cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient near-infrared emission from lead-free ytterbium-doped cesium bismuth halide perovskites

Bismuth-based halide perovskites are non-toxic alternatives to widely researched lead-containing halide perovskites for optoelectronics. Cesium bismuth bromide, in particular, may have good optical properties, but photoluminescence data reported to date are confusing and contradictory. Here we resolve the literature discrepancies and show that Cs3Bi2Br9 thin films deposited by physical vapor deposition show absorption and emission peaks at 433 and 472 nm, respectively. Peak location and lineshapes of blue-shifted (390–440 nm) photoluminescence previously reported and attributed to quantum confinement in Cs3Bi2Br9 nanocrystal dispersions could be reproduced in BiBr3 solutions in different solvents but without Cs3Bi2Br9 nanocrystals present. This suggests that high quantum yield photoluminescence reported in this wavelength range may be originating from unreacted precursors and impurities in nanocrystal dispersions rather than from Cs3Bi2Br9 quantum dots. The addition of Yb that can substitute up to 50% of the Bi in Cs3Bi2Br9 leaves the Cs3Bi2Br9 structure unchanged and results in near-infrared Yb3+ 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 emission (1.25 eV) with 14.5% quantum yield. This emission decreases sharply when the perovskite host's bandgap is reduced below 2.5 eV, twice the Yb3+ emission energy, by substituting bromine with iodine, raising the possibility that the emission mechanism involves quantum cutting. This would make lead-free Cs3Bi2Br9 a potential quantum cutting material for solar spectrum shaping to increase solar cell efficiency.
Spatial Behavior of Cancer Care Utilization in Distance Decay in the Northeast Region of the U.S.

Abstract Purpose Spatial behavior of patients in utilizing health care reflects their travel burden or mobility, accessibility for medical service, and subsequently outcomes from treatment. This paper derives the best-fitting distance decay function to capture the spatial behaviors of cancer patients in the Northeast region of the U.S., and examines and explains the spatial variability of such behaviors across sub-regions. Principal results (1) 46.8%, 85.5%, and 99.6% of cancer care received was within a driving time of 30, 60, and 180 min, respectively. (2) The exponential distance decay function is the best in capturing the travel behavior of cancer patients in the region and across most sub-regions. (3) The friction coefficient in the distance decay function is negatively correlated with the mean travel time. (4) The best-fitting function forms are associated with network structures. (5) The variation of the friction coefficient across sub-regions is related to factors such as urbanicity, economic development level, and market competition intensity. Major conclusions The distance decay function offers an analytic metric to capture a full spectrum of travel behavior, and thus a more comprehensive measure than average travel time. Examining the geographic variation of travel behavior needs a reliable analysis unit such as organically defined “cancer service areas,” which capture relevant health care market structure and thus are more meaningful than commonly-used geopolitical or census area units.
What morphology can teach us about renal cell carcinoma clonal evolution

While cancer is a clonal process, cumulative evidence suggest that tumors are rather heterogenous and are composed of multiple genetically-distinct subclones that arise at different times and either persist and co-exist, expand and evolve, or are eliminated. A paradigm of tumor heterogeneity is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). By exploiting morphological traits and building upon a framework around three axes (architecture, cytology and the microenvironment), we review recent advances in our understanding of RCC evolution leading to an integrated molecular genetic and morphologic evolutionary model with both prognostic and therapeutic implications. The ability to predict cancer evolution may have profound implications for clinical care and is central to oncology.
Molecular Thermodynamics for Scaling Prediction: Case of Membrane Distillation

Abstract Membrane distillation (MD) for water treatment is significantly impaired by the scaling of dissolved minerals. The type and content of minerals generally measured as total dissolved solids (TDS) in hypersaline brines not only reduce the MD flux but also control the scaling behavior on the membrane surface. The scaling-induced pore blockage further reduces water flux and eventually leads to membrane wetting. The scaling problem is even more pronounced in the treatment of produced water (PW) as it contains 3–7 times higher TDS concentrations, compared to seawater. Theoretically, the necessary conditions for a salt to precipitate can be traced from its solubility product constant and activity of the constituents within the solution. Therefore, a comprehensive thermodynamic model is necessary to represent the electrolyte behavior and to predict the precipitation of different salts in a complex solution like PW. We pursued electrolyte Nonrandom Two Liquid Theory (eNRTL), a state-of-the-art electrolyte model, to address the PW fluid phase equilibria. With a fully parameterized eNRTL model, we predicted salt precipitations in two different PW samples and compared the results against the experimental findings. Furthermore, we forecast the precipitation of salts in response to the change in PW concentration and temperature in the MD operation.
The Epigenetic Landscape of Lineage Choice: Lessons From the Heritability of Cd4 and Cd8 Expression

