cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Picture of Luxury: Millennials’ Relationship with Luxury Brands: An Abstract

Given the growth of the luxury market, the size of the millennial cohort, and millennials’ growing interest in luxury products, it is vital for luxury marketers to gain insight into these millennial consumers to build consumer-brand relationships with them now as they start to enter their peak earning years. The purpose of this research is to examine millennials’ relationship with luxury through a content analysis of 630 luxury collages (10 collages each from 63 college-age millennials) to determine what represents luxury to them, how millennials perceive the consumer-brand relationship, and who they are as luxury consumers. The college students created personal collages that represent their thoughts and feelings/emotions, experiences/memories, ideas/perceptions about luxury brands and who consumes them, consumption motives, product usage/shopping occasions, and/or relationships with luxury brands. Each collage includes pictures/photos/images along with a typed description/summary that explains what each collage represents. A content analysis of the collages involved three judges. The PRL reliability measure ranged from 0.72 to 0.97 indicating the categorization by the judges was reliable. The results suggest millennials are pro-luxury and represent a vibrant current and future luxury segment. Millennials see a wide variety of luxury categories and brands that meet their needs for luxury. For luxury marketers, this is a segment amenable to luxury goods, services, and experiences, and inroads have been made by luxury brand marketers as seen in the collages. Millennials see luxury as addressing both out-of-reach or aspirational luxury as well as masstige or affordable luxury. Luxury marketers can build brand relationships with millennials with entry-level products as the millennials are current luxury consumers and see this consumption expanding in the future. Key luxury characteristics for millennials vary from other generations as they are looking for fashion, hedonic value, technology, and the need to demonstrate their extended self rather than rarity. Finally, who they see as the luxury consumer is influenced by social media, celebrities, friends, and family.
Adolescent psychological beliefs, but not parent beliefs, associated with pain and function in adolescents with patellofemoral pain

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the association of adolescent and parent psychological beliefs with 1) self-reported functional ability, 2) pain and 3) objective measures of function. Study design Cross-sectional study. Setting Pediatric Outpatient Hospital. Participants Eighty-six adolescents with patellofemoral pain (PFP) (14.6 ± 1.7 years old, 62% female) and 72 parents. Main outcome measures Patient questionnaires were used to describe pain, knee function, fear avoidance (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire-Physical Activity; FABQ-PA), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11; TSK-11), and pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale; PCS) in adolescents with PFP. Parents (n = 72) completed FABQ-PA, TSK-11, and PCS questionnaires. Hip and knee strength, quadriceps and dorsiflexion motion, the single-leg hop for distance and lateral-step down test measured physical performance. Results Adolescent psychological beliefs were significantly associated with pain (FABQ-PA r = 0.33, and PCS r = 0.34), function (FABQ-PA r = −0.59,TSK-11 r = −0.33), hip strength (FABQ-PA r = −0.41, TSK-11 r = −0.32), and single leg hop for distance (FABQ-PA r = −0.38). Parent psychological beliefs were not associated with the adolescent’s beliefs, pain or function. Conclusions Adolescent, but not parent, psychological beliefs were associated with pain, self-reported function and objective measures of function.
Signs and customer behaviors at vape shops: Multivariate multilevel model analysis.

Abstract Introduction This study examined vape shop customers’ behaviors in relation to shop display practices. We hypothesized that display of signs conveying supportive attitude toward vaping at vape shops would be positively associated with customer purchasing and in-shop vaping behaviors. Methods We recruited vape shops throughout Southern California (N = 122). Trained teams of data collectors visited each of the consented vape shops, observed customers’ characteristics and behaviors (N = 254) and coded items in the shops that were visible and on display. We conducted a multivariate multilevel analysis to account for the data structure where customers were nested within vape shops. Results Male customers were more likely to purchase e-liquid at the shop than female customers (p Conclusion Certain display signs present at vape shops might communicate to customers that engaging in certain behaviors (e.g., vaping inside the shops) may be safe or acceptable.
Reversible solid-state phase transitions in confined two-layer colloidal crystals

Using a combination of fluorescence and bright-field optical imaging, the solid-state packing structures of semi-confined two-layer spherical colloidal crystals were observed during modulation of an external AC electric field. Upon increasing field strength, the bottom layer of colloids (layer 1) transitioned from the entropically favored hexagonal packing structure with p6m symmetry to a square-packing structure with p4m symmetry. The packing structure of layer 2 was determined by the packing structure of layer 1, with layer 2 particles resting in, and moving in registry with, the low-energy interstitial sites of layer 1. Modulation of the field strength thus resulted in a reversible transition between a face-centered cubic crystal structure and a body-centered cubic crystal structure at low and high field strengths, respectively. These structures were found to be sensitive to the particle density in the wells, with vacancies and insertions leading to the formation of mixed crystal phases at high field strengths.
Clinical Case Report: Dissociation of Clinical Course of Coexisting Autoimmune Hepatitis and Graves Disease.

