Appraisal Using Generalized Additive Models

Many of the results from real estate empirical studies depend upon using a correct functional form for their validity. Unfortunately, common parametric statistical tools cannot easily control for the possibility of misspecification. Recently, semiparametric estimators such as generalized additive models (GAMs) have arisen which can automatically control for additive (in price) or multiplicative (in ln(price)) nonlinear relations among the independent and dependent variables. As the paper shows, GAMs can empirically outperform naive parametric and polynomial models in ex-sample predictive behavior. Moreover, GAMs have well-developed statistical properties and can suggest useful transformations in parametric settings.

Phylogenetic perspective and the search for life on earth and elsewhere

Any search for microbial life on Mars cannot rely upon cultivation of indigenous organisms. Only a minority of even terrestrial organisms that are observed in mixed, naturally-occurring microbial populations can be cultivated in the laboratory. Consequently, methods are being developed for analyzing the phylogenetic affiliations of the constituents of natural microbial populations without the need for their cultivation. This is more than an exercise in taxonomy, for the extent of phylogenetic relatedness between unknown and known organisms is some measure of the extent of their biochemical commonalities. In one approach, total DNA is isolated from natural microbial populations and 16S rRNA genes are shotgun cloned for rapid sequence determinations and phylogenetic analyses. A second approach employs oligodeoxynucleotide hybridization probes that bind to phylogenetic group-specific sequences in 16S rRNA. Since each actively growing cell contains about 104 ribosomes, the binding of the diagnostic probes to single cells can be visualized by radioactivity or fluorescence. The application of these methods and the use of in situ cultivation techniques is illustrated using submarine hydrothermal vent communities. Recommendations are made regarding planning toward future Mars missions

Repair of major system elements on Skylab

In-flight maintenance, as conceived and preplanned for the Skylab mission was limited to simple scheduled and unscheduled replacement tasks and minor contingency repairs. Tools and spares were provided accordingly. However, failures during the mission dictated complicated and sophisticated repairs to major systems so that the mission could continue. These repairs included the release of a large structure that failed to deploy, the assembly and deployment of large mechanical devices, the installation and checkout of precision electronic equipment, troubleshooting and repair of precision electromechanical equipment, and tapping into and recharging a cooling system. The repairs were conducted both inside the spacecraft and during extravehicular activities. Some of the repair tasks required team effort on the part of the crewmen including close procedural coordination between internal and extravehicular crewmen. The Skylab experience indicates that crewmen can, with adequate training, make major system repairs in space using standard or special tools. Design of future spacecraft systems should acknowledge this capability and provide for more extensive in-flight repair and maintenance

The attitudes, knowledge and practices of Maltese family doctors in disease prevention and health promotion

Introduction: Family doctors are in a unique position to advocate health promotion and disease prevention, though it is known that this is not always given its due importance due to various reasons. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Maltese family doctors in health promotion and disease prevention. The results of the study were compared with a similar study in 2000. Methodology: A validated questionnaire was sent in 2011 to all Maltese general practitioners (GPs) and GP trainees. The results were analysed statistically. A focus group was conducted to discuss the results and develop a set of recommendations. Results: An improvement was seen in health promotion practice since 2000. Family doctors look after their own health better. However, they have difficulties regarding which prevention guidelines they should follow. Time constraints remain the biggest obstacle to promoting health. GPs who are involved in post- graduate teaching activities find it easier to promote health (p<0.05), while doctors working in both private and public settings find it most difficult (p<0.05). GPs who smoke find it harder to advise on smoking cessation (p<0.05), while doctors who are obese find it more difficult to recommend exercise (p<0.05). Conclusions and recommendations: Health promotion practice by family doctors is on the increase, yet there is clearly room for enhancement of their service. Web-based training, lectures and seminars would help family doctors to enhance their knowledge. Flyers, posters and video-clips in waiting areas could increase patient awareness on healthy lifestyles.peer-reviewe

