Frequency dependence of Q for seismic body waves in the Earth's mantle

In this paper an attempt is made to determine the frequency dependence of Q in the Earth's mantle in the frequency range 0.03–1.5 Hz from the spectral ratio of teleseismic S- and P-waves. Digital broad-band data of 17 earthquakes at 40° < ∆ < 90° recorded at the Central Seismological Observatory of the Federal Republic of Germany at Erlangen were analysed. The method implies the following assumptions: frequency independence of the crustal transfer function, proportionality of Qp (f) and Qs (f), and proportionality of P- and S-source spectra. This last and most critical assumption was carefully investigated by kinematic and dynamic source models. The calculated Q-spectra for the individual events vary considerably but all have in common a general increasing trend with frequency which can best be represented by a power law Q ≈ f α with 0.25 < α < 0.6. A further increase in slope near 1 Hz suggests an absorption band corner with an upper cut-off relaxation time τm = 0.33 ± 0.18 s. The significance of the Q-spectra and their variability is estimated by manipulating semi-synthetic seismograms with different error-producing processes such as length and shape of the time window, superposition of noise, digital filter process and source spectra. It is concluded that none of these processes is able to destroy or to imitate the observed increasing trend of Q with frequency. The results are compared with those from other seismological investigations and from laboratory experiments on mantle rocks at high temperature and in the seismic frequency band.           ARK: https://n2t.net/ark:/88439/y081538 Permalink: https://geophysicsjournal.com/article/270 &nbsp

Navigating tensions in inclusive conservation: Learning from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands

Inclusive conservation is promoted as a means to integrate stakeholders in nature, conservation. Despite several studies recognizing that inclusive conservation of protected areas may be challenging and requires explicitly addressing potential tensions between stakeholders, little research has unpacked how these tensions manifest in specific contexts. This paper aims to explore possible approaches for navigating tensions to improve the facilitation of an inclusive conservation approach in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with stakeholders such as public and private landowners and, municipal and provincial governments in the national park. Results reveal a longer history of collaboration which still fails to address the root of the tensions. The experiences show that compromising or consensus building amongst stakeholders alone is not sufficient for achieving inclusive conservation. Guidance and clear goals set by policy, as well as sufficient investments in capacity and trust building are recommended to avoid inaction. Furthermore, we found that tensions are inextricably linked to different dimensions of power, such as discursive and structural power. While considering power in inclusive conservation can provide a realistic perspective we also, acknowledge that equalizing power is not the silver bullet underpinning this conservation approach.</p

Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and -9 in Human Placenta during Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery and Caesarean Sectioning in Preterm Pregnancy

Preterm birth is a major public health problem in terms of loss of life, long-term and short term disabilities worldwide. The process of parturition (both term and preterm) involves intensive remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the placenta and fetal membranes by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Our previous studies show reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in women delivering preterm. Further omega 3 fatty acids are reported to regulate MMP levels. This study was undertaken to examine the placental levels of MMPs and their association with placental DHA levels in women delivering preterm. The levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in 74 women delivering preterm (52 by spontaneous vaginal delivery and 22 by caesarean sectioning) and 75 women delivering at term (59 by spontaneous vaginal delivery and 16 by caesarean sectioning) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and their association with placental DHA was studied. Placental MMP-1 levels were higher (p<0.05) in women delivering preterm (both by spontaneous vaginal delivery and caesarean sectioning) as compared to those delivering at term. In contrast, placental MMP-9 levels in preterm pregnancies was higher (p<0.05) in women with spontaneous vaginal delivery while lower (p<0.05) in women delivering by caesarean sectioning. Low placental DHA was associated with higher placental MMP-9 levels. Our study suggests a differential effect of mode of delivery on the levels of MMPs from placenta. Further this study suggests a negative association of DHA and the levels of MMP-9 in human placenta although the mechanisms need further study

An initial application of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for measuring disability in patients with low back pain

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recent approaches to outcome measurement involving Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) offer an approach for measuring disability in low back pain (LBP) in a way that can reduce the burden upon patient and professional. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of CAT in LBP for measuring disability as defined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) which includes impairments, activity limitation, and participation restriction.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>266 patients with low back pain answered questions from a range of widely used questionnaires. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify disability dimensions which were then subjected to Rasch analysis. Reliability was tested by internal consistency and person separation index (PSI). Discriminant validity of disability levels were evaluated by Spearman correlation coefficient (r), intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC(2,1)] and the Bland-Altman approach. A CAT was developed for each dimension, and the results checked against simulated and real applications from a further 133 patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Factor analytic techniques identified two dimensions named "body functions" and "activity-participation". After deletion of some items for failure to fit the Rasch model, the remaining items were mostly free of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) for age and gender. Reliability exceeded 0.90 for both dimensions. The disability levels generated using all items and those obtained from the real CAT application were highly correlated (i.e. > 0.97 for both dimensions). On average, 19 and 14 items were needed to estimate the precise disability levels using the initial CAT for the first and second dimension. However, a marginal increase in the standard error of the estimate across successive iterations substantially reduced the number of items required to make an estimate.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Using a combination approach of EFA and Rasch analysis this study has shown that it is possible to calibrate items onto a single metric in a way that can be used to provide the basis of a CAT application. Thus there is an opportunity to obtain a wide variety of information to evaluate the biopsychosocial model in its more complex forms, without necessarily increasing the burden of information collection for patients.</p

Diffusion-tensor MR tractography of somatotopic organization of corticospinal tracts in the internal capsule: initial anatomic results in contradistinction to prior reports.

The goal of this study was to use diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to define the location and organization of corticospinal tracts (CSTs) in the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC). The Institutional Review Board approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Eight volunteers and two patients with brain tumor were imaged at 3 T. All CSTs were found to lie in a compact area in one part of the PLIC: If the PLIC is divided into four equal quarters from anterior to posterior, the CST was shown to be in the third quarter. Seventeen of 20 CSTs were organized somatotopically, with hand fibers anterolateral to foot fibers, not anteromedial as is currently believed. In three of 20, hand and foot fibers were intermixed. Classically, it was thought that the CST was located in the anterior third of the PLIC. The present data confirm recent results that the CST is located more posteriorly. In the majority of cases, however, the CST is organized somatotopically

Navigating tensions in inclusive conservation : Learning from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands

Inclusive conservation is promoted as a means to integrate stakeholders in nature, conservation. Despite several studies recognizing that inclusive conservation of protected areas may be challenging and requires explicitly addressing potential tensions between stakeholders, little research has unpacked how these tensions manifest in specific contexts. This paper aims to explore possible approaches for navigating tensions to improve the facilitation of an inclusive conservation approach in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with stakeholders such as public and private landowners and, municipal and provincial governments in the national park. Results reveal a longer history of collaboration which still fails to address the root of the tensions. The experiences show that compromising or consensus building amongst stakeholders alone is not sufficient for achieving inclusive conservation. Guidance and clear goals set by policy, as well as sufficient investments in capacity and trust building are recommended to avoid inaction. Furthermore, we found that tensions are inextricably linked to different dimensions of power, such as discursive and structural power. While considering power in inclusive conservation can provide a realistic perspective we also, acknowledge that equalizing power is not the silver bullet underpinning this conservation approach.Peer reviewe