Mid Century Research Articles

Bacteriological examination of malignant tumors (retrospective overview)

In recent years multiple reports regarding the bacterial infections and oncogenesis emerged. Some modern researchers make a guess about possible etiological role of microorganisms in tumorogenesis. Meanwhile, in the past, until the mid XX century the connection between oncogenesis and bacterial infections was extensively studied. There were numerous clinical and experimental evidences, pointing the participation of bacteria in the tumor formation and pathogenesis. Owing to the revived interest to role, played by bacteria, in etiology and pathogenesis of malignant tumors we have made a retrospective overview of earlier works, dedicated to this problem.

XANTHUS OF LYDIA AND THE INVENTION OF FEMALE EUNUCHS

Two fragments of the Lydiaca attributed to Xanthus of Lydia (mid fifth century b.c.) preserve a curious claim that a king of Lydia (either the famous Gyges or the mythical Adramytes) was the first person to make eunuchs of women. In an attempt to make sense of these passages, it has been suggested that εὐνουχίζειν here refers not to castration, but rather to female genital cutting. If correct, this would provide our first evidence of this practice in Lydian culture or indeed anywhere in Anatolia. However, the assumption that what Xanthus describes somehow related to real practices is highly questionable. Instead, we should re-contextualize this story in terms of other fifth-century representations of luxury and eunuchs and in terms of Xanthus’ own exemplary portraits of other Lydian kings.

Future climate change impacts on apple flowering date in a Mediterranean subbasin

Chilling temperatures are important in apple and other fruit production because they are needed to break full dormancy, which is a prerequisite for effective and synchronous bud-break and flowering. Temperature increase related to climate change could lead to inadequate chilling in certain areas, which could affect the suitability for some species or cultivars to survive or yield in that location. The aim of this study was to estimate how climate change could affect flowering date and, consequently, feasibility of the most significant apple cultivars in the lower Fluvià subbasin (correspondent to the Protected Geographical Indication “Poma de Girona”). The estimations are based on a chilling and forcing requirements approach for each apple cultivar in this region, through a statistical analysis. The chilling-forcing sequential model, together with meteorological projections based on two climate change scenarios (B1 and A2), were used to estimate apple flowering dates along the 21st Century. Results show, in general, that apple cultivars could suffer delays on flowering date since the mid century and they could present serious disorders as a consequence of insufficient chilling in the long term in A2 scenario, which could affect crop feasibility in the region.

A domus infirmorum do mosteiro de Santa Cruz de Coimbra e o acolhimento no hospital São Nicolau (Portugal, séculos XII-XIII)

Este artigo configura os primeiros resultados de uma pesquisa de micro-história sobre dois espaços de saúde e practica médica no Mosteiro agostiniano de Santa Cruz de Coimbra, a saber, a enfermaria ou domus infirmorume o Hospital São Nicolau. O primeiro, construído no século XII, constituiu-se na área do mosteiro crúzio destinada ao cuidado com os monges doentes, definido primeiro nas regras de fundação e depois presente nos Costumeiros ou Liberordinis posteriores. O Hospital São Nicolau foi igualmente fundado em meados do século XII e funcionou como os outros hospitais de caridade medieval, ou seja, hospedava peregrinos, albergava pobres, tratava dos doentes e acolhia desvalidos. Esses dois espaços favoreceram os estudos médicos, como atestam os títulos da biblioteca, ao mesmo tempo foram lócus de experimentação das medidas preventivas e de práticas terapêuticas.

SAKHALIN ISLAND ORTHODOX CLERGY MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES AMONG THE CONVICTS (MID XIX – EARLY XX CENTURIES)

