Active Phase Research Articles

Plain Sailing or Choppy Water? Maintaining Interpersonal Trusting Relationships in Times of Uncertainty

Interpersonal trusting relationships frequently experience relational threats that require both parties to engage actively in trust maintenance efforts. Yet, trust research has tended to focus on trust formation, or trust repair in the case of a violation, and offers us little insight regarding how these more ambiguous threats to trusting relationships are experienced and overcome relationally. To provide novel insight on this topic, this exploratory study gathers dyadic interview data from 26 manager–employee trusting relationships regarding their experience of relational threats and their proactive efforts to overcome these negative relational experiences. Findings show that the experience of a relational threat triggers a three-stage trust maintenance process that includes an assessment phase, an active maintenance phase, and an outcome phase. Threats are assessed at the individual level via cognitive and affective sensemaking, while trust maintenance efforts (creating a shared mental model, cognitive and structural reassurance, and dyadic problem solving) require dyadic counterparts to act with mutual agency to overcome the relational threat and avoid a loss of trust. Trust maintenance processes support dyads to either maintain or strengthen their existing trusting relationships. Our findings advance our theoretical understanding of interpersonal trust maintenance by demonstrating that this process unfolds across three phases and can lead to different outcomes for dyads’ trusting relationships. We offer practical guidelines to safeguard existing trusting relationships, as well as a new agenda for trust scholars to extend our theorizing.

Fecal microbiota transplantation fails to impart the benefits of circadian-dependent intermittent fasting following ischemic stroke.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is known to induce significant ischemic tolerance. Diet is a major proponent of gut microbiota, and gut microbial dysbiosis plays a role in post-stroke brain damage. Hence, we currently evaluated whether IF-mediated ischemic tolerance is mediated by gut microbiota. Additionally, circadian cycle is known to modulate post-ischemic outcomes, and thus we further evaluated if gut microbiota would be influenced by prophylactic IF during the inactive phase (fasting during daytime; IIF) or active phase (fasting during nighttime; AIF). The AIF, but not IIF, cohort showed a significantly decreased fecal Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared with the ad libitum (AL) cohort. Moreover, the levels of gut microbiota-derived metabolites butyrate and propionate decreased in AL cohort following focal ischemia, whereas they increased in AIF cohort. However, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from IIF or AIF cohort had no significant effects on post-ischemic motor and cognitive function recovery, anxiety-, and depression-like behaviors compared with FMT from AL cohort. Furthermore, FMT from IIF or AIF cohort did not influence the post-ischemic infarct volume, atrophy volume or white matter damage. Overall, the current findings indicate that the beneficial effects of IF after focal ischemia are not mediated by the gut microbiota.

Diversification and Efficiency Assessment of Japanese Major Private Railways Using Data Envelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Index

Passenger transportation in Japan’s main metropolitan areas is operated by the JR companies, which were privatized and divested from Japan National Railways (JNR) in 1987 and by 16 major private railway companies with large-scale operations. Although their core business is transportation, the major private railway companies have adopted a strategy of diversification, and they engage, e.g., in real estate and distribution businesses. This study examines the relationship between the degree of business diversification and the production efficiency of Japan’s major private railway companies from the perspective of a future business model. To this aim, this study applies data envelopment analysis combined with the Malmquist index to the data of the railway companies from 1987 to 2019. We focus on four phases of activities: cost, operational resource, operational output, and total revenue. This study is the first to analyze the diversified management of Japanese railroad companies by evaluating their production efficiency and its changes over time. The results of the analysis reveal that, while all companies’ earnings have generally increased, the less diversified they are, the more they struggle to optimize personnel and other overhead expenses and resources, lowering production efficiency.

TiO2/SiO2/g-C3N4 flower-like spheres with g-C3N4 sheets for enhanced visible-light-driven photodegradation of industrial pollutants via an adsorption–photocatalysis synergy

