cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wetting-phase relative permeability in porous media with bi-modal pore size distributions

Modeling fluid flow in dual-porosity media with bi-modal pore size distributions has practical applications to understanding transport in multi-scale systems such as natural soils. Dual-porosity media are typically formed of two domains: (1) structure and (2) texture. The former mainly incorporates macropores, while the latter contains micropores. Although there exist models based on the series-parallel tubes approach, here we apply concepts from critical path analysis, a theoretical technique from statistical physics, to estimate water relative permeability (krw) in dual-porosity media. For this purpose, we use two datasets from the literature collected under two different cultivation conditions: (i) conventional tillage (CT) and (ii) non-tillage (NT). Each dataset consists of 13 soil samples for which capillary pressure curve and water relative permeability were measured at 500 data point over a wide range of water saturation. We estimate the water relative permeability from the measured capillary pressure curve using two methods: (1) critical path analysis (CPA), and (2) series-parallel tubes (vG-M), both models adapted for dual-porosity media. Comparing the theoretical estimations with the experimental measurements shows that CPA resulted in more accurate krw estimations than vG-M. We demonstrate that precise estimation of krw via CPA requires accurate characterization of capillary pressure curve and precise determination of the crossover point separating the structure domain from the texture one.
Energy analysis of unsteady negative edge flames in a periodic flow

Abstract Non-premixed laminar or turbulent flames can undergo extinction when scalar dissipation rates exceed a critical value. When local extinction occurs, negative edge flames that act to expand the region of extinction are initially present. Steady negative edge flames have been previously studied in a combustor designed to support the negative propagation velocity of the flame edge, but unsteady negative edge flames have not received significant attention. The current study uses numerical simulations in a simple flowfield to produce unsteady negative edge flames which oscillate in response to imposed strain rate fluctuations in order to understand the dynamic response of extinction edge propagation. An energy balance through the edge shows that the unsteady behavior can be well described by a simple extension of the energy balance from steady flames. Furthermore, the edge velocity was calculated, and a physical interpretation of the extinction velocity was derived using the energy budget. The time scale of the imposed strain rate fluctuations was varied to show a limited response time for the extinction edge flame dynamics.
Phase-variable capsular polysaccharides and lipoproteins modify bacteriophage susceptibility in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.

A variety of cell surface structures dictate interactions between bacteria and their environment, including their viruses (bacteriophages). Members of the human gut Bacteroidetes characteristically produce several phase-variable capsular polysaccharides (CPSs), but their contributions to bacteriophage interactions are unknown. To begin to understand how CPSs have an impact on Bacteroides–phage interactions, we isolated 71 Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron-infecting bacteriophages from two locations in the United States. Using B. thetaiotaomicron strains that express defined subsets of CPSs, we show that CPSs dictate host tropism for these phages and that expression of non-permissive CPS variants is selected under phage predation, enabling survival. In the absence of CPSs, B. thetaiotaomicron escapes bacteriophage predation by altering expression of eight distinct phase-variable lipoproteins. When constitutively expressed, one of these lipoproteins promotes resistance to multiple bacteriophages. Our results reveal important roles for Bacteroides CPSs and other cell surface structures that allow these bacteria to persist under bacteriophage predation, and hold important implications for using bacteriophages therapeutically to target gut symbionts. Isolation of phages associated with the gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron reveals a link between cell surface structures, including phase-variable capsular polysaccharides, lipoproteins and S-layer proteins, and susceptibility to phage infection.
Maintaining Laboratory Services in a Rural Academic Medical Center During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic: What Worked and What Did Not (February 29–May 1, 2020)

Through the early establishment of a DH-IC, planning for a surge in SARS-CoV-2 cases in New Hampshire was highly efficient, building on prior institutional preparations for the monitoring of new, emerging infections. The proactive and visionary work of molecular diagnostic teams in the DH clinical laboratories resulted in us being able to validate an array of new diagnostic test platforms for SARS-CoV-2, to meet the turnaround time and sensitivity needs of the regional population that we serve. We used our existing regional laboratory infrastructure to coordinate testing strategies, reagents, and supplies. A respectful and supportive relationship with the New Hampshire state laboratory maintained a consistently fast SARS-CoV-2 test result turnaround time, statewide. We met the challenges head-on and were not overwhelmed.
Interpersonal victimization of Latino youth: a latent class analysis

