cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the local impacts of volunteer tourism: comparing two unique approaches to indicator development.

Volunteer tourism is a rapidly growing form of alternative travel and one of its central pillars consists of generating beneficial impacts in host destinations. However, few mechanisms have been proposed or developed to understand, identify or assess the impacts of volunteer tourism in host communities. One strategy to assess these impacts is by developing sociocultural, economic and environmental indicators. Literature on international development, social indicators and volunteer tourism suggests that indicator development should engage both host communities and volunteer tourism organizations (VTOs). This article presents an approach to accomplish this often difficult task. An online questionnaire solicited data from VTOs regarding indicators that they believe are most useful to understand the community impacts of their programs. Exploratory workshops in five host communities of volunteer tourism in Ecuador and Costa Rica generated additional indicators that are locally-relevant and appropriate. Data from these distinct approaches to indicator development are compared and contrasted to understand how they can be used to reflect the interests of both stakeholder groups. The compass of sustainability was used as a framework to guide indicator development for both the survey and the workshops and its potential to guide future initiatives is discussed. This research revealed the need to promote collaboration among VTOs and host communities to jointly develop indicators to ensure that volunteer tourism can address their mutual goals and needs.
Trends and dynamics of youth suicides in developing countries.

Global suicide rates have been fluctuating over recent decades decreasing in developed countries such as the USA countries in the European Union and Japan and increasing in eastern Europe especially in Russia and countries of the former Soviet Union Sri Lanka and China. What appears to be common in the countries that had increasing suicide rates is the sociocultural upheaval brought about by changes in the political and economic system leading to free markets and open society. One striking aspect of the suicide rates in southern India is a higher suicide rate in girls than boys which has also been observed in China and Singapore. The question of whether the politico-economical and sociocultural upheaval affects the younger population especially girls more than other groups is an important area for further study. However one can surmise that intergenerational and gender conflicts are more intense in a traditional agricultural society transforming into an egalitarian industrial society than in stable developed countries. March 1 issues of both Time and Newsweek magazines covered outsourcing of jobs from the USA to India and the accompanying socioeconomic and cultural changes. A report from Sri Lanka which has the highest national suicide rate in the world described possible reasons for high suicide rates: conflicts between collectivism and individualism rigid hierarchical structure repressive education and influence of foreign culture through cinema and television. (excerpt)
An endogenous regulator of diacylglycerol kinase

Summary During the initial steps of the subcellular fractionation of rat brain homogenate, we recovered more than 100% of diacylglycerol kinase activity. The unusually high yields prompted us to examine the possibility that we had removed an endogenous inhibitor from diacylglycerol kinase during those steps. Our study revealed the existence of a potent inhibitor of diacylglycerol kinase in the crude synaptosomal-mitochondrial fraction (P2 pellet). The inhibitory substance was water soluble upon organic solvent extraction. The inhibitory activity of the substance was retained after extensive dialysis, suggesting the macromolecular nature of this compound. This substance may represent an important physiological regulator of diacylglycerol kinase.
Generation of Size-Controlled, Submicrometer Protein Crystals

Cross-linked protein crystals represent a new class of micro- and mesoporous materials with properties potentially useful in technologies as diverse as chiral separations and drug delivery. These applications require the generation of protein crystals in formats and sizes quite distinct from the traditional submillimeter single crystals favored by structural biologists. Here we report a high-yield method for forming monodisperse protein crystals with tunable dimensions ranging from 250 nm up to tens of micrometers. X-ray powder diffraction of these crystallites confirms that the hen egg white lysozyme crystals are identical in structure to that of the bulk tetragonal lysozyme (a = 79.05 A; c = 37.96 A).
Comparison of NMDA modulation of breathing and NR1 expression in medullary nuclei of weanling male and female rats

We investigated effects of dextromethophan (DXM), an NMDA receptor antagonist, on ventilation and metabolism in unanesthetized male and female weanling rats, and densities of neurons positive for the NR1 subunit in four medullary nuclei. Relative to saline, DXM treatment decreased oxygen consumption 12% in males and increased it 9% in females (interaction, P < 0.05). DXM compared to saline decreased frequency of breathing significantly more in females than males when exposed to hypercapnia. During hypoxia, DXM relative to saline significantly decreased frequency and minute ventilation in males and increased these variables in females. NR1 positive neuron densities were significantly greater in females than males in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), commissural nucleus of the NTS and hypoglossal nucleus due to higher counts. Few sex differences were noted in the dorsal vagal motor nucleus. Thus, in weanling rats NMDA receptor modulation of breathing is sex specific, as are the densities of NR1 positive neurons in medullary nuclei associated with control of breathing.
Cartilage proteoglycans: structure and potential functions.

