cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer Pricing in Comparative Perspective and the Need for Reforms in Ghana

The World and the United States are in the throes of a global economic crisis unseen since the Great Depression. Governments are facing huge budgetary deficits. For instance, the United States budget deficit for 2009 is predicted to be $1.7 trillion dollars. These desperate budgetary situations are forcing governments to introduce or strengthen their transfer pricing guidelines to get their fair share of taxes from multinational enterprises (MNEs). “Transfer pricing” is the price charged by one business entity to another for the provision of goods, services or intangibles, and constitutes the easiest way of relocating income and expenses among entities.” Transfer pricing allocation is the method by which MNEs determine the amount of taxes they owe to the various countries within which they operate.According to Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, transfer pricing abuses cost the US government about $100 billion dollars annually. It is also estimated that transfer pricing abuses also cost developing countries, including Ghana around $500 billion annually. Ghana, like many developing countries needs tax revenues for development to free its citizens from the vicious cycle of poverty. The Obama administration is concerned about these abusive transfer pricing practices that that it has endorsed a Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act being introduced in Congress by Senator Carl Levin of Michigan and has put this topic on the agenda for the G20 meeting of advanced and developing countries being in London on April 2, 2009.This paper, using the United States transfer pricing regulations as a backdrop, articulates various mechanisms through which the Ghana tax authorities can reduce transfer pricing abuses by MNEs. Specifically this paper derives lesions and strategies that have worked within the US transfer pricing regime and argues how they can that useful for a developing country like Ghana.
Tyramine synthesis, vesicular packaging, and the SNARE complex function coordinately in astrocytes to regulate Drosophila alcohol sedation

Identifying mechanisms underlying alcohol-related behaviors could provide important insights regarding the etiology of alcohol use disorder. To date, most genetic studies on alcohol-related behavior in model organisms have focused on neurons, leaving the causal roles of glial mechanisms less comprehensively investigated. Here, we report our studies on the role of Tyrosine decarboxylase 2 (Tdc2), which converts tyrosine to the catecholamine tyramine, in glial cells in Drosophila alcohol sedation. Using genetic approaches that drove transgene expression constitutively in all glia, constitutively in astrocytes and conditionally in glia during adulthood, we found that knockdown and overexpression of Tdc2, respectively, increased and decreased the sensitivity to alcohol sedation in flies. Manipulation of the genes tyramine β-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase, which respectively synthesize octopamine and dopamine from tyramine and tyrosine, had no discernable effect on alcohol sedation, suggesting that Tdc2 affects alcohol sedation by regulating tyramine production. We also found that knockdown of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) and disruption of the SNARE complex in all glia or selectively in astrocytes increased sensitivity to alcohol sedation and that both VMAT and the SNARE complex functioned downstream of Tdc2. Our studies support a model in which the synthesis of tyramine and vesicle-mediated release of tyramine from adult astrocytes regulates alcohol sedation in Drosophila. Considering that tyramine is functionally orthologous to norepinephrine in mammals, our results raise the possibility that gliotransmitter synthesis release could be a conserved mechanism influencing behavioral responses to alcohol as well as alcohol use disorder.
Deep learning-based single-shot autofocusing of microscopy images

We demonstrate a deep learning-based offline autofocusing method, termed Deep-R, to rapidly and blindly autofocus a single-shot microscopy image captured at an arbitrary out-of-focus plane. Deep-R is experimentally validated using various tissue sections that were imaged with fluorescence and brightfield microscopes. Furthermore, snapshot autofocusing under different defocusing scenarios is demonstrated, including uniform axial-defocusing, sample tilting, cylindrical and spherical distortions within the field-of-view. Compared with other online autofocusing algorithms, Deep-R is significantly faster while having comparable image performance. Deep-R framework will enable high-throughput microscopic imaging over large fields-of-view, improving the overall imaging throughput, also reducing the photon dose on the sample.
Long-Term Effects of Monotherapy with Low Dose Tacrolimus

Purpose Monotherapy with tacrolimus alone (TAC-A) was found to be safe and effective in the TICTAC Trial. However, in that trial, tacrolimus levels were maintained at 10-12 ng/mL over the first year which resulted in a higher serum creatinine level compared to those left in combination. We have been using TAC-A at lower doses in patients who have developed leukopenia or thrombocytopenia due to immunosuppression or a natural state. The presence of cytomegalovirus infections and other viruses excluded those patients from being administered monotherapy. It has not been established whether low dose TAC-A is safe and effective. Methods Between 2010 and 2017 we assessed 151 heart transplant patients who are maintained on monotherapy with TAC-A. Patients were maintained on a low level of TAC-A between 4-7 ng/ml. These patients were assessed for subsequent 1-year rejection, subsequent 3-year survival, 3-year freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF-MACE: MI, new CHF, PCI, ICD implant, stroke), cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, epicardial disease with angiographic stenosis>30%), and cardiac dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 40%). Furthermore, periodic testing was done with the T-cell immune function test to assess whether these patients were adequately immunosuppressed. Results Patients who were maintained on TAC-A had comparable outcomes compared to patients left in combination immunosuppression (see table). The T-cell immune function test showed that these patients had adequate immunosuppression (average was 276 ng/mL with a range of 56-794 ng/mL and standard deviation of 137.1 ng/mL) with the therapeutic range being 200-550ng/ml. Patients had an average of 11 Tacrolimus lab tests (range: 4-46). Conclusion Low dose TAC-A appears safe and effective in select patients after heart transplantation guided by T cell immune function testing. Further studies with larger number of patients will be needed to confirm these findings.
The Evolving Use of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

