Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4159

Purpose and scope: The primary purpose of the study is to determine if data on infiltration and runoff obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey rainfall simulator, are useful in defining parameters used in the PRMS, which is used to predict runoff from larger watersheds. Incidental to this purpose are determination of the spatial variability of the parameters measured over the simulation plots and over the watershed, and sensitivity of these parameters in predicting runoff

Preliminary evidence that low ankle-brachial index is associated with reduced bilateral hip extensor strength and functional mobility in peripheral arterial disease

ObjectivePeripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been associated with skeletal muscle pathology, including atrophy of the affected muscles. In addition, oxidative metabolism is impaired, muscle function is reduced, and gait and mobility are restricted. We hypothesized that greater severity of symptomatic PAD would be associated with lower levels of muscle mass, strength, and endurance, and that these musculoskeletal abnormalities in turn would impair functional performance and walking ability in patients with PAD.MethodsWe assessed 22 persons with intermittent claudication from PAD in this cross-sectional pilot study. Outcome assessments included initial claudication distance and absolute claudication distance via treadmill protocols and outcomes from the 6-minute walk (6MW). Secondary outcomes included one repetition maximum strength/endurance testing of hip extensors, hip abductors, quadriceps, hamstrings, plantar flexors, pectoral, and upper back muscle groups, as well as performance-based tests of function. Univariate and stepwise multiple regression models were constructed to evaluate relationships and are presented.ResultsTwenty-two participants (63.6% male; mean [standard deviation] age, 73.6 [8.2] years; range, 55-85 years) were studied. Mean (standard deviation) resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 0.54 ([0.13]; range, 0.28-0.82), and participants ranged from having mild claudication to rest pain. Lower resting ABI was significantly associated with reduced bilateral hip extensor strength (r = 0.54; P = .007) and reduced whole body strength (r = 0.32; P = .05). In addition, lower ABI was associated with a shorter distance to first stop during the 6MW (r = 0.38; P = .05) and poorer single leg balance (r = 0.44; P = .03). Reduced bilateral hip extensor strength was also significantly associated with functional outcomes, including reduced 6MW distance to first stop (r = 0.74; P = .001), reduced 6MW distance (r = 0.75; P < .001), and reduced total short physical performance battery score (worse function; r = 0.75; P = .003).ConclusionsOur results suggest the existence of a causal pathway from a reduction in ABI to muscle atrophy and weakness, to whole body disability represented by claudication outcomes and performance-based tests of functional mobility in an older cohort with symptomatic PAD. Longitudinal outcomes from this study and future trials are required to investigate the effects of an anabolic intervention targeting the muscles involved in mobility and activities of daily living and whether an increase in muscle strength will improve symptoms of claudication and lead to improvements in other functional outcomes in patients with PAD

BioSentinel: Monitoring DNA Damage Repair Beyond Low Earth Orbit on a 6U Nanosatellite

We are designing and developing a 6U nanosatellite as a secondary payload to fly aboard NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) Exploration Mission (EM) 1, scheduled for launch in late 2017. For the first time in over forty years, direct experimental data from biological studies beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) will be obtained during BioSentinels 12- to 18-month mission. BioSentinel will measure the damage and repair of DNA in a biological organism and allow us to compare that to information from onboard physical radiation sensors. This data will be available for validation of existing models and for extrapolation to humans.The BioSentinel experiment will use the organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) to report DNA double-strand-break (DSB) events that result from space radiation. DSB repair exhibits striking conservation of repair proteins from yeast to humans. The flight strain will include engineered genetic defects that prevent growth and division until a radiation-induced DSB activates the yeasts DNA repair mechanisms. The triggered culture growth and metabolic activity directly indicate a DSB and its repair. The yeast will be carried in the dry state in independent microwells with support electronics. The measurement subsystem will sequentially activate and monitor wells, optically tracking cell growth and metabolism. BioSentinel will also include TimePix radiation sensors implemented by JSCs RadWorks group. Dose and Linear Energy Transfer (LET) data will be compared directly to the rate of DSB-and-repair events measured by the S. cerevisiae biosentinels. BioSentinel will mature nanosatellite technologies to include: deep space communications and navigation, autonomous attitude control and momentum management, and micropropulsion systems to provide an adaptable nanosatellite platform for deep space uses

Evaluation of an alternative program in secondary special education

The purpose of this study was to conduct an evaluation of an alternative program in secondary special education. A variety of procedures, methods, and examples of effective alternative school programs are prevalent in the literature. However, there is a paucity of information related to the evaluation of alternative schools and programs in alternative secondary special education in the literature. It appears that evaluations of alternative secondary special education programs are not widely conducted. This evaluation study focused on evaluations of regular alternative education programs and synthesized their criteria for use in evaluating an alternative program in secondary special education. Criteria developed from four different models were used to evaluate an alternative program in secondary special education in a medium-size mid-western city. The evaluation revealed that the needs of the students seemed to be served as determined by the program\u27s adequacy, quality, and effectiveness. Program strengths and weaknesses were identified and recommendations for improvement were made. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge related to the evaluation and improvement of alternative programs in secondary special education by developing and conducting an evaluation of an alternative program in secondary special education

