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In 2017 and 2018 GFZ performed two gravimetry campaigns on commercial ferries in the Baltic Sea. The nature of such "non-dedicated" campaigns is different from "dedicated" campaigns that are performed on research vessels with tracks planned according to gravity measurement needs. The non-dedicated campaigns use non-survey vessels or survey vessels running for other purposes such as hydrographic measurements, which may require additional corrections. To assess the usefulness of non-dedicated campaigns, we analysed gravity measurements collected on two commercial ferries as part of the EU funded FAMOS project. Besides the typical marine gravimetry corrections, we also investigated the corrections for the vertical accelerations due to the ship's movement and the dynamical effect due to the cross-coupling between horizontal and vertical acceleration components. Taking the latter two corrections into account partly leads to slight improvements, but our results also demonstrate that the standard processing without the two corrections, as used in most of the dedicated campaigns, already delivers good quality end products that fulfil the requirements of a typical marine gravimetry survey with an uncertainty of about 1 mGal. Our findings suggest that gravimetry campaigns on commercial ferries can be used to complement dedicated marine gravimetry campaigns and contribute to geodetic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future liability considerations and stringent regulatory requirements often lead the users to choose end product-driven processes. Over the last decade, high-rate novel reactors have emerged for wastewater treatment, ensuring high removal efficiencies. An example is jet loop reactors offering a number of advantages that could be even further improved by attaining thermophilic conditions. In this study, a respirometric analysis was employed in a thermophilic jet loop reactor for treating potato-processing wastewater in order to determine the kinetic and stoichiometric parameters. The kinetic parameters namely maximum specific growth rate (μmax), yield ratio (Y), decay coefficient (kd), and half saturation rate constant (Ks) were found to be 0.2 L/h, 0.71 g/g, 0.02 L/h, and 25.72 mg/L, respectively. Bacillus mojavensis, Gordonia paraffinivorans, Bacillus badius and Paenibacillus lactis strains were isolated from the thermophilic jet loop bioreactor. Considering the results, it is recommended that the estimation of kinetic and stoichiometric parameters in this system should preferentially be performed using respirometric techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few years, the determination of high-resolution global gravity field has gained momentum due to high-accuracy satellite-derived observations and development of forward gravity modelling. Forward modelling computes the global gravitational field from mass distribution sources instead of actual gravity measurements and helps improving and complementing the medium to high-frequency components of the global gravity field models. In this study, we approximate the global gravity potential of the Earth's upper crust based on ellipsoidal approximation and a mass layer concept. Such an approach has an advantage of spectral methods and also avoids possible instabilities due to the use of a sequence of thin ellipsoidal shells. Lateral density within these volumetric shells bounded by confocal lower and upper shell ellipsoids is used in the computation of the ellipsoidal harmonic coefficients which are then transformed into spherical harmonic coefficients on the Earth's surface in the final step. The main outcome of this research is a spectral representation of the gravitatioal potential of the Earth's upper crust, computed up to degree and order 3660 in terms of spherical harmonic coefficients (ROLI_EllApprox_SphN_3660). We evaluate our methodology by comparing this model with other similar forward models in the literature which show sub-cm agreement in terms of geoid undulations. Finally, EIGEN-6C4 is augmented by ROLI_EllApprox_SphN_3660 and the gravity field functionals computed from the expanded model which has about 5 km half-wavelength spatial resolution are compared w.r.t. ground-truth data in different regions worldwide. Our investigations show that the contribution of the topographic model increases the agreement up to ~ 20% in the gravity value comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Umbilical cord hernia is poorly understood and often miscategorized as "omphalocele minor". Careless clamping of the cord leads to iatrogenic gut injury in the situation of umbilical cord hernia. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of umbilical cord hernias. We also highlight an alternative repair method for umbilical cord hernias.Methods: We recorded 15 cases of umbilical cord hernias over 10 years. The patients' data were retrospectively reviewed, and preoperative preparation of the newborn, gestational age, birth weight, other associated malformations, surgical technique used, enteral nutrition, and length of hospitalization were recorded.Results: This study included 15 neonates with umbilical cord hernias. The mean gestational age at the time of referral was 38.2 ± 2.1 Conclusions: In an umbilical cord hernia, the body folds develop normally and form the umbilical ring. The double purse-string technique is easy to apply and produces satisfactory cosmetic results in neonates with umbilical cord hernias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Centre