cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Design with Brittle Materials

Structural design with brittle materials requires that the stress level in the component correspond to a material survival probability that exceeds the minimum survival probability permitted in that application. This can be achieved by developing failure models that fully account for the probability of fracture from defects within the material (including considerations of fracture statistics, fracture mechanics and stress analysis) coupled with non-destructive techniques that determine the size of the large extreme of critical defects. Approaches for obtaining the requisite information are described in this paper. The results provide implications for the microstructural design of failure-resistant brittle materials by reducing the size of deleterious defects and enhancing the fracture toughness.
Investigating the impact of local urban sources on total atmospheric mercury wet deposition in Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Abstract Event-based precipitation samples were collected at a downtown industrial and a predominantly upwind rural location in the Cleveland, Ohio metropolitan area from July 2009 through December 2010 to investigate the potential local total mercury (Hg) wet deposition enhancement in a region with a high concentration of coal combustion sources. Total Hg wet deposition for the 18-month period was 6.8 μg m −2 (n = 81) at the rural site and 10.7 μg m −2 (n = 98) at the urban site demonstrating a significant ( p = 0.046) 37% enhancement in deposition between the two sites. Large deposition events (>0.2 μg m −2 ) occurred predominantly from May through October (n = 16 (urban), n = 10 (rural)) and represented from 2 to 8% of total 18-month deposition per event. At the downtown urban site, the average Hg precipitation concentration was 53% higher for these large deposition events. Concurrently measured precipitation events delivered in aggregate 2.4 times more total Hg wet deposition to the urban site compared to the rural site. Hg rainfall concentrations for concurrent events with similar precipitation depth were 2–4 times higher at the urban site and suggest scavenging of local Hg emissions. Further evaluation of these events revealed 83% more total Hg deposition at the urban site from January to December 2010 compared to July to December 2009, while there was 26% more at the rural site during these same time periods. The larger increase in deposition at the urban site in 2010 may be evidence of increased local emissions from sources that were known to be offline during this study period because of an economic recession.
Observation on effect of Misoprostol in preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage caused by pregnancy induced hypertension

Objective To explore the effect of Misoprostol in preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage caused by pregnancy induced hypertension.Method 182 patients with pregnancy induced hypertension(pregnancy of 31~41 weeks) were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group,giving Misoprostol plus oxytocin and oxytocin alone,respectively.Results The occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage and the volume of bleeding in the observation group were lower than thtat in the control group,and with significant difference between the two groups(P0.05).The systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined a little after treatment in the observation group,but there was no significant difference(P0.05).There was no obvious change in saturation of blood oxygen,heart rates and mean arterial pressure both in the two groups(P0.05).Conclusion Misoprostol combined with oxytocin is effective,safe and convenient to patients with postpartum hemorrhage caused by pregnancy induced hypertension.
Center for New Music & Audio Technologies: Studio Report

Abstract The Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) is an interdisciplinary research center within the UC Berkeley Department of Music. The past year has seen a notable increase in live presentations at CNMAT, including concerts of original new music, lectures, seminars, receptions, workshops, and demonstrations by local and visiting scholars. The heightened degree of interaction has enlivened the exchange of artistic and scientific ideas within CNMAT’s community, resulting in many new collaborations and research projects.
Just How Sensitive are Instrumental Variable Estimates

Researchers regularly use instrumental variables to resolve concerns about regressor endogeneity. The existing literature has correctly emphasized that the choice of instrumental variables matter for the resulting estimates. This paper shows that researchers should also be concerned that the functional form of the instrument matters as well for the resulting estimates. For example, simply changing an instrumental variable from the level to the logarithm can change estimates directly. This article documents the problem, suggests why the problem occurs and suggests different approaches to the problem.
Secondary Metabolites of Mine Waste Acidophilic Fungi

Microorganisms isolated from an acid mine waste lake have proven an unexpected source of novel, bioactive metabolites. Berkeley Pit Lake is part of the largest Superfund site in North America. Despite its low pH, high Eh, and high metal concentration, it harbors extremophilic microbes that have been grown in the laboratory in liquid culture using an array of physicochemical conditions. Bioassay-guided fractionation has directed the purification of small molecule inhibitors of enzymes associated with inflammation (caspase-1) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (matrix-metalloproteinase-3, MMP-3). Caspase-1 plays an important role in chronic inflammation. It is activated upon binding to the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex that plays a key role in innate immunity. Activated caspase-1 in turn activates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Up-regulation of caspase-1 and concomitant chronic inflammation have been associated with leukemia, melanoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancers and breast cancer. MMP-3 promotes tumor cell invasion through the loss of cellular adhesion and promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which is associated with the metastatic spread of cancer. Inflammation and metastasis are interconnected and provide important targets for chemotherapy. Novel compounds have been tested by the National Cancer Institute-Developmental Therapeutics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Eisai, Inc. for anti-proliferative activity against specific and established human cancer cell lines. In these studies, attention has been paid to the isolation and characterization of enzyme inhibitors as well as inactive analogues to facilitate assessment of structure/activity relationships. Compounds isolated using this methodology have demonstrated activity against specific cancer cell lines, and some of these compounds will be described.
Seminary education and formation: the challenges and some ideas about future developments

