Search

• Vegetation response to drought can be inferred from correlating VAI and SPEI. • The strongest accumulation period for vegetation response is 6–8 months. • Trees and irrigated cropland are the least sensitive to drought. • Shrubland and rainfed cropland show the most sensitivity to drought. • The cumulative climate has a higher impact on vegetation than lag effects. Drought caused by climate change has significantly increased vegetation vulnerability in Afghanistan during the last decades. This paper investigates vegetation response to drought at multiple scales across the country based on historical data from 1980 to 2020. It explores the multiscale relationships between drought as indicated by the grid-based standardised precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and vegetation condition as represented by the satellite-derived vegetation anomaly index (VAI). It also examines the links of dominant land cover with drought and their implications for agriculture. We assess the spatiotemporal correlations by integrating TerraClimate grids with timeseries data sourced from NOAA AVHRR (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer), MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) images and ESA CCI (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative) land cover maps. We evaluated the effect of cumulative drought on predominant land covers. Our results show years 2000–2001 and 2017–2018 as the driest in the last four decades, and vegetation substantially correlated to drought with spatial and temporal variations across Afghanistan. The most sensitive vegetation response months are June to July and the most significant cumulative drought impacts on vegetation are 6 to 8 months. The predominant land covers more prone to negative effects under severe drought are (in order) shrubland, rainfed cropland, grassland, trees, and irrigated cropland. These findings suggest the sensitivity of vegetation to drought that future national scale drought management should be focused on. This study also demonstrates the usefulness of open-access data to researchers and planners in data-poor countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Foreword" is written by Peter C Taylor, who is a professor at the University of Oxford and specializes in inflammatory arthritis. He has extensive experience in clinical trial design for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In his research, Professor Taylor uses targeted therapies to investigate the biology of the disease under investigation. The document provides an introduction to the content of the journal "touchREVIEWS in RMD" and its focus on rheumatology. [Extracted from the article]

There are, say, I N i stations with passengers arriving at stations HT ht in Poisson processes with rate HT ht . Assume that the bus moves with constant speed HT ht between stations and takes a time with mean HT ht for some HT ht both to load and unload I X i passengers. This contrasts both with static spatial optimisation problems, (see [[7], Chapter 2] for some examples) and polling systems [[8]], where customers arrive in real time but the server does not take into account information about customer location when it moves between stations. [Extracted from the article]

We study a continuous-time random walk on Z d in an environment of random conductances taking values in (0 , ∞) . For a static environment, we extend the quenched local limit theorem to the case of a general speed measure, given suitable ergodicity and moment conditions on the conductances and on the speed measure. Under stronger moment conditions, an annealed local limit theorem is also derived. Furthermore, an annealed local limit theorem is exhibited in the case of time-dependent conductances, under analogous moment and ergodicity assumptions. This dynamic local limit theorem is then applied to prove a scaling limit result for the space-time covariances in the Ginzburg–Landau ∇ ϕ model. We also show that the associated Gibbs distribution scales to a Gaussian free field. These results apply to convex potentials for which the second derivative may be unbounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

William Hann's Northern Expedition set off on 26 June 1872 from Mount Surprise, a pastoral station west of Townsville, to determine the mineral and agricultural potential of Cape York Peninsula. The expedition was plagued by disharmony and there was later strong criticism of the leadership and its failure to provide any meaningful analysis of the findings. The authors (a descendent of Norman Taylor, expedition geologist, and a descendent of Jerry, Indigenous guide and translator) use documentary sources and traditional knowledge to establish the role of Jerry in the expedition. They argue that while Hann acknowledged Jerry's assistance to the expedition, his role has been downplayed by later commentators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we provide a detailed geographical analysis of the role of the New York-London (NYLON) connection in the world city network. We find that its pre-eminence is much greater and much more diverse than previously considered. Our analysis draws on a data collection of the worldwide office networks of producer services firms across cities in 2018, and applies a purposeful combination of principal components analysis and network analysis to identify the relative importance of city-dyads in different regional geographies of globalization. We review the role of NYLON in the the different city sub-nets thus identified, and provide a more focused discussion of NYLON's role in the production of three of these. In a short conclusion, we consider the meaning of our results for the broader literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presentation is heterogeneous, with wide variation in age of onset, degree of joint involvement and severity. Delayed rheumatological referral is associated with less favourable long-term outcomes. Multidisciplinary teamwork is key to the success of a holistic approach to patient care and addressing issues that are important to the person. Pharmacological treatment of early RA aims to optimally suppress the inflammatory component of the disease with an ideal treatment target of remission. The overarching aim of management of early RA is to achieve a quality of life that permits the individual to pursue normal work, domestic and social activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we attempt to understand the new world geography through its cities by treating corporate globalization from the perspective of cities insofar as they are central to the global networks that make large-scale economic processes possible. To this end, we draw on a conceptual and empirical extension of world city network research to describe the major globalization phases that have been shaping the twenty-first century. After situating our world city network research in the much broader field of research on globalizing cities, we retell the narrative of the extensive, intensive, and Chinese globalization phases as reflected in the office networks of 175 of the world's largest producer services firms across 707 cities. A purposeful combination of connectivity and multivariate analysis is used to reveal cumulative, interacting, overlapping, and unfolding geographies of global economic patterns. We argue that these three key globalizations are shaping the global context of economic processes in the twenty-first century and describe the urban geography of each of these globalizations to understand their broader meanings within today's global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declarations Competing interests Peter Taylor declares that he is Associate Editor of I Thyroid Research i and that the article was assigned to another Editor to assume responsibility for overseeing peer review. Correction to: Age-related variation in thyroid function - a narrative review highlighting important implications for research and clinical practice Peter Taylor declares that he is Associate Editor of I Thyroid Research i and that the article was assigned to another Editor to assume responsibility for overseeing peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A characteristic of malaria in all its forms