B cells express 4 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) isoforms and have a dependence on p110δ for survival. The design of isoform-selective inhibitors is possible, and pharmacologic inhibition of p110δ is toxic to neoplastic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells for both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic reasons. Idelalisib is a first-in-class p110δ inhibitor that exhibits efficacy for the treatment of relapsed CLL irrespective of adverse prognostic features. Duvelisib is a p110γ/δ inhibitor with a similar efficacy and safety profile to idelalisib. Recent data indicate that umbralisib, a p110δ/CK-1e dual inhibitor, is safe and effective when administered to patients with CLL.
Demonstration of an rf Electrometer Based on EIT Spectroscopy of Non-Resonantly Dressed Rydberg Atoms

We present a self-calibrating, broadband technique for characterizing rf-fields. The method is based on electromagnetically induced transparency, exploiting non-linear mixing of rf and DC fields through non-resonant Rydberg dressing in a room temperature Rubidium cell.
Microsurgical Resection of a Parasellar Meningioma Invading the Cavernous Sinus, Bone, and Optic Canal: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Parasellar meningiomas, regardless of the initial origin, frequently involve the optic canal and cavernous sinus, leading to visual loss and ocular movement dysfunction.1 Hyperostotic bony invasion to the surrounding skull base is common.2 Visual acuity prognosis can be improved by surgical resection through different technical maneuvers, including opening the optic canal and the preservation of the visual apparatus vascular supply by developing the intra-arachnoidal dissection planes.1,3,4 To achieve radical dissection and reduce recurrences, the extradural invaded bone is thoroughly resected. Likewise, the soft and nonadherent invasive tumor around the cavernous carotid can be extensively removed.1,3,4 New or worsening of the ophthalmoplegia is frequent after cavernous sinus exploration and tumor resection. However, it is usually temporary and improves progressively in 80% of patients.1,3,4 Safely approaching these lesions requires extensive anatomic knowledge through cadaveric dissection and training, allowing us to achieve tumor control, preserve or improve visual function, and avoid or delay irradiation therapy.1,3,4 Pituitary function preservation is also possible in many patients through surgery, which is at higher risk with irradiation. We demonstrate the technical maneuvers through a case of a 49-yr-old woman who presented with a parasellar meningioma involving the cavernous sinus, both optic canals, and extensive bony invasion. The patient consented to the surgery and publication of her images. Image at 1:14 and middle and right image at 1:31 reprinted with permission from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. Vol 1, ©LWW, 1998. Left image at 1:31 reprinted from Arnautovic et al,5 by permission from JNSPG.
The Identification of Unreacted Precursors, Impurities, and By-Products in Clandestinely Produced Phencyclidine Preparations

The typical phencyclidine sample found in clandestine laboratories can be contaminated by the presence of unreacted precursors and large amounts of impurities and by-products. Although this may involve an extensive “cleanup” procedure before phencyclidine identification, the additional analysis of the sample for the impurities will often confirm the synthetic process employed. A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry procedure has been developed in which the 13 major components, including phencyclidine and piperidinocyclohexane carbonitrile, found in these typical clandestine mixtures, may be screened for and identified. The data obtained from this analysis are consistently used as an aid to the successful prosecution of “intent to manufacture” cases.
Rural Industrial Location: The Impact of Firm Size

This study explores the location preferences for firms of different sizes, using a varying coefficient model to study the relationships underlying industrial location and economic development in th...
The Relationship Between Optical Coherence Tomographic (OCT) And Perimetric Findings In Patients With Papilledema (P2.291)

