cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Major Key Alert!” Anomalous Keys in Tor Relays

In its more than ten years of existence, the Tor network has seen hundreds of thousands of relays come and go. Each relay maintains several RSA keys, amounting to millions of keys, all archived by The Tor Project. In this paper, we analyze 3.7 million RSA public keys of Tor relays. We (i) check if any relays share prime factors or moduli, (ii) identify relays that use non-standard exponents, (iii) characterize malicious relays that we discovered in the first two steps, and (iv) develop a tool that can determine what onion services fell prey to said malicious relays. Our experiments revealed that ten relays shared moduli and 3,557 relays—almost all part of a research project—shared prime factors, allowing adversaries to reconstruct private keys. We further discovered 122 relays that used non-standard RSA exponents, presumably in an attempt to attack onion services. By simulating how onion services are positioned in Tor’s distributed hash table, we identified four onion services that were targeted by these malicious relays. Our work provides both The Tor Project and onion service operators with tools to identify misconfigured and malicious Tor relays to stop attacks before they pose a threat to Tor users.
3 – Interpolation Models

Publisher Summary The functions used to represent the behavior of the solution within an element are called interpolation functions or approximating functions or interpolation models. Polynomial-type interpolation functions have been most widely used. When the interpolation polynomial is of order one, the element is termed a linear element. A linear element is called a simplex element if the number of nodes in the element is 2, 3 and 4 in one, two, and three dimensions, respectively. If the interpolation polynomial is of order two or more, the element is known as a higher order element. In higher order elements, some secondary nodes are introduced to the primary (corner) nodes to match the number of nodal degrees of freedom with the number of generalized coordinates in the interpolation polynomial. The combination of greater accuracy and a reduction in the data preparation effort has resulted in the widespread use of higher order elements in several practical applications. Problems involving curved boundaries cannot be modeled satisfactorily by using straight-sided elements. The family of elements known as isoparametric elements has been developed for this purpose.
Fabrication of 2D Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) Arrays on Insulating Substrates With Through-Wafer Interconnects Using Sacrificial Release Process

A critical component in a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging system is a two-dimensional (2D) transducer array. A 2D transducer array is also essential for the implementation of a compact form factor focused ultrasound system for therapeutic applications. Considering the difficulty associated with developing 2D transducer arrays using piezoelectric technology, capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) technology with the inherent advantages has emerged as a candidate to develop these devices. Previously, we demonstrated that 2D CMUT arrays can be fabricated with through-glass-via interconnects on borosilicate substrates using anodic bonding. In this paper, we present a fabrication process for implementing $16\times 16$ -element 2D CMUT arrays on an alkali-free glass substrate using the sacrificial release method. The vacuum-sealed $16\times 16$ -element 2D CMUT array is built on an SGW3 glass substrate with copper through-glass interconnects. The fabrication process developed for the 2D CMUT array is described in detail. Across the 256 elements of the 2D CMUT array, the mean resonant frequency is measured as 4.76 MHz with a standard deviation of 46.6 kHz. Also, the mean device capacitance across the array is measured as 1.17 pF with a standard deviation of 0.12 pF, and these results agree with the finite-element analysis. This study shows an alternative method to fabricate 2D CMUT arrays on glass substrates with metal interconnects, especially when the substrate is not suitable for anodic bonding. In addition to improved reliability and reduction in parasitic interconnect capacitance and resistance, this fabrication method benefits from the flexibility of developing 2D CMUT arrays on any type of insulating substrate, and still attain optimum uniformity in both yield and functionality of the fabricated devices. [2019-0246]
Correlation of Obesity with External Cephalic Version Success among Women with One Previous Cesarean Delivery.