is the potential for superinfection (that is, multiple concurrent blood-stage infections). An additional characteristic of Plasmodium vivax malaria is a reservoir of latent parasites (hypnozoites) within the host liver, which activate to cause (blood-stage) relapses. Here, we present a model of hypnozoite accrual and superinfection for P. vivax. To couple host and vector dynamics for a homogeneously-mixing population, we construct a density-dependent Markov population process with countably many types, for which disease extinction is shown to occur almost surely. We also establish a functional law of large numbers, taking the form of an infinite-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations that can also be recovered by coupling expected host and vector dynamics (i.e. a hybrid approximation) or through a standard compartment modelling approach. Recognising that the subset of these equations that model the infection status of the human hosts has precisely the same form as the Kolmogorov forward equations for a Markovian network of infinite server queues with an inhomogeneous batch arrival process, we use physical insight into the evolution of the latter process to write down a time-dependent multivariate generating function for the solution. We use this characterisation to collapse the infinite-compartment model into a single integrodifferential equation (IDE) governing the intensity of mosquito-to-human transmission. Through a steady state analysis, we recover a threshold phenomenon for this IDE in terms of a parameter R 0 expressible in terms of the primitives of the model, with the disease-free equilibrium shown to be uniformly asymptotically stable if R 0 < 1 and an endemic equilibrium solution emerging if R 0 > 1 . Our work provides a theoretical basis to explore the epidemiology of P. vivax, and introduces a strategy for constructing tractable population-level models of malarial superinfection that can be generalised to allow for greater biological realism in a number of directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, we examined whether attachment anxiety and avoidance in support recipients were related to the extent to which social support received from a romantic partner matched the actual needs of the recipient. Two-hundred and forty-five first-time mothers, currently involved in romantic relationships, participated in study 1, in which perceptions of support were appraised over the previous month using self-reports. In study 2, we sought to replicate these findings using an experience sampling method to examine the association between attachment and momentary support perceptions in the daily life of mothers with babies (N = 40). Results indicated that high levels of attachment avoidance or anxiety in mothers were associated with negative appraisals of support matching. Receiving support which matched the needs of the mother (i.e., adequate support) was beneficial to mood, but not constructive to relationship satisfaction or perceptions of maternal efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most disease causing pathogens require transmission from an infectious individual to a susceptible individual, continued persistence of the pathogen within the population requires the replenishment of susceptibles through births, immigration, or waning immunity. Consider the introduction of an unknown infectious disease into a fully susceptible population where it is not known how long immunity is conferred once an individual recovers from infection. If, initially, the prevalence of disease increases (that is, the infection takes off), the number of infectives will usually decrease to a low level after the first major outbreak. During this post-outbreak period, the disease dynamics may be influenced by stochastic effects and there is a non-zero probability that the epidemic will die out. Die out in this period following the first major outbreak is known as an epidemic fade-out. If the disease does not die out, the susceptible population may be replenished by the waning of immunity, and a second wave may start. In this study, we investigate if the rate of waning immunity (and other epidemiological parameters) can be reliably estimated from multiple outbreak data, in which some outbreaks display epidemic fade-out and others do not. We generated synthetic outbreak data from independent simulations of stochastic SIRS models in multiple communities. Some outbreaks faded-out and some did not. We conducted Bayesian parameter estimation under two alternative approaches: independently on each outbreak and under a hierarchical framework. When conducting independent estimation, the waning immunity rate was poorly estimated and biased towards zero when an epidemic fade-out was observed. However, under a hierarchical approach, we obtained more accurate and precise posterior estimates for the rate of waning immunity and other epidemiological parameters. The greatest improvement in estimates was obtained for those communities in which epidemic fade-out was observed. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and value of adopting a Bayesian hierarchical approach for parameter inference for stochastic epidemic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aetiology of dual harm (co-occurring self-harm and violence towards others) is poorly understood because most studies have investigated self-harm and violence separately. We aimed to examine childhood risk factors for self-harm, violence, and dual harm, including the transition from engaging in single harm to dual harm. Methods: Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK-based birth cohort study, were used to estimate prevalence of self-reported engagement in self-harm, violence, and dual harm at ages 16 and 22 years. Risk ratios were calculated to indicate associations across various self-reported childhood risk factors and risks of single and dual harm, including the transition from single harm at age 16 years to dual harm at age 22. Results: At age 16 years, 18.1% of the 4176 cohort members had harmed themselves, 21.1% had engaged in violence towards others and 3.7% reported dual harm. At age 22 the equivalent prevalence estimates increased to 24.2, 25.8 and 6.8%, respectively. Depression and other mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol use, witnessing self-harm and being a victim of, or witnessing, violence were associated with higher risks of transitioning from self-harm or violence at age 16 to dual harm by age 22. Conclusions: Prevalence of dual harm doubled from age 16 to 22 years, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention during this high-risk period. Several childhood psychosocial risk factors associated specifically with dual harm at age 16 and with the transition to dual harm by age 22 have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a critical research need for efficient luminescent colloidal nanocrystals, free from cadmium and lead whose toxicity subjects them to usage restrictions, with applications from display devices to biology. Approaches to directly replace cadmium‐based materials have mainly focused on indium phosphide‐based nanocrystals, however these too are subject to concerns over toxicity. Few other alternatives have been found that can compete with the emission range and efficiency of Cd‐ and Pb‐based nanocrystals. Group III‐nitride nanocrystals, and their alloys, offer the exciting potential to tune bandgap energies from the ultraviolet to the near infrared yet a robust route toward efficient luminescent nitride nanocrystals is lacking. Here, the synthesis of photoluminescent indium zinc nitride quantum dots exhibiting tunable emission through the visible to near infrared spectra region, with quantum yields of up to 30% is reported. Capping the nanocrystals with both a GaN and ZnS shell significantly increases air stability and emission quantum yields. A proof‐of‐principle indium zinc nitride nanocrystal light emitting diode is also demonstrated. This work overcomes the significant challenges that have prevented the full exploration of nitride‐based semiconductor nanocrystal development, providing a new system for further exploration as a heavy‐metal free alternative to current state‐of‐the‐art materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae secrete abundant small (18–40 nt) RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs). • Both adults and larvae secrete similar quantities of exosomes. • Adult secreted miRNAs are contained within exosomes. • Surprisingly, larvae, which live intracellularly within muscle cells secrete miRNAs which are not contained within exosomes. • Direct release of unencapsulated miRNAs by intracellular larvae might be a way to influence host cell gene expression. Many organisms, including parasitic nematodes, secrete small RNAs into the extracellular environment, largely encapsulated within small vesicles. Parasite-secreted material often contains microRNAs (miRNAs), raising the possibility that they might regulate host genes in target cells. Here we characterise secreted RNAs from the parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis at two different life stages. We show that adult T. spiralis , which inhabit intestinal mucosa, secrete miRNAs within vesicles. Unexpectedly, T. spiralis muscle stage larvae, which live intracellularly within skeletal muscle cells, secrete miRNAs that appear not to be encapsulated. Notably, secreted miRNAs include a homologue of mammalian miRNA-31, which has an important role in muscle development. Our work therefore suggests that RNAs may be secreted without encapsulation in vesicles, with implications for the biology of T. spiralis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial DNA sequences (1137 bp) of the cytochrome b gene and craniodental and craniometric data were used to investigate the evolutionary relationships of six putative rodent taxa of Otomys (family Muridae: subfamily Murinae: tribe Otomyini) co-occurring in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Phylogenetic analysis of 20 new sequences together with craniodental and craniometric characters of 94 adult skulls reveal the existence of a unique lineage of Otomys cf. karoensis (named herein Otomys willani sp. nov.) from the Sneeuberg Centre of Floristic Endemism in the southern Drakensberg Mountain Range. Craniometric analysis distinguished O. karoensis from O. willani and identified a further four localities in the range of the latter species. We document southern range extensions of both Sloggett's ice rat, Otomys sloggetti , and the vlei rat Otomys auratus to the Sneeuberg Mountain Range, in addition to appreciable genetic divergence between Sneeuberg and southern and central Drakensberg populations of O. sloggetti. Our results demonstrate parallel patterns of cryptic speciation in two co-occurring species complexes (Otomys irroratus s.l. and O. karoensis s.l.) associated closely with the boundaries of biomes (fynbos vs. grassland biomes) and geological formations (Cape Fold Belt vs. Great Escarpment). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radioiodine represents a cost-effective treatment option for Graves' disease. In the UK, it is traditionally reserved for patients who relapse after initial thionamide therapy. In a change from current practice, the new guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that radioiodine should now be first line therapy for Graves' disease. However, the safety of radioiodine with respect to long-term mortality risk has been the subject of recent debate. This analysis examines evidence from treatment related mortality studies in hyperthyroidism and discusses their implications for future Graves' disease treatment strategies. Main body: Some studies have suggested an excess mortality in radioiodine treated cohorts compared to the background population. In particular, a recent observational study reported a modest increase in cancer-related mortality in hyperthyroid patients exposed to radioiodine. The interpretation of these studies is however constrained by study designs that lacked thionamide control groups or information on thyroid status and so could not distinguish the effect of treatment from disease. Two studies have shown survival advantages of radioiodine over thionamide therapy, but these benefits were only seen when radioiodine was successful in controlling hyperthyroidism. Notably, increased mortality was associated with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism irrespective of therapy modality. Conclusions: Early radioiodine treatment will potentially reduce mortality and should be offered to patients with severe disease. However, thionamides are still suitable for patients with milder disease, contraindications to radioiodine, or individuals who choose to avoid permanent hypothyroidism. Ultimately, a patient individualised approach that prioritises early and sustained control of hyperthyroidism will improve long-term outcomes regardless of the therapy modality used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background  Thirty-day readmission has become a significant health care metric reflecting the quality of care and on the cost of service delivery. There is little data on the impact of complications following skull base surgery (SBS) on emergency readmission. Identifying modifiable risk factors for readmission may improve care and reduce cost. Design  The study was designed as a single-center retrospective cohort study. Methods  Records for a consecutive series of 165 patients who underwent open or endoscopic SBS by a single surgeon reviewed. Patients with pituitary adenoma were excluded. The diagnosis, procedure, complications, length of stay (LOS), body mass index (BMI), and smoking status were recorded. Readmission to the neurosurgical department or regional hospitals was either noted prospectively or the patient contacted. Cause and length of readmission was documented. Results  Of the 165 cases, 14 (8.5%) were readmitted within 30 days. Causes for readmission included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in 5/14 or 35.7% (overall rate for readmission for this complication in the series is 3.1%), infection in 4/14 (28.6%), hyponatraemia in 2/14 (14.3%), vascular: sinus thrombosis in 1/14 (7.1%), seizures in 1/14 (7.1%), and epistaxis in 1/14 (7.1%). Initial and readmission LOS was 6 and 14 days, respectively. BMI was higher in those readmitted within 30 days (33.2 kg/m 2) versus no readmission (27.1 kg/m 2). In addition, of those readmitted within 30 days, 35.7% were smokers compared with 20.8% in those not readmitted. Conclusion  In this series, smoking and raised BMI may be indicators for within 30-day readmission and complications in this population, raising the question of risk factor modification prior to elective intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical course of pituitary adenoma can be highly variable. Aggressive pituitary tumours may require multimodal therapy with multiple operations. Even standard pituitary adenomas exhibit relatively high long‐term recurrence rates and delayed intervention is often required. The indications for revision surgery in the endoscopic era are expanding for both functioning and nonfunctioning tumours, including access to the cavernous sinus and intracranial compartments. Although revision surgery can be challenging, it has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective. The question of the use of early radiotherapy in pituitary adenoma remains controversial. Our increasing understanding of pituitary tumour biology facilitates individualized treatment and surveillance protocols, with early intervention in high‐risk adenoma subtypes. In this review, we discuss the treatment options for recurring pituitary tumours and focus on the role of revision surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graves orbitopathy, also known as thyroid eye disease or thyroid-associated orbitopathy, is visually disabling, cosmetically disfiguring and has a substantial negative impact on a patient's quality of life. There is increasing awareness of the need for early diagnosis and rapid specialist input from endocrinologists and ophthalmologists. Glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment; however, recurrence occurs frequently once these are withdrawn. Furthermore, in >60% of cases, normal orbital anatomy is not restored, and skilled rehabilitative surgery is required. Clinical trials have shown that considerable benefit can be derived from the addition of antiproliferative agents (such as