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Macrotristria kathhillodes sp. n. is described from northern and central Queensland. It is distinguished from the similar Macrotristria angularis Germar by its markings and a difference in the apex of the theca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary supplements containing bovine (subfamily Bovinae) liver are susceptible to fraud due to their high value and the lack of modern detection methods available for processed animal tissues. The objective of this research was to use molecular methods to authenticate dietary supplements claiming to contain bovine liver or beef liver through the verification of animal species and tissue type. A total of 53 bovine/beef liver dietary supplements were purchased from online sources. The presence of liver was verified with reverse transcription and real-time PCR testing for microRNA-122 (miR-122), which is highly expressed in liver tissue. Multiplex real-time PCR targeting domestic cattle (Bos taurus), horse (Equus caballus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pork (Sus scrofa) was used to verify species. Samples that failed species identification with multiplex real-time PCR underwent DNA mini-barcoding. Overall, bovine species were detected in 48/53 liver supplements: 35 samples were confirmed as domestic cattle with multiplex real-time PCR and an additional 13 samples were confirmed as domestic cattle or Bos spp. with DNA mini-barcoding. One of these samples was also positive for sheep/lamb, which was declared on the label. One product contained undeclared pork in addition to beef. MiR-122 was detected in 51 out of 53 supplements, suggesting the presence of liver. While this study demonstrates the potential use of tissue-specific microRNAs in verifying tissues in dietary supplements, more research is needed to evaluate the specificity of these markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine liver supplements are sought after by consumers due to their nutrient-dense profile and high protein content. However, there is a lack of information regarding bovine liver supplement labeling practices. The objective of this study was to assess labeling practices and compliance with U.S. regulatory standards among commercially sold bovine liver supplements. The product labels for 49 bovine liver supplements were examined for required information, including a statement of identity; net quantity of contents; "Supplement Facts" label; ingredient statement; and name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor with domestic address or telephone number. Any claims made on the supplement labels were also reviewed for compliance. Overall, 59% of the products had at least one instance of noncompliance with U.S. labeling regulations. The main categories of noncompliance were missing a domestic mailing address or phone number (39% of products), noncompliant nutrient content claim (31% of products), and missing/noncompliant disclaimer for a nutritional support statement (6% of products). The lack of a mailing address or phone number is problematic because it prevents consumers from being able to report serious adverse events to the manufacturer. The majority (85%) of the nutrient content observed on product labels was found to be noncompliant. Noncompliant nutrient content claims are a major concern for consumers who rely on these claims to assess the nutritional benefits of a product. Overall, the results of this study revealed a lack of labeling compliance in bovine liver supplements, indicating a need for increased awareness and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large earthquakes are the product of elastic stress that has accumulated over decades to centuries along segments of active faults. Assuming an elastic crust, one can roughly estimate the location and rate of accumulation of elastic stress. However, this general framework does not account for inelastic, irrecoverable deformation, which results in large‐scale topography. We do not know over which part of the earthquake cycle such deformation occurs. Using InSAR and GNSS measurements, we report on a potential correlation between long‐term, inelastic vertical rate and short‐term, interseismic vertical rate in northern Chile. Approximately 4% to 8% of the geodetically derived interseismic vertical rates translate into permanent deformation, suggesting that topography of the forearc builds up during the interseismic period. This observation provides a quantitative basis for an improved understanding of the interplay between short‐term and long‐term dynamics along convergent plate boundaries. Key Points: We propose an approach to quantify the ratio between elastic and inelastic deformation in subduction forearcsTwo distinct correlations can be observed between interseismic and Quaternary uplift ratesWe propose that 4% to 8% of interseismic uplift rates translate into persistent deformation in northern Chile [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that slip on a frictionally weak low‐angle normal fault (LANF) can be more favorable than breaking a steep fault in strong crust. Very few studies, however, have considered the specific effect of crust and fault cohesion on LANF viability. We do so using Limit Analysis, a methodology for predicting the optimal orientation of faults with varying strength subjected to a specific set of boundary conditions. Accounting for crustal cohesion in our models