Objective Therapists' and patients' concepts of illness often show severe discrepancies. This study explores the illness concepts of patients with schizophrenic disorders (n = 40). Methods Two German scales were used, the "Causal Belief Questionnaire" and the "Illness Concept Scale for Schizophrenic Patients". We compared our data with data published previously. A semi structured interview was performed in a convenience sample (n = 7). Results The domains "trust in medication" and "trust in the treating physician" yielded high scores, yet in comparison with data published 30 years ago, trust in medication is unaltered, while trust in psychiatrists is even slightly lower. Recent psychosocial factors scored high as a possible cause of mental illness. Several patients felt responsible for being mentally ill. No patient in the interview mentioned the neurotransmitter hypothesis of schizophrenia. Conclusion Illness concepts of patients with schizophrenic disorders are a complex phenomenon. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods proves to be a promising approach for future studies.


Purpose - This study investigates the welfare impact of microfinance on rural households in Indonesia. Its finding will bridge the gap in the Indonesian microfinance literature. Design/methodology/approach - The research was conducted by collecting primary data and administering a structured questionnaire to rural households in Bantul District, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. We employed the logistic model to measure welfare impacts of microcredit borrowers. Findings - The research finds that purpose of loan, monthly income, monthly expenditure, interest rates, loan amount, education and marital status have significant effects on the probability of increasing borrowers' welfare after accessing microcredit. Practical implications - This study will propose some policy recommendations for Indonesian policymakers that may yield better strategies to help improve the impact of their microcredit programmes on the welfare of rural households. Originality/value - The authors confirm that the article has not been submitted to peer review, nor is in the process of peer reviewing and nor has been accepted for publishing in another journal. The author(s) confirms that the research in their work is original, and that all the data given in the article are real and authentic.


T acronym EYFA stands for the European Youth Forest Action, which is a Europe-wide network of young people, with strong representation from both the eastern and western sides of the continent, who are concerned about the increasing destruction of their own and our world's environment. EYFA is an umbrella organization. We believe that it is necessary to bring grassroots movements together because the preservation of the environment is an issue of vital importance for everybody. Europe is our homeland and we want to bridge its official borders so that nobody will feel that he or she is an outsider inside Europe. We believe in a future Europe that will be a community of different cultures enriching and cooperating with one another in the name of our common peaceful future. We believe in a world where Nature will be taken care of and there will be respect between all human beings as well as between Nature and Humankind. EYFA represents the new generation that is coming up: a generation that is able to combine idealism with an active commitment and strong will to achieve its ideals. It was started in 1986 from a Swedish initiative to 'Save the forests of Europe'. Since then it has expanded its Europewide network to do much more. The young people in our network are organizing a wide variety of activities that range from seminars on such topics as biodiversity and ecofeminism to actions such as protesting against the excessive shipping of tropical timbers and trying to stop the building of new nuclear power-plants in Eastern Europe.


Abstract We present results from a comprehensive field study carried out near Barrow, Alaska, USA, designed to characterize local- to intermediate-scale sea-ice processes in the Arctic coastal zone of central importance to the annual cycle and evolution of the coastal sea ice. Included in this are the behavior of the snow cover of the ice and adjacent tundra and lake system; concurrent studies of mass balance of the sea ice and lake ice; interaction of shortwave radiation with the shore-fast ice and the adjacent land surfaces; evolution of the area coverage and distribution of the various surface types; and the resulting regional albedo values. Maximum snow depths decreased during 2000–02 from 0.38 m to 0.26 m. Ice-melt rates in 2001 were 0.05 and 0.028md–1 at the top and bottom of the sea ice respectively, two to three times larger than observations from the central Arctic. Detailed surface results combined with aircraft photography were used to calculate regional albedos for the late spring and early summer of 2001. Values ranged from 0.8 for all cold snow-covered surfaces to approximately 0.4 for melting sea ice and lake ice vs 0.18 for bare tundra. Regional and surface-based values of cumulative shortwave radiation entering the ice were consistent, indicating that albedo sampling on a scale of 200m can provide a useful representation for regional sea-ice albedo.


A model is proposed here to investigate how the relationships between health, production, and wellbeing contribute to the achievement (or otherwise) of potential government objectives. This model uses a basic general equilibrium framework with heterogeneous individuals and two goods (healthcare and other). Public health and publically and privately provided healthcare affect health level, which in turn affects productivity. Several different potential objectives of the government agent are investigated, which determine the distribution of public healthcare. The model is solved numerically to understand the effects of the choices of government objectives including the level of inequality aversion and varying tax rates. For governments with high inequality aversion that maximise social welfare from utility, a non-zero tax rate may be optimal, even with high levels of public health.


Abstract Soluble HLA I (sHLA I) in human serum are ascribed an immunoregulatory role in the context of organ transplantation. Based on histological findings, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the protective influence of sHLA I in liver transplantation from the time point of reperfusion. The sHLA I concentrations in serum samples derived from the liver vein immediately after reperfusion (flush catheter) of 38 patients with liver transplantations were determined by ELISA. The postoperative histological findings of the transplant biopsies were categorized according to rejection, endothelialitis, cholestasis, and necrosis, as well as fatty degeneration. An evaluation according to Kaplan-Meier showed a lower incidence for all of these factors in liver grafts with high sHLA concentrations (P < 0.05). We conclude that low sHLA I concentrations during reperfusion correlate with later complications, thus indicating that sHLA I may have protective potential in liver transplantation.


Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents one of the most common aggressive types of primary brain tumors. Despite advances in surgical resection, novel neuroimaging procedures, and the most recent adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the median survival after diagnosis is about 12-14 months. Targeting migrating GBM cells is a key research strategy in the fight against this devastating cancer. Though the vast majority of the primary tumor focus can be surgically resected, these migrating cells are responsible for its universal recurrence. Numerous strategies and technologies are being explored to target migrating glioma cells, with small molecular inhibitors as one of the most commonly studied. Small molecule inhibitors, such as protein kinase inhibitors, phosphorylation site inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and antisense oligonucleotides show promise in slowing the progression of this disease. A better understanding of these small molecule inhibitors and how they target various extra- and intracellular signaling pathways may eventually lead to a cure for GBM.


: The expediency of application homeosyniatry by preparations of Traumel S and Placenta Compositum after the offered chart in relation to a complex with classic acupuncture and in relation to the group of the generally accepted treatment has been proved in complex treatment patients with reflex syndromes of lumbar osteochondrosis. A similar conclusion was done after the statistically reliable (P < 0.05) dynamics of parameters of endogenous intoxication, liperoxydation and antioxydant systems of the protection (by the level of katalase, superoxyddismutase, SH-groups, ceruloplasmine).


Presents some results on the range performance of multilevel signalling schemes in the presence of near-end crosstalk (NEXT) in the digital subscriber loop. With a data rate of 160 kbit/s at the U interface, multilevel line codes can be used to reduce the symbol rate and hence the bandwidth of the transmitted signal to yield improved performance in the crosstalk dominated environment, as this impairment has a power transfer which increases with frequency. By varying the number of transmitted signal levels over the range 2 to 128, subject to a peak power constraint, the authors obtain results for the range of the optimum linear and decision feedback equalisers for a probability of error of 10/sup -6/. These results indicate that the optimum number of levels lies between 4 and 7. In addition, the optimum 3-level PAM is compared with some commonly used 3-level line codes. It is found that the performance degradation of these suboptimal codes is less than 10%.


This research was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood, by determining their effect on bacterial pathogens which included: Streptobacillus sp, Corynebacterium diphtheriae , Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella typhimurium , and Escherichia coli . Cord blood samples were obtained from hospitals following consent of the women. The antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar-well diffusion method. There was significant difference (p 0.05) observed in the activity of the different samples against the test isolates. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to the samples at varying concentrations. Sample A did not yield any significant activity against most of the test organisms, possibly due to denaturation during preservation as a result of power failure. At 100 % concentration, S. aureus was most susceptible to sample B (21.7 ± 0.3 mm) and sample C (22.0 ± 0.6 mm) while E. coli was the least susceptible to sample C (11.7 ± 0.5 mm). E. coli and S. typhimurium with no zone of inhibition were observed to be the least susceptible to sample B. The MIC ranged from 12.5 % to 100 % while the MBC ranged from 25 % to 100 %. Results revealed that human cord blood could complement synthetic drugs in the fight against bacterial diseases. Keywords: Antibacterial; Umbilical cord blood; Hematopoietic stem cells


This LibGuide will define plagiarism, describe some of the consequences, and give a brief instruction to citation resources. This guide was created by Danielle Colbert-Lewis and Mary Ann Barnett.


ABSTRACT Beyond their mere presence, the distribution pattern of inflammatory cells is of special interest. Our hypothesis was that random distribution may be a clear indicator of being non-functional as a consequence of lack of interaction. Here, we have assessed the implication of cell-to-cell distances among inflammatory cells in anal squamous cell carcinoma and a possible association with survival data. Thirty-eight patients suffering from anal carcinoma were studied using tissue microarrays, double staining immunohistochemistry, whole slide scanning and image analysis software. Therapy consisted of concurrent radiochemotherapy. Numbers of stromal and intraepithelial tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells (TIC) and the distances between cells were quantified. Double-staining of FoxP3+ cells with either CD8+, CD1a+ or CD20+ cells was performed. Measured cell-to-cell distances were compared to computer simulated cell-to-cell distances leading to the assumption of non-randomly distributed and therefore functional immune cells. Intraepithelial CD1a+ and CD20+ cells were randomly distributed and therefore regarded as non-functional. In contrary, stromal CD20+ cells had a non-random distribution pattern. A non-random distance between CD20+ and FoxP3+ cells was associated with a clearly unfavorable outcome. Measured distances between FoxP3+ cells were distinctly shorter than expected and indicate a functional active state of the regulatory T cells (Treg). Analysis of cell-to-cell distances between TIC has the potential to distinguish between suppressed non-functional and functionally active inflammatory cells. We conclude that in this tumor model most of the CD1a+ cells are non-functional as are the intraepithelial CD20+ cells, while stromal CD20+ cells and FoxP3+ cells are functional cells.