mycophenolate or azathioprine) in preventing deterioration after steroid cessation. In addition, targeted biologic therapies have shown promise, including teprotumumab, which reduces proptosis, rituximab (anti-CD20), which reduces inflammation, and tocilizumab, which potentially benefits both of these parameters. Other strategies such as orbital radiotherapy have had their widespread role in combination therapy called into question. The pathophysiology of Graves orbitopathy has also been revised with identification of new potential therapeutic targets. In this Review we provide an up-to-date overview of the field, outline the optimal management of Graves orbitopathy and summarize the research developments in this area to highlight future research questions and direct future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Current knowledge of the reasons for patients' preference for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment modes is limited. This study was designed to identify preferences for four treatment modes, and to obtain in-depth information on the reasons for these preferences. Patients and Methods: In this multi-national, cross-sectional, qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with adult patients with RA in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Patients' strength of preference was evaluated using a 100-point allocation task (0– 100; 100=strongest) across four treatment modes: oral, self-injection, clinic-injection, and infusion. Qualitative descriptive analysis methods were used to identify, characterize, and summarize patterns found in the interview data relating to reasons for these preferences. Results: 100 patients were interviewed (female, 75.0%; mean age, 53.9 years; mean 11.6 years since diagnosis). Among the four treatment modes, oral administration was allocated the highest mean (standard deviation) preference points (47.3 [33.1]) and was ranked first choice by the greatest percentage of patients (57.0%), followed by self-injection (29.7 [27.7]; 29.0%), infusion (15.4 [24.6]; 16.0%), and clinic-injection (7.5 [14.1]; 2.0%). Overall, 56.0% of patients had a "strong" first-choice preference (ie, point allocation ≥ 70); most of these patients chose oral (62.5%) vs self-injection (23.2%), infusion (10.7%), or clinic-injection (3.6%). Speed and/or ease of administration were the most commonly reported reasons for patients choosing oral (52.6%) or self-injection (55.2%). The most common reasons for patients not choosing oral or self-injection were not wanting to take another pill (37.2%) and avoiding pain due to needles (46.5%), respectively. Conclusion: These data report factors important to patients regarding preferences for RA treatment modes. Patients may benefit from discussions with their healthcare professionals and/or patient support groups, regarding RA treatment modes, to facilitate shared decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the association between lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) status and self-harm in UK higher education students. There is currently limited data on this association, and the role psychological variables have in potentially explaining this link, in UK students. We examine whether LGB status is associated with self-harm (both non-suicidal self-injury [NSSI] and suicide attempts [SA]), and whether 4 psychological variables (depression, anxiety, belongingness, self-esteem) mediate this association. A cross-sectional survey was used. UK university students (n = 707) completed an online survey including measures of self-harm, affective symptoms, belongingness, and self-esteem. Latent Variable Modelling (LVM) was used to test our hypotheses. LGB status remained associated with an elevated risk of NSSI and SA even after accounting for mediating factors. Self-esteem and (in the case of SA but not NSSI) thwarted belongingness, did, however, explain some of this association and were correlated with self-harm risk. The findings suggest that psychological factors may account for the association between LGB status and self-harm and, as such, prevention and intervention efforts directed at these psychological mediators may help to reduce self-harm risk in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with chronic pain commonly report significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Despite this, little is known about psychological processes and mechanisms underpinning enhancements in well-being within this population. The study aimed to investigate whether (1) increased levels of pain intensity and interference were associated with lower levels of mental well-being, (2) increased positive goal engagement was associated with higher levels of mental well-being and (3) whether the relationships between pain characteristics and mental well-being were mediated by increased positive goal engagement. A total of 586 individuals with chronic pain participated in the cross-sectional, online study. Participants completed self-report measures to assess pain intensity and interference, mental well-being and goal motivation variables. Results showed that pain interference and positive goal engagement were associated with mental well-being. Moreover, the relationship between pain interference and mental well-being was partially mediated by positive goal engagement. The results provide tentative evidence for the protective role of positive goal engagement in enabling individuals with chronic pain to maintain a sense of mental well-being. The study develops the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain by examining the roles and relationships of relevant yet previously unexplored psychological constructs. The promotion of mental well-being through the enhancement of positive goal engagement is discussed, offering a platform for further research and clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is an effective psychological intervention for several different mental health conditions. However, whether it is acceptable, safe, and beneficial for people with psychosis remains unclear, as is the feasibility of providing and evaluating it within a research context. The aim of this study was to begin to address these questions and to obtain for the first time a rich and detailed understanding of the experience of receiving CAT for psychosis. Design: A mixed‐methods case series design. Method: Seven individuals who experienced non‐affective psychosis received CAT. They completed assessments at the start of CAT, 16 weeks, and 28 weeks post‐baseline. Qualitative interviews were completed with four individuals following completion of or withdrawal from therapy. Results: Six participants attended at least four sessions of therapy and four went on to complete therapy. There were no serious adverse events, and self‐reported adverse experiences were minimal. Qualitative interviews suggested CAT is acceptable and provided a way to understand and work therapeutically with psychosis. There was limited evidence of change in psychotic symptoms, but improvement in perceived recovery and personality integration was observed. Conclusions: The results suggest that CAT is a safe and acceptable intervention for psychosis. Personality integration, perceived recovery, and functioning are relevant outcomes for future evaluations of CAT for psychosis. Practitioner points: It is feasible to conduct research evaluating CAT for people with psychosis.Within this case series, CAT appears acceptable and safe to individuals with psychosis.Within this case series, clients reported that CAT was a positive and helpful experience.There is a mixed picture with regard to secondary outcomes, but the design and aims of this case series limit conclusion that can be drawn from this data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic fluid models have been widely used to model the level of a resource that changes over time, where the rate of variation depends on the state of some continuous-time Markov process. Latouche and Taylor (Queueing Syst 63:109–129, 2009) introduced an approach, using matrix analytic methods and the reduced load approximation for loss networks, to analyse networks of fluid models all driven by the same modulating process where the buffers are infinite. We extend the method to networks