This study identifies latent classes of interpersonal victimization among Latino youth using a national sample and then compares these latent classes on demographic characteristics, mental health (depression, anxiety, and hostility), and delinquency. We used data from the Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) study that surveyed 1525 Latino teens and their caregivers across the USA, by phone, from September 2011 to February 2012. Participants completed modified versions of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire and the Conflict Tactics Scales 2- Short Form. Latent class analysis examined victimization types and relationship to perpetrators. We compared latent classes on demographics, mental health, and delinquency via multinomial logistic regression. A six-class solution was found. The six classes were Multiform Victimization by Multiple Perpetrators (n = 184, 12.1%), Psychological Dating Violence Victimization (n = 99, 6.5%), Psychological Victimization by Peers (n = 236, 15.5%), Physical Victimization by Peers (n = 127, 8.3%), Physical Violence Victimization by Juvenile Family Members (n = 93, 6.1%) and Uninvolved (n = 786; 51.5%). Classes differed on some demographic variables, hostility scores, and the rate of delinquency. Our findings provide further evidence regarding the heterogeneity of victimization experiences among Latino youth. LCA results also suggest that victimization occurs across a range of perpetrators, both inside and outside of the home. Hostility and delinquency were central to differentiating the classes, indicating their relevance among poly-victimized Latino youth. This analysis provides further understanding of the various ways Latino youth experience victimization and what factors may differentiate the various groupings of victimization profiles.
Advancing mixed methods in psychological research

Abstract The aim of this methodological commentary with a research component is to promote informed uses of mixed methods in psychological research. We used a concurrent mixed methods research design to compare the insights gained about the use of mixed methods in psychological research from two quantitative prevalence studies with information gleaned from a qualitative, meta-synthesis of data supplied in 11 articles and chapters that reviewed its uses in psychological research. It is likely that the dispersion of the examples across diverse publishing venues obscures any sense that it is a mainstream methodology in psychology.
Sustainable Cities and the Internet of Things (IOT) Technology: IOT technology improves the development of smart cities’ infrastructures and reduces over-population stresses

In this paper, I aim to understand how IOT technology can improve the development of smart cities’ infra- structures and alleviate the strains of population growth. In order to understand this inquiry, I will begin by defining IOT technology. Then I will examine the function and capabilities of IOT technology and how it helps smart cities’ urban devel- opment in areas such as architectural, agricultural, safety and surveillance, and health and sanitary needs. I will develop a prognosis that provides targeted solutions for how IOT can specifically reduce urban population strains and challenges in particular urban sectors, and analyze the environmental implications of IOT technology. Lastly, in the discussion section, I propose applying sustainable frameworks, that can incorporate IOT technology, and showcase IOT weaknesses. This research concludes with describing the impact of implementing IOT technologies to address specific urban infrastructure and overcrowding problems. It can allow readers to view the interdisciplinary potential of sustainability with the use of technology, environmental science, and engineering, and social science through urban development and planning. Internet of things technology, through a cross disciplinary approach, can alleviate and resolve humanity’s rising problems.
Saving Moore's Law Down To 1 nm Channels With Anisotropic Effective Mass.

Scaling transistors’ dimensions has been the thrust for the semiconductor industry in the last four decades. However, scaling channel lengths beyond 10 nm has become exceptionally challenging due to the direct tunneling between source and drain which degrades gate control, switching functionality, and worsens power dissipation. Fortunately, the emergence of novel classes of materials with exotic properties in recent times has opened up new avenues in device design. Here, we show that by using channel materials with an anisotropic effective mass, the channel can be scaled down to 1 nm and still provide an excellent switching performance in phosphorene nanoribbon MOSFETs. To solve power consumption challenge besides dimension scaling in conventional transistors, a novel tunnel transistor is proposed which takes advantage of anisotropic mass in both ON- and OFF-state of the operation. Full-band atomistic quantum transport simulations of phosphorene nanoribbon MOSFETs and TFETs based on the new design have been performed as a proof.
Seeing Community Engagement as We Are: Student Perceptions of Service-Learning and Social Entrepreneurship Education

The purpose of the research was to more deeply understand undergraduate students’ perceptions of service-learning (SL) and social entrepreneurship education (SE) by examining ways in which the gender of students and their prior experiences in community engagement might shape those perceptions. We designed, administered, and analyzed the results of a survey completed by 382 undergraduate students. Results indicated that, regardless of whether the students had experiences in SL or SE, they shared similar views of the values and practices associated with each approach. However, the disaggregated data by gender showed that self-identified female students more strongly endorsed certain aspects of the community-engaged approaches in comparison with self-identified male students. These findings further emerging critiques of community engagement learning experiences that have explored how positionality impacts students’ understanding of, and approach to community engagement. *** El proposito de la investigacion era entender mejor la percepcion de los estudiantes de pregrado acerca del aprendizaje en servicio (SL) y de la educacion del empresariado social (SE), indagando en como el genero de los estudiantes y sus experiencias previas en participacion comunitaria podrian haber configurado esa percepcion. Hemos disenado, administrado y analizado los resultados de una encuesta a 382 estudiantes de pregrado. Los resultados indicaron que, independientemente de que los estudiantes tuvieran experiencias en SL o SE o no, compartian puntos de vista similares acerca de los valores y practicas asociadas con cada enfoque. Sin embargo, los datos correspondientes a genero mostraron que las estudiantes que se identificaron a si mismas como mujeres apoyaban mucho mas ciertos aspectos de la participacion comunitaria que los estudiantes varones que se identificaron a si mismos como hombres. Estos hallazgos conllevan a nuevas criticas a este tipo de experiencias, centradas en analizar la manera en que el posicionamiento de los estudiantes impacta su comprension y perspectiva acerca de la participacion comunitaria.
First-Order Digital Analysis of Nondegenerate Josephson Paramps for MM Waves