The institution of the seminary was established by the sixteenth century Council of Trent. Seminaries were charged with the formation of men for the priesthood. The character of seminary education was largely unchanged until the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). This article observes and comments upon the changes and developments over the past 50 years. The author reflects on his own experience. A recently published document of the Holy See insists on the necessity for priestly formation within a seminary community. This author argues in support of the seminary but also recognises the challenges facing those responsible for seminary formation.
Earth science and society.

The unique set of challenges that face humankind today mean that it is more essential than ever that Earth scientists apply their understanding of the planet to benefit society and that society invite them to do so.
Abstract 13094: High Glucose/High Lipids Impair Vascular Adiponectin Function via Inhibition of Caveolin-1/AdipoR1 Signalsome Formation

Background and Aims: Reduced levels of adiponectin (APN) contribute to cardiovascular injury in the diabetic population. Recent studies demonstrate elevated circulating APN levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction during pre-diabetes, suggesting the development of APN resistance. However, mechanisms leading to, and the role of, vascular APN resistance in endothelial dysfunction remain unidentified. The current study determined whether diabetes cause endothelial APN resistance, and by what mechanisms. Methods and Results: In HUVECs cultured under normal condition (control), APN caused eNOS, AMPK and Akt phosphorylation, increased nitric oxide (NO) production, and inhibited TNF-induced adhesion molecule expression. Under high glucose/high lipids (HG/HL), APN-stimulated nitric oxide production was decreased, phosphorylation of eNOS, AMPK, and Akt was attenuated (P Conclusion: The current study demonstrates for the first time that the interaction between AdipoR1 and Cav1 is critical for adiponectin-mediated vascular signaling. The AdipoR1/Cav1 interaction is adversely affected by HG/HL, due largely to reduced Cav1 expression, supporting a potential mechanism for the development of APN resistance, contributing to diabetic endothelial dysfunction.
Charisma, collectives, and commitment: hybrid authority in radical feminist social movement organizations

The primary goal of this article is to add to the literature on the role of social movement organizations in facilitating movement involvement and activism. Using Weber’s definition of domination a...
Solvent Additives: Key Morphology‐Directing Agents for Solution‐Processed Organic Solar Cells

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) have the advantage of possible fabrication by energy-efficient and cost-effective deposition methods, such as solution processing. Solvent additives can provide fine control of the active layer morphology of OPVs by influencing film formation during solution processing. As such, solvent additives form a versatile method of experimental control for improving organic solar cell device performance. This review provides a brief history of solution-processed bulk heterojunction OPVs and the advent of solvent additives, putting them into context with other methods available for morphology control. It presents the current understanding of how solvent additives impact various mechanisms of phase separation, enabled by recent advances in in situ morphology characterization. Indeed, understanding solvent additives' effects on film formation has allowed them to be applied and combined effectively and synergistically to boost OPV performance. Their success as a morphology control strategy has also prompted the use of solvent additives in related organic semiconductor technologies. Finally, the role of solvent additives in the development of next-generation OPV active layers is discussed. Despite concerns over their environmental toxicity and role in device instability, solvent additives remain relevant morphological directing agents as research interests evolve toward nonfullerene acceptors, ternary blends, and environmentally sustainable solvents.
Detection of Mammalian Cell Attachment and Lysis on a Metal Surface Using a Piezoelectric Sensor

A quartz crystal microbalance, based on the piezoelectric effect, was used to detect the attachment and lysis of mammalian cells on a metal surface. An electric field is applied across a quartz crystal via two gold electrodes, causing the crystal to oscillate at its resonant frequency. The attachment of Vero cells to the gold electrode resulted in a decrease of the resonant frequency, suggesting an increase of mass on the surface; whereas, the settling of latex beads of similar diameter failed to generate a detectable signal. The death of cells, caused by base addition, was also detectable by the sensor. The piezoelectric sensor was successfully applied to detect cell lysis caused by infection of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. Such a sensor is potentially useful in the detection of cytopathic and stimulatory effects on cell growth.
Toward Sustaining Women in Careers in Core Laboratories—A Workshop Review Including Recommendations from the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities

Review of “From Doctorate to Dean or Director: Sustaining Women Through Critical Transition Points in Science, Engineering, and Medicine” (workshop held by the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine of the National Academies, Washington DC, September 18–19, 2008).
Intramitochondrial Cholesterol Transfer in Steroidogenic Cells

