cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Searching for order in atrial fibrillation using electrogram morphology recurrence plots

BackgroundBipolar electrograms recorded during atrial fibrillation (AF) can have an appearance of chaotic/random behavior. The aim of this study was to use a novel electrogram morphology recurrence (EMR) analysis to quantify the level of order in the morphology patterns in AF. MethodsRapid atrial pacing was performed in seven dogs at 600bpm for 3 weeks leading to sustained AF. Open chest high density electrical recordings were made in multiple atrial sites. EMR plots of bipolar electrograms at each site were created by cross-correlating morphologies of each detected activations with morphologies of every other activation. The following features of the EMR plots were quantified: recurrence rate (RR), determinism (DET), laminarity (LAM), average diagonal line length (L), trapping time (TT), divergence (DIV), and Shannon's entropy (ENTR). For each recording site, these measures were calculated for the normal sequence of morphologies and also after random shuffling of the electrogram orders. ResultsElectrograms recordings from a total of 3961 sites had average cycle lengths of 104?22ms resulting in an average of 100?19 activations detected per 10-s recording and an average RR of 0.38?0.28 (range 0.02-1.00). Shuffling the order of the activation morphologies resulted in significant decreases in DET, LAM, L, TT, and ENTR and significant increases in DIV. ConclusionsEMR plots of AF electrograms show varying rates of recurrence with patterns that suggest an underlying deterministic structure to the activation sequences. A better understanding of AF dynamics could lead to improved methods in mapping and treating AF. Recurrence plots show patterns within atrial fibrillation electrograms.Recurrence plot diagonal and vertical lines indicate determinism and stationarity.Wide range of morphology recurrence rates seen in canine atrial fibrillation model.Shuffling electrogram order simulates random timing of electrogram recurrence.
A research algorithm to improve detection of delirium in the intensive care unit.

Delirium is a serious and prevalent problem in intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this study was to develop a research algorithm to enhance detection of delirium in critically ill ICU patients using chart review to complement a validated clinical delirium instrument. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 178 patients aged 60 years and older who were admitted to the medical ICU. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and a validated chart review method for detecting delirium were performed daily. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the chart-based delirium method using the CAM-ICU as the 'gold standard'. We then used an algorithm to detect delirium first using the CAM-ICU ratings and then chart review when the CAM-ICU was unavailable. When using both the CAM-ICU and the chart-based review, the prevalence of delirium was found to be 80% of patients (143 out of 178) or 64% of patient-days (929 out of 1,457). Of these patient-days, 292 were classified as delirium by the CAM-ICU. The remainder (637 patient-days) were classified as delirium by the validated chart review method when CAM-ICU was missing because the assessment was conducted for weekends or holidays (404 patient-days), when CAM-ICU was not performed because of stupor or coma (205 patient-days), and when the CAM-ICU was negative (28 patient-days). Sensitivity of the chart-based method was 64% and specificity was 85%. Overall agreement between chart and the CAM-ICU was 72%. Eight out of 10 patients in this cohort study developed delirium in the ICU. Although use of a validated delirium instrument with frequent direct observations is recommended for clinical care, this approach may not always be feasible, especially in a research setting. The algorithm proposed here comprises a more comprehensive method for detecting delirium in a research setting, taking into account the fluctuation that occurs with delirium, which is a key component of accurate determination of delirium status. Improving detection of delirium is of paramount importance both to advance delirium research and to enhance clinical care and patient safety.
Luminal CCK-releasing factor stimulates CCK release from human intestinal endocrine and STC-1 cells

CCK is secreted into the blood from intestinal endocrine cells following ingestion of a meal. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the ability of certain foods to stimulate CCK release is mediated by endogenously produced CCK-releasing factors. A newly discovered luminal CCK-releasing factor (LCRF) is secreted into the intestine, where it stimulates CCK secretion. However, the mechanism whereby LCRF affects intestinal epithelial cells is unknown. The current study was designed to determine whether LCRF has a direct effect on CCK cells to stimulate hormone secretion. In dispersed human intestinal mucosal cells, LCRF (5-200 nM) significantly stimulated CCK release in a concentration-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect was absent in calcium-free media and was inhibited by the L-type calcium-channel blockers diltiazem and nifedipine. To examine direct cellular effects of LCRF on CCK cells, further studies were conducted in the CCK-containing enteroendocrine cell line STC-1. As in native cells, LCRF significantly stimulated CCK release from STC-1 cells in a calcium-dependent manner. In cells loaded with a calcium-sensitive dye, LCRF stimulation produced a rapid increase in intracellular calcium. To examine the electrophysiological basis for this stimulation, whole cell recordings were made from STC-1 cells. Whole cell calcium currents were identified under basal conditions; moreover, calcium-channel activity was increased by LCRF. These studies demonstrate that 1) LCRF has a direct effect on human intestinal cells to stimulate CCK secretion, 2) stimulated hormone release is calcium dependent, and 3) LCRF activates calcium currents in CCK cells, which leads to CCK secretion.
The influence of community demographics on new public library facilities