reduces the lowest admissible LANF dip and even allows slip on high‐friction LANFs if the contrast between crust and fault cohesion is large. Fault cohesion, however, increases the lowest admissible LANF dip and introduces a locking depth above which LANF slip is not mechanically feasible. This is consistent with observations of steep splay faults rooting onto LANFs in a variety of settings. We further demonstrate that locking depth can help constrain LANF cohesion, friction, and fluid pressure on the Alto Tiberina (Italy) and western Corinth (Greece) LANFs. Specifically, assuming a measured fault friction of 0.2–0.3, we find that the shallow locking depth of the Alto Tiberina fault requires either (1) moderate fluid overpressure (57% of lithostatic) with cohesion of 8–12 MPa or (2) strong overpressure (77% of lithostatic) with cohesion of 13–20 MPa along the fault. By contrast, the larger locking depth characterizing the western Corinth LANF can reflect greater fault cohesion. Key Points: We use Limit Analysis to investigate the feasibility of slip on partially active low‐angle normal faults (LANFs) in cohesive upper crustCrustal cohesion enables slip on high‐friction LANFs, and fault cohesion enables slip on partially active LANFs with steep splaysDifferent locking depths on the Alto Tiberina (Italy) and western Corinth (Greece) LANFs reflect differences in fault cohesion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigations of high-temperature oxidation of zirconium alloys, applied for fuel pellets in nuclear power plants, are usually limited to oxidation kinetics, phase transformations and microstructural characterization. The purpose of this research was to characterize the degradation phenomena occurring within oxide layer and at the interface oxide/metal, on internal and external Zircaloy-2 tube surfaces, below and over crystalline transformation temperature of zirconium oxides. The commercial tubes were oxidized at 1273 K and 1373 K in calm air for 30 min and then examined with a technique novel for such purpose, namely a high-resolution X-ray computer tomography. The light microscopy was used to examine the cross-surfaces. The obtained results show that the form and intensity of oxide damage is significant and it is in a complicated way related to oxidation temperature and on whether external or internal tube surface is studied. The found oxide layer damage forms include surface cracks, the detachment of oxide layers, the appearance of voids, and nodular corrosion. The oxidation effects and damage appearance are discussed taking into account the processes such as formation of oxides, their phase transformation, stress-enhanced formation and propagation of cracks, diffusion of vacancies, formation of nitrides, diffusion of hydrogen into interface oxide-metal, incubation of cracks on second phase precipitates are taken into account to explain the observed phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Extensive osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the femur (LRTF), the most common OCD‐affected site in the stifle, have a poor outcome with surgical debridement and can be career ending. The early detection of osteochondrosis lesions and their conservative management holds the promise to enhance outcome. We hypothesise that ultrasonography is a valuable field screening tool to detect and monitor early subclinical LRTF osteochondrosis. Objectives: The goals were to 1) describe the normal ultrasonographic features of the LRTF in foals of different ages and 2) screen a foal cohort at the farm for early subclinical osteochondrosis lesions. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: The LRTF of both hindlimbs of Thoroughbred foals (n = 46, 27–166 days old) were imaged once with ultrasonography and radiography (lateromedial and caudolateral‐craniomedial oblique views). Cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation of the chondro‐osseous junction and epiphyseal vascularisation were assessed on ultrasonography. Follow‐up radiographs were taken as yearlings. Results: The cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation and epiphyseal vascularisation significantly decreased with advancing maturity. Subclinical osteochondrosis lesions, characterised by semicircular indentations in the ossification front (indirect evidence of focal failure of ossification and retained cartilage) were detected in six foals (28–145 days old), both with radiography and ultrasonography. Ultrasonography provided a better overall subjective assessment of the osteochondrosis lesion topography (length, depth and the width) compared with radiography. Main limitations: Post‐mortem validation of lesions was not possible. Conclusion: Ultrasonography of the LRTF is a practical, inexpensive and reliable technique to discriminate physiological from pathological events at the LRTF in young foals. It revealed the complex topography of the chondro‐osseous junction permitting a rapid, comprehensive assessment of the subclinical osteochondrosis lesions in very young foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Noninvasive imaging tools are needed to screen foal femoropatellar joints to detect subclinical osteochondrosis lesions due to focal failure of endochondral ossification to enhance early management to optimise intrinsic healing events. Recently investigations employing 3T susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (3T SWI MRI) and CT have demonstrated