OBJECTIVE: I compared measures of retinal and optic nerve head (ONH) anatomy to standard perimetry in patients with papilledema associated with intracranial hypertension. BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides quantitative ocular imaging in conditions causing optic neuropathy. Correlation of OCT-identified structural change to visual function has been well established in multiple sclerosis patients. DESIGN/METHODS: I studied 26 patients with papilledema (22 with idiopathic intracranial hypertension) and no alternative ocular pathology. Fourteen patients were tested twice, at least 3 months apart. Using spectral-domain OCT, I quantified retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, total macular volume and ONH volume in each eye and compared values with standard automated static perimetry. Optic disc elevation was confirmed with 3-dimensional image reconstruction. RESULTS: For most eyes, there was no relationship between the degree of RNFL or ONH swelling and perimetric mean deviation. In this group, even eyes with severe swelling showed normal or only mildly reduced mean deviation and RNFL thickness correlated significantly with ONH volume. In a smaller group of eyes with ONH volumes at the lower end of the supranormal range, RNFL thickness and macular volume were paradoxically subnormal and perimetry showed moderate to severe impairment. In 4 eyes of this latter group, serial testing showed stable or improved visual fields despite declining RNFL thickness within the subnormal range. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative measures of tissue swelling do not correlate with visual field loss in most patients with papilledema. In a minority of eyes, RNFL and macular thickness may be subnormal despite optic disk swelling, implying a combination of swollen and thin or missing axons. These eyes may show significant visual field loss, but further RNFL thinning does not always portend perimetric deterioration. Study Supported by: Not applicable. Disclosure: Dr. Morrow has received research support from Novartis.
The Efficacy of Daily Prefrontal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS): A Randomized Controlled Single-blind Study.

Abstract Background Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a burning oral sensation without any corresponding abnormal findings. In some cases, BMS is refractory to pharmacologic treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left prefrontal cortex induces analgesic effect in both acute and chronic pain. However, its effect for BMS has not been evaluated. Objective The aim of this randomized, controlled, single-blind study was to assess the efficacy of prefrontal rTMS for BMS. Method Twenty patients with BMS were recruited and randomized to receive 30,000 pulses in total at 10 Hz TMS (n = 12) or sham TMS (n = 8). We assessed the change of BMS pain condition, functional status and mood until 2 months after the beginning of treatment. Results In the real group, the BMS pain intensity decreased 67%, and 75% of the patients reported >50% pain decrease on final assessment compared to baseline, without heavy side effects. There was significant pain reduction in subjects in the real group immediately after 1 week of treatment, whereas there was none in those in the sham group. Similar tendency was confirmed in change of functional status. Mood and the affective aspect of pain were not changed in this study. Conclusion BMS pain was significantly improved with 2 weeks of treatment of high frequency rTMS over left DLPFC compared to sham stimulation. Further study is needed to refine and improve TMS as a potential treatment of BMS.
On the Structure and Stability of BaAl4-Type Ordered Derivatives in the Sr–Au–Sn System for the 600 °C Section †‡

Author(s): Lin, Q; Zhang, Y; Taufour, V; Lamichhane, TN; Bud'Ko, SL; Canfield, PC; Dennis, K; Miller, G | Abstract: The well-known BaAl4-type structure consists of three ordered ternary derivatives, i.e., BaNiSn3-(I4mm), ThCr2Si2-(I4/mmm), and CaBe2Ge2-type (P4/nmm). Few systems, such as Ba-Au-Sn, have been confirmed to manifest all three types as a function of valence electron count. In this work, the SrAuxSn4-xsolid solution at the 600 ° C section was studied thoroughly using both single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures and phase width for the CaBe2Ge2-type SrAuxSn4-xsolid solution were established to be α = 4.6528(2)-4.6233(3) A and c = 11.3753(4)-11.2945(10) A for x ≈ 1.65(1)-2.19(1). In the structure of SrAu2Sn2, no Au/Sn mixing was found, but for x l 2 compositions, Au/Sn mixings were only located at the Wyckoff 2α (3/4 1/4 0) site and for x g 2 compositions, at the 2b (3/4 1/4 1/2) site. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses indicated that no phase transition occurred for the CaBe2Ge2-type SrAuxSn4-xphase up to 950 ° C. Attempts to synthesize the ThCr2Si2-and BaNiSn3-type SrAuxSn4-xphases under the same reaction conditions were unsuccessful, and the BaNiSn3-type phase could not be attained even at a pressure of 3 GPa. The instability of a BaNiSn3-type "SrAuSn3" was investigated by both DSC measurements and first principles electronic structure calculations.
Effect of exclusion diet with nutraceutical therapy in juvenile Crohn's disease.

Background: Most moderate-severe juvenile Crohn's disease (CD) patients are in a constant catabolic state resulting in poor weight gain and growth failure. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and monoclonal antibody drugs, as well as growth hormone (GH), frequently fail to achieve sustained remission or reverse growth failure.Objective: To test whether an exclusion diet with nutraceutical therapy (DNT) could induce sustained clinical remission and weight gain, and if so does this enhance the ability for GH to reverse growth failure.Methods: An uncontrolled prospective case study was undertaken in six moderate- severe CD patients, two of whom had completed growth. All were treated with DNT. Adequate caloric and protein ( ≥ 3g/kg/d) intake for catch up weight was prescribed. Dairy products, certain grains and carrageenan containing foods were eliminated. Nutraceuticals, consisting of fish peptides, bovine colostrum, boswellia serrata, curcumin and a multivitamin were administered daily. Lactobacillus GG, a...
Naturally occurring antibodies to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM).