In this article the author tries to make sense of the main aspects of Sakhalin Island Orthodox clergy service in prisons. This study covers the most difficult period in the life of the island. In the mid XIX century Sakhalin becomes the penal colony of the Russian Empire. The convicts and exiles delivery to the island was started. It was necessary to think about the expansion of the existing settlements, construction of roads, and establishment of school education. It should be mentioned that the voluntary settlements on the island territories contributed to the process of the islanders quantity increase. Peasants of Central part of the Russian Empire had an opportunity to move to the island, and at that, to achieve greater success the Government introduced incentives and encouragements. The authorities faced the tasks solving which the representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church were also involved in. The author focuses on consideration of the hard labor living conditions and the moral standards of people. The hard labor living conditions hindered the service in Sakhalin prisons. The article shows how severe the life of the prisoners was; and prison administration’s indifference and cruelty had no bounds. It is worth noting some remoteness of the convicts from the religious life. They had almost no interest in this. As noted by the contemporaries, mostly free people were praying in the island churches where there was no place for the convicts. The work was additionally complicated by the fact that there were no chapels or the premises in the existing prison where the divine services could be administered.

Los alabastros medievales ingleses y la iconografía jacobea: algunas piezas singulares

In this paper some items made in alabaster will be analyzed in order to review the iconography of the Apostle St. James the Greater. Most of these artworks have been kept in religious institutions or Spanish collections but they were made in England, during a period of splendor that took place from mid 14th century to the first decades of the 16th century. These pieces were made in a production line style, so they often repeat the same models, with very few differences. Even so, they are pieces of great beauty which were very appreciated by devotees and collectors in the past and still today.

Adaptation of water and nitrogen management to future climates for sustaining potato yield in Minnesota: Field and simulation study

The present study focuses on (i) evaluation of potato crop yield under present time slice (PTS) with recommended management of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and irrigation on sandy soils of Minnesota, USA (ii) simulation of potato productivity and nitrate leaching with the SUBSTOR DSSAT-potato model in a projected future climatic environment (2038–2067) and (iii) evaluation of alternative irrigation and N management strategies with the DSSAT model as adaptation measures to minimize climate change impacts. Ensemble global climate model output for each of three future mid-century (MC) 10-years time slices of crop growing season predicts increases in maximum temperature (Tmax) of 0.7, 1.2 and 2.1°C; and in minimum temperature (Tmin) of 0.6, 1.3 and 2.0°C in MC1 (2038–2047), MC2 (2048–2057) and MC3 (2058–2067), respectively, during the tuber bulking periods. Rainfall (RF) of 253.1mm in PTS decreased by 29.7, 16.7 and 6.5mm in MC1–MC3, respectively. Under the changed climate, simulations indicated decreases in potato yields of 19–29%, harvest index of 4–9% and water use efficiency of 22–32% compared with current irrigation and fertilizer rates (260mm irrigation, 270kgha−1 N fertilizer). Potato yields could be sustained at present levels by increasing irrigation levels to 390mm, with 450kgha−1 N in the years 2038–2047; and 326 and 390mm irrigation with 450kgNha−1 in year 2048–2057. However, leaching losses in 2048–2057 would increase (relative to current losses) by 34–62%. In the years 2058–2067 yield in the region evaluated can no longer be sustained with increased N and irrigation levels and leaching losses would increase by 41–67%. Use of varieties tolerant to drought and heat or adapting alternative cultural practices will be required to maintain productivity.

Assessing climate change impact on root-zone water balance and groundwater levels

The present study employs regional climate model projections for assessing the impact of root-zone water balance and groundwater levels using crop and groundwater models. The projections from Hadley Regional Model 3 (HRM3) for A1B scenario showed an increase in temperature and rainfall (RF) of 1.8 °C and 328 mm, respectively, during mid-century (MC) (2021–2050) for Indian central Punjab. The respective increase in values for the end of century (2071–2098) would be 4.4 °C and 486 mm, compared with present time slice (PTS) (2000–2010). In future, irrigation requirement would reduce, because of increased RF and decreased transpiration from cropped area owing to a shortening of crop duration of rice-wheat cropping system with temperature. The reduced irrigation need in future would decrease groundwater withdrawal resulting in the rise of groundwater level.