their capacity for early osteochondrosis diagnosis, but these technologies are not practical for field screening. We postulate that ultrasonography is a valuable field tool for the detection of subclinical osteochondrosis lesions. Objectives The goals were to 1) describe the ultrasonographic features of the femoral trochlea of healthy and osteochondrosis-predisposed neonatal foals, 2) validate the capacity of ultrasound to assess cartilage canal vascular archictecture and the ossification front and 3) evaluate field feasibility in a pilot study. Study design Experimental study. Methods Ultrasonographic evaluation of osteochondrosis predisposed (n = 10) and control (n = 6) femoral trochleas was performed ex vivo and compared with site-matched histological sections and 3T SWI MRI. The articular and epiphyseal cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation and cartilage canal vascular archictecture were assessed at each ROI. Femoral trochleae of foals (n = 3) aged ≈ 1, 3 and 6 months were also evaluated with ultrasonography in field. Results Ultrasonographic measurements strongly correlated with the histological measurements. There was no difference in the cartilage thickness or ossification front indentation between control and osteochondrosis-predisposed specimens. The cartilage canal vascular archictecture on ultrasonograms corresponded with the vessel pattern observed on site matched histology and 3T SWI MRI. Main limitations The number of specimens for study was limited and no early osteochondrosis lesions were present within the predilected group, but a field study is now underway. Conclusion Ultrasonographic examination of the femoral trochlea permitted accurate evaluation of cartilage thickness, cartilage canal vascular archictecture and ossification front indentation in young foals and is a promising, practical tool for screening subclinical osteochondrosis and monitoring and managing lesions at important clinical sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the oxide layers on Zr alloys may retard or enhance the hydrogen entry and material degradation, depending on the layer features. This research has been aimed to determine the effects of preoxidation of the Zircaloy-2 alloy at a different temperature on hydrogen degradation. The specimens were oxidised in laboratory air at 350°C, 700°C, and 900°C. After, some samples were tensed at 10-5 strain rate and simultaneously charged with hydrogen under constant direct voltage in 1 N sulfuric acid at room temperature. Other specimens were charged without any tension, then annealed at 400°C for 4 h and finally tensed at above strain rate. The SEM examinations were performed on the cross-sections and fracture faces of specimens. The obtained results demonstrate the effects of the oxide layer on the cathodic current and hydrogen entry, mechanical properties and the appearance of hydrides and fracture behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the in service durability of an alloy Al-Cu-Li 2050 friction stir welded. In an aeronautical context, this material could be submitted to mechanical stresses and a corrosive environment. Thus, the aim of this study is to characterize the intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) behavior of the 2050 FSW weld nugget. First, a link has been established between several microstructural heterogeneities induced by the welding process and local strain variations, then between these heterogeneities and the initiation and propagation of IGSCC cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deinococcus spp are among the most radiation-resistant micro-organisms that have been discovered. They show remarkable resistance to a range of damage caused by ionizing radiation, desiccation, UV radiation and oxidizing agents. Traditionally, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been the two platforms of choice for engineering micro-organisms for biotechnological applications, because they are well understood and easy to work with. However, in recent years, researchers have begun using Deinococcus spp in biotechnologies and bioremediation due to their specific ability to grow and express novel engineered functions. More recently, the sequencing of several Deinococcus spp and comparative genomic analysis have provided new insight into the potential of this genus. Features such as the accumulation of genes encoding cell cleaning systems that eliminate organic and inorganic cell toxic components are widespread among Deinococcus spp. Other features such as the ability to degrade and metabolize sugars and polymeric sugars make Deinococcus spp. an attractive alternative for use in industrial biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense radiation flux of Type I X-ray bursts is expected to interact with the accretion flow around neutron stars. High frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (kHz QPOs), observed at frequencies matching orbital frequencies at tens of gravitational radii, offer a unique probe of the innermost disk regions. In this paper, we follow the lower kHz QPOs, in response to Type I X-ray bursts, in two prototypical QPO sources, namely 4U 1636-536 and 4U 1608-522, as observed by the Proportional Counter Array of the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. We have selected a sample of 15 bursts for which the kHz QPO frequency can be tracked on timescales commensurable with the burst durations (tens of seconds). We