Objective Our aim was to assess the correlation of body mass index (BMI) with the success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) among women with one prior cesarean delivery. Study Design A cross-sectional study of pregnant women with one previous cesarean delivery who underwent ECV. The relationship between BMI and success rate of ECV was assessed. Adverse outcomes were also compared between women with an ECV attempt, and women who had a repeat cesarean delivery. Data were extracted from the U.S. Natality Database from 2014 to 2017. Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to assess the relationship between BMI and success rate of ECV. Results There were 2,329 women with prior cesarean delivery underwent an ECV attempt. The success rate of ECV among the entire cohort was 68.3%. There was no correlation between BMI and success rate of ECV ( r = 0.024, p = 0.239). Risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between the ECV attempt group and the repeat cesarean delivery group. Conclusion There was no correlation of BMI with the rate of successful ECV among women with one prior cesarean delivery. Given the similar success rates of ECV and adverse outcomes, obese women with one prior cesarean delivery should be offered ECV.
Extensive Brainstem Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Hemodialysis Non-Adherent Patient.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) refers to a disorder of reversible vasogenic edema caused by rapid hyperperfusion of the brain that classically involves areas supplied by the posterior circulation such as the parieto-occipital region. It may present with atypical features such as brainstem and spinal cord involvement. Common causes include renal failure, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia among pregnant women, rapid changes in systemic blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases. The most prevalent presenting signs and symptoms are encephalopathy, seizures and headache. A 64-year-old female presented to a dialysis unit after missing several sessions with twitching in her extremities and elevated blood pressure. Additionally, she recently terminated clonidine use and was likely experiencing rebound hypertension. The continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) demonstrated generalized, non-convulsive seizures. MRI findings were notable for hyperintensities in the pons, middle cerebellar peduncles, cerebellar hemispheres, and periventricular and subcortical matter with medulla and proximal spinal cord involvement. A notable clinical sequela of PRES in this patient was coma. Aggressive blood pressure control led to significant improvement and return to her neurologic baseline. PRES can present with extensive brainstem involvement with a clinical sequela of coma. Multiple underlying causes such as dialysis non-adherence and rebound hypertension following clonidine discontinuation contributed to the development of this condition in this patient.
A Hierarchical Clustering Approach Identifies Associations between Plasma Th17-Type Cytokines and Endothelial Dysfunction, as Well as Th2-Type Cytokines and Plaque Burden, in Persons with HIV on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy

Objective: Chronic inflammation contributes to the high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in persons with HIV (PWH). HIV has broad effects on immune function, including CD4+T-helper cells which secrete cytokines that regulate innate and adaptive immune pathways implicated in CVD progression. At present, the relationship between T-helper cell responses and CVD in PWH is not well defined. Methods: We recruited 70 PWH on a single antiretroviral regimen (efavirenz, tenofovir, and emtricitabine) with at least 12 months of suppressed viremia. We quantified 19 plasma cytokines and chemokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, 4, 13, and 17A, markers of macrophage activation, and markers of endothelial activation using multiplex assays and ELISA. Cytokines were grouped using Ward's hierarchical clustering. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), as a marker of endothelial function, and carotid plaque burden were measured using ultrasound. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the relationships of biomarkers and endpoints with adjustment for CVD risk factors. Results: We identified three distinct cytokine clusters, one containing Th1/Th2 cytokines, one with Th17-type and macrophage-related cytokines, and a third less specific. Lower brachial artery FMD was associated with higher plasma IL-17A and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, while higher soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 were associated with higher IL-17A, and IL-5. In contrast, IL-10 and the Th2-type cytokine IL-4 were associated with greater plaque burden. Conclusions: Distinct Th2 and Th17-mediated immune mechanisms may have a role at differing stages of atherosclerotic vascular disease in PWH.
Improving accuracy of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status using audit and feedback and artificial intelligence: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND While the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status (PS) is used to adjust for greater mortality risk with higher ASA PS classification, inaccurate classification can lead to an inaccurate comparison of institutions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of audit and feedback with a rule-based artificial intelligence algorithm on the accuracy of ASA PS classification. METHODS We reviewed 78 121 anesthetic records from 1 January 2017 to 19 February 2020. The first intervention entailed audit and feedback emphasizing accurately documenting ASA PS classification using body mass index (BMI), while the second intervention consisted of implementing a rule-based artificial intelligence algorithm. If a patient with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 had a documented ASA PS classification of 1 or 2, the provider was alerted to change the ASA PS classification to 3 or above. The primary outcome was the overall proportion of patients with inaccurate ASA PS classification based on BMI per month. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with a BMI ≥40 or a BMI 30-39.9 who had inaccurate ASA PS classification and the proportion of patients documented as having ASA 3-5. Data were analyzed using interrupted time-series analysis. RESULTS For the primary outcome, the slope for ASA PS classification inaccurately incorporating BMI was unchanging before the first intervention (parameter coefficient 0.002, 95% CI -0.034 to 0.038; P = 0.911). Following the first intervention, there was an immediate level change (parameter coefficient -0.821, 95% CI -1.236 to -0.0406; P < 0.001) without significant change in slope (parameter coefficient -0.048, 95% CI -0.100 to 0.004; P = 0.067). The post-intervention slope was negative (parameter coefficient -0.046, 95% CI -0.083 to -0.009; P = 0.017). Following the second intervention, there was no level change (parameter coefficient 0.203, 95% CI -0.380 to 0.463; P = 0.839) and no significant change in slope (parameter coefficient 0.013, 95% CI -0.043 to 0.043; P = 0.641). The post-intervention slope was not significant (parameter coefficient -0.034, 95% CI -0.078 to 0.010; P = 0.121). The proportion of patients whose ASA PS classification inaccurately incorporated BMI at the first and final timepoint of the study was 2.6% and 0.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our quality improvement efforts successfully modified clinician behavior to accurately incorporate BMI into the ASA PS classification. By combining audit and feedback methodology with a rule-based artificial intelligence algorithm, we created a process that resulted in immediate and sustained effects. Improving ASA PS classification accuracy is important because it affects quality metrics, research design, resource allocation and workflow processes.
Academic Influence as Reflected by h Index Is Not Associated With Total Industry Payments but Rather With NIH Funding Among Academic Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeons.

