An algorithm used for ventricular fibrillation detection without interrupting chest compression

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the primary arrhythmic event in the majority of patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Attention has been focused on this particular rhythm since it is recognized that prompt therapy, especially electrical defibrillation, may lead to a successful outcome. However, current versions of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) mandate repetitive interruptions of chest compression for rhythm analyses since artifacts produced by chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preclude reliable electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythm analysis. Yet, repetitive interruptions in chest compression are detrimental to the success of defibrillation. The capability for rhythm analysis without requiring "hands-off" intervals will allow for more effective resuscitation. In this paper, a novel continuous-wavelet-transformation-based morphology consistency evaluation algorithm was developed for the detection of disorganized VF from organized sinus rhythm (SR) without interrupting the ongoing chest compression. The performance of this method was evaluated on both uncorrupted and corrupted ECG signals recorded from AEDs obtained from out-of-hospital victims of cardiac arrest. A total of 232 patients and 31,092 episodes of either VF or SR were accessed, in which 8195 episodes were corrupted by artifacts produced by chest compressions. We also compared the performance of this method with three other established algorithms, including VF filter, spectrum analysis, and complexity measurement. Even though there was a modest decrease in specificity and accuracy when chest compression artifact was present, the performance of this method was still superior to other reported methods for VF detection during uninterrupted CPR.     

Zeroing in on ethical issues in nanotechnology

Setting aside exaggerated notions of both the benefits and harms to be expected from nanotechnologies, we need to focus ethical investigation on specific initiatives at the nano scale that are already underway or planned. The aims are to anticipate ethical issues likely to arise in specific cases, to foster sensitivity to ethical issues and responsibility among nano specialists and policy makers, and to stimulate interchange between nano specialists and members of the public so that the public can become involved. After clarifying what the term "nanotechnology" embraces and looking at cautionary lessons from experience with the information technologies and biotechnology, the discussion turns to the importance of anticipating consequences, intended and unintended. Although specific nano options to consider are lacking, a brief survey indicates the issues to watch out for: preventable harms, conflicts about justice and fairness, respect for persons, and more specifically, safeguards for workers in new production processes, intellectual property concerns, preservation of university values in university/industry relationships, and conflicts of interest. Three main fronts of activity are needed to address ethical issues: 1) incorporating ethics research into nano research and development enterprises; 2) devising mechanisms to involve the public so that their perspectives and concerns feed back into research and development; and 3) initiating educational efforts at every level addressing both technical aspects and ethics and social implications aspects.     

Evaluation of white rot decay in phenol-formaldehyde resin treated European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) LVL by drilling resistance measurements

Improving the properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) through wood modification expands its usage as building material, especially for outdoor applications. The outdoor performance of LVL products needs to be tested against different biotic agents, and methods are needed for testing and evaluating their effect on the structural integrity of LVL. In this study, drilling resistance (DR) measurements were used to quantify the effect of fungal decay in phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin treated European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) LVL caused by white rot fungi. Material specific peculiarities and their effect on the evaluation method were studied such as the effect of drill bit blunting, moisture content (MC), drilling direction and PF resin content on the DR of PF-modified LVL. The drilling direction in relation to veneer and glue layers had a significant effect on DR and feeding resistance (FR). The PF resin treatment increased the DR. Feeding resistance was found more sensitive to the blunting of the drill bit than DR. The effect of MC on DR and FR was found to be insignificant. The effect of PF resin content on the prediction of mass loss (ML) by DR became prominent only for ML by white rot decay below 10 %. Correlations between DR, ML due to fungal decay and weight percent gain were established and described with a two-factor regression model. The drill bit feed rate of 0.5 m min^?1 and the rotational frequency of 3500 min^?1 as well as the transversal drilling in relation to the veneer (glue) layers were recommended for the assessment of beech LVL treated with PF resin. The DR measurements showed high potential as a fast standard evaluation method for decay and strength loss of LVL products.

     

赋予水刺材料以装饰性→增值+高效

对水刺非织造材料厂商而言,在试图为全球市场提供服务的时候,正面临着在世界范围普遍存在的问题,即高企的原材料成本,尤其是基于石油供应的纤维原材料的成本,以及供需方之间的货运费用.为使购买者愿意消化吸收因远距离的运输而产生的成本,那么提高产品的价值和收益就显得非常必要.为此,赋予水刺材料一定的装饰性就是很好的选择.     

Aminoacylation of Phaseolus vulgaris cytoplasmic, chloroplastic and mitochondrial tRNAsPro and tRNAsLys by homologous and heterologous enzymes

Gamekeeper's thumb is due to complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament; it should be clinically differentiated from incomplete rupture. Methods of diagnosis and treatment of gamekeeper's thumb are described. The results in 10 cases of gamekeeper's thumb treated by surgery, with more than a one-year follow-up are evaluated.     

