds to glycan types and branch types. The N-glycans analysis model, which combines high mass accuracy and retention time, was applied to confirm serum N-glycans. In total, there were 78 N-glycan compositions identified. A linear relationship between retention times and molecular weights were observed for each subgroup of glycan structures, for example, R(2) value for complex N-glycans was determined to be > 0.98. Moreover, the retention time could be further applied to distinguish between structural isomers as well as linkage isomers. MS/MS data were used to confirm the structural isomers.
Application of Physical Concepts to Dose-Response Relationships of Mixed Estrogens and Mixed Androgens. A Mathematical Analysis.

Summary1. An equation, Response = , based on the concept of surface adsorption as set forth in the Langmuir adsorption isotherm has been derived as an aid in understanding biological response to steroids. 2. The equations provide a tool by which theoretical predictions can be correlated with experimental data. 3. The Langmuir concept is given added support since the equation is valid whether the steroid is applied topically as in the androgens or parenterally as in the estrogens.
A Combinatorial Formula for Powers of 2 × 2 Matrices

Formulas for the nth power of a 2 × 2 matrix are known and typically depend on either computing the determinant of the matrix or its eigenvalues. In this note we derive a direct combinatorial formu...
Stability and Structure of Nonholonomic Systems

In Chapter 3 we briefly discussed the energy-momentum method for analyzing stability of relative equilibria of mechanical systems. In the nonholonomic case, while energy is conserved, momentum generally is not. In some cases, however, the momentum equation is integrable, leading to invariant surfaces that make possible an energy-momentum analysis similar to that in the holonomic case. When the momentum equation is not integrable, one can get asymptotic stability in certain directions, and the stability analysis is rather different from that in the holonomic case. Nonetheless, to show stability we will make use of the conserved energy and the dynamic momentum equation.
Dilemmas and Attribution: The Thinking Based On the Information Quality Education Status of Adult Students

Information quality education is important for developing adult students’ ideas of lifelong learning and ability of self-study.Based on the thinking of difficulty for implementing information quality education to adult students,the author applies attribution analysis to the analysis of difficulty for implementing information quality education,including the concepts,basic components,theoretical research,range of application,and qualified teachers of information quality education.
Polymodal Sensory Integration in Retinal Ganglion Cells.

An animal’s ability to perceive the external world is conditioned by its capacity to extract and encode specific features of the visual image. The output of the vertebrate retina is not a simple representation of the 2D visual map generated by photon absorptions in the photoreceptor layer. Rather, spatial, temporal, direction selectivity and color “dimensions” of the original image are distributed in the form of parallel output channels mediated by distinct retinal ganglion cell (RGC) populations. We propose that visual information transmitted to the brain includes additional, light-independent, inputs that reflect the functional states of the retina, anterior eye and the body. These may include the local ion microenvironment, glial metabolism and systemic parameters such as intraocular pressure, temperature and immune activation which act on ion channels that are intrinsic to RGCs. We particularly focus on light-independent mechanical inputs that are associated with physical impact, cell swelling and intraocular pressure as excessive mechanical stimuli lead to the counterintuitive experience of “pressure phosphenes” and/or debilitating blinding disease such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. We point at recently discovered retinal mechanosensitive ion channels as examples through which molecular physiology brings together Greek phenomenology, modern neuroscience and medicine. Thus, RGC output represents a unified picture of the embodied context within which vision takes place.
Structure formation in nanocomposite hydrogels

We use molecular dynamics simulations to study structure formation in physically associating nanocomposite hydrogels. Nanofillers were modeled as rigid bodies of disk-like shapes and physical crosslinks were simulated by introducing a short-range attraction between the nanofillers and polymer chain ends. The structure, dynamics and mechanics of these polymer gels were studied as a function of nanofiller volume fraction. We observe the formation of a percolated network in the hydrogels, with an ordered local structure but disordered globally, as we increase the filler fraction. This locally ordered structure was a result of the anisotropy of the disk-like fillers. The dynamics of polymers showed significant caging effects in the gel state. Stress autocorrelation and elongation results were analyzed as a function of nano-filler concentrations. Comparisons with nanofillers of different shapes showed that disk-like nanofillers are more effective in strengthening the hydrogels than spherical nanofillers.
Lipoprotein(a) increased risk for premature coronary heart disease in men