Purpose The aims of the current study were 1) to compare the total number and dollar amount of industry funding and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to academic orthopedic sports medicine surgeons and 2) to examine the impact of academic influence on industry funding and NIH funding to academic orthopedic sports medicine surgeons. Methods Academic orthopedic sports medicine surgeons were identified using faculty webpages. Academic influence was approximated by a physician's h-index and number of publications and obtained from the Scopus database. Total industry payments were acquired through the Open Payments Database and NIH funding was determined from the NIH website. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U testing and Spearman correlations with significance set at p Results Physicians who received industry research payments and NIH funding had a significantly higher mean h-index and mean total publications than physicians that did not receive industry research payments and NIH funding. There were no significant differences in h-index (p= 0.374) or number of publications (p=0.126) between surgeons receiving industry non-research funding and those who did not. H-index and number of publications were both weakly correlated with the amount of industry research and non-research funding. Conclusion While academic influence is associated with industry research funding and NIH funding, there is no association between measures of academic influence and total industry and industry non-research payments. Combined with the weak associations between academic influence and the amount of industry payments, academic influence does not appear to be a major determinant of industry funding to academic orthopedic sports medicine surgeons. Clinical relevance While surgeons should be cognizant of potential conflicts with industry, the relationship between academic sports medicine surgeons and industry may be less subject to bias than previously believed.
Addressing urologic health disparities in sexual and gender minority communities through patient-centered outcomes research.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities face stigma and discrimination that impact all aspects of health. To better understand and improve their urologic health outcomes, we must study SGM patients as a distinct population and pursue research on outcomes identified as priorities to SGM communities. Patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) is a methodology which is increasingly familiar to urologists and is crucial to adequately addressing SGM health in future urological research. We review existing literature focused on urologic outcomes of SGM populations and highlight specific PCOR initiatives built on SGM community engagement.
Elasticity-based free vibration of anisotropic thin-walled beams

Abstract The free-vibration of anisotropic open and closed thin-walled beams is studied using approximate solutions to the three-dimensional equations of motion of a linear elastic solid. The three displacement components are approximated using grouped polynomials over both the cross-section coordinates and independent polynomial or trigonometric functions over the axial coordinate of several beams with representative boundary conditions. This method is applied to several sections with varying degrees of anisotropy and shape with both isotropic and orthotropic material properties. Results are compared with those computing using beam or shell theories, and several new results are presented for these geometries.
Activation of Type I IFN Signaling by Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen. It is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia as well as pneumonia as a complication of influenza infection. The type I IFN pathway was initially characterized as a viral defense mechanism but it is now appreciated bacteria can also activate this response. This chapter gives an overview of the role type I IFNs play in the host response to infection with S. aureus. The role this pathway plays in clearance of bacteria from different host sites and in the context of co-infection with influenza is examined. The signaling components that are activated in response to different strains are also discussed. Recent work has begun to examine the bacterial mechanisms that lead to activation of this pathway.
Stochastic Data Streams

The classical data stream problems are now greatly understood [1]. This talk will focus on problems with stochastic (rather than deterministic) streams where the underlying physical phenomenon generates probabilistic data or data distributions.
Social Choice and Southern Secession in the United States

We have long known that collective decisions are determined not only by the underlying constellation of individual preferences, but also by the process u or rules and procedures u used to reach a decision. Outcomes may vary even while underlying individual preferences remain unchanged. This paper examines the in?uence of the various rules and procedures used to reach decisions on the matter of secession in the American South. I show that southern secession occurred, in part, because the decision processes were biased in favor of secession. By denying their respective electorates the opportunity to vote directly on the status quo of Union, by assiduously avoiding a collective osoutherno solution, and by encouraging separate state secession in the states of the lower South, the most ardent secessionists prevailed where otherwise they may have failed.
The Link between Fama-French Time-Series Tests and Fama-Macbeth Cross-Sectional Tests

Many papers in the empirical finance literature implement tests of asset pricing models either via Fama-French time-series regressions or via Fama-Macbeth cross-sectional regressions. This short paper explains their conceptual relationships. There is a time-series equivalent method to implementing Fama-Macbeth regressions (in a stable world). This correspondence also helps to clarify the interpretation of the estimates from the two methods: The Fama-Macbeth test is better suited for APT tests, while the plain Fama-French test is better suited for equilibrium tests. (Of course, all equilibrium model must be arbitrage-free, but not vice-versa.) It is possible to test not only whether factors can price portfolios in an equilibrium framework, but also the less restrictive requirement that the factors should not allow for arbitrage. For example, this short paper shows that the Fama-French 3-factor model fails the weaker arbitrage pricing restriction for the the 2x3 Fama-French portfolios, and not just the stronger equilibrium pricing restriction.
Proliferative action of erythropoietin is associated with rapid protein tyrosine phosphorylation in responsive B6SUt.EP cells.

