bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the iodine deficiency severity in the population by serum thyrotropin levels in newborns
Authors: Sorokman T. V. , Bachu M. I. , Makarova O. V. , Popeluk N. O.
Published: September 2021

The problem of iodine deficiency (ID) and its adverse effects on the Ukrainian population, especially on children, pregnant and lactating women, does not lose its relevance.
The aim. To assess the state of iodine status of the Northern Bukovіna population by the level of thyrotropin (TSH) in newborns during the years 2015–2020.
Methods. Selective screening analysis to determine the serum level of TSH in newborns during 2015–2020 (a total of 47888 results), median ioduria and survey among pregnant women, determination of urinary iodine, ultrasonographic and hormonal profiles of 199 prepubertal children living in Northern Bukovina were performed.
Results. During the analyzed period, there was a positive trend: the median ioduria in pregnant women increased from 89.8 μg/l in 2015 to 140.1 μg/l in 2020, the level of neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia above 5 μIU/l decreased to 5 % in 2020 (P < 0.001), there was an upward trend in the median ioduria among prepubertal children (60.4 ± 9.3 μg/l). The frequency of goiter was different and accounted for 25.3 % among children living in the mountainous area and it was much lower among children living in the plain areas and in Chernivtsi (15.6 % and 13.1 %, respectively, P < 0.05). Thyromegaly among children of the reference group occurred in 15.1 %. 12.3 % of children were characterized by TSH in the range of age standards, which were shifted towards its increase (4.23–5.00 μIU/l).
Conclusions. The increase in the median ioduria and the decrease in the frequency of neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia above 5 μIU/l on the background of iodine supply has been found in the pregnant population. The indicator of neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia above 5 μIU/l can be used to assess iodine deficiency only in the population of pregnant women.
The influence of oral antimicrobial peptide content on the quantitative microflora composition in periodontal pockets among residents of a large industrial region
Authors: Vozna I. V. , Pavlov S. V. , Voznyi O. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim was to study the influence of periodontal pocket microecology state on the local nonspecific resistance in steelworkers with generalized periodontitis.
Materials and methods. In total, 178 patients were examined. The study group consisted of 126 patients with generalized periodontitis of initial (n = 8), I (n = 32), II (n = 68) and III (n = 18) degree of severity, chronic course, exposed to work-related hazardous agents. The comparison group consisted of 32 patients with periodontitis of initial (n = 5), I (n = 10), II (n = 11) and III (n = 6) degree of severity without exposure to harmful conditions of steel industry. The control group included 20 otherwise healthy individuals. Detection of the main five periodontopathogenic microorganisms in the crevicular fluid was carried out by the polymerase chain reaction method. The levels of lactoferrin and cathelicidin LL-37 were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.
Results. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were less common, than other opportunistic bacteria in both study groups with initial severity of generalized periodontitis. With the disease development, there was a tendency to increase the number of positive samples for all microorganisms. A correlation was found between the microorganism presence in the sample and the severity of periodontal disease. In the patients of clinical groups, the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in the oral fluid was reduced. In the study group, a moderate inverse correlation between cathelicidin and Porphyromonas gingivalis as well as a weak inverse correlation between cathelicidin and Prevotella intermedia were revealed. Lactoferrin was correlated directly and moderately with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia but weakly - with Treponema denticola. In the comparison group, there were a statistically significant moderate inverse correlation between cathelicidin and Porphyromonas gingivalis as well a direct correlation between lactoferrin and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Correlations between the concentrations of cathelicidin and lactoferrin in the oral fluid and other periodontopathogens were revealed to be weak.
Conclusions. The studies have shown significant disruptions of the oral cavity microecology in the patients exposed to harmful effects of steel industry. The correlation between the concentration of antimicrobial peptides and periodontal pathogens in the periodontal pockets has been found.
Surgical treatment of patients with nodular toxic goiter
Authors: Zavhorodnii S. M. , Gatia M. S. , Kubrak М. А , Danyliuk M. B.
Published: September 2021

