A Relaxation Model for the Non-Isothermal Navier-Stokes-Korteweg Equations in Confined Domains

The Navier-Stokes-Korteweg (NSK) system is a classical diffuse interface model which is based on van der Waals theory of capillarity. Diffuse interface methods have gained much interest to model two-phase flow in porous media. However, for the numerical solution of the NSK equations two major challenges have to be faced. First, an extended numerical stencil is required due to a third-order term in the linear momentum and the total energy equations. In addition, the dispersive contribution in the linear momentum equations prevents the straightforward use of contact angle boundary conditions. Secondly, any real gas equation of state is based on a non-convex Helmholtz free energy potential which may cause the eigenvalues of the Jacobian of the first-order fluxes to become imaginary numbers inside the spinodal region. In this work, a thermodynamically consistent relaxation model is presented which is used to approximate the NSK equations. The model is complimented by thermodynamically consistent non-equilibrium boundary conditions which take contact angle effects into account. Due to the relaxation approach, the contribution of the Korteweg tensor in the linear momentum and total energy equations can be reduced to second-order terms which enables a straightforward implementation of contact angle boundary conditions in a numerical scheme. Moreover, the definition of a modified pressure function enables to formulate first-order fluxes which remain strictly hyperbolic in the entire spinodal region. The present work is a generalization of a previously presented parabolic relaxation model for the isothermal NSK equations

Rapid screening for antibiotic resistance elements on the RNA transcript, protein and enzymatic activity level

Background The emerging threat posed by antibiotic resistance has affected public health systems all over the world. Surveillance of resistant bacteria in clinical settings and identifying them in mixed cultures is of paramount importance and can contribute to the control of their spreading. Culture- independent monitoring approaches are highly desirable, since they yield results much faster than traditional susceptibility testing. However, many rapid molecular methods like PCR only detect the sole presence of a potential resistance gene, do not provide information regarding efficient transcription, expression and functionality and, in addition, cannot assign resistance genes to species level in mixed cultures. Methods By using plasmid-encoded TEM β-lactamase mediated ampicillin resistances as a proof of principle system, we (1) developed a fluorescence in situ hybridization-test (FISH) capable to detect the respective mRNAs, (2) implemented an immunofluorescence test to identify the corresponding proteins and (3) compared these two microscopic tests with an established colorimetric nitrocefin assay to assess the enzymatic activity. Results All three methods proved to be suitable for the testing of antibiotic resistance, but only FISH and immunofluorescence were able to differentiate between susceptible and resistant bacteria on the single cell level and can be combined with simultaneous species identification. Conclusions Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence tests are promising techniques in susceptibility testing since they bridge the gap between the slow, but accurate and sound cultural methods and molecular detection methods like PCR with much less functional relevance

Measurement of Personality Structure by the OPD Structure Questionnaire Can Help to Discriminate Between Subtypes of Eating-Disorders

Background: Differentiation between purging type (AN-P) and restricting type (AN-R) is common in anorexia nervosa (AN) and relevant for clinical practice. However, differences of personality pathology in eating disorders (ED) and their subtypes, which can be captured by the operationalized psychodynamic diagnosis (OPD) system, have not been systematically investigated to date. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore differences in personality structure between the subtypes of AN and bulimia nervosa (BN) using the OPD structure questionnaire (OPD-SQ). In addition, the ability of the instrument to support the classification of eating disorders was examined. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, exploratory study in a subset sample of a larger validation study. The OPD-SQ had been collected from n = 60 patients with AN or BN. Patients were assigned to the ED groups by clinical assessment. Statistical analyses included multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant analysis. Results: Differences between ED groups were observed on 5 OPD-SQ main scales and 9 subscales, as well as on the global scale. AN-P patients demonstrated the lowest personality structure on most of the main scales and subscales, whereas AN-R patients showed a higher personality structure level as compared to both BN and AN-P patients. The OPD-SQ scales with the largest differences include self-perception, object perception, and attachment to internal objects. Discriminant analysis resulted in satisfactory assignment to ED groups by OPD-SQ subscales. Conclusions: Personality structure was found to be less developed in patients with BN and AN-P as compared to patients with AN-R. Although the results have to be proven in larger prospective studies, these results suggest that the OPD-SQ may be used to support the clinical assessment and classification in patients with EDs

A Chalcolithic Kiln in the Bora Plain

This chapter outlines the results of the excavation of a Chalcolithic kiln found in the Bora Plain (UTM 38N 512258 E; 3999222 N), underneath the Iron Age structures of the Dinka Settlement Complex in operation DLT3 (Fig. A3). The fieldwork was made possible by a Rust Family Foun- dation Archaeology Grant awarded to Andrea Squitieri and Mark Altaweel (UCL) and took place between 19 April and 5 May 2019

Fire Europaparlamentarikeres syn på Danmarks position i det europæiske asyl- og grænsesamarbejde

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Differences and similarities in personality functioning across different types of eating disorders

Objective: The classification of anorexia nervosa (AN) into subtypes is relevant due to their different symptomatology. However, subtypes (restricting type: AN-R; purging type: AN-P) differ also in terms of their personality functioning. Knowledge about these differences would allow for better treatment stratification. A pilot study indicated differences in structural abilities that can be assessed by the operationalized psychodynamic diagnosis (OPD) system. The aim of this study was therefore to systematically explore differences in personality functioning and personality between the two AN subtypes and bulimia nervosa (BN) using three personality (functioning) constructs. Methods: A total of N = 110 inpatients with AN-R (n = 28), AN-P (n = 40), or BN (n = 42) were recruited in three clinics for psychosomatic medicine. Assignment to the three groups was performed using a comprehensive questionnaire validated for diagnostic purposes (Munich-ED-Quest). Personality functioning was examined using OPD Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQ), personality by using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form and Big Five Inventory-10. (M)ANOVAs were used to examine differences across eating disorder groups. In addition, correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results: We observed differences on several sub- and main scales of the OPD-SQ. Whereas patients with BN showed the lowest levels, AN-R patients displayed the highest levels of personality functioning. On some sub- and main scales, such as "affect tolerance," the subtypes of AN differed from BN, whereas on the scale "affect differentiation," AN-R, differed from the other two groups. The total eating disorder pathology score of the Munich-ED-Quest best predicted overall personality structure [stand. beta = 0.650; t(104) = 6.666; p < 0.001] and self-regulation [stand. beta = 0.449; t(104) = 3.628; p < 0.001]. Discussion: Our findings confirm most of the results of the pilot study. These findings can facilitate the development of stratified treatment approaches for eating disorders

A Multi-Method Study of a Chalcolithic Kiln in the Bora Plain (Iraqi Kurdistan): The Evidence From Excavation, Micromorphological and Pyrotechnological Analyses

Pyrotechnology has always been a core topic in the archaeological debate concerning phases of deep cultural transformations, such as the Chalcolithic period in the Near East (c. 6000–3500 BC). However, previous studies on pyrotechnological installations, such as pottery kilns, pertaining to this period, have often been mainly descriptive, with a limited use of archaeometric investigations. This work presents a multi-method investigation of a Chalcolithic kiln recently discovered in the Bora Plain (part of the larger Peshdar Plain, in Iraqi Kurdistan), which combines stratigraphic analysis, pyrotechnological, micromorphological, and micro-remains analyses. Since this kiln represents the first Chalcolithic architectural feature excavated in the Bora Plain, this work offers precious insights into the pyrotechnology of the period, which is still relatively poorly understood, through the reconstruction of the kiln’s use and processes. The analytical outputs can be used to compare with other Near East kilns from the Chalcolithic and later periods