Erythropoietin is a prime regulator of the growth and terminal differentiation of erythroid blood cells. However, little is understood concerning its molecular mechanism of action. Presently it is shown in the responsive, factor-dependent murine cell line B6SUt.EP that erythropoietin induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of six plasma membrane-associated proteins in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion (i.e. phosphoproteins PY153, PY140, PY100, PY93, PY74, and PY54). Among these, PY153 was prominent. For all proteins, maximal levels of phosphorylation were induced within 3-7 min at low factor concentrations (100-500 pM). These findings establish tyrosine kinase activation as a novel candidate pathway of erythropoietin-induced proliferation. In addition, the tyrosine phosphorylation of six proteins with identical Mr, as well as a Mr 104,000 protein, was induced in B6SUt.EP cells by interleukin 3. In contrast, no induced tyrosine phosphorylation was detectable in the erythropoietin-responsive, leukemic erythroid cell line. Rauscher Red 1, yet proteins of Mr 153,000 and 54,000 were shown to be phosphorylated constitutively at relative levels greater than those observed in B6SUt.EP cells. A possible role for these phosphoproteins in hematopoietic cell transformation is considered.
Comparison of the Cepheid Variables in the Magellanic Clouds and the Galaxy

The difference between the Magellanic Clouds, evident from their sizes, structures and stellar content, is well illustrated by a comparison of their variable stars. The representation of the principal types is given in Table I.
Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities and mixing in stratified spherical shells.

We study the linear stability of an arbitrary number of spherical concentric shells undergoing a radial implosion or explosion. The system consists of N incompressible fluids with small amplitude perturbations at each of the N-1 interfaces. We derive the evolution equation for the perturbation ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\eta}}}_{\mathit{i}}$ at interface i; it is coupled to the two adjacent interfaces via ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\eta}}}_{\mathit{i}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1}$. We show that the N-1 evolution equations are symmetric under n\ensuremath{\leftrightarrows}-n-1, where n is the mode number of the spherical perturbation, provided that the first and last fluids have zero density (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{1}$=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{N}}$=0). In plane geometry this translates to symmetry under k\ensuremath{\leftrightarrows}-k. We obtain several analytic solutions for the N=2 and 3 cases that we consider in some detail. As an application we derive the shock timing that is required to freeze out an amplitude. We also identify ``critical modes'' that are stable for any implosion or explosion history. Several numerical examples are presented illustrating perturbation feedthrough from one interface to another. Finally, we develop a model for the evolution of turbulent mix in spherical geometry, and introduce a geometrical factor G relating the mixing width h in spherical and planar geometries via ${\mathit{h}}_{\mathrm{spherical}}$=${\mathit{h}}_{\mathrm{planar}}$G. We find that G is a decreasing function of R/${\mathit{R}}_{0}$, implying that in our model ${\mathit{h}}_{\mathrm{spherical}}$ evolves faster (slower) than ${\mathit{h}}_{\mathrm{planar}}$ during an implosion (explosion).
Electron transfer polymers. XXIII. Interactions of the quinhydrone type in polyvinylhydroquinone solutions

An investigation was made of the pink-orange color that reaches maximum intensity at the midpoint of the titration of homopolymers of vinylhydroquinone. It was shown that during oxidative titration the hydroquinone absorption at 295 mμ decreases in intensity while quinone absorption at 254 mμ, increases. At the midpoint of the titration absorption at approximately 455 mμ, the pink color, reaches its maximum intensity, with relatively low extinction coefficient. The position of the maxima does not change with extent of oxidation; the specific extinction coefficient is independent of concentration and degree of polymerization, but somewhat dependent on the nature of the solvent. When the functional groups were somewhat separated along the chain by copolymerization with an alternating comonomer, styrene, α-methylstyrene, or acrylamide, there was no appreciable shift in the ultraviolet absorption peaks with oxidation, but in the visible region the intensity at 455 mμ was greatly decreased, compared with homopolymer, at all degrees of oxidation around the midpoint. Analysis of the spectroscopic data led to the conclusion that the number of quinhydronelike interactions is low relative to the number of groups that are not interacting.
Exploiting Phosphonate Chemistry in Metal-Mediated Dearomatization: Stereoselective Construction of Functionalized Spirolactams from Arene Ruthenium Complexes