Developing αβ T cells choose between the helper and cytotoxic lineages, depending upon the specificity of their T cell receptors for MHC molecules. The expression of the CD4 co-receptor on helper cells and the CD8 co-receptor on cytotoxic cells is intimately linked to this decision, and their regulation at the transcriptional level has been the subject of intense study to better understand lineage choice. Indeed, as the fate of developing T cells is decided, the expression status of these genes is accordingly locked. Genetic models have revealed important transcriptional elements and the ability to manipulate these elements in the framework of development has added a new perspective on the temporal nature of their function and the epigenetic maintenance of gene expression. We examine here novel insights into epigenetic mechanisms that have arisen through the study of these genes.
Microsoft Antitrust Case: Remedies (US)

This article offers a description and analysis of the remedies proposed by the US government following the District Court's finding that Microsoft had violated US antitrust law. It first provides an economic examination and critique of the structural relief which was initially proposed by the government. In particular, proper regulatory relief in light of the existence of network externalities is considered. The article then describes the various behavioral remedies which were agreed to by Microsoft and the government in a settlement of the case. In addition, some results of private lawsuits that emanated out of the original case are presented. Keywords: antitrust; network externalities; Microsoft; behavioral remedies; structural remedies
A Dead End for End-to-End? A Review Essay of Barbara van Schewick’s Internet Architecture and Innovation

Amidst much controversy, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its landmark “network neutrality” order last December. This regulation prohibits Internet service providers, such as Verizon or Comcast, from discriminating in favor of traffic or content which they own or with which they are affiliated. Professor Barbara van Schewick’s recently published book, Internet Architecture and Innovation, could not be timelier. Employing a variety of economic and technical arguments, van Schewick defends the type of regulation the FCC passed as necessary to preserve the Internet’s potential for innovation. My central critique of Internet Architecture is its deployment of economic theories on one side of a highly politicized debate, rather than using economic analysis to elevate that debate. Van Schewick relies on an impressive array of economic approaches but fails to acknowledge their ambiguity. Her argument strings together a succession of questionable economic generalizations, thereby greatly weakening her conclusions. Van Schewick is not alone in using economics in this way. Too many law professors rely on theoretical models but ignore their limiting assumptions, failing to sort through the massive ambiguity inherent in their application. A close examination of van Schewick’s argument, therefore, leads to general recommendations for legal interdisciplinary research method.
Urinary steroid profile in threatened abortion.

Abstract A study of the urinary steroid profile in early pregnancy has been undertaken in order to re-evaluate the usefulness of the urinary determinations of pregnanolone, pregnanediol, pregnanetriol, and total estrogens in cases of threatened abortion. This investigation incorporates an enzymatic hydrolysis with gas-liquid chromatographic analysis for the pregnane metabolites and an automated assay for total estrogens. The results obtained in 62 patients confirm the value of the urinary determinations of pregnanediol and pregnanolone. They also suggest that the prognosis is good in cases which present clinical symptoms of threatened abortion but have normal urinary excretion of pregnanediol and pregnanolone. When the “biochemical progestational activity,” as evaluated by the analysis of pregnanolone and pregnanediol remains normal, abortion does not occur in the first trimester.
Pharmacogenetics: Views from the Pharmaceutical Industry

AACR Centennial Conference: Translational Cancer Medicine-- Nov 4-8, 2007; Singapore CN01-04 The completion of the Human Genome Project, the tremendous success of The SNP Consortium and the International HapMap Project have provided critical knowledge for understanding human diversity and have promised to greatly improve Healthcare. The application of genetics and genomics in the Pharmaceutical industry over the past decade has been focused on drug target discovery. In reality, the bottlenecks in the discovery and approval of new drugs are in the attrition rate in drug development (drugs with no positive efficacy) and adverse drug reactions (drugs with positive therapeutic indications but also negative side effects). This presentation will review the current status and barriers on the application of Pharmacogenetics to drug development and post-market management.
Implications of a dynamical-network's graph on the estimability of its modes

The estimation of the modes of a linear dynamical network (specifically, a network synchronization process) is considered. We study pole/eigenvalue estimation when the network dynamics is subject to impulsive stimulation at one location, and time-course measurements are taken at a subset of network locations. We develop several characterizations of mode estimation performance, as indicated by the Cramer-Rao bound matrix, in terms of the eigenstructure and graph topology of the network. These results 1) allow comparison of the single- and multiple- observation cases, 2) provide structural bounds for particular graph classes (like planar and tree graphs), and 3) inform sensor placement.
Easily Adoptable Interactive Teaching Practices and Students Progress Monitoring Strategies

