bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diaries as “Soul Portraits”? Interpretation and Theorization of Adolescents’ Self-Descriptions in the German-Speaking Youth Psychology of the 1920s and 1930s
Authors: Seemann Carla
Published: September 2021

In the first two decades of the twentieth century, the figure of the adolescent (Jugendlicher) was introduced into public discourse in the German-speaking world. The adolescent soon became an epistemic object for the still loosely defined field of psychology. Actors in the slowly differentiating scientific field of youth psychology were primarily interested in the normal development of adolescent subjects and sought out new materials and methods to research the inner life of young people. In order to access this inner life, they turned to the interpretation of diaries and other self-descriptions. This article takes up the questions of how diaries were used in the scientific context of psychology, and how diary writing was psychologically interpreted and theorized. The theoretical and methodological contexts of psychological knowledge production grouped around the subject of the diary will be examined in keeping with Hans-Jörg Rheinberger’s concept of historical epistemology. This analysis is carried out by using the example of three central actors who were in conversation with each other during the 1920s and 1930s: the developmental psychologist Charlotte Bühler (1893–1974), the psychologist and founder of personalistic psychology William Stern (1871–1938), and the youth activist Siegfried Bernfeld (1892–1953), who was influenced by Freudian psychoanalysis.
Zusammenhang zwischen Substanzkonsum und Zwangsmaßnahmen auf psychiatrischen Stationen
Authors: Betzler Felix , Brandt Ariadne , Heinz Andreas , Walter Henrik
Published: September 2021

Ziel der Studie

Im Zuge der Minimierungsabsichten von Zwangsmaßnahmen ist ein gutes Verständnis für deren Einflussfaktoren elementar. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht den Zusammenhang zwischen Substanzkonsum und der Anwendung von Zwangsmaßnahmen.

Methoden

Alle im Jahr 2019 durchgeführten Zwangsmaßnahmen der akutpsychiatrischen Stationen der Charité Campus Mitte wurden untersucht, mit Fokus auf den Zusammenhang mit Substanzgebrauchsstörungen.

Ergebnisse

Bei 106 Fällen (92 Patienten) von insgesamt 1232 Behandlungsfällen (1131 Patienten) wurden Zwangsmaßnahmen angewendet, vorwiegend Unterbringung nach PsychKG (94) und nach BGB (21), seltener Isolation (23) oder Fixierung (18). Bei einem Drittel der Zwangsbehandlungsfälle lag eine akute Intoxikation, bei zwei Dritteln eine Substanzgebrauchsstörung in der Vorgeschichte vor, in beiden Fällen am häufigsten von Alkohol und/oder Cannabis. In der Gesamtzahl aller Behandlungsfälle hingegen (1232) lag die Anzahl von Intoxikationen bei 9 % und allgemein von Substanzgebrauchsstörungen bei 36 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Die vorliegende Arbeit belegt die klinisch bekannte Assoziation zwischen Intoxikationen und dem Einsatz von Zwangsmaßnahmen.
Existence and Stability of Kayaking Orbits for Nematic Liquid Crystals in Simple Shear Flow
Authors: Chillingworth David , Forest M. Gregory , Lauterbach Reiner , Wulff Claudia
Published: September 2021

We use geometric methods of equivariant dynamical systems to address a long-standing open problem in the theory of nematic liquid crystals, namely a proof of the existence and asymptotic stability of kayaking periodic orbits in response to steady shear flow. These are orbits for which the principal axis of orientation of the molecular field (the director) rotates out of the plane of shear and around the vorticity axis. With a small parameter attached to the symmetric part of the velocity gradient, the problem can be viewed as a symmetry-breaking bifurcation from an orbit of the rotation group $$\mathrm{SO}(3)$$SO(3)that contains both logrolling (equilibrium) and tumbling (periodic rotation of the director within the plane of shear) regimes as well as a continuum of neutrally stable kayaking orbits. The results turn out to require expansion to second order in the perturbation parameter.
Abdominal Oblique Internal and External Muscles Gap Colostomy for Lower Incidence of Parastomal Hernia and Higher Quality of Life: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Yongjian , Chen Hengkai , Zheng Qiajun , Lin Xiaohan , Zhu Guangwei , Wang Jinzhou , Huang Changli , Ye Jianxin
Published: September 2021

Background

Parastomal hernia and fecal incontinence cause severe distress to the rectal cancer patients with stoma after abdominoperineal resection. We attempted a new colostomy technique through the gap between the abdominal oblique internal and external muscles to prevent parastomal hernia and improve quality of life.

Methods

This cohort study retrospectively examined clinical data from a total of 114 consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection in our center from March 2016 to March 2018 after propensity score matching. Group A included 57 patients who underwent colostomy through the gap between the abdominal oblique internal and oblique external muscles, while group B included 57 patients who underwent extraperitoneal colostomy. Patients’ quality of life was evaluated using Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) Scale.