The location of a public library is critical to information access. Previous research suggests that public libraries closures disproportionately affect poor and ethnic communities, thus limiting their access to information. Using GIS technology, library location, and county-level Census data, we examine where libraries open facilities, in order to determine whether libraries make equitable opening decisions. Our results suggest that public library outlet openings also occur in locations that are accessible to poor and ethnic communities. After isolating rural libraries, however, we find that new library outlets tend to go in less diverse areas. This suggests that access to resources is limited, and deliberate choices may be made about who ultimately benefits from tax-funded services.
Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients Treated with Sulfonylureas

tudy Objective To identify the incidence of and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients taking sulfonylureas. Design Nested case-control study. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center. Patients Adults who received a sulfonylurea during hospitalization between November 1, 2008, and October 31, 2009. Case patients were those who experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia, defined as a blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dl; potential control patients were those who did not experience hypoglycemia. One hundred seventeen cases were matched in a 1:1 ratio with controls based on sex and the number of days treated with a sulfonylurea in the hospital. For case patients, the index date was defined as the date of first blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dl. The number of days that the patient was taking the sulfonylurea before the index date was determined, and this same number was used to define the index date for the matched controls. Measurements and Main Results Overall, 19% of patients who received a sulfonylurea experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia: 22% receiving glyburide, 19% receiving glimepiride, and 16% receiving glipizide. Variables included in the multivariate regression were age 65 years or older, glomerular filtration rate (GFR)≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2, and treatment with glipizide, glyburide, or concurrent intermediate- or long-acting insulin. Age 65 years or older (odds ratio [OR] 3.07, p < 0.001), intermediate- or long-acting insulin (OR 3.01, p=0.002), and GFR of 30 ml/minute/1.73 m2 or lower (OR 3.64, p=0.006) were predictors of hypoglycemia. Cases were less likely than controls to receive glipizide (OR 0.44, p=0.005). Conclusion Hospitalized patients at increased risk for sulfonylurea-related hypoglycemia were those aged 65 years or older, those with a GFR of 30 ml/minute/1.73 m2 or lower, and those who received concurrent intermediate- or long-acting insulin during inpatient sulfonylurea therapy. Sulfonylureas should be avoided or used with caution in these patients.
Correlation of entrainment for annular flow in horizontal pipes

Abstract Two correlations of measurements of entrainment for annular flow in horizontal pipes are presented for liquids with viscosities close to that of water. Entrainment is considered to result from a balance between the rate of atomization of the liquid layer flowing along the pipe wall and the rate of deposition of drops. At low gas velocities, gravitational settling controls the rate of deposition. At high gas velocities, droplet turbulence controls deposition. The first approach uses an empirical relation for entrainment in horizontal pipes at low gas velocities and an empirical relation for entrainment in vertical pipes at high gas velocities. The second uses a theoretical analysis for the rate of deposition that is valid both for high and low gas velocities. Present practice has been to use correlations that have been developed for vertical annular flows. They are faulty because they do not directly include the effects of gravitational settling.
Low-rank separable states are a set of measure zero within the set of low-rank states

It is well known that the set of separable pure states is measure zero in the set of pure states. We extend this fact and show that the set of rank-r separable states is measure 0 in the set of rank-r states provided r is less than ${\ensuremath{\prod}}_{i=1}^{p}{n}_{i}+p\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\sum}{n}_{i}.$
A Clinical Database Management System

The processing of Case Report Form data collected in clinical trials is a data processing task unlike any other. Conventional systems approaches to clinical data management are not responsive to user demands and require excessive amounts of manpower to support. The Clinical Data Management System implemented at Merck utilizes Infodata 's Inquire database management software, IBM's CICS communications software, IBM's VSAM file management software, and SAS Institute's SAS software. System flexibility was the paramount consideration when the CDMS was designed. Clinical data at Merck is now processed on a system that provides on-line ad hoc retrieval capabilities through a user friendly query language, and allows for drug specific database designs coupled with a common update and retrieval mechanism.
Buddy: fusing multiple search results together

If you have ever used a popular search engine on the Internet to search for a specific topic you are interested in, you know that most of the results you get back are unrelated, or do not have the information for which you are searching. Usually you end up looking through many Web pages before you find information. Different search engines give you different ranked results, so how do you choose which one to use? Buddy solves these problems for you. With Buddy you can search multiple search engines with many different queries. Using topic trees to create in depth search queries, utilizing the power of many renowned search engines, with the ability to dynamically create and delete them on the fly, Buddy gives you the results you want on the information you are looking for. Using its unique ranking algorithm the results from multiple search engines are correlated and fused together, removing multiple document hits. This paper will discuss the motivation for and the capabilities of Buddy.
A Case Study: How a Disaster Mental Health Volunteer Provided Spiritually, Culturally, and Historically Sensitive Trauma Training to Teacher-Counselors and Other Mental Health Professionals in Sri Lanka, 4 Weeks After the Tsunami