Hyaline cartilage contains five well-characterized proteoglycans in its extracellular matrix, and it is likely that others exist. The largest in size and most abundant by weight is aggrecan, a proteoglycan that possesses over 100 chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate chains. Aggrecan is also characterized by its ability to interact with hyaluronic acid to form large proteoglycan aggregates. Both the high anionic charge on the individual aggrecan molecules endowed by the sulfated glycosaminoglycan chains and the localization within the matrix endowed by aggregate formation are essential for aggrecan function. The molecule provides cartilage with its osmotic properties, which give articular cartilage its ability to resist compressive loads. The other proteoglycans are characterized by their ability to interact with collagen. They are much smaller than aggrecan in size but may be present in similar molar amounts. Decorin, biglycan, and fibromodulin are closely related in protein structure but differ in glycosaminoglycan composition and function. Decorin and biglycan possess one and two dermatan sulfate chains, respectively, whereas fibromodulin bears several keratan sulfate chains. Decorin and fibromodulin both interact with the type II collagen fibrils in the matrix and may play a role in fibrillogenesis and interfibril interactions. Biglycan is preferentially localized in the pericellular matrix, where it may interact with type VI collagen. Finally, type IX collagen can also be considered as a proteoglycan, as its α2(IX) chain may bear a glycosaminoglycan chain. It may serve as a bridge between the collagen fibrils or with the interspersed aggrecan network. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Paracrine regulation of megakaryo/thrombopoiesis by macrophages

Objective Megakaryo/thrombopoiesis is a complex process regulated by multiple signals provided by the bone marrow microenvironment. Because macrophages are relevant components of the bone marrow stroma and their activation induces an upregulation of molecules that can regulate hematopoiesis, we analyzed the impact of these cells on the control of megakaryocyte development and platelet biogenesis. Materials and Methods The different stages of megakaryo/thrombopoiesis were analyzed by flow cytometry using an in vitro model of human cord blood CD34+ cells stimulated with thrombopoietin in either a transwell system or conditioned media from monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from peripheral blood. Cytokines secreted from macrophages were characterized by protein array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Resting macrophages released soluble factors that promoted megakaryocyte growth, cell ploidy, a size increase, proplatelet production, and platelet release. Lipopolysaccharide stimulation triggered the secretion of cytokines that exerted opposite effects together with a dramatic switch of CD34+ commitment to the megakaryocytic lineage toward the myeloid lineage. Neutralization of interleukin-8 released by stimulated macrophages partially reversed the inhibition of megakaryocyte growth. Activation of nuclear factor κB had a major role in the synthesis of molecules involved in the megakaryocyte inhibition mediated by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Conclusions Our study extends our understanding about the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the regulation of megakaryo/thrombopoiesis by showing that soluble factors derived from macrophages positively or negatively control megakaryocyte growth, differentiation, maturation, and their ability to produce platelets.
Metabolic Bone Disease in Very-Low- Birth-Weight Infants: Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment by Neonatal Nurse Practitioners

Objective To describe the current practice of neonatal nurse practitioners in assessing skeletal health and preventing and treating metabolic bone disease in very-low-birth-weight infants. Design Descriptive, retrospective survey Participants Neonatal nurse practitioners in the continental United States were systematically randomly selected. A 64% response rate was obtained (112). Main Outcome Measures Responses to questions about assessing skeletal health and preventing and treating metabolic bone disease in very- low-birth-weight infants Results Current practice of neonatal nurse practitioners includes assessing skeletal health of very-low-birth-weight infants on the 7th (47.3%) or 14th (19.6%) day of life, with subsequent assessments every 7 (63.3%) or 14 (18.8%) days. Neonatal nurse practitioners (85.1%) estimate the incidence of metabolic bone disease at less than 15%. Neonatal nurse practitioners initiate total parenteral nutrition (99%), provide parenteral calcium and phosphorous in ratios of 1.3–1.7:1 (9%), and add powdered fortifier (90.1%) and liquid fortifier (25.2%) to expressed breast milk. All respondents use formulas made for premature infants. Physical therapy is used by 46.8% of neonatal nurse practitioners. Conclusions Neonatal nurse practitioners underestimate the incidence of metabolic bone disease. Parenteral calcium and phosphorous are given but in quantities that differ from the recommended ratio. Most neonatal nurse practitioners use formulas made for premature infants and add powdered fortifier to expressed breast milk. Although physical therapy is prescribed, more research on its effect on bone mineralization is warranted before this practice is recommended without reservation.
Influence of dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis and cardiac transplantation on the relation between plasma atrial natriuretic factor and atrial pressures