OBJECTIVE
Cigarette smoking is one of the established risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, however, its impact on lipids is not completely understood, especially in the Chinese population. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of smoking status (non, former, and current smoking) on the distribution of lipoprotein subfractions in untreated patients with angina-like chest pain.

METHODS
A total of 877 patients were consecutively enrolled and divided into nonsmoking (n = 518), former smoking (n = 103), and current smoking (n = 256) groups. Both low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C) subfractions were measured using the Quantimetrix Lipoprint System. The distributions of lipoprotein subfractions were evaluated among the groups.

RESULTS
Compared with nonsmoking subjects, the current smoking group had significantly lower large/medium HDL-C (both P < 0.001) concentration and large HDL subfraction percentage but higher small HDL-C and medium LDL-C concentrations as well as medium LDL subfraction percentage. Importantly, former smoking subjects showed elevated levels of large HDL-C concentration, large HDL particle percentage, and mean LDL particle size and attenuation in small HDL/LDL percentages and small LDL-C concentration, but these levels did not reach the optimal status compared with those of the non-smoking group (data not shown).

CONCLUSION
Smoking has an adverse impact on the lipoprotein subfractions, presented as lower large HDL particles besides higher small HDL and medium LDL particles, whereas smoking cessation could reverse these change to a certain degree.


A novel puffer interrupting chamber is developed which is designed to evaluate pressure rise by guiding the thermal energy of the arc effectively into a puffer cylinder. This interrupting chamber has high blasting pressure, suitable for interrupting from low up to high current levels, providing interrupting performance considerably better than that of conventional interrupting puffer chambers. Particularly, its performance during short arcing is excellent, providing reduced minimum arcing time. For an 84 kV, 31.5 kA interrupting chamber, pressure calculations on an arc model and interruption tests were conducted to compare the interrupting performance of the new chamber with that of a conventional double-flow puffer interrupting chamber. >


Abstract The objective of this research was to explore the role of zingerone on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin level, oxidative biochemical markers and histological alterations in β-cells of type-2 diabetic rats. The outcome of this study illustrates reduction in glucose and insulin levels significantly in zingerone-treated diabetic groups. Lipid parameters were resumed to normal in zingerone-treated diabetic group as demonstrated by significant reduction in triglycerides, cholesterols (total, low-density and very low-density) levels along with significant increase high-density cholesterols levels. Zingerone-treated diabetic groups exhibited significant reduction in LPO levels and restoration of GSH contents. Administration of zingerone to treated diabetic groups indicated improvement in antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GR, GST, SOD and CAT). Administration of zingerone to treated diabetic groups minimized degeneration of pancreatic β-cells as witnessed from histopathological studies. Our results demonstrate that zingerone modulates hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, oxidative biochemical markers and degenerative changes in β-cells of treated diabetic groups.


Aspergillosis is a frequent fungal disease of young and adult poultry in our
 commercial flocks. Infection can occur after hatching by inhalation of
 Aspergillus conidia which can be present in contaminated hatcheries, or
 later, by spores from moldy litter, dust, faeces or feed. Spores from the
 surface of egg shell can penetrate inside of an egg. The main characteristic
 of aspergillosis is granulomatous inflammation of respiratory system,
 although generalized form is possible as well. Multiple yellow nodules can be
 seen as major patomorphological changes and they are usually localized in
 lungs, air sacs, and can also be found in spleen, brain, subcutis and eyes.
 Egg embryos are quite susceptible to infection by Aspergillus fumigatus
 during incubation. In this study, the history of a case on one local farm
 with mortality rate of 7.2% in the turkey flock is presented. At the same
 time, 28 day old 30 incubated hatching turkey eggs were sampled, that were
 unable to hatch. The aim of the present work was to determine the cause and
 to identify the agent of embryonic mortality. Total of the 30 eggs were
 opened, and 16 of them had thickened egg membranes in the area of air sac.
 Membrane thickening was visible and circumscript or diffuse presence of
 black-grey or grey-green fungal growth was observed. Only 3 samples air sacs
 were filled with developed stages of fungi. To evaluate histopathological
 lesions, changed egg membranes were processed by standard histological
 technique. Dominant microscopic finding was thickening of egg membranes as a
 consequence of fungal growth and many of them penetrated deep towards embryo.
 Most of the hyphae were growing vertically through membranes. On the outside
 surface of the membranes, the elements of fungi (conidial heads with phialids
 and spores on them), could be clearly observed. These changes were
 responsible for embryonic death, which on the basis of the size of dead
 embryos occurred between 7th and 10th day of incubation. Aspergillus
 fumigatus was isolated and identified from the content of air sacs. [Projekat
 Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46009 i br. TR 37015]


The Balz-Schiemann reaction remains a highly utilized means for preparing aryl fluorides from anilines. However, the limitations associated with handling aryl diazonium salts often hinder both the substrate scope and scalability of this reaction. To address this, a new continuous flow protocol was developed that eliminates the need to isolate the aryl diazonium salts. The new process has enabled the fluorination of an array of aryl and heteroaryl amines.


Abstract In Australia, as in the rest of the industrialised world, social capital has been identified as a key element in rural regeneration. For example, the Prime Minister, John Howard, speaks openly of the need for a 'social coalition' between communities, governments and businesses that will build social cohesion and trust at community level. For two decades successive Australian governments have followed the world-wide trend in industrialised nations to devolve responsibility for social welfare programs to local areas and to nongovernment agencies, the stated rationale being to break down welfare dependency and to promote individual responsibility. The dismantling of the welfare state and the triumph of capitalism have been defining features of the Australian landscape in recent years.


Children are likely to assume very awkward seated postures when using a desktop computer at workstations with limited adjustability. This also includes the workstations that are not built for them such as adult visual display terminal (VDT) workstations. This paper proposes simple step-by-step procedures for estimating necessary adjustments so that children can sit and maintain an appropriate seated posture at VDT workstations with limited adjustability (i.e., fixed keyboard and monitor heights). From the anthropometric and VDT workstation data, the procedures compute the recommended VDT workstation settings for a concerned child, compare them with the actual workstation adjustment ranges, determine the appropriate settings, and suggest necessary accessories. The posture adjustment procedures are tested on four Thai children seated at two different types of adult VDT workstation. A rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) technique is used to evaluate the children's seated postures both before and after the posture adjustment. Applying the procedures, children need their own VDT workstation that should be fully adjustable. In using an adult workstation, adjustment accessories and the correct settings are required.


An attempt was made to statistically estimate proposals which survived the discussion to be incorporated in the final agreement in an instance of a Japanese design conversation. Low level speech and vision features of hearer behaviors corresponding to aiduti, noddings and gaze were found to be a positive predictor of survival. The result suggests that non-linguistic hearer responses work as implicit proposal filters in consensus building, and could provide promising candidate features for the purpose of recognition and summarization of meeting events.


In the modern, multi-threaded, multi-core programming environment, correctly managing system resources such as locks and shared variables can be especially difficult and error-prone. A simple error, such as forgetting to release a lock, can have major consequences on the correct operation of the program (e.g. deadlock), often at a time and location that is isolated from the original error. While there have been many previous proposals for managing locks and resources, these often arise from the systems arena, and are therefore often only loosely integrated with the host programming language. Such approaches therefore do not generally provide the strong formal guarantees of correctness-by-construction that we would prefer for all fundamental properties of our programs. In this paper, we propose a new type-based approach to resource management, based on the use of dependent types to construct a Domain-Specific Embedded Language (DSEL) whose typing rules enforce the properties we require. We illustrate our approach by implementing a DSEL for concurrent programming and demonstrate its applicability with reference to concurrent transactions on a bank account.


It seems reasonably clear that by January 1, 2018 events will be set in motion for the adoption of a community-wide 5% value added tax (VAT) in the six Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The GCC's Framework VAT document is expected to be published by the end of October 2016. One of the clearest, consistently placed observations is that the Arabian VATs will be destination-based and modeled on a European credit-invoice design. Intra-Gulf business-to-business (B2B) transactions will be effectively zero-rated by the supplier, and the buyer's VAT will be directed to the destination jurisdiction. It is not clear if the mechanism directing this deposit to the destination jurisdiction will be through customs agents, a buyer's reverse charge procedure as in the EU, or a seller's remission of VAT directly (or indirectly) to the foreign treasury through a one-stop-shop. The lack of clarity on this final element does not detract from the "true ring" of the other observations.
This paper drills down to the next level. How (exactly) will (or should) the Arabian VATs intra-Gulf zero-rating in goods be implemented? Will the same mechanism be used for intra-Gulf and extra-Gulf tradable services? There is neither public commentary, nor private statements on the issues raised by this implementation question, but the warning flags are up. The procedures adopted by the EU to implement its zero rating/reverse charge mechanism have been the core structural problem underpinning the EU's struggle with MTIC and MTEC frauds. Will the GCC follow suit, or have they found another/better way? There are indications that the GCC may just have found a better way forward, and it will be implemented.
There are two traditional approaches to crafting statute that will put in place a zero rate regime for cross-border transactions within a community – (a) the customs-controlled approach, and (b) two accounting-controlled approaches (a reverse charge or a one-stop-shop). Currently there is (c) a technology-controlled (real-time) implementation for each of these regimes. This paper contends that the Arabian VATs will benefit from history, and they are ideally positioned to show the VAT community how to use real-time technology to solve some of its most difficult cross-border trade problems. A common example will assist throughout this paper.


