Interval Duration Research Articles

High-resolution repolarization changes preceding short-coupled ectopy in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, and effects of quinidine

Abstract Background Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF) is linked to early repolarization, increased repolarization heterogeneity, and (short-coupled) premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). Quinidine, an antiarrhythmic drug with class-IA and -III effects, reduces the occurrence of PVCs and VF, but its effects on repolarization have not yet been studied at the whole-heart level in idiopathic-VF patients. Purpose To study dynamic changes in repolarization preceding short-coupled PVCs using noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) in a patient with idiopathic VF, and the antiarrhythmic effects of quinidine. Methods ECGI was performed during sinus rhythm in a 61-year-old male with an ICD (secondary prevention; 2.5 mg nebivolol daily) two days after recurrent idiopathic VF (Fig. A). This was done 1) at baseline, 2 minutes before short-coupled ectopy ("baseline"); 2) at baseline, 10 seconds before the short-coupled PVC ("pre PVC"); and 3) at 2 hours after start of quinidine 200 mg ("on-quinidine"). The ECGI procedure consisted of a 224-electrode body surface potential map and a contrast-enhanced CT scan to obtain torso and heart geometries. After reconstruction of epicardial unipolar electrograms (UEGs), local activation and repolarization times (ATs and RTs) were derived from UEGs by assessing the steepest downslope of the QRS complex and steepest upslope of the T waves, respectively, of 10-second signal-averaged beats. AT and RT duration (first to last AT or RT) were assessed. Results At baseline, QRS duration and QT interval measured 107 ms and 343 ms, respectively, on the standard 12-lead ECG. ECGI-derived epicardial AT duration was 72 ms, and RT histogram span 92 ms. The coupling interval of the PVC that triggered VF in the ICD readout was 340 ms (Fig. A). During 44 minutes of ECGI, 157 short-coupled PVCs from the moderator-band region were recorded (Fig. B; no tachycardia or VF). Just prior to a PVC, epicardial early repolarization at the PVC origin decreased by 26 ms (star in Figs. C-E), and the RT histogram broadened to 109 ms (Fig. E). While on-quinidine, (25 minutes; QRS duration 107 ms, QT interval 419 ms), epicardial repolarization was prolonged (Fig. C/D), also at the site of abnormal impulse formation. Quinidine had increased the epicardial AT duration to 79 ms, and RT histogram span to 133 ms. PVCs were completely suppressed. The patient remained free of sustained arrhythmias while on-quinidine. Conclusion(s) In this case of short-coupled idiopathic VF, epicardial early repolarization shortened momentarily prior to abnormal impulse formation. We found dynamic substrate-trigger characteristics that likely facilitate reentrant excitation. Quinidine prolonged the duration of epicardial activation and repolarization, suppressing the ectopy and VF recurrence.

Additional factors associated with sudden cardiac death in HCM patients

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by an increase in the thickness of the left ventricular (LV) wall, which is not explained only by abnormal loading conditions. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most devastating complication of HCM occurring in asymptomatic or younger patients without warning. Purpose To evaluate additional SCD risk factors in Ukrainian population of HCM patients. Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated 350 consecutive HCM patients that were followed from 2006 to 2021 in our Cardiological Department. General clinical examination, standard 12-lead ECG, transthoracic echocardiography and 24 hours Holter ECG monitoring data were estimated. The 5-year SCD risk was calculated according to the HCM Risk-SCD score. The endpoint of the study was SCD and its surrogates, including adequate performance of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and successful resuscitation. Results Follow-up time was 5.0 (1.5-9.5) years. During this time, 16 patients (4.6%) reached the end point, which was 0.9%/year. According to the HCM Risk-SCD score, 5 (31.3%) of this group had a high risk of SCD (≥ 6%) and 3 (18.8%) had an intermediate risk (≥ 4% and < 6%). In multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for conventional SCD risk factors it was found that independent predictors of SCD were unexplained syncope (HR 3.81, 95% CI 1.11-13.12, p=0.034), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (HR 0.97 , 95% CI 0.94- 0.99, p=0.026), "infarct-like" ST elevation on ECG (HR 6.81, 95% CI 2.09-22.16, p=0.001) and PQ interval duration (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p=0.002), Harrell's C-index 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.95, p < 0.0001). Conclusions In our study HCM Risk-SCD score predicted SCD or surrogates only in 50% of cases. In order to improve the risk stratification some additional independent predictors of SCD can be proposed. ECG parameters ("infarct-like" ST elevation and PQ interval duration) and level of SBP were found to have SCD predictive value.