To determine whether dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis or cardiac transplantation affect the relation between plasma immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and cardiac filling pressures, right atrial plasma ANF concentration, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure and right atrial pressure were measured in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 48), dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to myocarditis (n = 20) and prior cardiac transplantation (n = 34). ANF level significantly correlated with both pulmonary arterial wedge and right atrial pressures in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy; however, the presence or absence of myocarditis did not significantly alter these relations (p = 0.88 and p = 0.33 for interaction terms, respectively). For the combined group the ANF-pulmonary arterial wedge pressure relation had a slope of 8.1 pg/ml/mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.4 to 10.8; p = 0.0001) and the ANF-right atrial pressure relation a slope of 13.6 pg/ml/mm Hg (CI, 8.5 to 18.7; p = 0.0001). Receiver operator curve analysis identified an optimal dividing point of ANF 150 pg/ml with 100% (CI, 72 to 100%) of patients with right atrial pressure greater than or equal to 8 mm Hg having ANF greater than or equal to 150 pg/ml, but only 56% (CI, 42 to 69%) with pressure less than 8 mm Hg having ANF less than 150 pg/ml. Unlike the patients with cardiomyopathy (with or without myocarditis), cardiac transplant recipients displayed no correlation between ANF level and either pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (p = 0.50) or right atrial pressure (p = 0.29) despite similarly elevated ANF concentrations (mean +/- standard deviation 168 (83) pg/ml in transplant patients versus 185 (114) pg/ml in cardiomyopathy patients). It is concluded that left and right intracardiac pressures are important determinants of circulating ANF level unaffected by inflammation in patients with cardiomyopathy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Glucose-Induced Expression of the Cyclin-Dependent Protein Kinase 5 Activator p35 Involved in Alzheimer’s Disease Regulates Insulin Gene Transcription in Pancreatic β-Cells

The deposition of amyloid within the insulin-producing islets of Langerhans in the pancreas is a common pathological finding in patients with type 2 diabetes. Its relationship with age and the progression of the disease resembles the pathological deposition of β-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Endocrine cells of pancreatic islets and cells of neuronal lineages express a shared subset of specialized genes. The hyperactivity of the cyclin-dependent protein kinase CDK5, involved in the development and differentiation of the nervous system, is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Overactivity of CDK5 occurs by proteolytic cleavage and cellular mislocalization of its activator, p35. These alterations in p35/CDK5 signaling pathway may mediate, at least in part, the functional abnormalities characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study we report that both the p35 and CDK5 genes are expressed in insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas. We detect in β-cells the formation of an active p35/CD...
COMPARISON OF APPROACHES FOR ESTIMATING TIME-AVERAGED PRECIPITATION USING DATA FROM THE USA

Spatial and temporal sampling errors inherent in large-scale, weather-station (raingauge) climatologies of precipitation are evaluated. A primary goal is to assess whether more representative large-scale precipitation climatologies emerge when (i) more station means are included, even when they are based on unequal periods of record, or (ii) fewer station means are included but all are derived from the same period of record. Observations drawn from the Historical Climatology Network (HCN) are used to estimate temporally averaged precipitation over lo-, 20-, and 30-year intervals at 457 stations within the USA. Two strategies for estimating these ‘observed’ means are examined, one based on temporal ‘substitution’ within each station record, and the other based on spatial interpolation from surrounding stations. Temporally estimated m-year means were obtained by substituting other m-year means, from within the same station record, for each ‘observed’ m-year mean, where m is the length of the averaging period of interest. Spatially interpolated m-year means were estimated from m-year means associated with nearby stations. Climatologies containing a greater number of station averages, even if they are computed over unequal averaging periods, appear to better represent the space-time variability in mean precipitation than climatologies containing fewer, but tem orall indicate that the within-station-record substitution of means is about 1.3 to 2.5 times more accurate than is interpolation from surrounding station means. Within-station substitution errors-associated with estimating any 10-year mean precipitation from any other 10-year mean-for example, were about 8 per cent of the long-term spatial precipitation mean for the USA, or 67.6 mm. Spatially interpolated 10-year means, from nearby stations, were in error by more than 10 per cent, or 88.8 mm on average. Much of the space-time variability in mean precipitation was not resolved adequately by the 457 HCN stations, especially high-frequency spatial variability caused by orographic and convective mechanisms. For many regions of the world, temporally homogeneous precipitation station networks are considerably more sparse than in the USA, further degrading the reliability of interpolated and spatially integrated mean precipitation fields derived solely from those networks.
Kinetics of gas-solid non-catalytic reaction