Abstract Wastewaters containing toxic pollutants such as dye, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals have adverse effect on human and aquatic life. The pharmaceuticals cannot be efficiently removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes. The use of the proper photocatalyst for the removal of pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems is getting extensive attention. In this research, TiO2/SiO2/g-C3N4 nanostructured photocatalysts in the form of powder (NP) and thin film (TF) with different concentrations of graphite-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets were prepared by simple hydrothermal and dip-coating methods, respectively. The morphology, composition, structure, and optical properties of the samples were systematically investigated using proper characterization technics. Based on the obtained results, it was indicated that modification of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) with Silicon dioxide (SiO2) effectively preserves the active anatase phase of TiO2, increases the specific surface area of the TiO2 sample and improves the ability of visible light absorption due to the formation of imperfection in the crystal structure. The results of photocatalytic experiments indicated that adding g-C3N4 enhances photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) due to increase in effective surface area, charge carrier separation, and increased light absorption in the visible region. Highest efficiency was achieved for the sample with 0.03 g of g-C3N4 in the precursor solution. TiO2/SiO2/g-C3N4 NP compared to its TF counterpart possesses higher visible photodegradation with an efficiency of ~96% for a solution of 20 mg/l MB with corresponding adsorption of 88% in darkness within 60 min. In addition, TF photocatalysts showed good reusability and feasible separation from the refined solution. Efficient removal of TC by a reactor with a design to be applicable for both synthesized TF and NP photocatalysts was achieved under visible light illumination. This work may propose an effective approach to remove antibiotics in wastewater.

Implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (OpTIMa-HF Registry).

The last released European guidelines on the management of heart failure (HF) recommend in patients with chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) a pharmacological approach based on four fundamental drugs to be rapidly implemented and then uptitrated to modify disease progression. The aim of the Optimization of Therapy in the Italian Management of Heart Failure (OPTIMA-HF) registry is to collect data on chronic HF outpatients in different settings of care. In the present analysis, we report the first analysis of the OPTIMA-HF registry, focusing on the real-life use of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients affected by HFrEF. OPTIMA-HF is an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre, real-life Italian registry conducted in two different clinical settings: HF outpatients' clinics of Italian hospitals and community HF outpatients' services. The study comprises a T0 phase-retrospective data collection, in which data of consecutive HF outpatients seen between January and October 2022 were collected; an educational activity phase; and a T1 phase-prospective data collection, in which data of consecutive HF outpatients seen between September 2023 and November 2023 were collected. In the present analysis, we describe the T0 phase focusing on HFrEF drug prescription rates, types, doses, combination therapy, the presence of contraindications and reasons of non-optimized treatment. Twenty-nine centres enrolled 2110 HF patients, of which 1390 (65.9%) had HFrEF [69.5±11.9years, 76.2% males, 4.1years since HF diagnosis, median ejection fraction (EF) 33%]. Among HFrEF patients, 89.1% were on treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi)/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) (72% ARNI and 17.1% RAASi), 95.1% with beta-blockers, 75.8% with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and 63.2% with sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Despite high prescription rates, a non-negligible number of patients with no contraindications were not treated with each specific drug. Patients taking all four drug classes, as recommended by guidelines, were mere 46.9%. Regarding doses, a still low number of patients on RAASi/ARNI and beta-blockers were treated with a dose ≥50% of the target doses recommended by the European guidelines. The OPTIMA-HF registry reported that HFrEF fundamental drugs are prescribed in most Italian patients; however, <50% of patients receive optimal combination therapy, and still not a satisfying number of patients receive target doses. Strategies to improve implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy are needed to improve HF prognosis.

Advancing moisture management in activewear: a novel dynamic testing approach for dynamic breathability of sportswear

This study presents a novel dynamic hot plate test for examining the exothermic and endothermic behaviors of textiles, emphasizing the dynamic conditions akin to physical activities. The method surpasses previous standards, for example ISO 16533 and the dynamic hot plate test developed by Naylor, by integrating sweating and wind simulations, thus offering a more precise assessment of fabric performance and physical sensation while wearing activewear. The investigation involved five fabric samples made from four different fiber types: 100% Merino wool, 100% polyester, 100% cotton, and 100% viscose.. The experimental setup, consisting of a 90-minute test with relaxation, activity, and drying phases, highlighted significant fabric-specific responses. Notably, polyester exhibited the highest heat loss rate at 388 W/m² during the activity phase, underscoring its potential for moisture management and cooling. Conversely, Merino wool showed the lowest heat loss rate at 212 W/m², suggesting a more stable microclimate. The dynamic conditions induced marked changes in microclimate temperature, humidity, and fabric surface temperatures, particularly noticeable when wind was introduced. These findings emphasized the importance of dynamic testing in evaluating activewear fabrics, suggesting that materials such as polyester offer excellent cooling and moisture management, whereas natural fibers such as Merino wool may enhance wearer comfort by maintaining a more consistent microclimate. This research contributes to refining fabric performance testing standards by emphasizing the significance of real-world dynamic conditions.