A casual alien plant new to Mediterranean Europe: <em>Ceiba speciosa</em> (Malvaceae) in the suburban area of Palermo (NW Sicily, Italy)

Pasta, S., La Mantia, T. & Badalamenti, E. 2014. A casual alien plant new to Mediterranean Europe: Ceiba speciosa (Malvaceae) in the suburban area of Palermo (NW Sicily, Italy). Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 71(2): e010. The abiotic and biotic characteristics of the first sites where floss silk tree behaves as a casual alien plant in the Mediterranean Europe are described. The species was probably first planted in botanical gardens of southern France few decades before mid XIX century. It was introduced in Palermo in 1896, a city which appears to match very well its climatic requirements. According to the available information on its biology and ecology in both its original and secondary range, the floss silk tree should not become an invasive alien plant in the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, several gaps need to be filled in order to increase our understanding of future trends of Ceiba speciosa in southern Europe, in particular, the eventual role of pollinators and seed dispersers outside the species’ natural range.

The 20th International Symposium on Chironomidae

Prince Bishops turned the Buonconsiglio castle into one of the best known castles in the whole of Europe and Trento (historically known in English as Trent) is the capital of the Trentino Province, a mountain region located in the heart of the Alps. The Province covers an area of more than 6,000 km2, with a total population of about 0.5 million. Trento lies in the Adige valley just south of the Dolomite Mountains, where the Fersina River and Avisio rivers join the Adige River, the second longest river in Italy. The town centre is more or less a pedestrian area, and walking around the historic centre you can see a number of outdoor frescos on historic buildings. MUSEMuseo delle Scienze (previously Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali) is one of the main cultural centers of the city and was built along the banks of the Adige. It manages, in addition to the main museum located close to the city centre, a network of six museums and local offices at the provincial level and one in Tanzania. MUSE, that traces back its origin in the mid XIX century, is the first museum in Italy that harmoniously blends nature, science and technology, devoted to research, visitor interpretation and education. Since 2013 the museum has been located in a new building whose outline recalls the profile of the surrounding mountains, with a finely balanced contrast between Town centre, the Cathedral. Photo: Matteo Ianeselli / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-3.0& GFDL.

Between Salem and Mount Gerizim: The Context of the Formation of the Torah Reconsidered

Abstract Building on recent suggestions, I argue that the final composition of the Pentateuch in the Persian period was the result of common enterprise or compromise between the province of Samaria and Jerusalem. This is based on an examination of the historical circumstances as well as on the contents and text of the Pentateuch. Contrary to the picture painted in Ezra-Nehemiah, there were good relationships and contacts between the upper classes of the two provinces throughout the period, and it is probable that the priestly staff of the temple of Argarizim, which recent evidence shows was established in the mid fifth century, was closely related to that of Jerusalem. The identities of both holy places are hinted at in the text. The likely original text of Deut 27:2-8 ordains sacrifice to be made and the Torah to be inscribed on Mount Gerizim (v. 4), not on Mount Ebal as in the MT. This either suggested the establishment of the sanctuary there (Kartveit), or was suggested by it (Nihan). On the other hand...

Digital Alberti: Tradition and innovation in the architectural theory and practice in Portugal

This research project is a celebration and an innovation. A celebration in the sense of commemorating the order given by King John III, in mid XVI century, to André de Resende to translate Alberti’s De re aedicatoria to the Portuguese language.An innovation in the sense of producing, for the first time, anintelligent computational environment to understand the culturalimpact of this treatise on classical architecture in Portugal and abroad.Research developes in six approaches: Alberti and the De reaedicatoria; New digital technologies; Grammar of sacred spaces;Grammar of column systematization; Architecture for a modernhumanism; The virtual reality of Albertian Architecture.

“OBJEKTFORMEL” – EVENTUAL ACTS OF DAMAGE TO HUMAN DIGNITY

The Object formula („Objecktformel”) has been designed and developed in the mid century XX by Günter Dürig, starting from the second formula of Kant's categorical imperative. The Federal Constitutional Court of Germany took the formula and applied it for the first time in the case of the telephone conversations of December 15, 1970. The Object formula („Objecktformel”) was taken from the German constitutional law and applied in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.