An active class room teaching practice can become highly rewarding for students. An instructor practicing active learning approaches may get significantly higher success in inculcating course materials deeply as compared to a lecture based teaching. However, transitioning from prevailing lecture based instruction to an active learning approach can be hampered by the reservations and prejudices of an engineering educator; a tenure track faculty may find it even more challenging to leave the traditional lecture based teaching approach and adopt an active teaching approach. This paper will describe the active teaching techniques that I, a tenure track faculty, has been practicing to teach mechanical engineering courses; the main discussion will focus on the Fuel Cell Science and Technology course. I have devised my current deep learning and teaching strategies through a yearlong Myrtilla Miner Faculty Fellowship cohort under Dr. Ken Bain and a number of workshops on the group based active teaching and peer interaction based teaching. This paper describes the strategies for developing a teaching and assessment plan for the courses I teach by emphasizing on (i) designing significant learning outcomes before starting a class, (ii) the long term retention of key concepts of a course by fostering student centered deep learning course activities, and (iii) far transfer of the skills students gain from a course. The first topic of this paper is about various strategies to understand students’ motivations and inhibitions that may govern their learning curve in a course. The second topic of this paper discusses the crucial aspect of designing a promising syllabus to give students a bigger purpose for learning the course material; a promising syllabus attempt to connect students’ long held curiosities and career ambitions with the course to be offered. The third topic delves into the strategies to engage students in self-preparation to assimilate the key concepts to be discussed in a class. This paper will also highlight the approach to design conceptual quizzes to guide student preparation before they come to the class and then use the same conceptual quizzes to conduct peer discussion and define the flow of a class; this strategy is derived from Dr. Eric Mazur’s work on peer interaction based teaching. The fourth topic is about the utility of one pager feedback form to be filled by the students after every class. This paper will discuss structure and effectiveness of the feedback form in improving student attention and participation in the class discussions. I have offered two workshops on effective teaching at the University of the District of Columbia to promote active student learning in a wide range of courses. I plan to conduct workshops for the middle and high school teachers to share the effective teaching skills.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Stabilizability of systems with jump-Markov and independent stochastic parameters

The mean square (MS) stabilizability of linear discrete-time systems having jump-Markov and independent stochastic parameters is considered. For such systems, explicit conditions which are both necessary and sufficient for MS stabilizability are presented. These easy-to-check conditions are extremely useful in determining the existence and stability of the solutions to the infinite-horizon linear quadratic regulator problem. >
Reverse Optical Flow for Self-Supervised Adaptive Autonomous Robot Navigation

Autonomous mobile robot navigation, either off-road or on ill-structured roads, presents unique challenges for machine perception. A successful terrain or roadway classifier must be able to learn in a self-supervised manner and adapt to inter- and intra-run changes in the local environment. This paper demonstrates the improvements achieved by augmenting an existing self-supervised image segmentation procedure with an additional supervisory input. Obstacles and roads may differ in appearance at distance because of illumination and texture frequency properties. Reverse optical flow is added as an input to the image segmentation technique to find examples of a region of interest at previous times in the past. This provides representations of this region at multiple scales and allows the robot to better determine where more examples of this class appear in the image.
Studies on the pathogenesis of the erythrocyte destruction associated with the anemia of inflammatory disease.

Summary Density-separated feline RBC were analyzed for surface immunoglobulin and in vitro susceptibility to macrophage phagocytosis before and after introduction of a sterile abscess. Prior to abscess induction, least dense cells did not have detectable surface immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a direct antiglobulin reaction was negative. Two of four intermediate and three of four most dense cell fractions had detectable surface IgG as indicated by a positive direct antiglobulin reaction. On Days 3 and 5 after induction of sterile abscesses all three RBC fractions were positive and the size of the RBC clumps tended to increase. In vitro macrophage phagocytosis of all three RBC fractions increased significantly after abscess induction. The phagocytosis could be partially blocked by preincubation of macrophages with feline IgG.
Premature ejaculation - dose and duration dependent effect of fluoxetine: a histological study on seminal vesicle of albino rats.

Introduction: Fluoxetine is a prototype drug of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Its active demethylated metabolite has a half life of 7-10 d. Fluoxetine is used to treat depression and is also prescribed in premature ejaculation. Aim: In the present study dose and duration dependent effects of Fluoxetine on histology of seminal vesicle of the albino rats were observed. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 36 adult male albino rats. Fluoxetine was administered intraperitoneally for 2 wk, 4 wk and 12 wk with mild (10mg/kg/day), moderate (20mg/kg/day) and severe doses (40mg/kg/day). Histological slides of Seminal vesicle were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. Results: On examination through the light microscope, the proliferation of primary, secondary and tertiary villi, increased crypt/alveoli, increased thickness of lamina propria, decreased epithelial cell height, metaplasia, changes in the amount of luminal eosinophilic secretory material in the form of scanty secretion in lumen of seminal vesicle. Conclusion: Low doses for long duration and high doses for short duration of Fluoxetine produce histological changes in seminal vesicle of albino rats.
SENSITIVITY OF LARVAL AND ADULT ALASKAN SHRIMP AND CRABS TO ACUTE EXPOSURES OF THE WATER-SOLUBLE FRACTION OF COOK INLET CRUDE OIL