Adhered macrophages as an additional marker of cardiomyocyte injury in biopsies of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Macrophage accumulation found in biopsy specimens of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been thought to reflect chronic myocarditis. However, it is unsettled whether they are responsible for the active or persistent phase of the disease. Objective The aim of this study was to count the number of macrophages in relation to plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Methods We studied the biopsies of 181 patients with DCM by immunohistochemistry using anti-CD68(+) antibodies. The total number of CD68(+) and the number of CD68(+) cells attached to injured cardiomyocytes were counted and presented as the number of cells/mm2. Results Two expression patterns of CD68(+) macrophages were observed: those localized freely in the interstitial space only, and the cells attached to injured cardiomyocytes. As regards macrophages adhered to injured cardiomyocytes, 72 out of 181 (39.8%) patients presented these cells in the biopsy sections. Both the total number of CD68(+) macrophages and the number of CD68(+) cells directly adhered correlated negatively with cTnT in the serum of DCM patients (Spearman’s rho, r = −0.45, P &lt; 0.001 and r = −0.31, P = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion Macrophages attached to injured cardiomyocytes may reflect chronic (ongoing) inflammation in the myocardium.

Reduction of orexin-expressing neurons and a unique sleep phenotype in the Tg-SwDI mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Sleep disturbances are common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD). We performed a sleep study on Tg-SwDI mice, a cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) model, and age-matched wild-type (WT) control mice. The results showed that at 12 months of age, the hemizygous Tg-SwDI mice spent significantly more time in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (44.6 ± 2.4% in Tg-SwDI versus 35.9 ± 2.5% in WT) and had a much shorter average length of wake bout during the dark (active) phase (148.5 ± 8.7 s in the Tg-SwDI versus 203.6 ± 13.0 s in WT). Histological analysis revealed stark decreases of orexin immunoreactive (orexin-IR) neuron number and soma size in these Tg-SwDI mice (cell number: 2187 ± 97.1 in Tg-SwDI versus 3318 ± 137.9 in WT. soma size: 109.1 ± 8.1 μm2 in Tg-SwDI versus 160.4 ± 6.6 μm2 in WT), while the number and size of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) immunoreactive (MCH-IR) neurons remained unchanged (cell number: 4256 ± 273.3 in Tg-SwDI versus 4494 ± 326.8 in WT. soma size: 220.1 ± 13.6 μm2 in Tg-SwDI versus 202.0 ± 7.8 μm2 in WT). The apoptotic cell death marker cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactive (Caspase-3-IR) percentage in orexin-IR neurons was significantly higher in Tg-SwDI mice than in WT controls. This selective loss of orexin-IR neurons could be associated with the abnormal sleep phenotype in these Tg-SwDI mice. Further studies are needed to determine the cause of the selective death of orexin-IR cells and relevant effects on cognition impairments in this mouse model of microvascular amyloidosis.

Synthesis and Characterization of NiWS2/MWCNT Nanohybrids

AbstractThe present research work mainly focuses on the synthesis and characterization of NiWS2/MWCNT‐f nanohybrids. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes MWCNT‐r were previously purified with HCl to obtain MWCNT‐p, then were treated with an acid mixture of HNO3 : H2SO4 (6 M) at 1 : 3 v/v to generate functionalization on the surface with oxygen as hydroxylic and carbonyl groups to obtain MWCNT‐f. The synthesis of the nanohybrids was carried out by the sequential incipient impregnation method using ammonium thiotungstate (ATT) and nickel chloride as metal precursors. The effect of nickel was evaluated by modifying its atomic ratio with respect to tungsten with values of R= (Ni/Ni+W) equal to 0.3 and 0.5. Subsequently, the nanohybrids were obtained by thermal decomposition in argon atmosphere and an activation method using H2/H2S. Once the nanohybrids were obtained, their structural properties were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, BET, HRTEM, XRD, and TGA analyses. The formation of the nanohybrids was achieved obtaining the active phase WS2 and NiWS supported on MWCNT‐f, which was corroborated by HRTEM and XPS spectroscopy techniques. These materials are important candidates as catalysts in the hydrodesulfurization reactions.