Исследование соотношений между показателями ритмической активности сердца человека

The purpose of this article was to determine the correlations between the electrical and mechanical parameters of the rhythmic activity of the heart (HRA) in humans taking into account age and the effect of functional loads. Materials and methods. The research involved 146 people of both sexes aged between two hours after birth and 92 years, who were examined using functional tests that differed depending on the age of the subjects. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate (HR) parameters were recorded in the standard lead II using the Poly-Spectrum ECG system (Neurosoft, Ivanovo). Results. Correlations between HRA parameters can be traced from the first hours of post-embryogenesis throughout the rest of a person’s life. The data obtained indicate a dependence of HRA on the age and on the effect of functional tests, as well as confirm the proposition that there is an inverse relationship between HR dynamics and the dynamics of myocardial electrical parameters. ECG recordings at birth indicate that the correlations between ECG and HR are formed as early as in the prenatal period. Their correlations in people aged between 70 and 92 years indicate a strain associated with the wear and tear of the body’s functional systems. HR and ECG parameters are based on the electrical properties of the myocardium, which are significantly affected by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). A linear range of correlations between HR and ECG intervals was compiled. The maximum values of the duration of the PP interval and TP segment correspond to the minimum HR values. With an increase in HR from 40 to 80 beats/min, the duration of the TP segment decreases twoto three-fold. With HR reaching 120 ± 5 beats/min, the duration of the TP segment drops to zero. Since the increase in HR continues further in response to functional tests, it is obvious that at this stage the process is provided only by the neurohumoral components of the ANS. Due to the maximum variability of the duration of the TP segment, its most important role in the organization of HRA is emphasized.

Cardiac Safety of Ozanimod Use, a Novel Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Ligand, in COVID-19 Patients Requiring Oxygen: Secondary Analysis of the COZI Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundOzanimod is a novel immune modulator that could be useful in viral pulmonary infections by reducing lung inflammation. It is an S1P receptor ligand known to induce bradycardia and more serious adverse cardiac effects, such as atrioventricular block and QT interval prolongation. We present a substudy of the COVID-19 Ozanimod Intervention (COZI) trial in which ozanimod was administered in acute pulmonary infection patients, to assess cardiac safety. MethodsIn this pilot randomized open-label trial, COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen support were randomized into 2 groups: standard-of-care + ozanimod (OZA) vs standard-of-care alone (SOC). All patients were monitored with a 14-day electrocardiogram monitor (CardioSTAT, Icentia, Quebec, QC) during their hospitalization. We evaluated the cardiac effects of ozanimod on heart rate (HR), PR interval length, and QT interval duration. ResultsA total of 42 patients were analyzed: 23 in the SOC group and 19 in the OZA group. Mean hourly HR over the first 10 days of treatment decreased in the OZA group, compared with that in the SOC group (P < 0.0001). The maximum decrease in HR occurred on day 3. The maximum decrease in HR occurred on day 3, without a significant difference between groups: 49 beats per minute (interquartile range, 42-59) in the OZA group, and 54 beats per minute (48–60) in the SOC group, P = 0.45. No high-degree atrioventricular block was recorded. QT and PR interval median values were within the normal range in both groups, without a significant difference. ConclusionsThe maximal reduction in HR occurred 3 days after the onset of ozanimod treatment in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, but it did not remain significant over the 10-day treatment period. No relevant cardiac adverse event was observed.

Not all operative time is created equal: operative time in relation to 30-day complications in benign laparoscopic hysterectomies

