cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of transcription factor GATA-4 to regions of the mouse embryo involved in cardiac development

To clarify the role of transcription factor GATA-4 in mammalian development, we have determined the pattern of expression of GATA-4 in early postimplantation mouse embryos. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we find that GATA-4 RNA and protein are expressed in cells associated with heart development. Intraembryonic expression of GATA-4 RNA is first apparent in coelomic epithelial cells of the primitive streak embryo (approximately 7.0-7.5 days postcoitum). During formation and bending of the heart tube (approximately 8 days postcoitum), GATA-4 RNA and protein are expressed in endocardium, myocardium, and embryonic structures containing precardiac mesoderm such as the septum transversum and intraembryonic coelomic epithelium. By the onset of cardiac septation (approximately 9 days postcoitum), abundant GATA-4 RNA expression is evident in endocardium, endocardial cushion tissue, and myocardium. Expression of GATA-4 by the myocardium continues through gestation and after birth. The temporal and spacial patterns of GATA-4 expression support a role for this factor in the regulation of cardiac differentiation, analogous to the established role of transcription factor GATA-1 in the regulation of hematopoiesis.
The use of photodynamic therapy using 630nm laser light and porfimer sodium for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

PDT has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be an efficacious method for the treatment of dysplastic, microinvasive and early forms of cancer. The advantage of PDT for early carcinomas of the oral cavity is the ability to preserve normal tissues while effectively treating cancers up to 1cm in depth. The case presented here successfully demonstrates the ability to use PDT to treat maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma thereby sparing the use of surgery or radiation therapy at this point in the management of the disease.
Simulations of nanosecond pulse plasmas in supersonic flows for combustion applications

Nanosecond pulse plasma discharges have demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce ignition delay time in the combustion of supersonic fuel–oxidizer mixtures. Although it is generally believed that such plasmas enhance combustion through fast production of radicals, there is still uncertainty over the detailed kinetics that take place during the pulse, as well as the importance of other mechanisms such as gas heating. In this work, we develop a computational model for study of nanosecond pulse discharges interacting with supersonic oxygen/hydrogen (O2/H2) flows and pure-argon flows. Both positive (anodic) and negative (cathodic) pulse polarities are investigated at voltages ranging from4 to 8 kV.Results indicate that the plasma develops asfilamentary streamers, withO radical densities of 10 m 3 ( 0:5% by volume of the mixture) in addition to other important radicals such as H, OH, O D , O2 a1 g , and O2 b1 g . Gas heating is most intense near the electrode edges, due to ion Joule heating densities of 10 W=m, with a temperature increase of approximately hundreds of kelvins. Gas heating due to quenching of ion andmetastable species also occurswithin the bulk of the plasma, but is about an order ofmagnitude less than ion Joule heating.Although gas heating is observedwithin thebulk plasma for allO2/H2 pulses, heating only takes place at the electrode edges for the argon anodic pulse and no heating is observed in the argon cathodic pulse. Increasing voltages increases plasma volume, peak species densities, and peak gas temperatures. The anodic pulse streamers produce radicals over a greater volume and deeper into the flow than cathodic pulses, which suggests that anodic pulses are better suited to combustion applications.
Release of cytochrome c from liver mitochondria during permeability transition.

Abstract The mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) follows opening of megachannels in the inner membrane and may be part of a programmed death pathway. Recently a role for cytochrome c in programmed cell death has been proposed, although its relationship to PT has not been been determined. We studied the release of cytochrome c from liver mitochondria undergoing PT. Well-coupled mitochondria treated with 5 mM atractyloside (ATR) or 100 μM calcium chloride were found to undergo PT and release cytochrome c into the incubation buffer within 5 minutes. Control mitochondria and mitochondria treated with the uncoupler FCCP did not undergo PT or release cytochrome c at 5 or 15 minutes. PT induced by ATR could be prevented by pretreatment with 10 μM cyclosporin A. Mitochondria incubated with ATR or calcium caused a 20-30% decrease in electron transfer rate via cytochrome c and cytochrome c oxidase. We conclude that cytochrome c release is an early event during mitochondrial PT, and is sufficient to decrease electron transfer through the terminal electron transport components of the mitochondrion.
Liquid Entrainment at Tee Junction With Upward Oriented Vertical Branch

Investigation on liquid entrainment in tee junctions with an upward oriented vertical branch was conducted. Existing correlations and test data were identified for evaluation and comparison. Theoretical analysis was carried out for the development of a new entrainment onset criterion and an entrainment rate model. Comparisons were performed with all available data with different test conditions, and the results indicated that the new correlations demonstrated a marked improvement.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Ethinyl estradiol-to-desogestrel ratio impacts endothelial function in young women.