Effect of Structural Defects Induced in LaFeO3 and LaMnO3 Catalysts towards Total Oxidation of 2-Propanol

A crucial characteristic of perovskite-like oxides is oxygen mobility, which can be enhanced by inducing structural defects through stoichiometry variations during synthesis, thereby boosting the catalytic activity. This study evaluated the effect of structural modifications of LaFeO3 (LF) and LaMnO3 (LM) perovskites series on the total oxidation of 2-propanol as a VOC model, a well-known organic solvent. These modifications were performed during synthesis by partially removing the B-site cation or by structural doping in the B-site with another cation (Mn for the LF series and Pd for the LM series). Structural characterization was carried out by XRD and Raman spectroscopy, while the bulk and surface chemical composition were assessed by ICP and XPS, respectively. On the other hand, catalytic activity was performed using a reactivity test with the 2-propanol molecule. The CO-TPR and O2-TPD measurements were used to characterize the reducibility of the active phase, and the type of oxygen species present in the sample. The catalytic activity results indicated that the modified perovskites showed a difference of 118 °C and 109 °C in the T95 parameter (Temperature at which the conversion of 2-propanol was 95%) relative to pure LF and LM perovskites, respectively. It was also observed that the inclusion of cationic species with high oxidation states enhances the catalytic properties of the materials not only for the doped perovskites but also for the impregnated ones used for comparison purposes. This research demonstrated that stoichiometric variations in modified perovskite-like catalysts significantly improve the catalytic capacity by forming structural defects and modifying redox properties.Kindly check and confirm whether the corresponding author is correctly identified.I confirm that the corresponding author is well identifiedGraphical

Diurnal variation in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function dictates time-of-day-dependent exercise capacity.

Exercise impinges on almost all physiological processes at an organismal level and is a potent intervention to treat various diseases. Exercise performance is well established to display diurnal rhythm, peaking during the late active phase. However, the underlying molecular/metabolic factors and mitochondrial energetics that possibly dictate time-of-day exercise capacity remain unknown. Here, we have unraveled the importance of diurnal variation in mitochondrial functions as a determinant of skeletal muscle exercise performance. Our results show that exercise-induced muscle metabolome and mitochondrial energetics are distinct at ZT3 and ZT15. Importantly, we have elucidated key diurnal differences in mitochondrial functions that are well correlated with disparate time-of-day-dependent exercise capacity. Providing causal mechanistic evidence, we illustrate that loss of Sirtuin4 (SIRT4), a well-known mitochondrial regulator, abrogates mitochondrial diurnal variation and consequently abolishes time-of-day-dependent muscle output. Therefore, our findings unequivocally demonstrate the pivotal role of baseline skeletal muscle mitochondrial functions in dictating diurnal exercise capacity.

Efektivitas Pijat Endorphin Dan Countour Presure Terhadap Nyeri Persalinan Di Klinik Annisa

Introduction: Labor pain is a physiological process, which occurs due to contractions due to internal hormonal processes childbirth such as increased oxytocin levels, increased prostaglandin levels and decreased progesterone levels. Efforts that can be applied to reduce labor pain in the first stage are non-pharmacological methods, one of which is endorphin massage and counter pressure. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of endorphin massage and counter pressure on the intensity of labor pain in the active phase of the first stage. Method: Using a before and after quasi-experimental design with 30 respondents divided randomly into two groups, namely group A received endorphin massage therapy, group B received countour pressure massage therapy. Results: Between the two groups, the normality value tested with the Shapiro Wilk showed a p- value&gt;0.05 and the parametric statistical test paired T Test showed a p-value &lt;0.05. Conclusion: giving endorphin massage and countour pressure has been proven to be able to reduce the intensity of labor pain during the first active phase. Keywords: Endorphin, Countour Pressure, Labor Pain

Rejuvenating Sexual Health Holistically: An Approach in Ayurveda

Sex is one of the three primary human instincts, with self-preservation and social instinct, and is thus well developed in the typical individual. Sexual Dysfunction is referred to as problems that a person or partner encounters during any phase of typical sexual activity - physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal, or orgasm. A person’s inability to participate in a sexual relationship as they would wish is how the World Health Organization describes sexual dysfunction. It can affect both men and women and may be caused by physical, or psychological factors. Sexual dysfunction, if not addressed promptly, can significantly impacts fertility. Since sexual dysfunction usually coincides with anatomical as well as psychological factors, a comprehensive sexual history, evaluation of general health, and reproductive health, and identification of any additional sexual problems (if any) are critical while diagnosing sexual dysfunction. The concept of sexual dysfunction is not new to Ayurveda. Classics include various references to it in the context of Yoni Vyapads, Dosha Vriddhi, Kshaya, Ojus, Artava Vaha Sroto Viddha Lakshana, and Manovikaras, along with probable causative factors and solutions. Ayurveda addresses the anatomical, psychological, and endocrinological aspects of sexual dysfunctions. Following Dinacharya, Rajaswala Paricharya, Garbhini Paricharya, and Sutika Paricharya provide extensive treatment regimens by focusing on the overall health of an individual’s reproductive, psychological, and endocrinological well-being. Female sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial condition that requires a holistic approach. Modern medical treatments offer targeted solutions, while Ayurvedic therapies promote balance and long-term vitality.