Abstract Objective Concurrent autoimmune disorders, including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), with Graves disease have been reported. Glucocorticoids can simultaneously lower thyroid hormone levels and treat AIH. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism is associated with recurrence of hepatitis. We present a case of coexisting AIH and Graves thyrotoxicosis, which improved with prednisone, but the thyrotoxicosis recurred during a prednisone taper while the hepatitis stayed in remission. Methods Evaluation included measurements of liver enzyme levels, thyroid function tests, and thyroid-stimulating antibodies as well as abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and liver biopsy. Results A 47-year-old woman presented with nausea and jaundice. Workup showed an aspartate aminotransferase level of 1956 (reference, 10-42) U/L and alanine aminotransferase level of 1634 (reference, 14-54) IU/L. The liver biopsy was consistent with AIH. Nine months later, she reported palpitations, heat intolerance, and weight loss and was diagnosed with Graves disease. The patient received prednisone at 60 mg daily, and the liver and thyroid functions normalized after 1 month. Prednisone was tapered to 5 mg daily. Seven months later, she presented with a thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 0.049 (reference, 0.340-5.6) μIU/mL) and free thyroxine level of 3.96 (reference, 0.58-1.64) ng/dL. Liver enzymes remained at normal levels. Prednisone was increased from 5 to 20 mg to treat hyperthyroidism. The patient was referred for thyroidectomy for a diagnosis of Graves disease with thyrotoxicosis. Conclusion This case is an example of coexisting autoimmune diseases, Graves disease and AIH, with different clinical courses. Despite initial resolution with glucocorticoid therapy, Graves disease recurred, while AIH stayed in remission.
The effect of climate variability on Colombian coffee productivity: A dynamic panel model approach

Abstract Context Coffee is one of the trademarks of Colombia. Currently, up to a half million Colombian families depend directly on coffee production for their livelihoods. As such, there has been increasing concerns about how coffee productivity will react to changing climate conditions and how coffee growers could adapt their production practices. Objective This paper is one of the first to estimate the production function of Colombian coffee at the municipal level and to make projections about its future productivity. Methods Using a panel dataset measured across municipalities over 2007–2013, we find that productivity depends on altitude as well as on March temperature and precipitation. We estimate projections based on the 2.6, 4.5, and 6.0 Representative Concentration Pathways derived from Global Circulation Models. Results and conclusions We find that productivity over 2041–2060 is expected to increase by 7.6% on average. However, we find that this forecast varies greatly according to altitude. Indeed, municipalities above median elevation will increase their productivity by 16%, while those below the median will experience a 8.1% decrease in productivity. Significance Our result implies that place-tailored strategies for coffee production in Colombia are required to adapt to changing climate conditions in the future.
Prognostic Utility of Echocardiographic Atrial and Ventricular Strain Imaging in Patients With Cardiac Amyloidosis

Abstract Objectives The prognostic value of echocardiographic atrial and ventricular strain imaging in patients with biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis was assessed. Background Although left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) is known to be predictive of outcome, the additive prognostic value of left (LA), right atrial (RA), and right ventricular (RV) strain is unclear. Methods One hundred thirty-six patients with cardiac amyloidosis and available follow-up data were studied by endomyocardial biopsy, noncardiac biopsy with supportive cardiac imaging, or autopsy confirmation. One hundred nine patients (80%) had light-chain, 23 (17%) had transthyretin, and 4 (3%) had amyloid A type cardiac amyloidosis. GLS, RV free wall strain, peak longitudinal LA strain, and peak longitudinal RA strain were measured from apical views. Clinical and routine echocardiographic data were compared. All-cause mortality was followed (median 5 years). Results Strain data were feasible for GLS in 127 (93%), LA strain in 119 (88%), RA strain in 117 (86%), and RV strain in 102 (75%). Strain values from all 4 chambers were significantly associated with survival. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for low median strain values were as follows: GLS, HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.8 (p Conclusions Strain data from all 4 chambers had important prognostic associations with survival in patients with biopsy-confirmed cardiac amyloidosis. Peak longitudinal LA strain was particularly associated with prognosis. Atrial and ventricular strain have promise for clinical utility.
Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilator Utilization and Cost Following Initiation of a Protocol in a Quaternary Academic Heart Center Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Objectives Examine the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and inhaled epoprostenol (iPGI2) before and after implementation of an iPGI2-preferential protocol and associated cost differences after rollout. Design Single center, retrospective. Setting Quaternary university hospital. Participants All patients admitted to the Heart Center Intensive Care Unit (HCICU) who required inhaled pulmonary vasodilator use December 2017 - November 2019. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results The HCICU comprised 84% of hospital-wide iNO utilization and 59% of hospital-wide iPGI2 use across the entire study period. There was no significant difference in postsurgical HCICU admission rates across the study period. There was a significant decrease in iNO mean monthly use from 578±230 to 69±71 hours and a concurrent significant increase in iPGI2 from 756±443 to 1,210±547 hours after implementation of a protocol. There were no changes in the average length of ICU stay between the two time periods. Protocol implementation led to a projected annual savings of roughly $1,180,000. Conclusions These findings show that multidisciplinary protocol development and implementation can have a substantial impact on medication utilization and lead to significant reductions in cost.
Market trends and consumer demand for fresh berries

