bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat capacity anomaly in a self-aggregating system: Triblock copolymer 17R4 in water
Authors: Dumancas Lorenzo V. , Simpson David E. , Jacobs D. T.
Published: May 2015

The reverse Pluronic, triblock copolymer 17R4 is formed from poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO): PPO14 − PEO24 − PPO14, where the number of monomers in each block is denoted by the subscripts. In water, 17R4 has a micellization line marking the transition from a unimer network to self-aggregated spherical micelles which is quite near a cloud point curve above which the system separates into copolymer-rich and copolymer-poor liquid phases. The phase separation has an Ising-like, lower consolute critical point with a well-determined critical temperature and composition. We have measured the heat capacity as a function of temperature using an adiabatic calorimeter for three compositions: (1) the critical composition where the anomaly at the critical point is analyzed, (2) a composition much less than the critical composition with a much smaller spike when the cloud point curve is crossed, and (3) a composition near where the micellization line intersects the cloud point curve that only shows micellization. For the critical composition, the heat capacity anomaly very near the critical point is observed for the first time in a Pluronic/water system and is described well as a second-order phase transition resulting from the copolymer-water interaction. For all compositions, the onset of micellization is clear, but the formation of micelles occurs over a broad range of temperatures and never becomes complete because micelles form differently in each phase above the cloud point curve. The integrated heat capacity gives an enthalpy that is smaller than the standard state enthalpy of micellization given by a van’t Hoff plot, a typical result for Pluronic systems.
Entropic attraction: Polymer compaction and expansion induced by nano-particles in confinement
Authors: Liao Guo-Jun , Chien Fan-Tso , Luzhbin Dmytro , Chen Yeng-Long
Published: May 2015

We investigated nanoparticle (NP)-induced coil-to-globule transition of a semi-flexible polymer in a confined suspension of ideal NP using Langevin dynamics. DNA molecules are often found to be highly compact, bound with oppositely charged proteins in a crowded environment within cells and viruses. Recent studies found that high concentration of electrostatically neutral NP also condenses DNA due to entropically induced depletion attraction between DNA segments. Langevin dynamics simulations with a semi-flexible chain under strong confinement were performed to investigate the competition between NP-induced monomer-monomer and monomer-wall attraction under different confinement heights and NP volume fractions. We found that whether NP induce polymer segments to adsorb to the walls and swell or to attract one another and compact strongly depends on the relative strength of the monomer-wall and the NP-wall interactions.
Significantly enhanced ferroelectricity and magnetic properties in (Sr0.5Ca0.5)TiO3-modified BiFeO3 ceramics
Authors: Liu Juan , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: May 2015

BiFeO3 multiferroic ceramics were modified by introducing (Sr0.5Ca0.5)TiO3 to form solid solutions. The single phase structure was easy to be obtained in Bi1−x(Sr0.5Ca0.5)xFe1−xTixO3 (x = 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, and 0.4) solid solutions. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data revealed a transition from rhombohedral R3c (x = 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3) to orthorhombic Pnma (x = 0.4). Current density-field (J-E) characteristics indicated that the leakage current density was reduced by three orders of magnitude in Bi1−x(Sr0.5Ca0.5)xFe1−xTixO3 ceramics. Both the ferroelectricity and magnetic properties were significantly enhanced in the present solid solutions. P-E hysteresis loop measurements with dynamic leakage current compensation methods showed the significantly enhanced ferroelectric properties for x = 0.25 and 0.3 and the paraelectric behavior for x = 0.4. The best ferromagnetic characteristics were achieved in the composition of x = 0.25, where the saturated M-H loop was determined with Mr = 34.8 emu/mol. The improvement of ferroelectricity was mainly due to the suppressed leakage current, and the enhanced magnetism originated from the partial substitution of Fe3+ by Ti4+, which destroyed its previous spiral structure to allow the appearance of a macroscopic magnetization.
Particle dispersion in sheared suspensions: Crucial role of solid-solid contacts
Authors: Pham Phong , Metzger Bloen , Butler Jason E.
Published: May 2015

We performed high resolution measurements of the dynamics of non-Brownian and neutrally buoyant particles subjected to a periodic shear flow under low Reynolds number conditions. By changing the particle roughness and showing that it significantly affects the particle motion, we provide direct evidence that particle solid-solid contacts occur in viscous suspensions and strongly influence the particle dynamics. An accurate prediction of the particle trajectories is obtained with a minimal model that solely includes normal lubrication interactions and a frictionless contact force.
Mode-mismatched confocal thermal-lens microscope with collimated probe beam
Authors: Cabrera Humberto , Korte Dorota , Franko Mladen
Published: May 2015