involving finite buffer models and illustrate the approach by deriving performance measures for a simple network as characteristics such as buffer size are varied. Our results provide insight into the situations where the infinite buffer model is a reasonable approximation to the finite buffer model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the implementation of two-electron spin-spin coupling as a quasidegenerate perturbative treatment of the Breit–Pauli spin-spin Hamiltonian. The evaluation is based on a multireference CI treatment and constitutes one of the first efforts in the calculation of this effect within a highly sophisticated consideration of both nondynamical and dynamical correlation. The extension of existing schemes for efficient calculation, in particular, of the spin-coupling elements necessitated some involved derivations, the outline of which is presented herein. Application of the program to calculations of diagonal as well as off-diagonal spin-coupling elements is illustrated with the test cases O2 and NH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basis set convergence of correlation effects on molecular atomization energies beyond the coupled cluster with singles and doubles (CCSD) approximation has been studied near the one-particle basis set limit. Quasiperturbative connected triple excitations, (T), converge more rapidly than L-3 (where L is the highest angular momentum represented in the basis set), while higher-order connected triples, T3-(T), converge more slowly—empirically, ∝L-5/2. Quasiperturbative connected quadruple excitations, (Q), converge smoothly as ∝L-3 starting with the cc-pVTZ basis set, while the cc-pVDZ basis set causes overshooting of the contribution in highly polar systems. Higher-order connected quadruples display only weak, but somewhat erratic, basis set dependence. Connected quintuple excitations converge very rapidly with the basis set, to the point where even an unpolarized double-zeta basis set yields useful numbers. In cases where fully iterative coupled cluster up to connected quintuples (CCSDTQ5) calculations are not an option, CCSDTQ(5) (i.e., coupled cluster up to connected quadruples plus a quasiperturbative connected quintuples correction) cannot be relied upon in the presence of significant nondynamical correlation, whereas CCSDTQ(5)Λ represents a viable alternative. Connected quadruples corrections to the core-valence contribution are thermochemically significant in some systems. We propose an additional variant of W4 theory [A. Karton et al., J. Chem. Phys. 125, 144108 (2006)], denoted W4.4 theory, which is shown to yield a rms deviation from experimental atomization energies (active thermochemical tables, ATcT) of only 0.05 kcal/mol for systems for which ATcT values are available. We conclude that “3σ≤=1 kJ/mol” thermochemistry is feasible with current technology, but that the more ambitious goal of ±10 cm-1 accuracy is illusory, at least for atomization energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential energy surfaces (PESs) and S1-T1 spin-orbit coupling matrix element (SOCME) surfaces are investigated for the toluene–X weakly bound clusters (X=Ne, Ar, and Kr). Calculations of the vibrational wave functions using a one-dimensional stretch model are presented and used to determine vibrationally averaged values of the SOCMEs. Our ab initio theoretical results compare well with intersystem crossing rates derived from recent experimental fluorescence lifetime data [Doyle et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122, 194315 (2005)]. Vibrational averaging is shown to change the absolute magnitude of the calculated SOCMEs, but the ratio between them remains very similar to that of the single-point values calculated at the minima of the PESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly accurate ab initio computations of the molecular structure and properties, torsional potential energy function, and harmonic force field of disilane and ethane have been carried out. Equilibrium parameters as well as vibrational corrections have been evaluated. In addition, for these systems a vibrational averaging procedure has been employed for calculating the dipole moment of molecules which have no permanent dipole moment, i.e., SiH3SiD3 and CH3CD3. The molecular and spectroscopic properties calculated for ethane and its isotopomers provide a calibration against known experimental data, allowing us to estimate the reliability of our computed results for disilane for which there is much less experimental data. The goal of the present study is to predict the molecular parameters, with estimated uncertainties, that determine the microwave spectrum of SiH3SiD3. © 2005 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive tests have been performed to benchmark and to compare with second-order perturbation theory based on a complete active space self-consistent field reference function (CASPT2), the recently developed n-electron valence state perturbation theory at second order (NEVPT2). Test calculations included the group fifteen diatomic molecules X[sub 2] (X=N, P, As, and Sb) and the [sup 4]S/[sup 2]D and [sup 4]S/[sup 2]P splittings for the corresponding atoms, the [sup 1]A[sub 1]–[sup 3]B[sub 1] splittings for CH[sub 2] and SiH[sub 2], and the absorption spectra of pyrrole and of Cu(Imidazole)[sub 2](SH)(SH[sub 2])[sup +], which is a model for plastocyanin. Comparisons with full configuration-interaction calculations and experimental data show that the accuracy of NEVPT2 is in most cases even better than CASPT2. Where intruder states hamper the CASPT2 calculations, NEVPT2 performs significantly better. Care is needed in the choice of active orbitals, for example in the calculation of the [sup 4]S/[sup 2]D and [sup 4]S/[sup 2]P splittings for the group fifteen atoms. This is due to the different treatment of orbitals belonging to the inactive or active spaces, making the NEVPT2 not invariant for the choice of active space, even in cases where the multiconfiguration self-consistent field energy is invariant. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Genome-wide association studies in adults have identified 42 loci associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and 21 loci associated with free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations. While biologically plausible, age-dependent effects have not been assessed. We aimed to study the association of previously identified genetic determinants of TSH and FT4 with TSH and FT4 concentrations in newborns and (pre) school children. Methods: We selected participants from three population-based prospective cohorts with data on genetic variants and thyroid function: Generation R (N = 2169 children, mean age 6 years; N = 2388 neonates, the Netherlands), the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; N = 3382, age 7.5 years, United Kingdom), and the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study (BLTS; N = 1680, age 12.1 years, Australia). The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with TSH and FT4 concentrations was studied with multivariable linear regression models. Weighted polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were defined to combine SNP effects. Results: In childhood, 30/60 SNPs were associated with TSH and 11/31 SNPs with FT4 after multiple testing correction. The effect sizes for AADAT, GLIS3, TM4SF4, and VEGFA were notably larger than in adults. The TSH PRS explained 5.3%-8.4% of the variability in TSH concentrations; the FT4 PRS explained 1.5%-4.2% of the variability in FT4 concentrations. Five TSH SNPs and no FT4 SNPs were associated with thyroid function in neonates. Conclusions: The effects of many known thyroid function SNPs are already apparent in childhood and some might be notably larger in children as compared to adults. These findings provide new knowledge about genetic regulation of thyroid function in early life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the role of asymmetric molecular bonding in chemisorption of iodine trichloride molecule. Formation of partial bonds between an iodine atom and silicon adatom; Interaction between asymmetric highest occupied molecular orbits (HOMO) and silicon bonds; Purpose of asymmetric HOMO orbital and zero dipole moment.