Quantitative assessment of transmural remission in Crohn's disease using low dose computed tomography (CT) enterography perfusion imaging: a single-centre study based on intestinal microcirculation.

To assess transmural remission in patients with Crohn's disease using low-dose small bowel computed tomography (CT) perfusion scans. Forty six patients were divided into active and remission phases based on Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Dual-source CT enterography with low-dose perfusion scans was conducted to generate perfusion parameter maps, including blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), time to peak (TTP), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability of surface (PS). We compared differences in perfusion parameter values of intestinal walls, mesenteric fat, and lymph nodes between two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values were calculated. The BF, BV, TTP, MTT, and PS values of the intestinal wall were significantly higher in the active phase (P0.05). Additionally, lymph node BF and TTP displayed significant differences (P<0.01). Dual-source CT enterography with low-dose perfusion scans enables quantitative assessment of Crohn's disease microcirculation in intestinal walls, mesenteric fat, and lymph nodes. These quantitative indicators provide strong diagnostic efficacy and offer insights into whether the disease is in transmural remission.

Daytime DNase-I Administration Protects Mice From Ischemic Stroke Without Inducing Bleeding or tPA-Induced Hemorrhagic Transformation, Even With Aspirin Pretreatment.

Acute ischemic stroke treatment typically involves tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) or tenecteplase, but about 50% of patients do not achieve successful reperfusion. The causes of tPA resistance, influenced by thrombus composition and timing, are not fully clear. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), associated with poor outcomes and reperfusion resistance, contribute to thrombosis. DNase-I, which degrades neutrophil extracellular traps, could improve thrombolytic efficacy. However, more studies are needed to understand the impact of DNase-I in tPA-sensitive stroke models, the safety of coadministering DNase-I and tPA regarding hemorrhagic transformation (HT), optimal timing for use, and effects on aspirin-treated animals. We used in situ thromboembolic stroke, a tPA-sensitive model, where late tPA administration causes HT. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced at different zeitgeber times (ZT) to study the optimal timing for administration. DNase-I, tPA, and aspirin were administered at various times to evaluate their effects. DNase-I reduced infarct volume and improved functional outcomes 24 hours post-middle cerebral artery occlusion by decreasing plasma and cortical neutrophil extracellular trap levels. DNase-I caused no bleeding or impact on HT induced by late tPA. Its protective effect was only seen when given during the daytime (rodent inactive phase; ZT4-7), not overnight (active phase; ZT13-16). Chronic aspirin pretreatment increased tPA-induced HT but did not change the protective effects of DNase-I, with or without tPA. Our study demonstrates that daytime (inactive phase) DNase-I administration is a safe and effective treatment for experimental stroke. This is particularly important given the 2 ongoing clinical trials for stroke patients. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT05203224 and NCT05880524.

Ni-Fe supported on CaAl2O4 obtained from Eggs Shell for Chemical Looping Technology

The development of oxygen carriers with specific properties is one of the main bottlenecks for applicability of Chemical looping processes. Considering this, the article presents an investigation of the physicochemical, structural, morphological and reactive properties of four oxygen carriers based on Fe and/or Ni supported on calcium aluminate. Three different calcium aluminates were prepared: one by the conventional Pechini method, the following two using eggshell residue as calcium source, one with the shell in natura and last calcined at 500°C. The support obtained from the eggshell in natura presented greater surface area and pore volume, being selected for continuity of the research. The active phase was added by the method of incipient wetness impregnation. XRD, TPR results showed that iron interacted with the support forming calcium ferrite, while nickel showed inert to the support. The reactivity by thermogravimetry showed that the OC Ni/CA presented practically 100% reactivity in the cycles of reduction with methane and oxidation with air, and its structural and morphological properties remained unchanged after its regeneration.