Nondegenerate Josephson paramps using point contacts are analyzed. A practical varactor model is employed for a first-order digital analysis of a realizable amplifier for 50 GHz. Presence of relatively high series inductance and low (≃10Ω) normal state resistance limit the bandwidth to less than MHz, qualitatively agreeing with reported experimental results.
Metabolic Health in the Transition Period and Fertility of Dairy Cows

During early postpartum, high-producing dairy cows undergo a period of extensive tissue catabolism because of negative nutrient balance. Homeorrhetic controls assure that nutrients are partitioned to favor lactation at the same time that homeostasis secures survival. However, unrestrained metabolic disturbances often lead to diseases which, in turn, dramatically decrease both productive and reproductive performance. Negative nutrient balance has been associated with compromised immune and reproductive functions in dairy cows. Low circulating concentrations of glucose and insulin associated with elevated concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and ketone bodies postpartum have detrimental effects on the function and viability of the oocyte, granulosa cells, and immune cells. Therefore, minimizing the extent and duration of negative nutrient balance in early lactation is expected to reduce morbidity and enhance fertility. Reductions in circulating concentrations of Ca, and vitamins A and E around parturition are also linked with impaired immune competence, and have to be accounted for when formulating peripartum diets. Furthermore, dietary additives that influence rumen or intermediary metabolism to favor postpartum health, and supplementation with specific fatty acids during early lactation and the breeding period, might benefit fertility of dairy cows. Finally, manipulating the length of the dry period and the caloric content of prepartum diets might have carry-over effects during the subsequent lactation that favor resumption of post-partum ovulation. Proactive management of dairy cows during the periparturient period is needed for cows to achieve high production with good fertility.
Removal of effluent organic matter with biofiltration for potable reuse: A review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Biofiltration, historically used for biodegradable organic matter (BOM) removal in drinking water treatment, is being increasingly applied for potable reuse which requires unique characterization. This review and meta-analysis evaluates BOM occurrence as part of bulk wastewater effluent organic matter (EfOM), quantifies the roles of operational parameters to achieve EfOM removal in biofilters, and identifies research gaps which may be fruitful for understanding reuse biofilter performance. Literature data (n = 76) indicates EfOM has a high biodegradable fraction (median 26%), which after typical ozone doses is higher (57%). A biofiltration performance dataset (n = 160 across 42 WWTP effluents) shows that EfOM removal of 35–40% can be expected when design parameters are optimized. Specifically, higher EfOM removal is achieved by adding pre-ozonation and use of biological activated carbon (BAC) media, with comparatively smaller impacts of increasing ozone dose or increasing empty bed contact time under typical scenarios. Combined, these factors strongly correlate with observed EfOM removal (r2 = 0.64) after accounting for confounding by adsorptive removal in BAC media with fewer than 20,000 bed volumes treated. Future research that quantifies the occurrence of BOM, biomass activity on filter media, steady-state removal by BAC, and impacts of longer empty bed contact times in potable reuse scenarios could impact optimization strategies to meet or exceed biofilter performance observed to date.
Design-Based Learning Framework for Introducing Factorial Experimental Design and Lab-on-a-Chip Separations in an Instrumental Chemistry Laboratory

Lab-on-a-chip devices are a critical and emerging chemical technology. New pedagogical tactics that effectively capture both analytical chemistry concepts along with the design elements unique to these devices are necessary for effective integration in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. This article develops a design-based learning laboratory exercise to concurrently introduce analytical miniaturization, chemical separations, and formal factorial design of experiment methods in an Introduction to Instrumental Analysis course. A new student-accessible lab-on-a-chip fabrication platform using a benchtop laser cutter allows for rapid, iterative, and safe production of student-designed microchip capillary electrophoresis devices in minutes. Student teams used a full factorial experimental design approach to efficiently screen three experimental variables of their choice when evaluating the separation speed of their own lab-on-a-chip devices. This laboratory exercise has been successfully implemented on three occasions over the past several years at Colorado College. Both reflective and performance-based assessment methods suggest this exercise is an effective pedagogical approach for realizing the intended learning outcomes.
Letter to the Editor: Physicians' Opinions of COVID-19 Ambulatory Care Constraints: A Survey of Sickle Cell Clinicians.