Objective: To assess the frequency of cardiovascular and venous thromboembolic events in clinical studies of baricitinib, an oral, selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor approved in more than 50 countries for the treatment of moderately‐to‐severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Data were pooled from 9 RA studies. Placebo comparison up to 24 weeks included data from 6 studies. Randomized dose comparison between baricitinib doses of 2 mg and 4 mg used data from 4 studies and from the associated long‐term extension study. The data analysis set designated "All‐bari‐RA" included all baricitinib exposures at any dose. Results: Overall, 3,492 RA patients received baricitinib (7,860 patient‐years of exposure). No imbalance compared to the placebo group was seen in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (incidence rates [IRs] of 0.5 per 100 patient‐years for placebo and 0.8 per 100 patient‐years for 4 mg baricitinib), arterial thrombotic events (ATE) (IRs of 0.5 per 100 patient‐years for placebo and 0.5 per 100 patient‐years for 4 mg baricitinib), or congestive heart failure (CHF) broad term (IRs of 4.3 per 100 patient‐years for placebo and 2.4 per 100 patient‐years for 4 mg baricitinib). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) were reported in 0 of 1,070 patients treated with placebo and 6 of 997 patients treated with 4 mg baricitinib during the placebo‐controlled period; these events were serious in 2 of 6 patients, while all 6 had risk factors and 1 patient developed DVT/PE after discontinuation of the study drug. In the 2 mg–4 mg‐extended data analysis set, IRs of DVT/PE were comparable between the doses across event types (IRs of 0.5 per 100 patient‐years in those receiving 2 mg baricitinib and 0.6 per 100 patient‐years in those receiving 4 mg baricitinib). In the All‐bari‐RA data analysis set, the rates were stable over time, with an IR of DVT/PE of 0.5 per 100 patient‐years. Conclusion: In RA clinical trials, no association was found between baricitinib treatment and the incidence of MACE, ATE, or CHF. With regard to incidence of DVT/PE, 6 events occurred in patients treated with 4 mg baricitinib, but no cases of DVT/PE were reported in the placebo group. During longer‐term evaluation, the incidence of DVT/PE was similar between the baricitinib dose groups, with consistent IR values over time, and this was similar to the rates previously reported in patients with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We respond to recent criticisms of supposed "taxonomic anarchy" which is said to hamper conservation efforts. Using examples from African small mammals, we document recent increases of 13% (rodents) and 18% (bats) over the past three decades in the number of recognized species of Afro-Malagasy rodents and bats. By reference to a number of case studies involving Afro-Malagasy taxa (predominantly from montane habitats), and a suggested four-criterion approach to delimiting species accurately, we show that these increases are a genuine reflection of speciation in cryptic species complexes. Moreover, we show that some of these cryptic species are subject to increased extinction risks due to small population size and anthropogenic changes (habitat degradation and climate change). These changes were captured accurately in a recent Mammal Red List of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, indicating that taxonomists and conservationists can work together to assess the Red List status of cryptic species based on robust taxonomic revisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alexithymia reflects a difficulty with identifying and expressing emotions. This experience has been proposed as having an association with suicide ideation and behaviour. This review aimed to synthesise the evidence to establish the bivariate and multivariate relationships between alexithymia, and its subcomponents, with suicide ideation and behaviour.Methods: Search terms related to alexithymia and suicide ideation and behaviour were searched across nine prominent databases in May 2018. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported original empirical quantitative findings from adult samples, used a validated measure of alexithymia, and any measure of suicide ideation or behaviour.Results: Thirty-four studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The review found a large effect size for the relationship between alexithymia and suicide ideation (r = 0.54, 95% CI= 0.40-0.65) and a small effect size for the relationship between alexithymia and suicide behaviour (r = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.16-0.34).Limitations: A high level of heterogeneity was found in the meta-analysis meaning that results should be interpreted with caution.Conclusion: A positive association was found between alexithymia and suicide ideation and, to a lesser extent, behaviour across a range of clinical and general population samples. This review has potentially important clinical implications, and promotes the need for suicide prevention to focus on emotion regulation skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) can have a major impact on the lives of individuals and those around them. The way in which a person feels about and perceives themselves (i.e. self-concept) appears central to understanding NSSI. The current study investigates three variables linked to self-concept: shame, social comparison, and self-concept integration. We examine how well these variables differentiate people who report past NSSI, people who report current NSSI, and people who have never engaged in NSSI.Design: Cross-sectional.Method: Individuals reporting NSSI in the past year (n = 51), individuals with a history of NSSI but none in the past year (n = 44), and individuals with no history of NSSI (n = 110) were compared on measures of shame, social comparison, and self-concept integration.Results: Shame was elevated in people with a history of NSSI but did not distinguish between past and current NSSI when other variables were controlled for. Self-concept integration was poorer in people reporting current NSSI than people reporting past NSSI, even when controlling for other variables.Conclusions: The results support the role of shame as a general marker for NSSI risk, but suggest self-concept integration may fluctuate more dynamically in relation to the recency of NSSI. The study is limited by a non-matched student control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tofacitinib and baricitinib are the first orally available, small-molecule inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes to be approved for the treatment of RA. Tofacitinib is a selective JAK1, 3 inhibitor with less activity against JAK2 and TYK2 and baricitinib is a selective, oral JAK1, 2 inhibitor with moderate activity against TYK2 and significantly less activity against JAK3. Both drugs have undergone extensive phase III clinical trials in RA and demonstrated rapid improvements in disease activity, function and patient-reported outcomes as well as disease modification. Tofacitinib 5 mg