We present an analysis of markets for fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in the United States during 2008–2011. We use weekly panel data covering supermarket purchases in 52 cities. The primary goal is to estimate demand elasticities for fresh berries and thereby provide a better understanding of consumer behaviour in response to price changes and the nature of competition among these crops. We estimate fixed and random effects models for double log demand equations and a complete demand system, the Almost Ideal Demand System. The latter specification can be used to estimate demand relationships that conform to utility maximising behaviour. The elasticity estimates are very robust across the different specifications and estimation methods. This increases confidence in our findings and provides some assurance that choice of functional form or estimation method is not driving our results. We find that retail demands for all berry crops are in the elastic range and that the different berries are substitutes for one another. The demand for strawberries was the least elastic with an own price elasticity of –1.26 and blackberries were the most elastic with a demand elasticity of –1.88. Blackberry demand was also the most responsive to the prices of competing berry crops. The study provides clearer insight into markets for berries in the United States. In addition, it fills a gap in the present lack of up-to-date consumer demand elasticities for these crops and will be useful for growers, decision makers and consumers.
Wnt Signaling and Bone

Publisher Summary This chapter reveals the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and describes its regulation as it pertains to bone. The major players in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in bone are: the cell surface coreceptors Lrp5/6 and frizzled; the intracellular proteins Disheveled (Dsh), glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK-3 β), Axin, and β-catenin; and the nuclear transcription factors that bind β-catenin and regulate gene expression. In addition, there are a number of other extracellular and intracellular proteins involved in regulation of this pathway that serve to modify the functionality of one of these key proteins. Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates osteogenesis through multiple mechanisms. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to promote osteogenesis by direct stimulation of Runx2 gene expression. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling also promotes further osteoblast cell proliferation and mineralization activity, reduces osteoblast apoptosis, and can suppress osteoclast differentiation induced by osteoblasts. However, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is not the only pathway that is known to be important in the regulation of bone cell activities. GSK-3 β is the critical intracellular enzyme controlling β-catenin levels. Therefore any pathway that can regulate GSK-3 β activity has the potential to interact with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway independent of the coreceptors and any modulators that function at that level. The Wnt signaling pathway is being studies as a target for anabolic therapy in. bone.
Legal Aspects of Digital Service Delivery

Open image in new window The rise of the internet in almost all domains of personal and business life means that the public sector is also becoming increasingly involved in digital process management. Hence, a legal basis for digital government is necessary. In this chapter, the most fundamental aspects of this young and developing field are outlined. Regulation of digital government services and delivery is globally very heterogeneous. With a focus on Europe and particularly Germany, “e-government legislation” initiatives are introduced and contrasted with the respective parallel developments in the United States of America. Secure and private communication and storage of information has been identified as one of the key drivers of digital government initiatives. Hence, legal regulations relating to encryption, data protection, and privacy stand in the foreground of this chapter. Finally, the domain of e-inclusion – the inclusion of citizens with disabilities – is addressed in the remainder of the chapter.
Can Scholarships Alone Help Students Succeed

Low-income adult learners often struggle to finance their college expenses, having to contend with competing responsibilities involving work, family, and school. This report presents findings from a study of performance-based scholarships at two community colleges in New York City — the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Hostos Community College, both part of the City University of New York system. Students who were eligible for the program could receive up to $2,600 total over two semesters, or up to $3,900 total over two semesters plus a summer semester. Payments were contingent upon maintaining a minimum level of enrollment and grades, and were made directly to students. The program in New York City is one of six being studied as part of the Performance-Based Scholarship (PBS) Demonstration. Each program is designed to serve a different target population and to test an alternative incentive structure, and all employ a random assignment research design. The program in New York City is a test of a scholarship-only program, with no services attached to the award. It targets adult students who are in need of developmental education, and aims to learn whether these scholarships are an effective way to help students progress academically. In addition, the program’s design allows researchers to test whether offering students a summer scholarship as well can further improve their academic outcomes. Analysis suggests that the scholarship-only program: • Encouraged more full-time enrollment during the semesters in which the program operated. Full-time enrollment increased 4.1 percentage points in the first semester and 6.0 percentage points in the second semester of the scholarship program. • Did not increase the average number of semesters registered or credits earned over two years. While students who were eligible for the scholarship attempted more credits on average, this impact was small and was not accompanied by impacts on the number of semesters registered or cumulative credits earned. • Increased registration and credit accumulation in the summer semester. However, this increase did not lead to increased registration or credit accumulation over the two-year followup period. • Had impacts on students at one college but not on students at the other college. There is exploratory evidence that the program at one of the colleges had positive impacts on key academic outcomes. The analyses suggest that the impacts varied by college and that the college environments may have influenced these impacts. MDRC will continue to publish findings from each of the six programs in the PBS Demonstration in the coming years. The program in New York makes an important contribution to the overall demonstration and to the study of performance-based scholarships.
Impact of the altitudinal Joule heating distribution on the thermosphere