Comparative studies of a real-time PCR method and three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of central nervous system tissues in meat products

The removal of certain central nervous system (CNS) tissues (part of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy risk material) from the food chain is one of the highest priority tasks associated with avoiding contamination of the human food chain with the agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. A recently developed real-time PCR assay and three commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of CNS tissues in minced meat and three types of heat-treated sausages were evaluated. Bovine brain was used for spiking of internal reference material, and its detectability was examined during storage times of 12 months (for frozen minced meat and liver sausage) and 24 months (for sausages treated with medium and high heat). The real-time PCR method and both ELISA kits detected 0.1% CNS tissue in frozen minced meat and 0.1 or 1% CNS tissue in heat-treated meat products. The detectability of the amplified mRNA target region with the PCR assay was similar to the detectability of antigen by the ELISAs. Because the real-time PCR method also can be used to distinguish cattle, ovine, and caprine CNS tissues from porcine CNS tissues, it seems to be suitable as a routine diagnostic test for the sensitive and specific detection of CNS tissues in meat and meat products.     

The attitudes of French and Spanish winegrowers towards the use of cover crops in vineyards

Vineyards are an intensive cultivation system and expose the soil to long-lasting stress. Many vineyard areas already show high degrees of soil degradation. To prevent further soil erosion, cover crops, which have various positive effects on the environment, are highly recommended. But, depending on the climatic conditions, cover crops can reduce grape yields and are sometimes more work intensive than bare soil management. In some areas cover crops are already widespread while in others bare soil is dominant. In this qualitative study, we explore the attitudes of European winegrowers towards cover crops and determine the background for differences in the adoption of greened vineyards. Thus, we conducted focus groups with winegrowers in two different regions, namely Coteaux du Layon in France and Montilla-Moriles in Spain. In this setting, the transregional differences are mainly based on the climatic conditions but also on different business structures and knowledge levels. Direct sellers seem to be more attentive to the environment and use cover crops more often than farmers which sell their grapes to cooperatives.     

Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) in Foods: A Comprehensive Review on Consumption,Functionality, Safety,and Regulatory Matters

ABSTRACT: Caffeine ranks as one of the top most commonly consumed dietary ingredients throughout the world. It is naturally found in coffee beans, cacao beans, kola nuts, guarana berries, and tea leaves including yerba mate. The total daily intake, as well as the major source of caffeine varies globally; however, coffee and tea are the 2 most prominent sources. Soft drinks are also a common source of caffeine as well as energy drinks, a category of functional beverages. Moderate caffeine consumption is considered safe and its use as a food ingredient has been approved, within certain limits, by numerous regulatory agencies around the world. Performance benefits attributed to caffeine include physical endurance, reduction of fatigue, and enhancing mental alertness and concentration. Caffeine has also been recently linked to weight loss and consequent reduction of the overall risks for developing the metabolic syndrome. However, the caloric contribution of caffeine-sweetened beverages needs to be considered in the overall energy balance. Despite all these benefits the potential negative effects of excessive caffeine intake should also be considered, particularly in children and pregnant women.     

Sensitivity analysis in bayesian classification models: multiplicative deviations

The sensitivity of Bayesian pattern recognition models to multiplicative deviations in the prior and conditional probabilities is investigated for the two-class case. Explicit formulas are obtained for the factor K by which the computed posterior probabilities should be divided in order to eliminate the deviation effect. Numerical results for the case of binary features indicate that the Bayesian model tolerates large deviations in the prior and conditional probabilities. In fact, the a priori ratio and the likelihood ratio may deviate within a range of 65-135 percent and still produce posterior probabilities in accurate proximity of at most ±0.10. The main implication is that Bayesian systems which are based on limited data or subjective probabilities are expected to have a high percentage of correct classification despite the fact that the prior and conditional probabilities they use may deviate rather significantly from the true values.     

Effect of loading rate on the fate of mercury in littoral mesocosms

The effects of changes in atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition on aquatic ecosystems are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the biogeochemical cycling of Hg in littoral mesocosms receiving different loading rates (7-107 microg Hg m(-2) year(-1)). We added a 202Hg-enriched preparation to differentiate the experimentally added Hg from the ambient Hg in the environment. This approach allowed us to follow the distribution and methylation of the isotopically enriched ("spike") Hg in the mesocosms. Within 3 weeks, spike Hg was distributed throughout the main environmental compartments (water, particles, periphyton, and sediments) and began to be converted to methylmercury (MeHg). Concentrations of spike total Hg and MeHg in these compartments, measured after 8 weeks, were directly proportional to loading rates. Thus, Hg(II) availability was the limiting factor for the major processes of the biogeochemical Hg cycle, including methylation. This is the first study to demonstrate a proportional response of in situ MeHg production to atmospherically relevant loading levels. On the basis of mass balances, we conclude that loading rate had no effect on the relative distribution of spike Hg among the main compartments or on the fraction of spike Hg converted to MeHg. Therefore, loading rate did not change the relative magnitude of biogeochemical pathways competing for Hg within the mesocosms. These data suggest that reductions of Hg deposition to lake surfaces would be equally effective across a broad range of deposition rates.