Bayesian inference of a negative quantity from positive measurement results

In this paper the Bayesian analysis is applied to assign a probability density to the value of a quantity having a definite sign. This analysis is logically consistent with the results, positive or negative, of repeated measurements. Results are used to estimate the atom density shift in a caesium fountain clock. The comparison with the classical statistical analysis is also reported and the advantages of the Bayesian approach for the realization of the time unit are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Metrologi

Cosmic variance of the galaxy cluster weak lensing signal

Intrinsic variations of the projected density profiles of clusters of galaxies at fixed mass are a source of uncertainty for cluster weak lensing. We present a semi-analytical model to account for this effect, based on a combination of variations in halo concentration, ellipticity and orientation, and the presence of correlated haloes. We calibrate the parameters of our model at the 10 per cent level to match the empirical cosmic variance of cluster profiles at M_200m=10^14...10^15 h^-1 M_sol, z=0.25...0.5 in a cosmological simulation. We show that weak lensing measurements of clusters significantly underestimate mass uncertainties if intrinsic profile variations are ignored, and that our model can be used to provide correct mass likelihoods. Effects on the achievable accuracy of weak lensing cluster mass measurements are particularly strong for the most massive clusters and deep observations (with ~20 per cent uncertainty from cosmic variance alone at M_200m=10^15 h^-1 M_sol and z=0.25), but significant also under typical ground-based conditions. We show that neglecting intrinsic profile variations leads to biases in the mass-observable relation constrained with weak lensing, both for intrinsic scatter and overall scale (the latter at the 15 per cent level). These biases are in excess of the statistical errors of upcoming surveys and can be avoided if the cosmic variance of cluster profiles is accounted for.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures; submitted to MNRA

Study of Mill Island ice core (East Antarctica): A sensitive site for high resolution ocean climate signals?

第2回極域科学シンポジウム　氷床コアセッション 11月16日（水） 国立極地研究所 2階大会議

Evaluasi Keamanan dan Manfaat Ramuan Jamu untuk Hiperurisemia

Hyperuricemia is a condition where there is an elevated blood uric acid level above normal range. Hyperuricemia occurs due to increased uric acid metabolism, decreased uric acid expenditure, or a combination of both. The Jamu formula containingPiper retrofractum, Plantago majorandApiumgraveolens have the potential to overcome hyperuricemia. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of formula inhuman subjects with hyperuricemia. The method used was pre and posttest design for 28 days. Safety parameters were assessed by renal function (urea and creatinine) and liver function (SGOT and SGPT). The parameters of efficacy were measured by uric acid change (H0, H14, and H28), improvement of clinical symptoms and quality of life (SF-36). This study showed that kidney and liver function still in the normal rangeafter28 days of intervention. The levels of uric acid showed a significant decrease (p <0.05). Clinical symptoms of the subjectsimproved after 17 daysofintervention. SF-36indicated significant improvement (p <0.05). It can be concluded that the formula was proved to be safe and effective for 28 daysof intervention

Quasi-probability representations of quantum theory with applications to quantum information science

This article comprises a review of both the quasi-probability representations of infinite-dimensional quantum theory (including the Wigner function) and the more recently defined quasi-probability representations of finite-dimensional quantum theory. We focus on both the characteristics and applications of these representations with an emphasis toward quantum information theory. We discuss the recently proposed unification of the set of possible quasi-probability representations via frame theory and then discuss the practical relevance of negativity in such representations as a criteria for quantumness.Comment: v3: typos fixed, references adde

Clinical Trial of Osteoarthritis Jamu Formula Compare to Piroxicam

Background: Indonesian herbs have several formulas which have been used traditionally to reduce pain of osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is a lack of evidence of its efficacy and safety. The objectives of study were to investigate the efficacy and safety of a traditional formula for OA. Methods: Design of the study was a randomized clinical trial (RCT) involved 123 patients (subjects) for 28 days intervention. This study was conducted between March - December 2014 with 30 physicians were participated at 20 regencies in Indonesia. The variables measured were VAS score, PGAP functional status assessment (FSA), and Short Form (SF-36) to assess jamu efficacy in comparison to piroxicam. To evaluate the safety of jamu formula using values of SGOT, SGPT, BUN, and creatinine. Result: The jamu formula administration effects can reduce VAS significantly (p<0.05) if it was compared to baseline. FSA score of jamu formula group was decreased significantly (p=0.000) when compared to the start of intervention. Short Form (SF)-36 of jamu formula group were significantly improved when compared with baseline value. The result of the three parameters between jamu group and piroxicam group should not significantly different. There was no difference in those parameters between both groups (p>0.05). In biological parameters, SGPT, SGOT, BUN, and creatinine level, showed normal range in both groups. Conclusion: This study showed that the efficacy and safety of jamu formula was clinically comparable to piroxicam after 28 days of treatment

Uji Keamanan dan Manfaat Ramuan Jamu untuk Hemoroid Dibandingkan dengan Diosmin Hisperidin

Hemorrhoids is a disease with a quite large prevalence in the community. Hemorrhoids therapy using traditional medicine is an alternative for patients. Hereditary, some medicinal plants and its combination used to treat hemorrhoids. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of Jamu that contains 15g Graptophyllum pictum dried leaves, 12g Desmodium triquetrum dried leaves, 9g Coleus atropurpureus dried leaves, 3g Curcuma domestica rhizomes, 3g Curcuma xanthorriza rhizomes ,and 3g Phylanthus niruri herbs. The method was open label randomized clinical trial with diosmin hisperidin as a comparison. A total of 136 subjects voluntarily participated in this study. 136 subjects were randomized using the method of sequence generation and divide into 2 (two) groups (comparator drugs and Jamu) for 56 days intervention. Sikirov score, frequency of recurrence, and SF-36 were evaluated at the end of the intervention. Jamu and comparator drugs showed p values: 0.253; 0.057; and 0.621 at the end of intervention. The value of p > 0.05 indicates insignificant difference between jamu and comparator drugs. Parameters of liver and kidney function showed in the normal range. Jamu formula of hemorrhoids is comparable to the comparator drugs diosmin hesperidin and safe to use

An accurate determination of the Avogadro constant by counting the atoms in a 28Si crystal

The Avogadro constant links the atomic and the macroscopic properties of matter. Since the molar Planck constant is well known via the measurement of the Rydberg constant, it is also closely related to the Planck constant. In addition, its accurate determination is of paramount importance for a definition of the kilogram in terms of a fundamental constant. We describe a new approach for its determination by "counting" the atoms in 1 kg single-crystal spheres, which are highly enriched with the 28Si isotope. It enabled isotope dilution mass spectroscopy to determine the molar mass of the silicon crystal with unprecedented accuracy. The value obtained, 6.02214084(18) x 10^23 mol^-1, is the most accurate input datum for a new definition of the kilogram.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, 3 table