Focus Of Attention Research Articles

Modified photoelectric performance by bandgap engineering in Al-doped α-Ga2O3 nanorod arrays

α-Ga2O3 has been attracted a focus of attention in ultraviolet detector applications due to its wide bandgap and cost-effective synthesis technology. This work presents Al-doped α-Ga2O3 nanorod arrays (AG-NRAs) synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The optical and photoelectric properties were systematically investigated. By adjusting Al-doping level, the bandgap can be regulated within a certain range from 4.39 to 4.78 eV. Solar blind UV photoresponse relied on the bandgap has been also studied by direct photocurrent measurements using a sandwich-structured FTO/AG-NRAs/FTO photoelectric device. The highest photocurrent density of 44.1pA/cm2 has been achieved in the specimen with Al-doping ratio of 0.15 with a rapid response time of 0.25 s. This finding offers an in-depth vision for bandgap engineering in AG-NRAs, and alternative approach for fabricating solar-blind UV detector.

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, of an IMPlicit learning approach versus standard care, on recovery of mobility following stroke (IMPS).

To evaluate the delivery of rehabilitation using implicit motor learning principles in an acute stroke setting. Pilot, assessor-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial with nested qualitative evaluation. Eight inpatient stroke units, UK. People within 14 days of stroke onset, presenting with lower limb hemiplegia. Participants at control clusters received usual care. Participants at intervention clusters received rehabilitation using an Implicit Learning Approach (ILA); primarily consisting of reduced frequency instructions/feedback, and promotion of an external focus of attention. Video recording was used to understand the ability of intervention site therapists to adhere to the implicit learning principles, and to compare differences between groups. Ability to recruit and retain clusters/participants; suitability and acceptability of data collection processes; appropriateness of fidelity monitoring methods; and appropriateness of chosen outcome measures. Eight stroke units participated, with four assigned to each group (intervention/control). Fifty-one participants were enrolled (intervention group 21; control group 30). Mean time since stroke was 6 days (SD 3.42; 0-14); mean age was 73 years (SD 14, 25-94). Of those approached to take part, 72% agreed. We found clear differences between groups with respect to the frequency and type of instructional statement. The ILA was acceptable to both patients and therapists. It is feasible to evaluate the application and effectiveness of motor learning principles within acute stroke rehabilitation, using a cluster randomised design. A larger study is required to evaluate the benefits of each approach; we provide a range of sample size estimates required for this.

The effectiveness of different attentional foci on the acquisition of sport-specific motor skills in healthy adults: a systematic review with network meta-analysis.

The acquisition of motor skills is a key element in many sports. A motor learning principle, which is frequently used to support skill acquisition is the application of different attentional foci. The effectiveness of different attentional foci on performance and the learning of motor skills has been investigated in various sports using randomised controlled trials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of different attentional foci (such as external (EFA) and internal attentional foci (IFA), but also holistic and switching foci) on the performance and learning of a sport-specific motor task in healthy individuals. This study was a systematic review with network meta-analysis. We followed the Prisma reporting guideline and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. Cinahl, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Central were searched for eligible studies. Network meta-analyses were performed for the post-acquisition, retention and transfer test endpoints. Twelve studies were included in the review. At post-acquisition an EFA was the most effective intervention compared to the control intervention (SMD: 0.9855; 95% CI [0.4-1.57]; p: 0.001). At the retention and transfer test endpoints, a holistic focus of attention had the highest effectiveness compared to an IFA (SMD 0.75; 95% CI [-0.1 to 1.6]; p: 0.09) and (SMD 1.16; 95% CI [0.47-1.86]; p: 0.001). For all three endpoints, we analysed a greater effectiveness of an EFA and holistic focus compared to an IFA. Several promising different attentional focus interventions were identified. The largest effects were analysed for a holistic focus. However, only one study used this intervention and therefore there remains uncertainty about the effectiveness. With regard to the inconsistency observed, the analysis at post-acquisition should be interpreted with caution. Modified versions of the EFA were the imagined and the dynamic EFA. Both were only explored in single studies and should therefore be investigated in further follow-up studies that directly compare them.

Правовая природа и понятие конфликта интересов

The article discusses that conflict of interest these days is the focus of attention of many theorists and practitioners, not only in jurisprudence, but also in a number of other humanities disciplines. Legal scholars for the most part consider conflicts of interest in the anti-corruption spectrum. Many issues still remain controversial, ranging from the legal nature of a conflict of interest to determining the stages of its occurrence. The author of the article points out that, despite the fairly extensive regulatory framework regulating this issue, there are a number of gaps in the legislation, and the tools for resolving and ending conflicts of interest are not sufficiently developed. The legislator primarily focuses on eliminating an existing conflict of interest, while the cause of the issue remains unresolved.

Environmentally Friendly UV Absorbers: Synthetic Characterization and Biosecurity Studies of the Host–Guest Supramolecular Complex

Isoamyl 4-methoxycinnamate (IMC) is widely used in various fields because of its exceptional UV-filter properties. However, due to its cytotoxicity and anti-microbial degradability, the potential eco-environmental toxicity of IMC has become a focus of attention. In this study, we propose a host–guest supramolecule approach to enhance the functionality of IMC, resulting in a more environmentally friendly and high-performance materials. Sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin sodium salt (SBE-β-CD) was used as the host molecule. IMC-SBE-β-CD supramolecular substances were prepared through the “saturated solution method”, and their properties and biosecurity were evaluated. Meanwhile, we conducted the AOS tree evaluation system that surpasses existing evaluation approaches based on apoptosis, oxidative stress system, and signaling pathways to investigate the toxicological mechanisms of IMC-SBE-β-CD within human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells as model organisms. The AOS tree evaluation system aims to offer the comprehensive analysis of the cytotoxic effects of IMC-SBE-β-CD. Our findings showed that IMC-SBE-β-CD had an encapsulation rate of 84.45% and optimal stability at 30 °C. Further, IMC-SBE-β-CD promoted cell growth and reproduction without compromising the integrity of mitochondria and nucleus or disrupting oxidative stress and apoptosis-related pathways. Compared to IMC, IMC-SBE-β-CD is biologically safe and has improved water solubility with the UV absorption property maintained. Our study provides the foundation for the encapsulation of hydrophobic, low-toxicity organic compounds using cyclodextrins and offers valuable insights for future research in this field.

An Overview of Nurses' Teamwork Perceptions at RS in 2024

Background: Ineffective teamwork and communication in healthcare has been identified as a major cause of medical errors that harm both patients and providers. Teamwork is the focus of attention in healthcare as the success and failure of the system largely depends on team performance. Objectives: This study aims to determine the picture of nurses' teamwork perceptions at RS in 2024. Methods: This study is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design conducted in May-June 2024 at one of the hospitals in Padang, Indonesia. The population in this study were all nurses working in the inpatient room of RS with a sample size of 48 nurses selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic instruments and teamwork perception instruments adopted from AHRQ 2020. Data were analyzed using computerized software. Results: The socio-demographic frequency distribution of respondents showed that most nurses were aged 17-35 years (62.5%), female (91.7%), had a Diploma of Nursing education (54.1%), and a working period between 1-14 years (79.1%). The perception of teamwork of nurses at RS is generally in the good enough category with a mean perception of teamwork of 128.00 (SD 35.39). The communication dimension obtained the highest score with a mean of 26.17 (SD 19.93) followed by the dimensions of team structure, leadership, situation monitoring, and mutual support. Conclusion: The perception of nurses' teamwork at RS in 2024 was in the good enough category with the communication dimension getting the highest score. Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, education, and tenure influence perceptions of teamwork where nurses who are more experienced and have higher education tend to have more positive perceptions of teamwork.

β2-adrenoceptor agonist formoterol attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in microglia through enhancing IκBα/NF-κB inhibition, SQSTM1/p62-dependent selective autophagy and ESCRT-III-mediated plasma membrane repair

Microglia are immune cells that play important roles in the formation of the innate immune response within the central nervous system (CNS). The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiple protein complex that is crucial for innate immunity, and excessive activation of the inflammasome for various reasons contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). β2-adrenoceptor agonists have become the focus of attention in studies on NDs due to the high synthesis of β2-adrenoceptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Promising results have been obtained from these studies targeting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Formoterol is an effective, safe for long-term use, and FDA-approved β2-adrenoceptor agonist with demonstrated anti-inflammatory features in the CNS. In this study, we researched the effects of formoterol on LPS/ATP-stimulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, NF-κB, autophagy, and ESCRT-III-mediated plasma membrane repair pathways in the N9 microglia cells. The results showed that formoterol, through the IκBα/NF-κB axis, significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduced the level of active caspase-1, secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 proinflammatory cytokine levels, and the levels of pyroptosis. Additionally, we showed that formoterol activates autophagy, autophagosome formation, and ESCRT-III-mediated plasma membrane repair, which are significant pathways in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Our study suggests that formoterol efficaciously prevents the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in microglial cells regulation through IκBα/NF-κB, autophagy, autophagosome formation, and ESCRT-III-mediated plasma membrane repair.

Analysis of the Adsorption Behavior of Phenanthrene on Microplastics Based on Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy.

Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, widely co-occur with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment. Therefore, the interaction between MPs and PAHs has been the focus of much attention in recent years. In this study, three types of MPs, i.e., polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly(vinyl chloride), with the same main chain were selected as the adsorbents, with phenanthrene (PHE) as the representative PAHs. The adsorption mechanisms were explored from the perspective of the molecular spectral level using a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) with a two-dimensional correlation technique. The adsorption kinetics results showed that the adsorption of PHE on the three MPs was dominated by chemisorption. However, the FT-IR analysis results indicated that no new covalent bond was created during the adsorption process. Based on the above research, a generalized two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectral technique was employed to investigate the sequence of functional group changes during the adsorption process for different MPs. Furthermore, the hybrid 2D correlation spectral technique explored the effect of side groups attached to the main chain molecules of MPs on adsorption. The results showed that for all three MPs, the functional groups in the side chain have a higher affinity for PHE, which is due to their higher hydrophobicity. This study provides a feasible way to analyze the adsorption of pollutants on MPs, and the results are important for understanding the adsorption interaction between PAHs and MPs in the aquatic environment.

An external focus promotes motor learning of an aiming task in individuals with hearing impairments.

Research has shown that external relative to internal focus (IF) instructions may improve motor performance as well as cognitive function (e.g., attentional stability and task-focus). The aim of the study was to examine the influence of attentional focus instructions on skill acquisition and learning of an aiming task in individuals with hearing impairments. The participants (N=39, Mage=17.87±1.88years) performed a bowling task with their dominant hand to knock down as many pins as possible. On day 1, they were randomly divided into three attentional focus groups; IF (focus on your throwing hand), external focus (EF) (focus on the pins), and control (no-focus) instructions. Each participant performed 36 trials, divided into 3 blocks of 12 trials. Attentional focus instructions were given before each block, with a brief reminder provided after each 3 trials. On day 2, retention and transfer (further distance) tests were performed. Results showed that while there were no significant differences between groups in the pre-test, the EF group outperformed both IF and control groups in retention and transfer tests. No significant difference was found between the control and IF. The findings suggest that the advantages of the external relative to the IF and no-focus instructions may generalize to individuals with hearing impairments.

Research on the Balanced Development of Urban and Rural Compulsory Education Through Education Resource Allocation

With the rapid development of our country’s economy, education has gradually become the focus of social attention. The problem of unbalanced distribution of urban and rural educational resources has become increasingly prominent, urban educational resources are relatively rich, while rural educational resources are relatively scarce, and the balanced development of urban and rural compulsory education has become an urgent task. This paper mainly investigates and studies the distribution of urban and rural educational resources, discusses the unbalanced distribution of urban and rural educational resources and analyzes the reasons, and puts forward a series of corresponding solutions to promote the balanced development of urban and rural compulsory education.

International Development Trends in the Field of Agricultural Resources and the Environment

The development trends and research layout of agricultural resources and the environment (ARE) are the focus of global attention. In this study, we compiled a data set of SCI papers published in the ARE field since the 13th Five-Year Plan. Thereafter, the topic extraction model of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to mine the text content so as to explore the research layout of global ARE. The results show that, between 2016 and the time of this study, 31,559 articles were published in the ARE field, exhibiting an overall upward trend. During this time, China and the United States were the main forces in paper publishing. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, and the US Department of Agriculture were the top three publishing institutions. Research institutes in China, the United States, Russia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Australia cooperated closely, and the CAS was at the center of the cooperation network. The clustering results of text topics based on the LDA model show that three topics—namely, the interaction mechanisms of plants, the rhizosphere, and microorganisms; the mechanisms and predictive evaluation of soil landslides or erosion; and the decomposition and interaction response of organic matter in agroforestry ecosystems—have been the hot research areas in this field since 2016. The management and efficient utilization of farmland nutrients, and the technology and mechanisms of agricultural waste resource utilization have become key research directions since 2019. The research layouts of China and the United States in this field were analyzed, and the similarities and differences were compared. In addition, suggestions for the future development of ARE are proposed. This study is of great significance for the overall development trend of ARE, the timely tracking of scientific research hotspots, outlining key research and development directions, and promoting scientific and technological innovation.

The public danger of an act in an intersectoral dimension

Relevance. In the criminal law doctrine, the sign of public danger is defined as fundamental, allowing one to distinguish a crime from other offenses. The increasing complexity of existing legal relations and the unsystematic development of sectoral rule-making call into question this dogmatic judgment. The feasibility of using this characteristic as an unconditional basis for criminalization requires verification.The purpose of the study is to assess the prospects for using the sign of public danger to criminalize an act and distinguish a crime from other offenses.Objectives: study the genesis of the material sign of a crime with the identification of its criminal-political function at the stage of its emergence and in the process of evolution.Methodology. The methodological basis of the study was the universal dialectical method of cognition of phenomena and processes of the surrounding reality. In the course of developing the theoretical provisions of the work, historical-legal, formal-logical, formal-legal, semantic and other methods were also used.Results. Initially, the sign of public danger had a fundamentally different criminal and political meaning. It opened up wide possibilities for applying the law by analogy. The question of distinguishing the criminal from the noncriminal through its use was not raised. Subsequently, the demarcation of protective legislation and attempts to give sectoral uniqueness to criminal law by using a material sign of the social danger of an act did not resolve the issue of the boundaries of criminalization and the limits of the state’s punitive power; on the contrary, the situation worsened. Using examples from practice, based on the judgments of researchers about the essence of the social danger of an act, the authors of the article question the advisability of using this feature as an unconditional basis for the criminalization of an act.Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, the authors come to the conclusion that in the process of criminalization of an act, the focus of attention should be shifted from an idealized sign of social danger to the principles of criminalization: economy of repression, formal certainty, intersectoral consistency and proportionality, as well as the expediency of criminalization (declaring a crime) from the perspective of the possibilities of criminal the right to influence real relationships, transforming them qualitatively.

GFedKG: GNN-based federated embedding model for knowledge graph completion

Knowledge Graph (KG) completion through reasoning over KGs is one of the most concerned issue in research around knowledge graphs. Current work focuses more on studying individual KG, while a series of related multi-source KGs are more common in real applications. In order to effectively exert their complementary roles in completing each KG under the premise of ensuring data privacy, federated learning becomes the focus of attention. However, existing methods ignore the explicit complementarity among KGs in terms of structural information. And they generally align embeddings of overlapping instances across clients, which constrains flexibility of each client model. Based on this, we propose the first GNN-based federated embedding framework for multiple knowledge graph completion, GFedKG. It focuses on the complementary role among KGs in topology structures and adaptively generates different aggregated neighboring features for entities in distinct clients. Such treatment achieves some consistency among clients while retaining the flexibility of each client model to characterize respective KG. Moreover, entity embeddings that represent the features of entities are better privacy-preserved since neighboring embeddings are transmitted instead of them. And with the aim of realizing more refined and accurate aggregation of neighboring features from multiple clients, we innovatively propose a context-aware graph neural network, along with the context-enhanced evaluation function. Homophily neighbors are also taken into account to cope with the low-homophily aspect of KGs. Extensive experiments demonstrate the advantages of GFedKG.

USV formation navigation decision-making through hybrid deep reinforcement learning using self-attention mechanism

To address the challenging of balancing Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) autonomous collision avoidance and formation maintenance in uncertain environments, a formation construction and navigation decision-making strategy based on Hybrid Deep Reinforcement Learning (HDRL) is proposed in this study. The novelty of this study is that: (1) A HDRL training approach is proposed, incorporating diverse DRL for virtual leader and followers, thereby significantly enhancing the decision-making adaptability of USVs formation. (2) The multi-head attention mechanism of decentralized Critic strategy is used to enhance the attentional focus of the HDRL algorithm towards different agents, thereby effectively improving convergence speed. (3) The method employs a meticulously designed hybrid reward function and incorporates the Optimal Reciprocal Collision Avoidance (ORCA) for speed selection, thereby providing optimal speed recommendations based on the current situation. It is worth emphasizing that the method exhibits exceptional performance in terms of success rate, navigation time, average reward value, and other relevant indicators within the simulation. Finally, the method is validated through the utilization of real-time navigation data in the Panama Canal, thereby substantiating the potential engineering applicability.

Russ Tomlin, attention, working memory, reference, and referential choice

ABSTRACT Russ Tomlin created an original approach to discourse production, including a theory based on the achievements of cognitive psychology and novel experimental paradigms. Particularly important is his theory of how attention affects linguistic structure. Tomlin’s approach played an important role in the development of the framework of reference and referential choice, developed by the present author over the years. A brief sketch of that framework is provided, including a relationship between attention and reference, focal attention and subjecthood, working memory and referential choice, as well as an integral model including all these components. In recent years this framework was enriched by machine learning methods, helping to assess the contributions of various factors to referent activation and referential choice. A number of recent studies are brought to the attention of readers. These studies focus on the interplay of activation factors, novel factors of referential choice, functioning of referential conflict, and comparison of referential choice in speaking and in writing.

Intrinsic neural timescales exhibit different lengths in distinct meditation techniques

Meditation encompasses a range of practices employing diverse induction techniques, each characterized by a distinct attentional focus. In Mantra meditation, for instance, practitioners direct their attention narrowly to a given sentence that is recursively repeated, while other forms of meditation such as Shoonya meditation are induced by a wider attentional focus. Here we aimed to identify the neural underpinnings and correlates associated with this spectrum of distinct attentional foci. To accomplish this, we used EEG data to estimate the brain's intrinsic neural timescales (INTs), that is, its temporal windows of activity, by calculating the Autocorrelation Window (ACW) of the EEG signal. The autocorrelation function measures the similarity of a timeseries with a time-lagged version of itself by correlating the signal with itself on different time lags, consequently providing an estimation of INTs length. Therefore, through using the ACW metric, our objective was to explore whether there is a correspondence between the length of the brain's temporal windows of activity and the width of the attentional scope during various meditation techniques. This was performed on three groups of highly proficient practitioners belonging to different meditation traditions, as well as a meditation-naïve control group. Our results indicated that practices with a wider attentional focus, like Shoonya meditation, exhibit longer ACW durations compared to practices requiring a narrower attentional focus, such as Mantra meditation or body-scanning Vipassana meditation. Together, we demonstrated that distinct meditation techniques with varying widths of attentional foci exhibit unique durations in their brain's INTs. This may suggest that the width of the attentional scope during meditation relates and corresponds to the width of the brain's temporal windows in its neural activity. Significance StatementOur research uncovered the neural mechanisms that underpin the attentional foci in various meditation techniques. We revealed that distinct meditation induction techniques, featured by their range of attentional widths, are characterized by varying lengths of intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) within the brain, as measured by the Autocorrelation Window function. This finding may bridge the gap between the width of attentional windows (subjective) and the width of the temporal windows in the brain's neural activity (objective) during different meditation techniques, offering a new understanding of how cognitive and neural processes are related to each other. This work holds significant implications, especially in the context of the increasing use of meditation in mental health and well-being interventions. By elucidating the distinct neural foundations of different meditation techniques, our research aims to pave the way for developing more tailored and effective meditation-based treatments.

Design of Adaptive Target Tracking Algorithm for Robots Based on Visual Attention Mechanism

Adaptive target tracking with visual attention represents a sophisticated approach to object detection and localization in dynamic environments. With principles inspired by human visual perception, this methodology employs mechanisms of selective attention to prioritize relevant visual information for tracking moving targets. By dynamically adjusting attentional focus based on salient visual cues and target motion characteristics, adaptive target tracking enhances the efficiency and accuracy of object localization in cluttered scenes. This research presents a novel adaptive target tracking algorithm designed for robotic systems, integrating a visual attention mechanism with the Fuzzy Clustering Multi-Point Tracking utilizing the Green Channel (FC-MPT-GC) approach. The proposed FC-MPT-GC model comprises of Fuzzy Clustering for the extraction of features in the robots-based environment. The FC-MPT-GC model uses the estimation of green channels in the classification environment. With the estimation of features in the environment with Fuzzy C-means clustering green channels are deployed in the deep learning, The proposed algorithm aims to enhance the adaptability and precision of target tracking in dynamic environments. By incorporating a visual attention mechanism, the algorithm dynamically allocates attentional focus to salient regions of the visual input, optimizing the tracking process for moving targets. The FC-MPT-GC methodology further refines target localization by utilizing fuzzy clustering and multi-point tracking strategies, particularly leveraging information from the Green Channel to improve robustness in various lighting conditions. Simulation analysis demonstrated that the proposed FC-MPT-GC model tracking accuracy is achieved at 95.1% with the minimal computation time of 15.2 ms.

Impact of nutritional support on immunity, nutrition, inflammation, and outcomes in elderly gastric cancer patients after surgery.

Postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients with gastric cancer has always been the focus of clinical attention. Whether the intervention by a full-course nutritional support team can have a positive impact on the postoperative immune function, nutritional status, inflammatory response, and clinical outcomes of this special population has not yet been fully verified. To evaluate the impact of full-course nutritional support on postoperative comprehensive symptoms in elderly patients with gastric cancer. This is a retrospective study, including 60 elderly gastric cancer patients aged 70 years and above, divided into a nutritional support group and a control group. The nutritional support group received full postoperative nutritional support, including individualized meal formulation, and intravenous and parenteral nutrition supplementation, and was regularly evaluated and adjusted by a professional nutrition team. The control group received routine postoperative care. After intervention, the proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes (25.3% ± 3.1% vs 21.8% ± 2.9%, P < 0.05) and the level of immunoglobulin G (12.5 G/L ± 2.3 G/L vs 10.2 G/L ± 1.8 G/L, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the nutritional support group than in the control group; the changes in body weight (-0.5 kg ± 0.8 kg vs -1.8 kg ± 0.9 kg, P < 0.05) and body mass index (-0.2 ± 0.3 vs -0.7 ± 0.4, P < 0.05) were less significant in the nutritional support group than in the control group; and the level of C-reactive protein (1.2 mg/L ± 0.4 mg/L vs 2.5 mg/L ± 0.6 mg/L, P < 0.01) and WBC count (7.2 × 109/L ± 1.5 × 109/L vs 9.8 × 109/L ± 2.0 × 109/L, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the nutritional support group than in the control group. In addition, patients in the nutritional support group had a shorter hospital stay (10.3 d ± 2.1 d vs 14.8 d ± 3.6 d, P < 0.05) and lower incidence of infection (15% vs 35%, P < 0.05) in those of the control group. The intervention by the nutritional support team has a positive impact on postoperative immune function, nutritional status, inflammatory response, and clinical outcomes in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Lessons from Australian family law appeals jurisdiction

ABSTRACT Much has been researched, written about, and subjected to public enquiry with respect to the content of Australian family law arrangements. This study adds to current understanding by the examination of the records of all successful appeals of parenting orders under the recently adopted regime of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Division 1 Appellate Jurisdiction. Drawing on transcripts from this Court to the date of writing, 35% of applications to appeal parenting orders were successful in being granted a rehearing or variation by the Appellate Jurisdiction. It is these cases which form the basis for this analysis. Employing an inductive thematic analysis, it has been possible to identify the pattern of circumstances most likely to lead to the compromise of the delivery of the declared principles of clear, predictable, and accessible law. Learning from the record of successful appeals, it becomes evident that the Appeals Court plays a relatively unappreciated critical role in identifying the context and nature of risks in the delivery of these core principles and what should be a central focus for attention.

Why cysts of Alexandrium catenella and/or A. pacificum (Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae) do not remain in sediments as fossils?

The dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium contains a number of species that produce paralytic shellfish toxins and have been the focus of attention as toxic plankton for harmless algal studies. Among Alexandrium species, A. catenella and A. pacificum form ellipsoidal-shaped resting cysts, which are preserved in marine sediments, and have attracted attention as potential seeds for future proliferation after favorable environmental conditions environmental improvement. However, although these cysts are preserved in surface of marine sediments, there is no record of their occurrence from solidified sediments as fossils. In order to clarify the reason for this, we investigated the differences in the chemical composition of cyst walls between colorless cyst of Alexandrium catenella/pacificum and Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Polysphaeridium zoharyi, Spiniferites spp. by measuring the thickness of cyst walls and using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy. The results showed that the cyst wall of A. catenella/pacificum and L. machaerophorum were all composed of cellulosic organic matter. However, A. catenella/pacificum have the higher percentage of α−/β-glucosidic linkages and that the thickness of their cyst walls is about one-third of that of L. machaerophorum. Therefore, these are reasons for the cysts of A. catenella/pacificum being more easily degraded in the sediment.