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) is an epithelial tumor-associated antigen that is expressed by a number of normal tissues and has been used as a target in many immunotherapy studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of serum anti-EpCAM IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies in colon cancer and tumor-free patients and to assess the tumor protective value of anti-EpCAM antibodies. One third of both the cancer (16/48) and the control (9/27) patients had detectable antibodies. Although the mean antibody concentration was higher in cancer patients (0.048 ± 0.120 U) than in controls (0.038 ± 0.064 U) the difference was not statistically significant. Western blot analysis revealed reactivity to multiple HT29 cell proteins including a 40-kDa protein (presumed to be Ep-CAM). Monoclonal anti-EpCAM 323/A3 antibody did not have a tumor-protective effect in murine Ep-CAM expressing colocarcinoma. We conclude that Ep-CAM is immunogenic not only for cancer patients, but also for tumor-free individuals.
Cosmic strings in a braneworld theory with metastable gravitons

If the graviton possesses an arbitrarily small (but nonvanishing) mass, perturbation theory implies that cosmic strings have a nonzero Newtonian potential. Nevertheless in Einstein gravity, where the graviton is strictly massless, the Newtonian potential of a cosmic string vanishes. This discrepancy is an example of the van Dam--Veltman--Zakharov (VDVZ) discontinuity. We present a solution for the metric around a cosmic string in a braneworld theory with a graviton metastable on the brane. This theory possesses those features that yield a VDVZ discontinuity in massive gravity, but nevertheless is generally covariant and classically self-consistent. Although the cosmic string in this theory supports a nontrivial Newtonian potential far from the source, one can recover the Einstein solution in a region near the cosmic string. That latter region grows as the graviton's effective linewidth vanishes (analogous to a vanishing graviton mass), suggesting the lack of a VDVZ discontinuity in this theory. Moreover, the presence of scale dependent structure in the metric may have consequences for the search for cosmic strings through gravitational lensing techniques.
Child passenger safety in the school-age population

Car seats are designed for infants and seat belts are designed for adults; the omitted group, school-age children, are at especially high risk for injury in motor vehicle crashes. This article discusses motor vehicle crash dynamics, federal safety standards, misuse, risk factors, barriers to optimal restraint, and injury prevention strategies to promote the healthy development of the school-age child. The author focuses on the role of nurses who can provide families with counseling, health education, and guidance to promote child motor vehicle occupant safety. The author stresses the important role of booster seats, which can significantly reduce injury and death associated with motor vehicle accidents in this population. However, booster seats must be installed and used properly in order for them to be most effective. The author outlines a series of injury prevention strategies that nurses can use to educate themselves and the parents and families they work with. The author concludes by reiterating that nurses can play a major role in injury prevention by initiating, developing, and implementing prevention strategies.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT FISH ASSEMBLAGES AROUND THE DEEPWATER PRODUCTION PLATFORMS OF SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

In 1995–97, we surveyed the fishes living on and around seven offshore oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel region using the research submersible Delta. The bottom depths of these platforms ranged from 49 to 224 m. We found that the fish communities differed among platforms and that there were several distinct differences in the fish assemblages living in the midwater and bottom habitats around all of the platforms. Both midwater and bottom assemblages were dominated by rockfishes. Platform midwaters were comprised of young-of-the-year or juveniles up to two years old. The fish communities around the bottoms of the platforms were dominated by larger individuals, primarily subadults or adults. The total fish biomass was much greater on the bottoms, due to the larger fishes living there. There was a consistently greater number of species on the bottom compared to the midwater of each platform, likely due to a larger variety of habitat types on the bottom. We found significantly higher densities of young-of-the-year rockfishes around platforms north of Pt. Conception compared to those in the Santa Barbara Channel.
The Role of Muscle in Bone Repair: The Cells, Signals, and Tissue Responses to Injury

Bone repair is a complicated process that includes many types of cells, signaling molecules, and growth factors. Fracture healing involves a temporally and spatially regulated biologic process that involves recruitment of stem cells to the injury site, tissue specific differentiation, angiogenesis, and remodeling. In light of its proximity to bone and abundant vascularity, muscle is an important potential source of cells and signals for bone healing. More complete understanding of the role of muscle in bone formation and repair will provide new therapeutic approaches to enhance fracture healing. Recent studies establish that muscle-derived stem cells are able to differentiate into cartilage and bone and can directly participate in fracture healing. The role of muscle-derived stem cells is particularly important in fractures associated with more severe injury to the periosteum. Sarcopenia is a serious consequence of aging, and studies show a strong association between bone mass and lean muscle mass. Muscle anabolic agents may improve function and reduce the incidence of fracture with aging.
State Tomography of Capacitively Shunted Phase Qubits with High Fidelity

We introduce a new design concept for superconducting phase quantum bits (qubits) in which we explicitly separate the capacitive element from the Josephson tunnel junction for improved qubit performance. The number of two-level systems that couple to the qubit is thereby reduced by an order of magnitude and the measurement fidelity improves to 90%. This improved design enables the first demonstration of quantum state tomography with superconducting qubits using single-shot measurements.
Nitric oxide formation from fuel-nitrogen model compound combustion