Assessing Climate Variability Impact on Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria in Surface Water

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the impacts of climate variability on thermotolerant coliform bacteria (TCB) transport in the Upper Pearl River watershed (UPRW) in Mississippi. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied using daily observed stream flows and TCB concentration data. The SWAT model was successfully calibrated and validated using both manual and automatic methods from February 2011 to June 2012 (NSE and R2 up to 0.79). The Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG), a stochastic weather generator, with the global climate model, CCSM3, which was developed by the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) was used for future climate variability simulations. The Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was simulated for the mid (2046–2065) and late (2080–2099) 21st century. The SWAT model simulated TCB concentrations in surface water and demonstrated reasonable performances (R2 up to 0.59 and NSE up to 0.58). During mid-century climate, average monthly TCB levels increase to 175%, while late-century average monthly TCB levels increase to 297% from the watershed. Although late-century climate variability impacts were determined more critical than mid-century climate impacts, appropriate watershed management practices are required to adapt to maintain and improve water quality.

Main stages of studying childhood infectious diseases

The article deals with the history of studying the most common childhood specific infectious diseases: measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, scarlet fever, mumps, chickenpox, and rubella. Similarities are clearly observed in the history of their study, so it was possible to distinguish four main phases according to reflection of the problem in medical literature, mainly scientists’ attention to one or another side of the pathological process, the discoveries made. 1) Since the first appearance of childhood infectious diseases in the medical literature until the mid XVI century: fragmentary references in the doctors’ writings and historical chronicles. 2) Mid XVI century - mid XIX century: due to a rise of the diseases incidence their empirical study started, many of them were described for the first time. While describing epidemics clinical and epidemiological features of diseases were specified. 3) Mid XIX century - mid XX century: the ethiopathogenesis of childhood infectious diseases was studied, their agents were found. These discoveries led to a break-through in the treatment (serums, antibacterials). 4) Period of mass vaccination against most childhood infectious diseases.

Projected changes of snow conditions and avalanche activity in a warming climate: the French Alps over the 2020–2050 and 2070–2100 periods

Abstract. Projecting changes in snow cover due to climate warming is important for many societal issues, including the adaptation of avalanche risk mitigation strategies. Efficient modelling of future snow cover requires high resolution to properly resolve the topography. Here, we introduce results obtained through statistical downscaling techniques allowing simulations of future snowpack conditions including mechanical stability estimates for the mid and late 21st century in the French Alps under three climate change scenarios. Refined statistical descriptions of snowpack characteristics are provided in comparison to a 1960–1990 reference period, including latitudinal, altitudinal and seasonal gradients. These results are then used to feed a statistical model relating avalanche activity to snow and meteorological conditions, so as to produce the first projection on annual/seasonal timescales of future natural avalanche activity based on past observations. The resulting statistical indicators are fundamental for the mountain economy in terms of anticipation of changes. Whereas precipitation is expected to remain quite stationary, temperature increase interacting with topography will constrain the evolution of snow-related variables on all considered spatio-temporal scales and will, in particular, lead to a reduction of the dry snowpack and an increase of the wet snowpack. Overall, compared to the reference period, changes are strong for the end of the 21st century, but already significant for the mid century. Changes in winter are less important than in spring, but wet-snow conditions are projected to appear at high elevations earlier in the season. At the same altitude, the southern French Alps will not be significantly more affected than the northern French Alps, which means that the snowpack will be preserved for longer in the southern massifs which are higher on average. Regarding avalanche activity, a general decrease in mean (20–30%) and interannual variability is projected. These changes are relatively strong compared to changes in snow and meteorological variables. The decrease is amplified in spring and at low altitude. In contrast, an increase in avalanche activity is expected in winter at high altitude because of conditions favourable to wet-snow avalanches earlier in the season. Comparison with the outputs of the deterministic avalanche hazard model MEPRA (Modèle Expert d'aide à la Prévision du Risque d'Avalanche) shows generally consistent results but suggests that, even if the frequency of winters with high avalanche activity is clearly projected to decrease, the decreasing trend may be less strong and smooth than suggested by the statistical analysis based on changes in snowpack characteristics and their links to avalanches observations in the past. This important point for risk assessment pleads for further work focusing on shorter timescales. Finally, the small differences between different climate change scenarios show the robustness of the predicted avalanche activity changes.