We report a thermal lens microscope (TLM) based on an optimized mode-mismatched configuration. It takes advantage of the coaxial counter propagating tightly focused excitation and collimated probe beams, instead of both focused at the sample, as it is in currently known TLM setups. A simple mathematical model that takes into account the main features of the instrument is presented. The confocal detection scheme and the introduction of highly collimated probe beam allow enhancing the versatility, limit of detection (LOD), and sensitivity of the instrument. The theory is experimentally verified measuring ethanol’s absorption coefficient at 532.8 nm. Additionally, the presented technique is applied for detection of ultra-trace amounts of Cr(III) in liquid solution. The achieved LOD is 1.3 ppb, which represents 20-fold enhancement compared to transmission mode spectrometric techniques and a 7.5-fold improvement compared to previously reported methods for Cr(III) based on thermal lens effect.
Communication: Does a single CH3CN molecule attached to Ru(bipy)32+ affect its absorption spectrum?
Authors: Stockett M. H. , Brøndsted Nielsen S.
Published: May 2015

Tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bipy)32+) is a prototypical transition metal coordination complex whose photophysical properties have attracted considerable attention. A much debated issue is whether the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition that accounts for the complex’s beautiful red color is fully delocalized across all three bipyridine ligands or located on just one ligand. Here, we show based on gas-phase action spectroscopy that attachment of a single acetonitrile molecule does not change the absorption spectrum from that of the bare ions, which is indicative of a delocalized state. However, the gas-phase spectra of the bare and one solvent molecule complexes are significantly blueshifted relative to that obtained in bulk acetonitrile, which suggests that in solution the polarizability of many solvent molecules working together can localize the MLCT state. Our data clearly show that more than one solvent molecule is needed to break the symmetry of the MLCT excited state and reproduce its solution-phase characteristics.
Beta (β) tungsten thin films: Structure, electron transport, and giant spin Hall effect
Authors: Hao Qiang , Chen Wenzhe , Xiao Gang
Published: May 2015

We use a simple magnetron sputtering process to fabricate beta (β) tungsten thin films, which are capable of generating giant spin Hall effect. As-deposited thin films are always in the metastable β-W phase from 3.0 to 26.7 nm. The β-W phase remains intact below a critical thickness of 22.1 nm even after magnetic thermal annealing at 280 °C, which is required to induce perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in a layered structure of β-W/Co40Fe40B20/MgO. Intensive annealing transforms the thicker films (>22.1 nm) into the stable α-W phase. We analyze the structure and grain size of both β- and α-W thin films. Electron transport in terms of resistivity and normal Hall effect is studied over a broad temperature range of 10 K to at least 300 K on all samples. Very low switching current densities are achieved in β-W/Co40Fe40B20/MgO with PMA. These basic properties reveal useful behaviors in β-W thin films, making them technologically promising for spintronic magnetic random access memories and spin-logic devices.
Electron tunnelling through single azurin molecules can be on/off switched by voltage pulses
Authors: Baldacchini Chiara , Kumar Vivek , Bizzarri Anna Rita , Cannistraro Salvatore
Published: May 2015

Redox metalloproteins are emerging as promising candidates for future bio-optoelectronic and nano-biomemory devices, and the control of their electron transfer properties through external signals is still a crucial task. Here, we show that a reversible on/off switching of the electron current tunnelling through a single protein can be achieved in azurin protein molecules adsorbed on gold surfaces, by applying appropriate voltage pulses through a scanning tunnelling microscope tip. The observed changes in the hybrid system tunnelling properties are discussed in terms of long-sustained charging of the protein milieu.
Naval reactors in need of redesign
Authors: Kramer David
Published: May 2015

Nonproliferation concerns should propel US Navy to switch to safer nuclear fuel, says FAS task force.
From the archives: The future of lasers
Authors: Bloembergen Nicolaas , Prokhorov Alexandr M. , Porto Sergio P. , Townes Charles H. , Javan Ali , Stoicheff Boris P. , Jacquinot Pierre , Kidder Raymond E. , Schawlow Arthur L. , Hall John L.
Published: May 2015

A panel discussion: Nine specialists foresee an expanded frequency range, new kinds of lasers, and many novel applications.
The use of a synthetic progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control the oestrous cycle in the koala
Authors: Ballantyne K. , Anderson S. T. , Pyne M. , Nicolson V. , Mucci A. , Lisle A. , Johnston S. D.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the efficacy of a synthetic progestogen, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control koala ovarian activity for the purposes of oestrous synchronisation. Captive koalas were administered either saline control or a 70-mg LNG implant on Day 2 of oestrus. Urogenital cytology, oestrous behaviour and plasma oestradiol-17β and LH concentrations were monitored over a 6-week period. After LNG implant removal females were monitored to determine if the return to oestrus was synchronised. LNG-treated koalas immediately ceased displaying oestrous behaviour, showed no evidence of cornified epithelial cells in smears of urogenital cytology and exhibited low plasma oestradiol-17β concentrations throughout the implantation period. In contrast, oestradiol-17β levels in control koalas showed evidence of continued cyclic activity associated with behavioural oestrus and increased cornified epithelial cells in urogenital smears on Days 33 to 35 after saline injection. After implant removal, LNG-treated koalas exhibited oestrus at 13, 14, 17 and 30 days after implant removal. Plasma LH concentrations varied throughout the study period with no significant time (P = 0.49) or treatment (P = 0.13) effect. Overall results from this study suggest that LNG implants in koalas can inhibit oestrous behaviour and reduce circulating oestradiol-17β levels before oestrus, most likely by preventing development of the pre-ovulatory follicle. However, there was no evidence of LH suppression by the LNG implants. Removal of LNG implants resulted in the synchronous return to oestrus in three of the four treated koalas. Further studies on a larger population are required to validate these findings.
Incorporating vegetation attenuation in radiant heat flux modelling
Authors: Newnham Glenn , Blanchi Raphaele , Opie Kimberley , Leonard Justin , Siggins Anders
Published: May 2015