[1] The thermospheric response at satellite altitudes along low Earth orbit is subject to the energy deposition locally, i.e., at high altitudes, and the vertical wave propagation from the energy injection at lower altitudes. In this study, a general circulation model has been run to investigate the source of nonhydrostatic effects and the sensitivity of the vertical wind and neutral density at satellite orbits to the energy deposited at low and high altitudes. Through comparing the simulations with and without the Joule heating enhancement above 150 km altitude, the impact of the heating at low and high altitudes on the high-altitude thermosphere has been separated. The numerical simulations show that most of the nonhydrostatic effects at high altitudes (300 km) arise from sources below 150 km and propagate vertically through the acoustic wave. The heating above 150 km is responsible for a large increase of the average vertical velocity (40 m/s) and neutral density (50%) at 300 km and higher altitudes.
Superparamagnetism and Mössbauer Spectroscopy: A Review and New Results on Iron Dispersion

This paper deals with super or collective paramagnetism and the possible applications of Mossbauer spectroscop to collectively paramagnetic systems such as oxides, catalysts with metal dispersions on the surface of diamagnetic supports, and dispersion within a silicate matrix. The last named area represents a superparamagentic system, developed and studied in our laboratory, Papers dealing with the Mossbauer spectra of superparamagnetic systems are reviewed and the possibilities of relationships between the relative line intensities of quadrupole-split Mossbauer spectra and the cluster sizes of superparamagnetic systems are considered.
Evaluating Temporal and Spatial Variations in Recharge and Streamflow Using the Integrated Landscape Hydrology Model (ILHM)

Projections of climate and land use changes suggest that there will be significant alterations to the hydrology of the Upper Midwest. Forecasting those changes at regional scales requires new modeling tools that take advantage of increases in computational power and the latest GIS and remote-­sensing datasets. Because of the need to resolve fine-­scale processes, fully coupled numerical simulations of regional watersheds are still prohibitive. Although semi-­distributed lumped-­ parameter models are an alternative, they are often not able to accurately forecast across a broad range of hydrologic conditions such as those associated with climate and land use changes. We have developed a loosely coupled suite of hydrologic codes called the Integrated Landscape Hydrology Model (ILHM), which combines readily avail-­ able numerical and energy-­ and mass-­balance modeling codes with novel routines. In this paper, the ILHM is used to predict hydrologic fluxes through a 130 km2 portion of the Muskegon River Watershed in northern-­lower Michigan. We com-­ bine GIS maps of the land cover, soils, and sediments with a variety of gaged and remotely sensed data for this watershed to simulate evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, and stream discharge from 1990–2004. These estimates are compared to measured stream discharge data to demonstrate the capability of the ILHM to provide reasonable predictions of groundwater recharge with minimal calibration. The results begin to illustrate critical differences in hydrologic processes due to land cover and climate variability, including a demonstration that approximately 75% of precipitation becomes recharge during leaf-­off periods while almost no recharge occurs during the growing season.
Mechanisms of Action of Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agents: DNA-Interactive Alkylating Agents and Antitumour Platinum-Based Drugs

First page of article Keywords: alkylating agents; monofunctional agents; bifunctional agents; aziridines; nitrogen mustards; alkyl sulfonates; chloroethylnitrosoureas; platinum agents; drug activation; mechanism of action; interstrand cross-link; intrastrand cross-link; DNA damage recognition protein; tumour suppressor p53; apoptosis
Forest herbicide influences on floristic diversity seven years after broadcast pine release treatments in central Georgia, USA

Maintenance of biodiversity is becoming a goal of forest management. This study determined effects of broadcast pine release herbicide treatments on plant species richness, diversity, and structural proportions seven years after treatment. Three study blocks were established in central Georgia. Plots 0.6–0.8 ha in size were planted to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the Winter of 1982–83 and then treated with imazapyr (Arsenal), glyphosate (Roundup), and hexazinone (Velpar L. and Pronone 10G) in 1985. In 1992, overstory and understory (<1.5 m height) layers were examined utilizing stem and rootstock counts and basal area of overstory species and cover of understory species. ANOVA's were used to test for significance using a randomized complete block model. We found no effect of treatments on species richness. Diversity, measured separately for overstory and understory layers by Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indices, also was not influenced significantly by treatments. Arsenal significantly decreased Diospyros virginiana L. and increased Rubus argutus Link and legumes. Hexazinone treatments generally decreased Quercus nigra L., and Roundup significantly reduced Vaccinium spp. compared to the Check. We concluded that herbicide release treatments did not decrease overstory or understory plant species richness and diversity seven years post-treatment.
Race and Politics in Histories of the 20th-century US Working Class