Isolation and Identification of the Major Component of Setal Exudate from \u3ci\u3eCorythucha ciliate\u3c/i\u3e

Clear microdroplets are associated with secretory, abdominal setae on nymphs of the sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata. The major component of this exudate material has been identified as 3,6-dihydroxy-2-[1-oxo- lO(E)-terradecenyl]cyclohex-2-en- 1-one [1]. Preliminary observations of these insects suggest a defensive function for these exudate droplets

GP's views of quality initiatives to improve stroke outcomes following CEA

BACKGROUND: General practitioners' satisfaction with previous referral of patients may influence their future specialist referral patterns. METHOD: A postal survey of 123 GPs assessing satisfaction with discharge planning and communication from operating surgeons for patients following carotid endarterectomy. General practitioners' views of quality indicators for patient referral also were assessed. RESULTS: General practitioners were significantly more likely to be 'very satisfied' with the level of communication from the operating surgeon (83%) than the discharge planning (65%), (p < 0.001). The most highly ranked quality indicator for use in referring a patient for carotid endarterectomy was the 30 day postoperative complication rate per surgeon (n = 69, 56% 'very useful'). Over one-third (35%) remembered seeing the relevant guidelines for GPs. DISCUSSION: General practitioners value information about surgeon performance when making referral decisions. They are less satisfied with discharge planning than other aspects of care. (author abstract

Vascular disease risk factor management 4 years after carotid endarterectomy : are opportunities missed?

Background: Because a large percentage of patients surviving carotid endarterectomy (CEA) subsequently die from a vascular cause, the aim of the present paper was to determine risk factor management for a cohort of patients 4 years after their CEA. Methods: Surviving patients who had a CEA within the region administered by the Central Sydney Area Health Service in 1995 were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire to determine vascular risk factors. Results: Of the 181 patients eligible to participate, 162 returned questionnaires (response rate: 90%). While 106 (65.4%) patients recalled that they had been diagnosed with high blood pressure either before or after their CEA, only 79.2% recalled that their latest blood pressure reading was 'about right for my age'. Nearly one in five (16.7%) who had had their cholesterol level checked in the last 12 months (n = 120) indicated that the reading was 'too high'. Only 76.5% reported taking medications to 'thin the blood'. Almost one-fifth of patients (17.3%) were current smokers. Only 35.2% of patients participated in a level of physical activity sufficient to confer a health benefit. Further, 30.2% of patients were overweight and 14.8% were obese. The majority of patients (98.1%) reported having a regular general practitioner (GP). Of these, 98.7% had visited their GP at least once within the previous 6 months. Conclusions: Vascular risk factor management following CEA is suboptimal, inviting the implementation and evaluation of strategies to improve outcomes

GPs' views of quality initiatives to improve stroke outcomes following carotid endarterectomy

BACKGROUND: General practitioners' satisfaction with previous referral of patients may influence their future specialist referral patterns. METHOD: A postal survey of 123 GPs assessing satisfaction with discharge planning and communication from operating surgeons for patients following carotid endarterectomy. General practitioners' views of quality indicators for patient referral also were assessed. RESULTS: General practitioners were significantly more likely to be 'very satisfied' with the level of communication from the operating surgeon (83%) than the discharge planning (65%), (p < 0.001). The most highly ranked quality indicator for use in referring a patient for carotid endarterectomy was the 30 day postoperative complication rate per surgeon (n = 69, 56% 'very useful'). Over one-third (35%) remembered seeing the relevant guidelines for GPs. DISCUSSION: General practitioners value information about surgeon performance when making referral decisions. They are less satisfied with discharge planning than other aspects of care

Case scenarios to assess Australian general practitioners' understanding of stroke diagnosis, management and prevention

Background and Purpose―Stroke represents the third-leading cause of death in Western society. Prompt and appropriate intervention for those with stroke or at risk of stroke is highly dependent on general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and referral practices. Methods―We randomly selected 490 eligible GPs from New South Wales, Australia, to complete our self-administered questionnaire. Case scenarios were used to assess GPs' knowledge of transient ischemic attack/ stroke risk factors, stroke prevention strategies, and management of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Results―We received 296 completed questionnaires (60% response rate). Nearly all GPs (286, 96.6%) strongly agreed or agreed that stroke is a medical emergency. Most were aware that management by multidisciplinary teams improves outcomes (strongly agree or agree, 279; 94.3%). GPs endorsed the effectiveness of aspirin and warfarin in reducing stroke morbidity. GPs also were aware of the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic patients with >80% carotid stenosis but were less aware of the value of CEA for symptomatic patients with moderate stenosis. Vascular surgeon was the specialist of choice for referral of patients with high-grade carotid stenosis. Few GPs reported having seen the Cochrane Collaboration reviews of CEA for symptomatic (3.0%) and asymptomatic (1.7%) patients. Conclusions―GPs were well apprised of the evidence to support CEA for symptomatic patients with high-grade carotid stenosis. Our findings, however, invite more purposeful and effective education of GPs about stroke prevention, diagnosis, and management if optimal outcomes are to be realized