Analytical relationships are derived for non-catalytic first order diffusion influenced reaction between a gas and solid sphere of dimension which varies with extent of reaction. Bulk mass transport and diffusion through the product layer are assumed to occur in series with chemical reaction. The limiting case of totally volatile product is also treated. The fluid phase transport coefficient is incorporated as a general function of particle size and fluid velocity. The extent of reaction-time relationship is more significantly affected by particle size change during reaction than by the functionality governing the bulk mass transport coefficient variation with geometry and velocity. Les relations analytiques tenant compte de la reaction du premier ordre, non catalytique mais influencee par la diffusion, entre un gaz et une sphere solide dont la dimension varie avec la reaction, sont presentees. On suppose que le transfert de masse et la diffusion dans la couche de produit ont lieu en serie avec la reaction chimique. Le cas limite de produit entierement volatil est aussi etudie. Le coefficient de transfert dans le gaz est inclus sous forme d'une fonction generale de la vitesse du fluide et de la dimension de la particule. Le taux de reaction est influence plus serieusement par la variation de la dimension des particules durant la reaction que par la variation du coefficient de transfer de masse.
Concise Synthesis of Pauciflorol F Using a Larock Annulation

A Pd-catalyzed Larock annulation provides expedient access to a subset of resveratrol-derived natural products. The reported approach resulted in the structural revision of an intermediate en route to the natural product pauciflorol F, the total synthesis of which proceeded in two steps from the requisite pentannulation product.
Using Experiential Methods To Teach about Measurement Validity.

Organizational consultants depend on the validity of their assessments to be effective in their work. Within psychology, the 1959 article by Campbell and Fiske on convergent and discriminant validity by the multitrait-multimethod matrix was the most frequently cited in the history of the journal where it was published. The present article suggests how authority dynamics in classrooms impede students from understanding key concepts, describes how students were taught to use the matrix by experiential methods, shows better convergent and discriminant validity for an experientially developed trait than for one established by other procedures, and implies that concepts of validity can be made more accessible by using experiential methods.
Numerical model estimating the capabilities and limitations of the fast Fourier transform technique in absolute interferometry.

Anumerical model was developed to emulate the capabilities of systems performing noncontact absolute distance measurements. The model incorporates known methods to minimize signal processing and digital sampling errors and evaluates the accuracy limitations imposed by spectral peak isolation by using Hanning, Blackman, and Gaussian windows in the fast Fourier transform technique. We applied this model to the specific case of measuring the relative lengths of a compound Michelson interferometer. By processing computer-simulated data through our model, we project the ultimate precision for ideal data, and data containing AM–FM noise. The precision is shown to be limited by nonlinearities in the laser scan.
Cross-section systematics for nuclide production at a medium energy spallation neutron facility

Abstract A study was made of the effective production cross sections of numerous radio-nuclides, from various targets up to U, at a medium-energy spallation neutron facility (E n ⩽ 160MeV) . The reactions were of the types (n, xn), (n, pxn), (n, 2pxn),and(n, 3pxn) . For (n, xn), σ eff is a few hundred millibarns at x = 2; with increasing x , σ eff decreases rapidly for light targets and rather slowly for heavy targets. For (n, 2pxn), σ eff is roughly 0.1 mb at x = 0, it rises to a peak in the range 5–40 mb at x = 4−7, and then it decreases at large x ; the full widths at 1/10 maximum are Δx = 7 for 75 As, 11 for 139 La, and 13 for 209 Bi. The (n, 3pxn) cross sections show a similar pattern: broad flat peaks for medium and heavy Z targets, but almost an order of magnitude lower. It is shown that (n, 2pxn) and (n, 3pxn) with x ⩽ 2 are very useful for production of many neutron-rich nuclides at reasonable intensity. Compared with production by corresponding proton-induced reactions, interfering neutron-deficient isotopes are minimized.
The Application of Photography to the Study of the Manometric Flame

THERE are few more beautiful phenomena in experimental physics than those presented by the image of the manometric flame as one sees it in the revolving mirror. Especially is this true when the flame is excited by means of the complex tones of the human voice or by some musical instrument such as the violin, which possesses pronounced and varying tone colour.
County-Level Estimates of Mental Health Professional Shortage in the United States