bd, was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 2012 for the treatment of RA in patients who are intolerant or unresponsive to MTX. An extended release formulation for the treatment of RA was approved by Federal Drug Administration in 2016. In 2017 the European Medicines Agency approved tofacitinib 5 mg bd in combination with MTX and baricitinib 4 mg and 2 mg once daily for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients who are intolerant or unresponsive to one or more conventional synthetic DMARDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete overlays provide cost-effective maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for pavement systems. A database has been developed in Iowa that records the historical performance of overlays based on records of International Roughness Index (IRI) and Pavement Condition Index (PCI) over a 20-year period. Based on these data concrete overlay service life has been modeled for various joint spacings. The data demonstrate t hat durability and service life can be improved. A review of PCI data indicates that improving construction quality to eliminate premature failure has the potential to add at least 10 years to the service life of PCC overlays. Even though concrete overlay technology is not a new concept, most of its design procedures still follow empirical methods, therefore this study applied AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (Version 2.3.1) software to identify the effects of desig n para ms on concrete overlay service life. The theoretical insights provided by Pavement ME Design were compared with historical performance data and used to provide recommendations with respect to optimized joint spacing in overlay pavement structures. Comparison of the historical performa nce-related data with Pavement ME Design software results indicates that the Pavement ME Design software is conservative in predicting concrete overlay service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow water‐equivalent (SWE) estimation is important for meteorologists and hydrologists, but solid snowfall estimation (snow depth) is essential for on‐duty meteorologists, the snow removal authorities and airports. Such an estimation can help meteorologists better quantify solid snowfall amounts and allow them to issue more accurate alerts to designated agencies, cities, municipalities, airports or the public. These agencies and the public are usually more interested in snow depth. Data from the dual‐polarimetric C‐band King City radar (CWKR) near Toronto in Ontario, Canada, and solid snowfall observations from nearby Oakville were used to establish radar‐based solid‐snowfall algorithms. A nonlinear regression analysis method was used to develop two power‐law algorithms to estimate solid snowfall rates (cm/hr): one used reflectivity and the other both reflectivity and differential reflectivity. These algorithms directly determine snowfall rates (which can be translated to snow accumulation on the ground or snow depth), in contrast to the conventional radar‐based technique of estimating the melted snowfall rate (mm/hr), before applying a constant snow–liquid ratio (SLR) to obtain the solid snowfall rate. Both new algorithms were similar at estimating solid snowfall rates and showed far superior results when compared with the one currently used by Environment Canada which uses a constant SLR of 10:1. Although there is no unique SLR for any geographical area, the solid and SWE ground measurements from Oakville suggests a higher SLR (14:1) as a better representative value than that currently assumed. Further validation of the algorithm requires frequent accurate solid snowfall data. Geographical location of the King City radar (CWKR) and the Oakville site, both in Ontario, Canada. The two sites are 56 km apart; the radar beam height is about 400 m above ground level (AGL) at a 0.2° elevation angle. © Google Earth 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is a physiological defense mechanism that involves soluble factors, vascular changes, activation and migration of cells. Among the inflammatory mediators are prostaglandins (PGS), cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), among others. However, the same inflammatory process, that is effective in the elimination of the causative agent and in the remodeling of the tissue, can cause different pathologies in humans. Therefore, it is necessary to develop drugs that selectively inhibit inflammation, without interfering with the benefits of said response. The use of plants in traditional medicine suggests the possibility of finding natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory effect of Phytolacca icosandra and Datura inoxia extracts on RAW 264.7 macrophages, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), was evaluated. Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine B (SRB), and the inhibitory effect on NO mediators by reaction of Griess and TNF-a and IL-6 (ELISA). Phytochemical monitoring was performed to identify secondary metabolites. Datura inoxia extract showed inhibitory effect on NO (70% at 30 µg/mL) without cytotoxic effect, whereas the extract of P. icosandra showed no effect on any of the mediators. The secondary metabolites present were alkaloids and terpenes from D. inoxia; sterols and alkaloids from P. icosandra. Possible anti-inflammatory effect of D. inoxia is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microalbuminuria represents vascular and endothelial dysfunction. Thyroid hormones can influence urine albumin excretion as it exerts crucial effects on the kidney and on the vascular system. This study explores the relationship between serum thyrotropin and urine albumin excretion in euthyroid patients with diabetes.Methods: A total of 433 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Data included anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters from diabetes clinic. Males with urine albumin creatinine ratio >2.5 and female's >3.5 mg/mmoL were considered to have microalbuminuria.Results: 34.9% of the patients had microalbuminuria. Prevalence of microalbuminuria increased according to TSH quartiles (26.9, 34.6, 38.5 and 44.9%, P for trend = 0.02). In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, higher TSH concentrations were associated with high prevalence of microalbuminuria (adjusted odds ratio 2.06 [95% CI: 1.14-3.72]; P = 0.02), while comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of TSH. Multiple linear regression analysis showed an independent association between serum TSH and urine albumin creatinine ratio (β = 0.007, t = 2.03 and P = 0.04). The risk of having microalbuminuria was higher with rise in TSH concentration in patients with younger age (<65 years), raised body mass index (≥25 kg/m2), hypertension, type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia and age was the most important determinant ( P for interaction = 0.02).Conclusion: Serum TSH even in the euthyroid range was positively associated with microalbuminuria in euthyroid patients with diabetes independent of traditional risk factors. This