find evidence that the QPOs are affected for over ~ 200 s during one exceptionally long burst and ~ 100 s during two others (although at a less significant level), while the burst emission has already decayed to a level that would enable the pre-burst QPO to be detected. On the other hand, for most of our burst-kHz QPO sample, we show that the QPO is detected as soon as the statistics allow and in the best cases, we are able to set an upper limit of ~ 20 s on the recovery time of the QPO. This diversity of behavior cannot be related to differences in burst peak luminosity. We discuss these results in the framework of recent findings that accretion onto the neutron star may be enhanced during Type I X-ray bursts. The subsequent disk depletion could explain the disappearance of the QPO for ~ 100 s, as possibly observed in two events. However, alternative scenarios would have to be invoked for explaining the short recovery timescales inferred from most bursts. Heating of the innermost disk regions would be a possibility, although we cannot exclude that the burst does not affect the QPO emission at all. Clearly the combination of fast timing and spectral information of Type I X-ray bursts holds great potential in the study of the dynamics of the inner accretion flow around neutron stars. However, as we show, breakthrough observations will require a timing instrument providing at least ten times the effective area of the RXTE/PCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Horticultural therapy is a professional practice that is increasingly used in a lot of mental health rehabilitation programs. This therapy was introduced in the Comunitary Rehabilitation Service of INAD, considering its beneficial results in patients with severe mental disorder in combination with the usual rehabilitation program. Objectives: We would like to study the benefits of this therapy compared to the usual in our patients. Methods: This is an explanatory study for the purpose of establishing the association between the application of a TherapeuticHorticulture Program and the Clinical Symptomatology of Schizophrenia. A research with an experimental design Pre and Post-Test was carried out, by applying aHorticulture Programand evaluatingwith PANSS after 6 months its effects on the Clinical Symptomatology. The participants of the experimental group were selectively chosen. The only selection criteria were to attend the orchard at least once a week and be diagnosed with a schizophrenic disorder. The control group was chosen according to the number of members that made up the other group, with the criterion that they did not performany outdoor activities and also had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Results: The comparison of the Pre and Post-Test measures in the case of the experimental group reports the presence of statistically significant differences in the scale of positive symptomatology composite scale and general scale. Conclusions: This psychopathological improvement of those participants open a door to possible applications of this therapy as a psychosocial treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Cross-sectional comparison, control group.Objectives:To investigate the relationship between carotid arterial stiffness and circulating markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in spinal cord-injured (SCI) subjects compared with able-bodied (AB) individuals.Setting:University Research Laboratory, University of Louisville.Methods:SCI (n=14) and AB (n=13) subjects between 20-52 years of age were recruited to participate in the study. B-mode Doppler ultrasound was used to obtain carotid artery diameter measurements. Arterial stiffness was assessed via the stiffness index and distensibility coefficient. Markers of CVD risk were obtained by fasting blood draw.Results:Carotid arterial stiffness index (P=0.061) and distensibility coefficient (P=0.370) were not different between the SCI and AB groups. The SCI group had higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (P=0.046), triglycerides (P=0.017), leptin (P=0.040) and visfatin (P<0.001) compared with the control group. Visfatin (r=0.559, P=0.047), hsCRP (r=0.633, P=0.037), insulin (r=0.637, P=0.019) and HOMA (r=0.614, P=0.026) significantly correlated with carotid arterial stiffness index in the SCI group.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that SCI subjects are at a high cardiovascular risk as indicated by elevated hsCRP levels. Elevations in hsCRP and visfatin may contribute to accelerated atherogenic processes in the SCI population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a grounded theory study examining the process of precepting an unsafe student, it was found that preceptors assigned passing grades to students who in fact should not have passed. Although preceptors perceived their role as gatekeepers for the profession, by not assigning failing grades to students who should not have passed a course, essentially they were abdicating their responsibility. Indeed, the simple act of assuming responsibility for precepting a student implies professional as well as pedagogical accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) fall into two classes: short-hard and long-soft bursts. The latter are now known to have X-ray and optical afterglows, to occur at cosmological distances in star-forming galaxies, and to be associated with the explosion of massive stars. In contrast, the distance