Source Citation Bostom AG, Cupples LA, Jenner JL, et al. Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) and coronary heart disease in men aged 55 years and younger. A prospective study. JAMA. 1996 Aug 21; 276:544-8.
Contamination source identification based on sequential Bayesian approach for water distribution network with stochastic demands

ABSTRACTEfficient identification of the source of contamination in a water distribution network is crucial to the safe operation of the system. In this article, we propose a real-time sequential Bayesian approach to deal with this problem. Simulations are conducted to simulate hydraulic information and the propagation of contamination in the network. Sensor alarms are recorded in multiple simulations to establish the observation probability distribution function. Then this information is used to compute the posterior probability of each possible source for the observed alarm pattern in real time. Finally, the contamination source is identified based on a ranking of the posterior probability. The key contribution of this work is that the probability distributions for all possible observations are organized into a concise hierarchical tree structure and the challenge of combinatorial explosion is avoided. Furthermore, a variation analysis of the posterior probability is conducted to give significance probab...
Households’ preferences for attributes of Conditional Cash Transfer programmes: A choice experiment in Ghana

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) is increasingly being integrated into poverty reduction strategies in developing countries. However, debate remains over key elements of CCT program design. Using a discrete choice model, this paper examines Ghanaian households’ preferences regarding key CCT program design elements including conditionality, targeting, and payment method. The results revealed a preference for CCT designs that target beneficiaries with limited or no productive capacity and CCT designs that are conditional on beneficiaries either investing in children's human capital or performing communal service, relative to unconditional programs. Also, direct bank deposit was revealed as the preferred payment mode relative to receipt of cash payments or use of mobile money systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Escalamiento de un fotobiorreactor a nivel piloto para la producción de biomasa

Photobioreactor scaling implies that an intrinsic relationship between the design parameters and physiology of the organism determines an appropriate system operation. In this study, the model allows to evaluate the influence of light parameter into the growth of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris as the diameter of the reactor increases, for an airlift FBR, with the aim of obtaining the highest biomass productivity from a low initial concentration. The model allowed a scaling from 7 to 50.2 liters with an increment of about 100 % in its production rate.
Polymer-based chromophore–catalyst assemblies for solar energy conversion

The synthesis of polymer-based assemblies for light harvesting has been motivated by the multi-chromophore antennas that play a role in natural photosynthesis for the potential use in solar conversion technologies. This review describes a general strategy for using polymer-based chromophore–catalyst assemblies for solar-driven water oxidation at a photoanode in a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC). This report begins with a summary of the synthetic methods and fundamental photophysical studies of light harvesting polychormophores in solution which show these materials can transport excited state energy to an acceptor where charge-separation can occur. In addition, studies describing light harvesting polychromophores containing an anchoring moiety (ionic carboxylate) for covalent bounding to wide band gap mesoporous semiconductor surfaces are summarized to understand the photophysical mechanisms of directional energy flow at the interface. Finally, the performance of polychromophore/catalyst assembly-based photoanodes capable of light-driven water splitting to oxygen and hydrogen in a DSPEC are summarized.
Nested orthogonal array-based Latin hypercube designs

We propose two methods for constructing a new type of design, called a nested orthogonal array-based Latin hypercube design, intended for multi-fidelity computer experiments. Such designs are two nested space-filling designs in which the large design achieves stratification in both bivariate and univariate margins and the small design achieves stratification in univariate margins. These designs have better space-filling properties than nested Latin hypercube designs in which the large design possesses uniformity in univariate margins only. The first method expands an ordinary Latin hypercube design to a larger design that achieves uniformity in any one- or two-dimensional projection. The second method uses an orthogonal array with strength two to simultaneously construct a pair of nested orthogonal array-based Latin hypercube designs. Examples are given to illustrate the proposed methods. Sampling properties of the proposed designs are derived. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
CAPABILITIES OF MICROORGANISMS (AND MICROBIOLOGISTS)