Objective: This study examined shortages of mental health professionals at the county level across the United States. A goal was to motivate discussion of the data improvements and practice standards required to develop an adequate mental health professional workforce. Methods: Shortage of mental health professionals was conceptualized as the percentage of need for mental health visits that is unmet within a county. County-level need was measured by estimating the prevalence of serious mental illness, then combining separate estimates of provider time needed by individuals with and without serious mental illness derived from National Comorbidity Survey Replication, U.S. Census, and Medical Panel Expenditure Survey data. County-level supply data were compiled from professional associations, state licensure boards, and national certification boards. Shortage was measured for prescribers, nonprescribers, and a combination of both groups in the nation’s 3,140 counties. Ordinary least-squares regression identified county characteristics associated with shortage. Results: Nearly one in five counties (18%) in the nation had unmet need for nonprescribers. Nearly every county (96%) had unmet need for prescribers and therefore some level of unmet need overall. Rural counties and those with low per capita income had higher levels of unmet need. Conclusions: These findings identified widespread prescriber shortage and poor distribution of nonprescribers. A caveat is that these estimates of need were extrapolated from current provider treatment patterns rather than from a normative standard of how much care should be provided and by whom. Better data would improve these estimates, but future work needs to move beyond simply describing shortages to resolving them. (Psychiatric Services 60:1323–1328, 2009)
A Multi-informant Multi-Measure Approach to the Two Factor Model of Emotion with Youth

The two-factor model of emotion clarifies the complexities of the relationship between anxiety and depression through their varying associations with positive and negative affect. Although this model’s structure has been studied in children, the lack of parent report measures on model-specific constructs has thus far prevented a multi-informant perspective on the model. Capitalizing on recent advancements in parent report assessment instruments, the present investigation aimed to confirm the two-factor model of emotion per child self-report; expand the model’s applicability to include parent report; and create a combined-informant model with a large number of parent-child dyad pairs (N = 610). Structural equation modeling demonstrated good fit within parent and child informant models, but diminished fit for the multi-informant model. These results suggest a high degree of robustness with respect to informant type. Implications for the integration of multi-informant assessment information are discussed.
Automatic classification and detection of clinically relevant images for diabetic retinopathy

We proposed a novel approach to automatic classification of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) images and retrieval of clinically-relevant DR images from a database. Given a query image, our approach first classifies the image into one of the three categories: microaneurysm (MA), neovascularization (NV) and normal, and then it retrieves DR images that are clinically-relevant to the query image from an archival image database. In the classification stage, the query DR images are classified by the Multi-class Multiple-Instance Learning (McMIL) approach, where images are viewed as bags, each of which contains a number of instances corresponding to non-overlapping blocks, and each block is characterized by low-level features including color, texture, histogram of edge directions, and shape. McMIL first learns a collection of instance prototypes for each class that maximizes the Diverse Density function using Expectation- Maximization algorithm. A nonlinear mapping is then defined using the instance prototypes and maps every bag to a point in a new multi-class bag feature space. Finally a multi-class Support Vector Machine is trained in the multi-class bag feature space. In the retrieval stage, we retrieve images from the archival database who bear the same label with the query image, and who are the top K nearest neighbors of the query image in terms of similarity in the multi-class bag feature space. The classification approach achieves high classification accuracy, and the retrieval of clinically-relevant images not only facilitates utilization of the vast amount of hidden diagnostic knowledge in the database, but also improves the efficiency and accuracy of DR lesion diagnosis and assessment.
Determination of ponding condition and infiltration into layered soils under unsteady rainfall

Abstract Few infiltration models, based on the Green–Ampt approach, in current use are suitable for simulating infiltration into heterogeneous soils of variable initial moisture distributions during unsteady rainfall. An algorithm is proposed for determining the ponding condition, simulating infiltration into a layered soil profile of arbitrary initial water distributions under unsteady rainfall, and partitioning the rainfall input into infiltration and surface runoff. Two distinct periods, pre-ponding and post-ponding, are taken into account. The model tracks the movement of the wetting front along the soil profile, checks the ponding status, and in particular, handles the shift between ponding and non-ponding conditions. The modeling also covers a fully saturated flow condition when the wetting front reaches the bottom of the soil profile (water table). Detailed procedures that deal with the variability in both soil properties and rainfall intensity are presented. For the purpose of model testing, three different cases (homogeneous soil and unsteady rainfall; layered soils and steady rainfall; and layered soils and unsteady rainfall) were discussed. Comparisons of the developed model with other infiltration models (both modified Green–Ampt infiltration model and fully numerical model) and field measurements were conducted and good agreements were achieved.
The Effects of Violence on Health and Adjustment of Southeast Asian Refugee Children: An Integrative Review

Public health nurses have historically been on the front line in meeting the needs of refugees in their practice communities. Little nursing research has been focused on the needs of refugees, however. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to clarify research focused on the needs of one refugee group, southeast Asian. The integrating factors reviewed were the instruments used, sampling procedures, statistical methods, and clarification of independent and dependent variables. Power analyses were computed on three of the studies to critique further the appropriateness of sample size. Findings indicate that premigration experiences, especially violence, play an important role in health status and adaptation after settling in the United States. Since health problems are often manifested in cultural ways different from Western norms, public health nurses would benefit from continued research clarifying the needs of individuals from other cultures.
Computation of magnetic fields using a 2-D hybrid finite-element/boundary-element algorithm and comparison with analytical solutions