Nodular toxic goiter (NTG) accounts for 7.3 % to 10.0 % of the goiter population. There are difficulties in the preoperative differential diagnosis between NTG and other thyroid diseases. There is also controversy about the benefits of resection surgery over thyroidectomy in patients with NTG.
The aim of the study: a comparative assessment of the diagnosis and treatment results of patients with NTG in the early and late postoperative periods after resection surgery and thyroidectomy.
Materials and methods. The study enrolled 51 patients with NTG. The mean age of patients in the group was 51.7 ± 12.9 years.
Results. Bilateral multinodular lesions prevailed – 34 (66.7 %) patients. Free T3 level was measured only in 15 (29.4 %) patients, 7 (46.7 %) of them had elevated T3 level. 15 (29.4 %) patients underwent hemithyroidectomy including the isthmus, 2 (3.9 %) had subtotal resection, 34 (66.7 %) patients underwent thyroidectomy.
Conclusions. Multinodular bilateral thyroid lesions dominated the structure of NTG – 34 (66.7 %) patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Uninodular and multinodular unilateral pathology was diagnosed only in 17 (33.3 %) patients who underwent organ-preserving surgery. The measurements of free T3 level in patients with NTG allowed the diagnosis of T3-thyrotoxicosis in almost half of patients (46.7 %), which is a diagnostic criterion for detection of functional nodal autonomy. Following the organ-preserving surgery, 17 (33.3 %) patients with NTG required the use of hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine at a mean dose of 25.0 (25.0; 50.0) mcg/day in the late postoperative period (>1 year).
Pregnancy and breast cancer: optimal patient management tactics (a literature review)
Authors: Kolesnik O. P. , Shevchenko A. I. , Kadzhoian A. V. , Levyk O. M. , Chernyavskyi D. Ye. , Kuzmenko V. O. , Lytvynenko L. S.
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer is one of the most widespread malignant neoplasm in Ukraine (20.6 % of all malignant neoplasms). The usual incidence of breast cancer (BC) in women, as of 2019, is 70.3 cases per 100 thousand population. At the moment, BC during pregnancy is rare (only in 0.4 % of all BC cases in women aged 16 to 49 years), the decision on treatment remains difficult for a patient as well as an oncologists.
Despite the fact that the treatment of malignant breast disease is usually carried out in non-pregnant women, the problem of tactics for managing patients with different gestation lengths remains unresolved. Thus, the treatment of pregnant women with BC should be guided a multidisciplinary integrated approach to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk to both a mother and a fetus, including the optimal tactics of surgical treatment and chemotherapy. Therapeutic decisions should be based on the stage of disease, tumor morphology, gestational age at diagnosis, and possible pregnancy risks.
A promising way of addressing this problem is to conduct more studies to determine the most effective and safest treatment strategies for BC in pregnant women.
The efficacy of diuretics in complex treatment of patients with hypertension according to the Gly460Trp polymorphism of the α-adducin gene
Authors: Yermolenko S. A. , Orlovskyi V. F. , Orlovskyi O. V. , Zharkova A. V. , Moiseienko I. O. , Kolnohuz A. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of thiazide diuretics on blood pressure (BP) depending on Gly460Trp ADD1 gene polymorphism in arterial hypertension (AH) patients of the Ukrainian population in order to predict their individual treatment efficacy.
Material and methods. The study included 232 persons: 120 patients with verified stage II AH and 112 healthy individuals. Restriction fragment length polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect genotype (the Gly460Trp-polymorphic locus of the ADD1 gene). The patients received standard therapy, which included ACE inhibitor – ramipril 5 mg, calcium channel antagonist – amlodipine 5 mg, statin – atorvastatin 20 mg, acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg. The patients were randomized into two groups: group I (60 persons) additionally taking treatment with 1.5 mg of indapamide retard and group II (60 persons) – with 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. The dynamic reduction of blood pressure has been assessed every 4 weeks for 2 months.
Results. Among 120 patients with AH, 91 persons (75.8 %) were homozygous for the G allele (GG), 26 persons (21.7 %) – heterozygous (GT) and 3 persons (2.5 %) – homozygous for the T allele (TT), while the G allele frequency in patients with hypertension was 0.87, and the T allele – 0.13. 98 healthy individuals (87.5 %) were homozygous for the G allele, 13 individuals (11.6 %) were heterozygous, and 1 person (0.9 %) was homozygous for the T allele. The carrier frequency of the G and T alleles was 0.93 and 0.07, respectively. Allelic distribution indicated the predominance of the G allele carriers by Gly460Trp polymorphism of the ADD1 gene among the Ukrainian population, regardless of whether AH symptoms were present. It is noteworthy that the number of the T allele carriers was 2 times large among symptomatic patients than that among healthy individuals. In patients with the T allele, the hypotensive efficacy of indapamide was almost 3 times higher than that in patients with the G allele. The antihypertensive effect of hydrochlorothiazide in patients with the GT and TT genotypes was 2 times greater than that in the GG genotype carriers depending on the presence of the T allele G460T polymorphism of ADD1 gene in the genotype.
Conclusions. Allelic distribution indicates the predominance of the G allele carriers by Gly460Trp ADD1 gene polymorphism among the Ukrainian population, regardless of whether AH symptoms are present. Among patients with AH, the accumulation of the T allele G460T polymorphic marker of the α-adducin gene is 2 times more than that in healthy individuals. Patients carrying the T allele demonstrate 2 times higher hypotensive efficacy of indapamide compared with hydrochlorothiazide.
Current trends in diagnostic and treatment tactics in patients with strangulated ventral hernias
Authors: Slonetskyi B. I. , Tutchenko М. I. , Verbytskyi I. V. , Kotsiubenko V. O.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the work. To analyze the world achievements in modern diagnostic and treatment tactics in patients with strangulated ventral hernias, as well as to outline promising and pragmatic directions for further research.
The literature review presents current trends and views on the choice of individual components of the integrated diagnostic approach in patients with strangulated ventral hernias, and focuses on various principles of therapeutic tactics. The need to further improve the examination methods of abdominal organs, anterior abdominal wall, hernia contents (polypositional roentgenoscopy or roentgenography, ultrasound, CT, MRI) is emphasized and prospects of allohernioplasty and videolaparoscopic technologies with an integrated approach in choosing the method for correction or reconstruction of abdominal wall depending on the prognostic risk factors of postoperative complications are substantiated. Comparison of individual priorities of planned hernia surgery provided the opportunity to define the main directions in terms of urgent medical treatment features for patients with strangulated ventral hernias, taking into account a phasal nature of the pathological process and the availability and applicability of various synthetic implants.
The literature analysis allowed for enough critical evaluation of the current state of tension-free allohernioplasty – the main fundamental principle of modern urgent surgery for ventral hernias and determining the main pragmatic directions of a selective approach in choosing the therapeutic tactics for patients with infected surgical wound.
Conclusions. Urgent surgery of strangulated ventral hernias requires adequate and timely provision of individual and differentiated approaches in choosing the volume and method of surgery. Improvement of methods for predicting and preventing complications in patients with strangulated ventral hernias will expand the indications for the use of advanced types of tension-free hernioplasty.
Singular Finsler Double Phase Problems with Nonlinear Boundary Condition
Authors: Farkas Csaba , Fiscella Alessio , Winkert Patrick
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we study a singular Finsler double phase problem with a nonlinear boundary condition and perturbations that have a type of critical growth, even on the boundary. Based on variational methods in combination with truncation techniques, we prove the existence of at least one weak solution for this problem under very general assumptions. Even in the case when the Finsler manifold reduces to the Euclidean norm, our work is the first one dealing with a singular double phase problem and nonlinear boundary condition.
Blow-Up Phenomena and Asymptotic Profiles Passing from H
1-Critical to Super-Critical Quasilinear Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Cassani Daniele , Wang Youjun
Published: September 2021