The 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 project with man landing on the moon reminds the world again by what science and engineering can do if the man is determined to do. However, a huge step can only be achieved step by step which may be relatively small at the beginning. Robotic exploration can provide necessary information needed to do the further step safely, with less cost, more conveniently. Trajectory generation for a robotic vehicle is an essential part of the total mission planning. To save energy by exploiting possible resources such as wind will assist a robotic explorer extend its life span and perform tasks more reliably. In this paper, we propose to utilize Nonlinear Trajectory Generation (NTG) methodology to generate energy efficient trajectores for the JPL Aerobot by exploiting wind. The Aerobot model is decoupled into longitudinal and lateral dynamics with control inputs as elevator deflection δe, thrust demand δT, vectoring angle δv for the longitudinal motion, aileron deflection δa, rudder deflection δr for the lateral motion. The outputs are the velocities and orientation of the Aerobot. The Aerobot state space model parameters are obtained from experimental identification on AURORA Airship since the actual JPL Aerobot is similar to the AURORA Airship. In this paper, the results show that with the state-space model, the proposed trajectory generation method can guide the Aerobot to take advantage of previously known wind profile to generate an energy-efficient trajectory.


The mixing properties and baking performance of 17 Canada Western Red Spring wheat varieties and advanced breadwheat lines grown under the same environmental conditions have been assessed using Canadian and Australian test bake procedures with emphasis on no-time dough processes. Mixing times with the Australian rapid dough process (RDP) were considerably shorter than those obtained with the Canadian short process (CSP). However, a very high correlation was obtained for mixing time with the RDP and the CSP, indicating a similar ability to rank cultivar bake mixing requirements. Dough development times obtained from normal and high speed (180 rpm) farinograms and micro-mixograms were found to be poor predictors of CSP and RDP mixing time. Cultivars generally showed good to excellent baking performance with the 2 no-time procedures (RDP and CSP) and the Australian fermented dough procedure (FDP). High correlations and similar cultivar rankings were obtained for loaf volume and bread score with the CSP and FDP. However, no significant correlations and different cultivar rankings were obtained between RDP and CSP (or FDP), indicating that different quality properties may determine relative cultivar baking performance. These results also suggest that both no-time dough procedures may be required in breeder selection and quality monitoring programs to ensure superior breadwheat performance in domestic and export markets.


This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive and micro-invasive treatments on the arrest of occlusal enamel carious lesions in erupting permanent molars. This two-arm randomized clinical trial included 27 subjects, aged 5-11 years, with 64 erupting permanent molars presenting active occlusal enamel carious lesions (as assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS]; scores 1-3). The sample was randomly assigned into two treatment groups: 1) resin-modified glass ionomer cement sealant (Clinpro XT Varnish; 3M ESPE) and 2) 4-week topical fluoride varnish application (Duraphat; Colgate). All children and parents received oral hygiene and dietary instructions. Teeth were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months regarding the eruption stage, biofilm accumulation, as well as severity and activity of the carious lesions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the survival estimates for inactivation of the carious lesions for both treatment groups. Multivariate Cox regression models with shared frailty were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome (p < 0.05). After 12 months, 22% and 3% of the lesions treated with topical fluoride varnish and sealant, respectively remained active. The adjusted model demonstrated that younger children had a higher probability of active enamel carious lesions arresting (hazard ratio [HR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.78; p=0.01). However, the probability of active enamel carious lesions arresting after sealant application was 8.85 times higher compared with fluoride varnish applications (p=0.01). Sealing is a more effective approach than fluoride varnish for arresting occlusal enamel carious lesions in erupting permanent molars.


Porous scaffolds fabricated from biodegradable polymers have been widely used and play a vital role in tissue engineering and in situ tissue reconstruction. This study presents a novel fabrication technique involving injection molding and conventional particulate leaching (IM/PL) to obtain the L-shaped nasal scaffold for rhinoplasty. The results indicate that the porous nasal scaffold made by the IM/PL method shows the acceptable biocompatibility and degradation. The nasal scaffold may degrade well after surgery and the cartilage tissue may grow well in it. This IM/PL technique may replace the traditional artificial silicone filler and reduce the surgery cost. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers


Objective To investigate the clinical application of pedicled flap with superficial temporal vessel in reconstruction of inferior eyelids defects. Methods Eight cases of inferior eyelids defect were reconstructed using pedicled flap with superficial tempotal vessel from June 2004 to October 2007 in our hospital, and all the patients were followed up. The tear film breakup time, lacrimal secretion (Schirmer I test) and cornea fluorescent pigmentation examination before and after surgery were examined. Results After the reconstruction, all the skin flaps were completely survived with satisfactory color, quality and contour close to skin of the eyelids. There were significant differences in the tear film breakup time [(4.35± 2.46) s vs (9.50±2.61) s] , lacrimal secretion [(4.50±1.78) mm vs (10.86±3.40) mm] before and after surgery (all P<0.05). Cornea fluorescent pigmentosa decreased obviously after surgery, all P<0.05. The shape and fimction of inferior eyelids in 8 cases were improved obviously, and clinical outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion Reconstruction of inferior eyelids defect using pedicled flap with superficial temporal vessel is an ideal approach which is safe and easy to manipulate.

Key words:
Blepharoplasty; Surgical flaps; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Superficial temporal vessel; Eyelid diseases


High accuracy attitude for spacecraft can be determined by star sensors. The key technology is star pattern recognition. Based on the Hausdorff distance (HD) algorithm, a robust identification algorithm has been used for matching point-sets, which does not require absolute point correspondence. HD identification is not suitable for large attitude angle changes around the boresight, which usually results in a low recognition rate and low speed of identification. A new image similarity measure combined with an improved HD algorithm is proposed for recognizing stellar maps. An improved HD based on scalar distances is implemented to guarantee an acceptable success rate of recognition for large attitude changes around the boresight, which is noise resistant. Another improved HD based on vector distances is constructed to guarantee the recognition speed using a star dimensional configuration. Appropriate gray and matching thresholds are selected to improve recognition speed. Results of the semiphysical simulation show that the proposed algorithm is better than the HD identification method in terms of noise resistance, recognition rate, and speed of operation.


The two primary observable quantities of an exoplanet—its mass and radius—alone are not sufficient to probe a rocky exoplanet's interior composition and mineralogy. To overcome this, host-star abundances of the primary planet-building elements (Mg, Si, Fe) are typically used as a proxy for the planet's bulk composition. The majority of small exoplanet hosts, however, do not have available abundance data. Here we present the open-source ExoPlex mass–radius–composition solver. Unlike previous open-source mass–radius solvers, ExoPlex calculates the core chemistry and equilibrium mantle mineralogy for a bulk composition, including effects of mantle FeO content, core light elements, and surface water/ice. We utilize ExoPlex to calculate the planetary radii, surface gravities, and bulk densities for 106 model planets up to 2 R ⊕ across these geochemistries, adopting the distribution of FGK stellar abundances to estimate of the range of bulk exoplanet compositions. We outline the 99.7% distribution of radii, surface gravities, and bulk densities that define planets as "nominally rocky." Planets outside this range require compositions outside those expected from stellar abundance data, likely making them either Fe-enriched super-Mercuries, or volatile-enriched mini-Neptunes. We apply our classification scheme to a sample of 85 well-resolved exoplanets without available host-star abundances. We estimate only nine planets are within the "nominally rocky planet zone" at >70% confidence, while ∼20% and ∼30% of this sample can be reasonably classified as super-Mercuries or volatile-rich, respectively. Our results provide observers with a self-consistent way to classify broadly a planet as likely rocky, Mercury-like, or volatile-enriched, using mass and radius measurements alone.


Abstract Given the rapid economic and administrative evolution that China has undergone during the last three decades, it is likely that corruption in China has been directly and indirectly affected by the changes that have taken place. However, the existing literature pays little attention to the impact of such changes on Chinese corruption, while emphasizing the seriousness of corruption. This article reviews how the major causes of Chinese corruption in the reform era have been alleviated in the 2000s. Some of the recent changes include the progress of the market economy, the advent of a merit-based civil service system, improvement of the budgeting and auditing system, fiscal recentralization and better monitoring of local governments' activities, and progress in anti-corruption regulation and enforcement. Consequently, we hypothesize that changes in the causes of corruption have led to structural changes in Chinese corruption. Our empirical analyses reveal that administrative reform has resulted in a decrease in the number of corruption cases related to the internal administrative process (embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds). At the same time, we also observe the aggravation of bribery. This suggests that Chinese corruption has made a transition from being an administrative issue to being a private–public transactional problem.


The cardiovascular system of the elderly is characterised by (i) an increased characteristic impedance of the big vessels, without hypertension; (ii) a cardiac index unchanged at rest and during submaximal exercising, despite a diminished VO2 max; (iii) a diastolic dysfunction with reduced rapid early filling (E wave at echo) and enhanced atrial systole (A wave); (iv) benign arrhythmias; (v) a reduced coronary reserve and an increased sensitivity to ischemia; (vi) an efficacy of converting enzyme inhibitors remaining unchanged, despite an altered renin-agiotensin system.