This article is a case study describing how one disaster mental health volunteer for an international relief organization developed and then taught a trauma training curriculum 4 weeks after the tsunami hit Sri Lanka. The curriculum was developed specifically to train mental health professionals and teacher-counselors (teachers with 1 year intensive training in foundational counseling). The curriculumwas carefully constructed tomeet the needs of the tsunami survivors and then revised after meeting with and gathering information from the adults and children in several refuge camps. In addition, the curriculum underwent several revisions after considering civil war effects, as well as cultural and religious values, beliefs, and behaviors practiced in Sri Lanka. Finally, the article focuses on curriculum delivery and the generally positive evaluations of it by participants. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 6:316–325 (2006)]
Review Spherulites: A personal perspective

Chain-folding is a central feature of the self-organizational aspect of polymer in the solid state, yet the ability of a polymer chain to organize into a folded morphology depends upon its length. The shorter chains seem to fold with relative ease in dilute solution crystallization, but in the melt where topological constraints are encountered, spherulitic crystallization is less facile especially in the higher molecular weight fractions. Polymer morphology and properties demonstrate this point clearly according to the experimental evidence, obtained from several sources and presented in this article. For topological and statistical reasons, longer chains are responsible for more interfacial disorder if the degree of crystallinity, density, mechanical behavior, “fold” surface free energy, “transition” from brittleness to toughness, and so on, may be used as guidelines. Spherulites of homopolymers or copolymers are undoubtedly less ordered than crystals of comparable MW fractions, if measured properties are a manifestation of morphology. The imperfections in spherulites are mainly associated with the quasi-amorphous interlamellar regions within them. Polymer crystallinity decreases as the molecular weight of polymer fractions increase at comparable crystallization temperatures or undercooling conditions. This trend is true for all polymers that have been studied extensively.
Energy content of young yellow perch and walleye in Saginaw Bay

Abstract We evaluated seasonal energy content of age-0 yellow perch Perca flavescens and walleye Sander vitreus in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron in 2009 and 2010. We also determined the energy content of age-1 fish from the 2009 and 2010 cohorts the following spring (i.e., for fish that had survived one winter) to evaluate overwinter energy losses. As expected, larger fish within each species had disproportionately higher energy content (i.e., slope relating length and energy > 3.0) than smaller conspecifics. By contrast to expectations, allometric slopes were > 3.0 in nearly all months, not just the fall, and were higher for age-0 yellow perch than for walleye, even though increased allocation to growth would have seemingly been beneficial to even the largest yellow perch during summer. Seasonal energy allocation patterns differed between years. In 2009, length specific energy content increased from late summer to fall for both species. However, for the 2010 cohorts of fish, length specific energy content decreased between late summer and fall for yellow perch and did not change for walleye. There were 13–17% overwinter declines in length specific energy content between the fall (October or November) and the spring (May) with no major differences between cohorts within a species or between species for a given year. Because young yellow perch and walleye are similar physiologically but differ in size (i.e., yellow perch are smaller), it is possible that overwinter energy losses are more important for yellow perch than for walleye.
Performance evaluation of the multi-source file transfer protocol in peer-to-peer network

Multi-source file transfer protocol (MFTP) is a popular file sharing tool used in peer-to-peer network these days. This research project compares the transitional file transfer protocol (FTP) and MFTP by analyzing how factors such as the transfer time, network's bottleneck bandwidth, and traffic load affect one another. Our simulation results show that MFTP is able to improve the overall system performance and outperform other contemporary file transfer methods. Many researches have been done to evaluate MFTP mathematically, however, this research project attempts to demonstrate that, by using empirical method, MFTP can be better evaluated in a more realistic approach.
Effects of landscape composition on spread of an herbicide-resistant weed