Results

Group A had a lower incidence of parastomal hernia (0% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.004) and higher quality of life, especially in lifestyle, coping/behavior and embarrassment domains (all p values < 0.05) than group B both during the follow‐up period. The incidence of other outcomes did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Colostomy through the gap between the abdominal oblique internal and oblique external muscle is a new technique showing both safety and effectiveness for preventing parastomal hernia and improving quality of life after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.
Difference in the joint space of the medial knee compartment between full extension and Rosenberg weight-bearing radiographs
Authors: Miura Yugo , Ozeki Nobutake , Katano Hisako , Aoki Hayato , Okanouchi Noriya , Tomita Makoto , Masumoto Jun , Koga Hideyuki , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Radiographs are the most widespread imaging tool for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Our purpose was to determine which of the two factors, medial meniscus extrusion (MME) or cartilage thickness, had a greater effect on the difference in the minimum joint space width (mJSW) at the medial compartment between the extension anteroposterior view (extension view) and the 45° flexion posteroanterior view (Rosenberg view).

Methods

The subjects were 546 participants (more than 50 females and 50 males in their 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, 60 s, and 70 s) in the Kanagawa Knee Study. The mJSW at the medial compartment was measured from both the extension and the Rosenberg views, and the “mJSW difference” was defined as the mJSW in the Rosenberg view subtracted from the mJSW in the extension view. The cartilage region was automatically extracted from MRI data and constructed in three dimensions. The medial region of the femorotibial joint cartilage was divided into 18 subregions, and the cartilage thickness in each subregion was determined. The MME was also measured from MRI data.

Results

The mJSW difference and cartilage thickness were significantly correlated at 4 subregions, with 0.248 as the highest absolute value of the correlation coefficient. The mJSW difference and MME were also significantly correlated, with a significantly higher correlation coefficient (0.547) than for the mJSW difference and cartilage thickness.

Conclusions

The MME had a greater effect than cartilage thickness on the difference between the mJSW at the medial compartment in the extension view and in the Rosenberg view.

Key Points

• The difference in the width at the medial compartment of the knee between the extension and the flexion radiographic views was more affected by medial meniscus extrusion than by cartilage thickness.
Genome-Wide Bisulphite Sequencing Uncovered the Contribution of DNA Methylation to Rice Short-Term Drought Memory Formation
Authors: Kou Shuyan , Gu Qiongyao , Duan Liu , Liu Gaojing , Yuan Pingrong , Li Huahui , Wu Zhigang , Liu Weihua , Huang Ping , Liu Li
Published: September 2021

Rice is the important crop for more than half of the world population. However, drought can have a devastating impact on rice growth and reduce yield drastically. Understanding the response of rice to drought stress is especially important for crop breeding. Previously we found that rice enhanced its tolerance to drought stresses via stress memory mechanisms. Numerous memory genes were identified to play important roles in the process. DNA methylation was reported to mediate tolerance via regulating gene expression and enhances the survival rate of rice encountering drought stress. However, how DNA methylation involved in stress memory is still not clear. In this study, genome-wide bisulphite sequencing at a single base resolution methylome profiling level was performed and analyzed in rice cultivar under recurrent drought stresses and recovery treatments. We found that rice drought stress memory-related differentially methylated regions (DMRs) showed dynamic and distinct patterns. The drought-memory DMRs may regulate Transposable elements and gene expression to cope with short-term repeated drought stresses. Our findings of drought-memory DMRs can explain mechanisms of rice drought stress memory in a new perspective on global methylome details. Using epigenetic markers to breed drought-resistant rice would become a feasible way in the future research.
Variation in reproductive investment increases body temperature amplitude in a temperate passerine
Authors: Nilsson Jan-Åke , Nord Andreas
Published: September 2021

Many birds and mammals show substantial circadian variation in body temperature, which has been attributed to fluctuations in ambient temperature and energy reserves. However, to fully understand the variation in body temperature over the course of the day, we also need to consider effects of variation in work rate. We made use of a dataset on body temperature during the resting and active periods in female marsh tits (Poecile palustris) that bred in a temperate area and were subjected to experimental changes in reproductive investment through brood size manipulations. Furthermore, the amplitude increased with daytime, but were unaffected by nighttime, ambient temperature. Amplitudes in females with manipulated broods were 44% above predictions based on inter-specific allometric relationships. In extreme cases, amplitudes were > 100% above predicted values. However, no individual female realised the maximum potential amplitude (8.5 °C, i.e. the difference between the highest and lowest body temperature within the population) but seemed to prioritise either a reduction in body temperature at night or an increase in body temperature in the day. This suggests that body temperature amplitude might be constrained by costs that preclude extensive use of both low nighttime and high daytime body temperatures within the same individual. Amplitudes in the range found here (0.5–6.7 °C) have previously mostly been reported from sub-tropical and/or arid habitats. We show that comparable values can also be found amongst birds in relatively cool, temperate regions, partly due to a pronounced increase in body temperature during periods with high work rate.
Sinnverneinung. Warum der assistierte Suizid uns alle angeht
Authors: Kipke Roland
Published: September 2021