We study the asymptotic profile, as

ℏ
→
0

{\hbar\rightarrow 0}

, of positive solutions to

-

ℏ
2

⁢
Δ
⁢
u

+

V
⁢

(
x
)

⁢
u

-

ℏ

2
+
γ

⁢
u
⁢
Δ
⁢

u
2

=

K
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|
u
|

p
-
2

⁢
u

,

x
∈

ℝ
N

,

-\hbar^{2}\Delta u+V(x)u-\hbar^{2+\gamma}u\Delta u^{2}=K(x)\lvert u\rvert^{p-2% }u,\quad x\in\mathbb{R}^{N},

where

γ
⩾
0

{\gamma\geqslant 0}

is a parameter with relevant physical interpretations, V and K are given potentials and the dimension N is greater than or equal to 5, as we look for finite

L
2

{L^{2}}

-energy solutions. We investigate the concentrating behavior of solutions when

γ
>
0

{\gamma>0}

and, differently from the case

γ
=
0

{\gamma=0}

where the leading potential is V, the concentration is here localized by the source potential K. Moreover, surprisingly for

γ
>
0

{\gamma>0}

we find a different concentration behavior of solutions in the case

p
=

2
⁢
N

N
-
2

{p=\frac{2N}{N-2}}

and when

2
⁢
N

N
-
2

<
p
<

4
⁢
N

N
-
2

{\frac{2N}{N-2}<p<\frac{4N}{N-2}}

. This phenomenon does not occur when

γ
=
0

{\gamma=0}

.
Blue-emitting polystyrene scintillators for plastic scintillation dosimetry
Authors: Kapłon Łukasz , Moskal Gabriel
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Purpose of this research was to find the best blue-emitting fluorescent substance for plastic scintillator used for gamma radiation dosimetry. Scintillator should convert gamma radiation into blue light with high efficiency.

Methods

Plastic scintillators with fixed concentration of various fluorescent additives, called wavelength shifters, absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting blue light were manufactured by radical bulk polymerization of styrene. Light output were measured and compared to the light output of commercial plastic scintillator.

Results

Performed measurements of charge Compton spectra confirmed usefulness of majority of researched substances as wavelength shifters in plastic scintillators with emission maximum at blue range of visible light.

Conclusions

Plastic scintillation dosimeter may be constructed from manufactured polystyrene-based scintillators. Performance of synthesized scintillators is close to commercial polystyrene scintillators.
Spazieren und Beten
Authors: Manuwald Henrike
Published: September 2021

The ›Rennewart‹ by Ulrich von Türheim describes a daily habit Willehalm pursues shortly before his death: vespertine walks that help him to say his prayers fully. The description of this routine serves as the focal point for studying how the text frames different forms of religious life in addition to the contrast between chivalric and monastic or eremitic forms of life. The article argues that the main issue in the text is not establishing a hierarchy between different forms of life, but rather addressing the question to what extent an individual can adapt established forms of life. Drawing both on a close reading of the moniage part of the text and on a reconstruction of the cultural semantics of promenading, the article interprets Willehalm’s habit of walking as an idiosyncratic practice of religious life.
Torus actions, maximality, and non-negative curvature
Authors: Escher Christine , Searle Catherine
Published: September 2021

Let

ℳ
0
n

{\mathcal{M}_{0}^{n}}

be the class of closed, simply connected, non-negatively curved Riemannian n-manifolds admitting an isometric, effective, isotropy-maximal torus action. We prove that if

M
∈

ℳ
0
n

{M\in\mathcal{M}_{0}^{n}}

, then M is equivariantly diffeomorphic to the free, linear quotient by a torus of a product of spheres of dimensions greater than or equal to 3. As a special case, we then prove the Maximal Symmetry Rank Conjecture for all