Since HCN is the primary, volatile, nitrogen-containing intermediate formed during the combustion of fuel-nitrogen, this work has concentrated on the determination of products and extents of oxidation of HCN, primarily in the presence of fuel additives, using both plug- and stirred-flow reactors. To produce significant yields of NO from the oxidation of pyridine or HCN it was found that flame conditions must exist in the reactor as indicated by visual observation. At non-flame conditions (low temperatures and/or concentrations) the fuel nitrogen was converted to primarily N2 and N2O, but some NH4NCO and urea were formed also. The transition between a flame and a non-flame reaction was a function of temperature, concentrations, flow rate and fuel type and was abrupt as evidenced by a rapid increase in fuel consumption and shift in products (with N2ONO yields inversely related). The oxidation of pyridine and benzene/HCN mixtures gave similar results while the oxidation of CO or acetylene added to HCN produced NO at lower temperatures and concentrations (on an atom or heat equivalent basis) than the other mixtures. These observations plus calculations involving the reported rate constants for the reactions that would most likely form NO and N2O if a sequential mechanism were applicable, led to the conclusion that N2O and NO are formed from a common precursor with neither N2O nor NO formed sequentially from the other. This conclusion was supported by the oxidation data from NOHCN-fuel and N2O-fuel mixtures. In addition, it is evident that once N2O is formed at the milder conditions, since it is more resistant to further oxidation than HCN, a reduction in NO yields will result.
A Supply and Demand Theory of US Military Policy

Since the 1970s, and especially again since the attacks of September 11, 2001, a considerable body of literature has addressed the nature, causes, and consequences of the relative decline of United States power. Of particular interest is research that suggests the US is guilty of the same kind of imperial overstretch that brought down the Spanish in the 17th century and the British in the first half of the 20th century. Imperial overstretch, or a lack of balance between militarized foreign policy commitments and the resources needed to sustain those interests has, according to some scholars, weakened American power abroad by placing too many demands on the US armed services and scattering them about the globe. I discuss the literature on US foreign policy and hegemonic decline to sort out the various arguments, and to begin to identify the key issues and terms. I argue that one of the reasons why there has been insufficient theoretical progress in this debate is that its terms have been variously and ill-...
Electronic Structure at Organic/Metal Interfaces: Naphthalene/Cu(111)

Electron transfer at organic/metal interfaces is a fundamental issue of interest to a large number of problems in chemistry. We use two-photon photoemission (2PPE) spectroscopy to investigate heterogeneous electron transport in a model system: naphthalene adsorbed on Cu(111). The dependence of 2PPE spectra on photon energy establishes the occurance of photoinduced electron transfer to an unoccupied state at 3.1 eV above the Fermi level (or 1.1 eV below the vacuum level) at one monolayer coverage. Polarization and dispersion measurements reveal the image-like property of this electron-transfer state. The binding energy of this state is dependent on the thickness of the adsorbate layer. This observation is in agreement with simulation based on the dielectric continuum model. The simulation also shows that, while partially distributed in the adsorbate layer at one monolayer coverage, the excited electron is confined within the adsorbate layer at high coverages, an effect which can be attributed to the elect...
Electroglottographic observations of young stutterers' fluency.

The purpose of this study was to compare the laryngeal behavior associated with the perceptually fluent speech of young stutterers (n = 8) to that of their normally fluent peers (n = 8). Laryngeal ...
The consolidation of soft marine sediments

This paper outlines the governing relationships of nonlinear finite strain consolidation. A short review of current literature is presented. Nonlinear finite strain consolidation theory is applied to the analysis of the slow deposition of Gulf of Mexico Holocene sediments. It is shown that the conventional means of calculating rates of sediment accumulation are highly inaccurate. It is further shown that the state of effective stress and excess pore-water pressure, as calculated by nonlinear finite strain theory, is substantially different than when calculated by conventional Terzaghi-Frohlich theory.
Phonon-assisted tunneling in persistent-photocurrent decay

While in bulk ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As there is some agreement that persistent photoconductivity (PPC) is related to the photoionization of deep levels that have a recombination barrier, a diverse collection of models has been proposed to explain the interplay between macroscopic (band bending and tunneling) and microscopic (deep levels) contributions to PPC and related phenomena in GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As heterostructures. One of these related effects is transient photoconductivity (TPC) whereby the PPC-enhanced carrier density (or conductivity) undergoes a long-term decay. In this work a model based on phonon-assisted tunneling through a realistic barrier is developed for TPC, and predictions for the apparent capture energies and lifetime prefactors are presented. The model self-consistently accounts for the changes in the conduction-band profile and tunneling barrier due to the transfer of charge during this process. By using the derivative of conductivity or carrier number density with respect to the logarithm of time during decay, e.g., dN/d(lnt), phonon-assisted tunneling may be identified from other PPC-associated decay mechanisms in GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As heterostructures. This method of analysis is applied to experimental data showing TPC decay of carrier density and conductivity. The DX-center capture energies obtained from phonon-assisted-tunneling data in this work agree with results from other direct-capture studies.
Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Alter Cathepsin Activity In vitro