Ambulatory specialty care operations have been challenged by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We surveyed sickle cell disease (SCD) specialists to assess the effect of pandemic-associated factors on SCD center ambulatory equipment, operations, personnel, and finances. Thirty-two participants from 27 SCD centers completed our survey. The results showed that telemedicine was frequently adopted, and centers were minimally affected by limited staffing. However, some centers incurred additional cost due to the pandemic. As the long-term consequences of the pandemic become more apparent, vigilant measures are needed to ensure that SCD centers have adequate resources to prevent the exacerbation of existing disparities in access and outcomes for patients with SCD.
Outcome disparities in rural versus urban patients with head and neck cancer: Leveling the playing field.

e18529Background: Multiple studies indicate that rural patients experience disproportionately adverse cancer related outcomes, compared to their urban counterparts. This has been attributed to ineq...
Pulmonary delivery of osimertinib liposomes for non-small cell lung cancer treatment: formulation development and in vitro evaluation

Osimertinib (OB) is a third-generation irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer. Systemic administration of drug often results in poor drug levels at the primary tumor in the lungs and is associated with systemic side effects. In this study, we developed inhalable OB liposomes that can locally accumulate at the tumor site thereby limiting systemic toxicity. OB was loaded into liposomes via active and passive loading methods. The OB active liposomes achieved a higher encapsulation (78%) compared to passive liposomes (25%). The liposomes (passive and active) exhibited excellent aerosolization performance with an aerodynamic diameter of 4 µm and fine particle fraction of 82%. In H1975 cells, OB active and passive liposomes reduced IC50 by 2.2 and 1.2-fold, respectively, compared to free drug. As the OB active liposomes demonstrated higher cytotoxicity compared to OB passive liposomes, they were further investigated for in vitro anti-cancer activity. The OB active liposomes inhibited tumor cell migration and colonization as determined by the scratch assay and clonogenic assay, respectively. Furthermore, the 3D spheroid studies showed that the liposomes were successful in inhibiting tumor growth. These results highlight the potential of OB liposomes to suppress lung cancer. Owing to these attributes, the inhalable OB liposomes can potentially promote better therapeutic outcomes with limited systemic toxicity.
Warming barium sulfate improves esophageal leak detection in pig model.

Background: Barium esophagograms have poor sensitivity in detecting leaks. We hypothesized that heating barium would decrease viscosity, facilitate extravasation, and enhance its sensitivity in detecting esophageal leaks. Methods: We characterized the viscosity of barium at increasing temperatures. We measured the radiopacity of barium at 25 � C and 50
Fundamentals of Carrier Transport: Carrier transport in devices

Carrier transport in semiconductor devices is complicated by the rapid spatial and temporal variations that often occur. For large devices, the low- and high-field transport theory developed in previous chapters is directly applicable. Such devices can be analyzed by drift–diffusion equations with field-dependent mobilities and diffusion coefficients. Transport in small devices, however, differs qualitatively from that in bulk semiconductors because the carrier distribution function is no longer determined by the local electric field. Since transport is nonlocal in both space and time, conventional drift–diffusion equations do not apply, but new possibilities for enhancing device performance arise. In this chapter, we explain why the drift–diffusion equation loses validity for small devices and describe some important features of carrier transport in the presence of rapidly varying fields. The objective is to gain an intuitive understanding of carrier transport in modern devices such as small bipolar and field-effect transitors. To identify the kinds of transport problems that need to be addressed, we begin by describing a generic transistor. We then examine carrier transport under several specific situations that occur in modern devices and explain why the drift–diffusion equation often loses validity. Finally, we briefly examine device simulation to indicate how the transport equations are formulated for numerical solution, so that nonlocal transport can be simulated for realistic devices. A simple, conceptual model for a transistor consists of a carrier injector, a carrier collector, and a control region that meters the flow of carriers out of the source (Fig. 8.1).
Interim report on Landsat national archive activities