Widespread adoption of genetically modified glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops in the US has dramatically changed the agricultural landscape to one that selects for establishment and spread of weedy species resistant to glyphosate, a commonly applied herbicide. Weed species that possess the means to readily spread across the landscape will be contained by weed management strategies that limit weed establishment and prevent seed set. An empirically-derived simulation model was developed to explore GR Conyza canadensis spread in relation to characteristics of the agricultural landscape. C. canadensis seeds are carried in the wind and move among fields and therefore, access high quality habitat (GR crops) at long distances. The baseline scenario was the current GR adoption levels in many US agricultural landscapes with corn and soybean rotated annually. Alternate scenarios examined the interacting effects of management uniformity (GR crop adoption) and increased landscape richness (three crops: corn, soybean, alfalfa, instead of two), over a 10 year simulation period. When landscape uniformity increased (increased GR corn adoption), 3× more fields would be infested with the resistant biotype and a specific field would have up to 24% greater likelihood of being infested compared to the current GR crop adoption levels. Increased landscape richness (adding alfalfa as a third crop) slightly decreased GR C. canadensis abundance. Reduced GR management uniformity by way of reducing GR soybeans to half their current adoption levels had the greatest impact on spread and prevented GR C. canadensis from reaching high abundance. Large-scale reliance on glyphosate for weed management has increased high-fitness habitat and will result in rapid spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Without significant reductions of glyphosate use and without spatial coordination of weed and crop management practices, GR weeds will continue to spread rapidly and impact agricultural practices in areas reliant on glyphosate.
Cashing in on land and privilege for the welfare of the shah: Monetisation of tiyūl in early Safavid Iran and eastern Anatolia

The assignment of land as tiyūl to early Safavid military and bureaucratic elites was conditional on their emoluments being subjected to direct taxation on annual basis. Between 914 and 918/1508 and 1512, the money-based disposal of tiyūl land assignments boosted Shah Ismā‘īl’s control over fiscal resources in Iran. In the province of Diyarbakir, however, the Safavid practice of tiyūl expedited dynastic transition, enabling the new regime to uproot the regional allies and partners of the Aqquyunlu. A glimpse at monetisation of tiyūl brings necessary torch into the dynamics of bureaucratic centralisation and its political implications in this early phase of territorial expansion and political absolutism in the Safavid history. The principal primary source this study explores is an unpublished fiscal statement, kept as document E. 1071 at the Topkapi Palace Museum Archives in Istanbul, that details the taxes paid to central treasury by early Safavid tiyūl-holders in Iran and eastern Anatolia over the course...
Recent results in applications and processing of α-stable-distributed time series

Abstract Symmetric, α-stable random variables and processes have, recently, been receiving increasing attention from the signal processing and communication communities as statistical models for signals and noises that contain impulsive components. This paper is intended as a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and results of signal processing with α-stable processes with emphasis placed on acquainting engineers with this emerging discipline in signal processing and revealing its potential applications. In particular, we start with deriving α-stable models for impulsive noise. This derivation serves as an illustration of the Generalized Central Limit Theorem, which states that the first-order distributions in all observed time series follow, to a higher or lesser degree, a stable law. We proceed to present new, fast algorithms for estimation of the parameters of α-stable interference and address two signal detection problems. These problems also build intuition on the differences between Gaussian and non-Gaussian, α-stable signal processing, as well as indicate the performance gains that are to be expected if the signal processing algorithms are designed on the basis of a non-Gaussian, α-stable assumption rather than on a Gaussianity assumption. In the paper, we follow a presentation style that emphasizes only the highlights of the field and omit the fine mathematical details. However, we have included a large number of references to the literature for the interested reader to study further.
Mechanical study for the cutting and clinching process of electronic component leads

As various small electronics components are being rapidly moved along an assembly line, their leads must be cut and clinched into holes of a circuit board for the next soldering operation. This process must be achieved economically both in time, and in combating wear by preserving the cutting tools' sharpness. The present study investigates the shearing action and subsequent fracture in cutting. Plastic analysis for both cutting and forming (clinching) is presented with the support of measured data obtained on a prototype machine employed in the research. Wear analysis of the cutting surfaces leads to a recognition of the role played by various geometric parameters such as lead shape, cutter and anvil angles, cutter and anvil distance, etc.
The school context as a source of self-control

Researchers investigating Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime primarily concentrated their efforts on the relationship between an individual's self-control and involvement in crime and/or analogous behaviors. Much less research examined the potential sources of an individual's self-control. In this study, an argument was developed for the importance of exploring the contribution of the school context in the development of self-control within individuals. In particular, Gottfredson and Hirschi's position on this front was theoretically elaborated by including school/teacher socialization practices in a larger model of the development of self-control. Using data extracted from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, it was found that the effects of school socialization on self-control were significant net of parental socialization. In addition, the effects of school socialization varied across parenting and neighborhood contexts. The theoretical implications of this research, specifically as they relate to the development of self-control, are discussed.
The CPA‐Client Privilege under I.R.C. § 7525: The Elusive Definition of “Tax Advice”

This paper analyzes the privilege extended by I.R.C. § 7525 to protect the confidentiality between federally authorized tax practitioners, such as CPAs, and their clients. Due to the complexity of the elements the article concentrates on the element that triggers the privilege, that is “tax advice.” Congressional intent, I.R.S. interpretations, and all the appellate opinions and the most relevant court opinions in the past 30 years are considered to provide a working definition for “tax advice.”
The Escherichia coli F1F0 ATP Synthase Displays Biphasic Synthesis Kinetics

