Equivalent Increment Research Articles

Electrolyte Design Chart Reframed by Intermolecular Interactions for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries.

Developing advanced electrolytes has been regarded as a pivotal strategy for enhancing the electrochemical performance of batteries; however, the criteria for electrolyte design remain elusive. In this study, we present an electrolyte design chart reframed through intermolecular interactions. By combining systematic nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared measurements, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and machine-learning-assisted classifications, we establish semiquantitative correlations between electrolyte components and the electrochemical reversibility of electrolytes. We propose the equivalent increment of Li salt resulting from functional cosolvent and solvent-solvent interactions for effective electrolyte design and prediction. The controllable regulation of the electrolyte design chart by the properties of solvent-solvent interactions presents varying equivalent effects of increasing Li salt concentrations in different electrolyte systems. Based on this mechanism, we demonstrate highly reversible and nonflammable phosphate-based electrolytes for graphite||NCM811 full cells. The proposed electrolyte design chart, semiquantitatively determined by intermolecular interactions, provides the necessary experimental foundation and basis for the future rapid screening and prediction of electrolytes using machine-learning methods.

Independent and joint associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI with dementia risk: the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the association of midlife fitness and body mass index (BMI) with incident dementia later in life.Design and participantsA cohort study of 6428 individuals (mean age...

Hybrid-electric power unit for an ultralight aircraft

High power-weight ratio, reliability and efficiency are the main design goals for the propulsion system of ultralight aircraft (mass up to 650 kg). For power outputs beyond 40 kW, 4-stroke multi-cylinder SI engines are the most widespread solution, while pure electric powertrains do not appear at the moment as a practical proposition. Four stroke diesel engines would also be very attractive, in particular for military applications, but their weight is significantly higher than their gasoline powered counterpart. The goal of the study presented in this article is to develop a hybrid-electric power unit for ultralights, running on heavy fuels (diesel, kerosene, jet fuels). Reference is made to Falco EVO, by Leonardo, originally equipped by the Rotax 912 ULS/S engine (peak power 73.5 kW, weight about 60 kg): the proposed power unit has the same cylinders layout, smaller overall dimensions and almost equivalent weight. The thermal engine is an innovative two-stroke unit, coupled in parallel to a permanent magnet electric motor. The design and optimization of the hybrid power unit has been supported by CAE tools, including CAD and CFD simulations.The results of the study show that the new hybrid system can save about 30% of fuel mass at the typical cruise conditions, and it can increase the peak power output up to 20%, compared to the reference Rotax engine. The reduction of fuel consumption can be translated into an equivalent increment of the operative range of the aircraft, or into an increase of payload (+30%, considering the Falco EVO aircraft). Finally, compared to the Rotax engine, the hybrid power unit exhibits significantly lower CO2 emissions (from -12% to -37%), thanks to the improvement of fuel efficiency.

Associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, C-reactive protein, and all-cause mortality in men and women.

We examined individual and joint associations among high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiorespiratory fitness (fitness), and mortality in healthy men and women. Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016, 30,077 adults (31.3% women) received a comprehensive physical examination. Fitness was determined from maximal treadmill exercise test duration. Participants were categorized as unfit (Quintile 1) and fit (Quintiles 2-5), and by normal (<2 mg/L) and elevated (≥2 mg/L) CRP categories. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause mortality were computed with Cox regression. During an average of 10.1 years of follow-up, 576 deaths occurred. Following adjustment for age, smoking status, sex, exam year, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride:high-density lipoprotein ratio, and fasting glucose, HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality were 1.0 (referent) and 1.52 (1.14-2.02) for fit and unfit categories, respectively. Corresponding values for normal and elevated CRP categories were 1.0 and 1.50 (1.20-1.89), respectively. When grouped by fitness and CRP category, there was significantly greater mortality risk in the unfit than the fit category within the elevated CRP category (HR = 1.77 (1.14-2.75)), but not in the normal CRP category (HR = 1.38 (0.96-1.98)). Each 1 metabolic equivalent increment in fitness and 1 mg/L increment in CRP were associated with 10.0% (95% CI: 5.1-14.8%) decreased and 7.3% (95% CI: 2.0%-12.9%) increased mortality hazard, respectively. Compared to the unfit, fit individuals have an attenuated mortality risk within each CRP category. Thus, higher fitness appears to provide some protection against all-cause mortality, particularly among those with elevated levels of inflammation.

Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Estimated Remnant Cholesterol and Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Healthy Men

Remnant cholesterol (RC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) may contribute to the residual risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with favorable traditional lipid profiles, but its relation with RC and non-HDL-C remains unclear. We analyzed cross-sectional data on 4,613 healthy men (mean age 49years). CRF was measured using peak oxygen uptake during incremental exercise testing and categorized into quartiles. RC was estimated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated RC was defined as ≥38mg/100ml (90 percentile). Non-HDL-C was calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C, and high non-HLD-C was defined as ≥190mg/100ml. CRF was inversely associated with RC (β -0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.39 to -0.24) and non-HDL-C (β -0.34, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.11) after adjustment for several risk factors. Each metabolic equivalent increment in CRF was associated with lower odds of having elevated RC (odds ratio [OR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.93) and non-HDL-C (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.00) in multivariable analysis. Compared with the bottom quartile, the top quartile of CRF had significantly lower odds of elevated RC (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88) and non-HDL-C (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.91). In conclusion, higher CRF was independently associated with lower levels of RC and non-HDL-C and lower odds of the prevalence of elevated RC and non-HDL-C in healthy men.

Separate and Joint Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Healthy Vascular Aging With Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Men.

Achieving healthy vascular aging (HVA) is important for decelerating age-related cardiovascular disease risk. We evaluated the interplay between HVA, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and subclinical atherosclerosis. We analyzed data on 3722 men who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a health examination program. HVA was defined as blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg without hypertension and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity <1266 cm/s. CRF was directly measured by peak oxygen uptake. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as coronary artery calcification scores of >0 and ≥100 and a mean carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) >75th percentile for each age group as well as >0.8 mm of CIMT. Separate and joint associations of HVA and CRF with subclinical atherosclerosis were evaluated. Each 1 metabolic equivalent increment in CRF was associated with 23% higher odds for having HVA. HVA was associated with lower odds of coronary artery calcification but not CIMT. CRF modified the association between HVA and CIMT>0.8 mm (interaction: P=0.01); HVA was associated with lower odds of CIMT>0.8 mm in fit men with no significant association between HVA and CIMT>0.8 mm in unfit men. Compared with no HVA and being unfit, HVA and being fit was associated with lower odds of subclinical atherosclerosis, but there was no significant association between HVA and being unfit with subclinical atherosclerosis. HVA and higher CRF are each associated with a lower risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in men. Higher CRF is associated with a higher prevalence of HVA and may modify the association between HVA and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Detecting stealthy integrity attacks in a class of nonlinear cyber–physical systems: A backward-in-time approach

This paper proposes a stealthy integrity attack detection methodology for a class of nonlinear cyber–physical systems subject to disturbances. An equivalent increment of the system at a time prior to the attack occurrence time is introduced, which is theoretically proved to be effective to detect stealthy integrity attacks. A backward-in-time estimator is developed via the fixed-point smoother design tool to exploit this equivalent increment and allow the detection of the attack. More specifically, an asymptotically stable incremental system is introduced to characterize stealthy integrity attacks, and its backward-in-time solution at a fixed time prior to the attack occurrence formulates the equivalent increment. When running reversely in time, the divergence property of such an asymptotically stable incremental system enables the equivalent increment to detect stealthy integrity attacks. A fixed-point smoother is introduced to estimate the unknown equivalent increment for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear physical plants, such that the estimation error satisfies the H∞ performance objective. Based on the equivalent increment and its estimation provided by the smoother, suitable residual and threshold signals are generated, allowing the detection of the considered stealthy integrity attacks. A detectability analysis is conducted to rigorously characterize the class of detectable attacks. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed backward-in-time attack detection methodology.

Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

The association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality remains unclear in Chinese population. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and other-cause mortality in Chinese adults using estimated CRF (eCRF). We analysed data for 15,566 participants aged ≥20years recruited in The Rural Chinese Cohort Study during 2007 to 2008 and followed for mortality during 2013 to 2014. eCRF was calculated with sex-specific longitudinal non-exercise algorithms. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk according to baseline eCRF. During a median of 6.01years of follow-up, 859 deaths occurred, including 359 from CVD, 221 from cancer, and 279 from other causes. Each 1metabolic equivalent increment in eCRF was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality (men: HR 0.70, 95% CI [0.66-0.74]; women: 0.59, [0.54-0.64]); CVD mortality (men: 0.70 [0.64-0.77]; women: 0.55, [0.48-0.62]); and other-cause mortality (men: 0.68 [0.62-0.75]; women: 0.57, [0.49-0.66]). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly higher for eCRF than its modifiable components (waist circumference, body mass index and resting heart rate) in predicting all-cause and cause-specific mortality incidence (all p<.001). eCRF was inversely associated with all-cause, CVD and other-cause mortality.

The association of cardiorespiratory fitness and the risk of hypertension: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Established evidence has indicated a negative correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and hypertension risk. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the categorical and dose-response relationship between CRF and hypertension risk and the effects of CRF changes on hypertension risk reduction. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies. The summarized relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated using the DerSimonian and Laird random effect model, and the dose-response relationship between CRF and hypertension risk was characterized using generalized least-squares regression and restricted cubic splines. Nine cohorts describing 110,638 incident hypertension events among 1,618,067 participants were included in this study. Compared with the lowest category of CRF, the RR of hypertension was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56-0.70) for the highest CRF category and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80-0.91) for the moderate category of CRF. For a 1-metabolic equivalent increment in CRF, the pooled RR of hypertension was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90-0.94) in the total population. The RR of hypertension was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.64-0.79) for participants with CRF increased compared with those whose CRF was decreased over time. In conclusion, our meta-analysis supports the widely held notion of a negative dose-dependent relationship between CRF and hypertension risk.

NEUROMUSCULAR TIMING MODIFICATION IN RESPONSES TO INCREASED SPEED AND PROPORTIONAL RESISTANCE WHILE PUSHING A SLED IN YOUNG ADULTS

Introduction: The XPO Sled Trainer used in this research is a novel device that provides low rolling resistance at low speeds with an instant and automatic equivalent increment in resistance with increased speed. Purpose: To examine the impact of using the XPO Trainer on neuromuscular activation time at low and high speeds in young, seemingly healthy adults. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 36 healthy adults (age: 24.6±3.9 years). Each participant wore surface electromyography (EMG) electrodes on their dominant leg over the anterior tibialis and gastrocnemius (GA). The four tasks examined in this work were, walk, run, walk pushing (WP) and run pushing (RP). Participants were asked to walk on their self-selected speed. To execute the tasks, participants walked and ran a distance of 40 feet both with and without the XPO Trainer sled. Subjects completed a total of 3 trials per task (total of 12) with one-minute breaks between tasks to reduce fatigue. Results: Neuromuscular time for activation was significantly modified while pushing the sled in both self-selected speeds, particularly in GA muscle. WP and RP exhibited an inverted relationship in neuromuscular timing patterns. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: We suggest using the sled while walking to provoke endurance and running to work on strengthening of lower leg musculature. The sled proved to be a useful adjunct tool for neuromuscular training in different alterations of the lower limb muscles, especially the extensor musculature.