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has the responsibility to preserve and to distribute most Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Multispectral Scanner (MSS) data that have been acquired by the five Landsat satellites operational since July 1972. Data that are still covered by exclusive marketing rights, which were granted by the U.S. Government to the commercial Landsat operator, cannot be distributed by the DOI. As the designated national archive for Landsat data, the U.S. Geological Survey's EROS Data Center (EDC) has initiated two new programs to protect and make available any of the 625,000 MSS scenes currently archived and the 200,000 TM scenes to be archived at EDC by 1995. A specially configured system has begun converting Landsat MSS data from obsolete high density tapes (HDT's) to more dense digital cassette tapes. After transcription, continuous satellite swaths are (1) divided into standard scenes defined by a world reference system, (2) geographically located by latitude and longitude, and (3) assessed for overall quality. Digital browse images are created by subsampling the full-resolution swaths. Conversion of the TM HDT's will begin in the fourth quarter of 1992 and will be conducted concurrently with MSS conversion. Although the TM archive is three times larger than the entire MSS archive, conversion of data from both sensor systems and consolidation of the entire Landsat archive at EDC will be completed by the end of 1994. Some MSS HDT's have deteriorated, primarily as a result of hydrolysis of the pigment binder. Based on a small sample of the 11 terabytes of post-1978 MSS data and the 41 terabytes of TM data to be converted, it appears that to date, less than 2 percent of the data have been lost. The data loss occurs within small portions of some scenes; few scenes are lost entirely. Approximately 10,000 pre-1979 MSS HDT's have deteriorated to such an extent, as a result of hydrolysis, that the data cannot be recovered without special treatment of the tapes. An independent consulting division of a major tape manufacturer has analyzed affected tapes and is confident that restorative procedures can be applied to the HDT's to permit one pass to reproduce the data on another recording media. A system to distribute minimally processed Landsat data will be procured in 1992 and will be operational by mid-1994. Any TM or MSS data in the national archive that are not restricted by exclusive marketing rights will be reproduced directly from the archive media onto user specified computer-compatible media. TM data will be produced either at a raw level (radiometrically and geometrically uncorrected) or at an intermediate level (radiometrically corrected and geometrically indexed). MSS data will be produced to an intermediate level or to a fully corrected level (radiometrically corrected and geometrically transformed to an Oblique Mercator projection). The system will be capable of providing ordered scenes within 48 hours of receipt of order.
International Marketing and Export Management

Chapter 1 - International Marketing and Exporting Chapter 2 - Bases of International Marketing Chapter 3 - The International Environment: Culture, Economic and Competition Chapter 4- The International Environment: Government, Political and Legal forces Chapter 5 - Export Market Selection: Definition and Strategies Chapter 6 - Information for International Market(ing) Decisions Chapter 7 - Market Entry Strategies Chapter 8 - Export Entry Modes Chapter 9 -- Non-export Entry Modes Chapter 10 - Product Decisions Chapter 11 - Pricing Decisions Chapter 12 - Financing and Methods of Payment Chapter 13 - Promotion and Marketing Communication Chapter 14 - Handling Export Orders and Supply Chain Management Chapter 15 - Organization of International Marketing Activities
Towards Clinically Available Closed-loop Systems for Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit

Objective To provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of closed-loop systems in the field of mechanical ventilation. Methods This survey is reviewing the literature and proposes an overview of existing closed-loop systems, in different areas of mechanical ventilation. It discusses the key points that guided their development and addresses specific issues such as their performance and penetration at the bedside. Results Much research has been undertaken in the hope of improving patient-ventilator interaction and shortening the weaning process. This led to the development of new modes of ventilation and expert weaning systems that are starting to achieve a wider clinical audience. Conclusion Intensive care unit personnel are facing increasing work load during care for patients with severe, multi-system illness, using sophisticated equipment that generate high information flows requiring quick processing. Mechanical ventilation is a good example of a process that requires skillful and timely management of multiple parameters that could be delegated to closed-loop systems. Availability of commercial offerings, validated by randomized controlled trials in a well-defined set of clinical situations, is starting to fulfill the promise of intelligent systems skillfully assisting caregivers at the bedside.
'Assume the Position, Lift Up Your Genitals and Cough!': Strip-Searching Non-Indictable Offenders Without Reasonable Suspicion Does Not Violate the Fourth Amendment

The United States of America prides itself on being a country that protects its citizens’ individual rights and personal freedoms. However, what happens when one of our most sacred constitutional amendments is infringed upon and one’s privacy is invaded for the greater good of the general public? The Supreme Court announced in the holding in Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders of County of Burlington that strip searching non-indictable offenders without reasonable suspicion does not violate the Fourth Amendment. However, the holding is broad, and it appears that the Court has devised a bright-line test for all who are arrested, regardless of whether they simply violated a misdemeanor or committed a felony drug crime. The Court’s holding causes a chilling effect on the Fourth Amendment by failing to consider individual crimes in conducting strip-searches. It would be more in accord with the Fourth Amendment to address arrest on a case-by-case basis using the totality of the circumstances. The Court’s holding in Florence addresses the trouble prison officials have with implementing adequate search procedures, in the form of strip-searches, on arrestees to protect the needs of the institution, while still refraining from overly infringing upon arrestees’ constitutional rights. This case note analyzes how the Court announced the general rule in Florence that conducting strip searches on arrestees and infringing on their constitutional rights prior to their placement into the general prison population is reasonable, while also suggesting that strip-searching may violate arrestees’ constitutional rights when conducted on individuals convicted of misdemeanors who are not required to be placed into the general prison population.
Decoding the Discipline of Music History for Our Students