Der Artikel beantwortet die Frage nach der ethischen Bewertung des assistierten Suizids auf neue Weise: indem er die Verneinung von Lebenssinn, wie sie sich in Suiziden oft ausspricht, in den Mittelpunkt rückt. Anders als üblich fasst er die Sinnfrage nicht als bloß individualethische, sondern als sozialethische Angelegenheit auf. Denn der nahezu unvermeidbaren Orientierung am Ziel eines sinnvollen Lebens ist eine grundlegende soziale Verbindung eingeschrieben: eine implizite Wertschätzung von Menschen als potenziellen Sinnquellen und als Subjekten von Urteilen über Lebenssinn. Suizide neigen dazu, diese Verbindung zu negieren. Dieses Verständnis des Suizids kann eine Reihe von evaluativen und normativen Annahmen aufklären und begründen, die in der Debatte um den assistierten Suizid eine prominente Rolle spielen.
The International Phenological Garden network (1959 to 2021): its 131 gardens, cloned study species, data archiving, and future
Authors: Renner Susanne S. , Chmielewski Frank-M.
Published: September 2021

Collaborative networks that involve the compilation of observations from diverse sources can provide important data, but are difficult to maintain over long periods. The International Phenological Garden (IPG) network, begun in 1959 and still functioning 60 years later, has been no exception. Here we document its history, its monitored 23 species (initially all propagated by cloning), and the locations and years of data contribution of its 131 gardens, of which 63 from 19 countries contributed data in 2021. The decision to use clones, rather than multiple, locally adapted individuals, was based on the idea that this would “control” for genetic effects, and it affects the applicability of the data and duration of the network. We also describe the overlap among the IPG network, the Pan-European Phenology network (PEP725), and the phenological data offered by the German Weather Service. Sustainable data storage and accessibility, as well as the continued monitoring of all 23 species/clones, are under discussion at the moment, as is the fate of other phenological networks, despite a politically mandatory plant-based climate-change monitoring.
Investigation of the optimal method of oxygen administration with simultaneous use of a surgical mask: a randomized control study
Authors: Matsui Yusuke , Takazawa Tomonori , Takemae Akihito , Murooka Yukie , Kanamoto Masafumi , Saito Shigeru
Published: September 2021

Purpose

From the perspective of infection prevention during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a recommendation was made to use surgical masks after extubation in patients in the operating room. For compliance with this recommendation, anesthesiologists need to administer oxygen to the patient with an oxygen mask over the surgical mask. However, no studies have investigated whether this method allows good maintenance of oxygenation in patients. This study aimed to investigate which method of oxygen administration lends itself best to use with a surgical mask in terms of oxygenation.

Method

We administered oxygen to the study subjects using all the following three methods in random order: an oxygen mask over or under a surgical mask and a nasal cannula under the surgical mask. Oxygenation was assessed using the oxygen reserve index (ORi) and end-tidal oxygen concentration (EtO2).

Result

This study included 24 healthy volunteers. ORi values with administration of oxygen were higher in the order of a nasal cannula under the surgical mask, an oxygen mask under the surgical mask, and an oxygen mask over the surgical mask, with median values of 0.50, 0.48, and 0.43, respectively, and statistically significant differences between all groups (P < 0.001). EtO2 values were in the same order as ORi, with median values of 33.0%, 31.0%, and 25%, respectively, and statistically significant differences between all groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Wearing a surgical mask over the nasal cannula during oxygen administration is beneficial for oxygenation and might help prevent aerosol dispersal.
The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review
Authors: Khatri Mishti , Naughton Robert J. , Clifford Tom , Harper Liam D. , Corr Liam
Published: September 2021

Collagen peptide supplementation (COL), in conjunction with exercise, may be beneficial for the management of degenerative bone and joint disorders. This is likely due to stimulatory effects of COL and exercise on the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, improving structure and load-bearing capabilities. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current literature available on the combined impact of COL and exercise. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a literature search of three electronic databases—PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL—was conducted in June 2020. Fifteen randomised controlled trials were selected after screening 856 articles. The study populations included 12 studies in recreational athletes, 2 studies in elderly participants and 1 in untrained pre-menopausal women. Study outcomes were categorised into four topics: (i) joint pain and recovery from joint injuries, (ii) body composition, (iii) muscle soreness and recovery from exercise, and (iv) muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and collagen synthesis. The results indicated that COL is most beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain. Certain improvements in body composition, strength and muscle recovery were present. Collagen synthesis rates were elevated with 15 g/day COL but did not have a significant impact on MPS when compared to isonitrogenous higher quality protein sources. Exact mechanisms for these adaptations are unclear, with future research using larger sample sizes, elite athletes, female participants and more precise outcome measures such as muscle biopsies and magnetic imagery.
The role of surgical flap design (minimally invasive flap vs. extended flap with papilla preservation) on the healing of intrabony defects treated with an enamel matrix derivative: a 12-month two-center randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Windisch Peter , Iorio-Siciliano Vincenzo , Palkovics Daniel , Ramaglia Luca , Blasi Andrea , Sculean Anton
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Minimally invasive flap designs have been introduced to enhance blood clot stability and support wound healing. Limited data appear to suggest, that in intrabony defects, better clinical outcomes can be achieved by means of minimally invasive flap compared to more extended flaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing of intrabony defects treated with either minimally invasive surgical flaps or with modified or simplified papilla preservation techniques in conjunction with the application of an enamel matrix derivative (EMD).