Up to this point in the conference, I have absorbed several general impressions from the previous speakers. They involve the difficulties of studying microbial ecology, the importance of microbial survival, and the promise of microbial genetics in solving some of the problems of environmental pollution. These bring to mind several quotations, which I feel are relevant to these topics: “Ecology is physiology under the worst possible conditions.” — Thomas D. Brock “We may rest assured that as green plants and animals disappear one by one from the face of the globe, some of the fungi will always be present to dispose of the last remains.” — B.O. Dodge “...when you have mutants, you are better off than when you don’t.” — Salvador E. Luria
Naturalness, the hyperbolic branch, and prospects for the observation of charged Higgs bosons at high luminosity LHC and 27 TeV LHC

One of the early criterion proposed for naturalness was a relatively small minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) Higgs mixing parameter $\ensuremath{\mu}$ with $\ensuremath{\mu}/{M}_{Z}$ of the order of a few. A relatively small $\ensuremath{\mu}$ may lead to heavier Higgs masses (${H}^{0}$, $A$, ${H}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ in MSSM) which are significantly lighter than other scalars such as squarks. Such a situation is realized on the hyperbolic branch of radiative breaking of the electroweak symmetry. In this analysis, we construct supergravity unified models with relatively small $\ensuremath{\mu}$ in the sense described above and discuss the search for the charged Higgs boson ${H}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ at HL-LHC and HE-LHC, where we also carry out a relative comparison of the discovery potential of the two using the decay channel ${H}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\nu}$. It is shown that an analysis based on the traditional linear cuts on signals and backgrounds is not very successful in extracting the signal, while, in contrast, machine learning techniques such as boosted decision trees prove to be far more effective. Thus, it is shown that models not discoverable with the conventional cut analyses become discoverable with machine learning techniques. Using boosted decision trees, we consider several benchmarks and analyze the potential for their $5\ensuremath{\sigma}$ discovery at the 14 TeV HL-LHC and at 27 TeV HE-LHC. It is shown that while the ten benchmarks considered with the charged Higgs boson mass in the range 373--812 GeV are all discoverable at HE-LHC, only four of the ten with Higgs boson masses in the range 373--470 GeV are discoverable at HL-LHC. Further, while the model points discoverable at both HE-LHC and HL-LHC would require up to seven years of running time at HL-LHC, they could all be discovered in a period of a few months at HE-LHC. The analysis shows that a transition from HL-LHC to HE-LHC when technologically feasible would expedite the discovery of the charged Higgs for the benchmarks considered in this work. We note that the observation of a charged Higgs boson with mass in the range indicated would lend support to the idea of naturalness defined by a relatively small $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and, further, radiative breaking of the electroweak symmetry occurring on the hyperbolic branch.
Preferences for Expedited Partner Therapy Among Adolescents in an Urban Pediatric Emergency Department: A Mixed-Methods Study

Objectives Expedited partner therapy (EPT) refers to treating sexual partners of patients with sexually transmitted infections by providing prescriptions or medications to give to their partners. Expedited partner therapy is not routinely prescribed in the emergency department (ED). Our objective was to explore adolescent preferences for EPT use in the ED. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study using surveys and semistructured interviews in one urban ED. Sexually active patients aged 15 to 19 years completed an anonymous survey eliciting (1) sexual history and risky sexual behaviors, (2) preferences for partner notification when hypothetically testing positive for an STI, and (3) preferences for EPT. A subsample of survey respondents participated in the interviews, which were conducted until no new perspectives emerged. Investigators analyzed interviews using thematic analysis. Results A total of 247 participants completed surveys; the majority were female (183/247, 74%), Hispanic (209/243, 86%), and did not use a condom at last intercourse (129/243, 53%). Two thirds of participants (152/236, 64%) did not prefer EPT for partner notification. Preference for EPT was not associated with sex, age, ethnicity, condom use, a steady sexual partner, or STI history. Qualitative data from both surveys and interviews revealed the following reasons for not preferring EPT: concern for partner safety, importance of determining partner STI status, perceived benefit of clinical interaction, and partner accountability. Reasons for preferring EPT included increased treatment accessibility and convenience. Conclusions The majority of adolescent patients in a pediatric ED did not prefer EPT. Emergency department practitioners should address common concerns regarding EPT to increase EPT adherence if prescribed.
Understanding Life Transitions: A Case Study of Support Needs of Low-Income Mothers