Kenneth D. Durr, Behind the Backlash: White Working-Class Politics in Balti more, 1940-1980 (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press 2003) Charles D. Chamberlain, Victory at Home: Manpower and Race in the American South During World War //(Athens: University of Georgia Press 2003) Robert Rodgers Korstad, Civil Rights Unionism: Tobacco Workers and the Strug gle for Democracy in the Mid-Twentieth Century South (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press 2003) Ruth Needleman, Black Freedom Fighters in Steel: The Struggle for Democratic Unionism (Cornell: ILR Press 2003)
On duality invariance in simple gauge theories including electromagnetic-type fields with sources

Duality transformations of the type defined in electromagnetic theory are discussed and classified in terms of those having a direct relationship to an internal-symmetry structure of a given gauge theory and those that do not. It is argued that to build a satisfactory generalized electromagnetic theory with local duality invariance into a gauge theory, as at least a part of its internal-symmetry structure, requires a group structure not «smaller» thanSO3 (orSU2). Various reductions in aSO3 model with sources are considered which allow one to see how the standard form of Maxwell’s theory, together with some of its immediate generalizations, may be thought of as embedded in this non-Abelian gauge theory. These reductions and this type of embedding of Maxwell’s theory are discussed in connection with spontaneous symmetry breaking. A simple type of «doubled» Weinberg-Salam model that could include a duality-invariant form of electromagnetic theory with magnetic monopoles is briefly considered.
The Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: The Law and the Reality in Rhode Island District Court

In 1963, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright that the constitutional right of criminal defendants to be represented by counsel, appointed by the court if the defendant is indigent, extended to state criminal proceedings. In the forty years that have passed since that decision, the Supreme Court has rendered any number of opinions that further expand upon and explore this critical constitutional right. The harsh reality of daily proceedings in Rhode Island District Court today, however, reveals that significant numbers of misdemeanor criminal cases are resolved by plea at the arraignment stage without adherence to the constitutional mandate of Gideon and its progeny. This essay explores the parameters of the right to counsel, the critical importance of the right to counsel when a misdemeanor case is resolved by the entry of a plea, the findings required before a court may lawfully find that the right to counsel has been waived, and the inadequacies of current Rhode Island practice in this regard.
Click Fraud Prevention via multimodal evidence fusion by Dempster-Shafer theory

We address the problem of combining information from diversified sources in a coherent fashion. A generalized evidence processing theory and an architecture for data fusion that accommodates diversified sources of information are presented. Different levels at which data fusion may take place such as the level of dynamics, the level of attributes, and the level of evidence are discussed. A multi-level fusion architecture based Collaborative Click Fraud Detection and Prevention (CCFDP) system for real time click fraud detection and prevention is proposed and its performance is compared with a traditional rule based click fraud detection system. Both systems are tested with real world data from an actual ad campaign. Results show that use of multi-level data fusion improves the quality of click fraud analysis.
Control of contamination of the operative team in total joint arthroplasty.

Abstract Reports of percutaneous transmission of blood-borne disease emphasize the need for control of intraoperative contamination. In a randomized prospective study, surgeons and surgical assistants involved in total hip and total knee arthroplasty adopted the following protocol: total body exhaust with hood, aspirator, knee-length impermeable gowns, foot covers, including knee-high covers and waterproof covers, and one of three combinations of gloving protocols: latex/latex changed hourly, latex/ cloth, or latex/cloth/latex. All inner gloves were tested by a leak test. All needles and sharp instruments were passed on trays, and all contaminations and perforations were recorded. Each surgeon and assistant was inspected twice for contamination. There were no needle sticks, and only one of 267 personnel had head, neck, body, leg, or foot contamination. Perforation rates of inner gloves were 9.2% for latex/latex, 7.9% for latex/cloth, and 4.3% for latex/cloth/latex.
Characterization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cultured arterial chemoreceptor cells of the cat.