Materials and methods

Forty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to either test (N = 23) or control (N = 24) procedures. In the test group, the intrabony defects were accessed by means of either minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) or modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M-MIST) according to the defect localization while the defects in the control group were treated with either the modified or simplified papilla preservation (MPP) or the simplified papilla preservation technique (SPP). EMD was used as regenerative material in all defects. The following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and after 12 months: full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), probing depths (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (GR). Early healing index (EHI) score was assessed in both groups 1 week following the surgery. CAL gain was set as primary outcome.

Results

After 12 months follow-up, the CAL gain was 4.09 ± 1.68 mm in test group and 3.79 ± 1.67 mm in control group, while the PD reduction was 4.52 ± 1.34 mm and 4.04 ± 1.62 mm for test and control sites. In both groups, a minimal GR increase (0.35 ± 1.11 mm and 0.25 ± 1.03 mm) was noted. No residual PDs ≥ 6 mm were recorded in both groups. CAL gains of 4–5 mm were achieved in 30.4% and in 29.2% of test and control group, respectively. Moreover, CAL gains ≥ 6 mm were recorded in 21.7% of experimental sites and in 20.8% of control sites. No statistically significant differences in any of the evaluated parameters were found between the test and control procedures (P > 0.05). After 1 week post-surgery, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups was found in terms of EHI score.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this pilot RCT, the results have failed to show any differences in the measured parameters following treatment of intrabony defects with EMD, irrespective of the employed surgical technique.

Clinical relevance

In intrabony defects, the application of EMD in conjunction with either MIST/M-MIST or M-PPT/SPPT resulted in substantial clinical improvements.
Early failures when using three different adhesively retained core build-up materials—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zenthöfer Andreas , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Bömicke Wolfgang , Frese Cornelia , Gülmez Rumeysa , Rammelsberg Peter , Ohlmann Brigitte
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To compare the failure rates for three different adhesively retained core build-up composites up to the incorporation of a permanent fixed dental prosthesis (FDP), and to identify potential failure risk factors.

Material and methods

A randomized controlled trial of 300 participants in need of a core build-up to restore a vital abutment tooth before prosthetic treatment was conducted. Participants were assigned by stratified block randomization to one of three study groups: Rebilda DC (RDC), Clearfil DC Core (CDC), or Multicore Flow (MF). Test teeth were prepared by use of the respective manufacturer’s adhesive system. The total-etch technique was used for RDC and MF, and the self-etch technique for CDC. Participants were treated by dentists (n = 150) or dental students (n = 150). Failure rates of core build-ups before incorporation of FDPs were investigated using univariate and multiple logistic regression.

Results

The overall failure rate was 8% (n = 23). Rate differences between the three investigated groups did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The mean time between placement of core build-ups and placement of fixed dental prostheses was 12.2 (SD: 14.2) weeks. Conversely, larger cavities (> 3 surfaces) and treatment by dental students were independently associated with an increased failure risk (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The main risk factors for early failure seem to be the size of the core build-up and clinical experience of the operator, whereas failure rates of core build-up materials combined with a self-etch approach seem to be similar to the rates of materials combined with the total-etch technique.

Clinical significance

This research article should give clinicians an impression of the short-term performance of different adhesively retained core build-ups using different adhesive techniques/materials. Moreover, predominant influencing factors for the success or failure should be pictured.
Media and communication studies in Sweden
Authors: Springer Nina
Published: September 2021

Media and communication studies is a comparatively young academic discipline in Sweden. The subject’s establishment began with the 1960s—a time when the expansion of mass media led to a bigger demand for analysis, education and critical reflection. Along with that, political and commercial interests in more knowledge led to commissioned research, another considerable factor in the subject’s development and institutionalization. The field was brought forth by humanistic and social-scientific strands, and some actors conveniently travel between these two since the demarcation lines are less pronounced in the North. Currently, roughly around 250 scholars are active in the field, with about 200 of them organized in DGPuK’s Nordic sister organization FSMK. Media and communication research in Sweden is also greatly oriented towards the broader Nordic context, institutionalized for instance through the Nordic Information Centre for Media and Communication Research (Nordicom). For scholars, the labour market is comparatively open, not only for other Nordic academics but also for entries from countries outside Scandinavia. For students, the field provides a rich smorgasbord of general and highly specialized programmes or stand-alone courses of variable length offered in both Swedish and English. This article aims to inform about the history and the contemporary conditions of Swedish media and communication studies, with a personal note based on own experiences.
Stratigraphy and Faunal Assemblages of the Upper Cretaceous Sediments of Meghalaya Shelf: Palaeoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Dalabehera Linashree , Iangrai Bashisha , Mukherjee Debahuti
Published: September 2021