Models of radiant heat flux (RHF) are critical for understanding wildfire behaviour and the effect a fire may have on homes and people. Various models have been presented in the literature for wildfire RHF, many being based on the Stephan–Boltzmann equation for radiative heat transfer. Most models simplify the fire and receiver interaction by considering a single fuel type at a given separation distance from a receiving point (e.g. on a building requiring protection). However, wildfire is an inherently spatial phenomenon, in that a fire may progress across the landscape towards a building across complex terrain and through spatially varying fuel types. This spatial variation influences the fire behaviour as well as the level of RHF incident on the building. In this study, we present methods for incorporating spatially varying topography and fuels into existing RHF modelling equations. In this way, we achieve a time-dependent profile of the RHF incident on homes, while accounting for attenuation due to fuels and topography that lie between the building and the fire front. The model is applied to the prediction of damage in a fire that occurred in South Australia in 2005. Although only coarse spatial information was available for determining the spatial distribution of fuels, modelled RHF was a significant indicator of house damage. Attenuation due to vegetation between homes and the fire was shown to reduce the modelled RHF exposure of homes. However, this was not shown to increase the significance of predicted house damage in the case of this fire event.
Colliding vowel systems in Andean Spanish
Authors: Lipski John M.
Published: May 2015

The acquisition of the Spanish 5-vowel system by speakers of the 3-vowel language Quechua (/I/-/a/-/ʊ/) seldom results in accurate approximation to Spanish vowel spaces when learning takes place informally in post-adolescence. The present study offers data from a minimal immersion environment in northern Ecuador. In a context in which few cues point to the existence of mid-high vocalic oppositions in Spanish (e.g. no literacy, no corrective feedback, almost no viable minimal pairs), these speakers reliably distinguish only three Spanish vowels in production. These Quechua-dominant bilinguals have amorphous front and back vowel spaces considerably broader than those defining Quechua /I/ and /ʊ/, but with no bimodal clustering. Left relatively unfettered, the hybrid system may contribute to an understanding of the relationship between vowel inventory and vowel space topology.
On the sonority levels of fricatives and stops
Authors: Lennertz Tracy , Berent Iris
Published: May 2015

Across languages, stop-sonorant onsets are preferred to fricative-sonorant ones (e.g., pna ≻ fna), suggesting that stop-initial onsets are better formed. Here, we ask whether this preference is active in the linguistic competence of English speakers. To address this question, we compare stop- and fricative-nasal onsets (e.g., pnik vs. fnik) to matched obstruent-obstruent controls (e.g., ptik vs. fsik, respectively). Past research has shown that (a) stop-stop onsets (e.g., ptik) are dispreferred to stop-nasal onsets (e.g., pnik); and (b) dispreferred onsets tend to be misidentified (e.g., ptik → pәtik). We thus reasoned that, if fricative-nasal onsets (e.g., fnik) are worse formed relative to stop-nasal ones (e.g., pnik), then fnik-type onsets should be more vulnerable to misidentification, hence, their advantage over obstruent-obstruent controls (e.g., fsik) should be attenuated. Consequently, when compared to the obstruent-obstruent baseline (e.g., ptik, fsik), misidentification should be less prevalent in stop-nasal onsets (e.g., pnik) compared to fricative-nasal ones (e.g., fnik). The results of three experiments are consistent with this prediction. Our findings suggest that English speakers possess linguistic preferences that mirror the distribution of onset clusters across languages.
Discharge Planning After Myocardial Revascularization
Authors: Gentil Luana Llagostera Sillano , Costa Ana Lucia Siqueira
Published: May 2015

Background:

In-hospital education and discharge planning contribute to recovery after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify differences in perception of the importance of discharge instructions between a sample of adult patients after CABG and health experts responsible for their care.

Methods:

Thirty-five first-time CABG adult patients and 8 multidisciplinary experts rated a 46-item questionnaire of discharge education themes on a 3-point scale. Items were classified as most important if rated as “very important” by more than 85% of the participants in each group.

Results:

Of the 31 items considered most important (reaching the 85% approval criteria), agreement between groups was reached for 15 (48%), whereas 11 (35%) items were selected only by the patients and 5 (16%) were selected only by the experts.