Life transitions are an integral part of the human experience. However, research shows that lack of support during life transitions can result in adverse health outcomes. To better understand the support needs and structures of low-income women during transition to motherhood, we interviewed 10 women and their 14 supporters during the transition. Our findings suggest that support needs and structures of mothers evolve during transition, and that they also vary by socio-economic contexts. In this paper, we detail our study design and findings. Informed by our findings, we posit that all life-transitions are not the same, and that therefore, the optimal support intervention point varies for different life transitions. Currently there are no tools available to identify optimal support intervention points during life transitions. To this end, we also introduce a preliminary framework - the Strength-Stress-Analysis (SSA) framework - to identify optimal support intervention points during life-transitions.
Clinic nonattendance is associated with increased emergency department visits in adults with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and predictors of nonattendance in an ACHD outpatient clinic, and to examine the relationship between nonattendance and emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and death. METHODS Patients ≥ 18 years who had scheduled appointments at an ACHD outpatient clinic between August 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 were included. The primary outcome of interest was nonattendance of the first scheduled appointment of the study period, defined as "no-show" or "same-day cancellation." Secondary outcomes of interest were ED visits, hospitalizations, and death until December 2017. RESULTS Of 527 scheduled visits, 55 (10.4%) were nonattended. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics such as race, income, and insurance type were associated with non-attendance (all P values < .05), whereas age, gender, and disease complexity were not. On multivariable analysis, predictors of nonattendance were black race (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.95; P < .001), other race (AOR 3.54; P = .003), and history of no-show in the past (AOR 4.95; P < .001). Compared to patients who attended clinic, patients with a nonattended visit had a threefold increased odds of multiple ED visits and a significantly lower rate of ED-free survival over time. There were no significant differences in hospitalizations or death by attendance. CONCLUSIONS ACHD clinic nonattendance is associated with race and prior history of no-show, and may serve as a marker of higher ED utilization for patients with ACHD.
Impacting Dietary Behaviors of Children from Low Income Communities: An Evaluation of a Theory-Based Nutrition Education Program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an expanded version of the Food Fit program, a Social Cognitive Theory based (SCT) nutrition intervention, among children in a low-income community. Eighty-five children ages 8 to 13 (mean=9.15 years; SD=1.05) were enrolled in this study. Impact and outcome measures included BMI percentile and dietary behaviors, which were evaluated before and after the program, and after a three-month follow up period. In addition, constructs of social cognitive theory, including behavioral capabilities (BC), self efficacy (SE), and outcome expectancies (OE), were evaluated before and after each lesson. Results indicated statistically significant improvements for BC’s in 11 of the 14 lessons (p=0.001), but changes in SE’s and OE’s did not reach levels of significance. There was also a significant improvement in overall dietary behaviors (p=0.036), and an increase in BMI percentile for normal weight children only (p=0.001). Compared with the previous implementation of Food Fit with children from middle-income families, this group had a similar level of changes for knowledge and skills, but fewer self-reported changes in confidence and desire to use the knowledge and skills discussed during the program. Reasons for these differences necessitate further investigation.
Propionate Enhancement of Acetoacetate Oxidation in Perfused Rat Hearts

1. In isolated perfused rat hearts, acetoacetate oxidation was significantly enhanced by propionate. 2. No enhancement of acetoacetate oxidation could be observed in vitamin B 12 -deficient rat hearts when propionate was present. 3. Although the mechanisms of enhancement are not clear, ketone clearance is enhanced by propionate and may provide an insight into the therapy of certain diseases characterized by ketosis.
Graph Coloring Approach to Mesh Generation in Multiphase Media with Smooth Boundaries

This paper provides a novel approach for mesh generation for materials that have distinct spatial components with a smooth boundary between them. Experimental data are used in pixel/voxel format to...
Adult tissue–derived neural crest-like stem cells: Sources, regulatory networks, and translational potential