Each discipline has a different set of paradigms and expectations, and it can be difficult for students to understand a new discipline and grasp what we are after in our courses. David Pace and Joan Middendorf have developed the model of “Decoding the Disciplines”: making explicit the modes of thought we use, and giving students practice in using them, so that they learn how to participate in a discipline by doing it. This paper applies the model to teaching music history. A practical application of the model presents the teacher with a series of steps: identifying a task that is difficult for students to perform but important for their success in the course and in the discipline; describing the operations an expert follows in performing the task; modeling those operations explicitly for the students; giving the students practice in following those steps to perform the task and feedback on their achievements; motivating the students to stay with the process; and assessing their mastery of the task. The paper illustrates the approach using as examples two related tasks that face students in music history courses: figuring out what are the significant features of a musical style or genre that distinguishes it from others, and developing a strategy for identifying unknown works by genre, composer, date, or style.
Originator Performance, CMBS Structures and Yield Spreads of Commercial Mortgages

This paper examines information and incentive problems that can exist in the market for conduit mortgages, which are commercial mortgages placed in pools that are repackaged and sold as CMBS. We find that conduit mortgages that are originated by institutions with negative stock price performance in the quarters just prior to the origination date tend to have higher credit spreads and default more than other mortgages with similar characteristics. This evidence is consistent with reputation models that suggest that poorly performing originators have less incentive to expend resources evaluating the credit quality of prospective borrowers. We also find that the originator/performance effect is stronger when the originator of the mortgage is also the lead underwriter of the CMBS and that the time between the origination date and the CMBS offering is shorter for originators that are stock price losers.
Adenylate Deaminase III. REGULATION OF DEAMINATION PATHWAYS IN EXTRACTS OF RAT HEART AND LUNG

Abstract Extracts of rat heart hydrolyze adenylate via two pathways. The first involves deamination to yield inosinate, followed by dephosphorylation to yield inosine; the second involves dephosphorylation to adenosine, followed by deamination to yield inosine. Adenosine triphosphate activates the first and inhibits the second pathway. It does so by activating adenylate deaminase and inhibiting adenylate phosphatase. Guanosine triphosphate reverses the action of ATP on adenylate deaminase; it also inhibits adenylate phosphatase. Neither ATP nor GTP affects the activity of adenosine deaminase. The evidence for these conclusions is based on the identification and measurement of the products formed on incubating 3H- and 32P-labeled adenylate with heart extracts in the presence and absence of ATP, GTP, and adenosine. The separation by gel filtration of the regulated adenylate deaminase from adenosine deaminase is reported. The two pathways also occur in lung.
Noise performance of AFC loops in optical heterodyne receivers

This paper presents an analysis of noise performance for the automatic frequency control loops in optical ASK heterodyne systems, and reports the tradeoffs between the required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the IF, stability of the loop, and the acquisition time. >
Practice Expectations Compared to Reality for Women in Urology: A National Survey

Abstract Introduction We determined the patient gender distribution for practicing male and female urologists in the U.S. compared to current resident expectations. Methods Two mirrored surveys were distributed to AUA members practicing in the U.S. Questions were asked regarding years in training and practice, subspecialty, gender representation of patients and job satisfaction. Answer choices were based on a 5-point balanced Likert scale. Results Overall there were 894 respondents, including 704 practicing urologists and 190 urology residents, of whom women accounted for 14%. This figure reflects current AUA demographic data. Only 15.2% of female residents expected that once in practice more than 60% of their patients would be women compared to 45.5% of practicing female physicians who indicated that more than 60% of their patients are women. When stratified by fellowship training the 38.5% of female physicians who were trained in a specialty other than female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and pediatrics still most commonly saw more than 60% female patients compared to 0.8% of male physicians. Overall satisfaction with the gender balance of patients was 76.0% for female physicians and 70.9% for male physicians. Conclusions Female urologists report seeing greater numbers of female patients than their male counterparts and specialty training only modestly alters this gap. Current female residents may underestimate the number of women they will eventually see in practice based on current trends in our survey. However, overall satisfaction with the gender balance of patients seen is high.
Rapidly Growing, Painful Nodule on the Upper Cutaneous Lip