Conclusions:

The authors of this study demonstrate a difference in perception between patients and health experts regarding the importance of various discharge instructions. Better understanding areas of patient concern may improve discharge routines.
Prevalence and Measurement of Anxiety in Samples of Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Easton Katherine , Coventry Peter , Lovell Karina , Carter Lesley-Anne , Deaton Christi
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Rates of anxiety in patients with heart failure (HF) vary widely, and not all assessment instruments used in this patient population are appropriate. It is timely to consolidate the evidence base and establish the prevalence and variance of anxiety in HF samples.

Methods:

A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression were conducted to identify the prevalence, variance, and measurement of anxiety in patients with HF.

Results:

A total of 14,367 citations were identified, with 73 studies meeting inclusion criteria. A random effects pooled prevalence of 13.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.25%–16.86%) for anxiety disorders, 28.79% (95% CI, 23.30%–34.29) for probable clinically significant anxiety, and 55.5% (95% CI, 48.08%–62.83%) for elevated symptoms of anxiety was identified. Rates of anxiety were highest when measured using the Brief Symptom Scale-Anxiety scale (72.3%) and lowest when measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (6.3%).

Conclusion:

Many patients with HF would benefit if screened for anxiety and treated. The conceptualization and measurement of anxiety accounted for most variance in prevalence rates. The Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 or the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale appear to be the most appropriate instruments for this clinical population, with evidence to suggest they can discriminate between depression and anxiety, omit somatic items that may contaminate identification of anxiety in a population with physical comorbidities, and provide thresholds with which to differentiate patients and target treatments. Although there are limitations with the collation of diverse measurement methods, the current review provides researchers and clinicians with a more granular knowledge of prevalence estimates of anxiety in a population of HF patients.
Airway management techniques in a restricted-access situation: a manikin study
Authors: Jänig Christoph , Wenzel Julia , König Jochem , Piepho Tim
Published: May 2015

Background

Access to patients can be restricted in emergency situations. A variety of techniques and devices are available for use in patients who require oxygenation in a restricted-access situation.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is one ventilation technique that is superior to others.

Materials and methods

Fifty-four emergency medical services providers including emergency medical technicians, paramedics and physicians were asked to use a bag-valve mask (BVM), a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), and a laryngeal tube (LT) to ventilate a full-scale manikin sitting upright in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle. Access to the manikin was gained through the side window and from the backseat.

Results

There were significant differences in time to first successful ventilation between the two approaches for access to the airway. The fastest median time to ventilation was obtained with the BVM (7 and 8 s), followed by the LT (13 and 14 s) and the LMA (15 s for both types of access). Overall success rates were 97.2% for the BVM, 96.3% for the LMA, and 100% for the LT. Most participants needed two attempts for each device. There were no significant differences between participants depending on the level of qualification or professional experience. The BVM was rated the lowest and the LT was rated the highest for ease of use.

Conclusion

Supraglottic airway devices appear to offer advantages in restricted-access situations.
First Week HCV RNA Level Under the Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Treatment Predicts Sustained Virological Response
Authors: Bayram Mehmet , Koksal Ali Riza , Alkim Huseyin , Boga Salih , Ergun Meltem , Ozdogan Osman , Altinkaya Engin , Alkim Canan
Published: May 2015

This study was planned to investigate whether the decrease in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels at the first week of combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment of naive genotype 1 patients with HCV was predicting sustained virologic response (SVR). Fifty-two patients were enrolled into the study. HCV RNA levels were measured at the baseline, first, fourth, and 12th weeks of treatment. Thirty-four patients achieved SVR, which basal, first week, and fourth week HCV RNA levels were log 5.57, log 3.65, and log 1.92, respectively. Eighteen patients could not achieve SVR, which basal, first week, and fourth week HCV RNA levels were log 6.22, log 5.45, and log 3.84, respectively (P < 0.05). Patients were distributed in 2 groups according to the amount of decrease in HCV RNA levels at the first week as less or more than 1.5 log. There were 20 patients with ≥1.5 log decrease in the HCV RNA levels at the first week. They were named as patients with very rapid virologic response (VRVR). All patients (100%) with VRVR were achieved SVR. In only 14 (44%) of the 32 patients without VRVR, SVR was achieved. In 16 (84%) of the 19 patients with rapid virologic response and 33 (79%) of the 42 patients with early virologic response, SVR was achieved. A ≥1.5 log decrease (VRVR) in HCV RNA levels of patients with HCV at the first week of combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment predicts SVR very strongly.
A genetic screen reveals Foxa3 and TNFR1 as key regulators of liver repopulation
Authors: Wangensteen Kirk J. , Zhang Sophia , Greenbaum Linda E. , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: May 2015

The fundamental question of which genes are most important in controlling liver regeneration remains unanswered. We employed a parallel screen to test the impact of 43 selected genes on liver repopulation in the Fah−/− mouse model of hereditary tyrosinemia. We discovered that the transcription factor Foxa3 was a strong promoter of liver regeneration, while tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) was the most significant suppressor of repopulation among all of the genes tested. Our approach enabled the identification of these factors as important regulators of liver repopulation and potential drug targets for the promotion of liver repopulation.
Aneuploid proliferation defects in yeast are not driven by copy number changes of a few dosage-sensitive genes
Authors: Bonney Megan E. , Moriya Hisao , Amon Angelika
Published: May 2015