Neural crest (NC) cells are a multipotent stem cell population that gives rise to a diverse array of cell types in the body, including peripheral neurons, Schwann cells (SC), craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes. NC formation and differentiation into specific lineages takes place in response to a set of highly regulated signaling and transcriptional events within the neural plate border. Pre‐migratory NC cells initially are contained within the dorsal neural tube from which they subsequently emigrate, migrating to often distant sites in the periphery. Following their migration and differentiation, some NC‐like cells persist in adult tissues in a nascent multipotent state, making them potential candidates for autologous cell therapy. This review discusses the gene regulatory network responsible for NC development and maintenance of multipotency. We summarize the genes and signaling pathways that have been implicated in the differentiation of a post‐migratory NC into mature myelinating SC. We elaborate on the signals and transcription factors involved in the acquisition of immature SC fate, axonal sorting of unmyelinated neuronal axons, and finally the path toward mature myelinating SC, which envelope axons within myelin sheaths, facilitating electrical signal propagation. The gene regulatory events guiding development of SC in‐vivo provides insights into means for differentiating NC‐like cells from adult human tissues into functional SC, which have the potential to provide autologous cell sources for the treatment of demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorders.
Chapter 6 – Enzyme Kinetics

: In this chapter on enzyme kinetics, the factors influencing the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions are described mathematically using the Michaelis-Menten equation. The components of the Michaelis-Menten equation are outlined and described. Substrate saturation curves and double reciprocal (Lineweaver-Burk) plots, including the applications and components, are shown and discussed. Enzyme inhibitors are covered, with focus on irreversible, reversible and competitive, noncompetitive, and uncompetitive. Examples of therapeutic inhibitors are given, and examples of serum enzymes used for diagnostic purposes are provided. Isozymes, as well as cofactors and coenzymes, are discussed. Isozymes as diagnostic agents are discussed. Blood levels of the cardiac isozyme of troponin-I, as commonly used as markers of myocardial cell damage and necrosis are discussed. Blood levels of N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) as used as markers of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation in animals with congestive heart failure are covered.
Modeling multiphase flows using a novel 3D adaptive remeshing algorithm

A novel three-dimensional adaptive meshing algorithm is presented and applied to finite-element sirnulations of multiphase fluid flows. A threedimensional domain enclosing another phase is discretized by an unstructured mesh of tetrahedra constructed from a triangulated surface of the phase boundaries. Complete remeshing is performed after each time step. The boundary mesh is reconstructed using an existing algorithm employing element addition/subtraction, edge swapping based on Delaunay triangulation and spring-like dynamical relaxation. The volume mesh is then generated from the boundary using the commercial software Hypermesh. The resulting adaptive discretization maintains resolution of prescribed local length scales. We demonstrate our method with finite-element simulation~ of deformable drops ~ubjected to simple shear under Stokes flow conditions. Steady drop shapes in agreement with experimental data as well as the evolution of slender fluid filaments characteristic of drop breakup are accurately described.
Retirement for Public School Teachers

Tom did not go into teaching to become rich, but it turns out that by making a series of good choices, he is anticipating a comfortable retirement for himself and his family. In some ways, he is more financially secure than some of his non-teacher friends! Tom, like most teachers, plans to rely on three key sources of retirement income: state retirement, Social Security, and personal investments. Teacher retirement programs vary from state to state. It is important to understand how things actually work in your state. This includes the formula that determines your retirement benefits, how benefits are paid out, income taxes, and double dipping for more income. Most teachers pay into Social Security, but teachers in 15 states and the District of Columbia do not. They will have to depend more heavily on their state pensions and personal savings. Now is a good time to visit the Social Security Administration website use its many tools to do research on your retirement. If you are like Tom, you will also need to eventually tap into your personal savings. This is where those tax advantaged retirement savings built up in a 403(b) plan come into play (Chap. 7).
Bad influence: social networks, elite brokerage, and the construction of alliances:

If all states want to survive, why do some of them enter unpropitious alliances? International Relations (IR) theory’s conventional answer is that imperfect information and systemic complexity resu...
Sprayable engineered cementitious composites (ECC) using calcined clay limestone cement (LC3) and PP fiber

Abstract Sprayable engineered cementitious composites (ECC) has demonstrated in field applications as a promising repair material. However, the large cement dosage that leads to a high carbon footprint and potential restrained shrinkage cracking suggests needed improvements. In this study, a sprayable ECC was developed using calcined clay limestone cement (LC3), calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) expansive additive and polypropylene (PP) fiber to increase the material greenness and durability. The sprayability and mechanical performance were examined by the flow table and uniaxial tension tests. The one-time build-up thickness achieved was 45 mm for vertical spraying and 35 mm for overhead spraying at 20–30 min rest-time, and up to 80 mm for vertical spraying at 50 min rest-time. The ECC had a comparable strength but higher tensile strain capacity (5.7%) and reduced crack width (30 μm at 1% tensile strain) when sprayed, in comparison to specimens prepared by casting. A spray-repaired layered ECC-concrete composite revealed multiple cracking and strain-hardening performance under flexural loading. The advantages of low carbon, low shrinkage, low cost, and ultra-high ductility of the developed sprayable ECC promote broader applications in infrastructure repair.
Long-term cometabolic transformation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,4-dioxane by Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC 21198 grown on alcohols slowly produced by orthosilicates.

Abstract Long-term cometabolic transformation of 1,1,1-trichlorethane (1,1,1-TCA) and 1,4-dioxane (1,4-D) was achieved using slow release compounds (SRCs) as growth substrates for pure cultures of Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC 21198 (ATCC strain 21198). Resting cell transformation tests showed 1,4-D transformation occurred without a lag phase for cells grown on 2-butanol, while an induction period of several hours was required for 1-butanol grown cells. These observations were consistent with activity-based labeling patterns for monooxygenase hydroxylase components and specific rates of tetrahydrofuran (THF) degradation. 1,1,1-TCA and 1,4-D degradation rates for alcohol-grown cells were slower than those for cells grown on gaseous alkanes such as isobutane . Batch metabolism and degradation tests were performed, in the presence of 1,1,1-TCA and 1,4-D, with the growth of ATCC strain 21198 on alcohols produced by the hydrolysis of orthosilicates. Three orthosilicates were tested: tetrabutylorthosilicate (TBOS), tetra- s-butylorthosilicate (T2BOS), and tetraisopropoxysilane (T2POS). The measured rates of alcohol release in poisoned controls depended on the orthosilicate structure with TBOS, which produced a 1° alcohol (1-butanol), hydrolyzing more rapidly than T2POS and T2BOS, that produced the 2° alcohols 2-butanol and 2-propanol, respectively. The orthosilicates were added as light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) with ATCC strain 21198 and formed dispersed droplets when continuously mixed. Continuous rates of oxygen (O2) consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) production confirmed alcohol metabolism by ATCC strain 21198 was occurring. The rates of metabolism (TBOS > T2POS > T2BOS) were consistent with the rates of alcohol release via abiotic hydrolysis. 1,4-D and 1,1,1-TCA were continuously transformed in successive additions by ATCC strain 21198 over 125 days, with the rates highly correlated with the rates of metabolism. The metabolism of the alcohols was not inhibited by acetylene , while transformation of 1,4-D and 1,1,1-TCA was inhibited by this gas. As acetylene is a potent inactivator of diverse bacterial monooxygenases, these results suggest that monooxygenase activity was required for the observed cometabolic transformations but not for alcohol utilization. Alcohol concentrations in the biologically active reactors were maintained below the levels of detection, indicating they were metabolized rapidly after being produced. Much lower rates of O 2 consumption were observed in the reactors containing T2BOS, which has benefits for in-situ bioremediation. The results illustrate the importance of the structure of the SRC when developing passive aerobic cometabolic treatment systems.
Free energy simulations to understand the effect of Met → Ala mutations at positions 205, 206 and 213 on stability of human prion protein