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between operative time and specific 30-day postoperative complications across different intervals of operation duration in total laparoscopic hysterectomies (TLHs).DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study.SETTING: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2011 to 2020.PATIENTS: 131,146 TLH cases.INTERVENTIONS: Eligible cases included benign laparoscopic hysterectomies with operative times between 20 and 499 min. We excluded cases involving disseminated cancer, emergency surgery, supracervical approaches, or concomitant procedures.MEASUREMENTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between specific postoperative complications and operative time. Spline regression was used to analyze differences in the association between postoperative complications and operative time across different tertiles of operative duration.MAIN RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between operative time and complication occurrence for each complication type investigated, including unplanned readmission, urinary tract infections, superficial surgical site infections, blood transfusion administration, return to the operating room, and deep organ space infections. Multivariable logistic spline regression demonstrated that operative time contributed more strongly to the odds of a complication for shorter procedures than longer procedures. This relationship was more pronounced for major complications than minor complications.CONCLUSION: Operative time is a stronger risk factor for developing complications for shorter duration procedures than longer procedures. This is especially evident in major complications such as return to the operating room and deep organ space infections. Our results suggest that longer procedure duration may not affect the likelihood of a complication as much as previously thought, and operative times should not be a primary factor in deciding to convert to laparotomy or alter post-operative management.

Post-intensive care syndrome and health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective cohort study

Patients discharged from intensive care are at risk for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which consists of physical, psychological, and/or neurological impairments. This study aimed to analyze PICS at 24 months follow-up, to identify potential risk factors for PICS, and to assess health-related quality of life in a long-term cohort of adult cardiac arrest survivors. This prospective cohort study included adult cardiac arrest survivors admitted to the intensive care unit of a Swiss tertiary academic medical center. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of PICS at 24 months follow-up, defined as impairments in physical (measured through the European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions-3-Levels instrument [EQ-5D-3L]), neurological (defined as Cerebral Performance Category Score > 2 or Modified Rankin Score > 3), and psychological (based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised) domains. Among 107 cardiac arrest survivors that completed the 2-year follow-up, 46 patients (43.0%) had symptoms of PICS, with 41 patients (38.7%) experiencing symptoms in the physical domain, 16 patients (15.4%) in the psychological domain, and 3 patients (2.8%) in the neurological domain. Key predictors for PICS in multivariate analyses were female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.17, 95% CI 1.08 to 9.3), duration of no-flow interval during cardiac arrest (minutes) (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.33), post-discharge job-loss (aOR 31.25, 95% CI 3.63 to 268.83), need for ongoing psychological support (aOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.29 to 10.29) or psychopharmacologic treatment (aOR 9.49, 95% CI 1.9 to 47.3), and EQ-visual analogue scale (points) (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.93). More than one-third of cardiac arrest survivors experience symptoms of PICS 2 years after resuscitation, with the highest impairment observed in the physical and psychological domains. However, long-term survivors of cardiac arrest report intact health-related quality of life when compared to the general population. Future research should focus on appropriate prevention, screening, and treatment strategies for PICS in cardiac arrest patients.

Impact of climate change and genetic development on Iowa corn yield

The vulnerability of corn yield to high temperature and insufficient rainfall in the US mid-west is widely acknowledged. The impact of extreme weather and genetic development on corn yield is less well known. One of the main reasons is that the multicollinearity in the variables can lead to confounding results. Here we model the impact of climate and genetic development by employing an elastic net regression model to address the multicollinearity issue. This allows us to develop a more robust multiple regression model with higher predictive accuracy. Using granular data for Iowa from 1981-2018, we find that corn yield is vulnerable to high mean summer temperatures particularly in July, a widening diurnal temperature range in June and dry summer conditions (due to extremely low rainfall) from June-August. We find that overall climate impact reduced average annual yield by 0.7%. We also find that genetic development which led to earlier planting dates, widening duration of the reproductive interval, higher growing degree day accumulation and larger net planted area had a beneficial impact on the Iowa corn yield during 1981-2018 resulting in an average annual yield improvement of 1.8% per annum. This provides a basis for optimism that these genetic developments and management practices will continue to adapt and improve in the future to counter the impact of climate change on corn yield. We have also modelled the impact of future climate change using the latest climate projections from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR6). These climate projections show that the average temperature during the growing season (MayO-October) will increase by 2.4 -2.9 o C by mid-century while the average spring temperature (March and April) will increase by a relatively slower 1.9 -2.3 o C by mid-century. Additionally, climate projections show that both temperature and rainfall will also become more extreme in the future with the changes varying from spring to summer. Our results show that, just due to climate change alone in Iowa corn yield will decline between 1.4-1.7% per annum until mid-century (or 1.2-2.1% per annum until the late twenty first century).