M
∈

ℳ
0
n

{M\in\mathcal{M}_{0}^{n}}

. Finally, we show
the Maximal Symmetry Rank Conjecture for simply connected, non-negatively curved manifolds holds for dimensions less than or equal to 9 without additional assumptions on the torus action.
Shortest closed curve to inspect a sphere
Authors: Ghomi Mohammad , Wenk James
Published: September 2021

We show that in Euclidean 3-space any closed curve γ which lies outside the unit sphere and contains the sphere within its convex hull has length≥4⁢π{\geq 4\pi}. Equality holds only when γ is composed of four semicircles of length π, arranged in the shape of a baseball seam, as conjectured by V. A. Zalgaller in 1996.
A human heartbeat frequencies based 2-DOF piezoelectric energy harvester for pacemaker application
Authors: Mayekol Mayck Hygin Davidson , Fath El-Bab Ahmed Mohamed Rashad , Murimi Evan , Moukala Mpele Pierre
Published: September 2021

In the last decade, piezoelectric energy harvesters have received a significant attention from the scientific community. This comes along with the need of developing self-powered devices such as medical implant to reduce the cost and risk of surgery. This paper investigates a two degree of freedom (2-DOF) piezoelectric energy harvester device to be integrated into a pacemaker. The 2-DOF is designed as a cut-out beam with a secondary beam cut into a primary one. The system is developed to operate in the frequency range of 0–2 Hz, with an acceleration of 1 g (9.8 m/s2) to match the heartbeat frequencies (1–1.67 Hz). The system uses a Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and a Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) as lead beam to compensate the brittleness of PZT. COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to model and analyze the resonant frequencies of the system, and the stress in the piezoelectric beam. The proposed device has a compact volume of 26 × 11.58 × 0.41 mm, which can fit perfectly in a pacemaker whose battery volume has been reduced by 50%. The output voltage and power are determined through analytical calculus using Matlab. Typical pacemakers require 1 μW to operate. Thus, with a peak power of 30.97 μW at 1.5 Hz and an average output power of 11.05 μW observed from 0.9 to 1.7 Hz, the harvester can power a pacemaker. It is assumed that the energy harvester could extend its life time for 5–10 more years. Furthermore, the harvester operates at extremely low frequency and produces reasonable power, making it suitable for biomedical devices.
Are consumers aware of products’ environmental impacts? Different results between life cycle assessment data and consumers’ opinions: the case study of organic Parmigiano Reggiano and its packaging
Authors: Borghesi Giulia , Stefanini Roberta , Vignali Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Companies are paying attention to the reduction of their products’ environmental impact and consumer’s opinion is fundamental to understand which are the market strategies to be undertaken. Consumers are interested in environmental issue, but do they buy products taking scientific data into account? For example, according to literature, consumers believe that the abolition of plastic packaging is the solution to marine litter caused by plastic waste, but researchers and scientists do not agree. In collaboration with an Italian dairy factory, this study carried out a survey to understand what is the eco-friendliest packaging materials according to consumers, taking as a reference the Parmigiano Reggiano. Their opinions were then compared to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results obtained considering the whole cheese life cycle and its packaging. The analysis highlights a big gap between consumers’ thoughts and scientific data and suggests solutions to make citizens aware of real environmental impacts.
Improving the dynamic behavior of the plate under supersonic air flow by using nonlinear energy sink
Authors: Asadigorji Hassan , Karami Mohammadi Ardeshir
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a nonlinear energy sink is used to improve the dynamic behavior of a square plate in supersonic flow. The plate is examined with different boundary conditions. The effect of changing the parameters and installation location of nonlinear energy sink on improving the dynamic behavior of the plate has been studied. The governing equations are first obtained using Von Kármán’s plate theory and piston theory, and then discretized using the Rayleigh–Ritz process. These equations are then solved using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Time history curves, phase portraits, Poincaré maps, and bifurcation diagrams were used to investigate the dynamic behavior and impact of nonlinear energy sink. The results show that the dynamic behavior of the plate is very complex in some cases, but with proper use of nonlinear energy sinks, this behavior can be improved.
On a solution to a functional equation
Authors: Patkowski Alexander E.
Published: September 2021

We offer a solution to a functional equation using properties of the Mellin transform. A new criteria for the Riemann Hypothesis is offered as an application of our main result, through a functional relationship with the Riemann xi function.
Hydromagnetic effects on non-Newtonian Hiemenz flow
Authors: Sarkar Suman , Sahoo Bikash
Published: September 2021