Abstract Prion diseases are a family of infectious amyloid diseases affecting human and animals. Prion propagation in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies is associated with the unfolding and conversion of normal cellular prion protein into its pathogenic scrapie form. Understanding the fundamentals of prion protein aggregation caused by mutations is crucial to unravel the pathology of prion diseases. To help understand the contributions of individual residues to the stability of the human prion protein, we have carried out free energy simulations based on atomistic molecular dynamics trajectories. We focus on Met → Ala mutations at positions 205, 206 and 213, which are mostly buried residues located on helix 3 of the protein. The simulations predicted that all three mutations destabilize the prion protein. Changes in unfolding free energy upon mutation, ∆∆G, are 3.10 ± 0.79, 2.00 ± 0.26 and 3.06 ± 0.66 kcal/mol for M205A, M206A and M213A, respectively, in excellent agreement with the corresponding experimental values of 3.09 ± 0.28, 1.50 ± 0.34 and 3.12 ± 0.27 kcal/mol [T. Hart et al. (2009) PNAS 106, 5651–5656]. Component analysis indicates that the major contributions to the loss of protein stability arise from van der Waals interactions for the M205A and M206A mutations, and from van der Waals and covalent energy terms for M213A. Interestingly, while free energy contributions from a majority of residues neighboring the mutation sites tend to stabilize the wild type, there are a few residues stabilizing the mutant side chains. Our results show that this approach to free energy calculation can be very useful for understanding the detailed mechanism of human prion protein stability.
Exchange 2000 Server Security

Although the focus of this book is on hardening the Windows client operating systems, so many organizations tend to install Windows servers for the purposes of running Exchange Server. So, respecting that fact, I decided to include a chapter on ways to very simply but effectively protect your Microsoft Exchange Server.
Bioanalysis in Unusual Matrices by Liquid Chromatography‐Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

In certain circumstances the analysis of drugs in uncommon biological matrices such as semen, breast milk, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid and bile may be required. The high specificity and sensitivity of liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-API-MS/MS), has greatly eased the development of methods involving unusual matrices, although different sample pretreatment approaches may still be required for different matrices. Methods are described and compared for the quantification of a guanosine-based antiviral in plasma, semen and cerebrospinal fluid by LC-API-MS/MS.
BK channel β1 subunits regulate airway contraction secondary to M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor mediated depolarization

Non-technical summary Parasympathetic nerve activation of M3 and M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors initiates and modulates calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to control airway smooth muscle contraction. Here we investigate M2 acetylcholine receptors that also contribute to contraction through depolarization and recruitment of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). We find that the calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel (BK channel) and its β1 accessory subunit are important proteins that oppose M2-mediated contraction of airway smooth muscle. BK channels contribute to a negative baseline membrane voltage from which M2-mediated depolarization only weakly activates VDCCs. The role of BK β1 to oppose M2 signalling is evidenced by a greater than fourfold increase in the contribution of L-type VDCCs to contraction that otherwise does not occur with M2 receptor antagonist or with β1 containing BK channels. These findings provide a better understanding of how cholinergic second messenger signalling impinges on voltage-dependent mechanisms and excitation–contraction coupling of smooth muscle.
Solar-induced Thermal Activity and Stratification in Pond Water

Ponds are universally used to store water for a large number of uses. With the increasing demand for more fresh water, ponds, lakes and reservoirs are likely to be constructed on a larger scale. We must understand the effects of environmental changes on fresh water if we are to most efficiently utilize this resource. This study undertakes to increase our understanding of the rate of thermal response of ponds and other bodies of water to every-day environmental changes. The central research agenda is to investigate how the temperature of pond water from top to bottom responds to the day/night cycle, changes in air temperature just above the surface, cloud conditions, and other sudden environmental changes. Data collection for this study spanned October 2007 to June 2011 and had a continuous time resolution of 50 seconds.
Recovery of geometric properties of binary objects from blurred images

Geometric properties such as area and perimeter are commonly used in the analysis of binary objects. Images of binary objects often appear blurred due to the imaging process, and one needs to use thresholding techniques to convert the image to a binary image before such geometric properties can be computed. In this paper, we show that by using fuzzy definitions of geometric properties, one can make reasonably accurate measurements of geometric properties directly from blurred images, and the results so obtained are generally superior to those obtained by thresholding. >
MODELING THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CHEDDAR CHEESE WITH DIFFERENT FAT CONTENTS AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES

Cheddar cheese consists of a gel phase with imbedded fat particles and can be represented as a particle-filled gel. The storage modulus (G′) of Cheddar cheese containing different fat contents was fitted to 12 theoretical models for particle-filled gels. Models that included the G′ of fat particles and their interactions best described cheese G′. The estimated G′ of fat particle (Gf′) was larger than that of gel matrix (Gm′) at 10, 15 and 20C, corresponding to a reinforcing effect of fat on cheese G′. However, Gf′ decreased at a faster rate than Gm′ with increasing temperature, resulting in a weakening effect at 25C. Cheese rheological properties were dominated by the solid fat phase at 10 and 15C and showed no significant change with aging. In contrast, cheese G′ at 20 and 25C decreased after aging cheeses for 12 weeks, corresponding to decreases of Gm′ as a result of changes in the protein network. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Fat is critical to cheese texture. The rheological properties of cheeses depend on the two phases: fat particles and protein gel matrix. However, limited works have been done to quantitatively evaluate the contributions from the two phases. In this article, the rheological properties of Cheddar cheese containing a range of fat content were fitted to 12 mathematical models for particle-filled gels. The advantages and limitations of these theoretical models were compared. This study extended the application of the mathematical models in Cheddar cheese, showing a quantitative evaluation on the role of fat in cheese rheology. This provides quantitative information for developing fat substitutes to function as fat particles in cheese texture.
ECMWF and GFS model forecast verification during DYNAMO: Multiscale variability in MJO initiation over the equatorial Indian Ocean

Improving understanding and prediction of the initiation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the equatorial Indian Ocean (IO) was a main objective of the Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO) field campaign. This study evaluates the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System (GFS) operational global model forecasts of MJO-2 in DYNAMO (November–December 2011). The model rainfall and 850 hPa zonal winds are compared with the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) rainfall and operational analysis in the equatorial IO. The ECMWF forecasts of the total equatorial rainfall were more consistent with TRMM observations. The GFS did not accurately predict the onset of equatorial convection beyond 5 day lead time. Instead, the GFS rainfall was mainly off the Equator in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The GFS did not capture synoptic scale systems that bring in dry air intrusions from the subtropics and disrupt convection in the ITCZ which is favorable for equatorial convection associated with the MJO initiation. DYNAMO observations suggest that multiscale interactions among convection, synoptic systems, and the MJO large-scale circulations were important for the initiation of MJO-2. The model forecasts and analysis of 850 hPa zonal wind are decomposed into mesoscale, synoptic, and large-scale flows. Results show that (1) both models have good initial conditions and 1–2 day forecasts and (2) the ECMWF has significantly better skill than the GFS in terms of forecasting equatorial convection, synoptic systems, and the large-scale MJO circulation at 5–15 day lead times.
When Effort is Threatening: The Influence of the Belief in a Just World on Americans' Attitudes Toward Antipoverty Policy

In the political context of the reauthorization of federal welfare reform legislation, a nationally representative sample of 1,570 adults in the United States completed a survey examining the factors that affect attitudes and policy preferences with regard to aid for low-income individuals and families in the United States. This study utilized an innovative survey technique, the factorial survey methodology (Rossi & Nock, 1982), which allows for the simultaneous experimental manipulation of a large number of factors through the use of a vignette. This research demonstrates how the portrayal of difficulties faced by people in need and the ways in which they attempt to overcome these difficulties affect support for policies designed to aid low-income individuals and families. In addition, this study of public attitudes considers the role that psychological orientations of the evaluators play in judgments of families in need. In this case, we examined how the evaluators' belief that the world is a just place influences their evaluations of deservingness. Consistent with our expectations, we found that the more efforts the vignette subject engaged in improving her situation, the less deserving of government benefits she was judged to be by respondents with a strong belief in a just world. The reverse was found among respondents with a weaker belief: more efforts were associated with greater judgments of deservingness.