Aneuploidy—the gain or loss of one or more whole chromosome—typically has an adverse impact on organismal fitness, manifest in conditions such as Down syndrome. A central question is whether aneuploid phenotypes are the consequence of copy number changes of a few especially harmful genes that may be present on the extra chromosome or are caused by copy number alterations of many genes that confer no observable phenotype when varied individually. We used the proliferation defect exhibited by budding yeast strains carrying single additional chromosomes (disomes) to distinguish between the “few critical genes” hypothesis and the “mass action of genes” hypothesis. Our results indicate that subtle changes in gene dosage across a chromosome can have significant phenotypic consequences. We conclude that phenotypic thresholds can be crossed by mass action of copy number changes that, on their own, are benign.
Investigating Bax Subcellular Localization and Membrane Integration
Authors: Dewson Grant
Published: May 2015

Bax is a pivotal effector of apoptosis responsible for permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). A key event in mitochondrial damage is the translocation of Bax from the cytosol to the MOM. A simple and effective method for assessing the cytosol vs. mitochondrial localization of Bax is digitonin fractionation, which uses a low concentration of detergent to permeabilize the plasma membrane without damaging intracellular membranes. This allows separation of the cytosol (light membranes) from the heavy membranes (with mitochondria and nuclei) by centrifugation. Localization of Bax can then be assessed by immunoblotting. To further differentiate membrane-integrated Bax from that which is peripherally associated, carbonate extraction of the membrane fraction can be performed before immunoblotting. Treatment of membranes at high pH disrupts protein–protein interactions, whereas protein–lipid interactions are largely retained, although membrane integrity is lost.
Investigating the Oligomerization of Bak and Bax during Apoptosis by Cysteine Linkage
Authors: Dewson Grant
Published: May 2015

Following conformation change, Bak and Bax self-associate to form the putative apoptotic pore in the mitochondrial outer membrane. The nature of this pore and whether it is purely proteinaceous or lipidic are still unresolved. Induction of disulfide linkage with oxidants such as copper (II)(1,10-phenanthroline)3 (CuPhe) and chemical cross-linking with cell-permeable homobifunctional maleimide reagents are convenient ways to investigate Bak and Bax oligomerization in cells or isolated mitochondria. A limitation of these methods is they are based on the linkage of cysteines, and their success is reliant on the positions of the endogenous cysteines in Bak and Bax. Consequently, the protocols are more efficient and informative for human Bak than that for its murine counterpart. An additional benefit when investigating human Bak is that cysteine-based linkage assays provide information on the conformation change that precedes Bak oligomerization: Endogenous cysteines in the inactive form are in close proximity, and intramolecular linkage after treatment causes inactive Bak to migrate faster during SDS–PAGE. This intramolecular linkage is lost on activation, as the cysteines are distanced by conformation change. During apoptosis, Bak oligomerization induces the proximity of cysteines that favor intermolecular linkage. Trapped Bak oligomers can be detected with nonreducing (following oxidation with CuPhe) or reducing (following chemical cross-linking with homobifunctional maleimide reagents) SDS–PAGE and immunoblotting, as described here.
The Synaptosome as a Model System for Studying Synaptic Physiology
Authors: Evans Gareth J.O.
Published: May 2015

Alongside rodent brain slices and primary neuronal cultures, synaptosomes (isolated nerve terminals) have been an important model system for studying the molecular mechanisms of synaptic function in the brain. Synaptosomes were first prepared in the late 1950s by Whittaker and colleagues and were instrumental in studying synaptic structure and defining the functional components of the synapse, including the identity of the major neurotransmitters and their uptake mechanisms. Synaptosomes can also be stimulated to release neurotransmitters and were used to discover a number of regulatory signaling pathways that fine-tune synaptic transmission. In the past decade, landmark proteomic studies of synaptosomes and synaptic vesicle preparations have further dissected the protein composition of the synapse. This introduction briefly describes the history of the synaptosome preparation and highlights how it continues to be relevant as our focus in the neuroscience community centers on synaptic dysfunction in aging and neurological disease.
Does partners’ differentiation of self predict dyadic adjustment?
Authors: Lampis Jessica
Published: May 2015

The present study expands on Bowen's systemic multigenerational theory to analyse the role of individual trajectories of differentiation of self in perceived dyadic adjustment in a sample of 468 Italian participants. The research also explored which aspects of differentiation of self most strongly predicted dyadic adjustment in the total sample and in male and female subsamples. The various components of differentiation of self (emotional reactivity, emotional cut‐off, emotional fusion and I‐position) and dyadic adjustment levels were investigated using the revised differentiation of self inventory — revised, and the dyadic adjustment scale (DAS). The analysis revealed that the emotional cut‐off dimension was the strongest negative predictor of dyadic adjustment. The research focused on the importance of differentiation of self processes to achieving an understanding of couple dynamics in research and clinical practice.