Abstract Neurotransmitters appear to be involved in chemotransmission of the carotid body, a major arterial chemoreceptor. Substantial data indicate that acetylcholine (ACh) is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the carotid body, regulating the excitability of afferent nerve endings and glomus cells (putative chemoreceptor cells). In this study we characterized properties of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) in cultured cat glomus cells using immunocytochemistry and whole cell patch clamp techniques. Cultured glomus cells expressed immunoreactivity for α3, α4, and β2 subunits of nAChRs. An application of ACh elicited inward current. Nicotinic AChRs of glomus cells showed high affinity for ACh. The current–voltage relationship showed strong inward rectification at positive membrane potential. α-Conotoxin MII (20 nM), dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE; 1 nM), and hexamethonium (300 μM) significantly inhibited ACh-induced current. These results indicate that cultured cat glomus cells possess functional nAChRs, and that their characteristics are consistent with those of α3, α4 and β2 containing nAChRs.
Formation of Long-Range-Ordered Nanocrystal Superlattices on Silicon Nitride Substrates

Particle−particle and particle−substrate interactions cause nanocrystals to self-assemble into superlattice structures upon drying from a colloidal suspension on a solid surface. Rapid dewetting of a volatile solvent, however, can significantly undermine the degree of ordering. We demonstrate here that by increasing the concentration of the nonvolatile dodecanethiol ligand, dewetting can be controlled and gold nanocrystal superlattices can be formed on silicon nitride substrates with long range ordering over several microns. Monolayer and bilayer superlattices can be produced by adjusting the nanocrystal concentration. The superlattice structures are robust and are not perturbed by the final dewetting of the solvent.
Communication apprehension and student dating patterns: A replication and extension

This study attempted to replicate and extend an earlier study by McCroskey and Sheahan. McCroskey and Sheahan's finding that desire for dates and communication apprehension were unrelated was replicated. However, other hypotheses derived from the previous study were not supported. Communication apprehension was unrelated to the actual number of dates, the probability of accepting a blind date, or the amount of contact prior to dating. In addition, McCroskey and Sheahan's theoretic explanation was not supported. Communication apprehension was related to dating exclusivity in a limited way. Exclusive daters had a greater desire for dates, more actual dates, more prior contact, and a smaller probability of accepting a blind date.
Detection Sensitivity and Temporal Resolution of Visual Signals near Absolute Threshold in the Salamander Retina

Several studies have suggested that the visual system can detect dim lights with a fidelity limited only by Poisson fluctuations in photon absorption and spontaneous activation of rhodopsin. If correct, this implies that neural processing of responses produced by rod photoreceptors is efficient and effectively noiseless. However, experimental uncertainty makes this conclusion tenuous. Furthermore, previous work provided no information about how accurately stimulus timing is represented. Here, the detection sensitivity and temporal resolution of salamander rods and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are compared in nearly matched experimental conditions by using recorded responses to identify the time of a flash. At detection threshold, RGCs could reliably signal the absorption of 20-50 photons, but the rods within the RGC receptive field could signal stimuli 3-10 times weaker. For flash strengths 10 times higher than detection threshold, some RGCs could distinguish stimulus timing with a resolution finer than 100 msec, within a factor of 2 of the rod limit. The relationship between RGC and rod sensitivity could not be explained by added noise in the retinal circuitry but could be explained by a threshold acting after pooling of rod signals. Simulations of rod signals indicated that continuous noise, rather than spontaneous activation of rhodopsin or fluctuations in the single-photon response, limited temporal resolution. Thus, detection of dim lights was limited by retinal processing, but, at higher light levels, synaptic transmission, cellular integration of synaptic inputs, and spike generation in RGCs faithfully conveyed information about the time of photon absorption.
Activation of the Lck Tyrosine Protein Kinase by the Herpesvirus Saimiri Tip Protein Involves Two Binding Interactions

Abstract The Tip protein of Herpesvirus saimiri strain 484C binds to and activates the Lck tyrosine protein kinase. Two sequences in the Tip protein were previously shown to be involved in binding to Lck. A proline-rich region, residues 132–141, binds to the SH3 domain of the Lck protein. We show here that the other Lck-binding domain, residues 104–113, binds to the carboxyl-terminal half of Lck and that this binding does not require the Lck SH3 domain. Mutated Tip containing only one functional Lck-binding domain can bind stably to Lck, although not as strongly as wild-type Tip. Interaction of Tip with Lck through either Lck-binding domain increases the activity of Lck in vivo. Simultaneous binding of both domains is required for maximal activation of Lck. The transient expression of Tip in T cells was found to stimulate both Stat3-dependent and NF-AT-dependent transcription. Mutant forms of Tip lacking one or the other of the two Lck-binding domains retained the ability to stimulate Stat3-dependent transcription. Tip lacking the proline-rich Lck-binding domain exhibited almost wild-type activity in this assay. In contrast, ablation of either Lck-binding domain abolished the ability of Tip to stimulate NF-AT-dependent transcription. Full biological activity of Tip, therefore, appears to require both Lck-binding domains.
A Modified Nonradioactive Method for Northern Blot Analysis

In this report we use several previously described methods, in novel combination, to establish a sensitive and flexible nonradioactive method. First, we prepared single-stranded digoxigenin-labeled probes using a high-efficiency polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method (4). For detection of RNA, blots were hybridized with probes containing digoxigenin and then incubated with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-digoxigenin antibody. Bound probe was rapidly detected with X-ray film using localized light emission from the reaction of alkaline phosphatase with lumigen-paraphenylenediamine substrate (5). This method allows flexibility in probe sequence selection, independent of restriction enzyme site location, and it works well with small probes. This approach allows sensitive differential analysis of closely related members of a gene family.
Differential expression of voltage-gated calcium channels in identified visual cortical neurons.