Abstract 1058: Effects Of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Activation On Progression Of Fibrocalcific Aortic Valve Stenosis (avs), Its Molecular Drivers, And Downstream Pathological Cardiac Electrical Remodeling

Objective: We recently discovered that activation of oxidized soluble guanylate cyclase with ataciguat (ATA) slows valve calcification and dysfunction in mice and humans with moderate aortic valve stenosis (AVS). We examined if ATA would attenuate multiple mechanisms contributing to AVS and end organ dysfunction associated with AVS, and hypothesized: 1) ATA attenuates osteogenic signaling in valve tissue from mice with AVS, thereby attenuating calcification and valve dysfunction, 2) AVS increases rates of sudden cardiac death in our model, and 3) treatment with ATA prevents QT prolongation and deleterious electrical remodeling commonly observed in AVS. Methods: Functional, molecular, and histopathological changes in valve tissue along with QT interval duration were measured in 3 independent groups of mice: non-AVS, AVS, and AVS+ATA (WD for 6 months then WD+ATA for 3 months (AVS+ATA). We gave 5 mg/kg isoproterenol (ISO, i.p.) to ldlr -/- /ApoB100-only mice fed normal chow (non-AVS) or western diet (AVS, fed WD for 9 months) to assess risk for malignant arrhythmias. Retrospective analysis of QT interval was also done on data from our recent Phase 1 clinical trial. Results: AVS+ATA mice had less valve calcification and slower progression of valve dysfunction through attenuation of canonical BMP signaling and reductions in Runx2 and SPP1 compared to AVS mice. QT prolongation was evident in AVS mice, and was significantly attenuated by treatment with ATA (p= 0.001) and coarsely associated with severity of valvular or ventricular function. While all non-AVS mice survived for 24 hours after ISO, 40% of mice with AVS reached a moribund equivalent within 4 hours. Retrospective analyses also showed reductions in QT interval duration in patients treated with 200 mg/day ATA for 14 days (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Collectively, this is the first study reporting increased propensity for malignant arrhythmias in our mouse model of AVS, QT prolongation as a likely underlying mechanism, and restoration of cardiac conduction dynamics with targeted restoration of nitric oxide signaling. Future studies focused on the role of sGC in the evolution and prevention of AVS and consequent deleterious electrical remodeling/malignant arrhythmia risk is warranted.

Evaluation of the Relationship between QT Interval in ECG and GRACE Score Amount of Hospitalized Patients with NSTEMI.

Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a significant component of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and typically exhibits a relative incidence that is more than double that of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data obtained from the International Long QT Syndrome Registry indicate that the risk of developing malignant arrhythmias in individuals with long QT syndrome is exponentially associated with the duration of the QTc interval. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the potential inclusion of prolonged QTc as a prognostic risk factor in NSTEMI patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with NSTEMI diagnosis admitted to the Bu-Ali Hospital of Qazvin between April 2021 and September 2021 by census method. The QT interval was measured in the electrocardiogram at admission. The documented grace score was calculated and its relationship with the corrected QTc interval was estimated using the Hodges formula. Finally, the relationship between QTc and GRACE score was investigated as a prognostic factor in ACS patients. Relationships were assessed by using both the T-test and the chi-square test. A total of 60 patients (31.7% females, 63.8% males) with a mean age of 63 ± 12.7 years were evaluated. Most of the patients (68.3%) were at low risk regarding the Grace score category. In evaluating the relationship between QTc in the electrocardiogram at admission with total GRACE score, the Pearson correlation results were significant and there was a positive relationship between these two factors (r = 0.497, P < 0.001). This study revealed a significant relationship between the QTc interval of patients and the GRACE Score. It was shown patients' QTc can be a predictive factor of patients' mortality.

High-resolution U-channel paleomagnetic secular variation and magnetic field excursions from ocean drilling program site 1233 (MIS 1–4; 0–71 ka)