The F1F0 proton-translocating ATPase/synthase is the primary generator of ATP in most organisms growing aerobically. Kinetic assays of ATP synthesis have been conducted using enzymes from mitochondria and chloroplasts. However, limited data on ATP synthesis by the model Escherichia coli enzyme are available, mostly because of the lack of an efficient and reproducible assay. We have developed an optimized assay and have collected synthase kinetic data over a substrate concentration range of 2 orders of magnitude for both ADP and Pi from the synthase enzyme of E. coli. Negative and positive cooperativity of substrate binding and positive catalytic cooperativity were all observed. ATP synthesis displayed biphasic kinetics for ADP indicating that 1) the enzyme is capable of catalyzing efficient ATP synthesis when only two of three catalytic sites are occupied by ADP; and 2) occupation of the third site further activates the rate of catalysis.
Effects of hydrolysed fish muscle on intermediate process variables during twin-screw extrusion of rice flour

Abstract The effects of fish protein hydrolysis time and fish solids level on energy input, residence time, and die temperature during twin-screw extrusion of rice flour and fish muscle blends were investigated. Arrowtooth flounder muscle was autolysed for upto 15 min using muscle-bound protease, hydrolysed muscle was recovered, dried, blended with rice flour at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/100 g levels, and extruded using a twin-screw extruder. Hydrolysis of arrowtooth muscle beyond 5 min had very little effect on energy input, residence time, mixing index and die temperature. Fish solids level played a dominant role in lowering specific mechanical energy input, raising the mean residence time, and reducing mixing. The effect on die temperature was different for unhydrolysed and hydrolysed fish muscle. The material temperature in the die was strikingly higher and increased with increasing level of hydrolysed fish solids in the blends. Opposite trend was observed for blends with unhydrolysed fish solids.
Propagating Bug Fixes with Fast Subgraph Matching

We present a powerful and efficient approach to the problem of propagating a bug fix to all the locations in a code base to which it applies. Our approach represents bug and fix patterns as subgraphs of a system dependence graph, and it employs a fast, index-based subgraph matching algorithm to discover unfixed bug-pattern instances remaining in a code base. We have also developed a graphical tool to help programmers specify bug patterns and fix patterns easily. We evaluated our approach by applying it to bug fixes in four large open-source projects. The results indicate that the approach exhibits good recall and precision and excellent efficiency.
Clinical presentations of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) may can occur on any hair-bearing region. Patients can develop patchy nonscarring hair loss or extensive loss of all body hair. Hair loss may fluctuate. Some patients experience recurrent hair loss followed by hair regrowth, whereas others may only develop a single patch of hair loss, never to see the disease again. Still others experience extensive loss of body hair. The heterogeneity of clinical presentations has led investigators conducting clinical therapeutic trials to typically group patients into three major groups, those with extensive scalp hair loss [alopecia totalis (AT)], extensive body hair loss [alopecia universalis (AU)], or patchy disease (AA). Treatment outcomes have been correlated with disease duration and extent. Recently, guidelines were established for selecting and assessing subjects for both clinical and laboratory studies of AA, thereby facilitating collaboration, comparison of data, and the sharing of patient-derived tissue. For reporting purposes the terms AT and AU, though still used are defined very narrowly. AT is 100% terminal scalp hair loss without any body hair loss and AU is 100% terminal scalp hair and body loss. AT/AU is the term now recommended to define the presence of AT with variable amounts of body hair loss. In this report the term AA will be used broadly to encompass the many presentations of this disease. Development of AA may occur with changes in other ectodermal-derived structures such as fingernails and toenails. Some investigators have also suggested that other ectodermal-derived appendages as sebaceous glands and sweat glands may be affected in patients experiencing AA. Whether or not function of these glands is truly impaired remains to be confirmed. Many patients who develop patchy or extensive AA complain of changes in cutaneous sensation, that is, burning, itching, tingling, with the development of their disease. Similar symptoms may occur with hair regrowth. The potential involvement of the nervous system in AA has led to morphologic investigations of the peripheral nervous system as well as analysis of circulating neuropeptide levels. In this article the clinical presentations of AA are reviewed. The guidelines for conducting treatment studies of AA are presented and observations on changes in cutaneous innervation are introduced. Throughout the text, unless otherwise noted, AA will be used in a general way to denote the spectrum of this disease.
Automatic left ventricular boundary detection in digital two-dimensional echocardiography using fuzzy reasoning techniques

ABSTRACT Extraction of left ventricular endocardial and epicardial boundaries from digital two-dimensionalechocardiography is essential in quantitative analysis of cardiac function. Automatic detection of theseboundaries is difficult due to poor intensity contrast and noise inherent in ultrasonic images. In thispaper, we present a new approach that employs fuzzy reasoning techniques to detect the boundaries automatically. In the proposed method, the image is firstly enhanced by applying the Laplasian- of-Gaussian edge detector. Secondly, the center of the left ventricle is determined automatically byanalyzing the original image. Next, a search process radiated from the estimated center is performedto locate the endocardial boundary by using the zero-crossing points. After this step, the estimation of the range of radius of possible epicardial boundary is carried out by comparing the high-levelknowledge of intensity changes along all directions with the actual image intensity changes. Thehigh-level knowledge of global intensity change in the image is acquired from experts in advanceand is represented in the form of fuzzy linguistic descriptions and relations. Knowledge of localintensity change can therefore be deduced from the knowledge of global intensity change through
Metformin-induced hepatitis; paliperidone-related peripheral edema; vasospastic angina induced by oral capecitabine; skin hyperpigmentation due to long-term voriconazole therapy; vaccine-associated measles.

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specifi c adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. Write to Dr. Mancano at ISMP, 200 Lakeside Drive, Suite 200, Horsham, PA 19044 (phone: 215-707-4936; e-mail: mmancano@temple.edu). Your report will be published anonymously unless otherwise requested. This feature is provided by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in cooperation with the FDA’s MedWatch program and Temple University School of Pharmacy. ISMP is an FDA MedWatch partner.
Factors Affecting the Level of African American Identification

Two hundred and one African Americans, including 99 males and 102 females, were interviewed in an attempt to identify variables that impact on racial identification. All participants were eighteen years of age or older and resided within a large midwestern city. The data were collected utilizing two instruments. A structured interview protocol was developed that elicited life course data for individuals including geographical, educational, social, and family history. Information on political and social activities, as they related to Black empowerment movements, was collected, as well. The questionnaire was a 44-item instrument that assessed the level of sociocultural participation and the orientation of the subject on two parameters of racial identification: cultural identity and psychological identity. The results indicated that participation in African American political organizations and experiences with racism were important factors in determining identification on the psychological parameter. Sex, ed...
Tuning Micelle Dimensions and Properties for Stabilizing Membrane Protein Fold and Function

One major bottleneck to the investigation of membrane proteins is the stabilization of structure and function in detergents and lipid bilayers after purification from the native membrane. Detergents are the most successful membrane mimic, thus far, for NMR and X-ray crystallography structure determination of membrane proteins. However, the current empirical screening of detergents that stabilize protein function and fold is laborious, costly, and often is not successful. To better understand the physical determinants that stabilize a protein-detergent complex, we have systematically investigated the properties of detergent micelles. Specifically, we have determined that binary detergent mixtures form ideally mixed micelles and that many physical properties are different from the pure individual micelles and vary linearly with micelle mole fraction. The predictability of the shape, size, and surface properties of binary mixtures expands the molecular toolkit for applications that utilize detergents and provide a means to systematically test the influence these properties have on membrane protein fold and function. Our progress towards correlating detergent micelle physical properties with membrane protein structure and function will be presented.
169 NON-INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF ARTERIAL OXYGEN SATURATION IN CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

We evaluated non-invasive transcutaneous pulse oximetry (NIPO) in 28 pediatric pts, ages 3 mos.-11 yrs, wts. 2.5-36 kgs. with moderate to severe cyanotic congenital heart disease (CyCHD) during cardiac catheterization, intra-operatively during closed heart surgery and in the ICU. O2 saturations (sats) from (NIPO), using the Nellcor Pulse Oximeter #100, were compared with simultaneously obtained arterial blood samples analyzed by the IL282 CO-oximeter. Comparison of 94 data pairs showed excellent agreement between the 2 methods over a wide range of O2 sats (38-90%) with r=.93 SEE 3.62. Even in the low range of O2 sats (38-75%) 34 data pairs showed good agreement between the 2 methods, r=.81 SEE 5.14. The accuracy of the NIPO was independent of the pts wt., heart rate or blood pressure. In 3 pts, the sharp decrease in O2 sats allowed the diagnosis of hypoxic tetralogy spells before the onset of any clinical findings. Intra-operatively the use of NIPO confirmed the patency of aorto-pulmonary shunts and changes in arterial O2 sats accompanying general anesthesia. Post operatively in the ICU, NIPO allowed accurate management of ventilatory support during varying hemodynamic states. Thus, in children with CyCHD, NIPO is an accurate method of determining O2 sats and contributes to improved management during cardiac catheterization, heart surgery and recovery in the ICU. This study establishes a new application of NIPO in the care of children with CyCHD.
Arginine and vitamin E improve the immune response after a Salmonella challenge in broiler chicks