Abstract Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, Ca 2+ channel currents were examined in three distinct types of neurons derived from rat primary visual cortex. Callosal-projecting and superior coil iculus-projecting neurons were identified following in vivo retrograde labeling with fluorescent “beads.” A subset of intrinsic GABAergic visual cortical neurons was identified with the monoclonal antibody VC1.1. Although high voltage activated Ca 2+ channel currents were measured in all three cell types, clear differences in the densities of these channels were observed. There were also marked variations in the relative amplitudes of the inactivating and noninactivating components of the high voltage-activated currents, suggesting that N- and L-type Ca 2+ channels are differentially distributed. Although low voltage activated or T-type currents were measured in subsets of both types of projection neurons, they were not observed in VC1.1-positive cells. These results provide a direct demonstration that voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels are expressed in neurons of the mammalian visual cortex and reveal that the distributions and densities of different Ca 2+ channel types in diverse classes of visual cortical neurons are distinct.
Reconfiguration of discrete event system controllers with dynamic sensing set

Abstract This paper presents a finite automaton model to describe the control reconfiguration of discrete event systems (DES) with respect to the dynamic changes of observation means, especially when the changes are not acceptable for the conventional observability theory. The model includes other classes of events besides the regular DES events, such as repair and failure events of the observation means. Given a regular DES controller, through a systematic procedure it is extended to include the effect of those events on the control. The potential application of this work is the optimization of the reconfiguration strategies.
Insulin resistance: from predisposing factor to therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background: Insulin resistance contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and is closely linked with cardiovascular risk factors and premature cardiovascular dioease. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to review the importance of insulin resistance as a core defect in type 2 diabetes, a potential contributor to accelerated atherosclerosis, and a potential target for insulin-sensitizing agents. Methods: Articles considered for inclusion in this review were identified through a search of MEDLINE/PubMed for reports published from 1966 to April 2003. Search terms used were insulin resistance, diabetes, insulin sensitivity, obesity, cardiovascular disease, metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone , and troglitazone . Results: An overview of the epidemiology, natural history, and pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes is provided, with a focus on insulin resistance and a related discussion of the impact of current therapies used to treat insulin-resistant patients. In particular, information on insulin-sensitizing agents—metformin and the currently available thiazolidinediones (TZDs), pioglitazone and rosiglitazone—is presented. Although metformin has been shown to indirectly reduce insulin resistance, TZDs are the only available agents that have been shown to directly lower insulin resistance. Conclusions: Recent evidence indicates that metformin, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone may improve the dyslipidemic profile, reduce vascular inflammation, and improve endothelial dysfunction, all of which may be particularly important to physicians seeking treatment options to prevent or reduce cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Impact of a revised appointment scheduling script on IUD service delivery in three Title X family planning clinics

Abstract Objective The objective was to study a redesigned call script for intrauterine device (IUD) appointment scheduling. Study design The script for a Title X call center was redesigned. Pre- and postintervention data were collected. Results For women with a scheduled IUD visit ( n = 99, pre n = 57, post n = 42), the preintervention IUD insertion rate was 47%; the postintervention insertion rate was 60% (p=.23). Among women ≤ 25 years old, the preintervention rate was 41% and the postintervention rate was 68% (p=.05). No-show rates decreased (40.4% vs. 23.8%, p=.08), particularly for younger women ( n = 51; 46.9% vs. 15.8%, p=.04). Conclusion A revised IUD appointment scheduling script improved long-acting reversible contraceptive uptake. Implications Revising an appointment scheduling call script is a simple and scalable intervention to decrease administrative and clinical barriers to family planning services. As many clinics in the United States move toward computerized and centralized call centers, improving patient communication during the scheduling process may have a broad impact on clinical efficiency.
Histopathology of Hybrid Tilapias Infected witha Biotype of Streptococcus iniae

Abstract A systemic streptococcal disease caused by a biotype of Streptococcus iniae affecting hybrids of Nile tilapia Tilapia nilotica × blue tilapia T. aurea at a commercial aquaculture facility in central Texas was investigated. Histological analysis revealed a general septicemia with the occurrence of cellular infiltration and numerous cocci in most organ systems. Observations included cellular infiltration of the eye, meningitis, meningeal granuloma, numerous foci of infection, and massive cellular infiltration in the kidneys. Bacteria were seen in the subcapsular capillaries of the liver, and some liver tissue was granulomatous. Splenic sinuses contained numerous cocci, and both epicarditis and myocarditis was observed in the heart tissue of some specimens. Cocci were free in the plasma of infected fish and often phagocytized by macrophages.
Alternate bearing influences annual nutrient consumption and the total nutrient content of mature pistachio trees