for Global Earth Models (ICGEM, http://icgem.gfz-potsdam.de/ , last access: 6 May 2019) hosted at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is one of the five services coordinated by the International Gravity Field Service (IGFS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). The goal of the ICGEM service is to provide the scientific community with a state-of-the-art archive of static and temporal global gravity field models of the Earth, and develop and operate interactive calculation and visualization services of gravity field functionals on user-defined grids or at a list of particular points via its website. ICGEM offers the largest collection of global gravity field models, including those from the 1960s to the 1990s, as well as the most recent ones, which have been developed using data from dedicated satellite gravity missions, CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE, advanced processing methodologies, and additional data sources such as satellite altimetry and terrestrial gravity. The global gravity field models have been collected from different institutions at international level and after a validation process made publicly available in a standardized format with DOI numbers assigned through GFZ Data Services. The development and maintenance of such a unique platform is crucial for the scientific community in geodesy, geophysics, oceanography, and climate research. In this article, we present the development history and future plans of ICGEM and its current products and essential services. We present the ICGEM's data by means of Earth's static, temporal, and topographic gravity field models as well as the gravity field models of other celestial bodies together with examples produced by the ICGEM's calculation and 3-D visualization services and give an insight into how the ICGEM service can additionally contribute to the needs of research and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Centre for Global Earth Models (ICGEM, http://icgem.gfz-potsdam.de/, last access: 6 May 2019) hosted at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is one of the five services coordinated by the International Gravity Field Service (IGFS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). The goal of the ICGEM service is to provide the scientific community with a state-of-the-art archive of static and temporal global gravity field models of the Earth, and develop and operate interactive calculation and visualization services of gravity field functionals on user-defined grids or at a list of particular points via its website. ICGEM offers the largest collection of global gravity field models, including those from the 1960s to the 1990s, as well as the most recent ones, which have been developed using data from dedicated satellite gravity missions, CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE, advanced processing methodologies, and additional data sources such as satellite altimetry and terrestrial gravity. The global gravity field models have been collected from different institutions at international level and after a validation process made publicly available in a standardized format with DOI numbers assigned through GFZ Data Services. The development and maintenance of such a unique platform is crucial for the scientific community in geodesy, geophysics, oceanography, and climate research. In this article, we present the development history and future plans of ICGEM and its current products and essential services. We present the ICGEM's data by means of Earth's static, temporal, and topographic gravity field models as well as the gravity field models of other celestial bodies together with examples produced by the ICGEM's calculation and 3-D visualization services and give an insight into how the ICGEM service can additionally contribute to the needs of research and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The least-squares wavelet analysis, an alternative to the classical wavelet analysis, was introduced in order to analyze unequally spaced and non-stationary time series exhibiting components with variable amplitude and frequency over time. There are a few methods such as cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence that can analyze two time series together. However, these methods cannot generally be used to analyze unequally spaced and non-stationary time series with associated covariance matrices that may have trends and/or datum shifts. A new method of analyzing two time series together, namely the least-squares cross-wavelet analysis, is developed and applied to study the disturbances in the gravitational gradients observed by GOCE satellite that arise from plasma flow in the ionosphere represented by Poynting flux. The proposed method also shows its outstanding performance on the Westford-Wettzell very long baseline interferometry baseline length and temperature series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular and other lifestyle-dependent diseases. Interestingly, acute and strenuous exercise influences platelet function and platelet leukocyte interaction as well as blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. However, the underlying mechanisms of these interactions are still completely understood. Accordingly, in the present study we investigated the effect of High-intensity endurance competition (HIC) on platelet function and activity. In addition, we investigated also effects of blood lactate (BLa) on platelet function. 