The stagnation point flow of a non-Newtonian Reiner–Rivlin fluid has been studied in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. The technique of similarity transformation has been used to obtain the self-similar ordinary differential equations. In this paper, an attempt has been made to prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the resulting free boundary value problem. Monotonic behavior of the solution is discussed. The numerical results, shown through a table and graphs, elucidate that the flow is significantly affected by the non-Newtonian cross-viscous parameter L and the magnetic parameter M.
The Role of Bots in the Disinformation Process in Brazilian Politics between 2014 and 2018
Authors: Santana Célio , Nunes Amanda , Silva Fabio
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the participation of bots in the process of disinformation in the Brazilian political/electoral scenario between 2014 and 2018. The justification for this research was the growth of ideological polarization and the emergence of hate speech linked to political positioning that culminated in a massive campaign of disinformation, evidenced by fake news and other forms of manipulation. In this research multiple case studies were used referring to three moments: the 2014 elections, the 2016 impeachment and the 2018 election. We found studies investigating these events, and they were used as data sources for analysis of the conjuncture and the interpretation of these facts in a chronological perspective pointed toward the role of bots and the results of such actions. It has been observed that the use of bots has occurred since 2014; however, they were only engaged in propagating false content from 2015. The automation of the messages was sophisticated between 2014 and 2018, when bots ceased to be players who replicated posts indiscriminately (spam) to become users’ catalysts with the intention of creating or expanding new bubbles of disinformation. Finally, we observed that the same botnet active in Brazil was also involved in electoral processes around the world, making Brazil simply one more piece in this grand network of disinformation where who is involved and what their purpose might be is not known.
Sitting and talking together: packaging meaning into verbs with the neighbors
Authors: Mithun Marianne
Published: September 2021

As observed by Koptjevskaja-Tamm and Liljegren, the impact of language contact on grammatical typology is well recognized, but the field of lexico-semantic areal typology is still young. Here some mechanisms leading to an areal pattern are explored in the domain of certain sets of basic verbs in languages indigenous to the North American West. The patterns involve the apparent evocation, as part of the meanings of the common verbs, of certain features of the most immediately involved participant, particularly number, animacy, shape, and/or consistency. Two mechanisms apparently underlie the areal patterns. First, bilinguals accustomed to distinguishing such features lexically in verbs in one of their languages may simply choose more specific verbs in another language on a regular basis until, over time, original hyponyms come to be basic level terms. Second, shadows of compounding and derivation can be seen in some pairs of verbs in some languages. Patterns elsewhere in the language or in a neighbor can stimulate such formations and accelerate their lexicalization, ultimately blurring their internal structure and hastening their ascent to basic-level status.
Primary aortic intimal sarcoma masquerading as intramural hematoma
Authors: Fan Xiaodong , Chen Xiaofeng , Yang Zhiqi , Zhang Tianhui , Liao Yuting , Fan Weixiong , Chen Xiangguang
Published: September 2021

Primary aortic intimal sarcoma is a very rare disease and most patients present with features similar to those of atherosclerotic plaque and thrombus; however, primary aortic intimal sarcoma presents with features similar to those of intramural hematoma (IMH) on CT imaging and clinical presentation had never been previously reported. Here we report a case involving a 49-year-old woman with primary aortic intimal sarcoma masquerading as IMH on radiological images and clinical presentation. We also discuss some of the diagnostic pitfalls and hope that these diagnostic pitfalls will be very useful for clinicians.
Fabrication robustness in BIC metasurfaces
Authors: Kühne Julius , Wang Juan , Weber Thomas , Kühner Lucca , Maier Stefan A. , Tittl Andreas
Published: September 2021

All-dielectric metasurfaces supporting photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) are an exciting toolkit for achieving resonances with ultranarrow linewidths. However, the transition from theory to experimental realization can significantly reduce the optical performance of BIC-based nanophotonic systems, severely limiting their application potential. Here, we introduce a combined numerical/experimental methodology for predicting how unavoidable tolerances in nanofabrication such as random geometrical variations affect the performance of different BIC metasurface designs. We compare several established all-dielectric BIC unit cell geometries with broken in-plane inversion symmetry including tilted ellipses, asymmetric double rods, and split rings. Significantly, even for low fabrication-induced geometrical changes, both the BIC resonance amplitude and its quality factor (Q-factor) are significantly reduced. We find that the all-dielectric ellipses maintain the highest Q-factors throughout the geometrical variation range, whereas the rod and split ring geometries fall off more quickly. The same behavior is confirmed experimentally, where geometrical variation values are derived from automated processing of sets of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Our methodology provides crucial insights into the performance degradation of BIC metasurfaces when moving from simulations to fabricated samples and will enable the development of robust, high-Q, and easy to manufacture nanophotonic platforms for applications ranging from biomolecular sensing to higher harmonic generation.
Crystal structure of 3-iodo-N
2-(2-methyl-1-(methylsulfonyl)propan-2-yl)-N
1-(2-methyl-4-(perfluoropropan-2-yl)phenyl)phthalamide, C23H22F7I1N2O4S1
Authors: Luo Juan , Wang Jie , Qiu Gao-Yan , Xiong Wan-Ming , Peng Da-Yong
Published: September 2021

8[C23H22F7I1N2O4S1], monoclinic, Cc (no. 9), a = 19.762(3) Å, b = 24.690(4) Å, c = 12.106(2) Å, β = 113.696(2)°, V = 5408.8(15) Å3, Z = 1, R

gt
(F) = 0.0488, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1411, T = 296(2) K.
A pediatric case of EDTA-related pseudothrombocytopenia and implementation of the histograms by the automated cell counters
Authors: Hocaoglu-Emre F. Sinem , Yavuz Aksu Berna
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Platelet aggregation in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), is called EDTA-related pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTP), resulting in low platelet count by automatic cell counters.

