Independent prognostic value of echocardiography and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure

Echocardiographic indices of cardiac structure and function and natriuretic peptide levels are strong predictors of mortality in patients with heart failure. Whether cardiac ultrasound and natriuretic peptides provide independent prognostic information is uncertain

The Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART): Rationale, design, and methods of a randomized, controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy for the primary prevention of asthma and allergies in children

There is intense interest in the role of vitamin D in the development of asthma and allergies. However, studies differ on whether a higher vitamin D intake or status in pregnancy or at birth is protective against asthma and allergies. To address this uncertainty, the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART) was developed. VDAART is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women to determine whether prenatal supplementation can prevent the development of asthma and allergies in the women’s offspring. A secondary aim is to determine whether vitamin D supplementation can prevent the development of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes. Women were randomized to the treatment arm of 4,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 plus a daily multivitamin that contained 400 IU of vitamin D3 or the placebo arm of placebo plus a multivitamin that contained 400 IU daily of vitamin D3. Women who were between the gestational ages of 10–18 weeks were randomized from three clinical centers across the United States – Boston Medical Center, Washington University in St. Louis, and Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region (San Diego, CA). Supplementation took place throughout pregnancy. Monthly monitoring of urinary calcium to creatinine ratio was performed in addition to medical record review for adverse events. Offspring are being evaluated quarterly through questionnaires and yearly during in-person visits until the 3rd birthday of the child. Ancillary studies will investigate neonatal T-regulatory cell function, maternal vaginal flora, and maternal and child intestinal flora

A new two channel high-speed photo-polarimeter (HIPPO) for the SAAO

We report on the completion of a new 2 channel, HIgh speed Photo-POlarimeter (HIPPO) for the 1.9m optical telescope of the South African Astronomical Observatory. The instrument makes use of rapidly counter-rotating (10Hz), super-achromatic half- and quarter-waveplates, a fixed Glan-Thompson beamsplitter and two photo-multiplier tubes that record the modulated O and E beams. Each modulated beam permits an independent measurement of the polarisation and therefore simultaneous 2 filter observations. All Stokes parameters are recorded every 0.1sec and photometry every 1 millisecond. Post-binning of data is possible in order to improve the signal. This is ideal for measuring e.g. the rapid variability of the optical polarisation from magnetic Cataclysmic Variable stars. First light was obtained in February 2008

Prefabrication and Preassembly Trends and Effects on the Construction Workforce

The purpose of this project was to determine prefabrication and preassembly trends and effects on the construction workforce. Twenty-nine managers from across the United States were surveyed. Based on their responses, it was estimated that prefabrication and preassembly increased by approximately 86% from 1984 to 1999. For prefabrication and preassembly work, those surveyed generally agreed that productivity and safety levels are higher, skill levels are the same, and wage levels are lower. These results can be factored into future project and supply chain strategiesRay Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resource