Arene ruthenium complexes possessing beta-amido phosphonate side chains participate in intramolecular spirocyclization reactions to deliver stable cyclohexadienyl ruthenium adducts. Spirocyclization is accomplished via a tandem two-step sequence that involves stereoselective nucleophilic aromatic addition to the ipso position of the coordinated arene, followed by intermolecular Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination. The resulting eta5-cyclohexadienyl complexes can then be diastereoselectively converted to metal-free azaspiro[4.5]decane derivatives upon oxidative demetalation in the presence of suitable nucleophiles. An asymmetric spirocyclization was demonstrated through application of this procedure to a beta-amido phosphonate prepared from (S)-(-)-alpha-methyl benzylamine. The expected spirolactam product was obtained as a single enantiomer.
High-Capacity Factor Wind Energy Systems

Wind-generated electricity can be fundamentally transformed from an intermittent resource to a baseload power supply. For the case of long distance transmission of wind electricity, this change can be achieved at a negligible increase or even a decrease in the per unit cost of electricity. The economic and technical feasibility of this process can be illustrated by studying the example of a wind farm located in central Kansas and a 2000 km, 2000 megawatt transmission line to southern California. Such a system can have a capacity factor of 60 percent, with no economic penalty and without storage. With compressed air energy storage (CAES) (and with a negligible economic penalty), capacity factors of 70-95 percent can be achieved. This strategy has important implications for the development of wind energy throughout the world since good wind resources are usually located far from major demand centers.
The β-subunit of the bovine mitochondrial Fl ATPase specifically binds the amino terminal domain of parathyroid hormone

Abstract A protein which specifically binds the amino terminal domain of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on nitrocellulose blots of polyacrylamide gels was fragmented with cyanogen bromide (CNBr), and two fragments were sequenced through 20 residues. The sequence obtained was 100% homologous with the β-subunit of bovine Fl mitochondrial ATPase. Purified Fl ATPase from bovine heart and Escherichia coli were obtained and the binding of PTH examined on the blots. The β-subunit of the bovine enzyme bound PTH specifically through its amino terminal domain. However, both the a- and β-subunit of the E. coli enzyme were found to bind the hormone. This binding was also specific for the amino terminal domain of the hormone. The subcellular distribution of the PTH-binding protein from bovine kidney was also examined further. While the mitochondria and plasma membrane appear to possess similar PTH-binding capability, submitochondrial particles enriched in Fl ATPase were also enriched in PTH-binding activity.
COENZYME A-INDUCED INHIBITION OF CONVERSION OF PALMITIC ACID TO KETONE BODIES IN RAT LIVER HOMOGENATES.

SummaryA cofactor mixture containing ATP; cytochrome C and coenzyme A decreased ketone body formation from added palmitic acid in a rat liver homogenate system. The conversion of caprylic acid to ketone bodies, however, was not appreciably altered under these conditions. It was found that the decreased ketogenesis from palmitate was caused by coenzyme A. Other sulfhydryl-containing compounds tested did not affect ketone body production from palmitate in this system.
Das Vorzeichen des quadratischen Starkeffekts

Ein starrer Rotator mit horizontaler Achse hat im Schwerefeld eine grosere Energie als ohne Feld (positiver quadratischer Starkeffekt), ein harmonischer Oszillator kleinere Energie. Das Vorzeichen hangt von der Steilheit ab, mit der die rucktreibende Kraft mit wachsender Entfernung zunimmt. Fur lineare Bewegung liegt die Grenze bei z5 fur die rucktreibende Kraft.
Analysis of Enclosure Fires Using the Isis-3D™ CFD Engineering Analysis Code