Case presentation

Herein, we present a case of a 5-year-old female, who was referred to our laboratory due to persistent thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion

Our case report discusses the efficiency of the histograms and flag warnings of the cell counter, indicating the importance of these variables.
Interaktion mit dem Fremden. Grenzen und Möglichkeiten der Tischgemeinschaft anhand von Daniel und Ester
Authors: Bühner Ruben A.
Published: September 2021

Most recent publications dealing with the question of table fellowship between Jews and gentiles in Early Judaism stake the assumption for granted that there is a common discourse behind the available sources. Thus, the relevant Jewish narratives (Dan, Est, Jdt, JosAs, Tob, Arist) are mutually used for explanation. In contrast, Ruben A. Bühner uses the Daniel and Ester narratives to exemplify that the texts present complex discourses that must be distinguished from one another and that testify to different lines of reasoning, which cannot be reduced to a uniform discourse.
The Core of the Sacrificial Calendar in Num 28–29 and Its Compositional History
Authors: Kislev Itamar
Published: September 2021

To date, scholarly examination of the developed legal section in Numbers 28–29 has taken place in the context of its relationship to the Lev 23 festival calendar and other pentateuchal calendars (Exod 23:14–19; 34:18–26; Deut 16:1–17) and its place in the formation of the Pentateuch. Independent analysis of this unit has the ability to illuminate this unit’s formation, probably the product of a long editorial process, enables isolation of the stage at which it was integrated in its current context, and reveals the purpose underlying its integration.
Scribal Experiences of Salvation – Aspects of Formation Processes in the Hezekiah-Isaiah Narratives
Authors: Panov Lida
Published: September 2021

To this day there is no consensus about the dating and literary growth of the Hezekiah-Isaiah narratives. This paper is a contribution designed to clarify the literary history of these stories. It considers processes of innerbiblical exegesis, aspects of a text-critical analysis and facets of their absolute and relative dating. Simultaneously, observations on the multiple cross connections with other texts reveal the theological substance of the stories: Experiences of misery that appear in the older Isaiah tradition developed into a salvation-theological ideal in the Hezekiah-Isaiah narratives.
Unusual cation coordination in nanostructured mullites
Authors: Šepelák Vladimir , Da Silva Klebson Lucenildo , Trautwein Rafael Santiago , Becker Klaus Dieter , Hahn Horst
Published: September 2021

Nanocrystalline mullite-type bismuth-bearing complex oxides Bi2(M0.5Al0.5)4O9 (M=Fe3+, Ga3+) are prepared by high-energy ball milling of the corresponding microcrystalline counterparts. An unusual five-fold coordination of metal cations is revealed in nanostructured Bi2(M0.5Al0.5)4O9 by means of 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopies. The concentration of five-fold coordinated cations increases with decreasing crystallite size of a material at the expense of octahedrally coordinated ones. In addition to the nuclear spectroscopic methods, Rietveld analyses of the X-ray diffraction data of the as-prepared nanooxides show that the constituent tetrahedra, octahedra, and the newly formed structural units with five-fold cation coordination are strongly distorted. With decreasing crystallite size of mullites, the average volume of their octahedra increases whereas this parameter decreases for tetrahedra. The macroscopic behaviour of the non-equilibrium nanomullites is characterised by SQUID magnetometry. The Fe-containing mullites exhibit a superposition of a dominant antiferromagnetism and a weak ferromagnetism. The increase in both the remanent magnetization and the coercive field with decreasing crystallite size is attributed to the effect of spin canting. The latter is confined to the interfacial and surface regions of the nanomaterials, and arises due to both the mechanically induced deformation of constituent structural units and the formation of cation sites with the unusual five-fold coordination.
Comparison Between Foam Rolling With and Without Vibration on Passive and Active Plantar Flexor Muscle Properties
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Sato Shigeru , Kiyono Ryosuke , Yoshida Riku , Yasaka Koki , Yahata Kaoru , Konrad Andreas
Published: September 2021

Nakamura, M, Sato, S, Kiyono, R, Yoshida, R, Yasaka, K, Yahata, K, and Konrad, A. Comparison between foam rolling with and without vibration on passive and active plantar flexor muscle properties. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3339–3344, 2022—Although foam rolling interventions with and without vibration have been used to increase flexibility in the field of sports, their effects on passive and active properties remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of foam rolling interventions on range of motion (ROM), shear elastic modulus, plantar flexor muscle strength, and jump performance. This randomized, controlled, crossover study included 16 healthy male subjects who visited the laboratory 3 times (control condition, foam rolling condition, and vibration foam rolling condition), each with an interval of >72 hours. In both foam rolling and vibration foam rolling conditions, subjects were instructed to perform 60-second bouts of intervention for 3 sets, with 30-second rest between each set. In the vibration foam rolling condition, the intensity of vibration was set at a frequency of 48 Hz. Dorsiflexion (DF) ROM, shear elastic modulus, plantar flexor muscle strength, and drop jump height were determined before and after the rolling intervention. Our results showed a similar increase in dorsiflexion range of motion (p < 0.01, d = 0.51; p < 0.01, d = 0.65, respectively) and passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion (p = 0.02, d = 0.51 and p < 0.01, d = 0.65, respectively) after foam rolling and vibration foam rolling. Medial gastrocnemius shear elastic modulus decreased only after vibration foam rolling (p < 0.01, d = 0.44). No significant main effects of time were observed in maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (F = 2.0, p = 0.15,