Neuromuscular timing modification in responses to increased speed and proportional resistance while pushing a sled in young adults

Introduction: The XPO Sled Trainer used in this research is a novel device that provides low rolling resistance at low speeds with an instant and automatic equivalent increment in resistance with increased speed. Purpose: To examine the impact of using the XPO Trainer on neuromuscular activation time at low and high speeds in young, seemingly healthy adults. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 36 healthy adults (age: 24.6±3.9 years). Each participant wore surface electromyography (EMG) electrodes on their dominant leg over the anterior tibialis and gastrocnemius (GA). The four tasks examined in this work were, walk, run, walk pushing (WP) and run pushing (RP). Participants were asked to walk on their self-selected speed. To execute the tasks, participants walked and ran a distance of 40 feet both with and without the XPO Trainer sled. Subjects completed a total of 3 trials per task (total of 12) with one-minute breaks between tasks to reduce fatigue. Results: Neuromuscular time for activation was significantly modified while pushing the sled in both self-selected speeds, particularly in GA muscle. WP and RP exhibited an inverted relationship in neuromuscular timing patterns. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: We suggest using the sled while walking to provoke endurance and running to work on strengthening of lower leg musculature. The sled proved to be a useful adjunct tool for neuromuscular training in different alterations of the lower limb muscles, especially the extensor musculature.

The impact of the generation mix on the current regulatory framework for hydropower remuneration in Brazil

The impact of the generation mix on the two ongoing regulatory frameworks for hydropower remuneration in Brazil is analysed. In the first, Energy Allocation Mechanism (EAM), individual operational risks are mitigated by a risk-sharing principle within a hydro pool structure. The second, Insurance Call Option Obligation (ICO), is an insurance approach which enables the hydro generators to transfer their risks to the consumers. The frameworks are assessed for three long-term scenarios, with a varying share of non-hydro renewables and thermal sources in the generation mix, using a Stochastic Dual Dynamic Programming (SDDP) approach. The results indicate that the generation mix may considerably influence EAM performance and hydropower economic feasibility. An increase in base-load and peak-load thermal generation influences EAM performance negatively, while the penetration of RES does not yield significant impacts if its expansion is met by equivalent increment in load. The ICO approach drives significant transfer of wealth from consumers to generators, which can be addressed by adapting the insurance premium setting criteria, as presented in this study. Finally, ICO design may lead to an overall improvement in the market level welfare, when compared to the EAM, if a criterion of equivalence is set as a preferable design goal.

Association of Fitness and Grip Strength With Heart Failure: Findings From the UK Biobank Population-Based Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and grip strength (GS) with incident heart failure (HF), a clinical syndrome that results in substantial social and economic burden, using UK Biobank data. Patients and MethodsOf the 502,628 participants recruited into the UK Biobank between April 1, 2007, and December 31, 2010, a total of 374,493 were included in our GS analysis and 57,053 were included in CRF analysis. Associations between CRF and GS and incident HF were investigated using Cox proportional hazard models, with adjustment for known measured confounders. ResultsDuring a mean of 4.1 (range, 2.4-7.1) years, 631 HF events occurred in those with GS data, and 66 HF events occurred in those with CRF data. Higher CRF was associated with 18% lower risk for HF (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76-0.88) per 1–metabolic equivalent increment increase and GS was associated with 19% lower incidence of HF risk (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77-0.86) per 5-kg increment increase. When CRF and GS were standardized, the HR for CRF was 0.50 per 1-SD increment (95% CI, 0.38-0.65), and for GS was 0.65 per 1-SD increment (95% CI, 0.58-0.72). ConclusionOur data indicate that objective measurements of physical function (GS and CRF) are strongly and independently associated with lower HF incidence. Future studies targeting improving CRF and muscle strength should include HF as an outcome to assess whether these results are causal.

Aluminum Alloy Sheet-Forming Limit Curve Prediction Based on Original Measured Stress–Strain Data and Its Application in Stretch-Forming Process

A new method, by directly utilizing original measured data (OMD) of the stress–strain relation in the Marciniak–Kuczynski (M–K) model, was proposed to predict the forming limit curve (FLC) of an aluminum alloy sheet. In the groove zone of the M–K model, by establishing the relations of the equivalent strain increment, the ratio of shear stress to the first principle stress and the ratio of the second principle stress to the first principle stress, the iterative formula was established and solved. The equations of theoretical forming limits were derived in detail by using the OMD of the stress–strain relation. The stretching specimens of aluminum alloy 6016-T4 were tested and the true stress–strain curve of the material was obtained. Based on the numerical simulations of punch-stretch tests, the optimized specimens’ shape and test scheme were determined, and the tests for FLC were carried out. The FLC predicted by the proposed method was more consistent with the experimental results of FLC by comparing the theoretical FLCs based on OMD of the stress–strain relation and of that based on traditional power function. In addition, the influences of anisotropic parameter and groove angle on FLCs were analyzed. Finally, the FLC calculated by the proposed method was applied to analyze sheet formability in the stretch-forming process, and the predicted results of FLC were verified by numerical simulations and experiments. The fracture tendency of the formed parts can be visualized in the forming limit diagram (FLD), which has certain guiding significance for fracture judgment in the sheet-forming process.

Link between Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Double Annealed Medium Mn Steel

Double annealing of low carbon medium Mn steel was studied. The second intercritical annealing was done at 650°C within a range of holding time: 3min to 30h. Tensile properties of the steel were measured as a function of holding time and the relation between microstructure and mechanical behavior was analyzed. Furthermore, a model, based on the mixture law combined with the considerations of equivalent increment of work in each microstructural constituent during mechanical loading, was proposed. The individual mechanical behavior of each considered microstructural constituent was described with the approaches existing in the literature. The complete model shows a very good agreement with the experimental stress-strain curves and predicts well the optimum strength-ductility balance after 2h holding.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Mortality in Healthy Men and Women

BackgroundThere is a well-established inverse relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mortality. However, this relationship has almost exclusively been studied using estimated CRF. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the association of directly measured CRF, obtained using cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) testing with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in apparently healthy men and women. MethodsParticipants included 4,137 self-referred apparently healthy adults (2,326 men, 1,811 women; mean age: 42.8 ± 12.2 years) who underwent CPX testing to determine baseline CRF. Participants were followed for 24.2 ± 11.7 years (1.1 to 49.3 years) for mortality. Cox-proportional hazard models were performed to determine the relationship of CRF (ml·kg-1·min-1) and CRF level (low, moderate, and high) with mortality outcomes. ResultsDuring follow-up, 727 participants died (524 men, 203 women). CPX-derived CRF was inversely related to all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Low CRF was associated with higher risk for all-cause (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20 to 3.50), CVD (HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.20 to 3.49), and cancer (HR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.18 to 3.36) mortality compared with high CRF. Further, each metabolic equivalent increment increase in CRF was associated with a 11.6%, 16.1%, and 14.0% reductions in all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality, respectively. ConclusionsGiven the prognostic ability of CPX-derived CRF for all-cause and disease-specific mortality outcomes, its use should be highly considered for apparently healthy populations as it may help to improve the efficacy of the individualized patient risk assessment and guide clinical decisions.

A cross-sectional study of cardiorespiratory fitness and gallbladder disease

PurposeTo determine the association of different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), an objective indicator of habitual physical activity, with gallbladder disease. MethodsIn the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS) database, 41,528 men and 13,206 women aged 20–90 years, with body mass index of 18.5 or more and without history of cardiovascular disease and cancer, received a preventive examination at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas, between 1970 and 2003. CRF was quantified as maximal metabolic equivalents and classified as low, moderate, and high based on traditional ACLS cut points. Gallbladder disease was defined as physician-diagnosed gallbladder disease. ResultsWhen compared with low CRF, adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for gallbladder disease for those with moderate and high CRF were 0.74 (0.55–0.99) and 0.59 (0.42–0.82), respectively when adjusted for all the potential confounders. Each one metabolic equivalent increment of CRF was associated with 10% lower odds of gallbladder disease in all participants (P for trend <.001), 13% lower in women (P for trend <.001), and 8% lower in men (P for trend = .08). The association was consistent across age, history of diabetes mellitus, and physical inactivity subgroups. ConclusionsCRF is inversely related to the prevalence of gallbladder disease among relatively healthy men and women in the ACLS cohort.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and incident metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Korean men

This study investigated the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with incident metabolic syndrome in 810 middle aged Korean men. All subjects were free of metabolic syndrome at baseline examination. The metabolic syndrome was defined by NCEP criteria and CRF was directly measured by peak oxygen uptake during a treadmill test. During an average of 3.3 years of follow-up, 155 (19.1%) men developed the metabolic syndrome. The incidence of metabolic syndrome was inversely associated with CRF quartiles (p < 0.05). The relative risk (RR) of incident metabolic syndrome in the lowest CRF quartile vs the highest CRF quartile was 1.67 (95% CI = 1.07–2.60) after adjustment for covariates. Each metabolic equivalent (MET) increment in peak oxygen consumption was associated with a 17% (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73–0.94) lower incidence of metabolic syndrome. These results demonstrate that cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome independent of covariates in middle aged Korean men.

EVALUATION OF DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF MILK EXTRACT OF SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM NUT

Semi carpus anacardium ‘Marketing Nut’ is a tropical flowering plant widely distributed in India. Semicarpus anacardium are widely used for its therapeutic potential as immunomodulatory and in folklore the plant material is reported in the treatment of diureti c. Since, the diuretic activity of these plant materials has not been investigated in scientifically controlled studies; the aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic potenti al of milk extracts of Semicarpus anacardium seed in normal rats after acute and sub - chronic oral administration. Milk extracts of Semicarpus anacardium seed (150 and 300 mg/kg) along with the reference drug, furosemide (10 mg/kg) were administrated orally to male Wistar rats for 8 subsequent days and their urine output was quantitated at several intervals of time after the dose. Several other parameters such as urinary electrolyte concentration, plasma electrolyte conc entration and creatinine clearance were also measured by flame spectrophotometry and Jaffe alkaline picrate method. After administration of single dose of the milk extracts of Semicarpus anacardium seed, urine output significantly showed equivalent increment at all time points, and at 24 h after the dose, the total volume of urine excreted was highest in furosem ide followed by plant extracts and control group. Both extracts increased the urinary levels of Na + and K + , to about the same extent, while furosemide increased urinary levels of only Na + and decreased urinary K + . Despite changes in urinary excretion of t he electrolytes, plasma Na + and K + levels were not affected by any of the substances. The present study supports the ethnomedical use of Semicarpus anacardium seed for their diuretic effect

Precursors for liver gluconeogenesis in periparturient dairy cows

The review is based on a compiled data set from studies quantifying liver release of glucose concomitant with uptake of amino acids (AA) and other glucogenic precursors in periparturient dairy cows. It has become dogma that AAs are significant contributors to liver gluconeogenesis in early lactation, presumably accounting for the observed lack of glucogenic precursors to balance estimated glucose need. Until recently, there has been paucity in quantitative data on liver nutrient metabolism in the periparturient period. Propionate is the quantitatively most important glucogenic precursor throughout the periparturient period. However, the immediate post partum increment in liver release of glucose is not followed by an equivalent increment in propionate uptake, because of the lower rate of increment in feed intake compared with the rate of increment in requirements for milk synthesis. The quantitative data on liver metabolism of AA do not support the hypothesis that the rapid post partum increase in net liver release of glucose is supported by increased utilisation of AA for gluconeogenesis. Only alanine is likely to contribute to liver release of glucose through its role in the inter-organ transfer of nitrogen from catabolised AA. AAs seem to be prioritised for anabolic purposes, indicating the relevance of investigating effects of supplying additional protein to post partum dairy cows. Combining data from quantitative and qualitative experimental techniques on L-lactate metabolism point to the conclusion that the quantitatively most important adaptation of metabolism to support the increased glucose demand in the immediate post partum period is endogenous recycling of glucogenic carbon through lactate. This is mediated by a dual site of adaptation of metabolism in the liver and in the peripheral tissues, where the liver affinity for L-lactate is increased and glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues is shifted towards L-lactate formation over complete oxidation.