Text coherence is a fundamental problem in natural language generation and understanding. Organizing sentences into an order that maximizes coherence is known as sentence ordering. This paper is proposing a new approach based on the graph neural network approach to encode a set of sentences and learn orderings of short stories. We propose a new method for constructing sentence-entity graphs of short stories to create the edges between sentences and reduce noise in our graph by replacing the pronouns with their referring entities. We improve the sentence ordering by introducing an aggregation method based on majority voting of state-of-the-art methods and our proposed one. Our approach employs a BERT-based model to learn semantic representations of the sentences. The results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms existing baselines on a corpus of short stories with a new state-of-the-art performance in terms of Perfect Match Ratio (PMR) and Kendall's Tau (Tau) metrics. More precisely, our method increases PMR and Tau criteria by more than 5% and 4.3%, respectively. These outcomes highlight the benefit of forming the edges between sentences based on their cosine similarity. We also observe that replacing pronouns with their referring entities effectively encodes sentences in sentence-entity graphs.


To evaluate the antiarthritic activity of ethanolic seed extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey in rodents. The antiarthritic activity of ethanolic extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey (EEDP) was studied against Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. The EEDP was administered at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The parameters including paw volume, joint diameter, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, biochemical parameters, haematological parameters and histopathology of synovial joint was observed. Diclofenac was taken as standard. EEDP showed significant (P<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity by reducing increased paw volume and joint diameter in arthritic rats. EEDP at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001) increased the animals paw mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. EEDP (200 and 400 mg/kg) exhibits anti-arthritic activity by improving the altered haematological parameters (CRP, WBC, RBC, platelets and Hb) and biochemical parameters (AST, ALT and ALP). Histopathological examination showed reduced cell infiltration and erosion of joint cartilage in EEDP treated arthritic rats. This study validates the ethnomedicinal use of ethanolic extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey seeds in the treatment of pain, inflammation and arthritic conditions.


A 'new' academic will share her fIrst experience of online teaching in a university environment. As an experienced user of computer technology this academic who is new to teaching in a university environment shared the experience of being 'new' to online teaching and learning with Masters level students. This paper explores the issues associated with online learning from the perspective of the 'teacher' as weIl as that of the 'learners'. The learners in this study participated in project-based learning experiences in an online unit taught by staff in the Faculty of Education. It will consider the issues that arose during the semester including the use of a new technology (new to the university) as well as the experience of participation in project-based learning in an online learning environment. The manner in which students dealt with the issues associated with this learning experience in an online environment will be presented.


Qualitative research methods that focus on the lived experience of people with health conditions are relatively underutilised in physiotherapy research. This article aims to introduce interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), a research methodology oriented toward exploring and understanding the experience of a particular phenomenon (e.g., living with spinal cord injury or chronic pain, or being the carer of someone with a particular health condition). Researchers using IPA try to find out how people make sense of their experiences and the meanings they attach to them. The findings from IPA research are highly nuanced and offer a fine grained understanding that can be used to contextualise existing quantitative research, to inform understanding of novel or underresearched topics or, in their own right, to provoke a reappraisal of what is considered known about a specified phenomenon. We advocate IPA as a useful and accessible approach to qualitative research that can be used in the clinical setting to inform physiotherapy practice and the development of services from the perspective of individuals with particular health conditions.


A class of computationally efficient DOA estimators under the Partial Relaxation (PR) framework has recently been proposed. Conceptually different from conventional DOA estimation methods in the literature, the estimators under the PR framework rely on the non-complete relaxation of the array manifold while performing a spectral-search in the field of view. This particular type of relaxation essentially implies a modified signal model with partial information loss due to the relaxation. The information loss and its impact on the DOA estimation performance have not yet been analytically quantified in the literature. In this paper, the information loss induced by the relaxation of the array manifold is investigated through the Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB). The closed-form expression of the CRB for DOA estimation under the PR model, on the one hand, provides insight on the information loss in the asymptotic region where the number of snapshots tends to infinity. On the other hand, the proposed CRB characterizes the lower bound for the DOA estimation performance of all PR estimators. We prove that, under the assumptions of Gaussian source signal and noise, the CRB of the PR signal model is lower-bounded by the conventional stochastic CRB. We also prove that the previously proposed Weighted Subspace Fitting estimator under the PR framework asymptotically achieves the CRB of the PR signal model. Furthermore, it is shown that the asymptotic mean-squared errors of all Weighted Subspace Fitting estimators under the PR framework for any positive definite weighting matrix are identical.


MRP-14 and its heterodimeric partner, MRP-8 are highly expressed in neutrophils and monocytes where they constitute 40% and 1% of the total cytosolic protein respectively. They are both low molecular weight proteins that belong to the SI GO family of Ca^^-binding proteins. Using the air pouch model of inflammation it has been demonstrated that recombinant murine MRP-14 (rMRP-14) is a potent chemoattractant for myeloid cells in vivo (May, 1999). While rMRP-14 did not directly cause chemotaxis or activation of myeloid cells in vitro, it caused a rapid elevation in the levels of cytokines in air pouch exudate, suggesting that rMRP-14 causes leukocyte influx via an indirect mechanism. As a control for endotoxin involvement, an air pouch experiment was performed using LPS insensitive mice. rMRP-14 did not produce an influx of cells. In addition, picogram levels of LPS, equivalent to the level of endotoxin contaminaton in rMRP-14, induced similar chemokines to rMRP14 in the air pouch. Therefore it is likely the effect of rMRP-14 in vivo is due to endotoxin contamination. Myeloid cells from MRP-14' ' mice were characterised. MRP-8 mRNA, but not protein, was present in these cells, suggesting that the stability of MRP-8 protein is dependent on MRP-14 expression. A compensatory increase in other proteins was not detected and myeloid cell development was unaffected in MRP-14' ' mice. MRP14'̂ ' neutrophils had a reduced Ca^  ̂flux in response to suboptimal levels of MIP-2. The ability of MRP-14' ' cells to perform chemotaxis, apoptosis or superoxide burst was unaffected. In an in vivo model of pneumonia, MRP-14' ' mice were less able to contain the infection than MRP-14̂ ^̂ mice. It is proposed that MRP-14 may not be dispensible for all myeloid cell functions. The role of MRP-8 during embryonic development was also investigated. MRP-8 was expressed by cells of both maternal and fetal origin. MRP-14' ' mice expressed reduced levels of MRP-8 and developed normally. This is in contrast to MPR-8' ' mice that die in utero (Passey et al, 1999a). Therefore, MRP-8 appears to play an essential function during development that is independent of MRP-14.


Interdealer trading in the European sovereign bond market is characterized by low spreads and high liquidity. This paper examines whether the dealer-customer segment of the market also benefits from low spreads. Customers are smaller banks and buy-side financial institutions who request quotes from primary dealers. They generally do not enjoy access to the interdealer trading platform. Surprisingly, we find that customer trades are on average competitively priced and often occur inside the interdealer spread. Moreover, higher market volatility increases interdealer spreads more than customer spreads. The theoretical part of the paper develops a new dynamic model of dealer intermediation which captures the segmented market structure of the European bond market. The model explains differences in the volatility dependence of interdealer and customer spreads. The predicted inventory dependence of customer trade quality is also confirmed in the data.


Use of self-report (questionnaires) is often the most realistic means of screening physical fitness in large participant samples because this method is quicker and cheaper than objective testing. Yet, previous studies have reported equivocal validity to reports of self-perceived fitness. A hybrid self-report variant is the use of self-administered/reported objective measurement. I sought to investigate the relative validity of this variant method compared to self-perception reports. In total 26,452 young Norwegian men and women participated in this study. I collected data during obligatory selection for military conscript service. Approximately half of the participants were asked to rate their endurance level on a five-point Likert scale in an online questionnaire. The other half performed a self-administered 3000 m run and reported the result online. Within 18 months, all participants completed an objective maximal treadmill test at a conscript selection center. I used Spearman correlations (rs) and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) to investigate the relationships between these two self-report methods and the observed objective treadmill performance. Self-perceived and self-tested endurance were both identically correlated with the other-observed treadmill run for men (r s = 0.59; p < .001) and for women (rs = 0.50, p < .001); and ANOVAs revealed significant effects of self-perceived and self-tested endurance on treadmill run time, with higher self-reported endurance related to higher treadmill run time. In conclusion, self-perceived and self-tested endurance produced the same correlation coefficients with objectively measured treadmill run time. While there was a moderate relationship between self-reported and objectively measured endurance at the group level, there was substantial individual measurement error that should be considered for individual reports.


Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) can develop the resistance of host plants to heavy metal stress. However, little is known about the response of ECMF to heavy metal exposure. In this study, the growth and physiological indices of Lepista sordida under Cd and Cu stress were studied. The growth of L. sordida on PDA medium under Cd and Cu stress was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After the addition of Cd and Cu to the medium, the mycelium started twisting, breaking, sticking together, and even dissolving. In the control group, a good and luxuriant mycelium growth of L. sordida along with the numerous clamp connections was observed. The mycelial biomass decreased with increasing concentrations of heavy metals in a liquid medium. The catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were also investigated, and the results showed that the Cd and Cu treatments caused a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities. The contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and free proline in L. sordida were investigated, and it was found that the contents initially increased and then decreased with the increasing concentrations of Cd and Cu. However, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with the increasing concentrations of Cd and Cu. In conclusion, the present study provides a theoretical basis for the better utilization of Ectomycorrhizal fungal resources for the remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metal.