= 0.119) and drop jump height (F = 1.5, p = 0.24,

= 0.091) after both interventions. Maximal voluntary concentric contraction torque showed a significant main effect of time (F = 7.59, p = 0.02,

= 0.336). However, only after foam rolling, the maximal voluntary concentric contraction torque significantly decreased (p = 0.01, d = 0.39). Our results suggest that vibration foam rolling effectively alters passive muscle properties without decreasing muscle strength and performance.
Exploring the “Athlete’s Paradox”: Division I Cross-Country Runners Demonstrate Similar Muscle Characteristics to Recreationally Trained Young Adults
Authors: Cabre Hannah E. , Greenwalt Casey E. , Gould Lacey M. , Hirsch Katie R. , Blue Malia N.M. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E.
Published: September 2021

Cabre, HE, Greenwalt, CE, Gould, LM, Hirsch, KR, Blue, MNM, and Smith-Ryan, AE. Exploring the “Athlete’s Paradox”: Division I cross-country runners demonstrate similar muscle characteristics to recreationally trained young adults. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3213–3217, 2021—Endurance training can influence body composition and muscle characteristics. Endurance athletes have demonstrated elevated intramuscular fat (IMF), yet individuals with greater body fat also demonstrate elevated IMF. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in muscle characteristics (echo intensity [EI] and muscle cross-sectional area [mCSA]) and body composition between Division I collegiate athletes and college-age adults matched for percent fat (%fat). Thirty cross-country athletes (XC) and 30 normal-weight (NW) recreationally active college students (male athletes: n = 30; female athletes: n = 30; mean ± SD: age: 19.2 ± 1.1 years; body mass: 61.7 ± 8.7 kg; %fat: 18.0 ± 5.2%) underwent a panoramic ultrasound scan of the vastus lateralis to evaluate EI and mCSA. A full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan was used to assess fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and %fat. Independent t-tests were used to evaluate mCSA, EI, and body composition. Significance level was set at ≤ 0.05. There were no significant differences between the XC and NW cohorts in mCSA (mean difference [MD; XC − NW], −1.30 ± −0.40 cm3; p = 0.340) or EI (MD: 3.97 ± 2.66 a.u.; p = 0.478). Body composition was not different between the groups: FM (MD: −0.14 ± −0.54 kg; p = 0.848), LM (−3.07 ± 1.25 kg; p = 0.268), or bone mineral content (−0.21 ± 0.03 kg; p = 0.120). There were also no significant differences for any outcome variables when stratified by male athletes (p = 0.097–0.468) or female athletes (p = 0.055–0.700). These results suggest that XC athletes may have similar muscle characteristics to NW individuals when matched for %fat. Understanding and tracking muscle characteristics in XC athletes may be important for performance, injury prevention, and the transition to retirement.
Evaluating Precursor Signals for QLCS Tornado and Higher Impact Straight-Line Wind Events
Authors: Gibbs Justin G.
Published: September 2021

Tornadoes produced by quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS) present a significant challenge to National Weather Service warning operations. Given the speed and scale at which they develop, different methods for tornado warning decision making are required than what traditionally are used for supercell storms. This study evaluates the skill of one of those techniques—the so-called three-ingredients method—and produces new approaches. The three-ingredients method is found to be reasonably skillful at short lead times, particularly for systems that are clearly linear. From the concepts and science of the three-ingredients method, several new combinations of environmental and radar parameters emerge that appear slightly more skillful, and may prove easier to execute in real time. Similar skill between the emerging methods provides the forecaster with options for what might work best in any given scenario. A moderate positive correlation with overall wind speed with some radar and environmental variables also is identified. Additionally, mesoscale convective vortices and supercell-like features in QLCS are found to produce tornadoes at a much higher rate than purely linear systems.
Novel Immobilized Ligand on Polymer Matrix as Adsorbent for Water Purification
Authors: Ezeh Emmanuel C. , Ukoha Pius O. , Bulus Habila , Attah John C.
Published: September 2021