The acute biosynthesis of steroid hormones in response to trophic hormone stimulation is controlled by transferring substrate cholesterol from the outer mitochondrial membrane to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it is converted into pregnenolone, the first steroid synthesized, by the cytochorme P450 side chain cleavage enzyme system. This regulation is cycloheximide sensitive and thus requires a protein factor whose role it is to mediate this transfer of cholesterol. One candidate for the regulatory protein is the mitochondrial phosphoprotein, the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. Cloning and sequencing of the StAR cDNA indicated that it was a novel protein. Transient transfections with the cDNA for the StAR protein resulted in increased steroid production in both MA-10 and COS-1 cells in the absence of stimulation. Mutations in the StAR gene have been shown to cause the potentially lethal disease, congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, a condition in which cholesterol transfer to the P450scc is blocked. Recently, a protein with homology to a region in the C-terminal portion of the StAR protein has been cloned and shown to display some cholesterol transferring capacity. While it appears that StAR is the acute regulator of steroid biosynthesis, the mechanism which results in cholesterol transfer to the inner mitochondrial membrane is still unknown.
Prognostic pathologic factors among breast cancers detected on screening by mammography.

Since screening by both mammography and physical examination have been advocated as means of reducing breast cancer mortality, it is crucial to understand the relative contribution of each modality toward this goal. One means of dealing with this problem is through the use of pathologic parameters related to patient survival. These are lesion size, ratio of infiltrating to intraductal growth, histologic type, histologic grade, extent of tubule formation, lymphatic vessel invasion, and axillary lymph node metastasis. This paper analyzes results of a breast cancer screening project in terms of these pathologic factors. Most cancers classified as minimal or included in other favorable prognostic categories were seen on mammography but were occult to physical examination.
Membrane Protecting Sequences and New Antimicrobial Peptides Identified through the Screening of Synthetic Peptide Combinatorial Libraries

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the membrane protecting sequences and new antimicrobial peptides identified through the screening of synthetic peptide combinatorial libraries. Two tetrapeptide libraries, one N -acetylated and the other not, made up of the 20 naturally occurring L-amino acids, 19 D amino acids, and 19 other amino acids commonly used in peptide synthesis, were prepared. Each synthetic peptide combinatorial library (SPCL) is composed of tetrapeptides having one position individually defined, while the remaining positions are made up of mixtures of amino acids. The chapter presents this tetrapeptide library for the development of new antimicrobial peptides effective against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). In a study described in the chapter, the two tetramer SPCLs were screened for inhibition of E. coli growth in a microdilution assay. The IC 50 s was determined for each of the peptide mixtures. The non- N -acetylated peptide mixtures were found to be more active than the corresponding N-acetylated ones. The peptide mixture ZZZ–NH2 was found to exhibit the highest activity. This peptide mixture was chosen to carry out an iterative selection process.
Language-Based Methodologies for Policy and Leadership Research

This chapter introduces language-based methodologies and methods, which we argue are particularly relevant to education policy and leadership studies. The chapter discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA), discursive psychology (DP), and conversation analysis (CA) (including membership categorization analysis). First, the chapter provides a general discussion of language-based methodologies. Second, the chapter presents CDA, DP, and CA and highlights the following for each methodological approach: (1) the primary research focus; (2) key features or characteristics; (3) the relevant education policy and/or leadership literature, which has employed CDA, DP, and/or CA; and (4) primary resources for those new to such methodologies and methods. Third, it provides three illustrative examples. Finally, the chapter concludes with suggestions for policy and leadership scholars interested in the study of language writ large.
Assessing the prevalence of compromised bone health among overweight and obese African-American breast cancer survivors.

9596 Background: Osteoporosis is considered a late effect of breast cancer treatment. Previous studies included predominantly European-American women and analyzed African-American (AA) survivors in...
The Nature and Quality of Algebra Instruction: Using a Content-Focused Observation Tool as a Lens for Understanding and Improving Instructional Practice

AbstractAlgebra is a key course in the high school mathematics sequence. Despite its prominence, large-scale examinations of algebra instruction are rare and it is not clear whether and how instruc...
Evoked Potentials Recorded From the Spinal Cord During Neurostimulation for Pain: A Computational Modeling Study.