Magnetic field computations using the finite-element (FE) method usually involve large air domains surrounding the conductors to satisfy boundary conditions at infinity. Elimination of these air domains saves computations and simplifies model generation-especially in large problems involving complex geometries like railguns and pulsed power generators, where fields in the air regions are calculated using fields at the air-conductor interface. The air domain can be avoided using the hybrid finite-element/boundary-element (FE/BE) method. A two-dimensional (2-D) hybrid FE/BE algorithm with the fundamental solution of Poisson's equation as the weighting function is investigated here for applications to electromagnetic launch problems. Two examples with analytical solutions are used: a rectangular conductor carrying uniform current, and a quadrupole coil configuration. Solutions obtained using the hybrid algorithm match analytical solutions favorably in all regions, including geometric corners. The effects of the number of integration nodes in quadrature formulas and coupling schemes between the FE and BE formulations through the normal fluxes at the boundaries are also presented. These 2-D analyses serve as forerunners for three-dimensional investigations.
Nightly and seasonal movements, seasonal home range, and focal location photo-monitoring of urban striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis): implications for rabies transmission.

We followed radio-collared striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) from January 2004– December 2005 in two urban areas of Flagstaff, Arizona, USA to determine seasonal patterns of movement and home-range size. We also used automated cameras to determine the potential for inter- and intraspecific interaction at skunks' diurnal resting sites and nocturnal focal locations. We found no difference between sexes in nightly rates of travel or in size of seasonal home range. Nightly rates of travel were greatest in the postbreeding months (May–July) and smallest from November to February, consistent with larger home ranges (95% kernel estimates) from March– August and smaller home ranges from September–February. Sixty-three percent of monitored males and 38% of monitored females crossed the urban–wildland interface, in at least one direction on at least one night, and some remained outside the urban area for days or weeks, indicating that skunks could act as vectors of disease across the urban–wildland interface. We r...
CephSchool: a pedagogic portal for teaching biological principles with cephalopod molluscs

CephSchool is based on CephBase and takes the information present in CephBase's digital libraries and redirects it towards students and teachers. CephSchool is organized into eight arms and contains information about cephalopods, discussion topics, teacher support, and student assessment techniques. These provide an accurate and inquiry base-learning environment for students to learn basic biological concepts using cephalopods as the subject organism by giving them a dynamic Web page that is updated, as new information is made available.
Parameter Inequalities for Orthogonal Arrays with Mixed Levels

An important question in the construction of orthogonal arrays is what the minimal size of an array is when all other parameters are fixed. In this paper, we will provide a generalization of an inequality developed by Bierbrauer for symmetric orthogonal arrays. We will utilize his algebraic approach to provide an analogous inequality for orthogonal arrays having mixed levels and show that the bound obtained in this fashion is often sharper than Rao’s bounds. We will also provide a new proof of Rao’s inequalities for arbitrary orthogonal arrays with mixed levels based on the same method.
Tailored Current—Voltage Relationships of Droplet-Interface Bilayers Using Biomolecules and External Feedback Control

The development of a new class of active material based on the ion transport properties of functional biomolecules is introduced in this work. The new class of materials utilizes a recently developed technique known as the droplet-interface bilayer (DIB) to enable the reconstitution of biomolecules into a durable matrix. Methods to modify the current- voltage relationship across the bilayer, including the incorporation of proteins and the use of an external feedback loop, are explored. Electrical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements are used to characterize the bilayers and indicate that a single DIB can be modeled as a resistor in parallel with a capacitor. Alpha-hemolysin proteins from Staphyloccus aureus cause a reduction in the resistance of the bilayer and exhibit current- rectification at positive cis potentials. Alamethicin proteins from Trichoderma viride produce a voltage-dependent conductance allowing the specific resistance (M cm 2 ) of the bilayer to be varied reversibly by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Feedback integral current control is demonstrated on pure 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine DIBs and provides accurate current tracking at a driving rate of 10 mHz and less. Proportional-integral voltage control applied to a DIB establishes a second-order frequency response where the natural frequency and damping ratio of the resonance can be selected.
Soils Magic: Bringing Civil Engineering to the K-12 Classroom