Background Ethinyl estradiol (EE) and progestins have the ability to alter endothelial function. The type of progestin and the ratio of EE to progestin used in oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) may determine how they affect the arterial vasculature.
Paper: A resource guide to VR in medicine

This guide provides a bibliography of many of the most noteworthy contributions to the emerging literature about virtual reality in medicine, along with listings of the most relevant conferences and resources for researchers. This is an abridged version of a continuously updated comprehensive document which is available on-line to the research community.
Effects of thermal discharges on the microstructural growth of Mercenaria mercenaria

The effects of thermal discharges from the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station at Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, are recorded in the microstructural growth ofMercenaria mercenaria, a common coastal marine pelecypod. The analysis of the shell microstructure shows that this bivalve acts as an effective monitor of the environmental conditions existing in the marine waters adjacent to the power station. Many physiological and environmental events such as spawning, winter (freeze) shocks, summer (heat) shocks, thermal shocks, tidal cycles, and major storms are clearly recorded in the shell microstructure. The exact time of occurrence of these events can be determined by counting daily growth increments backwards from the outer shell margins of freshly killed individuals. Microstructural growth patterns reflected in Barnegat Bay specimens indicate that these pelecypods were affected mainly by temperature extremes, temperature variations, tides, type of substratum, and age. Growth patterns in specimens from areas surrounding Oyster Creek (affected by thermal effluent) are significantly different from those from other bay localities (unaffected by thermal effluent).Mercenaria mercenaria within approximately a 1.6km radius of Oyster Creek show a lower summer growth rate (10 percent to 25 percent lower) and a greater number of growth breaks (2 to 6 more per clam) than those away from the creek. The lower summer growth rates occur in bivalves subjected to the effluent because the added heat during the summer months causes water temperatures to exceed a critical threshold for optimum growth in the species. The greater number of growth breaks takes place, in turn, because many of the breaks (thermal shock breaks) are generated by rapidly fluctuating temperatures associated with abrupt shutdowns, massive load reductions and rapid renewal of operations following shutdowns or load reduction periods at the nuclear power station. In addition, the effluent may be upsetting natural spawning events in the clams when abrupt changes in power station operations overlap with spawning periods. In this respect, spawning may be precluded by sharp temperature changes which result in physiological shocks to the animal.
Observations of fetal heart rate characteristics related to external cephalic version and tocolysis

External cephalic version performed in conjunction with tocolysis in the term breech presentation has been found to decrease the number of breech presentations at delivery and thus reduce the number of cesarean sections for breech presentation. However, information regarding the fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns associated with version is limited. In an attempt to broaden our understanding of the FHR changes that occur in association with version, the FHR tracings of 141 patients who had undergone version were analyzed. Approximately 39% of the fetuses exhibited changes in FHR characteristics during and/or after attempted version. These FHR changes were primarily manifested as bradycardias and/or decelerations. However, some of the fetuses (less than 5%) demonstrated a tachycardia or sine wave pattern. All of these FHR changes were transient and bore no apparent relationship to the subsequent outcome of the fetus. In addition to these FHR alterations, the incidence of diminished FHR variability (less than or equal to 5 bpm) was significantly higher after version than before version (p less than 0.01). The decline in FHR variability lasted 15 +/- 12 minutes. While this decline in variability appeared to be related to the success or failure of the version, the decreased variability observed after version was found to be unrelated to the tocolytic agent used and to the subsequent fetal outcome. In summary, alterations in FHR activity were frequent during the version process. All were transient and most responded to cessation of manipulation. Subsequent fetal outcome was apparently unrelated to the observed FHR alterations. Nonetheless, continuous fetal monitoring during and after the version is recommended.
In vivo effect of mutant ELOVL4 on the expression and function of wild-type ELOVL4.

Purpose Mutations in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids 4 (ELOVL4) gene cause human Stargardt's macular dystrophy 3 (STGD3), a juvenile onset dominant form of macular degeneration. To understand the role of the ELOVL4 protein in retinal function, several mouse models have been developed by using transgenic (TG), knock-in (Elovl4(+/mut)), and knockout (Elovl4(+/-)) approaches. Here we analyzed quantitatively the ELOVL4 protein and its enzymatic products (very long chain saturated fatty acid [VLC-FA] and VLC-polyunsaturated fatty acid [VLC-PUFA]) in the retinas of 8 to 10-week-old TG1(+), TG2(+), and Elovl4(+/mut) mice that harbor the mutant ELOVL4 and compared them to their wild-type littermates and Elovl4(+/-) that do not express the mutant protein. We also analyzed skin from these mice to gain insight into the pathogenesis resulting from the ELOVL4 mutation. Methods ELOVL4 protein localization in the retina was determined by immunohistochemistry. Levels of wild-type ELOVL4 protein in skin and retinas were determined by Western blotting. Total lipids from skin and retinas were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Retinal glycerophosphatidylcholines (PC) were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Results Immunohistochemical and Western analysis indicated that wild-type ELOVL4 protein was reduced in heterozygous Elovl4(+/mut) and Elovl4(+/-) retinas, but not in TG2(+) retinas. We found that VLC-FA was reduced by 50% in the skin of Elovl4(+/-) and by 60% to 65% in Elovl4(+/mut). We found VLC-PUFA levels at ∼ 50% in both the retinas, and wild-type levels of VLC-PUFA in TG2(+) retinas. Conclusions We conclude that the presence of the mutant ELOVL4 does not affect the function of wild-type ELOVL4 in the fully developed 8- to 10-week-old retinas.
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Redesigned Mathematics Program on Graduation and Retention Rates of Underprepared Students