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Arg, vitamin E (VE), and mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) on the immune response and clearance of Salmonella in broiler chickens. In each experiment, 1-d-old chicks (n = 160) were randomly distributed into 4 groups: antibiotic-free diet (negative control, CTL-), antibiotic-supplemented diet (positive control, CTL+), antibiotic free-diet plus Arg and VE (AVE), or antibiotic-free diet plus Arg, VE, and MOS (AVM). Birds were orally challenged with 10(6) cfu of a novobiocyn and nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain at d 7 (experiment 1) or at d 3 (experiment 2). Heterophil- (HOB) and monocyte- (MOB) oxidative burst and lymphocyte proliferation (LPR), antibody titers, and Salmonella content in the ceca were measured at several intervals postinfection (PI). In experiment 1, both AVM and AVE decreased HOB compared with the controls 5 and 9 d PI, but increased LPR 9 d PI. In the same experiment, birds fed the AVE diet had higher MOB than birds fed CTL+ or the AVM diet at 7 d PI, whereas 9 d PI birds fed the AVM diet had the highest MOB. In experiment 2, birds fed the AVE diet had higher MOB, HOB, and LPR than birds in the other treatments 7 and 14 d PI, except at 7 d PI, when MOB was not different among treatments. Birds fed the AVM diet had the highest IgA antibody titer, and a higher IgM antibody titer than the CTL+ birds. In experiment 1, Salmonella Typhimurium content in the ceca was lower in birds fed the AVM diet compared with birds fed the CTL- diet 3 d PI, but later on (10 and 17 d PI), and in experiment 2 (7, 14, and 21 d PI), Salmonella Typhimurium concentrations were not different among treatments. Thus, Arg and VE improved immune response after a Salmonella Typhimurium challenge in young chicks, and although they did not reduce Salmonella Typhimurium concentrations in the ceca, they may improve bacterial resistance against other pathogens in commercial growing conditions.
Stretch-ing Is Great Exercise&#x2014; It Gets You in Shape to Win

IBM's Project Stretch (1955-1961) lost the company some $35 million big 1960 dollars. Yet the project, a bold adventure into transistorized computers, drove into existence new technologies in circuits, packaging, memory, and I/O upon which IBM built its successful second-generation computer product lines. The architectural, instruction-pipelining, arithmetic, and software innovations were crucial for IBM's third-generation System/360 product family and even for its later RISC innovation.
Technological applications of biologically derived microstructures

Phospholipids are an important example of a class of molecule that have the ability to self-organize into complex assemblies. These molecules comprise a major fraction of biological membranes. The specific arrangement of phospholipids in biological membranes and the matrix these lipids provide for membrane proteins, play a role in important functional membrane properties such a energy transduction and molecular recognition. One of the goals of technological development in the area of lipid-based self-assembly is to impart similar functionality into a designed microstructure. The study of the relationship of phospholipid molecular structure to assemblies of increasing size and complexity may lead to applications in such diverse areas as electronic materials, drug delivery, improved composites, and advanced biosensors. >
Intramolecular energy transfer in a synthetic dendron-based light harvesting system

Abstract Single-molecule experiments based on Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) or on single molecule absorption spectroscopy (SMA) are now capable of studying energy funneling, exciton blockade, singlet fission, and a variety of other processes that involve multiple photoactive groups interacting on a single molecular backbone. Here, we present synthesis and optical characterization of a new dendron functionalized with two green donor dyes (Cy3) and one red acceptor dye (Cy5) through flexible linkers. We describe in detail the synthesis of the conjugated network and the flexible dye coupling. Characterization of the dendron and of control molecules with fewer donors or no acceptor by ensemble absorption and emission spectroscopy shows that the system is capable of light harvesting, producing an intramolecular FRET signal from the acceptor greater than expected from a single donor. We also investigate intramolecular energy transfer upon UV excitation of the conjugated backbone. The photophysical behavior of this light harvesting dendron can be rationalized by a simple Forster/superexchange model. Simulations and scanning tunneling microscopy of single dendron molecules show that the dyes can fold over onto the dendron, creating a heterogeneous distribution of conformations suitable for single molecule studies of light harvesting.
MANAGERIAL SALARY‐RAISE DECISIONS: A POLICY‐ CAPTURING APPROACH

Using policy-capturing and direct-ranking methodologies, managers made salary-raise decisions for 104 hypothetical employees. These employees were experimentally varied on five manipulated characteristics: (1) performance level, (2) performance consistency, (3) tenure, (4) current salary, and (5) external job offer. The main effects of these five characteristics accounted for an average of 77% of the variance in the managers' raise decisions. On the other hand, the interactions accounted for virtually no variance. Substantial individual differences were found among managers in the weights they attached to the five characteristics, even though all of the managers were from the same organization. Substantial differences were also observed in the relative importance of the five characteristics as determined by policy capturing and direct ranking. Future research and administrative practice implications are suggested, especially those regarding individual differences in attribute weights among managers.
Application of a linear programming model to the control of African trypanosomiasis