An investigation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a series of kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) educational outreach activities related to civil engineering. In particular, a program called Soils Magic that contains a series of simple geotechnical engineering experiments was delivered in various formats to K–12 students. This paper provides an overview of the Soils Magic program and provides further details of selected experiments from the program. This paper highlights the experiences of various civil engineering professors bringing the program to school children to promote the excitement and accessibility of the engineering profession. Suggestions are provided for conducting successful educational outreach programs. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using survey responses of the program participants. The need for outreach activities that promote science and engineering in an entertaining manner was established using survey responses of K–12 students.
Stochastic resource allocation in opportunistic LTE-A networks with heterogeneous self-interference cancellation capabilities

Opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) and self-interference cancellation (SIC) are two emerging solutions for enhancing spectrum utilization, which are expected to impact the design of 5G networks. In this paper, we consider the problem of composing an opportunistic LTE-A network using a set of existing base stations (BSs) with heterogeneous SIC capabilities and costs. The objective is to design the cheapest network that can support the probabilistic rate demands of multiple users. Towards achieving this goal, we propose novel stochastic joint channel and BS allocation schemes that account for uncertainty in channel availability. First, we develop two static (proactive) joint allocation models. We refer to these models as Het-SMKP1 and Hom-SMKP. In these models, the allocation is done once such that user demands are probabilistically met. In Het-SMKP1, a user can request different probabilistic rates for different small cells, whereas in Hom-SMKP each user requests the same probabilistic rate for the entire network. Second, we propose an adaptive (proactive and reactive), two-stage allocation model for heterogeneous rate demands, which we refer to as Het-SMKP2. The adaptive model allows for correcting the initial resource allocation once the channel availability uncertainties are partially resolved. We numerically evaluate the performance of the static and adaptive allocation schemes under various system parameters. Despite its computational complexity, the adaptive scheme improves the probability of rate demand satisfaction considerably compared to the static scheme.
The Research on the Detection and Defense Method of the Smurf-Type DDos Attack

Smurf attack is one of the major distributed denial of service (DDos) attack; it has a serious threat to network security of Internet. Combined with the attack principle and characteristics of Smurf attack, this paper analyzes the IP spoofing and ICMP reply attack. This paper presents the typical detection algorithm as Information entropy algorithm and congestion control strategy of RED algorithm. On the basis of specific algorithm introduction, it researches and analyzes the main guard way of Smurf attack systematically. Finally, it discusses the future direction in this field.
Aerosolized GM-CSF ameliorates pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in GM-CSF-deficient mice.

Surfactant proteins and phospholipids accumulate in the alveolar spaces and lung tissues of mice deficient in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), with pathological findings r...
Integer Arithmetic in NC

Addition of two n-bit binary numbers can be performed in log n depth with n processors. We will use parallel prefix to calculate the carry string. Once the carry is computed, the sum is easily computed in constant time with n processors by taking the exclusive-or of the two summands and the carry string.
Conservation Studies on Limestone from the Maya Site at Xunantunich, Belize

The limestone used in the construction of much of the 8-1 ith century Maya structures at Xunantunich, Belize is mechanically weak. Active microfloral growth, cyclic changes in humidity and temperature, and exposure to the erosive effects of wind and rain have resulted in deterioration of the stone used at the site. Limestone samples were consolidated using water-compatible and other consolidants and were exposed to both sunny and shaded tropical environments for one year. Data-logging meteorological stations were used to monitor the temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind conditions and solar irradiance during the exposures. Accelerated aging tests on similarly treated specimens were performed in the laboratory. Dilute epoxy and acrylic resin systems in hydrophilic solvents were found to penetrate and consolidate weak limestone. Several biocides applied in dilute aqueous solution were effective in preventing microfloral growth on new limestone and for controlling in situ growth on historic limestone.
Sobering Decisions: Are There Gender Differences?

Alcoholism treatment facilities have seen a substantial demographic change with more women seeking services than in the past. Remarks by clinicians regarding gender differences in routes to treatment and aftercare prompted this exploratory investigation of alcoholics' attributions of their reasons for becoming sober. The study participants were 81 self-reported alcoholics who attested to sobriety of one year or more and voluntarily completed a brief self-administered questionnaire. Significant differences were found with women more frequently citing relationships and men more often giving their legal difficulties and status in the community as motivational influences on their decisions to become abstinent. However, all who cited relationships as primary motivators, among both men and women, tended to both be slightly older than others in the sample and to have begun their drinking careers at later stages in their development, suggesting social and developmental influences other than gender have an impact ...
Bagpipes and Artichokes: Surprise as a Stimulus to Learning in the Elementary Music Classroom

Incorporating surprise into music instruction can stimulate student attention, curiosity, and interest. Novelty focuses attention in the reticular activating system, increasing the potential for br...
Based on the Vehicle Body Manufacturing Quality Control

According to the characteristics of the BIW and BIW quality evaluation,impact analysis because the quality of trial-produce BIW,to explore the methods and quality control measures.
Detection of Distorted Current Based on i_p-i_q Method and Its Physical Realization