Nanomaterials are being incorporated into many biological applications for use as therapeutics, sensors, or labels. Silver nanomaterials are being utilized for biological implants and wound dressings as an antiviral material, whereas gold nanomaterials are being used as biological labels or sensors due to their surface properties and biocompatibility. Cytotoxicity data of these materials are becoming more prevalent; however, little research has been performed to understand how the introduction of these materials into cells affects cellular processes. Here, we demonstrate the impact that silver and gold nanoparticles have on cathepsin activity in vitro. Cathepsins are important cellular proteases that are imperative for proper immune system function. We have selected to examine gold and silver nanoparticles due to the increased use of these materials in biological applications. This manuscript depicts how both of these types of nanomaterials affect cathepsin activity, which could impact the host's immune system and its ability to respond to pathogens. Cathepsin B activity decreases in a dose-dependent manner with all nanoparticles tested. Alternatively, the impact of nanoparticles on cathepsin L activity depends greatly on the type and size of the material.
Crosswell seismic investigation of hydraulically conductive, fractured bedrock near Mirror Lake, New Hampshire

Abstract Near Mirror Lake, New Hampshire (USA), hydraulically conductive, fractured bedrock was investigated with the crosswell seismic method to determine whether this method could provide any information about hydraulic conductivity between wells. To this end, crosswell seismic data, acoustic logs from boreholes, image logs from boreholes, and single borehole hydraulic tests were analyzed. The analysis showed that, first, the P-wave velocities from the acoustic logs tended to be higher in schist than they were in granite. (Schist and granite were the dominant rock types). Second, the P-wave velocities from the acoustic logs tended to be low near fractures. Third, the hydraulic conductivity was always low (always less than to 10−8 m/s) where no fractures intersected the borehole, but the hydraulic conductivity ranged from low to high (from less than to 10−10 m/s to 10−4 m/s) where one or more fractures intersected the borehole. Fourth, high hydraulic conductivities were slightly more frequent when the P-wave velocity was low (less than 5200 m/s) than when it was high (greater than or equal to 5200 m/s). The interpretation of this statistical relation was that the fractures tended to increase the hydraulic conductivity and to lower the P-wave velocity. This statistical relation was applied to a velocity tomogram to create a map showing the probability of high hydraulic conductivity; the map was consistent with results from independent hydraulic tests.
Chemical characteristics and acute toxicity of sequentially extracted water-soluble fractions of a coal liquid

Abstract Chemical characteristics and acute toxicity to Daphnia magna were determined for seven sequentially extracted water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of a solvent-refined coal-II (SRC-II) liquid (2·9:1 blend of middle: heavy distillates). The WSFs were complex mixtures of phenols and aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total oil, total phenols and hydrocarbons in WSFs generally decreased with successive extractions of the coal liquid. The relative contribution of lower molecular weight phenols decreased with successive extractions, while that of higher molecular weight phenols remained constant or increased. Because WSFs were less concentrated with successive extractions, a higher percentage of each successive WSF was needed to induce an acute toxic effect. However, based on TOC, acute toxicities of successive extractions were similar, while based on total phenols, acute toxicity increased. The increase in toxicity in later extracts is attributed to less soluble, higher molecular weight, more persistent phenol classes, and increased relative contributions of aromatic hydrocarbons.
Graphitization of steels in elevated-temperature service

Prolonged exposure of carbon and low alloy steel components to temperatures exceeding 800 °F (427 °C) can result in several kinds of material microstructural deterioration; for example, creep cavitation, carbide coarsening and/or spheroidization, and, less commonly, graphitization. Graphitization generally results from the decomposition of pearlite (iron + iron carbide) into the equilibrium structure of iron + graphite and can severely embrittle the steel when the graphite particles or nodules form in a planar, continuous manner. Graphitization has resulted in the premature failure of pressure boundary components, including high energy piping and boiler tubes. Failure due to graphitization continues to be of concern in long-term aged carbon and carbon-molybdenum steels, both in weldments and in base metal, where, as recently reported, prior deformation or cold work could accelerate the graphitization process. This paper describes the characteristics and kinetics of graphitization, reviews pertinent laboratory and field experience, and summarizes time-temperature service regimes within which graphitization can be anticipated.
Children's Judgments of Televised Events: The Real versus Pretend Distinction:

Previous research suggests that children's understanding that television is fictional may be dependent on various factors inherent in televised events. 36 children, 4- to 6-yr.-old, were asked to judge the reality of specific televised events shown via videotape. The events varied in aggressiveness, format, and type of character shown. While age and sex differences were absent, children's judgments were dependent on the format of the televised events (cartoon versus noncartoon) rather than other variables. Implications for research on children's learning of televised aggression and prosocial behaviors are discussed.
Come-ons and Put-offs: Unmarried Students' Strategies for Having and Avoiding Sexual Intercourse:

One-hundred and twenty male and 109 female unmarried college students participated in a questionnaire study of actual and expected male-female differences in the use of 10 strategies for having and...
Dirac matrices in riemannian space

An explicit formula is developed for the affine spinor connection, Γr, in an arbitrary spin representation. This formula makes it possible explicitly to write the Dirac equation in Riemannian space, γ i (Ψ, i -Λ i +mΨ=0, in a form which may be subjected to arbitrary similarity transformations. Also, some useful algebraic properties of Dirac matrices are developed.
Conformal mapping for potential flow about airfoils with attached flap.