The Isis-3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is currently under development for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as a tool for risk assessment and engineering level analysis. It is designed to provide reasonably accurate estimates of the total heat transfer to objects from large fires under a variety of circumstances, predict the medium characteristics such as temperature and species concentration distributions, and use fairly short computer turnaround times. Isis-3D models liquid fuel evaporation, transport of fuel vapor, oxygen and other relevant species, reaction and heat release, and soot and other gaseous species formation, destruction, and transport. It models diffuse radiation within the fire and view factor radiation from the fire edge to nearby objects and the surroundings. One-dimensional transient sub-grid modules are also embedded into Isis-3D. Either or both “ends” of each module are coupled to the flowing medium region, or objects within the three-dimensional medium. These modules allow the code to calculate the one-dimensional response of simple solid objects to the fire environment without affecting the computational fluid dynamics time step. The sub-grid modules can include thermal conduction, convection, momentum, mass, and species exchange. For example, they can be used to simulate the decomposition of organic materials (e.g. burning wood), the evaporation of liquid fuels, and the injection of gases, such as fire suppressants. Fast-running radiation heat transfer and chemical reaction models embedded in the code are designed to enable it to give engineering-level accurate results for large-fire heat transfer even when relatively coarse computational grids are employed. Low to medium level resolution Isis-3D simulations (less than 60,000 nodes) are relatively fast running and hence well suited for risk assessments, parametric scenario variations, and engineering level analyses. This paper includes comparisons of Isis-3D predictions to two enclosure fire experiments, the classical Steckler room fire experiments and the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) Igloo enclosure fires. The Steckler fire experiments were steady state fires with a fixed heat input. The SNL Igloo tests were larger scale, unsteady fuel pan fires. Comparisons of the predicted temperature distributions within the enclosures for several tests are shown. A typical application of Isis-3D is also illustrated wherein the CO2 fire suppressant distribution within the cable room of a nuclear power plant is predicted as a function of time.
Stochastic searches for lactone and cycloalkene conformers

The stochastic search method coupled to MM3(92) has been used to locate as many conformers as possible for 6- to 11-membered ring lactones, trans-cycloalkenes, and cis-cycloalkenes. A comparison was carried out between the conformers of lactones and cycloalkenes of the same ring size for each force field. These comparisons were carried out by means of (1) conformational distances, defined as the rms deviation between the dihedral angles of the conformers being compared, and (2), substitution, in which a lactone was transformed into an olefin and vice versa, trying to keep as much as possible the initial geometry, followed by reoptimization. It is found that cycloalkenes and lactones share many common characteristics. The thermodynamic information provided by MM3 was used to study the dependence of conformer population upon (1) temperature and (2) total number of conformers. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Volvocine cell walls and their constituent glycoproteins: an evolutionary perspective

Similarities in the composition of the extracellular matrix suggest that only some species of the unicellular Chlamydomonas are closely related to the colonial and multicellular flagellated members of the family Volvocaceae. The cell walls from all of the algae in this volvocine group contain a crystalline layer. This lattice structure can be used as a phylogenetic marker to divide Chlamydomonas species into distinct classes, only one of which includes the volvocacean algae. Similarly, not all species of Chlamydomonas are sensitive to each other’s cell wall lytic enzymes, implying divergence of the enzyme’s inner wall substrate. Interspecific reconstitution of the crystalline layer is possible between C. reinhardtii and the multicellular Volvox carteri, but not between C. reinhardtii and C. eugametos. The hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) which make up the crystalline layer in genera which have a similar crystal structure exhibit many homologies. Interestingly, the evolutionarily distant cell walls of C. reinhardtii and C. eugametos also contain some HRGPs displaying a few morphological and amino acid sequence homologies. The morphological similarities between the flagellar agglutinins (HRGPs responsible for sexual recognition and adhesion during the mating reaction) and the cell wall HRGPs leads to the proposal of a superfamily from which novel HRGPs (designed for self-assembly/recognition) can constantly evolve. Just as variations in the wall HRGPs can lead to unique wall structures, new agglutinins facilitate sexual isolation of new species. Thus, the HRGPs could emerge as valuable phylogenetic markers.
Aging, respiratory efforts during sleep, and pulsus paradoxus.

Forty patients with either obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or a clinical complaint of daytime sleepiness with measured nocturnal increase in upper airway resistance and snoring were investigated during sleep for the presence of pulsus paradoxus, which is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 10 mmHg during inspiration. Two thirds of the subjects presented pulsus paradoxus. Age, lowest oxygen saturation (SaO2), and negative inspiratory esophageal pressure nadir (an index of inspiratory effort) were the only studied variables which could statistically dissociate patients presenting pulsus paradoxus. We then divided the patient population into three different subgroups of equal number based upon the degree of decrease in SBP (i.e., >20 mmHg, 10 mmHg, and 20 mmHg) from those without any pulsus paradoxus. The variable which correlated best with age was negative inspiratory esophageal pressure nadir (R = 0.83). Our interpretation is that as age increased, negative inspiratory esophagel pressure became less negative, due to the known impact of aging on muscles, and pulsus paradoxus was no longer observed.
Kinetic and Biomechanical Testing of Two-Level Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement has become an increasingly common practice in Europe and several disc designs are currently being evaluated via clinical trial for regulatory approval in the United States. The majority of these procedures have been performed at one level in the absence of adjacent level fusion. However, recent conference proceedings have reported on multi-level implantations of these devices. Numerous literature accounts have reported on the in vitro kinetics and kinematics of these devices that have generally shown motion equivalence to the intact spine when implanted at one level. The current study seeks to build upon this previous work by investigating the kinetics associated with two-level disc replacement. In addition, we investigated the implications of a minimally invasive two-level salvage procedure that would involve direct plating over an implanted disc prosthesis while maintaining the disc replacement at an adjacent level.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The Use of Random Controls in Genetic Association Studies