The influence of alternate bearing on nutrient utilization and total tree nutrient content was investigated in mature pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv Kerman trees). Removal of N, P and Zn in fruit and abscised leaves of cropping (‘on’) trees averaged 5, 6, and 2 times, respectively, the removal in abscised leaflets of the non-fruiting, ‘off’ year trees. One hundred and thirty-five kg N, 131 kg K, 86 kg Ca, 39 kg Mg and 18 kg P per hectare were removed in fruits and abscised leaves in ‘on’ year trees. Tree nutrient contents and, presumably, the size of nutrient storage pools in dormant trees varied between ‘on’ and ‘off’ years. There was 22% and 14% more N and P, respectively, in dormant trees following ‘off’ than ‘on’ years. The greater N and P accumulation in ‘off’ year trees is depleted in support of the large fruit demand for N and P during ‘on’ years. In contrast to N and P, there was greater K and Ca accumulation in perennial tree parts during ‘on’ years than during ‘off’ years. The greater K accumulation in perennial tree parts and approximately 30% greater removal of K in annual organs during ‘on’ than ‘off’ years suggests that K uptake could be 4 times higher in ‘on’ year trees than in (non-cropping), ‘off’ year trees.
Bottled Waters — Expensive Ground Water

Due to the growing demand for bottled mineral waters, a study was undertaken to determine the quality of fourteen different brands of still and sparkling bottled waters. Objective testing showed a wide variance in taste as waters have different tastes and individual preferences are the rule. By analytical means, the mineral content of most of the tested waters met U.S.E.P.A. standards; however, some samples had unacceptable levels of sulfate, hardness, and other constituents. Cost comparisons show a wide variation in price, with all the tested waters many times more than normally available tap waters.
Evaluation of the eye following periorbital trauma

Periorbital trauma is usually associated with ocular complications. When confronted with a traumatized patient, one should therefore evaluate the eyes to determine the extent of injury. First, a noncontact examination should be conducted to assess the degree of ocular integrity. Once it is established that the eye is not damaged, further diagnostic work-up and evaluation can be performed. Although most ocular complications are treated by ophthalmologists, eyelid lacerations, orbital hemorrhage, blowout fractures, and brain injuries may be treated by other subspecialists. Before orbital and ocular adnexal reconstructive surgery is performed, however, one must establish the patient's ocular status so that ocular damage will not be increased during surgery.
Shallow structure and sedimentation in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract The shallow structure and acoustical characteristics of the southeastern Mediterranean have been studied via a series of 3.5-kHz profiles. Structure and acoustical properties are controlled by three major processes. The most important is the rapid rate of deposition of Nile sediments. Others are flowage of underlying Messinian salt deposits and compression and tectonics associated with the Mediterranean Ridge.
Increased risk of suicidal ideation in smokers and former smokers compared to never smokers: Evidence from the Baltimore ECA follow-up study

The incidence rate of suicidal ideation among current and former smokers versus never smokers is not known. In this study, the age-adjusted incidence of suicidal ideation was highest among current smokers, followed by former, then never smokers. The adjusted hazard for suicide ideation was 2.22 (95%CI = 1.48, 3.33) and 1.19 (95%CI = 0.78, 1.82) for current and former smokers, respectively, compared to never smokers. Results indicate that current smokers have increased risks of suicidal ideation above and beyond the risk for never and former smokers regardless of age, gender, history of depressive disorder or anxiety symptoms, and alcohol abuse/dependence. Smoking cessation might be beneficial for some suicide prevention efforts.
Anisotropy in Green Strength Induced During Elastomer Processing

Abstract The tensile anisotropy induced while milling both gum and filled natural rubber, styrene‐butadiene rubber, and natural rubber/styrene‐butadiene rubber blends is investigated. The effects of annealing and the extent of milling on this phenomenon are presented. Molecular level explanations for this phenomenon are offered.
Local Fiscal Competition: an Intraregional Perspective

This article extends the theoretical literature on local fiscal competition by concentrating on a form of this behavior that has largely been ignored in the past: intraregional competition. This is competition between political jurisdictions that share physical boundaries; that is, they occupy the same physical space, or are 100% overlapping Under this form of competition, which is essentially a close economy model, issues such as capital flight cannot arise, and so one is free to concentrate on purely internal effects. The author demonstrates that, under certain reasonable conditions, local public goods provision in this framework will more closely approximate first-best levels than will those that arise under the assumption of distortionary commodity taxation.