Objectives Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for pain is typically implemented in an open-loop manner using parameters that remain largely unchanged. To improve the overall efficacy and consistency of SCS, one closed-loop approach proposes to use evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) recorded from the SCS lead(s) as a feedback control signal to guide parameter selection. The goal of this study was to use a computational modeling approach to investigate the source of these ECAP recordings and technical and physiological factors that affect their composition. Methods We developed a computational model that coupled a finite element model of lower thoracic SCS with multicompartment models of sensory axons within the spinal cord. We used a reciprocity-based approach to calculate SCS-induced ECAPs recorded from the SCS lead. Results Our model ECAPs contained a triphasic, P1, N1, P2 morphology. The model P2-N1 amplitudes and conduction velocities agreed with previous experimental data from human subjects. Model results suggested that the ECAPs are dominated by the activation of axons with diameters 8.7-10.0 μm located in the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord. We also observed changes in the ECAP amplitude and shape due to the electrode location relative to the vertebrae and spinal cord. Conclusion Our modeling results suggest that clinically effective SCS relies on the activation of numerous axons within a narrow fiber diameter range and that several factors affect the composition of the ECAP recordings. These results can improve how we interpret and implement these recordings in a potential closed-loop approach to SCS.
Public Health and the Four P's of Marketing: Alcohol as a Fundamental Example

This article examines how public health addresses alcohol use through marketing - place, product, promotion, and price. The article reviews current product trends and how restrictions on certain products designs may reduce youth consumption; how product availability may be restricted through zoning; and the current advertising landscape.
Mechanized Significance and Machine Learning: Why It Became Thinkable and Preferable to Teach Machines to Judge the World

The slow and uneven forging of a novel constellation of practices, concerns, and values that became machine learning occurred in 1950s and 1960s pattern recognition research through attempts to mechanize contextual significance that involved building “learning machines” that imitated human judgment by learning from examples. By the 1960s two crises emerged: the first was an inability to evaluate, compare, and judge different pattern recognition systems; the second was an inability to articulate what made pattern recognition constitute a distinct discipline. The resolution of both crises through the problem-framing strategies of supervised and unsupervised learning and the incorporation of statistical decision theory changed what it meant to provide an adequate description of the world even as it caused researchers to reimagine their own scientific self-identities.
Antimicrobial supplementation alters digestibility and ruminal fermentation in a continuous culture model

A dual-flow continuous culture system was used to evaluate the effects of laidlomycin propionate and bacitracin zinc on fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and microbial efficiency. Factors were ...
Lipid Corona Formation from Nanoparticle Interactions with Bilayers and Membrane-Specific Biological Outcomes

While mixing nanoparticles with certain biological molecules can result in coronas that afford some control over how engineered nanomaterials interact with living systems, corona formation mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we report spontaneous lipid corona formation, i.e. without active mixing, upon attachment to stationary lipid bilayer model membranes and bacterial cell envelopes, and present ribosome-specific outcomes for multi-cellular organisms. Experiments show that polycation-wrapped particles disrupt the tails of zwitterionic lipids, increase bilayer fluidity, and leave the membrane with reduced ζ-potentials. Computer simulations show contact ion pairing between the lipid headgroups and the polycations’ ammonium groups leads to the formation of stable, albeit fragmented, lipid bilayer coronas, while microscopy shows fragmented bilayers around nanoparticles after interacting with Shewanella oneidensis. Our mechanistic insight can be used to improve control over nano-bio interactions and to help understand why some nanomaterial/ligand combinations are detrimental to organisms, like Daphnia magna, while others are not.
Solution for Clamped Infinite Strip Loaded by a Couple

The problem of a clamped infinite strip subjected to an in-plane couple is presented. The solution is obtained by Fourier Transform techniques. An example of a linearly varying distributed couple is solved and a graph of the clamping moment at the fixed edge versus the axial coordinate is presented.
A NOTE ON THE EFFECT OF EXPECTED CHANGES IN MONETARY POLICY ON LONG-TERM INTEREST RATES

The ability of monetary policy to affect long-term interest rates is of central importance for economics and finance. Several recent studies have shown that long-term interest rates are virtually unaffected by monetary policy. This paper develops a statistical methodology to identify the expected and unexpected changes in monetary policy as measured by the federal funds rate. The empirical evidence shows that expected changes in the funds rate cause stronger and more significant movements in the long-term rates. Further, ignoring such asymmetry can erroneously generate the insignificant responses of long-term interest rates to the changes in the monetary policy.
Recent Concepts in Burn Resuscitation

The burn-injured patient is unique in resuscitation requirements, metabolic stress, pattern of complications, and determinants of outcome [1]. This chapter highlights the literature focused on those aspects of care which are unique to burn centers and the burn-injured patient and contribute in important ways to outcome.
Geriatric patients improve as much as younger patients from hospitalization on general psychiatric units.

