Temporal comparison of nonthermal flare emission and magnetic-flux change rates

To test the standard flare model (CSHKP-model), we measured the magnetic-flux change rate in five flare events of different GOES classes using chromospheric/photospheric observations and compared its progression with observed nonthermal flare emission. We calculated the cumulated positive and negative magnetic flux participating in the reconnection process, as well as the total reconnection flux. Finally, we investigated the relations between the total reconnection flux, the GOES class of the events, and the linear velocity of the flare-associated CMEs. Using high-cadence H-alpha and TRACE 1600 A image time-series data and MDI/SOHO magnetograms, we measured the required observables (newly brightened flare area and magnetic-field strength inside this area). RHESSI and INTEGRAL hard X-ray time profiles in nonthermal energy bands were used as observable proxies for the flare-energy release rate. We detected strong temporal correlations between the derived magnetic-flux change rate and the observed nonthermal emission of all events. The cumulated positive and negative fluxes, with flux ratios of between 0.64 and 1.35, were almost equivalent to each other. Total reconnection fluxes ranged between 1.8 x 10^21 Mx for the weakest event (GOES class B9.5) and 15.5 x 10^21 Mx for the most energetic one (GOES class X17.2). The amount of magnetic flux participating in the reconnection process was higher in more energetic events than in weaker ones. Flares with more reconnection flux were associated with faster CMEs.Comment: 12 pages, 13 figure

An Observational Overview of Solar Flares

We present an overview of solar flares and associated phenomena, drawing upon a wide range of observational data primarily from the RHESSI era. Following an introductory discussion and overview of the status of observational capabilities, the article is split into topical sections which deal with different areas of flare phenomena (footpoints and ribbons, coronal sources, relationship to coronal mass ejections) and their interconnections. We also discuss flare soft X-ray spectroscopy and the energetics of the process. The emphasis is to describe the observations from multiple points of view, while bearing in mind the models that link them to each other and to theory. The present theoretical and observational understanding of solar flares is far from complete, so we conclude with a brief discussion of models, and a list of missing but important observations.Comment: This is an article for a monograph on the physics of solar flares, inspired by RHESSI observations. The individual articles are to appear in Space Science Reviews (2011

EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015

Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened

Non-thermal processes associated with rising structures and waves during a “halo” type CME

We analyse structures and events connected with a flare-associated “halo” type coronal mass ejection (CME) observed on December 18, 2000. A GOES C7.0 class X-ray flare started at 11:02 UT in NOAA Active Region 9269, located at N14 E03. Yohkoh SXT observed slowly rising soft X-ray loops already some 5 min before flare start. Hα images show a two-ribbon flare, remote brightenings, and a partly disappearing filament near the active region. A metric radio precursor was observed to start at 11:06:30 UT, simultaneously with impulsive emission in hard X-rays and microwaves. The frequency-drifting precursor envelope was superposed with J- and reverse drift bursts. The radio bursts traced large-scale soft X-ray loop structures about 160 000 km away from the flare core, and hard X-ray emission was observed at the ends of some of these loops. The precursor emission points to a rising structure where electron acceleration takes place. Later on, a radio type II burst (signature of a propagating shock, driven either by an ejecta or a blast wave) and an EIT wave were observed. We conclude that possible sources for the rising structure and accelerator of electron beams are (1) large-scale loops that connect the flare core region and the precursor site in the close vicinity of two separate rising filaments, and (2) a growing shock that accelerates electrons along closed field lines until the multipolar field is opened and the CME is lifted off. As neither X-ray nor EUV ejecta could be observed whether in the direction of the type II burst or near the radio precursor, we find some support for the shock wave scenario