The Upper Cretaceous – Early Palaeogene sediments of Meghalaya, mostly restricted along the southern part are represented by the Mahadek and Langpar formations and host marine invertebrate fossils. The Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K/Pg) mass extinction boundary is recorded within the Langpar Formation based on foraminiferal zonation. The present study is restricted to the Upper Cretaceous sediments, where the mega-invertebrate fossils were studied and attempt was made to study the lithological variation together with faunal assemblages in order to review the stratigraphy. Two marker horizons were identified from the Late Maastrichtian sediments that have characteristic lithology and fauna and are helpful in regional correlation. The Mahadek Formation, a medium to coarse grained calcareous sandstone unit with two characteristic echinoid genera Gongrochanus sp. and Stygmatopygus sp. and the bivalve Agerostrea sp. represent one marker horizon. The study indicates that it is the transition zone in the upper shelf environment. The other marker horizon within the lower part of the Langpar Formation, consist of carbonaceous shale and calcareous subarkose intercalation host heteromorph ammonites Eubaculite sp., Glyptoxoceras sp. etc. and prolific gastropods along with burrows. This indicates a comparatively deeper shelf environment. The presence of pyrite frambroids of size less than 5μm from the marker horizon of the Langpar Formation indicate suboxic to anoxic conditions and their presence give substantial evidence for the toxicity in the environment due to anoxic condition and thus the role of anoxia during the K/Pg mass extinction is strengthened by the record. Several sections were studied and the abundant echinoids (Gongrochanus sp. and Stygmatopygus sp.) were observed in Mawsynram (Phlang Mawsyrpat and Phud Japung area), whereas prolific Agerostrea sp. in Noh Kalikai, Sohkha and Muktapur–Amlarem sections and heteromorph ammonites along with gastropods in Sohra and Pynursla sections. The shell bed successions of echinoids and bivalves provide evidence of local episodic storm events in the upper shelf. The lithology and faunal assemblage together with the tectonic set up of the basin led to conclude that the reason for the difference in faunal diversity was probably due to the difference in the palaeo-depth of the basin.
Disang and Barail Sediments, their Contact and Palaeodepositional Environment along Tuli-Merangkong-Mokokchung Area of Mokokchung District, Nagaland, North East India with Reference to Diverse Palynofossil Assemblages
Authors: Barua Shalini , Kalita Kalpana Deka , Bezbaruah Devojit
Published: September 2021

The contact between the Barail and Disang Group in the belt of Schuppen has been remaining as a controversy amongst the scientists, because the lithologic association of the Nagoan Formation belonging to the Barail Group almost resembles the lithology of the Disang Group. The present study has attempted to establish a contact between the Barail and the Disang in the studied area based on age diagnostic palynomorphs identified and it is observed that the present contact lies about 4.2 km southwest of the established contact by the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Government of Nagaland in 2015. This investigation has documented a diverse palynofossil assemblages comprising of 58 species under 31 genera from the Disang and the Barail groups belonging to Cretaceous - Eocene - Oligocene age that is extending from Tuli –Merangkong- Mokokchung area of Mokokchung district of Nagaland, northeast India. The assemblage is comprised of angiosperm pollen (43%), fungal remains (35%), pteridophytic spores (19%) and gymnosperm pollen (one genus and one species only). The average representation of other palynotaxa are dinoflagellate cysts (1%), marine elements mainly acritarch and foraminiferal test linings (2%). Based on the presence of different palynomorphs two distinct palynozones (I and II) have been suggested. Sediments of Tuli- Merangkong -Mokokchung area are deposited in deltaic to shallow marine environment.
Beneficial Effect of Sodium Nitrite on EEG Ischaemic Markers in Patients with Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Luettich Alexander , Franko Edit , Spronk Desiree B. , Lamb Catherine , Corkill Rufus , Patel Jash , Ezra Martyn , Pattinson Kyle T. S.
Published: September 2021

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is associated with long-term disability, serious reduction in quality of life and significant mortality. Early brain injury (EBI) refers to the pathological changes in cerebral metabolism and blood flow that happen in the first few days after ictus and may lead on to delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI). A disruption of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway is hypothesised as a key mechanism underlying EBI. A decrease in the alpha-delta power ratio (ADR) of the electroencephalogram has been related to cerebral ischaemia. In an experimental medicine study, we tested the hypothesis that intravenous sodium nitrite, an NO donor, would lead to increases in ADR. We studied 33 patients with acute aneurysmal SAH in the EBI phase. Participants were randomised to either sodium nitrite or saline infusion for 1 h. EEG measurements were taken before the start of and during the infusion. Twenty-eight patients did not develop DCI and five patients developed DCI. In the patients who did not develop DCI, we found an increase in ADR during sodium nitrite versus saline infusion. In the five patients who developed DCI, we did not observe a consistent pattern of ADR changes. We suggest that ADR power changes in response to nitrite infusion reflect a NO-mediated reduction in cerebral ischaemia and increase in perfusion, adding further evidence to the role of the NO pathway in EBI after SAH. Our findings provide the basis for future clinical trials employing NO donors after SAH.
Design and construction of test facility for evaluation of swell packers in cased and open holes
Authors: Pervez Tasneem , Qamar Sayyad Zahid , Akhtar Maaz , Al Kharusi Moosa
Published: September 2021