Location specific climate change scenario and its impact on rice and wheat in Central Indian Punjab

A study was conducted to (i) derive future modeled climate data for different locations, (ii) assess the impact of location specific climate change scenario on crop duration, yield, water and nitrogen-balance and-use efficiency of rice–wheat system and (iii) evaluate delaying of trans-/planting date of crops as adaptation measures. Results indicate that in mid century (MC) and end century (EC) time slice of the 21st century, rainfall and temperature would increase; crop yields (simulated with cropping systems simulation model) would decrease owing to shortening of crop duration. In MC (2021–2050) and EC (2071–2098), evapotranspiration, transpiration, drainage and irrigation requirement would decrease and soil water evaporation would increase. However, their magnitudes would vary with the location. The water use efficiency of rice and wheat crops would increase in MC. The agronomic efficiency of applied nitrogen is more in rice than that in wheat during present time slice (1998–2009) and this difference would amplify in MC and EC. Nitrogen recovery efficiency is more in wheat and the difference would reduce in EC. Crop yield and water & nitrogen use efficiency reveal relations with time slice and soil profile characteristics of the location. Delaying trans-/planting of rice by 15days in MC; and of wheat by 15–21days in MC and EC emerged as the best adaptation measures to sustain yield of rice–wheat system at all locations.

Costs and Benefits of the Transition to Low-carbon Economyin Russia: Perspectives up to 2050

This paper investigates costs and benefits associated with low-carbon economic development pathways realization to the mid XXI century. 30 scenarios covering practically all “visions of the future” were developed by several research groups based on scenario assumptions agreed upon in advance. It is shown that with a very high probability Russian energy-related GHG emissions will reach the peak before 2050, which will be at least 11% below the 1990 emission level. The height of the peak depends on portfolio of GHG emissions mitigation measures. Efforts to keep 2050 GHG emissions 25-30% below the 1990 level bring no GDP losses. GDP impact of deep GHG emission reduction - by 50% of the 1990 level - varies from plus 4% to minus 9%. Finally, very deep GHG emission reduction - by 80% - may bring GDP losses of over 10%.

조선시대 공포의 봉황두 발생 배경 연구

The purpose of this study was to find out the origin of bonghwangdu(phoenix-head-ornaments) on bracketing units in Joseon period. For the purpose, early cases of bonghwangdu in dapo type and jusimpo type are analyzed at first. Second, architectural and cultural backgrounds of the ornaments on Joseon bracketing units are researched. And at last, the symbolic meanings of bonghwangs are compared with. The results of this study were as follows; bonghwangdu was probably decorated first in Buddhist buildings to simbolyze Garuda. it was originated around early century, in jusimpo type bracketing units first, and adopted into dapo type bracketing units during mid and latter century.

Between Salem and Mount Gerizim: The Context of the Formation of the Torah Reconsidered

Building on recent suggestions, I argue that the final composition of the Pentateuch in the Persian period was the result of common enterprise or compromise between the province of Samaria and Jerusalem. This is based on an examination of the historical circumstances as well as on the contents and text of the Pentateuch. Contrary to the picture painted in Ezra-Nehemiah, there were good relationships and contacts between the upper classes of the two provinces throughout the period, and it is probable that the priestly staff of the temple of Argarizim, which recent evidence shows was established in the mid fifth century, was closely related to that of Jerusalem. The identities of both holy places are hinted at in the text. The likely original text of Deut 27:2–8 ordains sacrifice to be made and the Torah to be inscribed on Mount Gerizim (v. 4), not on Mount Ebal as in the MT. This either suggested the establishment of the sanctuary there (Kartveit), or was suggested by it (Nihan). On the other hand, Gen 14:18 refers to Jerusalem under the name of Salem. The Torah contains material of northern origin, and some of it, especially the story of Joseph, originated relatively late. The Tabernacle and ritual texts in P do not, as often thought, represent the Jerusalem temple, but an ideal sanctuary, and they are available to reform the practice of both temples. The MT, like the Samaritan Pentateuch, contains revisions away from the common inheritance.