This paper presents new u-channel paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) data for ODP Site 1233 (Chile margin) for the last 70 ky. This is the highest-resolution, long-term PSV record ever recovered. The u-channel study has carried out detailed af demagnetization of the natural remanence (NRM) and developed a characteristic remanence (ChRM – final PSV direction) for each sampling horizon. The u-channel rock magnetic studies have measured magnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic remanence (ARM) with af demagnetization and used them to normalize the NRM and develop a new, detailed relative paleointensity record. The paleomagnetic record contains three excursions: the Mono Lake Excursion, the Laschamp Excursion, and the Greenland/Norwegian-Sea Excursion. These excursions have nominal sampling intervals of 5–8 years. Both the Mono Lake and Greenland/Norwegian-Sea Excursions involve short duration intervals of excursional directions (<300 years). The excursions are distinctly different from similar excursion records from other parts of the World. The Laschamp Excursion exhibits a full local reversal of the field with fast (<200 yr) movement to/from reversed directions and ∼ 500 years of full reversed polarity directions. This pattern is distinctly different from Laschamp excursion records from other parts of the World. We have carried out a statistical analysis of the Site 1233 u-channel PSV record. Notable specific features of that analysis include documentation that the field spends >1/3 of its time with anomalously large amplitude directional variability (high angular dispersion). These intervals occur at∼25–45 ka and 55–65 ka. These intervals have lower-frequency (more sluggish) directional variability and are associated with lower than average paleointensity.

Effects of various living-low and training-high modes with distinct training prescriptions on sea-level performance: A network meta-analysis.

This study aimed to separately compare and rank the effect of various living-low and training-high (LLTH) modes on aerobic and anaerobic performances in athletes, focusing on training intensity, modality, and volume, through network meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane from their inception date to June 30, 2023. Based on the hypoxic training modality and the intensity and duration of work intervals, LLTH was divided into intermittent hypoxic exposure, continuous hypoxic training, repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH; work interval: 5-10 s and rest interval: approximately 30 s), interval sprint training in hypoxia (ISH; work interval: 15-30 s), short-duration high-intensity interval training (s-IHT; short work interval: 1-2 min), long-duration high-intensity interval training (l-IHT; long work interval: > 5 min), and continuous and interval training under hypoxia. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the standardized mean differences (SMDs) among the effects of various hypoxic interventions on aerobic and anaerobic performances. From 2,072 originally identified titles, 56 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled data from 53 studies showed that only l-IHT (SMDs: 0.78 [95% credible interval; CrI, 0.52-1.05]) and RSH (SMDs: 0.30 [95% CrI, 0.10-0.50]) compared with normoxic training effectively improved athletes' aerobic performance. Furthermore, the pooled data from 29 studies revealed that active intermittent hypoxic training compared with normoxic training can effectively improve anaerobic performance, with SMDs ranging from 0.97 (95% CrI, 0.12-1.81) for l-IHT to 0.32 (95% CrI, 0.05-0.59) for RSH. When adopting a program for LLTH, sufficient duration and work intensity intervals are key to achieving optimal improvements in athletes' overall performance, regardless of the potential improvement in aerobic or anaerobic performance. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that this study incorporated merely one study on the improvement of anaerobic performance by l-IHT, undermining the credibility of the results. Accordingly, more related studies are needed in the future to provide evidence-based support. It seems difficult to achieve beneficial adaptive changes in performance with intermittent passive hypoxic exposure and continuous low-intensity hypoxic training.

Multi-Institutional Bladder Exstrophy Consortium After 8 Years: The Short- and Intermediate-Term Outcomes.