Practitioners points

Assessment of differentiation of self could be incorporated into the preliminary phase of couple therapy in order to screen for specific maladaptive patterns of differentiation.

Information about the differentiation processes could be used during the therapy to increase the I‐position status, or decrease emotional reactivity and emotional cut‐off.

Differentiation of self and dyadic adjustment scores can be used to monitor progress in systemic therapy.
Not Centralisation but Decentralised Integration through Australia's National Mental Health Policy
Authors: Smullen Amanda
Published: May 2015

This article challenges dominant perceptions of Commonwealth centralisation in Australia's federal system. While recognising the Commonwealth has entered a range of policy fields not anticipated by federal founders, it argues this does not equate to a generalised unidirectional and hierarchical orchestration of state/territory functions. The crucial case of mental health policy is presented as an alternative scenario in Australia's federal experience. Theoretically key challenges from the multi‐level governance literature are proffered against the centralisation thesis. These include queries about the origins of Commonwealth directives and assumptions of zero‐sum notions of state/territory autonomy. Brief empirical analysis highlights the role of the Commonwealth as a conduit of horizontal and vertical flows of knowledge through the national mental health policy agenda. Given disconnect and diversity between national ambitions and their realisation at state/territory level, it is argued better proceduralisation through bottom‐up peer dialogue and feedback present alternative routes towards decentralised integration.
A comparison of food habits and prey preference of Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) at three sites in the Russian Far East
Authors: KERLEY Linda L. , MUKHACHEVA Anna S. , MATYUKHINA Dina S. , SALMANOVA Elena , SALKINA Galina P. , MIQUELLE Dale G.
Published: May 2015

Prey availability is one of the principal drivers of tiger distribution and abundance. Therefore, formulating effective conservation strategies requires a clear understanding of tiger diet. We used scat analysis in combination with data on the abundance of several prey species to estimate Amur tiger diet and preference at 3 sites in the Russian Far East. We also examined the effect of pseudoreplication on estimates of tiger diet. We collected 770 scats across the 3 sites. Similar to previous studies, we found that tigers primarily preyed on medium to large ungulates, with wild boar, roe, sika and red deer collectively comprising 86.7% of total biomass consumed on average. According to Jacobs’ index, tigers preferred wild boar, and avoided sika deer. Variation in preference indices derived from these scat analyses compared to indices derived from kill data appear to be due to adjustments in biomass intake when sex–age of a killed individual is known: a component missing from scat data. Pseudoreplication (multiple samples collected from a single kill site) also skewed results derived from scat analyses. Scat analysis still appears useful in providing insight into the diets of carnivores when the full spectrum of prey species needs to be identified, or when sample sizes from kill data are not sufficient. When sample sizes of kill data are large (as is now possible with GPS‐collared animals), kill data adjusted by sex–age categories probably provides the most accurate estimates of prey biomass composition. Our results provide further confirmation of the centrality of medium ungulates, in particular wild boar, to Amur tiger diet, and suggest that the protection of this group of species is critical to Amur tiger conservation.
Dose–response relationship between methadone dose and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐positive people who use illicit opioids
Authors: Lappalainen Leslie , Nolan Seonaid , Dobrer Sabina , Puscas Cathy , Montaner Julio , Ahamad Keith , Dong Huiru , Kerr Thomas , Wood Evan , Milloy M.‐J.
Published: May 2015

Background and Aims

For HIV‐positive individuals who use illicit opioids, engagement in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) can contribute to improved HIV treatment outcomes. However, to our knowledge, the role of methadone dosing in adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has not yet been investigated. We sought to examine the relationship between methadone dose and ART adherence among a cohort of people who use illicit opioids.

Design and Setting

We used data from the AIDS Care Cohort to Evaluate Access to Survival Services (ACCESS) study, an ongoing prospective observational cohort of HIV‐positive people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada, linked confidentially to comprehensive HIV treatment data in a setting of universal no‐cost medical care, including medications. We evaluated the longitudinal relationship between methadone dose and the likelihood of ≥ 95% adherence to ART among ART‐exposed participants during periods of engagement in MMT.

Participants

Two hundred and ninety‐seven ART‐exposed individuals on MMT were recruited between December 2005 and May 2013 and followed for a median of 42.1 months.

Measurements

We measured methadone dose at ≥ 100 versus < 100 mg/day and the likelihood of ≥ 95% adherence to ART.

Findings

In adjusted generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses, MMT dose ≥ 100 mg/day was associated independently with optimal adherence to ART [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–1.77). In a subanalysis, we observed a dose–response relationship between increasing MMT dose and ART adherence (AOR = 1.06 per 20 mg/day increase, 95% CI = 1.00–1.12).