ABSTRACT The sensitivity of adult and larval Alaskan shrimp and crabs to the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of Cook Inlet crude oil was measured by tests using 96-hour static bioassays at the water termperatures that these animals normally encounter. Larval crustaceans were found to die more slowly than adults, making it necessary to measure sensitivity in terms of concentrations causing moribundity (death imminent) instead of in terms of concentrations causing death during exposure. The cessation of all motion and reaction was found to indicate moribundity in adults, and the cessation of swimming was found to indicate morbundity in larvae exposed for 96 hr. Ninety-six-hour LC50's for moribundity for stage I larvae ranged from 0.95 to 1.8 ppm depending on species, while 96-hr LC50's for adults ranged from 1.9 to 4.2 ppm oil. Sensitivities for stage I-VI larvae of coonstripe shrimp ranged between 0.24 ppm and 1.9 ppm. Larvae were more sensitive to oil than adults. The sensitivity of larvae depended on specie...
Do charter schools skim students or drain resources

Abstract Two critical concerns with the rapid and ongoing expansion of charter schools are that they will segregate students and reduce the per-pupil resources available to conventional public schools. The contradictory prior evidence on such questions is based on potentially misleading cross-sectional comparisons. This study provides new evidence on these issues by conducting panel-based evaluations using school-level data from Arizona and neighboring states. These results suggest that the introduction of charter schools in Arizona has increased pupil–teacher ratios in traditional public schools by 6 percent and reduced the proportion of white non-Hispanic students by 2 percent.
Beam dynamics of the interaction region solenoid in a linear collider due to a crossing angle

Future linear colliders may require a nonzero crossing angle between the two beams at the interaction point (IP). This requirement in turn implies that the beams will pass through the strong interaction region solenoid with an angle, and thus that the component of the solenoidal field perpendicular to the beam trajectory is nonzero. The interaction of the beam and the solenoidal field in the presence of a crossing angle will cause optical effects not observed for beams passing through the solenoid on axis; these effects include dispersion, deflection of the beam, and synchrotron radiation effects. For a purely solenoidal field, the optical effects which are relevant to luminosity exactly cancel at the IP when the influence of the solenoid's fringe field is taken into account. Beam size growth due to synchrotron radiation in the solenoid is proportional to the fifth power of the product of the solenoidal field, the length of the solenoid, and the crossing angle. Examples based on proposed linear collider detector solenoid configurations are presented.
A comparison of multiple proxy data sets for paleoenvironmental conditions as derived from freshwater bivalve (Unionid) shell

Freshwater mussel shells from Middle and Late Holocene strata at an archaeological site in Mississippi, U.S.A., are examined for morphological and chemical differences that could be related to changing paleoenvironmental conditions. Although significant differences are noted, the different data sets provide contradictory or unclear results, suggesting that reliance upon single data sets is an unwarranted practice.
Determination of boron in geological materials by inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry

Abstract Determination of boron in international silicate reference materials with an argon plasma is demonstrated. Detection limits are about 5 ppm for rock samples.
On the theory of thermal forces acting on aerosol particles

Abstract Disagreement between experimental results and aerosol thermal force theories for regimes from continuum toward free-molecule is explained through application of first-order slip-flow boundary conditions. The influence of the convective flow on the thermal force is explored through a perturbation technique.
Chemically induced tumors in fowl.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on chemically induced tumors of fowls. Spontaneous tumors in fowls cover the same range of histological types as is encountered in mammals and there is nothing in their microscopic appearance to suggest that they differ fundamentally from the tumors of other species. Subsequently, a number of spontaneous fowl sarcomata are found to be transmissible by cell-free preparations and in each case, the histogenesis of the original tumor is faithfully reproduced. The balance of evidence supports the view that chemically induced tumors in fowls resemble induced tumors in mammals in regard to histogenesis, variety, and transplantability. In addition, assuming that chemically induced tumors in birds are because of different etiological factors from those of the virus group, they seem to be strictly analogous to chemically induced tumors in mammals, including man. Cancer is a special type of cell reaction that may be excited by a great variety of factors having in common perhaps nothing but their carcinogenic property.
The effect of soluble cations on the bonding of epoxy resins to aluminum

The bond strength of an amine-cured epoxy resin to etched aluminum washed with, or washed with and immersed in, 10°C tap water was found to be greater than joints similarly pretreated in 10°C distilled water. The higher bond strength was found to be induced by soluble cations of less than 0.8 A radius; larger cations had no effect. When aluminum is etched in a solution of chromic acid at 65°C, the aluminum surface is oxidized to γ-Al2O3. It is possible that the small, soluble cations can occupy the cationic vacancies in the defect spinel structure of the γ-Al2O3 and reduce the negative charge on the surface of the aluminum joints. Joints pretreated in 60°C tap water exhibited higher bond strengths than those pretreated in 60°C distilled water, as the growth of a thick, weak layer of bayerite was inhibited by large anions present in the tap water.
Simulating Bluff-body Flameholders: On the Use of Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for Combustion Dynamics Validation