A large number of non-linear loads deteriorate power quality and grid-connection of new energy sources such as wind farms and photovoltaic generation aggravates harmonic pollution in power grids.Various compensation and filtering devices are used to solve problems related to power quality.Based on ip-iq detection,the physical implementation of extracting distorted currents is researched.A grid voltage signal conditioning and shaping circuit and a PLL frequency synthesizing circuit are designed and made;according to the requirement to the number of sampling points and using the designed circuits the synchronous sampling pulses without phase error can be generated and by use of high-precision A/D converter the acquisition of load current signals is implemented and the accuracy of the sampling is ensured.Type of digital low-pass filter used in ip-iq algorithm as well as its dynamic and static indices greatly affect detection accuracy,so after the determination of dynamic and static indices of digital low-pass filter a method to design such a filter that can meet the demand of these indices is given.A Matlab based simulation on the designed ip-iq algorithm is performed,and simulation results show that the effect of compensating distorted current is obvious and the proposed method can be applied to the development of active power filter.
Monitoring on Disinfection Effect of Medical Institutions at Various Levels in Wulian County from 2006 to 2008

[Objective]To know the disinfection quality of medical institutions at various levels in Wulian county and existing problems,improve the effect and quality of disinfection.[Methods]According to the Hygiene Standards for Hospital Disinfection(GB 15982-1995),the disinfection effects of medical institutions at various levels in Wulian from 2006 to 2008 were tested.[Results]843 samples were tested during 2006-2008,and the qualified rate was 84.34%.From 2006 to 2008,the annual qualified rate was 75.71%,86.11% and 91.27% respectively,which increased year by year significantly(P0.01).The qualified rates of various monitoring objects were as followed: disinfectant solution in use was 88.51%,object surface was 85.91%,hands of medical staff was 84.41%,and air was 66.67%.There was significant difference in the qualified rate among different samples(P0.01).The qualified rate of county-level,village-level and private medical institutions was 93.40%,81.63% and 64.90% respectively,the difference was significant(P0.01).[Conclusion]The qualified rate of disinfection in medical institutions at various levels in Wulian increased year by year,but the frequency of supervision and inspection should also be improved.Among the medical institutions at various levels,the disinfection quality of private medical institutions stayed at low level.The disinfection effect of various environments in hospitals was different.The disinfection management of private medical institutions and air in hospitals should be strengthened.
Researches on the Problems of Bonus-point Policy for NCEE in Recent Years

Since the Notice of Adjusting Bonus-point Items for NCEE and Strengthening Management Work(Education NO.10) has been signed by the Ministry of Education and five other ministries in November 14th,2010,the new round of adjustment of bonus-point policy for NCEE comes to the attention of the public.Through the analyzing of researches of bonus-point policy for NCEE in recent years,the thesis deepens the related researches,and tries to find the solutions to improve the policy.
Appraisal of the Labour-Saving and Capital-Saving Character of Innovations

Specific observations on the difficulties of measuring the stock of capital will be made later in this paper. At the outset I will say merely this: the analysis assumes that the quantity of capital is measured by some method which enables us to distinguish between changes in this quantity and changes in the productivity of capital. The analysis assumes also that the nature of the technological processes exerts an influence on distributive shares, in other words that these shares are not uniquely determined by administrative decisions. Both these assumptions are implicit in the marginal productivity theory, but they are implicit also in other ways of looking at capital and at the determination of distributive shares.
Neural Control of Gonadotropin Secretion

The system that mediates gonadotropin release is intimately related to the neural system which mediates sexual behavior. In all species, sexual behavior ultimately results from the release of sex hormones, which is, in turn, induced by the previous release of gonadotropins. Furthermore, there is a close temporal relationship. For example, in the rat, the preovulatory discharge of gonadotropins occurs approximately two hours before the onset of sexual receptivity (Moss and Cooper, 1973). Thus, sexual receptivity is timed to occur just before ovulation to ensure fertilization of the freshly shed ova. In addition, luteinizing hormone (LH) releasing factor (LRF) can induce mating behavior (Moss and McCann, 1973). When LRF is released into the hypophysial portal vessels just before the preovulatory release of LH, it may also be released from axon collaterals directly into the preoptic sexual receptivity center. Lastly, in species which ovulate in response to mating, such as the rabbit, cat, and ferret, the act of mating can induce a discharge of gonadotropins via the release of LH-releasing factor (Everett, 1964). Coitus-induced release of gonadotropins appears to occur also in the rat (Moss and Cooper, 1973; Spies and Niswender, 1971) and may also occur in other spontaneously ovulating species.