Objectives: To determine whether geriatric patients aged 65 and older on general adult psychiatric units improve as much as younger patients, over what duration their improvement occurs, and their risk of readmission. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Inpatient psychiatric unit of an urban, university-affiliated, county hospital from January 1993 through August 1999. Participants: A total of 5,929 inpatients. Measurements: Standardized, routine assessments by attending psychiatrists included the Psychiatric Symptom Assessment Scale (PSAS) on admission and discharge. Discharge scores, length of stay (LOS), and risk of readmission within 1 year were modeled for the groups using multiple regression analyses. Results: Geriatric patients constituted 5% (n=299) of the 5,929 admissions. In multivariate analysis, geriatric status was not associated with discharge PSAS scores. Median LOS was longer for geriatric patients (16 days) than younger patients (10 days, P<.001), especially in older women (14 days) and geriatric patients with mild medical illness severity (13 days vs 11 days in those with moderate-to-severe medical illness). Geriatric patients were as likely to be readmitted within 1 year of discharge as younger patients. Conclusion: Geriatric patients on general inpatient psychiatry units improved as much as younger patients. Their longer LOS was associated with milder medical illness severity. There may be a role for more specialized care of elderly women or geriatric patients with mild to moderate medical illness to improve the efficiency of their care.
HOME CARE (HC) OF INFANTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD) AND OXYGEN (OD)

Newborns who develop BPD and OD have costly hospitalizations and prolonged separation from their families. HC was provided to 26 ventilator independent infants who had BPD and required supplemental O2 to maintain a TcPO2 50-60mmHg. Practicability of HC was assessed in 13/26 at age >6 months.(=20.3 mo). Mean GA was 28 wk. Birth weight 1307 g, days on ventilation 79, hospital days 179. Morbidity included 11 patients that had HMD, 8 IVH, 4 PDA, 3 persistent fetal circulation, 11 ROP, and 4 GE reflux. All parents were high school educated and had health insurance. Parents' training prior to HC included feeding techniques, handling of O2 concentrator, administration of medication, and if indicated, use of monitor and CPR. Only few families required HC nursing. At present, 11/13 are off O2 (mean age cessation, 9 mos), 10/13 are fed entirely P.O. and 3 (ages 15-41 mos) are still fed by N.G. tube or gastrostomy. Six/13 had 13 readmissions, 38% related to pulmonary and 62 to GI/feeding problems. Nine remain <5% for corrected age in weight, 8 for length, and 4 FOC. Despite the physical demands of providing constant care at home, parents report that with HC life was better organized, attachment improved, and expenses reduced up to 96%. Few had initial difficulties with O2 use. Feeding related problems are the major concern. Conclusion: Home care of oxygen dependent infants is a viable option to chronic hospitalization.
Monitoring Patients in Pediatric Intensive Care

All admissions to a 16-bed multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were evaluated during two time periods totaling 13.5 months. Daily evaluations of therapeutic and monitoring care modalities were accomplished with the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) and daily assessments of severity of illness were done by using the Physiologic Stability Index. Of the 822 patients included in this study, 226 (27.5%) never received a therapy that could only be given in the PICU. These patients were known as the monitoring group and used 7.5% (297/3,969) of the bed days. The percentage of Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System points used by the monitoring patients was 3.6% (3,575/100,109). All patients who were monitored survived; 213 (94.2%) were classified as low mortality risk based on their level of physiologic stability. These data indicate that a significant percentage of PICU patients never receive a therapy that requires the PICU but only receive monitoring and routine care techniques. Significant reductions in PICU use could occur with more efficient usage.
Descartes' Causal Principle and the Case of Body-to-Mind Causation1

It is a common view that Descartes' causal principle is to be understood in light of a similarity condition that accounts for how finite causes (as opposed, or in addition, to God) contribute to an explanation of their effects. This paper challenges this common view and offers a sui generis reading of Descartes' views on causation that has also the advantage of solving the two exegetical issues of whether Descartes thought of the body-to-mind relation in occasionalist or causal terms and of whether Descartes regarded sensory ideas innate or caused by bodies.
Stable Transfer of Genes into Mammalian Cells

Analysis of gene function frequently requires the formation of mammalian cell lines that contain the studied gene in a stably integrated form. Approximately one in 104 cells in a transfection will stably integrate DNA, so a dominant selectable marker is used to permit isolation of stable transfectants. Appropriate selection conditions for the parental cell line are first determined, and the gene to be studied is then transfected into that cell line with a gene that expresses a selectable marker. The cells are allowed to grow under selection for approximately 10 doublings before individual colonies are picked and expanded into cell lines. This unit includes conditions for six markers commonly used for selection of mammalian cells. An alternative, specialized procedure for transferring immunoglobulin chains into lymphoid cells is presented in Unit Unavailable .
Experience Developing a Community Pharmacy Practice-based Research Network

In 2010, the Purdue University College of Pharmacy established the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana (Rx-SafeNet), the first practice-based research network (PBRN) in Indiana comprised solely of community pharmacies. In the development of Rx-SafeNet and through our early project experiences, we identified several “lessons learned.” We share our story and what we learned in an effort to further advance the work of the greater PBRN community. We have formed the infrastructure for Rx-SafeNet, including an Executive Committee, Advisory Board, member pharmacies/site coordinators, and Project Review Team. To date, 22 community pharmacies have joined and we have recently completed data collection for the network's first project. Lessons learned during the development of Rx-SafeNet may benefit PBRNs nationally. Although community pharmacy PBRNs are not yet commonplace in the U.S., we believe their development and subsequent research efforts serve as an important avenue for investigating medication use issues.
A Framework for Assessing the Value of Downtown Land

The estimation of land value in areas that are substantially built up requires the separation of observable property value into unobservable land value and improvement value. We develop an empirical framework that we use to estimate land values in downtown Portland, Oregon and to generate a land value map of the downtown area. For the years 1998 and 1999, the consistency of our estimates of property values is below the consistency of official assessments, but we match the consistency of official assessments for the years 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Radiation Electrification of Spacecraft Leeward Surfaces by Auroral Electrons in the Ionosphere

A methodology of the physical modeling of radiation electrification of the leeward surfaces of the materials used to construct space vehicles by auroral electrons, when the vehicles are flown supersonically around by the ionospheric plasma at low and middle heights, is developed. Based on laboratory modeling, numerical experiments, and in situ observations, the dependencies of charging levels and equilibrium potentials on the ratio of the auroral electron density to the positive ions in the near wake behind the body and in the undisturbed plasma are determined.
Black Atlantic Literature as Transnational Cultural Spaces

This essay makes the case for “Black Atlantic literature” as a transnational category of literary analysis, taking as examples the Jamaican-born writer Claude McKay, who lived his adult life in Europe, North Africa, and the United States; and South African author Peter Abrahams, who ultimately settled in Jamaica. The notion of the Black Atlantic is borrowed from sociologist Paul Gilroy, but this paper argues that the concept needs to be carefully broadened in scope, enriched in its recognition of the many layers of transnational cultural exchange, and reconciled with national models of cultural formation. But it is useful for shedding light on the work of writers such as McKay and Abrahams, who, when literary cultures in their own countries were virtually non-existent or mostly closed to Black writers, turned to an emerging international community of Black artists and intellectuals. Such authors wrote in conversation with a distinctive Black Atlantic literary tradition that fulfilled many of the cultural, social, and psychological needs met in other contexts by national cultures.
Long-term outcomes in patients with ambulatory new york heart association class III and IV heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Patients with ambulatory New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure were significantly underrepresented in clinical trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The natural long-term trajectory of survival free of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplant in patients with ambulatory class IV symptoms who underwent CRT has not been established. We extracted clinical data on 723 consecutive patients with NYHA class III or ambulatory class IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, and a QRS duration ≥120 ms who underwent CRT from September 30, 2003, to August 6, 2007. Chart notes immediately before CRT were reviewed to confirm NYHA class status before CRT. Kaplan-Meier curves and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were constructed to determine long-term survival free of heart transplant and LVAD based on NYHA class status. Of the 723 patients, 52 had ambulatory class IV symptoms. Over a mean follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.5 years controlling for many possible confounders, ambulatory NYHA class IV status was independently associated with poor long-term outcomes. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival free of LVAD or heart transplant for class III versus ambulatory class IV patients was 92.0%, 84.0%, 75.0%, 68.1%, and 63.2% versus 75.0%, 61.5%, 52.0%, 45%, and 40.4%, respectively. Although patients with ambulatory class IV heart failure receiving CRT have inferior long-term outcomes compared with those with class III symptoms, survival in class IV patients continues to parallel class III patients over an extended follow-up. At 5 years, survival free of LVAD or heart transplant in ambulatory class IV patients receiving CRT is 40%.
The Deep-Level-Reasoning-Question Effect: The Role of Dialogue and Deep-Level-Reasoning Questions During Vicarious Learning

We investigated the impact of dialogue and deep-level-reasoning questions on vicarious learning in 2 studies with undergraduates. In Experiment 1, participants learned material by interacting with AutoTutor or by viewing 1 of 4 vicarious learning conditions: a noninteractive recorded version of the AutoTutor dialogues, a dialogue with a deep-level-reasoning question preceding each sentence, a dialogue with a deep-level-reasoning question preceding half of the sentences, or a monologue. Learners in the condition where a deep-level-reasoning question preceded each sentence significantly outperformed those in the other 4 conditions. Experiment 2 included the same interactive and noninteractive recorded condition, along with 2 vicarious learning conditions involving deep-level-reasoning questions. Both deep-level-reasoning-question conditions significantly outperformed the other conditions. These findings provide evidence that deep-level-reasoning questions improve vicarious learning.
An analysis of heterosis and outbreeding depression among lab-reared populations of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae); potential implications for augmentative releases