Conclusion

Among HIV‐positive individuals in methadone maintenance therapy, those receiving higher doses of methadone (≥ 100 mg/day) are more likely to achieve ≥ 95% adherence to antiretroviral therapy than those receiving lower doses.
Fatal opioid poisoning: a counterfactual model to estimate the preventive effect of treatment for opioid use disorder in England
Authors: White Martin , Burton Robyn , Darke Shane , Eastwood Brian , Knight Jon , Millar Tim , Musto Virginia , Marsden John
Published: May 2015

Aim

A counterfactual model was used to estimate the number of fatal opioid‐related poisonings prevented by public treatment services for opioid use disorder (OUD) in England between April 2008 and March 2011.

Methods

Patient OUD treatment episode data recorded by the English National Drug Treatment Monitoring System were linked to data on opioid deaths recorded by the Office for National Statistics. The source population was the official estimate of non‐medical opioid users (aged 15–64 years; approximately 260 000 each year). The target population was all individuals (aged 15–64 years) treated for OUD in the study period (n = 220 665). The outcome measure was fatal opioid‐related poisoning (opioid death). The opioid death rate [per 100 person‐years (PY)] and mortality rate ratios (MRR) were computed for study year, age group (15–24, 25–34, 35–64 years) and for three treatment‐related states: time spent ‘prior to treatment’, ‘during treatment’ and ‘after treatment’.

Results

Between April 2008 and March 2011, there were 3731 opioid deaths in the study: 741 during treatment (0.20 per 100 PY; referent category); 2722 prior to treatment [0.77 per 100 PY; MRR = 3.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.18–4.44]; and 268 after treatment (0.41 per 100 PY; MRR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.64–2.41). By counterfactual estimation, national OUD treatment services prevented an average of 880 opioid deaths each year (95% CI = 702–1084).

Conclusions

Between April 2008 and March 2011, a counterfactual model shows that the English public treatment system for opioid use disorder prevented an average of 880 deaths each year from opioid‐related poisoning. Counterfactual models of mortality prevention can be used for outcome and performance monitoring of substance use disorder treatment systems.
Catehol‐o‐methyltransferase gene Val158met polymorphism as a potential predictor of response to computer‐assisted delivery of cognitive‐behavioral therapy among cocaine‐dependent individuals: Preliminary findings from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carroll Kathleen M. , Herman Aryeh , DeVito Elise E. , Frankforter Tami L. , Potenza Marc N. , Sofuoglu Mehmet
Published: May 2015

Background

Findings from uncontrolled studies suggest that the COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism may affect response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in some populations. Using data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating computerized CBT (CBT4CBT), we evaluated treatment response by COMT genotype, with the a priori hypothesis that Val carriers would have improved response to computerized delivery of CBT.

Methods

101 cocaine‐dependent individuals, of whom 81 contributed analyzable genetic samples, were randomized to standard methadone maintenance treatment plus CBT4CBT or standard treatment alone in an 8 week trial.

Results

There was a significant genotype by time effect on frequency of cocaine use from baseline to the end of the 6 month follow‐up, suggesting greater reductions over time for Val carriers relative to individuals with the Met/Met genotype. There was a significant treatment condition by genotype interactions for rates of participants attaining 21 or more days of continuous abstinence as well as self‐reported percent days of abstinence, suggesting less cocaine use among Val carriers when assigned to CBT compared to standard treatment. Exploration of possible mechanisms using measures of attentional biased also pointed to greater change over time in these measures among the Val carriers assigned to CBT.

Conclusion

These are the first data from a randomized controlled trial indicating significant interactions of COMT polymorphism and behavioral therapy condition on treatment outcome, where Val carriers appeared to respond particularly well to computerized CBT. These preliminary data point to a potential biomarker of response to CBT linked to its putative mechanism of action, enhanced cognitive control. (Am J Addict 2015;24:443 –451)
Changes in the pattern of paracetamol use in the periconception period in a Danish cohort
Authors: Ersbøll Anne S. , Hedegaard Mette , Damm Peter , Johansen Marianne , Tabor Ann , Hegaard Hanne K.
Published: May 2015

Paracetamol is the most commonly used over‐the‐counter drug in pregnancy. It is generally considered to be safe, but prolonged antenatal exposure has been associated with offspring short‐ and long‐term morbidity. Our aim was to describe the pattern of paracetamol use with a focus on frequent ingestion (more than once a week), 3 months before and in early pregnancy. In this cohort, 8650 pregnant women responded to a web‐based clinical questionnaire that included questions about drug use. Paracetamol was the most used drug before and in early pregnancy (35.2% and 6.5% of respondents, respectively). The proportion of frequent users decreased from 3.9% before to 0.9% in early pregnancy. Frequent paracetamol use was associated with smoking, co‐morbidities, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, unplanned pregnancy, no education and inability to understand Danish. A significant decrease in the proportion of women with any paracetamol use in early pregnancy was noted after access to large packs was restricted by legislation.
Abiotic and biotic constraints across reptile and amphibian ranges
Authors: Cunningham Heather R. , Rissler Leslie J. , Buckley Lauren B. , Urban Mark C.
Published: May 2015