Bladder exstrophy (BE) poses challenges both during the surgical repair and throughout follow-up. In 2013, a multi-institutional BE consortium was initiated, which included utilization of unified surgical principles for the complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE), real-time coaching, ongoing video capture and review of video footage, prospective data collection, and routine patient data analysis, with the goal of optimizing the surgical procedure to minimize devastating complications such as glans ischemia and bladder dehiscence while maximizing the rate of volitional voiding with continence and long-term protection of the upper tracts. This study reports on our short-term complications and intermediate-term continence outcomes. A single prospective database for all patients undergoing surgery with a BE epispadias complex diagnosis at 3 institutions since February 2013 was used. For this study, data for children with a diagnosis of classic BE who underwent primary CPRE from February 2013 to February 2021 were collected. Data recorded included sex, age at CPRE, adjunct surgeries including ureteral reimplantations and hernia repairs at the time of CPRE, osteotomies, and immobilization techniques, and subsequent surgeries. Data on short-term postoperative outcomes, defined as those occurring within the first 90 days after surgery, were abstracted. In addition, intermediate-term outcomes were obtained for patients operated on between February 2013 and February 2017 to maintain a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Outcomes included upper tract dilation on renal and bladder ultrasound, presence of vesicoureteral reflux, cortical defects on nuclear scintigraphy, and continence status. Bladder emptying was assessed with respect to spontaneous voiding ability, need for clean intermittent catheterization, and duration of dry intervals. All operating room encounters that occurred subsequent to initial CPRE were recorded. CPRE was performed in 92 classic BE patients in the first 8 years of the collaboration (62 boys), including 46 (29 boys) during the first 4 years. In the complete cohort, the median (interquartile range) age at CPRE was 79 (50.3) days. Bilateral iliac osteotomies were performed in 89 (97%) patients (42 anterior and 47 posterior). Of those undergoing osteotomies 84 were immobilized in a spica cast (including the 3 patients who did not have an osteotomy), 6 in modified Bryant's traction, and 2 in external fixation with Buck's traction. Sixteen (17%) patients underwent bilateral ureteral reimplantations at the time of CPRE. Nineteen (21%) underwent hernia repair at the time of CPRE, 6 of which were associated with orchiopexy. Short-term complications within 90 days occurred in 31 (34%), and there were 13 subsequent surgeries within the first 90 days. Intermediate-term outcomes were available for 40 of the 46 patients, who have between 4 and 8 years of follow-up, at a median of 5.7 year old. Thirty-three patients void volitionally, with variable dry intervals. Cumulative efforts of prospective data collection have provided granular data for evaluation. Short-term outcomes demonstrate no devastating complications, that is, penile injury or bladder dehiscence, but there were other significant complications requiring further surgeries. Intermediate-term data show that boys in particular show encouraging spontaneous voiding and continence status post CPRE, while girls have required modification of the surgical technique over time to address concerns with urinary retention. Overall, 40% of children with at least 4 years of follow-up are voiding with dry intervals of > 1 hour.

On a Closer Look of a Doppler Tolerant Noise Radar Waveform in Surveillance Applications.

The prevalence of Low Probability of Interception (LPI) and Low Probability of Exploitation (LPE) radars in contemporary Electronic Warfare (EW) presents an ongoing challenge to defense mechanisms, compelling constant advances in protective strategies. Noise radars are examples of LPI and LPE systems that gained substantial prominence in the past decade despite exhibiting a common drawback of limited Doppler tolerance. The Advanced Pulse Compression Noise (APCN) waveform is a stochastic radar signal proposed to amalgamate the LPI and LPE attributes of a random waveform with the Doppler tolerance feature inherent to a linear frequency modulation. In the present work, we derive closed-form expressions describing the APCN signal's ambiguity function and spectral containment that allow for a proper analysis of its detection performance and ability to remove range ambiguities as a function of its stochastic parameters. This paper also presents a more detailed address of the LPI/LPE characteristic of APCN signals claimed in previous works. We show that sophisticated Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems that employ Time Frequency Analysis (TFA) and image processing methods may intercept APCN and estimate important parameters of APCN waveforms, such as bandwidth, operating frequency, time duration, and pulse repetition interval. We also present a method designed to intercept and exploit the unique characteristics of the APCN waveform. Its performance is evaluated based on the probability of such an ELINT system detecting an APCN radar signal as a function of the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in the ELINT system. We evaluated the accuracy and precision of the random variables characterizing the proposed estimators as a function of the SNR. Results indicate a probability of detection close to 1 and show good performance, even for scenarios with a SNR slightly less than -10 dB. The contributions in this work offer enhancements to noise radar capabilities while facilitating improvements in ESM systems.

Contemporary conditional cancer-specific survival rates in surgically treated nonmetastatic primary urethral carcinoma.

We examined the effect of disease-free interval (DFI) duration on cancer-specific mortality (CSM)-free survival, otherwise known as the effect of conditional survival, in radical urethrectomy nonmetastatic primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) patients. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database 2000-2020, patient (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and marital status) and tumor (stage and histology) characteristics, as well as systemic therapy exposure status of nonmetastatic PUC patients were tabulated. Conditional survival estimates at 5-year were assessed based on DFI duration and according to stage at presentation (T1 -2N0 vs. T3-4N0-2). Of all 512 radical urethrectomy PUC patients, 278 (54%) harbored T1-2N0 stage versus 234 (46%) harbored T3-4N0-2 stage. In 512 PUC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival at initial diagnosis was 61.8%. Provided a DFI duration of 36 months, 5-year CSM-free survival was 85.6%. In 278 T1-2N0 PUC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival at initial diagnosis was 68.4%. Provided a DFI duration of 36 months, 5-year CSM-free survival was 86.9%. In 234 T3-4N0-2 PUC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival at initial diagnosis was 53.8%. Provided a DFI duration of 36 months, 5-year CSM-free survival was 83.6%. Although intuitively, clinicians and patients are well aware of the concept that increasing DFI duration improves survival probability, only a few clinicians can accurately estimate the magnitude of survival improvement, as was done within the current study. Such information is crucial to survivors, especially in those diagnosed with rare malignancies, where the survival estimation according to DFI duration is even more challenging.