Abstract Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is an egg parasitoid of the invasive Asian pest, brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Also native to Asia, adventive T. japonicus populations have been detected in North America since 2014, and are currently reported from 15 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian provinces. Yellow sticky cards (YSC) have proven effective for monitoring the presence, seasonal abundance, and distribution of these adventive populations. Our research has utilized YSC deployed in the midcanopy of H. halys host trees, following a study in which all leaves on felled tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, were inspected for H. halys egg masses, yielding eggs parasitized by T. japonicus only from mid- and upper-canopy leaves. However, given that other investigators have captured T. japonicus using YSC deployed in the lower-canopy, and that the effect of YSC placement in trees on T. japonicus captures had not been examined, captures of T. japonicus on YSC in the mid- and lower-canopy of individual A. altissima were compared. Traps were replaced weekly for five weeks and assessed for scelionid species. In 2020 and 2021, T. japonicus represented ≥53% of all Scelionidae captured, and there was not a significant effect of YSC location in the canopy on its captures. Deploying YSC at either canopy height was effective for measuring the relative abundance of T. japonicus, but sampling from the lower canopy substantially improved the efficiency and convenience of T. japonicus surveillance.


On clinical examination of a 44-year-old man because of hypospadiasis and recurrent inguinal hernia, an intrascrotal mass was palpated. The tumour turned out to be a supernumerary testicle. In doubtful tumorous conditions of the male genital tract Triorchidism, a rare congenital anomaly should be borne in mind.


As China begins to increase its participation in international commerce, its introduction of several initiatives are threatening existing standards. These initiatives include alternative standards for communications network, called TD-SCDMA, and for tracking goods using radiofrequency ID tags. Critics have denounced these initiatives as a covert form of protectionism for China's high-tech sector. To gain a better understanding of the issue, this paper examines four commonly held points of view about China's push for high-profile technical standards.


Streaming media applications is currently limited by high bandwidth requirements. It is a challenging problem to provide the required quality of service (QoS) for the efficient transmission of video data under the varying network conditions such as the time-varying packet loss and fluctuating bandwidth. On Internet the most important part for streaming media transmission application is QoS control mechanism which including two kinds of QoS control method, based on end to end and network. A wireless streaming media forward platform based on the mixed quality-of-service (QoS) control system is introduced in this paper. The theoretical knowledge related to the quality of service and mixed quality of service control of the feasibility and characteristics are analyzed, and introduced a comprehensive quality of service in theory. This system combines network control and end to end quality of service control. The network of the system is optimized to support quality of service, using the underlying network devices, network bandwidth optimization, network structure adapted to meet the both ends of the quality of service. At both ends, from the delay, jitter, etc. are adjusted, by the addition of the timestamp and other information on the dynamic adjustment of the speed of data transmission. Through improving the control of two ends QoS and media streaming forward server, the video streaming from ships on the sea is transferred to the Internet by microwave and then linked to common Internet and mobile phone users through carrier networks(wired and wireless), which realized the real time supervision.


2 Abstract: This experiment aimed to study the effects of rumen undegradable protein levels on productive performance of Thai Native-Brahman beef cattle. Four yearling Thai Native x Brahman beef cattle with an average Body Weight (BW) of 175.5±18.6 kg were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square arrangement. The treatments were levels of Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) in concentrate at 30, 35, 40 and 45%. Concentrates were formulated to contain 14% CP and were fed at 2.0% BW. The results showed that the DM intake, OM digestibility and TVFA increased linearly (p<0.05) while the level of RUP increased. Moreover, the ruminal NH3-N (p<0.01) and BUN linearly decreased, whereas at 45% RUP the ruminal NH3-N concentratio n increased (quadratically, p<0.01). The bacteria and protozoa populations also increased as the level of RUP increased. However, the bacteria and protozoa populations decreased quadratically (p<0.05) when the level of RUP changed from 40 to 45%. The N retention (g/d) tended to increase with increasing the level of RUP. However, the N retention tended to decrease at the level of 45% RUP. It could be concluded that RUP level at 40% in concentrate had positive effects on productive performances.


There is a wide diversity of plants and seasonal crops in Peru, due to the presence of many climatic zones. Numerous plants are used to cure or prevent diseases. These plants are promising candidates for functional foods products. The most frequent form in which they are used is an aqueous infusion or decoction. In this study, we compared the antioxidant properties of ten Peruvian plants infusions and investigated their relation to the phenolic content. The studied plants were: Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw), Lepidium meyenii (maca), Berberis vulgaris L. (barberry, agracejo), Phyllantus niruri (chanca piedra), Annona muricata L. (graviola, soursop), Gentianella alborosea (hercampure), Geranium dielsianum (pasuchaca), Tabebuia ochracea (tahuari), Notholaena nivea ("cuti cuti") and Tiquilia paronychioides ("flor de arena"). Infusions of all studied plants have shown antioxidant activity, though there was a large diversity between the results. The antioxidant properties, determined with DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays as well as FRAP test, were strongly correlated with total phenolic content, while there was no correlation with the carotenoid content.


Consider the problem of classifying motions, encoded as dynamical models of a certain class. Standard nearest neighbor classification then reduces to find a suitable distance function in the space of the models. In this paper we present a supervised differential-geometric method to learn a Riemannian metric for a given class of dynamical models in order to improve classification performances. Given a training set of models the optimal metric is selected among a family of pullback metrics induced by the Fisher information tensor through a parameterized diffeomorphism. Experimental results concerning action and identity recognition based on simple scalar features are shown, proving how learning a metric actually improves classification rates when compared with Fisher geodesic distance and other classical distance functions.


The electrical insulation design of high voltage superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) should be confirmed for the stabilization of the power grid. This paper describes numerical analysis for high voltage SFCLs based upon the AC and lightning impulse dielectric tests. To calculate the field utilization factor, the electric field distributions for numerical analysis were calculated by finite element method (FEM) simulation tool. The correlation of experiments results and the field utilization factor was investigated. From the results, the electric field criterion of liquid nitrogen at 200 kPa was calculated. Furthermore, safety factor was also considered to design single-phase 154 kV class SFCL. This insulation design in liquid nitrogen focused only two parts of SFCL. Part 1 is gap distance between a cryostat and superconducting coils. Part 2 is gap distance between series-connections of non-inductively wound solenoid type coils.


The author claims that psychoanalytic theorizing that emphasizes system, context, and complexity is particularly compassion friendly. She hypothesizes that compassion can be an emergent property of well attuned relational fields or systems, just as hostility and contempt seem as if naturally to characterize others. Compassion, or suffering with, is presented as both process and attitude. In the essay's attention to complexity, it undermines reductionism and supports everyday clinical work by encouraging fallibilism, attention to small misattunements, dialogue, and respect for the patient's suffering. Compassion, neither interpretation nor provision, but also both, accompanies the other and implicitly affirms the worth of the other.


Results of Mossbauer measurements on -implanted are reported. It is demonstrated that Co atoms are mobile during applied annealing. Co enters into both possible sites of iron with a slight preference for one of them. Because of this weak preferential occupancy of iron sites, two models can explain the Mossbauer spectrum equally well.


Security represents one of the crucial concerns when it comes to DevOps methodology-empowered software development and service delivery process. Considering the adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), even minor flaws could potentially cause fatal consequences, especially in sensitive domains such as healthcare and maritime applications. However, most of the existing solutions tackle either Static Application Security Testing (SAST) or run-time behavior analysis distinctly. In this paper, we propose a) IaC Scan Runner, an open-source solution developed in Python for inspecting a variety of state-of-the-art IaC languages in application design time and b) the run time anomaly detection tool called LOMOS. Both tools work in synergy and provide a valuable contribution to a DevSecOps tool set. The proposed approach is demonstrated and their results will be demonstrated on various case studies showcasing the capabilities of static analysis tool IaC Scan Runner combined with LOMOS - log analysis artificial intelligence-enabled framework.


Learning and using additional languages can result in structural changes in the brain. However, the time course of these changes, as well as the factors the predict them, are still not well understood. In this longitudinal study we test the effects of bilingual immersion on brain structure of adult sequential bilinguals not undergoing any language training, who were scanned twice, three years apart. We observed significant increases in grey matter volume in the lower left cerebellum, mean white matter diffusivity in the frontal cortex, and reshaping of the left caudate nucleus and amygdala and bilateral hippocampus. Moreover, both prior length of immersion and L2 age of acquisition were significant predictors of volumetric change in the cerebellum. Taken together, these results indicate that bilingualism-induced neurological changes continue to take place across the lifespan and are strongly related to the quantity and quality of bilingual immersion, even in highly-immersed adult bilingual populations.


This paper presents new results on the complexity of graph-theoretical models that represent probabilities (Bayesian networks) and that represent interval and set valued probabilities (credal networks). We define a new class of networks with bounded width, and introduce a new decision problem for Bayesian networks, the maximin a posteriori. We present new links between the Bayesian and credal networks, and present new results both for Bayesian networks (most probable explanation with observations, maximin a posteriori) and for credal networks (bounds on probabilities a posteriori, most probable explanation with and without observations, maximum a posteriori).