A 41-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing, painful nodule on her upper cutaneous lip (Figure, A) as well as several smaller papules on her face and neck, all of which had developed within the preceding 6months. She was otherwise asymptomatic. The patient’s medical history included diabetes mellitus type 2, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and depression. Review of her family medical history revealed that her paternal grandfather died from melanoma and that her father died from colon cancer. She stated that most of the men in her family had died from some form of cancer by the fourth decade of life. On physical examination, a tender, centrally depressed, firm, pink 1.1-cm nodule was present on her upper cutaneous lip (Figure, A). Three other skin-colored to pink papules werepresentonher faceandneck.Shavebiopsiesofall4skin lesionswereperformed(Figure, B and C). Quiz at jamadermatology.com Clinical image A Specimen from upper cutaneous lip B
Predicting germination in semi-arid wildland seedbeds. I. Thermal germination models

Abstract The key to stopping high-frequency or catastrophic wildfires in the western U.S.A. is the successful restoration of burned lands to functional plant communities. Developing models of seedling establishment for invasive and native species will help in the selection of species for restoration projects that are able to establish and compete with invasive species given the abiotic conditions of specific sites. Modeling germination is the first step in modeling seedling establishment. We developed thermal germination models and compared predicted and measured germination timing in incubators as a precursor to testing germination model prediction in field seedbeds. We incubated 11 revegetation species and three weed ( Bromus tectorum L.) seedlots at constant temperatures to develop linear and curvilinear regression equations to estimate days to 10, 25, and 50% germination for each seedlot. We compared actual time to germination with predicted time for three field-simulated diurnal temperature regimes representing March, mid-March to mid-April, and May temperatures in a big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) plant community. Bromus tectorum seedlots germinated faster than perennial grasses and forbs, especially at cooler temperatures. However, most of the revegetation species had high and fast germination for a wide range of temperatures. Germination time generally fit constant temperatures well with R 2 values ≥ 0.85 for 33 of 40 linear equations and ≥0.80 for 40 of 48 curvilinear equations. Models overestimated germination time for field-simulated diurnal temperatures by 1–4 days for most seedlots. Model accuracy was sufficient for most seedlots to encourage subsequent testing of model accuracy under field conditions.
A phase I and pharmacodynamic evaluation of polyethylene glycol-conjugated L-asparaginase in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro activity of polyethylene glycol-conjugated L-asparaginase (PEG-L-asparaginase) against fresh human tumor specimens, using the human tumor clonogenic assay (HTCA), and to perform a phase I dose-escalation clinical trial of PEG-L-asparaginase. The goal of the clinical study was to determine the toxicity and optimum biologic dose of PEG-L-asparaginase based on depletion of serum L-asparagine in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: A modified method for determination of serum L-asparagine is described. PEG-L-asparaginase was administered by intramuscular injection every 2 weeks to 28 patients with various types of advanced solid tumor malignancies. At least 3 patients were evaluated at each dose level: 250 IU/m2, 500 IU/m2, 1,000 IU/m2, 1,500 IU/m2, 2,000 IU/m2. Results: The in vitro HTCA studies suggested good antitumor activity against malignant melanoma and multiple myeloma. Serum L-asparagine was most consistently and profoundly depleted (up to 4 weeks) in patients treated with 2,000 IU/m2. Patients receiving this dose level also showed more frequent grade 1, grade 2, and occasional grade 3 toxicities of fatigue/weakness, nausea/vomiting, and anorexia/weight loss. Three patients developed hypersensitivity reactions, but these were not dose related. Two patients developed deep vein thromboses. We saw no episodes of clinical pancreatitis, but there were minor fluctuations of serum amylase and lipase. We saw no partial or complete responses in patients treated in this study, including 11 patients with malignant melanoma. Conclusions: We conclude that PEG-L-asparaginase is generally well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumors, and a dosage of 2,000 IU/m2 by intramuscular injection every 2 weeks results in significant depletion of serum L-asparagine.
Distributed Expert Systems for Planners

Expert systems can increase the effectiveness of planning. Planning information can be exchanged through intelligent computer/communication aids. More effective knowledge- based management of planning projects is possible through the use of such aids in distributed networks. We discuss the potential and limitations of such networks.
pH standardization for phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance heart spectroscopy at different temperatures

Intracellular pH typically is measured by NMR using the calibrated chemical shift of the inorganic phosphate peak in phosphorus-31 spectra. Heart Spectroscopy experiments often require measurements of intracellular pH at temperatures from 5 to 37°C. This paper provides NMR pH calibrations for this range of temperatures, a summary of calibration data reported to date, and a discussion of the factors influencing pH Standardization. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Depth-dependence of electromechanical properties in a thick 0.7Pb(Mg1/3(Nb0.9Ta0.1)2/3)O3–0.3pbtio3 ceramic disk

A thick ceramic disk of 0.7Pb(Mg1/3(Nb0.9Ta0.1)2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 (PMNT–PT) was prepared by columbite precursor method with PbO powder buffer surrounding the disk during the sintering process. The Electromechanical properties and the microstructure of PMNT–PT samples cut from the different depths of the disk are studied. Although the phase purity is homogenous in the whole disk, the middle sample has higher electric field induced strain. Electric field of 14 kV/cm induced strain 0.14% was found. It is believed that the prepared processes, especially the Pb volatilization is responsible for these results.
A more democratic and therefore more peaceful world