Background: The optimal control sample would be ethnically-matched and at minimal risk of developing the disease. Alternatively, one could collect random individuals from the population or select individuals to reduce the number of at-risk individuals in the sample. The effect of randomly selected individuals in a control sample on the statistical power and the odds ratio estimate was investigated. Methods: Case and control genotype distributions were simulated using standard genetic models with an additional term representing the proportion of unidentified cases in the control sample. Power and odds ratio were calculated from the genotype distributions generated under different sampling scenarios using established methods. Results: Random sampling of controls resulted in a loss in power and a reduction in the odds ratio estimate to a degree that is determined by the proportion of random sampling and the prevalence of the disease. Random sampling resulted in a 19% loss in power for a disease having prevalence of 0.20, compared to a control sample that contained no at-risk individuals. Having random controls results in a decrease in the odds ratio estimate. Conclusions: Investigators planning case-control genetic association studies should be aware of the statistical costs of different ascertainment approaches.
Mononuclear cell-derived interleukin-1 beta confers chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells by upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2.

Background Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive malignancy and efficient therapeutic options are still largely lacking. The importance of interactions between tumor cells and surrounding stromal elements, eg, mononuclear cells, for chemoresistance have been increasingly recognized. In addition, cyclooxygenase-2 is thought to be an important mediator of chemoresistance in several malignancies. The aim of this study was to explore the role of mononuclear cells in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance. Methods Human histiocytic lymphoma U937 cells were differentiated into macrophage-like cells. The effect of U937-conditioned medium on drug-induced pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The contributions of interleukin-1β and cyclooxygenase-2 were evaluated by specific receptor antagonists and inhibitors. The importance of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway also was determined. Results U937-conditioned culture medium protected pancreatic cancer cells from drug-induced apoptosis. This protective effect was abolished by an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. U937-conditioned medium and interleukin-1β stimulated expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E 2 production in pancreatic cancer cells, which was mediated by activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Transfection of pancreatic cancer cells with cyclooxygenase-2 increased resistance to drug-induced cell death. Conclusions Mononuclear cells protect pancreatic cancer cells from drug-induced apoptosis in vitro by interleukin-1β–mediated expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and production of prostaglandins. This study highlights the importance of tumor-host interactions in pancreatic cancers and may provide the basis for novel therapeutic approaches to sensitize pancreatic cancers to chemotherapeutic agents.
Towards a theory of stochastic vorticity-augmentation

A new hypothesis to account for the formation of tornadoes is presented. An elementary one-dimensional theory is formulated for vorticity transfer between an ambient sheared wind and a transverse penetrating jet. The theory points out the relevant quantities to be determined in describing the present stochastic mode of vorticity augmentation.
Quality improvement in childhood obesity management through the maintenance of certification process.

Objective To assess the Health and Obesity: Prevention and Education (HOPE) Curriculum Project, a web-based clinician education program that promotes appropriate screening, prevention, and management of weight among youth by pediatric practitioners, based on the 2007 Expert Committee recommendations. The project currently provides Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part 4 credit through the American Board of Pediatrics. Study design Participants identified themselves to the HOPE MOC Part 4 program. Enrollees were required to complete all continuing medical education modules (10.5 hours). Knowledge acquisition and self-reported confidence levels related to screening, prevention, and management practices of pediatric obesity were measured using preknowledge and postknowledge questionnaires. Participants were also required to perform a quality improvement project and submit practice performance data from repeated medical chart reviews over time. Knowledge acquisition, self-efficacy, and practice performance data were analyzed using repeated-measures analyses. Results The 51 participants demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy scores after viewing individual modules. In addition, participants demonstrated significant improvements in measured clinical compliance with recommended practices over time. Conclusions Participation in the HOPE MOC Part 4 program appeared to improve knowledge acquisition, self-efficacy, and physician compliance with recommended practice recommendations for the screening, prevention, and management of pediatric obesity. Further data are required to determine whether such practice-based improvements translate into actual reduction in patient weight and/or reduction in health-related costs related to overweight and obesity in youth.
Serological testing for coeliac disease in patients with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a cost‐effectiveness analysis

