Offline and online search in used durables markets

This study examines how different information sources are used by consumers prior to their purchase of used durable goods, specifically used cars. We examine how online and offline search are related. Categories of online sources are dealer websites and resale websites, and of offline sources are print media and dealer visits. Prior research on new car purchases finds that online sources substitute for traditional, offline sources such as dealer visits. We examine whether this theory extends to used-car purchases and distinguish between dealer websites and resale websites (a distinction relevant to used-goods markets) by collecting data from a sample of used-car buyers. Because search in different sources can be interrelated, and due to data censoring, we build and estimate a simultaneous equations Tobit model. In contrast to existing research, we find that online search on dealer websites is complementary to and not a substitute for dealer visits. This complementary effect highlights the importance of dealers' web presence in used markets. © 2014 New York University

Physiological studies on micro-algae cultured in a multi-pass flat plate air lift photobioreactor

A flat plate air lift photobioreactor (FPALR) has been designed, constructed and patented which facilitates the growth and photosynthetic studies of micro-algae and cyanobacteria in a very accurately defined light field of known photon flux density and spectral radiant flux. Whilst being culture in the photobioreactor biomass concentrations of micro-algae were 2-5 times higher than those obtained using chemostats. Concentrations of between 6 and 8% carbon dioxide v/v were found to be toxic to cells of Chlorella vulgaris 211/11c and Scenedesmus sp. when cultured in the CSTR compared to the FPALR. The FPALR was found to significantly affect the cellular dynamics of Chlorella vulgaris 211/11c when cultured at different Reynolds numbers. At a Reynolds number of 6000 cells of Chlorella vulgaris 211/11c had approximately half the volume size of similar cells grown at a Reynolds number of 2500. The photosynthetic kinetics of unicellular green micro-algae were generally unaffected by the presence of HCO, however, Synechococcus 1479/5 was found to have a higher light saturated rate of photosynthesis in the presence of FICO. Species of micro-algae and cyanobacteria were found to exhibit different photosynthetic kinetics when incubated in the presence of phosphate buffer compared to ASM. The presence of nitrate in the incubating medium of irradiated cells of both micro-algae and cyanobacteria was found to have a significant affect on preventing the onset of photoinhibition. Centrifugation prior to P/I measurement was found to increase the respiration rates of all micro-algae and cyanobacteria, the levels of which, however, were species dependent. Increases in photon flux density were found to increase the respiration rates of both micro-algae and cyanobacteria during photosynthesis / irradiance -response measurements. Increases in P/I incubation temperature on cells of micro-algae and cyanobacteria cultured at low growth temperatures of 1

Bacterial profiling reveals novel "Ca. Neoehrlichia", Ehrlichia, and anaplasma species in Australian human-biting ticks

In Australia, a conclusive aetiology of Lyme disease-like illness in human patients remains elusive, despite growing numbers of people presenting with symptoms attributed to tick bites. In the present study, we surveyed the microbial communities harboured by human-biting ticks from across Australia to identify bacteria that may contribute to this syndrome. Universal PCR primers were used to amplify the V1-2 hyper-variable region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes in DNA samples from individual Ixodes holocyclus (n = 279), Amblyomma triguttatum (n = 167), Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 7), and H. longicornis (n = 7) ticks. The 16S amplicons were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform and analysed in USEARCH, QIIME, and BLAST to assign genus and species-level taxonomies. Nested PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the NGS data and further analyse novel findings. All 460 ticks were negative for Borrelia spp. by both NGS and nested PCR analysis. Two novel “Candidatus Neoehrlichia” spp. were identified in 12.9% of I. holocyclus ticks. A novel Anaplasma sp. was identified in 1.8% of A. triguttatum ticks, and a novel Ehrlichia sp. was identified in both A. triguttatum (1.2%) ticks and a single I. holocyclus (0.6%) tick. Further phylogenetic analysis of novel “Ca. Neoehrlichia”, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia based on 1,265 bp 16S rRNA gene sequences suggests that these are new species. Determining whether these newly discovered organisms cause disease in humans and animals, like closely related bacteria do abroad, is of public health importance and requires further investigation

Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK 1/2 and downstream transcription factors after P2Y2 receptor activation in a human submandibular gland cell line

Abstract only availableP2 nucleotide receptors mediate a variety of biological responses and are activated by the extracellular nucleotides adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), uridine triphosphate (UTP), uridine diphosphate (UDP). The P2Y2 nucleotide receptor is a seven transmembrane spanning domain receptor activated by the nucleotides ATP and UTP, and is up-regulated in a variety of tissues in response to injury or stress. For example, the P2Y2 receptors are not normally expressed in salivary glands, but upon disruption of tissue homeostasis, the P2Y2 receptors are up-regulated. Sjogren's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects salivary and lacrimal glands resulting in a decreased ability to produce saliva and tears. Previous work by our lab has shown that the P2Y2 receptor is up-regulated in submandibular glands of a Sjogren's syndrome mouse model, suggesting that it may be up-regulated in human Sjogren's syndrome. The goal of this project is to analyze the function of P2Y2 receptors in salivary gland tissues. HSG cells, which endogenously express P2Y2 receptors and are derived from a human submandibular gland tumor, were utilized as a cell model to analyze downstream signaling pathways in response to UTP. Our results show that UTP, the P2Y2 receptor selective agonist, causes phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular regulated kinases (ERK 1/2) and the downstream transcription factors p90RSK, and ELK, suggesting that P2Y2 receptors may play a role in gene transcription in salivary gland tissues.NSF-REU Biology & Biochemistr

Response of Conifer-Encroached Shrublands in the Great Basin to Prescribed Fire and Mechanical Treatments

In response to the recent expansion of piñon and juniper woodlands into sagebrush-steppe communities in the northern Great Basin region, numerous conifer-removal projects have been implemented, primarily to release understory vegetation at sites having a wide range of environmental conditions. Responses to these treatments have varied from successful restoration of native plant communities to complete conversion to nonnative invasive species. To evaluate the general response of understory vegetation to tree canopy removal in conifer-encroached shrublands, we set up a region-wide study that measured treatment-induced changes in understory cover and density. Eleven study sites located across four states in the Great Basin were established as statistical replicate blocks, each containing fire, mechanical, and control treatments. Different cover groups were measured prior to and during the first 3 yr following treatment. There was a general pattern of response across the wide range of site conditions. There was an immediate increase in bare ground and decrease in tall perennial grasses following the fire treatment, but both recovered by the second or third growing season after treatment. Tall perennial grass cover increased in the mechanical treatment in the second and third year, and in the fire treatment cover was higher than the control by year 3. Nonnative grass and forb cover did not increase in the fire and mechanical treatments in the first year but increased in the second and third years. Perennial forb cover increased in both the fire and mechanical treatments. The recovery of herbaceous cover groups was from increased growth of residual vegetation, not density. Sagebrush declined in the fire treatment, but seedling density increased in both treatments. Biological soil crust declined in the fire treatment, with no indications of recovery. Differences in plant response that occurred between mechanical and fire treatments should be considered when selecting management options

P2Y2 receptors Transactivate the EGFR/ERB1 and ERB3 Growth Factor Receptors in Human Salivary Gland Cells [abstract]

Abstract only availableThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERB1) plays a key role in the regulation of epithelial cell development, differentiation and in the pathophysiology of hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. Transactivation of the EGFR/ERB1 by G-protein coupled receptors has been shown to be dependent on proteolytic cleavage of membrane ligands such as heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF), EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF-), epiregulin, amphiregulin and betacellulin. Utilizing the human submandibular gland (HSG) cell line, we found that activation of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) by its agonist UTP caused a time-dependent activation of EGFR/ERB1; however, neutralizing antibodies to the known ligands to EGFR/ERB1 failed to inhibit the UTP-induced phosphorylation of EGFR/ERB1. EGFR/ERB1 phosphorylation can also be induced by heterodimerization with one of the other ERB family members, ERB2, ERB3, and ERB4. HSG cells express ERB2 and ERB3 but not ERB4. Since ERB2 is a ligandless receptor, ERB3 is the likely dimerizing partner. Our results indicate that P2Y2R activation by UTP phosphorylates ERB3. Heregulin, the only known ligand for ERB3 is expressed in HSGs. Therefore, our results suggest that P2Y2R activation stimulates the formation of ERB3-EGFR/ERB1 heterodimers by cleavage of heregulin and its binding to ERB3

Pacritinib to inhibit JAK/STAT signaling in refractory metastatic colon and rectal cancer

Background: Treatment options for patients with refractory colorectal cancer are limited and typically provide a chance of only modest benefit. The goal of this study was to evaluate the benefit of inhibiting the JAK/STAT inflammatory pathway with single agent pacritinib in patients with metastatic refractory colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods: A single arm institutional trial was initiated and enrolled patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to at least two standard lines of treatment. Pacritinib 400 mg daily was administered orally continuously in 28 day cycles. Results: The trial was discontinued prior to reaching the planned accrual due to an FDA hold on pacritinib and a lack of treatment benefit. Eleven patients were enrolled and seven were evaluated for response. Median baseline C-reactive protein level was 12.1 (2.1-147) mg/L. One patient had stable disease at eight weeks by RECIST criteria and six progressed. There were no grade 4 or 5 adverse events while patients were on study. The grade 2 and lower AE events experienced were consistent with prior pacritinib trials. Conclusions: In seven evaluable patients there were no objective responses. The trial was discontinued prior to completing planned accrual based on a low likelihood that the progression free survival goal of 4 months would be met

PEG Branched Polymer for Functionalization of Nanomaterials with Ultralong Blood Circulation

Nanomaterials have been actively pursued for biological and medical applications in recent years. Here, we report the synthesis of several new poly(ethylene glycol) grafted branched-polymers for functionalization of various nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles (NP) and gold nanorods (NRs), affording high aqueous solubility and stability for these materials. We synthesize different surfactant polymers based upon poly-(g-glutamic acid) (gPGA) and poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMHC18). We use the abundant free carboxylic acid groups of gPGA for attaching lipophilic species such as pyrene or phospholipid, which bind to nanomaterials via robust physisorption. Additionally, the remaining carboxylic acids on gPGA or the amine-reactive anhydrides of PMHC18 are then PEGylated, providing extended hydrophilic groups, affording polymeric amphiphiles. We show that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), Au NPs and NRs functionalized by the polymers exhibit high stability in aqueous solutions at different pHs, at elevated temperatures and in serum. Morever, the polymer-coated SWNTs exhibit remarkably long blood circulation (t1/2 22.1 h) upon intravenous injection into mice, far exceeding the previous record of 5.4 h. The ultra-long blood circulation time suggests greatly delayed clearance of nanomaterials by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) of mice, a highly desired property for in vivo applications of nanomaterials, including imaging and drug delivery

An improved measurement of muon antineutrino disappearance in MINOS

We report an improved measurement of muon anti-neutrino disappearance over a distance of 735km using the MINOS detectors and the Fermilab Main Injector neutrino beam in a muon anti-neutrino enhanced configuration. From a total exposure of 2.95e20 protons on target, of which 42% have not been previously analyzed, we make the most precise measurement of the anti-neutrino "atmospheric" delta-m squared = 2.62 +0.31/-0.28 (stat.) +/- 0.09 (syst.) and constrain the anti-neutrino atmospheric mixing angle >0.75 (90%CL). These values are in agreement with those measured for muon neutrinos, removing the tension reported previously.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. In submission to Phys.Rev.Let