Noise-resistant technique for recording pulse waves and measuring cardiac intervals to improve the accuracy of operational assessment of the patient’s functional state during a magnetic therapy session

Modern non-invasive means of quickly assessing the functional state of a patient, widely used in clinical practice and especially in intensive care units, are based on the method of variational pulsometry, where the sources of information are the pulse wave signal (photoplethysmogram signal) and the duration of cardio intervals. However, due to a number of reasons caused by the action of various interferences, artifacts and the nature of the change in the photoplethysmogram signal over time, the measured values of the durations of cardiac intervals may be distorted and unreliable. These factors reduce the diagnostic accuracy of the method. To develop a methodology and hardware and software that work effectively in conditions of all kinds of interference, increasing the accuracy of recording the photoplethysmogram signal and measuring the duration of cardiac intervals. A method and technical means are proposed that ensure reliable collection of a pulse wave signal from a patient during a magnetic therapy session, its conversion into code, processing, noise-resistant registration of signal implementations on each cardiac cycle and measurement of their durations, which are used for prompt assessment of the patient’s current functional state using a number of calculated diagnostic indicators. Physical modeling of the pulse wave signal and simulation of possible random interference and artifacts made it possible to determine the potential noise immunity of the proposed technique and estimate the errors in measuring the durations of cardiac intervals. The introduction of the developed methodology and hardware and software into the “Multimag” chronomagnetic therapy complex will make it possible to significantly increase the diagnostic accuracy of the operational determination of the patient’s functional state during a magnetic therapy session, and accordingly increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal striatum play an important role in the acquisition of duration memory.

The present study aimed to examine the effect of cholinergic interneuron lesions in the dorsal striatum on duration-memory formation. Cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal striatum may be involved in the formation of duration memory since they are among the main inputs to the dorsal striatal muscarinic acetylcholine-1 receptors, which play a role in the consolidation of duration memory. Rats were sufficiently trained using a peak-interval 20 s procedure and then infused with anti-choline acetyltransferase-saporin into the dorsal striatum to cause selective ablation of cholinergic interneurons. To make the rats acquire new duration-memories, we trained them with a peak interval 40 s after lesion. Before lesion, the peak times (an index of duration memory) for sham-lesioned and lesioned groups were similar at approximately 20 s. In the peak interval 40 s session, the peak times for the sham-lesioned and lesioned groups were approximately 30 and 20 s, respectively. After additional peak interval 40 s sessions, the peak times of both groups were shifted to approximately 40 s. Those results suggest that the cholinergic interneuron lesion delayed new duration-memory acquisition. Subsequent experiments showed that cholinergic interneuron lesions did not retard the shift of peak time to the original target time (20 s). Following experiment without changing the target time after lesion showed that cholinergic interneuron lesions did not change their peak times. Our findings suggest that cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal striatum are involved in new duration-memory acquisition but not in the utilization of already acquired duration memory and interval timing.

Field Evaluation of Yellow Change and Red Clearance Intervals with Subsequent Permissive Left-Turn Flashing Yellow Arrow Indication

The flashing yellow arrow (FYA) indication has become commonly used for communicating permissive left-turn operations to road users. A conventional signal phasing communicated to left-turning drivers consists of a leading protected phase followed by a permissive phase using a FYA indication, often referred to as protected-permissive. To transition from the protected to the permissive phase, change (steady yellow arrow) and clearance (steady red arrow, all-red) intervals, or only a change interval, may be used. There is no specific guidance on the use of clearance intervals for left turns with protected-permissive phase and FYA indication. In this study, field data were collected from different geographical regions in the United States to evaluate change and clearance intervals with the objective of developing guidance. Video data were recorded at 37 intersections during peak hours, for approximately 142 h, across eight states. Overall, 4,001 observations of vehicles turning left during the change or clearance interval were analyzed. Field observations were evaluated at the approach level to assess left-turn violation rate and violations per cycle as a function of change and clearance interval configuration. At the individual vehicle level, logistic regression was implemented to evaluate the effect of change interval and clearance interval duration, delayed onset of FYA, and regional variation. The results of the analysis at the approach and individual vehicle level were consistent and indicate that: (i) a clearance interval should be included, (ii) delaying the onset of FYA indication with an extension beyond the all-red clearance interval would reduce left-turn signal violations, and (iii) duration of change intervals has a marginal impact on left-turn signal violations.