Object detection is one of the fundamental step for automated video analysis in many vision applications. Object detection in video is usually performed by background subtraction techniques. In the existing method they proposed object detection by pixel variation of the image from one frame to another and the background subtracted by the training process in the recorded videos. In the proposed method the object is detected in the live video that is used for the security purpose. Camera is fixed at the required place and if there is any human object is detected, it is processed and makes the system to realize and produces the alerting sound at the same time intruder's image get transferred to the corresponding authority through mail communication. The mailing system is composed with a counter, which sends the images of the coverage area at regular intervals. Based on the Camera's range the monitoring area may be increased. In live video 18 frame is processed at a unit time and it takes again 18 frames to process output. In existing system they took 86 seconds to process 1 frame. Proposed method going to achieve 10 frames/sec.


Following the publication of the above article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that the 'Sift80, Day 7 / 10% FBS' data panel in Fig. 1Ba looked strikingly similar to the 'Sift80, 2% BCS / Day 3' data panel shown in Fig. 1Bb. After having re‑examined their original data, the authors have realized that they inadvertently duplicated the data panel that correctly showed the results of the 'Sift80, Day 7 / 10% FBS' experiment in this figure. Therefore, the revised version of Fig. 1, now showing the correct data for the 'Sift80, 2% BCS / Day 3' panel, is shown on the next page. Note that the error made in assembling this figure did not affect the overall conclusions reported in the paper. All the authors agree with the publication of this corrigendum, and are grateful to the Editor of International Journal of Molecular Medicine for allowing them the opportunity to publish this. They also apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 44: 1653‑1666, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4321].


This research focuses on information technology (IT) project managers' growth mindset concerning IT project management (PM) ability and investigates how such a mindset can promote escalation of commitment to a troubled IT project. Specifically, we suggest that the growth mindset of IT PM ability promotes prospective achievement motivation and can lead IT project managers to escalate their commitment to an IT project despite negative feedback suggesting that the project may not be completed successfully. Through a series of three experiments with 351 IT project managers, we obtained consistent support for our hypotheses suggesting that the growth mindset of IT PM ability promotes IT project escalation and this effect is partially mediated by anticipated regret about project failure and anticipated likelihood of project success. In addition, in the three experiments we found that when the project involves an unfamiliar technology the indirect effect of the growth mindset of IT PM ability through anticipated likelihood of project success is stronger than when the project involves a familiar technology.


BACKGROUND
Palliative efficacy of conventional gastrojejunostomy in palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction is debatable. This study aims to compare the outcomes of conventional gastrojejunostomy and stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy and to explore the factors influencing the delayed gastric emptying after surgery in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

METHODS
The study subjects were divided into the following two groups based on whether the stomach was partitioned or not: Conventional gastrojejunostomy and stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy. All demographic data, patient characteristics, postoperative outcomes, including delayed gastric emptying grade and 30-day complications were collected. Following the comparison of the clinical outcomes, risk factors for delayed gastric emptying were determined by regression models.

RESULTS
Fifty-three patients were included in this study. Of these, 37 patients underwent conventional gastrojejunostomy, whereas 16 patients underwent stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy. Patient demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Although 10 (27%) patients in the conventional gastrojejunostomy group had delayed gastric emptying grade B-C, no patient in the stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy group experienced this condition. There was no difference between the groups concerning hospital stay and complications. In multivariate regression analysis, having distant metastasis (OR=0.156, 95%CI 0.034-0.720, p=0.017) and stomach-partitioning (OR=0.127, 95%CI 0.025-0.653, p=0.014) were found as independent factors for the delayed gastric emptying.

CONCLUSION
In patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction, compared with conventional gastrojejunostomy, stomach-partitioning may provide favorable clinical outcomes by improving gastric emptying.


Within the frame of postmodernism, the main theoretical bases of the traditional Geopolitics started to be strongly questioned by a new current group of researchers identified with the Critical School of this discipline. However, the different shades in the relations between Russia and the United States of America seem to revalidate the basic premises of the traditional Geopolitics: Halford Mackinder's Heartland, George Kennan's Contention and The Spheres of Influence.


We present 1DMESA2HYDRO3D, an open-source, Python-based software tool that provides an accessible means of generating physically motivated initial conditions (ICs) for hydrodynamical simulations from 1D stellar structure models. We test 1DMESA2HYDRO3D on five stellar models generated with the MESA stellar evolution code and verify its capacity as an IC generator with the Phantom smoothed particle hydrodynamics code. Consistency between the input density profiles, the 1DMESA2HYDRO3D-rendered particle distributions, and the state of the distributions after evolution over 10 dynamical timescales is found for model stars ranging in structure and density from a radially extended supergiant to a white dwarf.


Low-temperature fluorescence investigations of phyA-GFP used in experiments on its nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning were carried out. In etiolated hypocotyls of phyA-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana expressing phyA-GFP, it was found that it is similar to phyA in spectroscopic parameters with both its native types, phyA′ and phyA′′, present and their ratio shifted towards phyA′. In transgenic tobacco hypocotyls, native phyA and rice phyA-GFP were also identical to phyA in the wild type whereas phyA-GFP belonged primarily to the phyA′ type. Finally, truncated oat Δ6-12 phyA-GFP expressed in phyA-deficient Arabidopsis was represented by the phyA′ type in contrast to full-length oat phyA-GFP with an approximately equal proportion of the two phyA types. This correlates with a previous observation that Δ6-12 phyA-GFP can form only numerous tiny subnuclear speckles while its wild-type counterpart can also localize into bigger and fewer subnuclear protein complexes. Thus, phyA-GFP is spectroscopically and photochemically similar or identical to the native phyA, suggesting that the GFP tag does not affect the chromophore. phyA-GFP comprises phyA′-GFP and phyA′′-GFP, suggesting that both of them are potential participants in nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning, which may contribute to its complexity.


As the packaging of choice for many therapeutic proteins, prefilled syringes have been widely used in biopharmaceutical industry as primary containers, where silicone oil is applied to ensure their proper functionality. Adequate lubrication from sufficient amount of silicone oil and its appropriate distribution across syringe barrels is crucial for successful administration of drug product (DP) from the prefilled syringes; however, silicone oil is also susceptible to leaching from the syringe surface into the formulation with the potential to interact with therapeutic proteins, which could lead to the formation of visible and sub-visible aggregates and/or particles that are potentially immunogenic. Accurate determination and careful control of silicone oil levels in both empty syringes and protein drug products are therefore critical in process development to ensure syringe functionality, drug product quality, and patient safety. On the other hand, analysis of silicone oil can be challenging especially when the analysis is performed on formulated protein drug products, where matrix effects could be significant. It is demonstrated in this study that silicone oil in empty syringes or formulated drug products can be extracted effectively using organic solvents and quantitatively determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a universal detector. It was also shown that direct extraction of silicone oil from formulated protein drug products can be very challenging, but pretreatment of the protein drug products with pepsin enzymatic digestion facilitated the extraction process, which enabled the analysis of silicone oil in the drug product at low ppm levels.


Reactions of [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(ClC6H5)]+BF−4 and (n = 5, a; 6, b; 7, c; 8, d) give cycloalkene complexes (6a – d, 94 to 79%). A crystal structure of the methylcyclopentadienyl analog of 6a shows the Re – plane and Re – PPh3 bond to be coplanar, with the vinyl protons syn to the cyclopentadienyl ligand. Reaction of 6a and tBuO−K+ leads to the vinyl complex (9a, 90%) instead of expected allyl complex (10a) Analogous reactions of 6b – d give varying mixtures of 9b – d/10b – d. HBF4 · OEt2 and 9a react to form the cyclopentylidene complex (10+ BF−4, 96%), the stability of which precludes any intermediacy in the deprotonation of 6a. A crystal structure of 11+ PF−6 shows the ReCC planes to be perpendicular to the Re – P bond. Spectroscopic features of compounds 6 are analyzed in detail, and NMR data show a high barrier to cyclopentylidene ligand rotation in 11+ BF−4 (ΔG≢ (110°C) ≥ 19 kcal/mol).


Shell elongated, rather compressed, very inaequilateral, the umbones laying at about one sixth of the whole length of the shell, rather smooth, with numerous fine concentric striae; umbones little prominent, decorticated in the adult, in half grown shells with conspicuous radiating folds, extending more or less over the disk of the shell; moreover a few radiating grooves occupy the anterior part of the shell, and microscopic radiating wrinkles of the epidermis cover the posterior slope; epidermis reddish-brown in the adult, yellowish olive-green in the young ones. Upper margin slightly curved, anterior margin rounded, slightly protruded below; ventral margin incurved, posterior margin forming with the upper one a more or less obtuse angle, regularly curved above, rounded below and running with a very obtuse angle at the umbonal ridge, which is rather obtuse, into the ventral margin. Ligament long, narrow, yellowish-brown.
Nacre bluish white, more iridescent near the posterior part, brownish near the umbones; scarcely more than one short, thick, crenated tooth in each valve; a small knob in the left valve may perhaps be considered as a second tooth; lateral lamellae: 2 in the left valve, one in the right one; they are elongated, slightly curved, rather thick.


Morphologic diagnosis of many neurometabolic storage diseases can be achieved by electron microscopic examination of skin biopsies and/or peripheral lymphocytes. Pathognomonic inclusions of specific shape allow accurate diagnosis in ceroid neuronal lipofuscinosis, generalized glycogenosis, Tangier disease, metachromatic and globoid leukodystrophy, and sometimes in adrenoleukodystrophy. Vacuolation of cells and membranous cytoplasmic and zebra bodies, while not specific for individual diseases, still indicate the presence of one of a limited group of disorders. This method is especially useful in those inborn errors of metabolism for which biochemical tests are not available.