Poisoning effect of chlorine anions in the catalytic activity of CuO/CeO2/UiO-66 for CO-PROX reaction and strategy for catalyst activation.

UiO-66 was synthesized using ZrOCl2·8H2O as metal precursor, and CuO/CeO2/UiO-66 catalysts were prepared and tested for preferential CO oxidation in H2-rich streams (CO-PROX reaction), a reaction of practical significance in hydrogen purification for fuel cells. The study highlights the detrimental effect of residual chlorine anions from UiO-66 synthesis and DMF washing on the catalytic performance of CuO/CeO2/UiO-66. An activation strategy involving rigorous water washing and thermal treatment at 160 ºC under CO-PROX conditions was developed. Both steps were deemed necessary, as employing only one proved insufficient to reduce chlorine levels to non-poisoning thresholds. This activation procedure does compromise UiO-66 crystallinity and porosity, but it is justified by achieving a fully functional catalyst. TEM images confirm the uniform dispersion of the CuO/CeO2 active phase on the UiO-66 matrix post-activation and after catalytic testing. A 16-hour CO-PROX test at 160 ºC with the CuO/CeO2/UiO-66 catalyst, once activated, demonstrated stable performance throughout the extended long-term experiment. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing CuO/CeO2/UiO-66 catalysts for CO-PROX application.

On the MJO Phase Speed among Different Background Moisture and Zonal Wind Base States

Abstract The variability of the phase speed of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is poorly understood. The authors assess how the phase speed of the convective signal of the MJO associates with the background states over eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Relaxation of the coupling between tropical modes and their circulation has been previously linked to faster propagation; for example, the MJO speeds up over the eastern Pacific where its convective signal decouples from the circulation. In contrast, our results show that fast MJO events happen to exist during periods of wetter background states (&gt;90 days) from East Africa across the Indian Ocean, whereas slow MJO is associated with dry background states. We found that fast MJO exhibits strong active and inactive phases with a structure suggesting more hierarchical convection. Results indicate that the association of the phase speed of the MJO as seen in the integrated filtered moist static energy with its tendency is stronger than the association of the phase speed as observed in the dry static energy with its tendency which is consistent with the acceleration of the MJO during wet background states. Also, our results indicate that the MJO may be faster during periods of enhanced low-level moisture because these periods have anomalously weak upper-tropospheric easterly background winds, which reduce the westward advection of the MJO by the background easterly wind, resulting in higher eastward phase speed of the MJO. The acceleration of the MJO by the background zonal wind overwhelms the deceleration associated with the moist-wave dynamics. Significance Statement This study shows that the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), which is the dominant subseasonal weather signal in the tropics, moves eastward more quickly across eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean when the region is abnormally moist. The faster propagation does not appear to result from the higher moisture but instead from encountering weaker-than-normal upper-air winds from the east that tend to occur during moist periods.

The selection of target areas for orbital imaging, application of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid orbital imaging, clinical factors, alkaline phosphatase, and thyrotropin receptor antibodies in the staging and grading of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

This study aimed to investigate the active phase of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), its correlations with clinical factors, serological tests, and orbital imaging parameters, and evaluate the diagnostic value of different orbital imaging target areas. A total of 45 patients with thyroid-related eye disease underwent imaging, serological tests, and clinical data collection. Clinical Activity Score (CAS) assessment, diplopia scores, and NOSPECS grading were conducted. Radioactive counts of extraocular muscles and tear glands were measured. Computed tomography scans assessed exophthalmos and extraocular muscle thickening. Correlations and differences among study parameters and grades were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Active TAO correlated significantly with radioactive counts of muscles and tear glands, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), and age. Significant differences were found among NOSPECS grades for studied variables (except ALP and TRAb). Extraocular muscle thickening was confirmed as a reliable diagnostic criterion. High consistency was found between orbital imaging and CAS staging. Treatment showed varying degrees of improvement in active patients, while nonactive patients showed no progression during follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy for tear gland radioactive counts. Tear glands and extraocular muscles have high diagnostic value in TAO, with tear glands showing a higher value. Orbital imaging provides an objective and comprehensive assessment compared with CAS scoring alone. ALP, TRAb, and age also play significant roles in staging.

Ge regulated microregion electron structures of Ge-NiMoS active phase to boost 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization

Ge regulated microregion electron structures of Ge-NiMoS active phase to boost 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization