First TerraSAR-X interferometry evaluation

The German radar satellite TerraSAR-X was launched in June 2007 [1] and is currently ending its commissioning phase. We anticipate quite different interferometric application scenarios compared to ERS- 1/2 and ASAR due to the X-band frequency, the short orbital repeat cycles of 11 days, the high range resolution and the spotlight mode of this sensor. During the commissioning phase we have scheduled a number of acquisitions over selected test sites with different characteristics to get an early quick look of TerraSAR-X's interferometric capabilities and to assess the phase quality of the sensor and DLR’s processor system [2]. Our first results are quite encouraging and the technical parameters of the system are as specified. Many spectacular image details let us expect that the high resolution will demand a different view on SAR interferometry and allow new applications in urban environments. In our paper we show interferograms and images of different test sites, coherence measurements and a first assessment of the interferometric properties. We will give hints to future scientific users on data selection and data processing. The results are of high relevance for the TanDEM-X mission scheduled for 2009, when a second compatible SAR-sensor will be launched for a joint 3 year bistatic interferometric formation flight

Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter and multidrug resistance 1 genes: parasite risk factors that affect treatment outcomes for P. falciparum malaria after artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine.

Adequate clinical and parasitologic cure by artemisinin combination therapies relies on the artemisinin component and the partner drug. Polymorphisms in the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) genes are associated with decreased sensitivity to amodiaquine and lumefantrine, but effects of these polymorphisms on therapeutic responses to artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) have not been clearly defined. Individual patient data from 31 clinical trials were harmonized and pooled by using standardized methods from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network. Data for more than 7,000 patients were analyzed to assess relationships between parasite polymorphisms in pfcrt and pfmdr1 and clinically relevant outcomes after treatment with AL or ASAQ. Presence of the pfmdr1 gene N86 (adjusted hazards ratio = 4.74, 95% confidence interval = 2.29 - 9.78, P < 0.001) and increased pfmdr1 copy number (adjusted hazards ratio = 6.52, 95% confidence interval = 2.36-17.97, P < 0.001 : were significant independent risk factors for recrudescence in patients treated with AL. AL and ASAQ exerted opposing selective effects on single-nucleotide polymorphisms in pfcrt and pfmdr1. Monitoring selection and responding to emerging signs of drug resistance are critical tools for preserving efficacy of artemisinin combination therapies; determination of the prevalence of at least pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y should now be routine

Study on comprehensive policy review of anti-trafficking projects funded by the European Commission:HOME/2014/ISFP/PR/THBX/0052

This report addresses four objectives: 1. To conduct a comprehensive review of European Commission (EC) funded anti-trafficking projects so as to enhance coordination, avoid duplication and provide a solid basis for coherent, cost-effective and strategic planning, including potentially for the further development of anti-trafficking policies at EU level, thereby supporting the dual aims of enhanced coordination and cooperation among key actors and policy coherence. 2. To map and analyse the distribution of EC-funded anti-trafficking projects according to their scope of intervention, geographic areas of intervention, fields, actors, target beneficiaries, funding level, types of output, policy recommendations and other relevant aspects. 3. To identify and assess the common, unique or complementary contribution of the impact and results of these funded projects to the objectives of the EU anti-trafficking strategy, including whether their contribution has yet been taken into account. 4. To identify trends, emerging research and policy question

Using Quantum Annealers to Calculate Ground State Properties of Molecules

Quantum annealers are an alternative approach to quantum computing which make use of the adiabatic theorem to efficiently find the ground state of a physically realizable Hamiltonian. Such devices are currently commercially available and have been successfully applied to several combinatorial and discrete optimization problems. However, the application of quantum annealers to problems in chemistry remains a relatively sparse area of research due to the difficulty in mapping molecular systems to the Ising model Hamiltonian. In this paper we review two different methods for finding the ground state of molecular Hamiltonians using Ising model-based quantum annealers. In addition, we compare the relative effectiveness of each method by calculating the binding energies, bond lengths, and bond angles of the H+3and H2O molecules and mapping their potential energy curves. We also assess the resource requirements of each method by determining the number of qubits and computation time required to simulate each molecule using various parameter values. While each of these methods is capable of accurately predicting the ground state properties of small molecules, we find that they are still outperformed by modern classical algorithms and that the scaling of the resource requirements remains a challenge

Readout and Control of a Single Nuclear Spin with a Metastable Electron Spin Ancilla

Electron and nuclear spins associated with point defects in insulators are promising systems for solid-state quantum technology1, 2, 3. The electron spin is usually used for readout and addressing, and nuclear spins are used as exquisite quantum bits4, 5 and memory systems3, 6. With these systems, single-shot readout of single nuclear spins5, 7 as well as entanglement4, 8, 9, aided by the electron spin, have been shown. Although the electron spin in this example is essential for readout, it usually limits the nuclear spin coherence10, leading to a quest for defects with spin-free ground states9, 11. Here, we isolate a hitherto unidentified defect in diamond and use it at room temperature to demonstrate optical spin polarization and readout with exceptionally high contrast (up to 45%), coherent manipulation of an individual excited triplet state spin, and coherent nuclear spin manipulation using the triplet electron spin as a metastable ancilla. We demonstrate nuclear magnetic resonance and Rabi oscillations of the uncoupled nuclear spin in the spin-free electronic ground state. Our study demonstrates that nuclei coupled to single metastable electron spins are useful quantum systems with long memory times, in spite of electronic relaxation processes.Engineering and Applied Science

Three- and Five-Year Follow-Up of a Combined Inpatient-Outpatient Treatment of Obese Children and Adolescents

Aim. “The combined DAK therapy for obesity in children and adolescents” combines a 6-week inpatient with a 10.5-month outpatient treatment. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the therapeutic achievements are maintained two and four years after intervention. Method. All subjects who had participated in the 12-month program in 2004/2005 were included in the follow-up study. Body weight, height, and physical fitness were assessed through direct measurements, behaviour, and quality of life by self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis is based on an intention-to-treat analysis. Results. The response rate after three years was 63.4% and 42.2% after five years. Within three years, participants reduced their BMI-SDS significantly by 0.20 (SD 0.49) and by 0.15 (SD 0.51) within five years. Significant positive changes could be observed with respect to the participants eating behaviour. Similarly, the food intake, particularly the consumption of calorie-reduced beverages, increased significantly while that of nonrecommended foods decreased. Improvement was also seen in the subjective quality of life as well as several aspects of self-perception. Conclusion. Compared to baseline data, significant reduction of BMI-SDS and positive changes of health-related behaviours could be observed even three and five years after the start of the initial program

Qualifying and Quantifying the Benefits of Mindfulness Practices for IT Workers

The well-being and productivity of IT workers are crucial for both individual success and the overall prosperity of the organisations they serve. This study proposes mindfulness to alleviate stress and improve mental well-being for IT workers. During an 8-week program, IT workers learn about mindfulness, coupled with breathing practices. This study investigates the potential effects of these practices by analysing participants' reflections through thematic analysis and daily well-being ratings. The analysis showcased an increase in mental well-being and perceived productivity. It also indicated a change in the participants' perception, which showed increased self-awareness. The study recommends continuing the program in the industry to see its impact on work outputs.Comment: Accepted at The International Conference on Information and Communications Technology for Sustainability (ICT4S) 202

The impact of momentary stress on autobiographical memory recall in a self-efficacy intervention

Recalling positive autobiographical memories has been associated with various positive psychological outcomes, including enhanced mental well-being and self-efficacy. Given the known impact of stress on cognitive functioning, we investigated how momentary stress affects the repeated recall of selected autobiographical mastery memories (e.g., memories of overcoming challenges) in a training to enhance self-efficacy. During this one-week digital training, participants (N = 54) were asked to recall mastery memories, and we assessed their momentary stress levels, memory vividness, and recall feasibility using Ecological Momentary Assessment. Analyses using linear mixed-effects models showed that participants reported greater difficulty and less vividness in recalling self-efficacy memories during moments of increased stress, whereas feeling relaxed facilitated recall feasibility and vividness. Though participants who experienced less recall difficulty appeared to benefit more, recall difficulty and vividness did not significantly moderate improvements in self-efficacy. While replication in a larger, more diverse sample is indicated, our findings underscore the importance of considering momentary affect in memory-based mental health interventions. Effects may be particularly pronounced when interventions are applied during the early stages of stress, when stress levels are still relatively low, aligning with the strategy of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions. Our study also highlights the potential benefits of combining memory recall practices with relaxation-promoting interventions to enhance mental health outcomes