Abstract Augmentative biological control is a process in which a biocontrol agent is mass-reared and released to either augment the existing population present in the field or inundate the target pest population. Although research into the utility of augmentative biocontrol has been conducted for ∼50 years, little is known about the effect of inundative releases on the progeny of the released population and the wild population. We used the arrhenotokous haplo-diploid tephritid parasitoid Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to model a theoretical augmentative release interaction. By employing a combination of molecular techniques and a fitness proxy, our results were capable of documenting the hybridization of a “released” and “wild” population (as modeled in vitro). These analyses revealed significant hybridization interactions between two moderately differentiated populations (Fst/Rhost = 0.1352/0.0641), as would be the case during an augmentative release. Our analysis also revealed an outcrossing asymmetry of hybrid progeny relating to parental population origin. This interaction has the potential to either hinder or facilitate augmentative control and may prove useful to future augmentative releases.
The zero-order hold in time domain identification: An unnecessary operating premise

It is contended that transfer of identified discrete time (DT) models to continuous time (CT) on the basis that inputs that generated the measured output are constant within the inter-sample (the zero-order hold, ZOH) is unnecessarily crude when the actual inputs are band-limited signals. It is shown that the ZOH premise leads, primarily, to error in the phase angles of the entries of the modal residues. This error, as one anticipates, increases with modal to sampling frequency ratio and is important even at significant oversampling rates. Formulas to perform the transfer from DT to CT derived on the premise that the inputs are a train of Dirac impulses are shown to provide notable improvement, over the ZOH, in the accuracy of the synthesized CT model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who pays more (or less) for pro-environmental consumer goods? Using the auction method to assess actual willingness-to-pay

The purpose of this study was to measure consumers' actual willingness-to-pay (WTP) for pro-environmental (PE) and non-PE products through a controlled experimental auction. Ninety-eight individuals from the Northeastern U.S. participated in an auction and were segmented into groups based on whether they would pay a) more, b) about the same, or c) less for a PE product compared to an equivalent non-PE product. Demographic and psychological group profiles were comprised based on perceived product benefits, values, consequences of purchase behavior and demographics. Findings showed the majority of consumers would not pay more for PE offerings, suggesting that they may not view PE products as “normal.” Implications for shaping PE behavior of this neutral majority are addressed. Further, the need for researchers to collect actual behavioral data is emphasized, as this is of paramount importance in the environmental domain due to the well-known “action gap” between intentions and behavior.
The selective preparation of an aluminum oxide and its isomeric C-H-activated hydroxide.

An aluminum oxide [LAlO]2 (1) has been prepared by the oxidative addition of aluminum(I) monomer LAl (L = HC[(CMe)(NAr)]2, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) with molecular oxygen. The short Al−O bonds in Al2(μ-O)2 result in short Al···Al contacts and subsequent steric crowding of the Ar substituents from the two oriented L. 1 hydrolyzes to form [LAl(OH)]2(μ-O) (2). A C−H-activated aluminum hydroxide 4, an isomer of 1, however, is obtained by hydrolysis of the bulky aluminum amide 3 rather than by a conversion by high temperature treatment of 1. This indicates selective preparation of isomers 1 and 4.
The Mechanics of the Inner Ear

I AM much indebted to Prof. McKendrick for his exceedingly fair review of my monograph on the mechanics of the inner ear (NATURE, June 4, p. 114). One point, however, seems to require a reply on my part. Prof. McKendrick suggests that I should make “a huge model” of the cochlea. I believe that it is of some general interest to state why I did not do this long ago.
Male Adolescents and Contemporary Pornography Implications for Marriage and Family Counselors

Since the advent of the Internet, the pornography business has expanded to reach audiences that historically lacked access to sexually explicit media. Simultaneously, Internet-based pornographic me...
Expanding the CVBEM approximation in a series

Abstract Hromadka II, T.V. and R.J. Whitley, Expanding the CVBEM approximation in a series, Applied Numerical Mathematics 11 (1993) 509–516. In the past, the CVBEM (complex variable boundary element method) has been approached as a collocation problem or by least squares. In this work, the CVBEM analog is redeveloped as a series expansion of nodal point functions with unknown nodal point values as the coefficients. This series expansion provides further insight into the theoretical and approximation aspects of the CVBEM. Applications demonstrate the utility of the CVBEM as a computational approach to solving two-dimensional potential problems involving Laplace and Poisson equations.
Nanomaterials in mass spectrometry ionization and prospects for biological application

The rapid development of nanotechnology has revolutionized scientific developments in recent decades. Mass spectrometry (MS) measurements are no exception and have benefited greatly from integration of nanomaterials in every step of analysis. This brief review summarizes recent developments in the field with the focus on the use of nanomaterials as alternative media to facilitate analyte ionization in laser-desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The biological applications of both techniques are also detailed. The use of nanomaterials in other aspects of MS analysis, for example in sample clean-up and indirect analyte quantification, is briefly discussed.
Lateral asymmetries and testosterone-induced changes in the gross morphology of the hypoglossal nucleus in adult canaries.

The caudal portion of the hypoglossal nucleus (tracheosyringeal, nXIIts) contains the motor neurons that innervate the syrinx in songbirds. It receives projections from telencephalic and midbrain nuclei that are necessary for song production. Its neurons concentrate androgens. The present study assesses the gross morphology of the hypoglossal nucleus in canaries. In this species song is more frequent, elaborate, and stereotyped in males than in females. Adult females respond to testosterone by developing a stereotyped song that is sung frequently. Song in male canaries is much more disrupted by damage on the left side of the song system than by damage on the right. We find anatomical correlates for each of these attributes in the nXIIts. This nucleus is 83% larger in males than in females. This is caused primarily by a sex difference in neuropil volume as there is no significant sex difference in the number of neurons in nXIIts. nXIIts grows by 34% in females given testosterone as adults. It is about 8% larger on the left than on the right in males, females, and females treated with testosterone. Sex differences are also found in the rostral (lingualis) portion of nXIIts which controls muscles of the tongue, but there is no effect here of adult treatment with testosterone. Comparisons of these data with earlier measures of synaptic density and morphology in nXIIts suggest that the testosterone acts on this nucleus by inducing a modest increase in synapse numbers and by altering the efficacy of synapses in nXIIts. This contrasts with the effects of testosterone on n. robustus archistriatalis, a telencephalic component of the song system in which testosterone induces massive amounts of synaptogenesis.
Systemic and acute administration of parathyroid hormone-related peptide(1–36) stimulates endogenous beta cell proliferation while preserving function in adult mice

Aims/hypothesis A major focus in the treatment of diabetes is to identify factors that stimulate endogenous beta cell growth while preserving function. The first 36 amino acids of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) are sufficient to enhance proliferation and function in rodent and human beta cells in vitro. This study examined whether acute and systemic administration of the amino-terminal PTHrP(1–36) peptide can achieve similar effects in rodent beta cells in vivo.
Differentiation of opiate agonist and antagonist receptor binding by protein modifying reagents

OPIATE antagonists differ from opiates only by the replacement of the N-methyl substituent with an N-allyl, N-cylcopropylmethyl or related group. Antagonists can reverse the pharmacological effects of opiates and so are important in the treatment of opiate overdose. Drugs that combine agonist and antagonist activities have potential as relatively nonaddicting analgesics. Although their mutual pharmacological antagonism indicates that they act at the same binding site, pharmacological discrepancies have prompted speculation that agonist and antagonist binding sites are separate1,2. Biochemical study of receptor binding3–16 has shown that although opiate agonists and antagonists compete for the same receptor3,4, there are differences in the way they interact with them7,10. Physiological concentrations of sodium enhance the binding of 3H-antagonists but reduce that of 3H-agonists. Sodium diminishes the ability of pure agonists to inhibit binding of 3H-naloxone to the receptor, but has little influence on inhibitory effects of pure antagonists and intermediate effects on those of combination agonist–antagonist drugs. The molecular basis for these differences, however, is unclear. As a first step in this direction we now report that binding of opiate receptors is much more sensitive to degradation by protein reagents which are known to modify sulphydryl groups than is binding by opiate antagonists. This suggests that distinct binding sites exist for agonists and antagonists, although they may both be on the same receptor.
Comparing fixed- and randomized-interval spaced retrieval in anomia treatment.

Abstract Spaced retrieval (SR) has recently been modified to target anomia in persons with aphasia (PWA). It relies on a strict management of the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) where the time between stimulus presentations is doubled or halved based on response accuracy. Although SR is successful in treating anomia, it remains to be studied whether the strict ISI management is necessary. The present study compared fixed-interval spaced retrieval (FISR) to randomized-interval spaced retrieval (RISR) in anomia treatment. Using alternating treatments single subject design, three PWA were trained to name 30 target items. Although both treatments were successful, the present data did not reveal one approach as superior even though fewer FISR sessions were needed and more FISR items were maintained on the post-treatment probes. This difference was only minimal suggesting that a less stringent stimulus schedule, as used in RISR, is sufficient for successful treatment outcome. Learning outcomes Readers will be able to describe the spaced retrieval treatment approach using both fixed- and randomized-interval stimulus schedules, as well as applications of this technique in the treatment of anomia in aphasia.