scale, the energy scale and the progenitors of the short bursts have remained a mystery. Here we report the discovery of a short-hard burst whose accurate localization has led to follow-up observations that have identified the X-ray afterglow and (for the first time) the optical afterglow of a short-hard burst; this in turn led to the identification of the host galaxy of the burst as a late-type galaxy at z = 0.16 (ref. 10). These results show that at least some short-hard bursts occur at cosmological distances in the outskirts of galaxies, and are likely to be caused by the merging of compact binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have carried out a systematic study of the properties of the kHz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed in the X-ray emission of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1608−52, using archival data obtained with theRossi X-ray Timing Explorer. We have investigated the quality factor,Q, of the oscillations (defined as the ratio,, of the frequencyν of the QPO peak to its full width at half-maximumΔν). In order to minimize the effect of long-term frequency drifts, power spectra were computed over the shortest times permitted by the data statistics. We show that the highQof∼200 reported previously for the lower-frequency kHz QPO is by no means exceptional, as we observe a meanQvalue in excess of 150 in 14 out of the 21 observations analysed andQcan remain above 200 for thousands of seconds. The frequency of the QPO varies over the wide range 560–890 Hz and we find a systematic trend for the coherence time of the QPO, estimated as, to increase withν, up to a maximum level at∼800 Hz, beyond which it appears to decrease, at frequencies where the QPO weakens. There is a more complex relationship betweenτ and the QPO rms amplitude, in which positive and negative correlations can be found. A higher-frequency QPO, revealed by correcting for the frequency drift of the 560–890 Hz one, has a much lowerQ(∼10) which does not follow the same pattern. We discuss these results in the framework of competing QPO models and we show that those involving clumps orbiting within or above the accretion disc are ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this study is to explore the relationship between trauma, internalized shame and psychiatric symptomatology in women diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The literature is divided on whether the type of trauma experienced can account for differences in the BPD women’s ability to function effectively. Specifically, there is disagreement on whether sexual abuse has an overall more devastating effect on the woman than other types of trauma such as death of a family member or a criminal assault. In order to address this debate, this study compared 36 women with BPD with 49 University women and compared their responses using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA and correlations. The findings from this research suggest that the type of trauma did not predict which women would report the highest levels of internalized shame and/or psychiatric symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We evaluated electrofishing catch per effort in 27 state-operated fishing lakes in Mississippi to identify patterns of centrarchid community composition and to determine whether those patterns were related to selected environmental characteristics and to artificial nutrient enrichment. Ordination with detrended correspondence analysis recognized two major axes accounting for 77% of the variability in species ordination. Axis 1 showed a distinct separation between the body sizes of various species. A notable exception was the density of small (<30 cm) largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, which aligned with the large individuals of other centrarchid species. This pattern suggested that through predation, high densities of small largemouth bass exerted significant control over the size structure of fish communities. Axis 2 separated species of crappies Pomoxis spp., suggesting that conditions other than strong species interactions also moderated the composition of crappies in the assemblages. However, neither lake morphometry nor watershed composition exhibited a major influence over axes 1 or 2. In small, intensively managed lakes with low habitat complexity, the regulatory importance of biotic interactions may overwhelm that of abiotic factors. Nutrient enrichment influenced community structure by changing the densities of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and largemouth bass substantially but had a minor or no effect on other species. The management techniques used in these state-operated lakes are usually targeted toward a particular species without adequately considering the other species within the community. Our results show that attention to community-level interactions could provide valuable insight into factors that affect the quality of the fishery, insight that is not available through traditional population-level assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International clinical practica are a strategy to integrate a global dimension in nursing curricula and achieve culturally sensitive nursing practice. In this paper, a review of the history and development of international practica for nursing students is presented, and research evaluating the effectiveness and impact of international experiences is analyzed. A