40 healthy (20 male, 20 female) volunteer juvenile swimmers aged 12-13 years performed strenuous exercises at 100% of BLa which corresponded to about 80% of peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2). Blood samples were taken after 30 min rest and immediately after exercise and after 30 min rest. All parameters after exercise were significantly higher than those of before exercise and recovery period. Recovery PF4, PAI-1 and t-PA levels also were significanlty increased than before exercise levels. In conclusion, the effect of the acute arm exercise on platelet aggregation depends on the intensity of exercise and the sensitivity of the membrane and intracellular signalling pathways of platelets. Exercise-induced platelet aggregation occurred without an increase in ATP release. The haemodynamic changes after the exercises, result in an increased shear rate, the increase after strenuous exercise is more pronounce. Therefore, it is recommended that submaximum endurance performance should be individually developed in order for everyone to be able to carry out normal daily activities and also to exercise well below the IAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the presence of residual nongravitational signatures in gravitational gradients measured by GOCE electrostatic gravity gradiometer. These signatures are observed over the magnetic poles during geomagnetically active days and can contaminate the trace of the gravitational gradient tensor by up to three to five times the expected noise level of the instrument ( $$\sim $$ 11 mE). We investigate these anomalies in the gradiometer measurements along many satellite tracks and examine possible causes using external datasets, such as interplanetary electric field measurements from the ACE (advanced composition explorer) and WIND spacecraft, and Poynting vector (flux) estimated from equivalent ionospheric currents derived from spherical elementary current systems over North America and Greenland. We show that the variations in the east-west and vertical electrical currents and Poynting vector components at the satellite position are highly correlated with the disturbances observed in the gradiometer measurements. The results presented in this paper reveal that the disturbances are due to intense ionospheric current variations that are enhanced by increased solar activity that causes a very dynamic drag environment. Moreover, successful modelling and removal of a high percentage of these disturbances are possible using external geomagnetic field observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The performance of the AGATA Demonstrator Array coupled to the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer has been evaluated consistently by using detailed Monte Carlo simulations of the two devices. Results for the multi-nucleon transfer reaction 48Ca+208Pb at 310MeV beam energy are presented and discussed in this study. The present results suggest that the Doppler correction capabilities of the AGATA+PRISMA setup will be very close to the intrinsic energy resolution of the germanium detectors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Loss of specific immunity after hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) is well documented for polio, measles, mumps and tetanus. There are limited studies reporting the loss of Hepatitis A virus immunity and no reports evaluating the effect of donor immunity on Hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunity loss after HSCT. A total of 49 of the 81 patients who received HSCT at the Ankara University Pediatric HSCT Unit from January 1997 to December 2006 had HAV serology tested before HSCT and were evaluated for seroprevalence, and 30 of 49 patients were evaluated for the loss of Ab and for the effect of donor immunity on the loss of HAV Abs. The seroprevalence before HSCT was 75.5%. Loss of Ab was detected in 43.5% (10/23) of the patients. The median time to loss of Ab was 12 months (12–32 months), and 60% of these patients were seronegative at 12 months after HSCT. After HSCT, 46.7% of the patients were seronegative. Loss of Ab was higher in the seronegative donor group (75 vs 26%). The loss of HAV Ab is high after allogeneic HSCT for pediatric patients. Reimmunization should be considered for the continuation of individual and community immunity. Further studies with larger study groups are warranted to clarify the role of donor immunity on the loss of HAV immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Insight is a well-documented phenomenon for psychotic disorders. It has been studied extensively in schizophrenia and its association with clinical outcomes has drawn increased attention. Although less is known for affective disorders, recent studies point out that impaired insight in bipolar disorder may take part in patients’ overall well-being. Aims Exploring the main components of insight in psychiatry, particularly in bipolar disorder. Objectives With this study, we wanted to examine how clinical and cognitive insights change in patients with bipolar disorder through their hospitalization period and how they correlate with symptom severity and neuropsychological functioning. Methods In this prospective study, inpatients with bipolar I disorder who were presented by manic episode with psychotic features were included. The patients were assessed with Young Mania Rating Scale, Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, Schedule for the Assessment of Insight-Expanded Version (SAI-E) and a neuropsychological test battery both at the time of admission and discharge. Results As of October 2015, a total number of 20 patients with bipolar I disorder participated in the study. Preliminary results revealed a significant improvement in the total score of clinical insight, which was measured with SAI-E by the time of discharge ( P = 0.001). This transition was strongly correlated with the decrease in symptom severity ( P = 0.006, r = −0.61). Improved clinical insight exhibited significant correlation with the increase in patients’ memory span ( P = 0.007, r = −0.596). Conclusion The preliminary results suggest that changes in symptom severity and working memory might be the determinants of improvement in clinical insight of inpatients with bipolar disorder through manic episode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain data on blood pressure (BP) distribution in Turkish children, a total of 5,599 Turkish children from birth to 18 years were studied. BP rises with age, and both systolic and diastolic BP showed a positive correlation with height and weight in both sexes. As the sampling was representative of Turkish children at different ages, the mean systolic and diastolic BP levels were compared for each age with the results reported in the study of the Second Task Force. The mean systolic and diastolic BP of Turkish children and the increase with growth and development were different from the Second Task Force study. Genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors were suggested to be responsible for this variation. In conclusion, normal BP curves should be applied with caution in childhood, and every population should use their own normal standards to define a measured BP level in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the characteristics of the tuberculous meningitis (TBM) patients with and without miliary tuberculosis (TB). Methods: Twenty-five patients with miliary TB of 160 patients with TBM were included in this retrospective study. Diagnosis of TBM was based on anamnesis, clinical and laboratory results, neuroradioogical signs and "Thwaites' Diagnostic Index" while miliary TB was diagnosed by radiological imaging. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test. Results: Of 25 patients with miliary TB, 14 were female and the median age was 35.3. Ages ranged between 20-35 and 17-78 years in male and female subjects, respectively. Most common symptoms at baseline were headache (84%), malaise-anorexia (68%) and nausea-vomiting (64%) while the most common findings were nuchal stiffness (84%) and fever (68%). The patients with miliary TB revealed longer symptom duration and higher rates of malaise-anorexia, night sweats, weight loss and higher protein levels in CSF than the others (p<0.05). Conclusion: Miliary TB could be an indicator for TBM in countries with high prevalence of TB. Female predominance, longer symptom duration and higher protein levels in CSF were remarkable in the patients with TBM accompanied by miliary TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates experimentally the flow structure between two identical square cylinders as well as in the wake of downstream cylinder that are in-line positioned in tandem. The experiments are performed in a large scale water channel under shallow water conditions. Time-averaged streamline pattern as well as vorticity and turbulence statistics were calculated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurement method for different gap ratios ( G / D = 0.5 to G / D = 5 , where G is the distance between the cylinders and D is the diameter of cylinder) between the cylinders at a fixed Reynolds number of 4470. The measurements were conducted for both side view and plan view configurations at Froude number Fr = 0.186. The results obtained under shallow water conditions are compared with those obtained under deep water conditions by other researchers and it is found that, as explained in detail in the manuscript, the flow structures are remarkably different especially in the region between the two rectangular cylinders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the role of levels of acute phase proteins (APPs) for the development of amyloidosis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, the levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured in paired sera of 36 FMF patients during and in between acute attacks, 39 of their healthy parents (obligate heterozgotes), and 15 patients with FMF associated amyloidosis. To compare the levels of APPs, 39 patients with chronic infections or inflammatory diseases who may develop secondary amyloidosis, 20 patients with acute infections who are known to have elevated acute phase response but will never develop amyloidosis and 19 healthy controls were included. The median levels of all APPs are increased in the patients with FMF during attacks and a significant decrease was observed after the attack was over. The level of SAA was above reference range in all FMF patients during the attack free period and the level of at least one other APP was also above normal in 64% of the patients. Both CRP and SAA levels were found to be higher in obligate heterozygotes compared to controls. The levels of SAA in patients with FMF during the attack-free period, obligate heterozygotes and patients with FMF-amyloidosis were found to be similar. The levels in each group were found to be higher than SAA levels found in healthy controls yet lower than the levels measured in the patients with acute infections and patients with chronic inflammation or chronic infections. In conclusion, our results show that SAA level reflects subclinical inflammation with high sensitivity but its value for the prediction of amyloid formation process seems to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialysis improves most symptoms of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet many patients continue to experience sexual dysfunction (SD) during the dialysis treatment. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the frequency and the course of SD during a 6-month dialysis treatment. Additionally, relationships between the level of depression, cognitive impairment and biochemical parameters of SD were also assessed. The subjects were 43 ESRD (25 male and 18 female) on dialysis treatment for at least 12 months. SD was assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX); the level of depression and cognitive impairment were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE). Several biochemical parameters were also assessed. All assessments were carried out at baseline and repeated at 6-month follow-up. Of 43 patients, 20 (47%) and 18 (42%) complained of SD at baseline and at 6-month assessments, respectively. Of 25 males, nine (36%) and seven (28%) patients described SD at baseline and 6-month assessments, respectively; erectile dysfunction was the most frequent complaint. Of 18 females, 11 (61%) and 11 (61%) patients reported SD at baseline and 6-month assessments, respectively; difficulties with arousal and reaching orgasm were the most frequent complaints. Both total and item-by-item comparisons of baseline and 6 months ASEX scores did not reveal any significant changes during 6-month period, indicating that patient's sexual functions do not improve with dialysis treatment. For female patients, HDRS scores were significantly higher in patients with SD at baseline (t = 2.15, P = 0.05) and at 6-month follow-up (t = 2.44, P = 0.03) assessments; after excluding the effects of age and duration of dialysis for females using regression analysis, HDRS still significantly (t = 4.02, P = 0.003) associated with the SD. This preliminary prospective study suggests that SD is frequent in dialysis patients, does not remit with dialysis treatment, associated with depression in female patients, and much clinical attention is indicated.International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, 359–363. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901324 Published online 14 April 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major goal of this study is to assess the frequency of psychiatric disorders in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, who were on hemodialysis (HD) treatment in Turkey. Additionally, it aims to determine whether depression, anxiety, and functional and occupational levels of patients who did not receive any psychiatric treatments change at the end of 6 months. We conducted Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV, Clinical Version on 50 HD patients, and 16 (32%) fulfilled the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, was observed in 12 (24%) patients. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood and dysthymic disorder were observed in 8% of our population. Fourteen patients were followed up for 6 months. All patients were assessed with Hamilton Depression (HDRS), Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at baseline and at 6 months. The comparisons of baseline and 6 months HDRS, HARS, and GAF scale scores did not reveal any statistically significant differences in 14 depressed patients. The level of depression, anxiety, and functional and occupational impairment did not remit spontaneously in our untreated depressed HD patients. We believe that further studies regarding categorization, prognosis, and treatment of these patients are needed to better understand what to do when we encounter depressive ESRD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system tuberculosis (TB) is the most devastating manifestation of TB. It is a challenge for clinicians because of the difficulty in making an early diagnosis and the severe consequences of delayed treatment. The aim of this report is to point out the relation between migration and TB based on a 14-year-old child with tuberculous meningoencephalitis (TBM) of an immigrant family. Migration, crowded living conditions and positive family history contribute to the severe course of TB as TBM and miliary TB forms. TB control may prevent these severe manifestations of the disease among immigrants. Prompt diagnosis with helpful early diagnostic tools like polymerase chain reaction in TBM is crucial due to the high mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hepatitis B (HBV) infection is one of the most important public health problems throughout the world. Healthcare workers are at risk for hepatitis B infection. Methods: In this study, we aimed to evaluate about HBV immune status, knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the physicians at the Haseki Training and Research Hospital using a structured questionnaire. Results: 150 individuals were included in the study. 9 (%6) physicans had no idea about their own immune status. Of total, 133 (%89) had received HBV vaccination and 110 (%83) have had sufficient immune response. 69 (%46) had a history of needle stick injury. All participants reported that the major trsnsmission routes were blood and sexual contact but only %15 had the knowledge about intrafamilial transmission. Conclusion: These results indicate that there is a need for development of effective educational programs to improve HBV knowledge among health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]