Contemporary tools for experimentation and computational modeling of unsteady and reacting flow open new opportunities for engineering insight into dynamic phenomena. In this article, we describe a novel use of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) for validation of the unsteady heat release of a turbulent premixed flame stabilized by a vee-gutter bluff-body. Large-eddy simulations were conducted for the same geometry and flow conditions as examined in an experimental rig with chemiluminescence measurements obtained with a high-speed camera. In addition to comparing the experiment to the simulation using traditional time-averaging and pointwise statistical techniques, the dynamic modes of each are isolated using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and then compared mode-by-mode against each other. The results show good overall agreement between the shapes and magnitudes of the first modes of the measured and simulated data. A numerical study of into the effects of various simulation parameters on these heat release modes showed significant effects on the flame's effective angle but also on the size, shape, and symmetry patterns of the flame's dynamic modes.
Analysis, design, implementation, and deployment of a prototype maintenance advisor expert system for the MK92 fire control system

Abstract In an effort to meet the challenges presented by the fiscal realities of today's defense budget, the Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking to exploit technology that promises to decrease operating costs, while improving operational readiness. Efforts which reduce repair costs, system down time, and the reliance upon outside technical representative are of particular interest. The development of the MK92 Maintenance Advisor Expert System (MK92 MAES) is one such effort. This paper describes the design and development of the MK92 MAES for the diagnosis and repair of the MK92 MOD 2 fire control system deployed on U.S. Navy guided missile frigates. System development is presented in terms of an expert system life cycle model which includes a thorough cost/benefit analysis, a novel approach for knowledge acquisition, an implementation strategy using a visual expert system development environment, and a phased deployment strategy. The system was developed by faculty and graduate students at the Naval Postgraduate School in cooperation with the Naval Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division.
Amine-cured epoxy/clay nanocomposites. II. The effect of the nanoclay aspect ratio

The thermophysical and mechanical properties of a nanocomposite material composed of amine-cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) reinforced with organomontmorillonite clay are reported. The storage modulus at 100 °C, which was above the glass-transition temperature (Tg), increased approximately 350% with the addition of 10 wt % (6.0 vol %) of clay. Below the Tg, the storage modulus at 30 °C increased 50% relative to the value of unfilled epoxy. It was determined that the Tg linearly increased as a function of clay volume percent. The tensile modulus of epoxy at room temperature increased approximately 50% with the addition of 10 wt % of clay. The reinforcing effect of the organoclay nanoplatelets is discussed with respect to the Tandon–Weng and Halpin–Tsai models. A pseudoinclusion model is proposed to describe the behavior of randomly oriented, uniformly dispersed platelets in nanocomposite materials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4391–4400, 2004
Relationship between Entrepreneurial Personality, Performance, Job Satisfaction and Operations Strategy: An Empirical Examination

The goal of this research paper is to study the possible interactions between operations strategy and entrepreneurial traits, performance and job satisfaction. This empirical paper used a non-experimental design to test a proposed model based on a review of relevant literature. The study was conducted with 1200 SMEs in the Lynchburg City region using an administered survey instrument. The results of this study indicate that entrepreneurial personality has statistically significant relationship with Performance and Operations Strategy. The relationship between entrepreneurial personality and Job Satisfaction was not statistically significant. Operations strategy has statistically significant moderating role in the relationship between entrepreneurial personality and performance. The research framework offers a different way forward for both practitioners and academicians in thinking about the factors which may be critical for the success of SMEs.
Synthesis and characterization of monodispersed CdS nanoparticles in SiO2 fibers by sol–gel method

Abstract Cadmium sulfide (CdS) has been synthesized by a sol–gel route in order to obtain chemically protected, stable nanoparticles. The CdS nanoparticles in the SiO 2 gel matrix were dried to form monoliths of 1 in. diameter. The TEOS:H 2 O:HCl:C 2 H 5 OH and TEOS/Cd mole ratios were varied to obtain narrow size distributed CdS nanoparticles. The UV absorption measurements indicated sharp absorption at 260 and 350 nm for different precursor compositions. SiO 2 gel containing the CdS nanoparticles was spin coated onto substrates in order to monitor the surface morphology of the samples. Scanning electron microscope measurements revealed formation of CdS nanoparticles within the branches of gel-network. Depending upon the mole ratio of additives and drying method, fibers or monolithic tablets of CdS nanoparticles could be produced.
Antibiotic Resistance in Nosocomial Respiratory Infections

Nosocomial respiratory infections are the most common acquired infections in patients with severe underlying conditions and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens are associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This article describes the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of HAP and VAP associated with antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Accommodation to Outgroup Members’ Use of an Ingroup Language: A Comparison of Service Encounters in Person and Over the Telephone

This article compares data from service encounters conducted in person and over the telephone in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. During the in-person phase, the author and 8 fieldworkers entered businesses and initiated conversations with Latino service providers in Spanish, noting the language of response. The rate of non-reciprocal responses in which workers used English to answer a question asked in Spanish was double for non-Latino fieldworkers. Telephone service encounters were conducted by the author, who is a non-Latino, non-native speaker of Spanish. There was 100% accommodation to the customer's language selection, with English being used on only 2 occasions, in both instances after the worker had spoken exclusively in Spanish during previous turns. Hence, it is concluded that visual cues outweigh audio cues as a factor in the exclusion of outgroup members. The article ends with a brief discussion of the phenomenon of passing as a native speaker, and of implications for L2 users.
On the λ-Design Conjecture

A?-design is a family ofvsubsets (blocks) of av-set such that any two distinct blocks intersect in?points and not all blocks have the same cardinality. Ryser's and Woodall's?-design conjecture states that each?-design can be obtained from a symmetric design by complementing with respect to a fixed block. We prove this conjecture forv=p+1, 2p+1, 3p+1, wherepis prime.
Augmented Contributions of Voltage-Gated Ca2 Channels to Contractile Responses in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Mesenteric Arteries

The observation that organic Ca2+ channel blockers are more effective in lowering blood pressure and peripheral resistance in hypertensive compared to normotensive subjects suggests that there is a greater contribution from voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (CaL) to vascular force maintenance in hypertensive arteries. This study tests this hypothesis by comparing the effects of Bay k 8644 and nisoldipine on basal force development, contractile responses to norepinephrine and serotonin, and Ca2+ currents (ICa) in mesenteric artery (MA) from Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MA rings were used to record isometric contractions at Lmax. Single cells were isolated by collagenase plus elastase for measurement of CaL properties by patch-clamp methods. Contractile responses to Bay k 8644 were larger and more sensitive in SHR than WKY, and were larger in endothelium-denuded compared to intact rings. In SHR, the addition of 10 nmol/L Bay k 8644 increased contractile sensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT), and increased maximum response to 5HT. In WKY, 10 nmol/L Bay k 8644 produced a small increase in 5HT sensitivity with no effect on maximum response, and had no effect on NE responses. In the presence of 1 mumol/L nisoldipine, the maximum response and the sensitivity to both NE and 5HT were decreased in both WKY and SHR with the inhibitory effects of nisoldipine being larger in SHR than WKY. Peak ICa was larger in SHR, and current-voltage curves were shifted toward more negative voltages compared to WKY. Bay k 8644 increased ICa in both WKY and SHR myocytes with no apparent difference in the magnitude of its effect when expressed as a percent of control ICa. These results suggest that CaL contribute significantly to tonic force maintenance as well as to agonist responses in MA from both WKY and SHR, but with a much larger contribution in SHR. Differences in the sensitivity of CaL to Bay k 8644 were not responsible for the differences in contractile responses to this agonist.
Hyponatremia: a problem-solving approach to clinical cases.

Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium concentration of 12 mmol/L per 24 hours) may result in serious neurologic injury. Fluid restriction and loop diuretic are frequently employed to treat volume overload. Vasopressin receptor antagonists provide prompt and effective water diuresis and increase in serum sodium concentration in both euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia. In this review article, the author introduces a problem-solving approach to dissect the different clinical cases with hyponatremia and presents simple algorithms for the evaluation and management of hyponatremia that are useful at the bedside to improve quality, safety and cost-effectiveness of the patient's care.
A Critical Look at Software Capability Evaluations: An Update

Software capability evaluations (SCEs) were the prototype for what's now the standard CMMI appraisal method for process improvement. SCEs used 85 yes/no questions to determine organizations' maturity levels. This was an astonishingly sparse data set from which to assign a label that could bar an organization from bidding on federal contracts. CMMI is our current best answer for what are the set of necessary, but not sufficient, constraints we need to impose for the truly important software systems. We know we can usefully employ certain carefully selected manufacturing-based concepts, as well as well-established software measures. CMMI thus isn't in opposition to effective use of creativity in a project. Instead, it's a collection of reasonable practices that enable and encourage closer attention to the less quantifiable aspects of project success that require much more than just process adherence.
Data driven dynamic security assessment

This presentation presents concepts for performing various types of dynamic security assessment (DSA) using measured (or calculated) values of bus voltages and line currents. In principle, the methods do not require a detailed mathematical model of the power system — only known topology together with the measurements. Basic examples will be provided to illustrate the concepts.
Evaluation of the efficiency of the sewage treatment plant from the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), RS, Brazil Avaliação da eficiência da estação de tratamento de esgoto da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), RS, Brasil

Abstract: Aim: The main objective was to evaluate the efficiency of the sewage treatment plant (STP) of UNISC, through the ecotoxicological characterization and the analyses of the physical, chemical and microbiological variables from the raw and treated effluent. Methods: Samples were collected during 2008 and 2009 for performing acute toxicity ( Daphnia magna ), chronic toxicity ( Ceriodaphnia dubia ), as well as the determination of environmental variables. Results: The results indicated acute toxicity with an EC(I)50 48 hours average of 64.1 ± 9.9%, characterized as moderately toxic, and an average chronic toxicity CI(I)25 of 8,1 ± 2.6%, characterized as highly toxic. The total phosphorus (3.6 –1± 1.4 mg L ) and the ammonia nitrogen (77.8 ± 22.5 mg L –1 ) showed high concentration in the treated effluent, highlighting the STP inefficiency and, specially, the large amount of nutrients that the system is introducing into the receiving waterbody, the Lajeado Stream, condition that characterizes a large potential environmental impact known as eutrophication. The treated effluent showed high levels of thermotolerant coliforms, reaching an average of 6.4 × 10
The fusiform face area responds equivalently to faces and abstract shapes in the left and central visual fields

The fusiform face area (FFA) is widely believed to be specialized for processing faces. Although the FFA is most responsive to faces, this region also consistently responds to non-face items. This suggests that the FFA may be tuned to a feature that is shared by faces and non-face items. Based on the known left visual field face-processing bias along with evidence that the FFA responds to the visual feature of shape, we hypothesized that the FFA may be particularly tuned to shapes presented in the left visual field. We tested this hypothesis using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In a face localizer run, participants viewed blocks of faces or objects. In a separate run, blocks of intact or scrambled abstract shapes were presented in the left, the central, or the right visual field. Within each of the eleven face-processing regions-of-interest (identified by contrasting faces and objects), the magnitude of activity associated with faces was compared to the magnitude of activity associated with intact shapes. Consistent with previous results, collapsing over shape visual field location, the magnitude of activity associated with faces was greater than the magnitude of activity associated with shapes in the FFA. However, separating by shape visual field location revealed an equivalent magnitude of activity associated with faces and shapes in the FFA when shapes were presented in the left and central visual fields. These findings indicate that the FFA, rather than being specialized for holistic face processing, mediates shape processing in the left and central visual fields.
Breaking Tolerance to Thyroid Antigens: Changing Concepts in Thyroid Autoimmunity

Thyroid autoimmunity involves loss of tolerance to thyroid proteins in genetically susceptible individuals in association with environmental factors. In central tolerance, intrathymic autoantigen presentation deletes immature T cells with high affinity for autoantigen-derived peptides. Regulatory T cells provide an alternative mechanism to silence autoimmune T cells in the periphery. The TSH receptor (TSHR), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and thyroglobulin (Tg) have unusual properties ("immunogenicity") that contribute to breaking tolerance, including size, abundance, membrane association, glycosylation, and polymorphisms. Insight into loss of tolerance to thyroid proteins comes from spontaneous and induced animal models: 1) intrathymic expression controls self-tolerance to the TSHR, not TPO or Tg; 2) regulatory T cells are not involved in TSHR self-tolerance and instead control the balance between Graves' disease and thyroiditis; 3) breaking TSHR tolerance involves contributions from major histocompatibility complex molecules (humans and induced mouse models), TSHR polymorphism(s) (humans), and alternative splicing (mice); 4) loss of tolerance to Tg before TPO indicates that greater Tg immunogenicity vs TPO dominates central tolerance expectations; 5) tolerance is induced by thyroid autoantigen administration before autoimmunity is established; 6) interferon-α therapy for hepatitis C infection enhances thyroid autoimmunity in patients with intact immunity; Graves' disease developing after T-cell depletion reflects reconstitution autoimmunity; and 7) most environmental factors (including excess iodine) "reveal," but do not induce, thyroid autoimmunity. Micro-organisms likely exert their effects via bystander stimulation. Finally, no single mechanism explains the loss of tolerance to thyroid proteins. The goal of inducing self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune thyroid disease will require accurate prediction of at-risk individuals together with an antigen-specific, not blanket, therapeutic approach.
The Relationship of Cycloaddition Reactions to Spontaneous Vinyl Polymerizations

The zwitterionic–biradical tetramethylene proposed by Huisgen as the key intermediate in stepwise [2+2] cycloaddition reactions has been shown to be the crucial intermediate in spontaneous vinyl polymerizations as well. Predominantly biradical tetramethylenes initiate free-radical copolymerizations, while predominantly zwitterionic tetramethylenes initiate cationic or anionic homopolymerizations. Stepwise cycloaddition is viewed as a spontaneous polymerization lacking a propagation step. These tendencies could be correlated in the form of an ‘organic chemist's Periodic Table’, which has recently been put on a quantitative basis. Huisgen also showed experimentally that [4+2] Woodward–Hoffman-allowed cycloadditions are completely concerted. Spontaneous copolymerizations accompanying these cycloadditions, therefore, were ascribed to the s-trans diene form. This concept was given support by kinetics studies, as well as by exclusive cycloaddition from s-cis cyclopentadiene, and exclusive copolymerization from s-trans verbenene.
Stimuli-responsive disassembly of nanoparticle aggregates for light-up colorimetric sensing.

Controlled assembly of nanomaterials has been the focus of much research. In contrast, controlled disassembly has not received much attention, even though both processes have been shown to be important in biology. By using a Pb2+-dependent RNA-cleaving DNAzyme, we demonstrate here control of the disassembly of gold nanoparticle aggregates in response to Pb2+. In the process, we show that nanoparticle alignment plays an important role in the disassembly process, with the tail-to-tail configuration being the most optimal, probably because of the large steric hindrance of other configurations. The rate of disassembly is significantly accelerated by using small pieces of DNA to invade the cleaved substrate of the DNAzyme. Investigation of such a controlled disassembly process allows the transformation of previously designed “light-down” colorimetric Pb2+ sensors into “light-up” sensors.
The Effects of Applied vs Auto-PEEP on Local Lung Unit Pressure and Volume in a Four-Unit Lung Model

Background The application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and maintenance of increased mean airway pressure (MAP) has been associated with improved oxygenation in adult respiratory distress syndrome. Recently, attention has been directed toward elevating MAP by establishing auto-PEEP when ventilating with an inverse inspiratory to expiratory ratio in opposition to applied PEEP. We theorized that FRC distribution and local lung unit end-expiratory pressure (EEP) would be different when equal levels of PEEP were established by applying PEEP or by producing auto-PEEP. Methods Using a four-chamber lung model with each chamber having a different time constant (TC), we applied equal levels of applied PEEP (I:E ratio 1:3) and auto-PEEP (I:E ratio 3:1) and evaluated local lung unit EEP and end expiratory lung volume (EELV). Results During all trials with applied PEEP, local lung unit EEP was equal to applied PEEP, whereas during auto-PEEP local EEP differed (p 2 O, the lung unit with the longest TC (slow lung unit) had an EEP of 15.8 cm H 2 O, while the shortest TC unit (fast lung unit) had an EEP of 10.1 cm H 2 O (p 2 O, the EELV increase in the slow lung unit with auto-PEEP was 1,054 mL vs 918 with applied PEEP (p Conclusion Comparing equal levels of auto-PEEP with applied PEEP, a greater maldistribution of local lung unit EEP and EELV was established with the auto-PEEP. During auto-PEEP, the greatest EEP and EELV occurred in the slow lung unit, and the lowest EEP and EELV developed in the fast lung unit.
Dead loading of a unit cube of compressible isotropic elastic material

A unit cube of compressible isotropic elastic material undergoes a homogeneous dilatation by dead loading forces applied to its faces. Conditions are obtained for stability of the resulting equilibrium state. The physical nature of these conditions is described and the results are illustrated for a compressible Blatz-Ko foamed rubber material.
Chlorophyll concentration effects on asymptotic optical attenuation

The concentration of chlorophyll in seawater has a significant effect on the asymptotic exponential decay coefficient and, in some cases, the eigenfunction of the radiative transfer equation that describes the asymptotic behavior of the angular dependence of the radiation at large depths. Calculations were performed for wavelengths ranging from 400 to 700 nm and for chlorophyll concentrations of 0.01–10 mg m−3. The coefficients monotonically increase with increasing concentration, but not with increasing wavelength. Values at different wavelengths can vary by as much as a factor of four for concentrations of 1 mg m−3 or greater. The eigenvalues calculated with the Henyey-Greenstein model for scattering anisotropy are in close agreement with those obtained with the delta-Eddington model. Suggestions from this investigation may be helpful when using “asymptotic closure” theories for estimating optical properties of water from vector irradiance and scalar irradiance data.
Geometric deformations of modular Galois representations

Let f be a newform on Γ1(N), and V f the 2-dimensional p-adic Galois representation attached to f. Let S be a finite set of primes containing the primes divisors of Np, and denote by adV f the adjoint of V f . Under some mild conditions on f, we show that H1 g (Gℚ,S,adV f )=0. Using this result, we show that the universal deformation space of the residual representation attached to f is smooth and 3-dimensional at the point corresponding to f. When f has finite slope, one can also use this result to give a deformation theoretic description of the “eigencurve” of Coleman-Mazur at the point corresponding to f.
Fluorine-containing nanoemulsions for MRI cell tracking.

In this article we review the chemistry and nanoemulsion formulation of perfluorocarbons used for in vivo 19F MRI cell tracking. In this application, cells of interest are labeled in culture using a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion. Labeled cells are introduced into a subject and tracked using 19F MRI or NMR spectroscopy. In the same imaging session, a high-resolution, conventional (1H) image can be used to place the 19F-labeled cells into anatomical context. Perfluorocarbon-based 19F cell tracking is a useful technology because of the high specificity for labeled cells, ability to quantify cell accumulations, and biocompatibility. This technology can be widely applied to studies of inflammation, cellular regenerative medicine, and immunotherapy.