description of experiences working with Canadian nursing students is used to highlight the challenges and opportunities inherent to international clinical practica. International student experiences involving clinical practica pose challenges that are additional to, and often more complex than, those faced in traditional international, course-based exchanges. The significant opportunities, however, continue to make international student practica a desirable and positive experience for Canadian nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To describe nursing education research literature in terms of quality, content areas under investigation, geographic location of the research, research designs utilized, sample sizes, instruments used to collect data, and funding sources. Design and Methods: Quantitative and qualitative research literature published between January 1991 and December 2000 were identified and classified using an author-generated Relevance Tool. Findings: 1286 articles were accepted and entered into the inventory, and an additional 22 were retained as references as they were either literature reviews or meta-analyses. Not surprisingly, 90% of nursing education research was generated in North America and Europe, the industrialised parts of the world. Of the total number of articles accepted into the inventory, 61% were quantitative research based. The bulk of the research was conducted within the confines of a course or within a program, with more than half based in educational settings. Sample sizes of the research conducted were diverse, with a bare majority using a sample between 50 and 99 participants. More than half of the studies used questionnaires to obtain data. Surprising, 80% of the research represented in these articles was not funded. The number of publications of nursing education research generated yearly stabilised at approximately 120 per year. Conclusion: Research programs on teaching and learning environments and practice in nursing education need to be developed. Lobbying is needed to increase funding for this type of research at national and international levels. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The morphology, the chemical composition, and the pitting corrosion resistance of a resulfurized stainless steel heated at 1000 °C for 2 hours were investigated at the microscale using ex-situ (field-emission-scanning electron microscope/electron dispersion spectrometer (FE-SEM/EDS) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS)) and in-situ (electrochemical microcell technique and in-situ atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques. Although microcracks, which may have a deleterious effect, exist, the formation of a compound (Cr,Mn)2 (O,S)3 instead of MnS is responsible for the better pitting corrosion resistance of sites containing an inclusion. Local electrochemical measurements indicate that no pitting was detected on these sites below 800 mV/SCE (saturated calomel electrode), whereas stable pitting was observed at around 350 mV/SCE before heating. Micropores were detected on the highly oxidized grains in which the ionic activity was found to be more marked than on the remaining surface (determined using in-situ AFM). Local electrochemical measurements revealed that the presence of such defects reduces significantly the corrosion resistance of the metallic alloy in NaCl-based media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN:: Cross sectional comparison, control group. OBJECTIVE:: To determine if incomplete spinal cord injured patients (SCI) have an abnormal blood flow response to cuff ischemia compared to able-bodied individuals (AB). SETTING:: Academic institution. METHODS:: Blood flow in five chronic incomplete SCI patients (C4–C5) and 17 able bodied individuals was measured in the common femoral artery using quantitative Doppler ultrasound (GE LogiQ 400CL) at rest and after distal thigh cuff occlusion of 2, 4 and 10 min to investigate whether blood flow or vascular control were different in SCI's and AB. RESULTS:: Blood flow and the diameter of the common femoral artery at rest were similar in incomplete SCI and AB. Peak flow after 10 min of cuff ischemia (the highest found) was also comparable between incomplete SCI and AB. The half-time for recovery of blood flow to baseline after 2, 4 or 10 min of ischemia was 50% longer for incomplete SCI compared to the AB (P=0.023). In addition, peak blood flow after 2 and 4 min of ischemia relative to the maximum, 10 min value (2/10 and 4/10 ratios) was lower in incomplete SCI compared to AB (0.65±0.06 vs 0.76±0.15, P=0.029 and 0.75±0.10 vs 0.89±0.11, P=0.014, respectively). CONCLUSION:: This study demonstrated that incomplete spinal cord injured patients have impaired vascular control seen as a slower return to resting flow after cuff ischemia and reduced sensitivity to ischemia relative to maximum flow. However, incomplete SCI patients did not demonstrate impaired flow capacity as seen in complete SCI patients suggesting that smaller cardiovascular abnormalities are seen with incomplete versus complete SCI injury. Impaired vascular control may serve to limit exercise capacity and may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease. Impaired circulation could contribute to impaired muscle function and poor cardiovascular health in incomplete SCI's, although these findings need to be replicated in a... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]