In the petroleum industry, packers refer to the components/products which are used to isolate one section in a formation from others, or to isolate the outer section of a production tubing from the inner section, which may be a casing or a liner or the wellbore itself. Mechanical packers are installed through some form of tubing movement. Permanent packers are low in cost and provide better seal. Retrievable packers have lower sealing capability but are re-usable after repair, and therefore expensive. More innovative packers made of swellable elastomers are rather new. These elastomers swell when they come in contact with different types of fluids (mostly water and oil). Like a casing, these new packers are lowered to the desired depth and allowed to swell before production or injection operations begin. Various studies have been published about the swelling and mechanical response of these elastomers. However, many questions remain about the sealing performance of swell packers, and their effectiveness in actual wellbores of rough and random profiles. This paper describes the design and development of an experimental unit for performance testing of a mix of inert and swelling elastomer seals under realistic well conditions. Actual swell packers and petroleum tubulars are housed in a concrete block that replicates open-hole and cased-hole wells through layers of varying roughness. This is a one-of-its-kind unit providing full-scale demonstration about the working of swell packers against outer casing or rock formation in a wellbore. It is also a complete testing apparatus to investigate the behavior of swell packers made of fast-swell and medium-swell elastomers, and how they seal off irregular boreholes. This work can provide basic understanding and visual corroboration to petroleum engineers and students, swelling elastomer application developers, and academic and research personnel.
Quantitative trait loci and candidate genes associated with freezing tolerance of winter triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack)
Authors: Wąsek I. , Dyda M. , Gołębiowska G. , Tyrka M. , Rapacz M. , Szechyńska-Hebda M. , Wędzony M.
Published: September 2021

Freezing tolerance of triticale is a major trait contributing to its winter hardiness. The identification of genomic regions — quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular markers associated with freezing tolerance in winter hexaploid triticale — was the aim of this study. For that purpose, a new genetic linkage map was developed for the population of 92 doubled haploid lines derived from ‘Hewo’ × ‘Magnat’ F1 hybrid. Those lines, together with parents were subjected to freezing tolerance test three times during two winter seasons. Plants were grown and cold-hardened under natural fall/winter conditions and then subjected to freezing in controlled conditions. Freezing tolerance was assessed as the plants recovery (REC), the electrolyte leakage (EL) from leaves and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (JIP) after freezing. Three consistent QTL for several fluorescence parameters, electrolyte leakage, and the percentage of the survived plants were identified with composite interval mapping (CIM) and single marker analysis (SMA). The first locus Qfr.hm-7A.1 explained 9% of variation of both electrolyte leakage and plants recovery after freezing. Two QTL explaining up to 12% of variation in plants recovery and shared by selected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were found on 4R and 5R chromosomes. Finally, main locus Qchl.hm-5A.1 was detected for chlorophyll fluorescence parameters that explained up to 19.6% of phenotypic variation. The co-located QTL on chromosomes 7A.1, 4R and 5R, clearly indicated physiological and genetic relationship of the plant survival after freezing with the ability to maintain optimal photochemical activity of the photosystem II and preservation of the cell membranes integrity. The genes located in silico within the identified QTL include those encoding BTR1-like protein, transmembrane helix proteins like potassium channel, and phosphoric ester hydrolase involved in response to osmotic stress as well as proteins involved in the regulation of the gene expression, chloroplast RNA processing, and pyrimidine salvage pathway. Additionally, our results confirm that the JIP test is a valuable tool to evaluate freezing tolerance of triticale under unstable winter environments.
The Potential of Power and Biomass-to-X Systems in the Decarbonization Challenge: a Critical Review
Authors: Poluzzi Alessandro , Guandalini Giulio , d’Amore Federico , Romano Matteo C.
Published: September 2021

Purpose of the Review

The scope of this work is to present a critical review of the novel class of plants for the enhanced production of bioproducts in power and biomass-to-X (PBtX) plants, where the excess carbon in the feedstock is converted into a product thanks to the addition of hydrogen from water electrolysis, rather than being vented as CO2.

Recent Findings

The review of the recent literature shows that (i) a significant gain in carbon efficiency can be achieved with this class of plants compared to corresponding biomass-to-X plants; (ii) there is high dependency of the power-to-X efficiency on the efficiency of the electrolysis system and a relatively low dependency on the final product; and (iii) the economic competitivity of PBtX plants is closely associated to the cost of hydrogen (i.e., electrolysis capital cost, electricity cost, and capacity factor) and such systems cannot rely only on green hydrogen from the low expected amounts of excess electricity from intermittent renewables.