Cetaceans value and conservation in the Mediterranean Sea

This review provides an overview of the Mediterranean diversity and conservation status of cetaceans, and the value associated with their conservation and non-consumptive use. Mediterranean Sea is one of the world's diversity hotspots. Its biodiversity is increasingly under threat in the whole region and key species as cetaceans challenge for conservation. All the identified threats are interlinked and cumulatively contribute to the habitat degradation of the entire area as well as reduced health status of the cetaceans that live there. Whales and dolphins, defined as charismatic megafauna, flag species, apex predators and bio indicators of the marine environment health are demanding social substantial changes. Needs are for spatial prioritization within a comprehensive framework for regional conservation planning, the acquisition of additional information identifying critical habitats in data-poor areas and for data deficient species, and addressing the challenges of establishing transboundary governance and collaboration in socially, culturally and politically complex conditions. This paper examines research gaps, questions and issues (population abundance estimates, as well as the biological, ecological, physiological characteristics) surrounding cetacean species in the context of biodiversity conservation and highlights the need of targeted conservation management actions to reduce sources of disturb of key threatening processes in the Mediterranean Sea. The ‘precautionary principle’ must be adopted at all levels in attempts to mitigate impacts and thus provides scope for the translation of the principle into operational measures. As natural entities, cetaceans have their objective intrinsic value, not humanly conferred

Introduction to the knowledge of the subfamily Aleocharinae from the Australian Region (Part I) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

The present study treats 42 species belonging to 8 tribes (Leucocraspedini, Pronomaeini, Gyrophaenini, Homalotini, Diestotini, Bolitocharini, Falagriini, Athetini (Part I)) and 16 genera Leucosraspedum, Myllaena, Gyrophaena, Brachida, Austrobrachida, Sternotropa, Brachyglyptaglossa, Coenonica, Diestota, Tasgnathusa, Falagria, Ischnopoda, Aloconota, Australoconotida, Australoconota,Giachinusa), 3 of them being new to science (Austrobrachida, Tasgnathusa, Australoconotida). Of these species, 33 are described as new to science: Myllaena gullyensis sp. n., Gyrophaena fustigans sp. n., Gyrophaena nadgeensis sp. n., Brachida caraiensis sp. n., Austrobrachida conwayensis sp. n., Sternotropa australicola sp. n., Brachyglyptaglossa australiae sp. n., Coenonica wilsonensis sp. n., Coenonica brownicola sp. n., Coenonica orbicularis sp. n., Coenonica perpusilla sp. n., Coenonica coff sensis sp. n., Coenonica micropapuana sp. n., Diestota hartzmontium sp. n., Tasgnathusa hartzmontium sp. n., Tasgnathusa australiana sp. n., Falagria neoguineana sp. n., Ischnopoda benepicta sp. n., Aloconota cabbagicola sp. n., Aloconota lornensis sp. n., Aloconota microculata sp. n., Aloconota lawersensis sp. n., Australoconotida caudapiscis sp. n., Australoconota microtheca sp. n., Giachinusa wilsonmontis sp. n., Giachinusa brownicola sp. n., Giachinusa alternata sp. n., Giachinusa superba sp. n., Giachinusa wilsonicola sp. n., Giachinusa truncata sp. n., Giachinusa minor sp. n., Giachinusa lamingtonicola sp. n., and Giachinusa forticornis sp. n. With 112 fi gures

Chloride binding to the anion transport binding sites of band 3. A 35Cl NMR study

Band 3 is an integral membrane protein that exchanges anions across the red cell membrane. Due to the abundance and the high turnover rate of the band 3 transport unit, the band 3 system is the most heavily used ion-transport system in a typical vertebrate organism. Here we show that 35Cl NMR enables direct and specific observation of substrate Cl- binding to band 3 transport sites, which are identified by a variety of criteria: (a) the sites are inhibited by 4,4'- dinitrostilbene -2,2'- disulfonate, which is known to inhibit competitively Cl- binding to band 3 transport sites; (b) the sites have affinities for 4,4'- dinitrostilbene -2,2'-disulfonate and Cl- that are quantitatively similar to the known affinities of band 3 transport sites for these anions; and (c) the sites have relative affinities for Cl-, HCO-3, F-, and I- that are quantitatively similar to the known relative affinities of band 3 transport sites for these anions. The 35Cl NMR assay also reveals a class of low affinity Cl- binding sites (KD much greater than 0.5 M) that are not affected by 4,4'- dinitrostilbene -2,2'- disulfonate. These low affinity sites may be responsible for the inhibition of band 3 catalyzed anion exchange that has been previously observed at high [Cl-]. In the following paper the 35Cl NMR assay is used to resolve the band 3 transport sites on opposite sides of the membrane, thereby enabling direct observation of the transmembrane recruitment of transport sites

Using Aplia In Finance Classes: Student Perspectives And Performance

The author, an early adopter of Aplia, describes the use of Aplia both pre- and post-acquisition by Cengage Learning.&nbsp; Students improve their exam scores (by 5 to 7 percent) and are receptive to using Aplia.&nbsp; Students report despite spending between 7 and 9 hours a week on Aplia assignments, they would gravitate to future offerings that included Aplia assignments.&nbsp