The conformal mapping sequence presented transforms the potential flow about a circle into that about an airfoil with an attached flap or spoiler. It is found that adequate versatility of the flap shape for a given airfoil can usually be obtained with the indicated functions, although other transformations would expand the variety of possible flap shapes.
Mutations M287L and Q266I in the Glycine Receptor α1 Subunit Change Sensitivity to Volatile Anesthetics in Oocytes and Neurons, but Not the Minimal Alveolar Concentration in Knockin Mice

BACKGROUND Volatile anesthetics (VAs) alter the function of key central nervous system proteins but it is not clear which, if any, of these targets mediates the immobility produced by VAs in the face of noxious stimulation. A leading candidate is the glycine receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel important for spinal physiology. VAs variously enhance such function, and blockade of spinal glycine receptors with strychnine affects the minimal alveolar concentration (an anesthetic EC50) in proportion to the degree of enhancement. METHODS We produced single amino acid mutations into the glycine receptor α1 subunit that increased (M287L, third transmembrane region) or decreased (Q266I, second transmembrane region) sensitivity to isoflurane in recombinant receptors, and introduced such receptors into mice. The resulting knockin mice presented impaired glycinergic transmission, but heterozygous animals survived to adulthood, and we determined the effect of isoflurane on glycine-evoked responses of brainstem neurons from the knockin mice, and the minimal alveolar concentration for isoflurane and other VAs in the immature and mature knockin mice. RESULTS Studies of glycine-evoked currents in brainstem neurons from knockin mice confirmed the changes seen with recombinant receptors. No increases in the minimal alveolar concentration were found in knockin mice, but the minimal alveolar concentration for isoflurane and enflurane (but not halothane) decreased in 2-week-old Q266I mice. This change is opposite to the one expected for a mutation that decreases the sensitivity to volatile anesthetics. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicate that glycine receptors containing the α1 subunit are not likely to be crucial for the action of isoflurane and other VAs.
Commodity-based projection VR

This course teaches the details of building a moderate-cost, single-screen projection-based virtual reality system. It will cover the basics of virtual reality - stereoscopy, tracking, audio - and the options for implementing them with commodity hardware. Open source software to drive the system will also be discussed.
Absorption and electronic Raman scattering spectra of the Γ8g (2 T 1g ) state of IrF6 at 1·6 μ—a resolution of the Jahn-Teller problem

Electronic Raman scattering and absorption spectra are presented which allow an interpretation of the vibronic structure of the Γ8g (2 T 1g ) excited electronic state of IrF6 at 1·6 μ. Large splittings and shifts are observed for the Jahn-Teller active v 2 (eg ), v 5 (t 2g ), and 2v 5 vibrations. From these spectra linear (D 2 and D 5) and quadratic (Q 2 [a 1g ], Q 2 [eg ], Q 5 [a 1g ], Q 5 [t 2g ]) Jahn-Teller parameters can be determined. These data are compared with parameters previously obtained for the ReF6 ground state and the IrF6 Γ8g (2 T 2g ) state at 0·6 μ.
On the relative usefulness of monaural and binaural cues in locating sound in space

The cues for locating sound in the vertical plane are predominantly monaural; binaural cues are available for horizontal plane localization. Ss, required to locate repetitive noise bursts originating in the vertical plane, performed significantly above chance level (p<.005). Performance in locating sound sources in the horizontal was significantly superior to that recorded for the vertical plane (p <.005). These results support the claims that relatively accurate sound localization can take place when only monaural cues are available. But the significant contribution of binaural cues is clearly evident if the angle between sound sources is made small.
Vulnerability of alleles in the US Potato Genebank extrapolated from RAPDs

Crop genebank managers must be concerned with preserving low-frequency alleles that are vulnerable to being lost from the genebank because they are not sampled as seed increase parents. Traits conferred by such alleles are also vulnerable to being overlooked because they are not sampled in plants evaluated for breeding traits. Mathematical models and recommendations that follow from hypothetical vulnerable alleles within single populations have been made by various researchers. This work was undertaken to empirically detect the prevalence of such alleles in the US Potato Genebank by extrapolation from RAPD markers. Two outcrossing species known to be very heterogeneous were selected,Solanum jamesii Torr. (2n=2x=24) andSolanum sucrense Hawkes (2n=4x=48). RAPD band frequencies at a total of 83 marker loci within each of 15 populations were assessed using 24 plants per population. For both species, about 10% of within-population loci had vulnerable alleles (banded plant frequency 40%. So, while several alleles may be vulnerable within a given population, these were nearly always fixed or nearly fixed (invulnerable) in another population. This suggests that the safest strategy for maximizing conservation of alleles is to apportion available resources over many separate populations, rather than adopt a preservation protocol so rigorous that it can only be practically applied to a limited number of populations.
Single wall carbon nanotube templated oriented crystallization of poly(vinyl alcohol)