In this work, through a simplified economic analysis, the region of competitiveness of this class of plants compared to other possible uses of biomass has been qualitatively identified. The research gaps mainly lie in the lack of assessments on the design and operating criteria of flexible PBtX plants and of studies providing insights on the value of flexibility for a PBtX plant, when integrated in the electric energy systems of the future.
First Person Account of Returning to Education and Competitive Employment Following Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Pommeranz Matthew , Lawrence Jeffrey , Dark Frances
Published: September 2021

Education and work goals are important for people with serious mental illness. For many these goals remain unmet. Increasingly people with serious mental illness are inspired by the stories of people who have been able to meet the challenges of gaining education and stable employment. Two peer workers describe their personal journeys to stable employment. Both authors note the significance of having someone believe in their potential to work. The benefits of stable employment went beyond finances and included improved self-esteem and an altruistic wish to provide a role model for others recovering from mental illness.Functional recovery from serious mental illness (SMI) especially in terms of completed education and employment goals is suboptimal. The clinical evidence base in enhancing functional recovery is increasingly complemented by the growing evidence base developed by the consumer network and by the rise in prominence of peer workers as a significant adjunctive mental health workforce.
WEClustering: word embeddings based text clustering technique for large datasets
Authors: Mehta Vivek , Bawa Seema , Singh Jasmeet
Published: September 2021

A massive amount of textual data now exists in digital repositories in the form of research articles, news articles, reviews, Wikipedia articles, and books, etc. Text clustering is a fundamental data mining technique to perform categorization, topic extraction, and information retrieval. Textual datasets, especially which contain a large number of documents are sparse and have high dimensionality. Hence, traditional clustering techniques such as K-means, Agglomerative clustering, and DBSCAN cannot perform well. In this paper, a clustering technique especially suitable to large text datasets is proposed that overcome these limitations. The proposed technique is based on word embeddings derived from a recent deep learning model named “Bidirectional Encoders Representations using Transformers”. The proposed technique is named as WEClustering. The proposed technique deals with the problem of high dimensionality in an effective manner, hence, more accurate clusters are formed. The technique is validated on several datasets of varying sizes and its performance is compared with other widely used and state of the art clustering techniques. The experimental comparison shows that the proposed clustering technique gives a significant improvement over other techniques as measured by metrics such Purity and Adjusted Rand Index.
Revisiting Adult Playfulness and Relationship Satisfaction: APIM Analyses of Middle-Aged and Older Couples
Authors: Brauer Kay , Sendatzki Rebekka , Scherrer Tiziana , Chick Garry , Proyer René T.
Published: September 2021

There is robust support for the notion that playfulness is important for how people initiate and engage in their romantic relationships. Our study sought to extend the knowledge on associations between four facets of playfulness (Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical; OLIW) with facets of relationship satisfaction (RS) in 116 middle-to-older age couples (median = 54 and 57 years in women and men). In comparison to younger samples, we found lower expressions in Other-directed playfulness. Using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modelling, we found that (a) older couples showed comparatively higher similarity in the single OLIW facets and their profiles than previously found in younger couples; (b) similarity is again unrelated to RS; and (c) findings on playfulness-RS associations partially replicated, with Other-directed and Whimsical playfulness showing the numerically strongest actor and partner effects, but mainly in women. We discuss the differences in similarity with regard to an attrition effect. Overall, we conclude that playfulness is important in older couples in similar ways as in younger couples.
Inertial effects in dusty Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence
Authors: Magnani Marta , Musacchio Stefano , Boffetta Guido
Published: September 2021

We investigate the dynamics of a dilute suspension of small, heavy particles superposed on a reservoir of still, pure fluid. The study is performed by means of numerical simulations of the Saffman model for a dilute particle suspension (Saffman, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 13, issue 1, 1962, pp. 120–128). In the presence of gravity forces, the interface between the two phases is unstable and evolves in a turbulent mixing layer which broadens in time. In the case of negligible particle inertia, the particle-laden phase behaves as a denser fluid, and the dynamics of the system recovers to that of the incompressible Rayleigh–Taylor set-up. Conversely, particles with large inertia affect the evolution of turbulent flow, delaying the development of turbulent mixing and breaking the up–down symmetry within the mixing layer. The inertial dynamics also leads to particle clustering, characterised by regions with higher particle density than the initial uniform density, and by the increase of the local Atwood number.
Articulando imágenes, salud y alimentos: Entierros de infantes en urna siglos doce a quince, Fiambalá, Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Ratto Norma , Basile Mara , Aranda Claudia , Luna Leandro , Andreoni Diego
Published: September 2021