Abstract Democracies, while not more peaceful than other kinds of states in most respects, nevertheless almost never fight each other. The apparent reason is a recognition by the people of such states that other democratically‐governed states share a commitment to individual rights and peaceful conflict resolution within their systems, and the consequent assumption that similar norms can make possible the peaceful settlement of conflicts of interests between such states. Movement toward greater democracy has been occurring in most of the third world and many communist countries; this movement has important implications for the prospect of peace between at least somewhat democratized states, and especially important implications for U.S.‐Soviet relations. Democratization can be assisted by a combination of diplomacy, promotion of international communication, and normative concern for human rights.
Weather Forecasting as a Learning Tool in a Large Service Course: Does Practice Make Perfect?

Each spring roughly 200 students, mostly nonmajors, enroll in the Introduction to Meteorology course at Iowa State University and are required to make at least 25 forecasts throughout the semester. The Dynamic Weather Forecaster (DWF) forecasting platform requires students to forecast more than just simple ‘‘numeric’’ forecasts and includes questions on advection, cloudiness, and precipitation factors that are not included in forecast contests often used in meteorology courses. The present study examines the evolution of forecasting skill for students enrolled in the class in spring 2010 and 2011 and compares student performance with that of an ‘‘expert forecaster.’’ The expert forecasters were chosen from meteorology students in an advanced forecasting course who showed exemplary forecasting skill throughout the previous semester. It is shown that these introductory students improve in forecast skill over only the first 10‐15 days that they forecast, a number smaller than the 25 days found in an earlier study examining meteorology majors in an upper-level course. The skill of both groups plateaus after that time. An analysis of two types of questions in the DWF reveals that students do have skill slightly better than that of a persistence forecast when predicting parameters traditionallyused in forecastingcontests,but fail to outperformpersistencewhen predicting more complex atmospheric processes like temperature advection and factors influencing precipitation such as moisture content and instability. The introduction of a contest ‘‘with prizes’’ halfway through the semester in 2011 was found to have at best mixed impacts on forecast skill.
The use of lung donors older than 55 years: a review of the United Network of Organ Sharing database.

Background Current lung transplantation guidelines stipulate that the ideal donor is aged younger than 55 years, but several institutions have reported that outcomes using donors aged 55 years and older are comparable with those of younger donors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database to identify all adult lung transplants between 2000 and 2010 in the United States. Patients were stratified by donor age 18 to 34 (reference), 35 to 54, 55 to 64, and ≥ 65 years. Primary outcomes included survival at 30 days and at 1, 3, and 5 years and rates of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for mortality were identified by multivariable Cox and logistic regression. Results We identified 10,666 recipients with median follow-up of 3 years (range, 0–10 years). Older donors were more likely to have died of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular causes, but there were no differences in recipient diagnosis, lung allocation score, or incidence of BOS as a function of donor age. The use of donors aged 55 to 64 years was not a risk factor for mortality at 1 year (odds ratio, 1.1; p = 0.304) or 3 years (odds ratio, 0.923; p = 0.571) compared with the reference group; however, use of donors aged > 65 years was associated with increased mortality at both time points (odds ratio, 2.8 and 2.4, p Conclusions Outcomes after lung transplantation using donors aged 55 to 64 years were similar to those observed with donors meeting conventional age criteria. Donors aged ≥ 65 years, however, were associated with decreased intermediate-term survival, although there was no increased risk of BOS for this group.
Asthma is associated with acute chest syndrome and pain in children with sickle cell anemia

Pain and acute chest syndrome (ACS) episodes are 2 of the most common causes of hospitalization in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). However, very few potentially modifiable risk factors for either condition have been identified. In this prospective infant cohort study, we tested the hypothesis that asthma is associated with an increased incidence rate of pain and ACS episodes. An infant cohort was composed of 291 African American children with hemoglobin SS enrolled in the Cooperative Study for Sickle Cell Disease before age 6 months and followed beyond age 5 years. Asthma was defined by a physician diagnosis, an acute asthma event, or use of prescription asthma medications. The incidence rates of ACS and painful episodes were compared for children with and without asthma. A clinical diagnosis of asthma was made in 17% of the cohort. Asthma was associated with more frequent ACS episodes (0.39 vs 0.20 events per patient year, P < .001) and painful episodes (1.39 vs 0.47 events per patient year, P < .001). In conclusion, in children with SCA, asthma is associated with an increased incidence of sickle cell disease–related morbidity, including ACS and painful episodes.