A novel polymer material that is capable of adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ in aqueous solutions has been synthesized. 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane was reacted with tetraethylethoxysilane in methanol and aqueous solution of HCl to yield 3-aminopropypolysiloxane (APP). Reacting the APP with ethylchloroacetate in triethylamine yielded a functionalized 3-aminopropypolysiloxane (FAPP). The FAPP was reacted with urea to yield urea immobilized polysiloxane. FTIR spectra of the APP showed major absorption bands (cm−1) at: 1032.5-1042.7 (Si-O-Si), while the Urea-immobilized polysiloxanes (APPU) showed major absorption bands (cm−1) at: 3200 − 3400 υ(NH), 2929 − 2957 υ(C-H), 1505-1643 (C=O, C=C, C=N), and 1032.5-1042.7 (Si-O-Si). SEM-EDX analysis of APP and APPU showed mean pore volumes (nm3) of 113.49 ± 7.91 and 44.89 ± 7.44 respectively, and elemental composition (%) as follows: APP, O (36.68), Si (39.91); FAPP, O (29.43), Si (41.64), Cl (9.06); APPU, O (32.15), Si (28.42), N (25.42). APP maximum percentage adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ in simulated water were 79.44 and 74.81 respectively, while APPU maximum percentage adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ were in the range of 78.36 − 85.44 and 79.63 − 82.87 respectively. The maximum percentage adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ which indicate the sorption capacities of the adsorbents occurred within the pH range of 8-10, contact time between 70-90 min, metal ion concentration of 20-25 ppm, dosage of adsorbent of 0.01 − 0.03 g for Pb2+ adsorption, and 0.04 − 0.05 g for Cu(II), and at a temperature of 90°C. The statistical analyses showed significant difference in the means of the effects of pH, time and concentration as F > Fcrit, except in the case of contact time for Cu2+. Temkin isotherm gave values of R2 in the range of 0.9210 − 0.9735 and best fitted the adsorption process. The urea immobilized polysiloxane (APPU) exhibited very high potential for adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ in industrial effluent up to 100 %.
Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Depression: For Whom Does It Work? A Research Perspective
Authors: Wienicke Frederik J. , Driessen Ellen
Published: September 2021

Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is an empirically supported treatment for depression that is frequently applied in clinical practice. However, it remains largely unclear which patients can benefit specifically from STPP for depression, because studies often have small sample sizes and, therefore, lack statistical power to examine patient characteristics associated with differential treatment efficacy. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses, which combine patient-level data from multiple studies, can help overcome this obstacle. Currently, the first IPD meta-analysis project regarding STPP for depression is being conducted. We describe this project, its progress, and first findings.
Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Argentina at a Crossroads
Authors: Onofrio Graciela B. , Kitroser Nicolás
Published: September 2021

The authors provide an overview of the history of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychiatry in Argentina. They describe the evolving practice patterns of psychodynamic psychiatrists in this vibrant South American country, highlighting socio-political influences and challenges.
Vicissitudes of Death Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Straker Norman
Published: September 2021

The author, an experienced psycho-oncologist, offers clinical insights that consider the importance of death anxiety in psychodynamic psychotherapy treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reviews the contributions of Ernst Becker, Wilfred Bion and Sheldon Solomon, and formulates ideas of his own based on decades of experience treating patients with cancer. This short essay focuses on how to help patients during the COVID-19 pandemic work through fear and uncertainty while developing adaptive skills.
Psychodynamic Treatment with the Addicted Person
Authors: Baurer Frederic M.
Published: September 2021

Psychodynamically trained clinicians have much to offer patients with substance use disorders, but lack a coherent model of treatment for addictions. This paper proposes a bipartite model for approaching addictive illness, separating the addicted person from their illness. Within this framework, the psychodynamic treatment approach seeks to discover and cultivate each person's unique humanity through the therapeutic relationship. Addiction and recovery are conceptualized not as states but as opposing dynamic forces within the individual, each requiring its own therapeutic approach. The seeds of psychodynamic work are planted from the onset of treatment through a therapeutic position of curiosity, nonjudgmental acceptance, empathy, kindness, honesty, and evolving trust. Unlike other treatment approaches, the therapeutic relationship takes center stage in driving the healing process. Countertransference challenges signal crucial opportunities to “flip the script” from dynamics of addiction to those of recovery. The author draws upon several models to illuminate this work. Khantzian's ego-deficit model describes areas of self-regulation vulnerability associated with addiction and conversely pathways to growth in treatment. Winnicott's concept of false self is translatable to the addictive self, while psychotherapy allows true self to emerge. Krystal's description of psychic trauma relates directly to the fragmentation and dissociation of experience in addictive illness. Clinical vignettes illustrate the themes discussed. Psychodynamic therapy offers the opportunity for healing of the deep psychic wounds afflicting many who suffer from addictive illness.
Using Inter-institutional Collaboration to Generate Publishable Findings through Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences
Authors: Smith Tanner , Broder E. Dale , Tinghitella Robin M. , Ingley Spencer J.
Published: September 2021

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are high-impact practices that allow students to conduct research during class time. Benefits of a CURE can be maximized when integrated into a faculty member’s ongoing research. However, this can be particularly challenging for field biologists, especially when field sites are not situated near their university. Indeed, few existing CUREs are field based. One solution is to partner with a collaborator near the field site. We describe a semester-long CURE in an animal behavior class that involved collaboration among three institutions: researchers from two “distant” institutions have ongoing research at the “local” institution where the CURE took place. This model uses remote conferencing and strategic collaboration to meet all stakeholders’ needs. Undergraduate students engaged as active participants in collaborative inquiry-based work, learned in a cooperative context, and even participated in the publication process. The local principal investigator and their institution generated a high-impact course that integrated research and teaching. Likewise, the distant principal investigators were able to collect more extensive and longer-term field-based data than otherwise possible, and they gained valuable input from the local researchers that contributed to future projects. Remote collaborations open the door to international collaboration with smaller institutions, promoting greater inclusion in science.