A long‐standing macroecological hypothesis posits that species range limits are primarily determined by abiotic factors (e.g. climate) at poleward boundaries and biotic factors (e.g. competition) at equatorward boundaries. Using correlative environmental niche models we test this hypothesis for 214 amphibian and reptile species endemic to the United States (U.S.). As predicted, we find a closer association between climate and northern (poleward) range limits than at southern (equatorward) boundaries. However when we separately analyze amphibians and reptiles, only reptiles show the predicted pattern; amphibians show the opposite pattern. We also find more unoccupied, but climatically habitable, area beyond species’ southern range limits for reptiles but not amphibians. This suggests that factors other than climate limit distributions at southern boundaries for reptiles and at northern boundaries for amphibians. These contrasting results suggest that even in the same biogeographic regions, this macroecological hypothesis does not hold. Further studies should investigate, preferably via experimental approaches, the proximate and ultimate mechanisms responsible for range limits.
Indirect interactions among tropical tree species through shared rodent seed predators: a novel mechanism of tree species coexistence
Authors: Garzon‐Lopez Carol X. , Ballesteros‐Mejia Liliana , Ordoñez Alejandro , Bohlman Stephanie A. , Olff Han , Jansen Patrick A.
Published: May 2015

The coexistence of numerous tree species in tropical forests is commonly explained by negative dependence of recruitment on the conspecific seed and tree density due to specialist natural enemies that attack seeds and seedlings (‘Janzen–Connell’ effects). Less known is whether guilds of shared seed predators can induce a negative dependence of recruitment on the density of different species of the same plant functional group. We studied 54 plots in tropical forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, with contrasting mature tree densities of three coexisting large seeded tree species with shared seed predators. Levels of seed predation were far better explained by incorporating seed densities of all three focal species than by conspecific seed density alone. Both positive and negative density dependencies were observed for different species combinations. Thus, indirect interactions via shared seed predators can either promote or reduce the coexistence of different plant functional groups in tropical forest.
Use of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in insect trophic ecology
Authors: Hyodo Fujio
Published: May 2015

Insects are the most diverse organisms and often the most abundant animals in some ecosystems. Despite the importance of their functional roles and of the knowledge for conservation, the trophic ecology of many insect species is not fully understood. In this review,Ipresent how stable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotopes have been used to reveal the trophic ecology of insects over the last 30 years. The isotopic studies on insects have used differences inCisotope ratios betweenC3andC4plants, along vertical profiles of temperate and tropical forest stands, and between terrestrial and aquatic resources. These differences enable exploration of the relative importance of the food resources, as well as movement and dispersal of insects across habitats. The13C‐enrichment (approximately 3‰) caused by saprotrophic fungi can allow the estimation of the importance of fungi in insect diets. StableNisotopes have revealed food resource partitioning across diverse insect species above and belowground. Detritivorous insects often show a large trophic enrichment in13C(up to 3‰) and15N(up to 10‰) relative to the food substrates, soil organic matter. These values are greater than those commonly used for estimation of trophic level. This enrichment likely reflects the prevalence of soil microbial processes, such as fungal development and humification, influencing the isotopic signatures of diets in detritivores. Isotope analysis can become an essential tool in the exploration of insect trophic ecology in terms of biogeochemicalCandNcycles, including trophic interactions, plant physiological and soil microbial processes.
Speed and complexity characterize attention problems in children with localization‐related epilepsy
Authors: Berl Madison M. , Terwilliger Virginia , Scheller Alexandra , Sepeta Leigh , Walkowiak Jenifer , Gaillard William D.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Children with epilepsy (EPI) have a higher rate of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; 28–70%) than typically developing (TD) children (5–10%); however, attention is multidimensional. Thus, we aimed to characterize the profile of attention difficulties in children with epilepsy.

Methods

Seventy‐five children with localization‐related epilepsy ages 6–16 years and 75 age‐matched controls were evaluated using multimodal, multidimensional measures of attention including direct performance and parent ratings of attention as well as intelligence testing. We assessed group differences across attention measures, determined if parent rating predicted performance on attention measures, and examined if epilepsy characteristics were associated with attention skills.

Results

The EPI group performed worse than the TD group on timed and complex attention aspects of attention (p < 0.05), whereas performance on simple visual and simple auditory attention tasks was comparable. Children with EPI were 12 times as likely as TD children to have clinically elevated symptoms of inattention as rated by parents, but ratings were a weak predictor of attention performance. Earlier age of onset was associated with slower motor speed (p < 0.01), but no other epilepsy‐related clinical characteristics were associated with attention skills.

Significance

This study clarifies the nature of the attention problems in pediatric epilepsy, which may be under‐recognized. Children with EPI had difficulty with complex attention and rapid response, not simple attention. As such, they may not exhibit difficulty until later in primary school when demands increase. Parent report with standard ADHD screening tools may under‐detect these higher‐order attention difficulties. Thus, monitoring through direct neuropsychological performance is recommended.