Rate-Compatible, Bandwidth-Efficient, Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) Codes for Aeronautical Telemetry.

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes form part of the IRIG-106 standard and have been successfully deployed for the Telemetry Group version of shaped-offset quadrature phase shift keying (SOQPSK-TG) modulation. Recently, LDPC code solutions have been proposed and optimized for continuous phase modulations (CPMs), including pulse code modulation/frequency modulation (PCM/FM) and the multi-h CPM developed by the Advanced-Range TeleMetry program (ARTM CPM), the latter of which was shown to perform around one dB from channel capacity. In this paper, we consider the effect of the random puncturing and shortening of these LDPC codes to further improve spectrum efficiency.

Preservation of autonomic function following successful reperfusion with streptokinase within 12 hours of the onset of acute myocardial infarction.

Successful reperfusion following thrombolysis results in increased heart rate variability in the first 24 hours after administration. Preservation of autonomic function may contribute to improved prognosis when coronary artery patency is restored with intravenous thrombolysis.

Failure of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels to increase during exercise in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.

It is generally accepted that plasma atrial natriuretic peptide release occurs secondary to atrial stretch. The influence of coordinated atrial contraction (AC) upon this process is not fully appreciated. The aim of the study was to determine the importance of coordinated AC upon peripheral atrial natriuretic peptide levels (alpha-hANP) during exercise.

Octreotide treatment increases exercise capacity in patients with acromegaly.

This prospective study was conducted to determine the effect of Octreotide treatment on cardiovascular function in patients with active acromegaly. Ten acromegalic patients who failed to suppress growth hormone (GH) to < 5 mU/l during a 2 h oral glucose tolerance test were treated with 100 micrograms of Octreotide subcutaneously three times daily for 2 months, followed by 200 micrograms three times daily if the mean GH level was > 5 mU/l, for a total of 1 year. All patients had GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) estimation, ejection fraction determined by Echocardiogram and multigated image acquisition scan, electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise ECG, 24-h ECG and chest x-ray.