Este trabajo propone conocer la relación, existente en los entierros de infantes en urna de la región de Fiambalá (Tinogasta, Catamarca, Argentina), entre los lenguajes visuales desplegados en las piezas cerámicas que los contienen o acompañan, los estados de salud de los individuos y las ofrendas alimentarias asociadas. El rango temporal de los ocho casos estudiados abarca los siglos doce al quince de la era moderna. Consideramos que las formas del ritual, la disposición de los restos y las distintas clases de elementos depositados (ajuar) son resultado de elecciones concretas de la comunidad en las que entran en juego las concepciones y creencias respecto de la muerte y la continuidad de la vida. La articulación de estas líneas de evidencia sugiere que no existen diferencias en las imágenes desplegadas en las piezas, independientemente del estado de salud de los difuntos y del tipo de ofrenda alimentaria. Discutimos el ocultamiento de ciertas imágenes como forma de acentuar las identidades de las poblaciones dominadas por el incario.
MARTIAL AND THE DOCTORS: OPHTHALMOLOGY AND UVULECTOMY IN EPIGRAM 10.56
Authors: Bliquez Lawrence J.
Published: September 2021

This short note attempts to shed light on some of the surgical procedures referred to in Martial's epigram 10.56 by consulting pertinent Graeco-Roman medical texts. A fuller understanding of one such intervention (treatment of infected/inflamed uvula) supports Martial's text as transmitted.
WEARING THE VEIL TO COLLEGE: THE PARADOX OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE LIVES OF IRANIAN WOMEN
Authors: Shavarini Mitra K.
Published: September 2021

College education, whatever its form, has always carried with it a consciousness of possibilities for women.In the Company of Educated Women, B. M. Solomon
Iranian college campuses are highly guarded terrains. One enters the gated and walled campuses through security guard offices. Until recently, women's attire—hijāb—and makeup would be entirely checked by one of the khwāharān at these gates. Today, Iranian women nonchalantly pass through the gates, despite their heavily applied makeup and revealing hijāb—a sign of changing social order. Student identification cards allow them through the gates, whereas nonstudent visitors, such as myself, need the prior permission of an administrator to enter. The time of my entrance is recorded, a birth certificate or an identity card is withheld, and a slip is issued to be signed by the hosting administrator. I am instructed to “fix my hijāb” and then am allowed to enter the campus.
The response of alfalfa genotypes to different concentrations of mobile aluminium
Authors: Liatukienė A. , Skuodienė R.
Published: September 2021

The morphological traits of alfalfa under acid soil conditions with different mobile aluminium (Al) concentrations were investigated. The study site was Vėžaičiai Branch of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, 55°70 N, 21°49 E. The experiment featuring the 30 most Al-tolerant alfalfa accessions (populations and cultivars), determined from laboratory trials was established on a Bathygleyic Dystric Retisol in 2018. In 2019 and 2020, the biological and morphological traits were evaluated: plant regrowth, plant height before flowering, wintering, leafiness, stem thickness, plant vigour, stem density, seed yield and resistance to spring black stem leaf spot. The resistance of alfalfa to mobile Al toxicity was determined using a filter-based screening method of selection cycles C1 and C2. The accessions grown in the soil with mobile Al (20.6–23.4 mg/kg) showed better tolerance to Al toxicity in the cycle C2. The hypocotyl tolerance index of these accessions was better at 8, 16, 32 and 64 mm AlCl3 concentrations in the cycle C2. The correlation analysis showed strong significant positive and negative relationships between the morphological traits. A cluster analysis showed that the accessions, grown in the soil with mobile Al (20.6–23.4 mg/kg) were the most resistant to Al toxicity in the cycle C2. These accessions produced a better seed yield and demonstrated lower values of morphological traits compared to cluster 2. Also, these accessions are considered as tolerant to mobile Al toxicity and might be used as donors in breeding for Al toxicity tolerance.
The impact of the COVID-19 enforced lockdown and fiscal package on the South African economy and environment: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Chitiga-Mabugu Margaret , Henseler Martin , Mabugu Ramos , Maisonnave Helene
Published: September 2021

This paper offers a quantitative assessment of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown and government fiscal plan, containing ‘green’ elements on the economy and the environment of South Africa. The analysis uses a dynamic computable general equilibrium model operationalised using a social accounting matrix coupled with a greenhouse gas balance and emissions data. We find that while the economy is harshly impacted by the pandemic in the short term, the government fiscal package ameliorates and cushions the negative effects on poor households. Importantly, an adaptation of the fiscal package towards a ‘greener’ policy achieves the same economic outcome and reduces unemployment. Carbon dioxide emissions decrease in the short run due to economic slowdown. This improvement persists until 2030. These results can be used as decision support for policy makers on how to orient the post COVID-19 policies to be pro-poor and pro-environment, and thus, ‘build back better and fairer’.
ON OPTIMAL THRESHOLDS FOR PAIRS TRADING IN A ONE-DIMENSIONAL DIFFUSION MODEL
Authors: FUKASAWA MASAAKI , MAEDA HITOMI , SEKINE JUN
Published: September 2021

We study the static maximization of long-term averaged profit, when optimal preset thresholds are determined to describe a pairs trading strategy in a general one-dimensional ergodic diffusion model of a stochastic spread process. An explicit formula for the expected value of a certain first passage time is given, which is used to derive a simple equation for determining the optimal thresholds. Asymptotic arbitrage in the long run of the threshold strategy is observed.