Faced with directives from the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), which preceded more stringent directives noted in the Complete College Act enacted in 2010, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) was required to eliminate the Developmental Studies program in 2006. These instructions from higher levels focused on increasing the educational attainment of Tennessee’s citizens, while recognizing the decreased availability of state funding for higher education. The dictates also indicated that funding granted to higher education institutions should go beyond student enrollment to considering the numbers who are retained and graduate. On a local university level, the reality was many students satisfy overall admission criteria, but are underprepared in certain academic areas as denoted by American College Testing sub-scores. Faculty members were faced with complying with these directives while also being committed to meeting the needs of students who were admitted. MTSU was the first TBR school to implement a comprehensive redesigned program for underprepared students. Developmental mathematics courses were eliminated and prescribed sections, referred to as K-sections, of general education mathematics courses were developed. This article reports the results of an assessment of the redesigned program at MTSU on graduation and retention rates.
Studies of xuv and x-ray radiation from wire-array Z pinches on COBRA using an x-ray streak camera

Summary form only given. Time- and space-resolved short-wave length radiation from wire-array Z pinches has been studied using a low-magnification Kentech X-ray streak camera in experiments on the 1 MA COBRA pulsed power generator at Cornell University. To extend the spectral band recorded by the camera, a standard photocathode was replaced by a specially made transparent mesh-type photocathode. In the soft X-ray spectral band (lambda ~ 1-10 Aring), an imaging slit was used to record one-dimensional images in the axial direction. Axial or radial images of wire arrays were recorded in XUV radiation (lambda < 300 Aring) using an open pinhole of 100 mum diameter. The dynamics of the radiating plasma, probably associated with current sheath, was studied in XUV radiation. The development of the precursor plasma and hot spots in the stagnated plasma have been observed in X-ray emission. The images were compared with images obtained with an optical streak camera and a 4-frame gated microchannel plate imager, as well as with the results obtained using fast B-dot probes.
Effect of finasteride on risk of prostate cancer: How little we really know

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) reported conclusively that finasteride prevents or delays the detection of prostate cancer. One perplexing finding was that more high-grade tumors were detected in the finasteride treated group. It is hard to put this into perspective because of the limited published data on the effects of finasteride on prostate cancer. The strong possibility exists that the increase in high-grade tumors may be due to a treatment effect, which causes intermediate grade cancers to appear to be high-grade or aggressive tumors. Confirmation of a spurious tumor grade "inflation" will make the conclusions of this study clearer and define the benefits of finasteride chemoprevention in a more favorable light.
Two-dimensional optical scanner with large angular rotation realized by self-assembled micro-elevator

A novel 2D scanner with large mirror area and large angular rotation has been proposed and demonstrated. The mirror is supported by the surface-micromachined micro-elevators by self-assembly. Maximum optical deflection angles of of /spl plusmn/14/spl deg/ and a resonant frequency of 1.5 kHz have been achieved.
Coordination of feeding, locomotor and visual systems in parrotfishes (Teleostei: Labridae)

Fishes require complex coordinated motions of the jaws, body and fins during feeding in order to successfully execute the strike or bite and then move away from the predation site. In conjunction with locomotor systems, sensory modalities guide coordinated feeding behavior, with vision playing an important role in many fishes. Although often studied separately, the locomotor, feeding and visual systems have not previously been examined together during fish feeding. To explore feeding coordination, we examined the kinematics of feeding behavior in two species of herbivorous parrotfish, Sparisoma radians and Scarus quoyi, which exhibit different single bite and repetitive bite strategies. Kinematic data on pectoral fin movements and body position show distinctive differences in strategies for the approach and post-strike motion between these species. Sparisoma and Scarus exhibited significant differences in the magnitude of jaw protrusion, time to maximum jaw protrusion, cranial elevation, and order of events in the feeding sequence. Oculomotor data show that both species orient the pupil forward and downward directed at the site of jaw contact until 100 ms before the bite, at which point the visual field is rotated laterally. Combinations of kinematic variables show repeated patterns of synchrony (onset and duration) for the approach to the food (distance, velocity, eye movement), prey capture (eye movement, jaw movement, fin movement) and post-capture maneuvering (fin movement, distance). Kinematic analyses of multiple functional systems reveal coordination mechanisms for detecting and approaching prey and executing the rapid opening and closing of the jaws during acquisition of food. Comparison of the coordination of feeding, swimming and sensory systems among fish species can elucidate alternative coordination strategies involved in herbivory in coral reef fishes.
Community-controlled economic development as a strategic vision for the sustainable agriculture movement

The threat to sustainability posed byglobal economic integration and the surging interest in local and regional food systems provide an opportunity to unite the diverse constituencies of the sustainable agriculture movement behind a common political and economic agenda. Neither the campaign to influence the Farm Bill nor a romantic vision of bygone agrarian communities are sufficient to broaden the movement's existing political base and deepen its influence. This paper suggests an alternative approach: grassroots organizing guided by the vision of “community-controlled economic development.” Theory linking this new paradigm in local economic development to sustainable agriculture is presented, along with practical examples from innovative networks promoted by the California Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA). I analyze the experience of CASA organizations, both separately and as an alliance, to illuminate how a strategic vision of community-controlled economic development can enable the movement to meet three difficult political challenges: holding power accountable; unifying environmental and social agendas; and developing strong leadership accountable to the movement's community base.
The CorA Mg2+ Channel

The CorA Mg2+ channel is present in about 50% of bacteria and many archaea. Its ubiquitous eukaryotic homolog is Mrs2, the mitochondrial Mg2+ channel. Physiologically, CorA mediates the influx of Mg2+ down its electrochemical gradient. It can also mediate the influx of Ni2+ and Co2+ but only at concentrations that are toxic to the cell. A subclass of the CorA superfamily in the bacteria mediates the efflux of Zn2+. The sequence analysis of the CorA superfamily shows a complete lack of homology to any other protein. The crystal structure of CorA confirms its unique nature. CorA is a homopentamer shaped like a funnel with the stem of the funnel within the membrane. Each monomer has two transmembrane segments at the C terminus. All prokaryotic CorA proteins have the same basic structure. A 250–290 amino acid cytosolic N-terminal domain is followed by transmembrane segment 1, which is followed by a nine amino acid periplasmic loop. This loop is followed by the transmembrane segment 2. Neither transmembrane segment contains any charged amino acids. The C-terminal cytosolic tail of CorA is almost always six amino acids in length and contains three or four arginine and/or lysine residues. In the structures currently available, the Mg2+-conducting pore is formed completely by transmembrane segment 1. The cytosolic domain is formed of a seven-stranded antiparallel β sheet flanked on both sides by three α helices (α1–3β1–7α4–6). This domain is followed by the 100-A-long α7 helix, which forms most of the inner face of the funnel and transmembrane segment 1. In the cytosolic domain, a Mg2+ cation is bound between an aspartate residue in the α7 helix of one monomer and the α3 helix of the adjacent monomer, giving five bound Mg2+ cations per channel. These bound ions seem poised to act as ‘sensors’ of intracellular Mg2+, and their dissociation from the channel is proposed to allow the monomers to rotate apart, thus opening the channel. 3D Structure Keywords: magnesium; channel; transport; mitochondria; bacteria; archaea; nickel; cobalt; cobalt(III) hexaammine
(α‐Triethylsilyl)propionaldehyde Cyclohexylimine

[119711-55-6] C15H31NSi (MW 253.56) InChI = 1S/C15H31NSi/c1-5-17(6-2,7-3)14(4)13-16-15-11-9-8-10-12-15/h13-15H,5-12H2,1-4H3 InChIKey = DWZBXMFEWTUGRV-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used for the selective formation of (E)-α-methyl-α,β-unsaturated aldehydes1) Physical Data: bp 84–86 °C/0.1 mmHg. Solubility: sol THF, sol ether. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.65 (d, J = 6.7, 1H); 2.87 (tt, J = 10.6 and 4.1 Hz, 1H); 2.03 (pentet, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H); 1.82–1.20 (m, 10H); 1.16 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H); 0.96 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 9H); 0.60 (q, J = 7.9 Hz, 6H).1 Preparative Method: prepared from propionaldehyde N-cyclohexylimine1, 2 by treatment with Lithium Diisopropylamide in THF at −78 °C for 30 min followed by the addition of Chlorotriethylsilane and gradually warming to 0 °C over a 3–4 h period.2, 3 Purification: by fractional distillation.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: use in a well-ventilated fume hood.
Asymptotic analysis of LDGM-based quantum codes

We study the error floor performance of a proposed family of LDGM-based quantum codes. LDGM-based quantum codes are Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) codes based on the generator and parity-check matrices of a classical LDGM code. Decoding is performed in an iterative manner, by applying message passing over the corresponding graphs. The proposed codes allow greater flexibility and are easier to design than existing sparse-graph CSS quantum codes, while leading to better performance.
Role of Domains in Escherichia coli and Mammalian Mitochondrial Elongation Factor Ts in the Interaction with Elongation Factor Tu

Bovine mitochondrial elongation factor Ts (EF-Tsmt) stimulates the activity of Escherichia coli elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). In contrast, E. coli EF-Ts is unable to stimulate mitochondrial EF-Tu. EF-Tsmt forms a tight complex with E. coliEF-Tu governed by an association constant of 8.6 × 1010. This value is 100-fold stronger than the binding constant for the formation of the E. coli EF-Tu·Ts complex. To test which domain of EF-Tsmt is important for its strong binding with EF-Tu, chimeras were made between E. coli EF-Ts and EF-Tsmt. Replacing the N-terminal domain of E. coli EF-Ts with that of EF-Tsmtincreases its binding to E. coli EF-Tu 2–3-fold. Replacing the N-terminal domain of EF-Tsmt with the corresponding region of E. coli EF-Ts decreases its binding to E. coli EF-Tu ∼4–5-fold. A chimera consisting of the C-terminal half of E. coli EF-Ts and the N-terminal half of EF-Tsmt binds to E. coli EF-Tu as strongly as EF-Tsmt. A chimera in which Subdomain N of the core of EF-Ts is replaced by the corresponding region of EF-Tsmtbinds E. coli EF-Tu ∼25-fold more tightly than E. coli EF-Ts. Thus, the higher strength of the interaction between EF-Tsmt and EF-Tu can be localized primarily to a single subdomain.
The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein as a target of endocrine disruption in male reproduction.

Development of the adult male reproductive tract requires proper spatial-temporal expression of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen during fetal developmental stages and at puberty. Exogenous agents that disrupt the production and/or actions of the testosterone and estrogen and cause aberrant reproductive tract development can be thought of as endocrine disruptors (ED). This review will focus on the impact of ED on testosterone production by Leydig cells during fetal development and in the adult. In particular, the genes encoding the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 17α hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1) within the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway are highlighted as ED targets. We begin with an overview of steroidogenesis and regulation of StAR then summarize the published literature on the effects of diethylstibesterol, phthalate esters, and arsenite on male reproduction with a focus on the expression and function of StAR.
Abducens Nerve (VI) Injury Caused by Halo-Femoral Traction: A Case Report

Stretch and traction on cranial nerves during surgery may cause localized ischemia or change of position of the cranial nerve leading to subsequent dysfunction. Cranial nerve palsies (VI, IX, X and XII) are the commonly affected nerves. Here we report a cranial nerve VI palsy from a halo-femoral suspension following a posterior spinal fusion. We present an 11-year-old girl with idiopathic scoliosis who was admitted for surgical correction. She had no neurological problems preoperatively. The initial video-assisted thoracoscopic anterior release and cranial bifemoral traction were uneventful. Postoperatively, ten-pound weights were added at the head and another ten were added for counter-traction. Weights were added daily in 5-pound increments. Postoperative day 2, the patient complained of “double vision” which resolved upon decreasing the traction weight only by 5 pounds. She underwent an uneventful posterior spinal fusion one week later with a total intravenous anesthesia technique; motor evoked potentials were adequate throughout the procedure. One day later, she again developed left sixth cranial nerve palsy with inability to gaze laterally. There were no other neurological deficits, headaches or even double vision. Neurology and ophthalmology consultations excluded hypoxia/hypoperfusion as possible etiologies. The femoral pins and occipital frame were removed on day 3 in order to obtain imaging and also to remove a potential source of infection. The left lateral rectus palsy was noted to improve that same day. Radiological imaging results were ultimately normal. There is a need for frequent neurological examinations in patients in halo-tractions and prompt removal of the instrument at the first sign of eye problems. doi:10.4021/jnr39e
Stimulating a blink: reduction of eye fatigue with visual stimulus

Computers make incredible amounts of information available at our fingertips. As computers become integral parts of our lives, we spend more time staring at computer monitor than ever before, sometimes with negative effects. One major concern is the increasing number of people suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS is caused by extensive use of computers, and its symptoms include eye fatigue, frequent headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. It is possible to partially alleviate CVS if we can remind users to blink more often. We present a prototype system that uses a camera to monitor a user's blink rate, and when the user has not blinked in a while, the system triggers a blink stimulus. We investigated four different types of eye-blink stimulus: screen blurring, screen flashing, border flashing, and pop-up notifications. Users also rated each stimulus type in terms of effectiveness, intrusiveness, and satisfaction. Results from our user studies show that our stimuli are effective in increasing user blink rate with screen blurring being the best.
Prices versus quantities: environmental regulation and imperfect competition

By exercising market power, a firm will distort the production, and therefore the emissions decisions, of all firms in the market. This paper examines how the welfare implications of strategic behavior depend on how pollution is regulated. Under an emissions tax, aggregate emissions do not affect the marginal cost of polluting. In contrast, the price of tradable permits is endogenous. I show when this feedback effect increases strategic firms’ output. Relative to a tax, tradable permits may improve welfare in a market with imperfect competition. As an application, I model strategic and competitive behavior of wholesalers in a Mid-Atlantic electricity market. Simulations suggest that exercising market power decreased emissions locally, thereby substantially reducing the regional tradable permit price. Furthermore, I find that had regulators opted to use a tax instead of permits, the deadweight loss from imperfect competition would have been even greater.
Vandermonde matrices with Chebyshev nodes

Abstract For an N × N Vandermonde matrix V N = ( α j i - 1 ) 1 ⩽ ij ⩽ N with translated Chebyshev zero nodes, it is discovered that V N T admits an explicit QR decomposition with the R-factor consisting of the coefficients of the translated Chebyshev polynomials. This decomposition then leads to an exact expression for the Frobenius condition number of its submatrix V k , N = ( α j i - 1 ) 1 ⩽ i ⩽ k , 1 ⩽ j ⩽ N (so-called a rectangular Vandermonde matrix), bounds on individual singular value, and more. It is explained how these results can be used to establish asymptotically optimal lower bounds on condition numbers of real rectangular Vandermonde matrices and nearly optimally conditioned real rectangular Vandermonde matrices on a given interval. Extensions are also made for V N with nodes being zeros of any translated orthogonal polynomials other than Chebyshev ones. Similar results hold for V N with translated Chebyshev extreme nodes, too, owing to that V N T admits an explicit QR-like decomposition. Close formulas of or tight bounds on the residuals are also presented for the conjugate gradient method, the minimal residual method, and the generalized minimal residual method on certain linear systems Ax = b with A having eigenvalues the same as the nodes mentioned above. As a by-product, they yield positive definite linear systems for which the residuals by the conjugate gradient method are always comparable to the existing error bounds for all iteration steps.
Predictive validity of a brief antiretroviral adherence index: Retrospective cohort analysis under conditions of repetitive administration

Newer antiretroviral (ARV) agents have improved pharmacokinetics, potency, and tolerability and have enabled the design of regimens with improved virologic outcomes. Successful antiretroviral therapy is dependent on patient adherence. In previous research, we validated a subset of items from the ACTG adherence battery as prognostic of virologic suppression at 6 months and correlated with adherence estimates from the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS). The objective of the current study was to validate the longitudinal use of the Owen Clinic adherence index in analyses of time to initial virologic suppression and maintenance of suppression. 278 patients (naive n = 168, experienced n = 110) met inclusion criteria. Median [range] time on the first regimen during the study period was 286 (30 – 1221) days. 217 patients (78%) achieved an undetectable plasma viral load (pVL) at median 63 days. 8.3% (18/217) of patients experienced viral rebound (pVL > 400) after initial suppression. Adherence scores varied from 0 – 25 (mean 1.06, median 0). The lowest detectable adherence score cut point using this instrument was ≥ 5 for both initial suppression and maintenance of suppression. In the final Cox model of time to first undetectable pVL, controlling for prior treatment experience and baseline viral load, the adjusted hazard ratio for time updated adherence score was 0.36score ≥ 5 (95% CI: 0.19–0.69) [reference: <5]. In the final generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression model the adjusted odds ratio for time-updated adherence score was 0.17score ≥ 5 (0.05–0.66) [reference: <5]. A brief, longitudinally administered self report adherence instrument predicted both initial virologic suppression and maintenance of suppression in patients using contemporary ARV regimens. The survey can be used for identification of sub-optimal adherence with subsequent appropriate intervention.
A Reassessment of the Relationship between Later Miocene and Subsequent Hominoidea

In consideration of the significance of middle and later Miocene Hominoidea to the origin of the taxonomic family of humans, Hominidae, there are three central problems. These are: (1) definition of the taxa concerned, (2) demonstration of significant anatomical (and thus phyletic) relationship of any of these later Miocene taxa to later hominids, and (3) establishment of a derivation that is zoogeographically sound in relation to a plausible theory of human descent.
Differential impedance testing of EC2© and Ten-20© adhesive paste for tripolar concentric electrodes

Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings have been shown to be an alternative method of communication for paralyzed or disabled persons. Recording EEGs and defining parameters for optimal spatial resolution and classification methods have been the focus of many research papers. This study seeks to analyze how the impedance changes over time with two commonly used impedance matching gels. It is a continuation of ongoing research into tripolar concentric ring electrodes as an alternative to conventional disc electrodes. By acquiring this information, the parameters of the electrodes in relation to the pastes can be determined and proper testing procedures can be evaluated to allow for optimal recording parameters. The best paste will provide low impedance and low noise while still maintaining a good connection between the electrode and the scalp. Two commercially available pastes, Ten-20© and EC2©, were tested. The Ten-20© paste had a higher impedance but remained at a fairly consistent impedance throughout the test. The EC2© paste had a lower impedance but showed a decrease in impedance over time.
SUBSURFACE FLOWPATHS IN A FORESTED HEADWATER STREAM HARBOR A DIVERSE MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY

Headwater streams and wetlands with a combination of surface and subsurface flows are common features of many upland-forested watersheds. Unlike headwater stream reaches with continuous surface flow, the hydrology and ecology of subsurface stream reaches are poorly studied and not factored into existing wetland legislation. We assessed subsurface habitats and associated biota in a 435-m reach of a first-order, intermittent stream draining a riparian zone dominated by eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in north central Massachusetts. Stream flow was found only in subsurface flowpaths beneath large boulders and surface root mats over approximately 70% of the total stream length at summer base flow. Temperature, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and dissolved organic carbon concentrations of subsurface water were similar to surface water. Macroinvertebrates were found in subsurface habitats but at a lower abundance and richness per unit area compared to surface habitats. Collectors such as Chironomidae, Polycentropodidae, and Ephemerellidae were generally the most abundant families in both surface and subsurface habitats. Our findings indicate that in some glaciated watersheds, intermittent streams with no visual evidence of surface flow may contain subsurface flowpaths with water chemistry and biota comparable to coupled perennial surface flow reaches. The prevalence and importance of subsurface habitats in some headwater streams may warrant review or revision of existing state and local regulatory definitions of intermittent and headwater streams.
A biochemical study of the cervical and nasal mucus fern phenomenon

Abstract In 1945 Papanicolaou 1 discovered the interesting phenomenon that cervical mucus spread on a slide and left to dry crystallized with "arborization," a fern- or palm leaf-like reaction. He considered this phenomenon chracteristic of the time of ovulation. Subsequently numerous workers 2–5 and others carried the investigations further. They concluded that while arborization of the cervical mucus was a reflection of estrogenic activity, the corpus luteum phase was characterized by the disappearance of arborization and the appearance of a cellular reaction (cellular pattern). This phenomenon was consequently made use of as a test for ovulation, early pregnancy, and in addition, as a means of differentiation between amenorrhea of pregnancy and that from other causes. Zondek, 6 in 1954, found in his basic study of the phenomenon of the mucus arborization, that other mucus-secreting surfaces in the body (nose, salivary and lacrimal glands, etc.) also produced the reaction. But he considered the phenomenon to be of specific significance only in the cervix where fern formation paralleled estrogenic activity. Further, Zondek and Lander-strom-Lang cooperating with Rydberg 7 showed that the fern phenomenon was dependent upon certain electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium chlorides and potassium bromide in combination with protein substances or saccharides. Other electrolytes, however, such as calcium and barium chlorides, sodium bromide and sulfate, and potassium nitrate, failed to induce the reaction in Zondek's experiments. The purpose of this paper is to present a study of the biochemical basis of the phenomenon of arborization demonstrating how it depends upon electrolyte concentration in any solution.
Review: Pevsner’s Architectural Glossary App

Pevsner’s Architectural Glossary App New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press; Brighton, UK: Aimer Media, 2013, $4.99 Erudite detail is tempered by a certain popular appeal in Nikolaus Pevsner’s encyclopedic Buildings of England series. The forty-six volumes that Penguin first published between 1951 and 1974 were as thick as some editions of the Bible, and as authoritative—and nearly as readable. Embraced in the UK as modern lore, the architectural guides made an essential contribution to twentieth-century “topographic culture.”1 JSAH reviewer Alan Gowans praised the series in 1956, noting, “Scholarship at once meticulous and broad is combined with the informality of a personally conducted tour. … In such a program the essential thing is to hold a reader’s interest, to make him not only aware of facts, but interested in them, or … anxious to see, preserve, and perpetuate them.”2 Half a century later, a Guardian columnist similarly celebrated Pevsner’s “sparse, engaging style” for “making architecture accessible.”3 While it is true that Pevsner and his coauthors’ building descriptions were often terse—some of them no longer than a Tweet—readers sometimes had to work to parse the prose, the economy of which depended upon arcane art historical terms. Unlike Norval White’s AIA Guide to New York City , which first appeared in 1968 and which “did not require readers to know the difference between a volute and a voussoir,”4 the Pevsner guides are peppered with specialized terms. For example, a roundhouse in Essex is described as “Small round brick tower, crenellated, with turrets, and single-storey wings with stepped gables, hoodmoulded windows, and other folly-like features C19.”5A reader might flip to the twenty-five-page glossary in the back to look up hoodmould or crenellation , if not to review gable or folly . This slim glossary, a deceptively peripheral tool within a volume of up to 1,000 pages, was in fact crucial to the whole enterprise. …
Tests with Seven Established and Candidate Acaricides Against the Common Scab Mite of Cattle, Psoroptes Ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae)

Dipping, spraying, and spray-dipping trials were carried out during 1972–1973 and 1974–1975 against Psoroptes ovis , the common scab mite of sheep and cattle, in 36 trials with 96 cattle. The test chemicals were SD 14114, crufomate (Ruelene®), cyhexatin (Plictran®), coumaphos (Co-Rap®), malathion, toxaphene, and phosmet (Prolate®, GX-l18). SD 14114, crufomate, and malathion were ineffective at all concentrations and by all methods tried. Cyhexatin was ineffective by spray-dip, but effective by vat dipping. Coumaphos at 0.25% AI (in both single and double applications) was ineffective by vat dipping, and 2 dippings with phosmet at 0.20% AI were required to control mites. Toxaphene was effective applied once by either method.
Express saccades and superior colliculus responses are sensitive to short-wavelength cone contrast

A key structure for directing saccadic eye movements is the superior colliculus (SC). The visual pathways that project to the SC have been reported to carry only luminance information and not color information. Short-wavelength–sensitive cones (S-cones) in the retina make little or no contribution to luminance signals, leading to the conclusion that S-cone stimuli should be invisible to SC neurons. The premise that S-cone stimuli are invisible to the SC has been used in numerous clinical and human psychophysical studies. The assumption that the SC cannot use S-cone stimuli to guide behavior has never been tested. We show here that express saccades, which depend on the SC, can be driven by S-cone input. Further, express saccade reaction times and changes in SC activity depend on the amount of S-cone contrast. These results demonstrate that the SC can use S-cone stimuli to guide behavior. We conclude that the use of S-cone stimuli is insufficient to isolate SC function in psychophysical and clinical studies of human subjects.
Field Test on Uplift Behavior of Squeezed Branch Pile in Soft Soil Ground

The squeezed branch pile is a new type variable cross-section pile foundation,and it has the virtue of high bearing capability,low settlement,simple machinery.With regard to the soft soil foundation in the littoral of China,the vertical pulling static loading tests were carried out to obtain the ultimate bearing capacity.By testing the internal force of the pile,the distribution law of axial force is obtained;the load transfer mechanism and bearing capability are studied.Based on the test results,the squeezed branch pile has obvious advantages in bearing capability compared to the conventional pile,as well as economic benefits and wide application prospect.
Reduction mammoplasty utilizing nipple-areola transplantation.

Reduction mammoplasty using nipple–areola transplantation has proved to be a satisfactory procedure. It will probably be performed in an ever-increasing number of patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty as more surgeons realize that aesthetically pleasing results can be achieved.
Quantitative and mixed analyses to identify factors that affect cervical cancer screening uptake among lesbian and bisexual women and transgender men.

Aims and objectives The purposes of this study were to measure the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with, cervical cancer screening among a sample of lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and transgender men. Background Past research has found that lesbian, bisexual and queer women underuse cervical screening service. Because deficient screening remains the most significant risk factor for cervical cancer, it is essential to understand the differences between routine and nonroutine screeners. Design A convergent-parallel mixed methods design. Methods A convenience sample of 21- to 65-year-old lesbian and bisexual women and transgender men were recruited in the USA from August–December 2014. Quantitative data were collected via a 48-item Internet questionnaire (N = 226), and qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephone interviews (N = 20) and open-ended questions on the Internet questionnaire. Results Seventy-three per cent of the sample was routine cervical screeners. The results showed that a constellation of factors influence the use of cervical cancer screening among lesbian, bisexual and queer women. Some of those factors overlap with the general female population, whereas others are specific to the lesbian, bisexual or queer identity. Routine screeners reported feeling more welcome in the health care setting, while nonroutine screeners reported more discrimination related to their sexual orientation and gender expression. Routine screeners were also more likely to ‘out’ to their provider. The quantitative and qualitative factors were also compared and contrasted. Conclusions Many of the factors identified in this study to influence cervical cancer screening relate to the health care environment and to interactions between the patient and provider. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses should be involved with creating welcoming environments for lesbian, bisexual and queer women and their partners. Moreover, nurses play a large role in patient education and should promote self-care behaviours among lesbian women and transgender men.
Thick film flow sensor for respirator applications

A new approach to monitoring respiration activity for first responders is proposed. This approach emphasizes low cost and portability. Current commercial methods cost upwards of $100 and aren't reusable or portable. The design goal was to achieve a portable stand alone unit that measures and displays both breaths per minute as well as inhalation/exhalation using simple low cost commercial components. The prototype device is portable and battery operated as well as accurate. This approach has benefits in the field for emergency medical technicians as well as other medical professionals.
The African Photographic Archive: Research and Curatorial Strategies (Morton and Newbury, eds)

This work is a book review considering the title The African Photographic Archive: Research and Curatorial Strategies edited by Christopher Morton and Darren Newbury.
Change detection using directional statistics

This paper addresses the task of change detection from noisy multivariate time-series data. One major feature of our approach is to leverage directional statistics as the noise-robust signature of time-series data. To capture major patterns, we introduce a regularized maximum likelihood equation for the von Mises-Fisher distribution, which simultaneously learns directional statistics and sample weights to filter out unwanted samples contaminated by the noise. We show that the optimization problem is reduced to the trust region subproblem in a certain limit, where global optimality is guaranteed. To evaluate the amount of changes, we introduce a novel distance measure on the Stiefel manifold. The method is validated with real-world data from an ore mining system.
Bonding and Properties of Diatomic Molecules

One of the successful approaches to describing covalent bonds is the molecular orbital (MO) approach. In this method, atomic orbitals are combined as mathematical functions to generate orbitals that encompass the entire molecule. The most common approach is to consider a molecular orbital as consisting of a linear combination of atomic orbitals. In this chapter, that approach is illustrated and numerous attributes of diatomic molecules are discussed, including those for heteroatomic species. As a result of unequal sharing of electrons by atoms having different electronegativities, partial ionic character is also included. Orbitals have symmetry properties that determine how they may allow atoms or molecules to interact or may prohibit such interaction. In this chapter, the role of orbital symmetry is illustrated by several examples.