KOTAKU, or City Without Slum areas, is a nationwide initiative carried out in a number of Indonesian provinces where it is believed that there are slum areas where residents live in substandard conditions. The goals of KOTAKU are for 100% of people to have access to drinking water, 0% to slum areas, and 100% access to good sanitation. Klitren village, one of the villages in Yogyakarta city, was identified as the project's target since it has decent access to sanitation, some slum areas, and limited access to drinking water. KOTAKU was supported by the ESD program, which educated and empowered women who are active agents of change in the Family Welfare Movement. (PKK). They provide a number of programs on Family Empowerment and a Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS). As a result, since they were conducted in the same target groups, ESD programs were supported and synergized with PKK initiatives. ESD activities, such as Training of Trainers, were offered to prominent/core members of the PKK at the village level. Afterward, they could serve as supervisors, mentors, and facilitators for women at all village levels. Some constraints remained in conducting a healthy and positive environment, such as lousy waste management, including a waste bank, the wrong mindset on garbage, inadequate knowledge of a healthy and clean environment in a highly populated area, no communal hygiene facility (septic tank), and the behavior to use the river as dumping ground. These issues were resolved by the community through extensive communication and collaborative approaches. Women had an important role since they held monthly gatherings for education and discussion. KOTAKU could be implemented in this village. However, certain adjustments are needed to meet program objectives. The walkways were repaired, and a paving block was installed in their place. Several houses were resettled three meters from the river, where they were also cleaned and reconstructed to increase the flow and prevent flooding when it rained.


We use wavelet transform to analyze the daily relative sunspot number series over solar cycles 10–23. The characteristics of some of the periods shorter than ~600-day are discussed. The results exhibit not only the variation of some short periods in the 14 solar cycles but also the characteristics and differences around solar peaks and valley years. The short periodic components with larger amplitude such as ~27, ~150 and ~360-day are obvious in some solar cycles, all of them are time-variable, also their lengths and amplitudes are variable and intermittent in time. The variable characteristics of the periods are rather different in different solar cycles.


The trustworthiness given to remote platform by service provider is the base to network access authorization, but it's hard for service provider to get the real state of remote platforms without hardware support such as built-in TPM, and therefore to trust them. This paper presents a remote attestation mechanism in which a trusted agent is assured to measure and report to the service provider the state related information of its resided platform. To achieve this remote attestation process in an open environment without hardware support, increasing the software complexity is an effective choice. Software obfuscation can make the program more complicated for the software reverse engineering hard to work, and if the agent can also work independently to the services supplied by the resided platform, it can thus be trusted by its distributor during a significant period.


With the increasing information capacity of airborne system, there is an increasing need for high speed drives for laser diode (LD). In order to match the low resistive LD, an exponential transmission line is proposed which is used for compensation of the pattern effect in gain switching of laser diodes as well as to overcome the effect of parasitic elements in high-speed drives to improve the rise and trail edges of the output waveform. An accurate circuit model of the exponential line for PSPICE program is developed and simulations are carried out by employing the PSPICE program.


Maldistribution of refrigerant is a problem in parallel microchannel heat exchangers that lowers their potential effectiveness, especially when controlled by superheat. This paper describes modeling and numerical simulation of two phase mass flow distribution in a microchannel evaporator, on the basis of the pseudo 2-D finite volume method. Emphasis is placed on refrigerant-side heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics. The global flow distribution is based on the mechanistic fact that the pressure drop along each flow path containing an individual microchannel tube must be the same. Besides the primary pressure drop across the microchannel tube, other pressure drops are also considered and modeled. These include the frictional pressure loss along the inlet/outlet headers, as well as contraction and expansion loss associated with fluid entering and leaving the tube. Mass flow rate and quality in each microchannel tube, overall pressure drop and evaporator surface temperatures are calculated and then compared to data taken from the experimental facility. This maldistribution model simulates refrigerant distribution in a microchannel evaporator for two cases. In the first case, the flash gas bypass system, flash gas from the expansion valve is separated and only single phase liquid is supplied into the evaporator. The second case is a conventional direct expansion system where refrigerant enters the evaporator in a two-phase state. For the second case, a quality distribution profile along the inlet header is proposed to simulate the liquid-vapor distribution in the microchannel tubes. The second case is the same as the first case, with a quality distribution profile added. The maldistribution model is compared to a uniform distribution model, a common assumption made in open literature where all microchannel tubes receive identical flow rate. Comparing the maldistribution and uniform distribution models to experimental data, results indicate that the uniform distribution model predicts a higher superheat than the maldistribution model in every case. In order to compare cooling capacity prediction, the mass flow rate in the uniform distribution model was then increased until the exit superheat matched the superheat of the maldistribution model. For every case, the cooling capacity is over predicted by the uniform distribution model by an average of 34%. If an evaporator model is to be used as a design tool, it becomes necessary to use the mass flow distribution model to accurately predict both superheat and cooling capacity accurately. iii Acknowledgement


Via a large scale cross-sectional study among Japanese white color workers, the authors aimed to elucidate: (1) the distributions of Sense of Coherence (SOC), which reflect stress coping abilities, (2) the distributions of Life experience; (3) and the association between SOC and Life experience. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were sent to 15,891 in 2001 and 21,922 in 2011 employees at educational and research institutions in Tsukuba Research Park City. A total of 5,868 (36.9%) and 9,528 (43.5%) respectively workers completed and returned the questionnaire; 5,715 and 9,515 respectively workers without missing data were analyzed. SOC scale scores differed by gender, age, and other demographic features in both study years. Among the life experiences, workers who have got over parenting or management position were higher SOC scale scores adjusted by gender and age. The life experiences that workers have got over could develop their stronger SOC in their life course. Keywords—field study, life experience, mental health, SOC (sense of coherence)


In this paper, we describe the XENON100 data analyses used to assess the target-intrinsic background sources radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and krypton (85Kr). We detail the event selections of high-energy alpha particles and decay-specific delayed coincidences. We derive distributions of the individual radionuclides inside the detector and quantify their abundances during the main three science runs of the experiment over a period of ∼ 4 years, from January 2010 to January 2014. We compare our results to external measurements of radon emanation and krypton concentrations where we find good agreement. We report an observed reduction in concentrations of radon daughters that we attribute to the plating-out of charged ions on the negatively biased cathode.


Vertisols occur extensively in central India and have high production potentials. Because of the high clay content (40-60% or more), high bulk density (1.5-1.8 Mg m) and related properties, these soils have high moisture storage capacity. Conversely, these soils become very hard when dry and very sticky when wet. Since last two decades, scientists, farmers and also the policy makers have been striving to manage these soils through harnessing the beneficial attributes as well as overcoming the production constraints. Some of the potential options are efficient surface land configuration and crop diversification. Field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm at Bhopal to evaluate the land surface configuration and crop diversification. Results of our experiment on vertisols showed a considerable reduction in run off of water and also soil loss from broadbed and furrow (BBF) compared to flat-on-grade (FOG) during rainy season and at the same time crop productivity was significantly improved in BBF. It enhanced yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), maize (Zea mays L.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) as sole and as well as intercropping and sole chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by about 12.7-20.0% over FOG. The yield of crops (soybean, maize and pigeonpea), expressed as soybean equivalent yield, was compared and it showed an improvement in yield from different intercropping systems on BBF. The residual effect of rainy season crops on succeeding chickpea was not significant; however, its yield in two irrigation (one pre-sowing plus one post-sowing) was significantly greater than pre-sowing irrigation only in both land configurations. Water use efficiency (WUE) of chickpea was more under BBF than FOG. The study elucidates the constraints and potentials of vertisol for crop production especially with reference to central India and effective ways to improve crop productivity through land surface modification and crop diversification.


Interventional cardiologists (ICs) are repeatedly exposed to scattered ionising radiation during the cardiac procedures they perform, and radiation protection is an important issue for these medical professionals. The use of radiation protection tools is particularly relevant to this population. SISERI (Systeme d'Information de la Surveillance de l'Exposition aux Rayonnement Ionisants, that is, an information system for monitoring exposure to ionising radiation) is a register that stores personal dosimeter readings for dosimetric monitoring. This paper, based on data for a sample of French ICs from the O'CLOC epidemiological study, aims to provide an overview of the use of radiation protection equipment and dosimetric devices reported by ICs in a specific questionnaire as well as the dosimetric information found in the SISERI database for this population. Material and Methods − Annual information on interventional cardiology activity for the period from 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2009 was collected in an occupational questionnaire. ICs were asked to report the frequency in which they used individual dosimeter and radiation protection tools (lead apron, thyroid shield, eyewear or face shield, ceiling-suspended shield) as follows: never (0% of the time), occasionally ( 50%), always (100%). We retrieved their medical radiation exposure information (monitored status and monthly effective doses) from the SISERI database for the period 2005−2009. Results – Information for 132 ICs (mean age in 2005 = 46 ± 7 years) was available. All ICs reported routine use of lead aprons, in contrast to their occasional use of lead eyewear or face shields. During the study period, 49% reported systematic use of personal dosimeters, and 21% more regular use. On the other hand, 18% never used a dosimeter during this period. The SISTERI database included 92% of our population, 73% of whom had complete annual dose monitoring in SISERI (corresponding to at least 11 months per year of recorded data). Conclusion − ICs must improve their regular use of radiation protection tools and systematic use of personal dosimeters. The SISERI database is an appropriate tool for flagging those medical professionals exposed to ionising radiation. Better awareness of the importance of radiation protection rules in this population, in particular, systematic dosimeter use, remains an important issue.