Enhancing Traffic Sustainability: An Analysis of Isolation Intersection Effectiveness through Fixed Time and Logic Control Design Using VisVAP Algorithm

This paper addresses the limitations of the fixed-time approach in traffic signal control, which can lead to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Proposing an alternative algorithm based on design logic control, the study integrates data from inductive detectors and non-linear traffic flow rates to optimize signaling plans. Analytical models are developed for both fixed and semi-actuated traffic signal control approaches, with PTV Vissim software (version 8, 64 bit) used for simulation. The design logic control dynamically adjusts signaling plans, determining the duration of the green interval for the secondary road based on arrival traffic flow. In the absence of traffic, it eliminates the green interval, advancing to the next phase, thereby reducing cycle time. This dynamic adjustment follows a conditional “if-then” statement, optimizing traffic signal operation. The design logic control algorithm was tested in a real isolation intersection with four scenarios, using non-linear traffic flow rate data for one peak hour. Results demonstrated that the proposed design logic control, based on the Semi-Actuated Traffic Signal Control (SATSC) approach, outperformed the commonly used Fixed-Time Signal Control (FTSC) with overall reduction of queue lengths by 39.6% and reduction of vehicle delays by 51.3%. The findings suggest its viability as a solution for many cities, contributing to a more sustainable traffic system.

Cue duration and trial spacing effects in contingency assessment in the streaming procedure with humans.

According to the cycle/trial (C/T) rule, the rate of associative learning is a function of the ratio between the overall rate of U.S. presentation (C) and its rate in the presence of the conditioned stimulus (CS; [T]). This rule is well supported in studies with nonhumans. The present study was conducted to test whether it also applies to human contingency learning. In Experiment 1, participants were exposed to rapid streams of trials. Sensitivity to the cue-outcome contingency varied with both intertrial interval (ITI, which captures C) and cue duration, but the C/T rule was not respected, notably because the effect of ITI was much larger than the effect of cue duration. Experiment 2 showed that mere suppression of verbal strategies did not alter the magnitude of the ITI effect. Experiment 3 replicated Experiment 1 but with cue duration and ITI varied between 1,000 and 3,000 ms instead of between 100 and 1,000 ms. Performance was insensitive to both cue duration and ITI. This was not the consequence of Experiment 3 only varying the cue duration to ITI ratio by a factor of 3; in Experiment 4 where the cue duration was 100 ms, a 300-ms ITI was sufficient to observe an ITI effect. The lack of an ITI effect with a 1,000-ms cue and an ITI varying between 1,000 and 3,000 ms was replicated in Experiment 5. These results are discussed in light of how processes underlying associative learning might break down when events occur very rapidly. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

How does rest Interval duration affect performance? An experiment on high-intensity sprint exercises

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interval and high-intensity sprint training (RST) with different rest intervals on the respiratory function, aerobic and anaerobic power. (2) Materials and Methods: The study involved the voluntary participation of 20 male participants. The participants were divided into two groups: 2IRG (2-minute rest between repeated sprints) and 4IRG (4-minute rest between repeated sprints). The changes in the respiratory function, aerobic, and anaerobic power parameters were examined in the 2IRG and 4IRG athletes who performed two training sessions per week for 4 weeks. (3) Results: The findings indicated that there was no improvement in the respiratory function among the athletes, but there was a significant improvement in aerobic and anaerobic power parameters. However, this improvement was similar in both the 2IRG and 4IRG groups. (4) Conclusions: A 4-week high-intensity interval training program with two RST sessions per week was insufficient to elicit improvements in the respiratory function. However, RST protocols with 2-minute and 4-minute rest intervals provided similar aerobic and anaerobic benefits.