relationship was strongest in patients with components of the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of historical and recent collections of small Rhinolophus bats revealed cryptic taxonomic diversity within southern African populations previously referred to as R. swinnyi Gough, 1908 and R. landeri Martin, 1832. Specimens from Mozambique morphologically referable to R. swinnyi were phylogenetically unrelated to topotypic R. swinnyi from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa based on cytochrome b sequences and showed distinctive echolocation, baculum and noseleaf characters. Due to their genetic similarity to a previously reported molecular operational taxonomic unit (OTU) from north-eastern South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, we recognize the available synonym (R. rhodesiae Roberts, 1946) to denote this distinct evolutionary species. This new taxon is genetically identical to R. simulator K. Andersen, 1904 based on mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences but can easily be distinguished on morphological and acoustic grounds. We attribute this genetic similarity to historical introgression, a frequently documented phenomenon in bats. An additional genetically distinct and diminutive taxon in the swinnyi s.l. group (named herein, R. gorongosae sp. nov.) is described from Gorongosa National Park, central Mozambique. Specimens from Mozambique referable based on morphology to R. landeri were distinct from topotypic landeri from West Africa based on mtDNA sequences, and acoustic, noseleaf and baculum characters. This Mozambique population is assigned to the available synonym R. lobatus Peters, 1952. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well known that jet streams play a vital role in everyday weather and long‐term climate variability, very few regional climatological studies on jet streams exist to date. Using the high‐resolution North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), this study aims to create a preliminary jet stream, and more specifically a jet core, database for a relatively narrow region in eastern North America covering the period 1979 through 2016 inclusive. We use regional maxima in the smoothed horizontal wind field to locate both the latitudinal and vertical (pressure) location of jet cores along specific meridians. Results show that the median pressure level of all jet cores in the region of interest is 250 hPa and that two is the most likely number of distinct jet cores to occur along a given meridian at any given time. The jet cores are categorized into three bins based on their latitude in an attempt to capture the characteristics of the different tropopause‐level jet types. However, as the vertical and horizontal extents of the jet streams were not analysed, we cannot conclude for certain that each of the geographical bins corresponds to specific jet types. Statistically significant negative trends in the seasonal and overall mean pressure of the jet cores, implying an increased height, supports the findings of previous studies. Our analysis of NARR winds shows that jet core wind speeds increased in the region studied. This may be related to the increased height of jet cores through the thermal wind equation as well as increased baroclinicity across sections of the region studied. Jet core latitude and meridional circulation index (MCI) trends were generally negligible and not statistically significant. An absence of significant increases in |MCI| diverges from expectations and some theories of what to expect with Arctic amplification in a warming world. Jet streams play a vital role in everyday weather and climate. Using the high‐resolution North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), this study creates a jet core database for a relatively narrow region in eastern North America. The median pressure level of jet cores in the region is 250 hPa, and two is the most likely number of distinct jet cores to occur along a given meridian at any given time, although the figure shows a case with three cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which aims at identifying factors that influence treatment adjustments and adoption of a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It mentions introduction of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) treatment in RA. It states that an aggressive therapy approach in early RA patients to prevent damage disease progression. It mentions use of methotrexate with glucocorticoids for treating RA.

Using various sources, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), published literature, recent (2015-2017) collections, as well as bat detector and camera trap surveys with opportunistic sightings and live capture in the upper Okavango catchment in central Angola, we present an updated mammal checklist of 275 species from 15 different orders for Angola (including the Cabinda region). Recent surveys (captures and bat detectors) of small mammals from the upper Okavango catchment yielded 46 species (33 species of bats, ten species of rodents and three species of shrews). One bat (Pipistrellus rusticus, rusty pipistrelle); two rodents (Mus setzeri, Setzer's mouse and Zelotomys woosnami, Woosnam's broad-faced mouse) and one shrew (Suncus varilla, lesser dwarf shrew) were captured for the first time, in Angola. While our species lists of bats conformed to predicted totals, terrestrial small mammals were under sampled, with only 13 species recorded by our trapping survey compared to a total of 42 shrew and rodent species expected based on GBIF records for the central Angolan highlands. Seven terrestrial small mammal species (one shrew and six rodents) are endemic to the central and western Angolan highlands but none of these were captured in our survey. The bat detector surveys added three further bat species to the country list: Pipistrellus hesperidus, Kerivoula argentata, and Mops midas. Camera trap surveys and opportunistic sightings in the upper Okavango catchment in 2016 yielded a total of 35 species of medium-large mammals, from 17 families, although all of these had been reported previously in Angola. GBIF proved to be an excellent source of biodiversity data for Angolan mammals, most importantly for documenting dramatic historical range changes of larger mammals such as the sable (Hippotragus niger niger), Kirk's sable (H. niger kirkii) and the giant sable (H. niger variani). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the computation of the equilibrium bond length and quartic force field for tetrahedral phosphorus molecule. Use of coupled-cluster methods and a variety of extended basis sets; Effect of correlating core and valence electrons; Differences with experimental estimates of bond length and fundamental vibrational frequencies.

Focuses on benchmark quality total atomization energies (TAE) of small polyatomic molecules. Successive coupled-cluster calculations in basis sets; Separate Schwartz-type extrapolations of the self consistent field (SCF) and correlation energies; Mean absolute error; Valence correlation contribution to the (TAE).