Summary Background : Patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome may have coeliac disease. Aim : To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of coeliac disease testing in suspected irritable bowel syndrome. Methods : We used decision analysis to estimate the number of coeliac disease cases detected, quality-adjusted life-years gained, and costs resulting from testing suspected irritable bowel syndrome patients for tissue transglutaminase antibody or an antibody panel (tissue transglutaminase, gliadin, total immunoglobulin A). Positive tests prompted endoscopic biopsy. A gluten-free diet improved quality of life in coeliac disease. Results : Assuming a coeliac disease prevalence of 3%, tissue transglutaminase detected 28 and the panel detected 29 of 30 coeliac disease cases among 1000 suspected irritable bowel syndrome patients. The cost/case detected was $4600 with tissue transglutaminase and $8800 with the panel. The cost/quality-adjusted life-year gained with tissue transglutaminase was $7400, and the incremental cost/quality-adjusted life-year gained for the panel vs. tissue transglutaminase was $287 000. Tissue transglutaminase cost under $100 000/quality-adjusted life-year gained at a coeliac disease prevalence ≥1.1%, assuming a modest utility gain of 0.005 with coeliac disease diagnosis. Conclusions : Testing for coeliac disease in patients with suspected irritable bowel syndrome is likely to be cost-effective even at a relatively low coeliac disease prevalence and with small improvements in quality of life with a gluten-free diet.
Empowering Staff and Clients: Comparing Preferences for Management Models by the Professional Degrees Held by Organization Administrators

In this article, findings from a national survey of social service managers are described. Respondents were asked to identify theories and models of management that influenced their administrative activities. The results indicate that many of the respondents used an empowerment-oriented approach to management. Respondents were more likely to engage in management activities that focused on empowering staffthan in activities intended to increase client involvement in the political process or organizational decision making. However, when the responses of participants with MSW degrees were compared with those of non-social workers, findings indicate that social workers are more likely to engage in workplace activities that facilitate the political empowerment of clients.
OSMOLALITIES OF ORAL AND PARENTERAL MEDICATIONS USED IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Although the association between hypertonic medications and the development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis is unclear, hyperosmolar materials (more than 400 mOsm/kg H2O) can cause an osmotic diuresis, loose stools and probable mucosal injury.
Transient temperatures in reactor channels induced by simultaneous changes in the power level, the coolant speed, and the coolant inlet temperature☆

Abstract A new method is developed for computing transient temperature fields in cylindrical reactor channels when the relative fuel power density, the coolant speed, and the channel inlet temperature are arbitrarily specified functions of time. Through the use of Hankel transforms, numerical instabilities inherent in finite difference approximations of spatial derivatives are avoided. Solutions of high order systems of ordinary differential equations in the time coordinate are efficiently obtained by a computational algorithm based upon the concept of Lie series. The method is particularly easy when the heat transfer coefficient is a weak function of the coolant speed, as for liquid metals.
Enhanced genetic maps from family-based disease studies: population-specific comparisons

Accurate genetic maps are required for successful and efficient linkage mapping of disease genes. However, most available genome-wide genetic maps were built using only small collections of pedigrees, and therefore have large sampling errors. A large set of genetic studies genotyped by the NHLBI Mammalian Genotyping Service (MGS) provide appropriate data for generating more accurate maps. We collected a large sample of uncleaned genotype data for 461 markers generated by the MGS using the Weber screening sets 9 and 10. This collection includes genotypes for over 4,400 pedigrees containing over 17,000 genotyped individuals from different populations. We identified and cleaned numerous relationship and genotyping errors, as well as verified the marker orders. We used this dataset to test for population-specific genetic maps, and to re-estimate the genetic map distances with greater precision; standard errors for all intervals are provided. The map-interval sizes from the European (or European descent), Chinese, and Hispanic samples are in quite good agreement with each other. We found one map interval on chromosome 8p with a statistically significant size difference between the European and Chinese samples, and several map intervals with significant size differences between the African American and Chinese samples. When comparing Palauan with European samples, a statistically significant difference was detected at the telomeric region of chromosome 11p. Several significant differences were also identified between populations in chromosomal and genome lengths. Our new population-specific screening set maps can be used to improve the accuracy of disease-mapping studies. As a result of the large sample size, the average length of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for a 10 cM map interval is only 2.4 cM, which is considerably smaller than on previously published maps.
Mild auditory-visual dissonance in television news may exceed viewer attentional capacity

Two experiments examined how TV news viewers divide attention between the audio and video messages of news stories. The experiment tested the “belongingness” hypothesis which asserts that two distinct perceptual stimuli will be attended to as if they were a single stimulus when they appear to belong together. The experiments extended the belongingness hypothesis by manipulating semantic units (i.e., audio and video messages) rather than perceptual units. Auditory-visual redundancy was used to manipulate the belongingness variable. It was hypothesized that dissonant audio and video would be viewed as conveying two different messages, with the result that attentional capacity would be exceeded. Conversely, redundant stories would be viewed as conveying one message, with the results that attentional capacity would not be exceeded. Using secondary task methodology—reaction time tasks in Experiment 1 and memory preloads in Experiment 2—the belongingness hypothesis was supported.