Abstract Shearing of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) dispersions result in the formation of self-assembled oriented PVA/SWNT fibers or ribbons, while PVA solution results in the formation of unoriented fibers. Diameter/width and length of these self-assembled fibers was 5–45 μm and 0.5–3 mm, respectively. High-resolution transmission electron micrographs showed well resolved PVA (200) lattice with molecules oriented parallel to the nanotube axis. Nanotube orientation in the self-assembled fibers was also determined from Raman spectroscopy. PVA fibers exhibited about 48% crystallinity, while crystallinity in PVA/SWNT fibers was 84% as determined by wide angle X-ray diffraction. PVA and carbon nanotubes were at an angle of 25–40° to the self-assembled fiber axis. In comparison to PVA, PVA/SWNT samples exhibited significantly enhanced electron beam radiation resistance. This study shows that single wall carbon nanotubes not only nucleate polymer crystallization, but also act as a template for polymer orientation.
Modeling and forecasting the distribution of Vibrio vulnificus in Chesapeake Bay

Aim To construct statistical models to predict the presence, abundance and potential virulence of Vibrio vulnificus in surface waters of Chesapeake Bay for implementation in ecological forecasting systems. Methods and Results We evaluated and applied previously published qPCR assays to water samples (n = 1636) collected from Chesapeake Bay from 2007–2010 in conjunction with State water quality monitoring programmes. A variety of statistical techniques were used in concert to identify water quality parameters associated with V. vulnificus presence, abundance and virulence markers in the interest of developing strong predictive models for use in regional oceanographic modeling systems. A suite of models are provided to represent the best model fit and alternatives using environmental variables that allow them to be put to immediate use in current ecological forecasting efforts. Conclusions Environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity and turbidity are capable of accurately predicting abundance and distribution of V. vulnificus in Chesapeake Bay. Forcing these empirical models with output from ocean modeling systems allows for spatially explicit forecasts for up to 48 h in the future. Significance and Impact of the Study This study uses one of the largest data sets compiled to model Vibrio in an estuary, enhances our understanding of environmental correlates with abundance, distribution and presence of potentially virulent strains and offers a method to forecast these pathogens that may be replicated in other regions.
Studies of a suitable mask error enhancement factor for 2D patterns

In advanced 20nm and below technology nodes, the mask enhanced error factor (MEEF) plays an important rule due to the request of stable process control and quality of mask manufacture. It provides us an effective parameter to analyze the process window for lithography. In advanced nodes, MEEF criterion becomes more important than previous nodes because very tight process tolerance is requested, especially in OPC and mask capability control. Therefore, we have to do further studies on this topic. In the simple line/trench design layers (for example: Active and poly), the MEEF is easy to be defined because mask bias is isotropic. However, in the complicated two-dimensional (2D) design layers (for example: Contact and Mvia), they are hard to be defined a suitable definition of MEEF. In the first part, we used the global bias to calculate the MEEF on all patterns. It makes calculation easier to compare with other patterns which are different shapes. However, when we inspected the 2D line-end patterns on the wafer, we found the significant differences between the MEEF of wafer data and aerial simulation. In order to clarify this issue, we perform series simulation studies of the line-end MEEF. Then we knew that it came from the different bias strategies. Furthermore, the simulation studies show that the line-end MEEF of non-preferable orientation is very sensitive to mask X/Y ratio bias due to strong OAI optical behavior by the SMO source. As a result, a new point of view of 2D MEEF is suggested according to physical mask CD error measurement data. In this study, we would find a better description of the MEEF than traditional one for lithographic process development on 2D region.
Review: Advances in Intraperitoneal (Intracavitary) Administration of Synthetic Polymers for Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy

Intraperitoneal (IP) catheters linked to subcutaneous portals have made routine intracavitary chemotherapy or immunotherapy safe and convenient. The IP route is anatomically appropriate for adjuvant or palliative treatment of intracavitary disease. IP chemotherapy has been successfully applied to ovarian, mesothelial, and gastrointestinal tumors.Data shows that IP divinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer. MVE-2 (MW 15,000), has distinct localizing and toxicologic differences from that given intravenously (IV). When MVE-2 is given IV renal injury is observed; this is not seen on IP administration. The highest IP concentrations are found in mediastinal and mesenteric nodes, thymus and testis while the highest IV MVE-2 accumulation is found in the liver, spleen, adrenal, and kidney.The IP route for treatment of tumors allows for high local tumoricidal drug concentrations or for regionalized immunostimulation with activating polymers or leukokines. The IP space can provide an antitumor, and antiviral immunizi...