Abstract A linear programming (LP) model was designed to evaluate trypanosomiasis control activities in south-western Ethiopia. The objectives included maximizing net benefits, utilization of unskilled labor, and resettlement of reclaimed land, and decreasing the prevalence of trypanosomiasis from 20% to less than 5% at the end of 5 years, subject to epidemiological, ecological and economic constraints. The model was a multiperiod specification with 127 equations and 81 activities for the project period of 5 years. The optimal solution required reclamation of 5221 km 2 of tsetse infested land and used treatment of cattle at maximal levels. At the end of the project period, the prevalance decreased to 2% with net benefits of E$1.281 million. LP provided a potentially optimal means of resource allocation in the short run and a means of identifying those restrictive resources which could be vital to long range planning.
On two versions of a 3π algorithm for spiral CT

A 3π algorithm is obtained in which all the derivatives are confined to a detector array. Distance weighting of backprojection coefficients of the algorithm is studied. A numerical experiment indicates that avoiding differentiation along the source trajectory improves spatial resolution. Another numerical experiment shows that the terms depending on the non-standard distance weighting 1/|x − y(s)| can no longer be ignored.
In Vivo Determination of Elastic Modulus of Canine Cardiac Muscle

A practical technique was developed for in vivo determinations of the mechanical properties of canine left ventricle. A “quick stretch” was accomplished by rapid injection of isotonic saline into the ventricle during isovolumetric systole. The experimental pressure-volume data and a stress-strain analysis of the left ventricle as a thick-walled sphere permitted determination of the effective elastic modulus as a function of the mean circumferential stress. The elastic modulus E was found to be a linear function of the mean tangential stress σ throughout the isovolumetric systolic period; the slope (K, modulus of stiffness) of the Eversus σ curve was 18.8 with a standard deviation of 0.9.
Confidence intervals for the receiver operating characteristic area in studies with small samples

Rationale and Objectives. The authors performed this study to address two practical questions. First, how large does the sample size need to be for confidence intervals (CIs) based on the usual asymptotic methods to be appropriate? Second, when the sample size is smaller than this threshold, what alternative method of CI construction should be used? Materials and Methods. The authors performed a Monte Carlo simulation study where 95% CIs were constructed for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area and for the difference between two ROC areas for rating and continuous test results—for ROC areas of moderate and high accuracy—by using both parametric and nonparametric estimation methods. Alternative methods evaluated included several bootstrap CIs and CIs with the Student t distribution. Results. For the difference between two ROC areas, CIs based on the asymptotic theory provided adequate coverage even when the sample size was very small (20 patients). In contrast, for a single ROC area, the asymptotic methods do not provide adequate CI coverage for small samples; for ROC areas of high accuracy, the sample size must be large (more than 200patients) for the asymptotic methods to be applicable. The recommended alternative (bootstrap percentile, bootstrap t, or bootstrap bias-corrected accelerated method) depends on the estimation approach, format of the test results, and ROC area. Conclusion. Currently, there is not a single best alternative for constructing CIs for a single ROC area for small samples.
The Lessons of Limited Market-Oriented Reform

The waves of reform and restructuring now engulfing most of Eastern Europe did not begin from the same starting point in each country. While they all share a common economic legacy—the traditional Soviet-type centrally planned economy—some countries had been experimenting with limited forms of market-oriented reform for one or two decades. In particular, Hungary (since 1968) and Poland (since 1981-82) had been flirting with a market-oriented system for years, with programs aimed at achieving an efficient coexistence of plan and market. This paper will first examine the thinking behind the early attempts to combine plan and market. It will then outline some of the key elements of the limited market-oriented reforms undertaken in Hungary and Poland in the 1980s. Finally, it will suggest some of the important lessons from this experience.
Revisiting the Relationship Between Consumer Loyalty and Price Sensitivity: The Moderating Role of Deal-Proneness

This paper explores the conventional wisdom about the relationship between consumer loyalty and price sensitivity: that loyal consumers are price insensitive while nonloyals are sensitive to price changes when making brand choice decisions. However, consumers within each segment may have different motivations for making purchases and, therefore, may respond differently to price changes. This paper accounts for this type of consumer heterogeneity by investigating the moderating role of consumers' deal-proneness on the relationship between loyalty and price sensitivity. The findings show that there are at least two consumer groups within each segment, and each group exhibits a different level of price sensitivity. In addition, this paper shows that the optimal cutoff is product-category specific, and neither the 99.9 percent nor the 50 percent cutoff, as used in past research, is optimal. Important managerial implications are discussed.