Prevalence Martin-Gruberovy anastomózy – elektrofyziologie studie

Objective: Martin-Gruber anastomosis (MGA) is a median-to-ulnar nerve communication in the forearm; three types of MGA occur. Typically, motor fi bres course through the median nerve in the upper arm and elbow, however, they supply the ulnar-innervated muscles of the hand: abductor digiti minimi (ADM) – MGA-I; fi rst dorsal interosseous (FDI) – MGA-II; or adductor pollicis – MGA-III. The objective was to determine the prevalence of MGA in a study group of healthy volunteers. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-two healthy participants (457 arms) were enrolled. Motor and sensory nerve conduction studies of the ulnar and median nerves were performed. Ulnar and median nerve compound muscle action potential amplitudes were obtained on stimulation at the elbow and wrist. Results: We found 109 cases of MGA in 90 arms (MGA-I in 30 arms; MGA-II in 57 arms; MGA-III in 22 arms). We found isolated MGA types in 73 arms, a combination of two types in 15 arms, and occasionally (2 arms) a simultaneous combination of all three types. Conclusion: The prevalence of MGA was 19.7%. Most frequently, we found MGA-II (prevalence = 12.5%). Signifi cance: MGA does not produce any clinical signs. However, it can change EMG results. The neurophysiologist must be able to logically interpret such fi ndings.Úvod: Prevalence Martin-Gruberovy anastomózy (MGA), spojky n. medianus a ulnaris na předloktí se uvádí v rozmezí 15– 39 %. Existují tři různé typy MGA, kdy motorická vlákna jsou v oblasti paže a lokte vedena skrze n. medianus a zásobují svaly ruky inervované n. ulnaris (m. abductor digiti minimi, m. interosseus dorsalis primus či m. adductor pollicis). Soubor a metodika: V pěti EMG laboratořích bylo unifi kovanou technikou vyšetřeno 292 zdravých osob ve věku 20– 67 let, průměr 39,4 let: 166 žen (256 rukou) a 126 mužů (201 rukou), celkem 457 rukou. Byla provedena motorická a senzitivní neurografie n. ulnaris a n. medianus. Pro detekci MGA mělo zásadní význam hodnocení amplitudy CMAP pro n. ulnaris a n. medianus při stimulaci z oblasti lokte a zápěstí. Výsledky: V našem souboru 457 vyšetřených rukou jsme na 90 rukou našli 109 výskytů MGA. U 30 rukou se jednalo o MGA-I, u 57 rukou o MGA-II a u 22 rukou o MGA-III. Izolované typy MGA se vyskytly v 73 případech, Na 17 rukou se vyskytla kombinace dvou, ojediněle dokonce všech tří typů MGA současně. Závěr: V souboru 292 osob zdravých osob jsme na 457 hodnocených rukou našli MGA v 19,7 %. Nejčastěji se vyskytoval typ MGA-II (12,5 %)

A small form-factor and low-cost opto-electronic package for short-reach 40 Gbit/s serial speed optical data links

For the first time we present a small form-factor, low-cost package that is suitable for transmitter optical subassemblies (TOSAs) and receiver optical subassemblies (ROSAs) with serial speeds up to 40 Gbit/s. The TOSA includes a very high speed vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and a driver integrated circuit (IC) inside the package and the ROSA combines a high speed photodiode (PD) with a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) IC. The overall housing concept is based on a TO-can (Transistor Outline) packaging technology in order to realize a hermetically-sealed, high volume and low cost prototype product solution. The radial dimensions of the TOSA/ROSA package are selected to fit easily within standard optical transceiver form-factors for example SFP and QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable)

Wirtschaftswachstum und die Inzidenz von Arbeitsunfällen in Österreich

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to analyze the impact of economic growth measured by real gross domestic product (GDP) on the incidence of occupational injuries in Austria. METHODS: The relationship between GDP and the occupational injury rate of the wage-earning population between 1955 and 2004 was analyzed using an error correction model. The sample size increased from 1.568,371 persons in 1955 to 2.656,952 in 2004. Occupational injuries were divided into fatal and non-fatal injuries. RESULTS: Occupational injuries (fatal and non-fatal) decreased from 8.59% to 4.08%: non-fatal injuries decreased from 8.56% to 4.07%; fatal injuries decreased from 0.03% to 0.01%. Austrian GDP increased from EUR 37.7 billion to EUR 202.8 billion (base year 1995). Statistical analysis clearly shows that a growing economy is associated with declining injury rates (fatal and non-fatal). Two mechanisms are discussed. Firstly, rising GDP is accompanied by greater investment in safer technologies and occupational safety measures. Secondly, booming economies are associated with a reduced risk of unemployment, which is already known to be a risk factor for occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Economic development appears to have an impact on the incidence of occupational injuries in Austria. Health policy should emphasize the necessity for safety at work particularly in phases of economic slowdown. (author's abstract