The process of removal of copper ions by means of clinoptilolite type natural zeolite has been studied as a function of the particle size and temperature. Results indicate that increase in temperature and decrease of particle size improves the removal of copper from aqueous solutions. The parabolic diffusion model is well described process in all examined range of time and it shows that the calculated diffusion coefficient increases with temperature. This increase is more visible at higher particle sizes what assume diffusion through zeolite particle as main mass transfer mechanism. The film diffusion model provides calculation of initial sorption rate (k ́) and dimensionless parameter proportional to the diffusion film thickness (xi), in relation of particle size and temperature. Diffusion from the surface of zeolite particles through the micro and macro pores is well described with homogenous diffusion model, where change of the calculated overall rate constant is observed at ≈60 min of the process. This indicates the change of mass transfer rate through porous zeolite particle. The activation energy (Ea), activation enthalpy (∆H), activation entropy (∆S) and free energy of activation (∆G) have been calculated based on kinetic data. These thermodynamic parameters characterize process as diffusion dependent, weakly endothermic and nonspontaneous, where structural changes in structure of natural zeolite particle are not observed.


The two pathogenic species Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used to analyze the immunogenic role of proteins in ribosomal preparations. The protective activity of ribosomes prepared from either strain and further purified by washing with high‐salt concentrations, followed or not by sucrose gradient separation of the particles, was identical to that of crude unwashed ribosomes. Similarly, no substantial alteration of the level of protection was observed after treatment with the antibiotic puromycin. Therefore, the immunizing efficacy of ribosomes does not appear to be due either to the nonribosomal proteins adsorbed at the surface of organelles or to the growing polypeptide chain. It seems rather to be attributable to the structural ribosomal proteins themselves, which were indeed shown to induce alone a significant level of protection.


The ability of an adaptive imaging procedure to enhance the inspection of unknown anisotropic materials is investigated. The method combines the Total Focusing Method (TFM) imaging with an optimization algorithm to improve quality and reliability of images of flaws. Two optimization algorithms are considered to maximize the detection amplitude: a customized gradient ascent (local optimization) and a particle swarm (global optimization). We use a Kernel-Ridge surrogate model to speed up the computation times of TFM images, in order to achieve Sobol sensitivity analysis and a statistical evaluation of the procedure robustness. The optimization procedure is first evaluated with simulated echoes, and then with experimental ones acquired from several welding samples, highlighting various homogeneous or inhomogeneous anisotropies and different geometries. We experimentally show that the procedure is able to produce high quality images in complex welds by varying up to a dozen of unknown parameters.


Coordinating different viewpoints is an essential part of human interaction. Languages have evolved conventional ways of supporting this process: many linguistic items are somehow involved in viewpoint management, ranging from morphological elements and lexical units to grammatical constructions and narrative patterns. In this paper we propose a conceptual model for analysing how particular instances (or combinations) of such linguistic items can be used to coordinate the viewpoints of signallers, addressees, and third parties involved in an interaction event. In essence, our model augments Langacker's (1987) "viewing arrangement" through the addition of a third dimension to the existing two. We discuss the details of our model using a range of examples from spoken discourse, newspaper articles, and literary fiction, and end by placing it in broader discussions on human social cognition.


Spur dykes are typical man-made hydraulic structures and widely used in alluvial rivers for a variety of purposes like the bank protection, the maintenance of navigation channel and so on. Spur dykes give some impacts on the flow and bedload dynamics around itself and cause the variation of flow patter and bottom profile according to the relationship between the flow characteristics and bed configurations. In the case of a compound channel with a spur dyke on the floodplain, the effect of the spur dyke on the flow and bed configuration makes the flow characteristics complicated. In order to investigate the flow characteristics around the spur dyke, some experimental studies have been carried out using the LSPIV technique and an electromagnetic velocimeter. The velocity distributions around spur dykes are discussed in combination with the type of the spur dykes and the relative depth Hr (the ratio of the water depth in the floodplain and main channel). The longitudinal length of the recirculation area is discussed as well. The difference of the flow pattern around the foot of the spur dyke between impermeable and permeable cases also illustrated based on the experimental results, and it is founed that the permeable spur dyke appears to be a much more interesting alternative to the impermeable spur dyke in term of morphodynamics around the spur dyke.


For satisfactory operation of a power system, the frequency should remain nearly constant, since load frequency control is one of the most important issues in interconnected power systems. When the load is changed abruptly, the frequency of the system disrupts. To damp these deviations, the system controllers should be well tuned. In this paper, one type (thermal-thermal) of two-area multi-units interconnected systems is considered. Automatic Generation Control (AGC), Capacitor Energy Storage (CES) located in each area and Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) located in series with the tie line, have been used to damp the system oscillations. PSO algorithm has been applied to design the AGC and the controllers of CES and SSSC, using the fitness function that has all of the transient response factors. The system has been simulated in three scenarios for three cases; system with incorporation of just AGC in two areas, system with contribution of AGC and SSSC and finally system with inclusion of AGC and CES. Simulation results show that contribution of AGC and CES is superior to other configurations.


Managing the behavior of pediatric patients has been the focus of many studies; however, paying attention to the parents and their individual circumstances may be just as important to achieve our treatment goals. Parents today expect to be involved in treatment decisions and often have distinct expectations regarding their children's experiences. Parental attitudes and emotions can adversely affect the tone of the appointment and negatively influence the child's perception of the event. Managing the behavior of a challenging child is difficult, but combining that with the challenging behavior of a parent can be exhausting. This article will provide anticipatory guidance on how to enhance communication skills to avoid confusion and offer direction to parents before, during, and after the treatment of their children.


Coupled general circulation models (GCM) of the atmosphere, ocean, land and sea-ice have many parameters. Some of which govern the numerics of the dynamical core, whilst others represent the influence of unresolved subgrid process based on our current fundamental physical understanding. The spatio-temporal structure of many of these parameters are known with little precision, which contributes to the inherent model biases in the underlying GCM. To address this problem we use the CSIRO Climate re-Analysis and Forecast Ensemble (CAFE) system to estimate both the climate state (atmosphere, ocean, sea-ice) and also spatio-temporally varying parameter maps of the ocean surface albedo and shortwave radiation e-folding length scale in a coupled climate GCM of CMIP resolution and complexity. The CAFE system adopts a 96 member ensemble transform Kalman filter within a strongly coupled data assimilation (DA) framework. The parameters (and states) are determined by minimising the error between short term DA cycle forecasts of the climate model and a network of real world atmospheric, oceanic, and sea-ice observations. Several DA cycle lengths are tested between 3 to 28 days. The DA system has an improved fit to observations over the period from 2010 to 2012, when estimating both of the ocean optical parameters either individually or simultaneously. However, only individually estimated maps of shortwave e-folding length scale attain systematically reduced bias in multiyear climate forecasts during the out-of-sample period from 2012 to 2020. Parameter maps determined from longer DA cycle lengths also have further reduced multi-year forecast bias. Such improved climate forecasts would potentially enable policy makers to make better informed decisions on water, energy and agricultural infrastructure and planning.


Abstract. Travelling compression regions (TCRs) are perturbations in the magnetotail lobe magnetic field caused by structures moving Earthward or tailward within the plasma sheet. Previous works have suggested that these structures are created by either time-dependant reconnection occurring at a single X-line, forming a flux-bulge-type structure, or space-variant reconnection at multiple X-lines, forming flux-rope-type structures. In this study we examine an event in which Cluster 2 observed a TCR while the 3 remaining Cluster spacecraft observed the underlying magnetic structure at a range of distances from the neutral sheet. The magnetic structure has a velocity of (99, 154, −31) km s−1 in GSM (v V v = 186 km s−1), an estimated size of 1.19 RE along the direction of travel and a size between 1.94 and 2.86 RE in the direction perpendicular to the current sheet. As the structure passes the spacecraft, Cluster 1 and Cluster 4 observed a bipolar signature in BZ, plasma-sheet-like plasma and field-aligned electron flows. Cluster 3 passed closest to the centre of the structure and observed two separate reductions in the plasma density (with field-aligned electron flows); these drop-outs in the plasma sheet were possibly created by the actions of X-lines. The second drop-out in the plasma sheet also includes a reversal of the ion flow, a signature consistent with the passage of a reconnecting X-line past the spacecraft. Between the X-lines, the plasma outflow from the X-lines caused an increase in pressure which led to a localised expansion of the plasma and also the observations at Cluster 1 and Cluster 4 and the TCR. Our observations do not uniquely match either of the flux rope or the flux bulge predictions although the observation of two plasma sheet drop-outs (interpreted as X-lines, one active, one dormant) with plasma-sheet-like between them and only one TCR is a situation expected in multiple X-line reconnection.


This study aim to evaluate the protective effect of silymarin on sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress in rat cardiac tissues. Animals were pretreated with silymarin at 20 and 10 mg/kg prior to sodium fluoride consumption (600 ppm through drinking water). Vitamin C at 10 mg/kg was used as standard antioxidant. There was a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (59.36 ± 2.19 nmol MDA eq/g tissue) along with a decrease in antioxidant enzymes activity (64.27 ± 1.98 U/g tissue for superoxide dismutase activity and 29.17 ± 1.01 µmol/min/mg protein for catalase activity) and reduced glutathione level (3.8 ± 0.15 µg/mg protein) in the tissues homogenates of the sodium fluoride-intoxicated rats. Silymarin administration to animals before sodium fluoride consumption modified the levels of biochemical parameters.